A controller is capable of controlling an asset or target in physical and/or virtual three-dimensional space using a single hand by generating control inputs in four or more degrees of freedom while also limiting cross-coupling (unintended motions). The controller includes a first control member is configured to be gripped in a user's single, second control member is disposed on or near a top end of the first member movable with at least one degree of freedom independently of the movement of the first control member, and a third control member positioned on the first member for displacement by one or more digits of the user's single hand and coupled with the second member to move in opposition to movement of the second control member.

A medical system comprises a flexible device configured to be positioned at least partially within an anatomical passageway of a plurality of anatomical passageways within a patient anatomy. The medical system further comprises a memory device including computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions are for performing operations comprising determining a deformation force exerted by a section of the flexible device. The operations further comprise registering a model of a candidate anatomical passageway of the plurality of anatomical passageways to a model of the flexible device based on: a shape of the flexible device; and the deformation force exerted by the section of the flexible device.

A device sized and shaped for insertion into a body comprising: at least one mechanical limb comprising: a support segment; a first flexible section extending from the support segment and terminating in a coupling section; and a second flexible section extending from the coupling section and terminating in a tool or a connector for a tool; wherein a long axis of one or more of the flexible sections is bendable in a single bending plane; wherein a long axis length of the first flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the first flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis; wherein a long axis length of the second flexible section is at least double a maximum extent of the second flexible section perpendicular to a flexible section long axis.

An endoscopic capsule system comprising: an endoscopic capsule having magnetic characteristics; an extracorporeal guiding and moving apparatus having a moveable multi-hinged cantilever arm which is pivotably mounted at a support stand at one end and at an effector having magnetic characteristics at the other end to move the endoscopic capsule in accordance with movement of the effector; a controller device to define the position and orientation of the endoscopic capsule relative to the effector, and a force and/or moment generation device or a braking device to generate counter forces and/or counter moments or braking forces against moving and/or guiding forces that are manually applied to the cantilever arm and/or effector in accordance with the actually defined position and/or orientation of the endoscopic capsule relative to the effector.

A method of operating a modular surgical system including a control module, a first surgical module, and a second surgical module is disclosed. The method includes detachably connecting the first surgical module to the control module by stacking the first surgical module with the control module in a stack configuration, detachably connecting the second surgical module to the first surgical module by stacking the second surgical module with the control module and the first surgical module in the stack configuration, powering up the modular surgical system, and monitoring distribution of power from a power supply of the control module to the first surgical module and the second surgical module.

MRI-guided robotics offers possibility for physicians to perform interventions remotely on confined anatomy. While the pathological and physiological changes could be visualized by high-contrast volumetric MRI scan during the procedure, robots promise improved navigation with added dexterity and precision. In cardiac catheterization, however, maneuvering a long catheter (1-2 meters) to the desired location and performing the therapy are still challenging. To meet this challenge, this invention presents an MRI-conditional catheter robotic system that integrates intra-op MRI, MR-based tracking units and enhanced visual guidance with catheter manipulation. This system differs fundamentally from existing master/slave catheter manipulation systems, of which the robotic manipulation is still challenging due to the very limited image guidance. This system provides a means of integrating intra-operative MR imaging and tracking to improve the performance of tele-operated robotic catheterization.

An endoscope system is provided, which comprises an endoscope having a hollow tube formed therein, a flexible elongate member having a first end for operational control and a second distal end for operation of robotic members, one or more actuators coupleable to the flexible elongate member at the first end thereof, and an anti-buckling tube arranged with respect to the hollow tube at the first end of the endoscope to prevent buckling of the flexible elongate member during translation of the one or more actuators. Different embodiments are also disclosed, including an endoscope comprising one or more flexible tendons having a wire coil sheath which includes wire having a substantially rectangular cross section, or an endoscope comprising a rotational-motion transmitting device, one or more flexible tendons and one or more electrical wires having anti-kink support thereon, a coupling means constraining the robotic member to an asymmetric range of motion, or torque joint means comprising a centrally aligned pulley for coupling the robotic member.

An input control device is disclosed. The input control device can be configured to operate in different modes depending on proximity data provided by a proximity detection system. The input control device can include a feedback generator configured to generate feedback in response to the input control device switching between operational modes, the proximity data provided by the proximity detection system, and/or other conditions of the surgical procedure, robotic surgical tool, surgical site, and/or patient. The input control device can include a variable resistance assembly for resisting input control motions applied to an actuator thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the input control device can include an end effector actuator assembly for repositioning the end effector actuator based on feedback from a paired robotic surgical tool.

A multicatheter subsystem is provided for a steerable catheter robotic system. The subsystem includes a flexible output sheath, a plurality of flexible multi-lumen assemblies and a plurality of robotic instruments for performing a surgical procedure. The plurality of flexible multi-lumen assemblies extends through the outer sheath. Each of the multi-lumen assemblies has a proximal end and a distal end. Each of the robotic instruments is operatively and removably attachable to the distal end of one of the multi-lumen assemblies such that each instrument is teleoperable independently of every other robotic instrument. At least a first of the robotic instruments includes a plurality of interconnected articulating segments. Each of the articulating segments is operatively and removably attachable to a different one of the multi-lumen assemblies.

A method for disengagement detection of a surgical instrument of a surgical robotic system, the method comprising: determining whether a user's head is unstable prior to disengagement of a teleoperation mode; determining whether a pressure release has occurred relative to at least one of a first user input device or a second user input device for controlling a surgical instrument of the surgical robotic system during the teleoperation mode; and in response to determining the user's head is unstable or determining the pressure release has occurred, determining whether a distance change between the first user input device and the second user input device indicates the user is performing an unintended action prior to disengagement of the teleoperation mode.