Introduction: The trend towards minimally invasive procedures has progressed rapidly over the past several decades. Novel techniques and new technologies are constantly being introduced to perform increasingly complex procedures through very limited incisions. Utilization of an ostomy site for laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been described. We performed a cholecystectomy and ileorectal anastamosis (IRA) through an […]
Background: This group has previously reported work on a cart-based AV system for communication to the OR using the internet. This technology has been transformed into wearable technology to enable a less restrictive interface between the operating surgeon and mentor.Objective: To develop a mobile system using wearable technology that enables a mentor surgeon to communicate […]
ObjectiveTo develop a virtual Reality (VR) simulator to teach the various mechanisms through which injury can occur when using electrosurgery during minimally invasive surgery. Description and MethodsInadvertent thermal injuries do occasionally occur when using electrosurgical devices. The 3 main mechanisms responsible are insulation failure, direct coupling and capacitive coupling. A force feedback enabled VR simulator […]
OBJECTIVE: Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is an emerging new technique for treatment of achalasia. Here we describe the results of our early clinical experience with POEM. DESCRIPTION: Five patients (3 female, 2 male; age 30-73, mean 53) with manometry proven achalasia were enrolled in our IRB approved study and underwent POEM between June and October […]
OBJECTIVEThe cultural desire to avoid cervical incisions has motivated surgeons to develop alternative approaches to thyroid surgery. The most common technique employs an axillary incision and subcutaneous tunneling for resection of the thyroid. This access is more challenging in the obese patient, limiting the patients who are candidates for minimally invasive thyroid surgery. Further, traditional […]