preview

Observation Of Surgical Equipment For Surgery

Better Essays

In Monday, Tuesday and Friday, the scheduled activities were the observation of surgical procedures in the Methodist’s MITIE center for advanced learning. These concerned the implementation of new surgical equipment: an automatic stapler device with a movable neck, a new tridimensional endoscope paired with live computerized tomography and upgraded daVinci surgical robot cauterizing tools from different biomedical equipment companies; and their evaluation by actual surgeons in a live animal and cadaver settings comparatively. These “primary evaluations” allow a more comprehensive approach to the results of biomedical research and assess the viability of a laboratory model in its translation to the medical world, in this case prototype …show more content…

The 3D endoscope prototype was an improvement on existing models to be used in a trial designed by a Ph.D. candidate, alongside 3D CT-generated images with the purpose of improving guidance for hepatic surgery. This pairing proved unnecessary, as the CT scan was more effective when used alone as expressed by the residents in surgery and surgeons that participated in the experiment, as the simultaneous use of both devices was counterintuitive and impractical.
The daVinci tools proved more effective, even as the program designed by the laboratory for the trials focused more on setup rather than actual use of the equipment. Even then, the surgeons had to lead with unexpected bleeding due to mechanical constrains that prevented the proper handling of tissues.
When such problems were addressed by the specialists, the researcher and the biomedical representatives summarily dismissed them in the three scenarios. In the case of the stapler the representatives focused instead in safety issues and the new movable neck, which only one surgeon managed to use, as per directed by the representatives, during the trials. The data from the endoscope trials was gathered by the researcher without consideration to the surgeons’ concerns, pending submission. The daVinci staff hailed the training as a success in spite of the problems that arose during the procedure.
Wednesday and Thursday mornings were spent in the ICU, following an Intensivist making rounds in the morning. This allows to

Get Access