Hydraulic actuator selection for a compliant surgical bone drill: A theoretical approach

A compliant bone drill provides advantages over conventional straight drills, because it allows surgical access via a minimally invasive approach. Hydropower allows the transfer of pressurized water with a compliant hose. The goal is to select the hydraulic actuator for this compliant bone drill by reviewing existing actuator principles. The...

In-vitro detection of small isolated cartilage defects: Intravascular ultrasound vs. optical coherence tomography

This experimental work focused on the sensor selection for the development of a needle-like instrument to treat small isolated cartilage defects with hydrogels. The aim was to identify the most accurate and sensitive imaging method to determine the location and size of defects compared to a gold standard (µCT). Only intravascular ultrasound...

Improving training of laparoscopic tissue manipulation skills using various visual force feedback types

Background Visual force feedback allows trainees to learn laparoscopic tissue manipulation skills. The aim of this experimental study was to find the most efficient visual force feedback method to acquire these skills. Retention and transfer validity to an untrained task were assessed. Methods Medical students without prior experience in...

What quantitative mechanical loading stimulates in vitro cultivation best?

Articular cartilage has limited regeneration capacities. One of the factors that appear to affect the in vitro cultivation of articular cartilage is mechanical stimulation. So far, no combination of parameters has been identified that offers the best results. The goal is to review the literature in search of the best available set of...

How valid are commercially available medical simulators?

Background: Since simulators offer important advantages, they are increasingly used in medical education and medical skills training that require physical actions. A wide variety of simulators have become commercially available. It is of high importance that evidence is provided that training on these simulators can actually improve clinical...