Introduction of argon beam coagulation functionality to robotic procedures using the ABC D-Flex Probe: equivalency to an existing laparoscopic instrument

摘要

Introduction: The ABC D-Flex Probe utilizes argon beam coagulation (ABC) technology to achieve hemostasis during minimally invasive surgery. A handle on the probe allows for integration with robotic surgical systems and introduces ABC to the robotic toolbox. To better understand the utility of D-Flex, this study compares the performance of the D-Flex probe to an existing ABC Laparoscopic Probe through ex-vivo tissue analysis. METHODS: Comparisons were performed to determine the effect of four parameters: ABC device, tissue type, activation duration, and distance from tissue. 10 ABC D-Flex probes were used to create 30 burn samples for each comparison. Ex-vivo bovine liver and porcine muscle were used as tissue models. The area and depth of each burn was measured using a light microscope. The resulting dimensional data was used to correlate tissue effect with each variable. RESULTS: D-Flex created burns which were smaller in surface area than the Laparoscopic probe at all power levels. Additionally, D-Flex achieved thermal penetration levels equivalent to the Laparoscopic probe. CONCLUSION: D-Flex implements a small 7F geometry which creates a more focused beam. When used with robotic precision, quick localized superficial hemostasis can be achieved with minimal collateral damage. Additionally, D-Flex achieved equivalent thermal penetration levels at lower power and argon flow-rate settings than the Laparoscopic probe.