“Current Advances in Robotics for Head and Neck Surgery – A Systematic Review”
RoboticScope® stated in study about robot-assisted surgeries in ENT
The main objective of this review was to evaluate to what extend robot-assisted surgery (RAS) could be applied in the field of head and neck surgery as it is already widely seen as standard in many other surgical disciplines.
Another goal of the publication was to review current RAS systems performance in comparison to conventional systems. Moreover, an overview of currently on the market and most frequently used systems is given including a listing of advantages and disadvantages. Among other systems, also RoboticScope® was reviewed. In this blog post we take a short look at the study.
RoboticScope®
In this study, both, endoscopic as well as exoscopic systems are included. RoboticScope® is here reviewed as a robotic exoscope. Exoscopic systems are mentioned as an interesting development as they allow an ergonomic working posture without losing sight of the operational field.
In that context RoboticScope® is described as follows:
“Another interesting development to consider are exoscopes. They consist of high-resolution cameras, which acquire images of the operation site that can be transferred to an external display. Exoscopes are a contrast to conventional surgical microscopes because they allow for a change of the surgeon’s body position without disconnecting the view of the surgical field. Depending on model and provider, they can include many more functions. One example of such an exoscope system is the RoboticScope of the company BHS Technologies.
The device consists of a high-resolution 3D-camera, which is mounted on a microscope holding arm. Visualization is carried out through a virtual reality headset, which also allows for the steering of the camera using head movements. It could be a useful tool in oncologic microsurgery. Especially performing the micro-anastomosis of free-flap transplants during reconstruction after extended tumor resection could be a possible field of application.” ([1], p. 5-6)
The authors mention as possible fields of application for RoboticScope® the pharynx, oral cavities as well as reconstructive surgery with microscopic vessel anastomosis and otologic surgery. They summarise as advantages the free-handed bimanual instrumentation – meaning both hands can be kept on the incision without having to remove the hands off the operational field for microscope adjustment.
Likewise, the, from head and body positioning independently selectable, camera view is confirmed as an advantage by the authors. This comes together with the other benefits mentioned: Head-Mounted Display and ergonomic working position.
Robotic systems will help the surgeon to perform better surgery in difficult-to-reach areas, to reduce surgical morbidity, and to increase patient safety.
([1], p.15)
Short conclusion summary
Robotic systems are already regularly used in specialized centres for head and neck surgeries. For a wider range of use the systems on the market still need some improvements. Nevertheless, the authors point out that they strongly believe that robotic systems will have a major impact in head and neck surgery during the next 10 years.
Want to know more?
Follow the link to get more information and read the whole publication here: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/6/1398/html
Reference:
[1] Boehm, F.; Graesslin, R.; Theodoraki, M.-N.; Schild, L.; Greve, J.; Hoffmann, T.K.; Schuler, P.J. Current Advances in Robotics for Head and Neck Surgery – A Systematic Review. Cancer 2021, 13, 1398. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13061398