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Novel CO 2 laser robotic controller outperforms experienced laser operators in tasks of accuracy and performance repeatability
Author(s) -
Wong YuTung,
Finley Charles C.,
Giallo Joseph F.,
Buckmire Robert A.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.21853
Subject(s) - micromanipulator , repeatability , laser , controller (irrigation) , robotics , computer science , standard deviation , laser tracker , simulation , artificial intelligence , biomedical engineering , computer vision , medicine , optics , robot , mathematics , physics , agronomy , statistics , biology
Objectives/Hypothesis: To introduce a novel method of combining robotics and the CO 2 laser micromanipulator to provide excellent precision and performance repeatability designed for surgical applications. Study Design: Pilot feasibility study. Methods: We developed a portable robotic controller that appends to a standard CO 2 laser micromanipulator. The robotic accuracy and laser beam path repeatability were compared to six experienced users of the industry standard micromanipulator performing the same simulated surgical tasks. Helium‐neon laser beam video tracking techniques were employed. Results: The robotic controller demonstrated superiority over experienced human manual micromanipulator control in accuracy (laser path within 1 mm of idealized centerline), 97.42% (standard deviation [SD] 2.65%), versus 85.11% (SD 14.51%), P = .018; and laser beam path repeatability (area of laser path divergence on successive trials), 21.42 mm 2 (SD 4.35 mm 2 ) versus 65.84 mm 2 (SD 11.93 mm 2 ), P = .006. Conclusions: Robotic micromanipulator control enhances accuracy and repeatability for specific laser tasks. Computerized control opens opportunity for alternative user interfaces and additional safety features.