Minimally invasive surgical procedures

Other minimally invasive surgical procedures include visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP), transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TUVP), transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA), and transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate (TUMT). ... 

Fichtinger G, DeWeese TL, Patriciu A et al (2002) System for robotically assisted prostate biopsy and therapy with intraoperative CT guidance. Acad Radiol 9 60-74 Geis WP, Kim HC, Brennan EJ Jr, McAfee PC, Wang Y (1996) Robotic arm enhancement to accommodate improved efficiency and decreased resource utilization in complex minimally invasive surgical procedures. Stud Health Technol Inform 29 471-481... 

Keywords Medical robot Minimally invasive Surgical robot Intervention Biopsy Ablation Percutaneous procedure... 

The growing demand for complex and minimally invasive surgical interventions is driving the search for ways to use computer-based information technology as a link between the preoperative plan and the tools utilized by the surgeon. Computers, used in conjunction with advanced surgical assist devices, will fundamentally alter the way that procedures are carried out in twenty-first century operating rooms. 

Future studies in this field should focus on better understanding the biology of NP cells, the functional interactions between IVD components, and the pathobiol-ogy of the IDD process in humans, so that early non-surgical interventions can be tested. Use of adult stem cells pre-differentiated under physiologically relevant conditions on 3D scaffolds prior to implantation by minimally invasive procedures may prove most advantageous. 

Against this backdrop, research into less invasive approaches to treat valvular disease has been intensified. In the surgical realm, minimally invasive techniques, with its attendant patient and procedural related limitations, have been tried with some success but traditional valvular operations still remain the norm. At the same time, great strides have been made in percutaneous approaches to treatment of valvular disease. Two valvular disease states in which percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty have had great success are in the treatment of pulmonic stenosis and mitral stenosis. 

To implant a BPB, a minimally invasive procedure is foUowecL The implantation procedure can be done in a clean Procedure Room, where the patienf s implant sites can be surgically cleansed and draped with sterile towels and covered with adherent sterile plastic drapes. The implant physician scrubs his/her forearms and hands, is gowned and gloved, and wears a cap and mask. 

---