The ArtiSential® Wristed Instruments: Surgeon-Powered Robotics

This video demonstrates a left VATS diaphragm plication using the ArtiSential® wristed instruments. These instruments allow for robotic-like movements with instruments for VATS procedures. The author used an automated camera holder, which allows the surgeon to control the camera, negating the need for an assistant, and again replicating one of the benefits of robotic surgery. The surgeon is in control of their own camera and uses robotic-like instruments that are powered by the surgeon rather than by electronics, so this method is called surgeon-powered robotics. The disadvantage is that the instruments still move like VATS instruments so VATS skills are necessary, but apart from the cost advantage over robotic surgery, the surgeon is also with the patient, and in operations such as a lobectomy, the surgeon would be able to fire the stapler or be there in case of emergency. Thus these instruments take a great leap in reducing the gap between VATS and robotic surgery.  

Disclaimer

Joel Dunning received consulting fees for ArtiSential® in the development of these instruments for thoracic surgery and was provided these instruments free of charge.

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