Surgical robots are revolutionizing healthcare, enhancing precision, reducing recovery times, and boosting patient safety. Their advanced functions, however, require reliable, high performance power solutions for uninterrupted operation in critical procedures. We explore the role of robust power systems in surgical robotics, highlighting how an XP Power solution met complex power demands in a surgical application.
Overview
• Surgical robots are transforming healthcare, offering enhanced precision, shorter recovery times, and improved patient safety.
• Reliable, high performance power solutions are needed to support the complex functionality of these medical devices and keep patients safe.
• A real-life case study demonstrates how the right power solutions are critical in effectively supporting surgical robots.
Revolutionizing modern surgery with surgical robotics
Surgical robots have redefined the standards of precision in modern medicine, providing healthcare professionals with tools that minimize human error. With advanced algorithms and precise control, these robots excel in complex surgeries where accuracy is crucial. This is especially valuable for intricate procedures in sensitive areas, such as the brain or heart, where even a slight miscalculation could have serious repercussions.
Enabling minimally invasive surgery (MIS)
One of the standout benefits of surgical robots is their facilitation of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). These robots enable surgeons to make smaller incisions, which leads to less trauma for the patient. Consequently, patients experience quicker recoveries, shorter hospital stays, and reduced pain. Minimally invasive approaches also decrease the likelihood of infections and complications associated with traditional surgeries, promoting safer patient outcomes.
The power of precision
Surgical robots perform with a steadiness and accuracy that surpasses human capabilities, especially in delicate surgeries. This high level of precision significantly reduces the risk of complications, improving safety and outcomes for patients. Advanced imaging and data analysis, often integrated into these robots, further support surgeons in making faster, more accurate diagnoses during procedures. Precise execution and real-time information offer an invaluable edge in high-stakes surgeries.
Resilience during long procedures
Unlike human surgeons, surgical robots don’t get tired during long surgeries but maintain consistent performance as long as they receive stable power. This resilience is critical in long, complex procedures, ensuring uninterrupted and consistent operation. A reliable power source allows these robots to operate at peak performance throughout the entire surgery, crucial for patient safety and successful outcomes.
Navigating hard-to-reach areas
Surgical robots are also instrumental in reaching challenging areas of the body. Their flexible and precise tools can maneuver through complex anatomical structures, making previously difficult or impossible surgeries possible. This flexibility expands treatment options, resulting in better patient outcomes for complex cases.
Continuous training and data collection
Surgical robots are valuable for training as well. They provide a controlled environment where surgeons can practice and refine their skills through advanced simulations. Additionally, robots can collect detailed data during surgeries, which can later be analyzed to improve techniques, patient outcomes, and personalized care. These data-driven insights are essential for continuous innovation in surgical procedures and patient care.
Case study: power supply limitations in surgical robotic systems
A medical robotics customer faced power challenges in their advanced surgical robot, which comprises multiple robotic arms and a central control unit, each requiring precise power configurations. Initially, the customer used a multi-output power supply from another provider. However, limitations in configuration flexibility and EMI/EMC compliance issues made them seek alternative solutions.
Challenge: designing a power solution for multi-arm surgical robots
The surgical robot’s multi-arm setup required multiple, reliable power supplies. The existing power setup led to leakage current and EMI/EMC interference issues due to extensive cabling, further complicated by the lack of configuration flexibility in the power solutions they were using. Additionally, future revisions of the robotic application would likely require either constant current or constant voltage options, along with medical grade compliance.
XP Power proposed the GCU and GCS series as initial solutions to address the leakage current concerns. Although the customer nearly accepted, cost considerations and relationships with other vendors initially swayed them toward alternative options.
During this period, XP Power launched the HPF3K0 series. After EMI/EMC issues reoccurred with the customer’s chosen alternatives, the XP Power team revisited the customer, spending half a day analyzing the robotic system and offering a tailored power solution which included the HPF3K0.
Solution: streamlining power with the HPF3K0
Two HPF3K0 units were installed in the control console to streamline AC-DC conversion, significantly reducing EMI/EMC issues caused by cable clutter. Four QSP600 units were distributed across the robotic arms to handle DC-DC conversion to reduce reliance on AC lines and noise interference. XP Power’s technical team worked closely with the customer’s R&D team to resolve EMI/EMC challenges, often working extended hours to troubleshoot and refine the setup.
Outcome: enhanced stability and reduced EMI/EM
XP Power’s solution reduced EMI/EMC issues, enhanced stability, and provided the necessary flexibility for future upgrades, ensuring compliance with the customer’s evolving requirements. This collaboration underscored XP Power’s commitment to providing technically sound and responsive support, establishing a reliable foundation for this robotic application and future developments.
Summary
Surgical robotics are revolutionizing healthcare by reducing human error, enabling minimally invasive procedures, enhancing precision, and improving diagnostic speed. The power systems that support these technologies are critical to their performance, as shown in XP Power’s solution for an advanced surgical robotic system.
Through reliable and adaptable power supplies, we ensure that surgical robots continue to operate efficiently and safely, meeting the complex needs of modern medical applications and setting new standards in patient care.
For more information on our programmable power supplies for healthcare, please contact us.
Shravan Govindaraj
Shravan Govindaraj is XP Power’s Product Marketing Manager. He has over 5 years of experience in technical sales and product marketing across multiple industries including HVAC, electric motors and power supplies. Shravan joined XP Power in 2022 to develop and implement go-to-market strategies for all XP Power products.
