Robotic Procedure

Semi-automated vascular intervention robot for controlling the advancement and rotation of catheters and guidewires

This technology is a semi-automated robotic system that precisely controls the axial advancement and rotational movement of catheters and guidewires for vascular intervention procedures. It features a telescopic structure that supports and guides the catheter, and consists of a catheter rotation unit, a guidewire rotation and feed unit, and a transport unit (rack and pinion).

Existing vascular intervention procedures have faced challenges such as radiation exposure for medical staff, long procedure times due to manual operation, and limited vascular application range and high costs associated with the large outer diameters (4mm or more) of existing robotic systems.

This technology implements a semi-automated system that utilizes existing surgical tools while automating the segments where radiation exposure is most concentrated (catheter and guidewire insertion and rotation). The 4-DOF drive mechanism is designed with a telescopic structure to prevent catheter sagging, and its detachable design ensures ease of sterilization and space efficiency. Applicable to vascular interventions, robotic surgery, and medical automation, it reduces radiation exposure for medical staff while improving procedural precision and efficiency.

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Key Features:

• A catheter rotation unit that rotates the catheter along its longitudinal axis while it is inserted.
• A guidewire rotation and feed unit, located on one side of the catheter rotation unit, that advances the inserted guidewire longitudinally and rotates it along its axis.
• A transport unit that moves both the catheter rotation unit and the guidewire rotation and feed unit together along the longitudinal direction of the catheter.
• A telescopic unit, located on the other side of the catheter rotation unit, that supports the catheter and can extend or retract along the catheter's longitudinal direction.

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning for robotic system technology aimed at reducing radiation exposure and improving procedural accuracy in transarterial chemoembolization for liver cancer.