Haptic-feedback
Platform
EFI is a medical technology and device company in the field of laparoscopic minimal invasive surgery (MIS), focusing on Haptic-Feedback.
Haptic-feedback
Platform
EFI has developed its platform and has build up know-how over more than 10 years. Our
platform
focusses on technology that solves the lack of feeling, by putting a portfolio of patented
technologies to practice that can be used in a range of minimal invasive surgical
instruments.
Currently EFI is also focusing on developing robotic applications.
EFI has two instruments that are proof of concept; the Optigrip and the Optitouch.
EFI is undergoing an CE trajectory with the Optigrip that is expected to be completed in 2023.
EFI Technology applicable for robots
EFI is focusing on making its haptic-feedback technology also applicable for robotic instruments.
The Haptic-Feedback technology being focused on robotics; is based on the OptiGrip, that is part of an ongoing CE trajectory.
Optigrip
In OptiGrip (CE trajectory completed by the end of 2023), state-of-the art optical sensor
technology is applied to achieve more controlled tissue feeling.
Information about tissue stiffness and pulsating arteries is given by force feedback in the
pistol-shaped handle.
The control box (Optigator) can be set to different sensitivity levels for specific tissue
types
with different visco-elastic properties.
The OptiGrip has been tested in pre-clinical studies, that have been publicated.
Optitouch
OptiTouch is developed in addition to the OptiGrip after an extensive user study involving multiple key-opinion leaders in the field of MIS. Based on the outcomes of this study the OptiTouch demonstrator is being developed that focusses on optimal detection of arterial pulsations. Tactile feedback is given at the tip of the index finger on a static part of the tool, instead of the force feedback on a dynamic part in the OptiGrip. Battery powered force measure-ment will be done in the handle of the grasper, providing a cable-less design that can be sterilized using standard hospital procedures. In addition to pulse sensing the aim is to sense tissue property differences by means of a low-friction mechanical design.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| OptiGrip | OptiTouch |
| Pistol shaped hand grip | Back-hinged hand grip |
| Optical sensor unit in separate control box (cable) | Strain gauge sensor unit (load cell) in grasper |
| Kinesthetic force feedback (to active fingers) | Tactile feedback to fingers not used in actuation (to improve tactile sensitivity) |
| Optical fiber with Bragg grating in tip, close to forceps | Sensor unit in handle (strain measured via translation of forces in tip via pull-rod) |
| External mains power | Battery powered (cable-less) |
|
Funtionality Feeling arterial pulsation • Feeling differences in tissue stiffness • Grasping, manipulation, preparation, dissection and clamping of tissue • |
Funtionality • Pulsations (tactile feedback) • Tissue stiffness (low-friction design) • Warning when force threshold exceeded (tactile feedback) |
|
|
|---|
| OptiTouch |
| Back-hinged hand grip |
| Strain gauge sensor unit (load cell) in grasper |
| Tactile feedback to fingers not used in actuation (to improve tactile sensitivity) |
| Sensor unit in handle (strain measured via translation of forces in tip via pull-rod) |
| Battery powered (cable-less) |
|
Funtionality • Pulsations (tactile feedback) • Tissue stiffness (low-friction design) • Warning when force threshold exceeded (tactile feedback) |
“ You have to feel it to believe it ”
‘Amazing that the OptiGrip is not only the unmet need but more the
non-realized unmet need. We never realized that we missed haptic feedback which is so much
needed to improve our performance.’
Ph Becker Prof. MD
Intellectual Property
A strong portfolio
EFI Holding has built up a diverse portfolio of patents and proprietaries knowledge on force reflecting technology. EFI Holding has granted EFI B.V. exclusive right to the patents relating laparoscopic instruments. The intellectual property, product design and technical knowledge are in the broadest sense filed in European and American patents and patent applications.
More info,
question?
Directors:
Ward Vleugels
Joep Gubbels
Avenue Ceramique 226 - 6221 KX Maastricht
Postbus 5049 - 6202 WD Maastricht
info@efinstruments.com
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