Study of a New Intelligent Tool for the Colonoscopy

Abstract

In the last few years, we have observed a fast development of modern science and technology but especially in the field of medical engineering. The Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) has became one of the most important research area and medical endoscope (Figure 1) is one typical medical instrument that complies with the requirement of MIS.

This paper deals with the design of a new type of micro-robot for intestinal inspection. Because of the injuries caused by the colonoscope during the operation, and the long time spent at the hospital by the patient, we focus on a new type of intelligent colonoscope. The main purpose of this medical tool is to minimize the contact between the colonoscope and the interior boundary of the colon, and to make the progression of the colonoscope easier for the surgeon.

Our current prototype is electro- pneumatically driven. It is constituted by three metal bellows, and its position in the intestine is driven by three sensors positioned on the superior plate. Some experimental results are presented.