Jason Y K Chan1, Iris Leung1, David Navarro-Alarcon2, Weiyang Lin2, Peng Li2, Dennis L Y Lee3, Yun-hui Liu2, Michael C F Tong1. 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT. 2. Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT. 3. Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, United Christian Hospital, Kowloon East Cluster, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the feasibility of a unique prototype foot-controlled robotic-enabled endoscope holder (FREE) in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. METHODS: Using human cadavers, we investigated the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of the robotic endoscope holder in performing endoscopic sinus surgery with two hands in five cadaver heads, mimicking a single nostril three-handed technique. RESULTS: The FREE robot is relatively easy to use. Setup was quick, taking less than 3 minutes from docking the robot at the head of the bed to visualizing the middle meatus. The unit is also relatively small, takes up little space, and currently has four degrees of freedom. The learning curve for using the foot control was short. The use of both hands was not hindered by the presence of the endoscope in the nasal cavity. The tremor filtration also aided in the smooth movement of the endoscope, with minimal collisions. CONCLUSION: The FREE endoscope holder in an ex-vivo cadaver test corroborated the feasibility of the robotic prototype, which allows for a two-handed approach to surgery equal to a single nostril three-handed technique without the holder that may reduce operating time. Further studies will be needed to evaluate its safety profile and use in other areas of endoscopic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 126:566-569, 2016.
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the feasibility of a unique prototype foot-controlled robotic-enabled endoscope holder (FREE) in functional endoscopic sinus surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric study. METHODS: Using human cadavers, we investigated the feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages of the robotic endoscope holder in performing endoscopic sinus surgery with two hands in five cadaver heads, mimicking a single nostril three-handed technique. RESULTS: The FREE robot is relatively easy to use. Setup was quick, taking less than 3 minutes from docking the robot at the head of the bed to visualizing the middle meatus. The unit is also relatively small, takes up little space, and currently has four degrees of freedom. The learning curve for using the foot control was short. The use of both hands was not hindered by the presence of the endoscope in the nasal cavity. The tremor filtration also aided in the smooth movement of the endoscope, with minimal collisions. CONCLUSION: The FREE endoscope holder in an ex-vivo cadaver test corroborated the feasibility of the robotic prototype, which allows for a two-handed approach to surgery equal to a single nostril three-handed technique without the holder that may reduce operating time. Further studies will be needed to evaluate its safety profile and use in other areas of endoscopic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 126:566-569, 2016.
Authors: M Alicandri-Ciufelli; D Marchioni; G Pavesi; F Canzano; A Feletti; L Presutti Journal: Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital Date: 2018-04 Impact factor: 2.124