Trumpf Medical Systems has launched the new ViKY assistance system, providing a consistently precise method of endoscope guiding, positioning and holding during laparascopic procedures.
In effect, ViKY becomes the surgeon’s third hand, and unlike other systems it is easy to set up and use and requires no floor space.
A compact and intelligent system, it is designed for use in urology, gynaecology and general surgery and has already proven its value in theatres throughout mainland Europe. Trumpf is now introducing it to the UK.
Currently, co-ordinating the movement of the endoscope with other laparascopic instruments during surgery is often a two person task. ViKY removes this need by putting direct and stable vision control in the lead surgeon’s own hands.
It allows the surgeon to co-ordinate optimally both endoscope and instrument performance, without any need for help. The surgical assistant is free to perform other tasks and the work space is therefore far less cramped.
ViKY even allows some procedures to be performed without the need for an assistant surgeon, which can be advantageous in an emergency or during a night shift with limited staff.
The solution also relieves the assistant surgeon from the tedious task of holding the endoscope in a fixed position for a long time. Fatigue often leads to the endoscope making contact with tissue. Lens cleaning is then required and the endoscope repositioned. A small interruption this may be, but any avoidable procedure does having a bearing on cost.
In contrast, the ViKY motorised control system keeps the endoscope still for as long as necessary, ensuring the quality of the endoscopic image is maintained.
The assistance system comprises a compact robotic unit and control that is mounted on the operating table’s rail system by way of an articulated arm. Adapters are available to interface with all standard endoscope optical systems and cameras and with uterine manipulators.
The surgeon fully controls the system using voice commands or foot control pedals. In this way, he or she can guide, position and hold instruments during the operation without additional help.
Frequently-used positions can be stored in memory and recalled and this can be done by as many as 50 different surgeons. This allows the benefits of ViKY to be shared but also personalised.
Weighing just 1.5kg, ViKY is easy to integrate into the operating environment and short set-up times make it possible to maintain surgical workflows. All components used close to the surgical site can be sterilised in the autoclave, eliminating the need for sterile drapes.
ViKY is available in three sizes to cover a broad range of uses from conventional multi-port laparoscopy to single-port interventions.
