A Smart Force-Limiting Instrument for Microsurgery: Laboratory and In Vivo Validation
Published in: PLOS One
Authors: Hani J. Marcus; Christopher J. Payne; Ahilan Kailaya-Vasa; Sara Griffiths; James Clark; Guang-Zhong Yang; Ara Darzi; Dipankar Nandi
Year: 2016
Publication details: 11(9):e0162232
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162232
Publication type: Journal article
Topic: Microsurgery, surgical innovation, force-limiting instruments, surgical training, patient safety
Simple summary
This paper explores a surgical instrument designed to help reduce excessive force during microsurgery. It is useful for content about precision, surgical training and innovation aimed at protecting delicate tissues during complex operations.
Mr Kailaya-Vasan’s involvement
Mr Kailaya-Vasan, consultant neurosurgeon and neurovascular surgeon, is listed as a contributing author on this publication.
Published abstract
The following abstract is reproduced from the original publication and is provided for reference. It may include technical terminology intended for clinical or academic audiences.
Residents are required to learn many skills during microsurgical training, including the careful application of force when handling delicate tissue. This study validated a force-limiting instrument that indicates when a force threshold is exceeded using vibrotactile feedback. A laboratory and in vivo experiment evaluated forces exerted and OSATS scores. Novices using the force-limiting instrument exerted significantly lower maximal forces than those using a standard instrument, and in vivo use also reduced maximal forces without significantly impeding surgical workflow. The authors concluded that development and use of this instrument in a clinical setting may improve patient safety.
Disclaimer
This publication page is provided for general information about Mr Kailaya-Vasan’s academic work. It is not medical advice and should not be used to guide individual diagnosis or treatment decisions. Patients should discuss their individual symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options with a specialist.