Developing an Optical Microlever for Stable and Unsupported Force Amplification

Optical micromachines have the potential to improve the capabilities of optical tweezers by amplifying forces and allowing for indirect handling and probing of specimens. However, systematic design and testing of micromachine performance is still an emerging field. In this work we have designed and tested an unsupported microlever, suitable for...

The Compressiometer: Towards a new skin tensiometer for research and surgical planning

After surgery, around 35% of patients experience problems of excessive scarring, causing disfiguring and impaired function. An incision placed in the wrong direction causes unnecessary skin tension on the wound, resulting in increased collagen disposition and potentially hypertrophic scars. Currently, skin tension lines are used for incision...

Haptic guidance on demand: A grip-force based scheduling of guidance forces

In haptic shared control systems (HSC), a fixed strength of guidance force equates to a fixed level of control authority, which can be insufficient for complex tasks. An adaptable control authority based on operator input can allow the HSC system to better assist the operator under varied conditions. In this paper, we experimentally...

Force-based learning curve tracking in fundamental laparoscopic skills training

Background: Within minimally invasive surgery (MIS), structural implementation of courses and structured assessment of skills are challenged by availability of trainers, time, and money. We aimed to establish and validate an objective measurement tool for preclinical skills acquisition in a basic laparoscopic at-home training program. Methods...

The videolaryngoscope is less traumatic than the classic laryngoscope for a difficult airway in an obese patient

This report describes the anesthetic management of an obese patient with a difficult airway and the merits of videolaryngoscopy, specifically in terms of the reduced risk of dental damage during intubation. A 49-year-old woman (body mass index; BMI, 36 kg·m?2), was scheduled to undergo an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy because of...