Abstract: A flexible fluidic actuator for robotically imparting translational or rotational motion to a tube of a concentric tube manipulator, the flexible fluidic actuator includes a gripper that is actuatable in response to fluid pressure to grasp the tube, and de-actuatable in response to relieving fluid pressure to release the tube. The flexible fluidic actuator also includes one or more actuator bellows that are actuatable in response to fluid pressure to move the gripper to an actuated position, and de-actuatable in response to releasing fluid pressure to return the gripper to a de-actuated position. The gripper is configured to move to the actuated position in a first translational or rotational direction, and to move to the de-actuated position in a second translational or rotational direction, opposite the first translational or rotational direction.

Abstract: A waveguide assembly for delivering focused acoustic energy includes a housing comprising a chamber filled with a medium for propagating acoustic waves. An acoustic transducer is supported the housing and has a surface facing into the chamber. The surface is configured to transmit acoustic waves into the chamber through the medium toward a focus zone. The waveguide assembly also includes structure configured to focus the acoustic waves transmitted from the surface of the acoustic transducer. The waveguide assembly further includes a flexible elongated waveguide having a first end positioned in the chamber opposite the curved surface, and a second end outside the chamber. The waveguide has a tubular configuration with an inner lumen in fluid communication with the chamber via the first end and being filled with the medium. The first end of the waveguide is configured to be positioned in the focus zone so that the focused acoustic waves are propagated through the medium in the inner lumen of the waveguide.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a steerable instrument. The steerable instrument includes a first tube including a first serpentine beam formed in a tubular sidewall thereof, and a second tube including a second serpentine beam formed in a tubular sidewall thereof. The first and second tubes are concentrically nested and positioned so that the first and second serpentine beams are at least partially aligned with each other axially and face in radial directions that differ angularly from one another. The first and second tubes are connected to each other distally of the first and second serpentine beams. The first and second serpentine beams define a bending segment that is actuatable to form a bend in the nested tube structure in response to differential axial forces applied to the first and second tubes.

Abstract: Systems for controlling concentric tube probes are disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a concentric tube position display interface and a control system. The concentric tube display interface includes a display for displaying visual feedback to a user indicating a position (and possibly orientation) of a tip of a concentric tube probe and a user input device for receiving user input from the user designating a goal position (and possibly orientation) for the tip of the concentric tube probe. The control system is configured for interactive-rate motion planning of the concentric tube probe by creating, in real-time or near real-time, a motion plan to move the tip of the concentric tube probe to the goal position (and possibly orientation) while avoiding contact by the concentric tube probe with one or more obstacles and for configuring the concentric tube probe as specified by the motion plan.

Abstract: Systems for controlling concentric tube probes are disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a concentric tube position display interface and a control system. The concentric tube display interface includes a display for displaying visual feedback to a user indicating a position (and possibly orientation) of a tip of a concentric tube probe and a user input device for receiving user input from the user designating a goal position (and possibly orientation) for the tip of the concentric tube probe. The control system is configured for interactive-rate motion planning of the concentric tube probe by creating, in real-time or near real-time, a motion plan to move the tip of the concentric tube probe to the goal position (and possibly orientation) while avoiding contact by the concentric tube probe with one or more obstacles and for configuring the concentric tube probe as specified by the motion plan.

Abstract: Method for controlling continuum robots and systems therefrom are provided. In the system and method, a new system of equations is provided for controlling a shape of the elastic member and a tension on a tendon applying a force to an elastic member of the robot. The system of equations can be used to estimate a resulting shape of the elastic member from the tension applied to the tendon. The system of equations can also be used to estimate a necessary tension for the tendon to achieve a target shape.

Abstract: A method for guiding a surgical cannula having a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes includes determining a desired cannula path; selecting the plurality of flexible tubes, wherein each of the flexible tubes within the plurality has a pre-formed curvature and a flexibility; determining a final overlap configuration of the plurality of flexible tubes such that a resulting curvature of the overlap configuration substantially corresponds to the desired cannula path; and determining a plurality of intermediate overlap configurations of the plurality of flexible tubes. Each of the intermediate configurations correspond to the desired cannula path.

Abstract: Method for controlling continuum robots and systems therefrom are provided. In the system and method, a new system of equations is provided for controlling a shape of the elastic member and a tension on a tendon applying a force to an elastic member of the robot. The system of equations can be used to estimate a resulting shape of the elastic member from the tension applied to the tendon. The system of equations can also be used to estimate a necessary tension for the tendon to achieve a target shape.

Abstract: A method for guiding a surgical cannula having a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes includes determining a desired cannula path; selecting the plurality of flexible tubes, wherein each of the flexible tubes within the plurality has a pre-formed curvature and a flexibility; determining a final overlap configuration of the plurality of flexible tubes such that a resulting curvature of the overlap configuration substantially corresponds to the desired cannula path; and determining a plurality of intermediate overlap configurations of the plurality of flexible tubes. Each of the intermediate configurations correspond to the desired cannula path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical needle, or active cannula, that is capable of following a complex path through cavities and tissue within a patient's anatomy. The needle has a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes, each of which has a pre-formed curvature and a pre-determined flexibility. Each of the plurality of flexible tubes is selected based on their respective preformed curvature and flexibility so that a given overlap configuration causes the combination of overlapping flexible tubes to form a predetermined shape that substantially matches a desired path through the anatomy. By individually controlling the translation and angular orientation of each of the flexible tubes, the surgical needle may be guided through the anatomy according to the desired path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical needle, or active cannula, that is capable of following a complex path through cavities and tissue within a patient's anatomy. The needle has a plurality of overlapping flexible tubes, each of which has a pre-formed curvature and a pre-determined flexibility. Each of the plurality of flexible tubes is selected based on their respective pre-formed curvature and flexibility so that a given overlap configuration causes the combination of overlapping flexible tubes to form a predetermined shape that substantially matches a desired path through the anatomy. By individually controlling the translation and angular orientation of each of the flexible tubes, the surgical needle may be guided through the anatomy according to the desired path.