A Preclinical Evaluation

Advancing Precision in Microsurgery with the RoboticScope

Robot-assisted procedures are becoming increasingly prevalent in surgery, particularly within the field of microsurgery. This trend is driven by the need for heightened precision, improved ergonomics, and the ability to perform complex procedures with greater ease. 

 

A recent preclinical study offers valuable insights into the benefits of using the RoboticScope in conjunction with the MMI Symani® Surgical System, highlighting their potential for microsurgical practices. 

A Two-Center Study in Germany and the USA

The study, titled "Preclinical Performance of the Combined Application of Two Robotic Systems in Microsurgery: A Two-Center Study," involved 18 participants with varying levels of microsurgical experience — from novices to seasoned surgeons. These participants were tasked with performing microvascular anastomoses on 1.0-mm-diameter silicone vessels using both traditional methods and the combined robotic approach, culminating in a total of 180 procedures. 

 

The primary objective was to assess whether the combination of the robotic surgery platform system and the RoboticScope could enhance surgical outcomes. Key metrics included surgical time, quality of anastomoses, skill acquisition, and overall surgical ergonomics. 

Key Findings

  • The average time for robot-assisted anastomoses during training was significantly reduced by 10 minutes, from 29 to 19 minutes.

  • In addition to the reduction in operating time, the participants' subjective satisfaction with the robot-assisted anastomoses increased significantly from 4.8 to 7.4 points. 

  • Subjective satisfaction with the performance of the RoboticScope rose from an average of 7.7 to 8.2 points after the training. 

  • The participants rated the robotic approach as better to significantly better in the following areas: "intraoperative tremor," "muscle fatigue," "visual details," "visualization of depth and 3D structures," and "surgical comfort." 

  • There was a significant reduction in surgical errors when using the robotic systems: 375 errors versus 410 errors with conventional anastomoses, not distinguishing by the level of microsurgical experience. 

  • The robot-assisted approach was preferred by participants over the conventional approach in terms of surgical ergonomics (freedom of movement, back or neck pain, muscle fatigue, surgical comfort), visualization (optical details, depth and 3D structure visualization), and interaction and communication with the surgical team. 

Embracing the Future of Surgical Precision

The combined application of robotic surgery platforms and the RoboticScope represents a significant advancement in the field of robotic microsurgery. As these technologies continue to evolve, they hold the potential to transform surgical practices, offering enhanced precision, improved ergonomic support, and accelerated skill development for surgeons at all experience levels. 

 

For BHS Technologies, this study underscores the importance of innovation in medical technology, paving the way for the next generation of surgical excellence. 

 

Find the entire paper here: https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2024/04000/preclinical_performance_of_the_combined.65.aspx  

 

Wessel, Kai J. MD, MS*; Stögner, Viola A. MD†,‡; Yu, Catherine T. BS†; Pomahac, Bohdan MD†; Hirsch, Tobias MD*; Ayyala, Haripriya S. MD†; Kueckelhaus, Maximilian MD, MBA*. Preclinical Performance of the Combined Application of Two Robotic Systems in Microsurgery: A Two-center Study. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open 12(4):p e5775, April 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005775