The MicroSure system allows surgeons to operate the robot remotely with great precision. (Image credit MicroSure)
Lymphedema- a condition that affects many, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system most commonly caused by cancer treatments or parasitic infections. While there are several treatments to cure the condition, none are more effective than localized surgery. The problem with that, is there are only a handful of surgeons capable of performing the procedure, which is difficult to do as it requires suturing tiny blood vessels of 0.3 to 0.8 in diameter.
New advancements in robotic surgery may make the difficult procedure a thing of the past as surgeons from the Maastricht University Medical Center were able to successfully perform the first super micro-surgical operation to treat lymphedema using what they call ‘robot hands.’ News of this accomplishment was announced at the 26th World Congress of Lymphology, in Barcelona held last month in September.
The robotic hands, known as the MicroSure system functions by converting the motions of the surgeon's hands into more localized, stable and non-trembling movements, allowing for a greater precision of dexterity. According to Maastricht UMC plastic surgeon Shan Shan Qiu Shao, “Microsure enables us to be very precise in our movements during procedures that need a surgical microscope. Their robot allows us to operate on minuscule lymph vessels and blood vessels with more ease while getting better results for these complex and fatiguing interventions.”
The MicroSure Stabilizer System stabilizes the doctors hand movements for more efficient microsurgery. (Image credit MicroSure)
To demonstrate the effectiveness of the robotic system, surgeons were able to suture tiny lymphatic vessels to nearby veins in a patient’s (who is doing quite well) arm that has been afflicted by lymphedema swelling. Raimondo Cau, the technical brain of Microsure is very excited how well his platform functioned, stating, “We are very pleased and proud that the first intervention using our robot has been a success, and that the surgeons are enthusiastic. This proves that our technology is a key breakthrough in improving surgical care.”
Cau plans to continue the development of the MicroSure system and hopes to aid surgeons with other types of complex microsurgeries, including tissue reconstruction and the removal of tumors and cancerous tissues. This will ultimately lead to increased precision and fewer complications along with lowered healthcare costs due to less post-operative treatments and aftercare.
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