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Abstract:
Objective: To introduce a new telesurgical concept and system, we describe the TELELAP Alf-X system and report the results of the preliminary laboratory experiments on dry lab skill exercises.
Methods: The TELELAP Alf-X system offers a novel approach to remotely operated 3-dimension endoscopy by adding haptic sensation, an eye-tracking system, and a high degree of configuration versatility. The Alf-X system consists of a remote control unit, manipulator arms, connection node, and reusable endoscopic instruments. To test the hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, depth of field, and ability to make optimal sutures and knots, the Alf-X system was used in a laparoscopic trainer utilizing specific tools by a single surgeon (SG) who repeated three different exercises ten times. The time and accuracy of the exercises were recorded.
Results: By using the TELELAP Alf-X system, the surgeon was able to work repeatedly and to perform all the exercises scheduled. In all exercises, the best results were achieved after the first five cases.
Conclusion: The TELELAP Alf-X system shows excellent stability, easy-to-use interface, and ability to perform essential endoscopic skills. Further experimentation, especially in live tissue, could identify the role of this new technology for the surgical repertoire.
Authors:
Stefano Gidaro, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgical Science
"G.D'Annunzio" University School of Medicine, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
Maurizio Buscarini, Associate Professor, Department of Urology
Campus Biomedico, University School of Medicine, Roma, Italy
Emilio Ruiz, ALF-X Surgical Robotics Department, SOFAR S.p.A., Milan, Italy Michael Stark, The New European Surgical Academy, Berlin, Germany, Anna Labruzzo, Eng., Head of Alf-X Surgical Robotics, Department, SOFAR SpA., Milan, Italy
PMID: 23225591
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