Steering and Harvesting Technology for Minimally Invasive Biopsy

Contemporary medical imaging technologies, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, play a pivotal role in medical diagnosis, allowing for a relatively fast and non-invasive examination of the human body. In the field of cancer surgery they allow for preoperative detection of tumorous tissue and aid the surgical planning....

Force-based assessment of tissue handling skills

In laparoscopic surgery, special instruments with long and slender shafts are inserted through small incisions in the abdominal wall. A laparoscope is used for a clear vision inside the inflated abdominal cavity while laparoscopic graspers and cutters are used for manipulation of tissue. The use of long instruments makes it difficult to “feel”...

Towards safer laparoscopic surgery: Training and assessment of surgical skills and equipment handling

The objective of this thesis is to improve laparoscopic surgical skills training and assessment with an emphasis on equipment-related safety and competence. A comparison was made between a hospital and a petrochemical company and showed that employees at the petrochemical company were trained and certified in equipment handling much more...

Improving patient safety in image-based procedures: Bridging the gap between preferred and actual proficiency

For patients less invasive image-based procedures (IBP) such as laparoscopy have many benefits in comparison to traditional open surgery, such as less pain, faster recovery, and fewer scars. However, to perform IBP effectively, efficiently, and above all safely, the surgical team is highly dependent on technology. The interaction with the...

Ergonomics in the operating room: transition from open to image-based surgery

At several specializations, more often minimal invasive procedures are performed instead of open surgery. Laparoscopy is a minimal invasive technique, which is carried out in the abdominal cavity. In spite of the fact that surgical principles are the same for open and laparoscopic procedures, laparoscopy has changed the way of interaction...