New robotic surgery arm easier on docs, safer on patients

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WPVI) -- Scientists from Harvard's Paulson School of Engineering and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering have developed a new robotic arm which could make endoscopy easier for doctors to perform, and safer for patients.

The arm is a hybrid, with a rigid skeleton surrounded by soft materials.

Existing endoscopes use rigid tools to move or remove tissue.

They can be a challenge to operate and can easily puncture or tear tissue if they are misused.

The new arm is also equipped with a suction cup to safely remove unwanted tissue.

The inventors are now working on getting clearance to test their device in the operating room.

For more on the new arm, click here.