Which robotic component directly enables full wrist articulation inside the patient during minimally invasive procedures?
The component that enables full wrist articulation inside the patient during minimally invasive procedures is the EndoWrist instrument. This is a specialized surgical tool used in robotic systems that replicates the full range of motion of the human wrist. The EndoWrist has multiple joints that allow it to bend, rotate, and pivot in seven degrees of freedom, meaning it can move up and down, left and right, rotate, and perform combined motions with high flexibility. This is important because traditional laparoscopic tools are straight and rigid, which limits their movement inside the body. With EndoWrist instruments, the surgeon can perform complex tasks like suturing, cutting, and dissection in tight or angled spaces without needing to move the entire robotic arm. The wristed design also allows for more natural hand-like movements, improving precision and reducing the chance of error during delicate procedures.