Robot-assisted retractor in spine surgery: Preliminary evaluation of its feasibility and two operation mode in beagles

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of the robot-assisted retractor. To compare the muscle injury of the two operation modes, intermittent retraction mode and continuous retraction mode in the robot-assisted retractor to find a better robot operation mode.MethodsA new robot-assisted retractor experimental platform was developed. Three incisions were made on the backs of three beagles. The robot-assisted retractor was used to retract the muscle on both sides of the incisions in intermittent retraction mode and continuous retraction mode, and the operation of the robot system was observed. The muscle samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) to observe the muscle injury. The difference between the muscle injuries of the two groups was statistically compared using paired t test.ResultsThe robot-assisted retractor can precisely retract to the specified position without malfunction or dangerous actions. Histologic evaluation showed that fewer muscle injury was found in the intermittent retraction mode group of the robot-assisted retractor compared to the continuous retraction mode group.ConclusionThe robot-assisted retractor offers a certain degree of feasibility and safety. The robot-assisted retractor is able to effectively reduce muscle injury with the intermittent retraction mode.