NYU Abu Dhabi Restores Touch in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi‘s Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab) have created a cutting-edge sensing system that restores tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). This breakthrough enhances surgical precision, improves ease of use, and increases patient safety.

The innovative “off-the-jaw” system integrates force and angle sensors into the handle of laparoscopic tools. It provides surgeons with real-time feedback on grasping forces and offers insights into tissue stiffness and thickness.

Solving a Major MIS Challenge

While MIS reduces pain, speeds up recovery, and lowers infection risks, traditional tools lack tactile feedback. This makes it difficult for surgeons to gauge the correct force or distinguish between tissue types. Without this sense of touch, mistakes—like over- or under-grasping delicate tissues—can occur.

The new design solves this problem. Unlike previous approaches that placed sensors on the tool’s jaws, AMMLab’s system keeps the sensors in the handle. This improves accuracy while maintaining the tool’s flexibility during surgery.

Proven Efficiency and Broader Applications

Early trials show promising results. According to researchers, the system improves surgical task efficiency by 30%, helping reduce errors and enhance performance.

“Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized healthcare, but the lack of tactile feedback remains a challenge,” said Mohammad A. Qasaimeh, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering at NYU Abu Dhabi.

The technology is also scalable. It could be adapted for robotic-assisted surgery, endoscopy, telemedicine, and other medical fields. Additionally, the system could shorten the learning curve for new surgeons by offering objective tactile feedback, accelerating their mastery of MIS techniques.

“Early trials have demonstrated a 30 percent improvement in surgical task efficiency, highlighting the practical impact of this technology on surgical performance,” added Wael Othman, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher at AMMLab.

Transforming the Future of Surgery

With this innovation, NYU Abu Dhabi is setting a new standard for minimally invasive procedures. By restoring the surgeon’s sense of touch, this technology promises safer surgeries, faster learning for new surgeons, and potential applications across advanced medical fields.