The International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery
New pre-clinical study about the application of RoboticScope® in cochlear implantation
Recently a new study about the application of RoboticScope® in cochlear implantation has been published in the International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery:
"Application of a new computer-assisted robotic visualization system in cochlear implantation" - Riepl R et al., 2021
With this short summary we want to present some of the most important and particularly noteworthy findings of this study.
Stated by the authors, exoscopes have been used more often in skull-base surgery, because their application could possibly result in faster surgery. When working with exoscopes it might not be necessary to make miscroscopic adjustments or to worry about passing instruments around the microscope.
Especially in the context of cochlear implantation, there is a need for systems which allow hands-free control, enable an ergonomic working condition and, of course, high-quality image resolution.
For these reasons, the application of RoboticScope® (in this case termed as "innovative hands-free exoscope") as a part of cochlear implantation seemed reasonable to the authors and this pre-clinical cadaver study was conducted. Two cochlear electrodes were inserted into formalin-fixed human temporal bones via round window approach.
During both procedures, the functions of RoboticScope® were tested and the following points, among others, were found out.
Working with RoboticScope® allows heads-up surgery as the position of the surgeon's head is independent from the focused structure in the mastoid cavity. Therefore, work is potentially more comfortable, like mentioned by the authors, as the surgeon can stay in a more natural and ergonomic position.
A distraction, for example, by people entering the operating room, is almost impossible.
Riepl R et al., 2021
Another benefit, reported in this publication, is the ability to work with both hands during the entire procedure since all important functions of the RoboticScope® can be selected completely hands-free with the lightest of head gestures. This means that hands and surgical instruments can remain on the patient which allows a continuous surgical workflow.
The eyepieces of the Head-Mounted Display in front the surgeon’s eyes enable an undistracted surgical workflow. “A distraction, for example, by people entering the operating room, is almost impossible.” (Riepl R et al., 2021)
Conclusion of the study
According to the authors conclusion, the RoboticScope® is declared as an innovative device which can be used as a supportive tool in conventional CI surgery. The use of the system is intuitive, but still requires a certain learning curve. Besides the performed cochlear implantation, the spectrum of application can be expanded to include all conventional ear procedures via retroauricular approach.
If you want to know more, read the whole publication here:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/rcs.2301
Reference
Riepl R, Greve J, Schild LR, Böhm F, Goldberg-Bockhorn E, Hoffmann TK, Schuler PJ. Application of a new computer-assisted robotic visualization system in cochlear implantation-Proof of concept. Int J Med Robot. 2021 Jun 10:e2301. doi: 10.1002/rcs.2301. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34111318.