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214 Chapter 8

Figure 8.21
Existing prototype (A) without bending, (B) with bending.

8.6 Conclusion

This book chapter presented a miniaturized flexible bending mechanism for angled drilling
operations in a small confined space. In the future, the endoscopic bending mechanism
allows nonstraight drilling directions. Feasibility and design analysis are investigated during
proof-of-concept development. We envision that such a design will reduce the risk of
tracheostomy surgery with the assistance of intelligent planning and navigations [18].

Acknowledgment

This work was in part supported by the National Key Research and Development Program, The Ministry of
Science and Technology (MOST) of China (No. 2018YFB1307703).

References

[1] P.A. Walts, Techniques of surgical tracheostomy, Clin. Chest Med. 24 (2003) 413 422.
[2] E.N. Myers, R.L. Carrau, Early complications of tracheotomy. Incidence and management, Clin. Chest
Med. 12 (3) (1991) 589.
[3] C. Li, X. Gu, X. Xiao, C.M. Lim, H. Ren, Flexible robot with variable stiffness in transoral surgery, IEEE/
ASME Trans. Mechatron. (2019) 1 10.