International Session 5 Otology-Clinical 1

Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery(TEES)is less invasive than traditional microscopic ear surgery and is superior in visualizing difficult-to-reach areas.One limitation of TEES is that only one instrument can be used, whereas two in microsurgery.To improve the performance of TEES, we have developed a new robotic prototype that attaches to the bedrail with a fixed arm and is controlled by a foot switch.This robot enabled three-axis control of the endoscope.An ear canal model made of 30 mm silicone tubing was developed to validate this robot.A task was set up to simulate ear surgery using this ear canal model: five surgeons(8 to 23 years post-graduates, with 20 to 1， 100 cases of total otologic surgery experience and 0 to 370 cases of endoscopic ear surgery experience)performed the task, timing the operation of the endoscope manually and with the robot.The operation was also captured by a 3D video camera.The robot manipulation showed no significant difference in time compared to hand manipulation, but the robot demonstrated reduced variability in manipulation time.These preliminary results are promising, and we aim to refine the robot based on this study.