We developed a new laparoscopic manipulator (prototype) that utilizes the property of oblique-viewing laparoscopes to substitute for human assistants. Instead of panning around the fulcrum to move the laparoscopic field of view to left/right, as in the case of the “straight-viewing” laparoscope, only the scope cylinder of the “oblique-viewing” laparoscope attached to the manipulator rolls about its axis. By implementing this mechanism, we have developed a laparocope manipulator that more compact, simple, and easier to use than ever before. To evaluate the validity of this system, we conducted computer simulations, in-vitro experiments and an in-vivo experiment. As conclusions, the proposed oblique-viewing endoscope manipulator could substitute for the human assistant during the operation.
