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Comparative usability testing of conventional and single incision laparoscopic surgery devices
Bernadette McCrory1, Bethany R Lowndes, Chad A LaGrange
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 342 Nebraska Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0526, USA. bmccrory2@unl.edu
Human Factors
|July 9, 2013
Summary
Usability testing shows conventional laparoscopy is easier to use than laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) devices, though performance is similar. Further research is needed to improve LESS ergonomics for equivalent user experience.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Technology Evaluation
- Human Factors in Medicine
Background:
- Advancements in single-incision instrumentation have increased interest in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).
- Novel multichannel access devices for LESS require thorough investigation.
- User experience and comparative performance data for LESS devices are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct competitive usability testing comparing conventional laparoscopic and LESS devices.
- To assess the user experience of commercially available LESS devices against standard laparoscopic ports.
- To evaluate device performance based on task completion metrics and perceived ease of use.
Main Methods:
- A simulation test bed and standardized laparoscopic surgery task were utilized.
- User experience was assessed for three LESS devices and conventional laparoscopic ports.
- Key performance indicators included time on task, error rates, task success, and perceived ease of use.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in time on task, errors, or task success between LESS and conventional laparoscopy (p > .05).
- Recoverable errors were more frequent than unrecoverable errors across all devices.
- Conventional laparoscopy was perceived as significantly easier to use than LESS devices (p < .01).
Conclusions:
- Device performance for basic laparoscopic tasks is comparable between conventional laparoscopy and LESS.
- LESS devices demonstrated efficient aiming and grasping, comparable to conventional methods.
- Further research into human factors and ergonomics is crucial for refining LESS technologies to match conventional laparoscopy's user experience.
