An intelligent grasper to provide real-time force feedback to shorten the learning curve in laparoscopic training

Abstract Background A lack of force feedback in laparoscopic surgery often leads to a steep learning curve to the novices and traditional training system equipped with force feedback need a high educational cost. This study aimed to use a laparoscopic grasper providing force feedback in laparoscopic training which can assist in controlling of gripping forces and improve the learning processing of the novices. Methods Firstly, we conducted a pre-experiment to verify the role of force feedback in gripping operations and establish the safe gripping force threshold for the tasks. Following this, we proceeded with a four-week training program. Unlike the novices without feedback (Group A2), the novices receiving feedback (Group B2) underwent training that included force feedback. Finally, we completed a follow-up period without providing force feedback to assess the training effect under different conditions. Real-time force parameters were recorded and compared. Results In the pre-experiment, we set the gripping force threshold for the tasks based on the experienced surgeons’ performance. This is reasonable as the experienced surgeons have obtained adequate skill of handling grasper. The thresholds for task 1, 2, and 3 were set as 0.731 N, 1.203 N and 0.938 N, respectively. With force feedback, the gripping force applied by the novices with feedback (Group B1) was lower than that of the novices without feedback (Group A1) (p