Power of SUNY

UB Engineer Launches Software Modules for Robot-Assisted Surgery

Thenkurussi "Kesh" Kesavadas, PhD, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University at Buffalo, and Khurshid A. Guru, MD, director of robotic surgery at Roswell Park Cancer Institute  (RPCI), in May 2011 launched the first-of-its-kind procedure-specific software training modules for robot-assisted surgery. Through a combination of simulation and haptic technologies, the modules guide novice surgeons' hands through every step of four key robot-assisted surgical procedures, helping users to become proficient in these highly complex operations, increasing patient safety and improving surgical outcomes.

The new modules are available for four commonly performed minimally invasive, robot-assisted procedures: prostatectomy, removal of the prostate gland; hysterectomy, removal of the uterus; cystectomy, removal of the bladder; and complex extended lymph-node dissection.

The key to this hands-on surgical training platform is the use of interactive software that diligently records and replays the precise hand movements of world-renowned surgeons during minimally invasive surgeries.