Kunoor Jain Spangler
Duke University School of Medicine, USA
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Surgery Curr Res
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is an ever-changing field. Advances in technology and devices occur daily and having the opportunity to work with them is a benefit of working at a large academic center. One of the newer devices I am working with is a magnetic retractor made by Levita. This device is used for retraction in several settings including bariatric procedures, cholecystectomies, appendectomies and colectomies. Another new technology I am employing as needed is fluorescence imaging in cholecystectomies and in some bariatric procedures as well. In addition, I have enjoyed watching the robot redevelop time and time again and personally use it in several settings, including bariatric procedures and single incision cholecystectomies. A very interesting technology that is newly being employed in the surgical world is 3D printing. We have started developing models of human anatomy to teach students and residents proper technique for cholecystectomy and hernia repair using 3D printed ??tissues.? We have also started using the FlexDex surgical platform which is a surgeon controlled robotic platform that will theoretically provide the benefits of robotic surgery at a fraction of the cost. I enjoy working in an environment where we can design and redesign the equipment and technologies that we use every day. The fact that an idea born from a creative moment in the operating room can go on to become a device that improves patient safety and outcomes is an incredible feat that is truly inspirational.
