First LVA Surgery with the RoboticScope in Austria
Premiere in Graz: At the University Hospital Graz, a lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) procedure was performed using the RoboticScope for the first time in Austria.
The surgery was conducted by Dr. Patrick Mandal, PhD, specialist at the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery. This was a milestone not only for the team in Graz but also for robotic-assisted microsurgery in Austria.
In this procedure, the finest lymphatic vessels were connected directly to veins to facilitate lymphatic drainage. The goal of the surgery was to prevent lymphedema in the patient, as lymph nodes had to be removed from the axilla due to a tumor condition.
What the RoboticScope Makes Possible in This Context
LVA procedures are among the most demanding areas in microsurgery. They often take place in narrow or difficult-to-access anatomical regions—areas where conventional microscopes offer a more limited field of view.
The RoboticScope offered the team at the Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery several key advantages.
Greater Flexibility
The robotic camera head can move around the surgical field, offering a significantly wider range of motion compared to conventional microscopes. This enabled optimal visualization, even in deep or hard-to-reach areas.
Seamless Integration into the OR Setup
The team especially appreciated how easily the system fit into the workflow. Training and setup were completed quickly, requiring minimal adjustments for the surgical team.
The use of the RoboticScope was definitely helpful because it offered greater flexibility in positioning. The entire OR team gave very positive feedback—especially regarding how easily the system integrated into our clinical routine. The robotic-assisted microscope could certainly become a viable alternative to traditional surgical microscopes in the future.
Dr. Patrick Mandal, PhD
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Dr. Mandal sees great potential for the use of robotics and the RoboticScope—not just in LVA procedures, but in reconstructive microsurgery overall. The University Hospital Graz plans to continue researching and implementing robotic-assisted techniques.
