RoboticScope-Assisted Microanastomosis in a Chicken Leg Model

Background  Many recent studies show that exoscopes are safe and effective alternatives to operating microscopes (OM). Developments of robotics and automation are present in neurosurgery with the appearance of a newer device such as RoboticScope (RS) exoscope with a digital three-dimensional (3D) image and a head-mounted display. The body of the RS is connected to a six-axis robotic arm that contains two video cameras, and serves as stereovision. This robotic arm allows accurate 3D camera motions over the field of view, giving the user a great degree of freedom in viewpoint selection. The surgeons may specify the direction and speed of the robotic arm using simple head movements when the foot pedal is pressed. Since its development in 2020, the RS has occasionally been used in neurosurgery for a multitude of procedures. Methods  This study showcases vessel microanastomosis training on chicken legs using the RS. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of the RS without a comparative analysis of the standard OM. The study was conducted in 2023 during a month-long trial period of the device at the Department of Neurosurgery of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. All procedures including RS-assisted anastomosis were performed by a neurosurgeon in anastomosis training (A.A.) supervised by a senior vascular neurosurgeon (E.B.). For the purpose of the study, we evaluated occlusion time in minutes, bypass patency with iodine, and overall satisfaction of the trainee in terms of light intensity, precision of automatic focus, mobility of the device, ergonomics, and convenience of the helmet. Results  Ten RS-assisted microanastomoses were performed by interrupted suturing technique with 10.0 nylon thread. Bypass training included seven "end-to-side," two "end-to-end," and one "side-to-side" microanastomoses. The smallest vessel diameter was 1 mm. Occlusion time improved by training from 50 to 24 minutes, with contrast patency of the anastomoses in all cases without notable leakage of the contrast, except one case. Complete satisfaction of the trainee was achieved in 7 out of 10 cases. During this period, we also performed different RS-assisted surgeries including a single indirect bypass, convexity brain tumor resection, and microdiscectomies. Conclusion  RS provides a new concept for microanastomosis training as an alternative or adjunct to the standard microscope. We found a full-time hands-on microsuturing without the need for manual readjustment of the device as an advantage as well as instant depth at automatic zooming and precise transposition of the focus via head movements. However, it takes time to adapt and get used to the digital image. With the evolution of the device helmet's shortcomings, the RS could represent a cutting-edge method in vessel microanastomosis in the future. Nevertheless, this article represents one of the first written reports on microanastomosis training on an animal model with the above-mentioned device.