A robotics-based flat-panel ultrasound device for continuous intraoperative transcutaneous imaging

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has become more and more popular in the last decade. Video laparoscopes remain the gold standard of intraoperative imaging during laparoscopic interventions. However, providing only superficial images of the target tissue. In contrast, ultrasound (US) imaging may offer crucial information of the interior of the target tissue that could improve surgical outcome. In this paper, we propose a new concept and prototype system to manipulate an US-probe during laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. Our primary goal was to provide the surgeon with US-images during the intervention in real-time. The prototype system consists of three components: a conventional US-machine, a manipulator to guide the US-probe, and a joystick console to control the manipulator. The results of our experiments show that the concept is feasible for US-imaging during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.