Abstract: A motorized surgical system includes at least one support positionable within a sterile field in proximity to a patient positioned on a surgical table. An instrument driver is carried by the support and includes a steerable distal end positionable in a body cavity. A user input device is carried by the support and is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of a portion of the user input device by a user. One or more steering motors are operably coupled to the instrument driver and are operable to deflect the steerable distal end of the instrument driver in response to the movement signals.

Abstract: A motorized surgical system includes at least one support positionable within a sterile field in proximity to a patient positioned on a surgical table. An instrument driver is carried by the support and includes a steerable distal end positionable in a body cavity. A user input device is carried by the support and is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of a portion of the user input device by a user. One or more steering motors are operably coupled to the instrument driver and are operable to deflect the steerable distal end of the instrument driver in response to the movement signals.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an instrument driver having a distal end positionable in a body cavity and a user input device. The instrument driver and user input device are positioned to removably receive distal and proximal portions, respectively, of a surgical instrument. The user input device is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of the proximal portion of the surgical instrument. At least one motor operable to actuate the instrument driver in response to the movement signals and to thereby change position of the distal portion of the surgical instrument within the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an instrument driver having a distal end positionable in a body cavity and a user input device. The instrument driver and user input device are positioned to removably receive distal and proximal portions, respectively, of a surgical instrument. The user input device is configured to generate movement signals in response to manual manipulation of the proximal portion of the surgical instrument. At least one motor operable to actuate the instrument driver in response to the movement signals and to thereby change position of the distal portion of the surgical instrument within the body cavity.

Abstract: A cycling, suturing and knot-tying device is characterized by an arcuate fixed, grooved or recessed way provided in a correspondingly shaped support frame for accommodating a curved needle fitted with thread, and frictional needle-engaging devices provided in the way for selectively engaging the needle and driving the needle in one or both rotational directions to suture a wound with the thread. Selective articulation of the frame and the way and driving of the needle in the way by positioning the frictional needle-engaging devices with respect to the needle are typically effected by manipulation of a pistol-grip operating apparatus having a transmission tube that mounts the frame and the way in articulating relationship and rotates and articulates with respect to the pistol grip and carries various operating elements that interface with the frictional needle-engaging devices in the way.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot with at least five degrees of freedom and a teleconferencing function. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform provides three degrees of freedom to allow the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. The robot also has mechanisms to provide at least two degrees of freedom for the camera.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot with at least five degrees of freedom and a teleconferencing function. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform provides three degrees of freedom to allow the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient. The robot also has mechanisms to provide at least two degrees of freedom for the camera.