In vivo accessories for minimally invasive robotic surgery and methods

Abstract

Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. Some accessories need to be actuated to effect a predetermined treatment, such as an aortic punch, clamps, pliers, and the like. For such accessories, the actuation can conveniently be performed by an operator such as an assistant remotely from outside the patient's body while placement of the accessories takes place in the surgical site by manipulating the accessories using robotic surgical tools in the site. A lockdown feature may be incorporated in accessories to lock them in place remotely from outside the surgical site upon actuation.