Robotic assistance for the endoscopic steering

Flexible endoscopy is a commonly performed medical procedure. The design of the controlling device of the endoscope pose several challenges to the endoscopists. Long term usage of the endoscope leads to chronic musculoskeletal injuries due to its non-ergonomic design and poor steering mechanism. The drawbacks of the existing endoscope are mainly due to its mechanical design, having two large wheels mechanically navigating the distal end with cables. Difficult maneuverability of the large wheels and the need for a high manual torque to rotate the distal end has led to improper endoscopy techniques. We describe a robotic assisted attachable device with feedback control mechanism for the existing flexible endoscope to improve maneuverability and steering mechanism of the endoscope. In this device the user interface remains the same as the traditional flexible endoscope. A third-party electronic assistance with feedback control is attached to the controlling device. This electronic assistance helps to exert the same rotational torque to navigate the endoscope with smaller controlling wheels. It still provides the mechanical feedback to the user on movements and the pressure at the distal end. There is an inbuilt coupling system between manual and electronic assisted modes, which can allow function of the ‘assisted mode’ or entirely manual mode. This method will improve the ergonomics of the flexible endoscope, patient safety and efficiency of the normal endoscopic examination..