Abstract: The invention relates to a palpation device and a palpation simulation device for use in surgery, such as minimal access surgery. The invention also relates to a method of palpating a body part, and to a method of simulating palpation of a body part. In one embodiment of the invention, a palpation device (10) is disclosed which comprises a first palpation assembly including a palpation member (12) and a light source in the form of an LED (14) and a second palpation assembly including a palpation member (16) and a light detecting means, in the form of a camera (18), for detecting light emitted by the light source (14). At least one of the first and second palpation members (12, 16) is movable with respect to the other member, to palpate a body part such as a patient's colon (20), disposed therebetween.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tactile sensor assembly, as well as a palpation assembly and a tactile probe each incorporating the tactile sensor assembly. The tactile sensor assembly has a particular use in surgery, such as minimal access surgery. In one embodiment, a tactile sensor assembly (10) is disclosed which includes a force transmission member (20) and a sensor (18), wherein the force transmission member (20) includes a plurality of projections (22) for transmitting an applied force to the sensor (18), and wherein the sensor (18) is adapted to detect said applied force and to output a signal indicative thereof.