Design of SMA Actuator Based Access Device for Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery

ABSTRACT

An access device using a combination of a compression coil spring made of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) and NiTi superelastic strips has been developed. Particular consideration is given to the application of the concept in transanal endocopic microsurgery (TEM), but it could be used in other procedures where tissue expansion is required. In TEM, it could realize the gasless dilation of the rectum with safety and reliability, and facilitate surgeons to perform TEM. The theoretical design procedure to determine the specifications of the NiTi SMA spring and superelastic components is established. The feasibility and the possible problems associated with this application are discussed generally.