Micromechatronics in surgery

There is a fast growing acceptance of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), in which surgical procedures are performed with the least possible damage to healthy organs and tissues. The reduction of recovery time, postoperative pain, infection risks and costs are some of the many advantages of MIS. Micromechatronic technologies involve the miniaturization of mechatronics devices like precision mechanisms, sensors, actuators and embedded electronics. They have played and will play a very important role in the advancement of MIS. They allow the possibilities of enhancing the surgeon's abilities where current MIS techniques do not permit the full range of human dexterity and perception. This paper discusses the objectives, roles, and some present and future applications of micromechatronics in surgery.