Robot assisted Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation: Improvements in navigation, re-location and coagulation.
Albert Hernansanz1, Johanna Parra2, Narcís Sayols1
1Research Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Catalonia, CREB-UPC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Simulation, Imaging and Modelling for Biomedical Systems (SIMBIOsys-UPF), Barcelona, Spain.
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
|January 6, 2024
Summary
A new teleoperated platform with cognitive control enhances safety and performance in Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation (FLC) for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. This robotic assistance improves surgical skills like navigation and coagulation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Robotics
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Fetal Surgery
Background:
- Fetoscopic Laser Coagulation (FLC) for Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is complex due to poor visualization and delicate surgical conditions.
- Surgeons require precise navigation, coagulation, and mental mapping of placental anastomoses, risking damage to fetal structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a teleoperated platform with cognitive-based control for assisting FLC procedures.
- To enhance patient safety and surgical performance in TTTS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Development of a teleoperated platform with cognitive control for fetoscope navigation, target re-location, and coagulation.
- Comparative study in dry lab conditions assessing manual versus teleoperated FLC skills (navigation, coagulation, re-location).
- Analysis using metrics: economy of movement, time, accuracy, placental surface coagulated, and puncture risk.
Main Results:
- The teleoperated platform demonstrated noticeable improvements across all evaluated metrics compared to manual operation.
- Enhanced precision in fetoscope navigation and laser coagulation was observed.
- Reduced execution time and improved economy of movement were key findings.
Conclusions:
- The developed teleoperated platform with cognitive control effectively assists surgeons in FLC procedures for TTTS.
- This technology shows significant potential to improve safety and outcomes in fetal surgery.
- Robotic assistance can overcome limitations of traditional fetoscopic interventions.
