Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is an effective, minimally invasive procedure used to
For the operation, you need to create access from the skin toback to the kidney, this is an important but difficult step in the PCNL procedure. If access to the kidney is not done correctly, it can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding, damage to the chest and intestines, or even sepsis.
Therefore, it takes years of training and practice to perform the procedure effectively. There are two main methods to gain access to the kidneys — using fluoroscopy and ultrasound.
The team conducted a randomized, singlea blind controlled study that used their robotic fluoroscopy method to perform this procedure. It was the first human study and the first clinical application of the technology.
The single puncture success rate was ~34 and 50% in the two study groups. Also, the duration of the puncture was significantly shorter. The number of needle punctures decreased by 0.73 times.
In the conclusion, the authors stated that their device simplifies the procedure and facilitates the work of doctors. They noted that this method could pave the way for the automation of similar operations.
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