Endoscopes
The motto of the company is think laparoscopic, operate robotically. So some of the components used in Versius robotic surgery might be used in conventional endoscopic surgery. This is particularly true for the endoscopes.
The Versius system incorporates a conventional rigid optic endoscope sourced from a third party, Richard Wolf (Knittlingen, Germany), renowned globally for its solutions in endoscopy. The Wolf panoview 3D HD endoscope is a dual 10mm rigid instrument measuring approximately 30cm in length, offering options for 0º and 30º views. This endoscope can be used for conventional endoscopic/laparoscopic surgery and Versius surgery. However, for the latter application, the system necessitates an external light source, including a light cable, in addition to the robotic components.
The camera head is specifically designed to be held by the camera/endoscope module. It receives signals from both the right and left endoscopes and processes them into digital signals for subsequent use. With the exception of the arm tip and connections, the camera module shares a similar appearance with the instrument modules. However, it is important to note that these modules are not interchangeable.
This solution prompts several considerations. The historical shift from analog to digital image acquisition is evident and logical. For instance, earlier iterations of the da Vinci system employed optic endoscopes but transitioned to videoendoscopes, which possess a camera chip located at the endoscope’s tip, enabling direct digital image acquisition. This transition offers multiple advantages, including lighter and more durable endoscopes, as well as expanded possibilities for image processing. Another important advantage is that the endoscope can be flexible. This is not used in the da Vinci multiport system, but it is critical for the design of the da Vinci Single Port (SP). While the optic endoscope may seem like a regression compared to current robotic surgery technology, it may find relevance during the transitional period from conventional laparoscopic surgery to remote robotic surgery. Undoubtedly, it remains a valid solution for the majority of contemporary endoscopic procedures. However, when considering transoral surgery, it is worth exploring the direction set by the Medrobotics Flex vision solution.
More on the Versius Surgical System. Next.
J Granell. May 27, 2023
Notice. The Versius Surgical System has not the CE mark for Head and Neck Surgery