Limb replantation with two robots: a feasibility study in a pig model

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation
• Robotic surgery
• Transplantation medicine

Background:

• Limb replantation and transplantation are complex procedures requiring high surgical precision.
• Minimizing surgeon-induced errors, such as physiological tremor, is crucial for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of performing limb replantations and transplantations using telesurgery.
• To assess the impact of robotic assistance on surgical precision in limb surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A trans-humeral cross-section of a large white pig's thoracic limb was performed.
• The limb was subsequently replanted using two DaVinciS surgical robots (telemanipulators).
• Vascular permeability and tremor suppression were key parameters assessed.

Main Results:

• Successful vascular permeability was achieved post-replantation.
• The surgical robots effectively suppressed the operator's physiological tremor.
• The procedure demonstrated the potential for enhanced precision in limb surgeries.

Conclusions:

• Telesurgery is a feasible approach for limb replantation and transplantation.
• Robotic assistance in telesurgery can significantly improve operating gesture precision.
• This technology holds potential for advancing the management of limb surgeries.