title: Manual accuracy in comparison with a miniature master slave device--preclinical evaluation for ear surgery.
abstract: Manual accuracy in microsurgery is reduced by tremor and limited access. A surgical approach through the middle ear also puts delicate structures at risk, while the surgeon is often working at an unergonomic position. At this point a micromanipulator could have a positive influence. A system was developed to measure "working accuracy", time and precision during manipulation in the middle ear. 10 ENT-surgeons simulated a perforation of the stapedial footplate on a modified 3D print of a human skull in a mock OR. Each trial was repeated more than 200 times aiming manually and using a micro-manipulator. Data of over 4000 measurements was tested and graphically processed. Work strain was evaluated with a questionnaire. Accuracy for manual and micromanipulator perforation revealed a small difference. Learning curves showed a stronger decrease both in deviation and time when the micromanipulator was used. Also a lower work strain was apparent. The micromanipulator has the potential as an aiding device in ear surgery.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital, ENT Department/Plastic Surgery, University of Leipzig.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Runge
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hofer
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dittrich
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Neumuth
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Strauss
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lüth
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Strauss
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013201:Stapes Surgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014584:User-Computer Interface