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robotic assistive surgery.
Project director: Dr. Joseph Siu

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that has been aninvaluable tool for diagnosing abdominal pathology. It can be performed with manually operated graspers. It can also be performed with robotic surgical systems such as the daVinci™ Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical. The novel abilities of such systems in terms of precision and efficiency have recently received great attention.

However, the best methods for training surgeons in robotic laparoscopy have not been established. This problem is addressed with various research projects performed by our laboratory, and in conjunction with medical doctors from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. We have been able to identify several parameters that can be used to judge proficiency in robotic surgery.

In addition, we are in the process of developing feedback techniques to improve performance and a virtual reality training simulator. Our work is supported by funds from the Nebraska Research Initiative. Our ultimate goal is to develop an international certificate program for surgeons training in robotic laparoscopy administered here in Omaha.

Our new research scientist, Joseph Siu, PhD is heading the laboratory’s efforts toward this project. Dr. Joseph Siu has a BS degree in physical therapy from Kaoshiung Medican University, Taiwan ROC and a Ph.D in Motor Control and Biomechanics from University of Oregon. A multidisciplinary team of students is also contributing to the success of this research: Bernadette Brown-Clerk (Mechanical Engineering, BE), Dimitrios Katsavelis (Exercise Science, MS) and Irene H. Lee (Computer Science, MS). Several of our research results have been presented at these national conferences: the American Society of Biomechanics, the Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the IEEE Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics, and at the Medicine Meets Virtual Reality Conference.

In addition, some of the research outcomes are published in Surgical Endoscopy and other clinical journals. We are also participating in the Center for Advancement of Surgical Technology (CAST). CAST is a collaborative effort between UNO, UNMC, and the UNL to facilitate interaction and collaborative research between surgeons, physicians, life scientists, engineers, and computer scientists specifically interested in contributing to work on the advancement of surgical technology. Currently, this collaboration has resulted in several patent-pending technologies and work is continuing on other devices. Current CAST members are Dr. Dmitry Oleynikov (UNMC), Dr. Shane Farritor (UNL), Dr. Susan Hallbeck (UNL), Dr. Stephen Platt (UNL), Dr. Nick Stergiou (UNO), and administrator Marsha Morien (UNMC).