A Robotic Camera Holder Controlled by Head Movements: Exploring This New Robot-Surgeon Interface.

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Robotics
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Robotic camera steering devices (RCSDs) can increase surgeon workload.
• Current evidence suggests RCSDs are safe for standard laparoscopic surgery when performed solo.
• No data exists on RCSD use in unexpected or emergency laparoscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare surgeon performance using an RCSD controlled by head movements versus a human camera assistant during standard and unexpected laparoscopic tasks.
• To evaluate efficiency and performance metrics in simulated surgical scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Forty-five medical students without prior minimal invasive surgery experience were randomized into two groups.
• Participants performed standard and unexpected laparoscopic tasks on box trainers.
• One group used an RCSD controlled by head movements; the other was assisted by a human camera assistant.

Main Results:

• Performance was equivalent for simulated standard procedures between the RCSD and human assistant groups.
• Simulated exploratory procedures showed significantly better performance with a human assistant compared to the RCSD group.
• Longer camera-adjusting times were observed in the RCSD group during complex tasks (PEG and suture tasks).

Conclusions:

• Head-controlled RCSDs appear safe for solo performance of standard laparoscopic tasks.
• Human camera assistants are recommended for exploratory procedures with complication potential or those requiring rapid, complex camera movements.
• RCSD use may increase operative time in complex scenarios due to camera control challenges.