3D 4K exoscope in snore surgery simulation: pre-clinical experience

Area of Science:

• Surgical Technology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• 3D exoscopic technology is increasingly adopted in various surgical fields.
• Transoral Snore Surgery aims to address snoring and sleep apnea through minimally invasive approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial application of a 3D exoscopic system (VITOM® and Versacrane™) in a cadaver model for transoral Snore Surgery.
• To assess surgeon feedback on the usability and effectiveness of this technology in a simulated surgical environment.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen participants performed simulated transoral Snore Surgery tasks using the exoscopic system.
• Surgeons were categorized by age and experience, and completed a questionnaire on their experience with the technology.

Main Results:

• Younger surgeons exhibited longer mean zooming and focusing times compared to senior surgeons.
• Overall, 86% of participants rated the 3D exoscopic technology favorably.
• Procedural times were comparable between age groups, suggesting a learning curve associated with the technology.

Conclusions:

• The 3D exoscope is a valuable tool for transoral Snore Surgery, providing enhanced visualization and high-definition imaging.
• The technology facilitates greater staff involvement and offers significant educational potential.
• Further research may explore optimizing exoscope use for different surgeon experience levels.