David Mintz

Comparison of Three High-End Endoscopic Visualization Systems on Telesurgical Performance

Previous studies and surgeon interviews have shown that most surgeons prefer quality standard definition (SD)TV 2D scopes to first generation 3D endoscopes. The use of a telesurgical system has eased many of the design constraints on traditional endoscopes, enabling the design of a high quality SDTV 3D endoscope and an HDTV endoscopic system with outstanding resolution. The purpose of this study was to examine surgeon performance and preference given the choice between these. The study involved two perceptual tasks and four visual-motor tasks using a telesurgical system using the 2D HDTV endoscope and the SDTV endoscope in both 2D and 3D mode. The use of a telesurgical system enabled recording of all the subjects motions for later analysis. Contrary to experience with early 3D scopes and SDTV 2D scopes, this study showed that despite the superior resolution of the HDTV system surgeons performed better with and preferred the SDTV 3D scope.

Einfluss unterschiedlicher optischer Systeme auf die Arbeit an einem Computerunterstützten Telemanipulator

Objective: Aim of this study was to compare the impact of different viewing conditions (2D-NTSC, 3D-NTSC, 2D-HDTV) on telemanipulator performance. Methods: 15 surgeons with endoscopic experience performed six endoscopic tasks at different levels of perceptual and motor skill using the intuitive telemanipulator. Performance time and errors were measured. The encoder data of the telemanipulation system were used for a kinematic analysis of motion. A standardized interview was performed. Results: Resolution was significantly better with the HDTV system. Relative estimate of distance was not influenced by the different visualization systems. Tasks requiring motor skill were performed faster and with less errors in 3D mode. For both 2D settings the deceleration phase of motion was significantly prolonged and the peak velocity reduced. The majority of subjects were in favor of the 3D system. Conclusion: A true 3D system enhances telemanipulator performance as compared to a 2D system at the same or higher level of resolution.