Video-Assisted Telescope Operating Monitor 3D System in Microsurgical Varicocelectomy: A Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION: Video-assisted telescope operating monitor (VITOM®) with 3D Visualization technology was developed and has been used with favorable results by several surgical specialties. Our study aims to be a preliminary report for initial experience using the VITOM® 3D system for microsurgical varicocelectomy on varicocele patients. METHODS: We performed 35 microsurgical varicocelectomy procedures using the VITOM® 3D system on varying types and grades of varicoceles. The surgeon had the option of using either a 2.5 or 3.5 magnifying loupe in addition to the exoscope for each operation evaluated. The exoscope is a standalone camera head with an integrated 3D telescope and remote control with zoom and focus functions. It is connected to the 3D monitor via a mechanical holding arm. During the procedure, surgeons, assistants, and observers were able to view the 3D high-definition stream displayed on a 26-inch 3D monitor at a convenient viewing angle and distance. The varicocele ligation was performed using a Carl Zeiss Meditec AG microscope. RESULTS: There were 35 patients with varicocele aged 31.51 years old on average, which were included in this report. Most patients had grade 3 bilateral varicocele (n = 13, 37.1%). All procedures were performed without any intraoperative complications. After the procedures, only a few patients suffered from postoperative complications. Three patients suffered scrotal edema (8.6%), while another had hydrocele (2.9%). The postoperative pain results were also very minimal from .89 1 day after the operation to .26 3 days after the operation. CONCLUSION: The VITOM® 3D system showed promise in microsurgical varicocelectomy.

Comparison of the C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope and direct laryngoscope in pediatric patients: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal intubation is a key skill for clinicians and may be challenging in some patients due to various reasons. Nowadays, various kinds of videolaryngoscopes are available and usually used as a rescue device when direct laryngoscopy failed. Pediatric airway has some differences when compared with adults and may be challenging. This study aims to compare and evaluate C Mac D-Blade and commonly used Macintosh laryngoscope in pediatric patients. METHODS: In this study, 56 pediatric patients, 5-10 years old (10-40 kgs) who had undergone elective surgery and need endotracheal intubation were included after obtaining ethical board approval and informed consent from parents. The patients were randomized into two equal groups for laryngoscopy and intubation by either with Macintosh laryngoscope or C Mac D-Blade videolaryngoscope. Glottic view, number of attempts, intubation time, any complications and hemodynamic variables were recorded. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In pediatric patients with unanticipated difficult airway, the mean intubation time was significantly shorter with C Mac D-Blade (21±9 and 41±7 seconds, respectively (p<0.001). The results of the two groups were similar concerning the remaining parameters. CONCLUSION: C Mac D-Blade videolaryngoscope shortened intubation time about twice when compared to Macintosh blade C Mac D-Blade videolaryngoscope, Videolaryngoscopes may be a good alternative for routine intubation, education and a rescue device for difficult intubation.

Adding Flexible Instrumentation to a Curved Videolaryngoscope: A Novel Tool for Laryngeal Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Transoral surgery of the larynx with rigid instruments is not always possible. This may result in insufficient therapy or in an increased need for open surgery. For these patients, alternative surgical systems are needed. Here, we demonstrate a curved prototype for laryngeal surgery equipped with flexible instruments. STUDY DESIGN: Pre-clinical user study in an ex vivo porcine laryngeal model. METHODS: The prototype was built from established medical devices, namely a hyperangulated videolaryngoscope and modified flexible instruments as well as three-dimensional printed parts. Feasibility of laryngeal manipulation was evaluated in a user study (n = 19) with a porcine ex vivo laryngeal model. Using three different visualization technologies, the participants performed various fine motor skills tasks and rated the usability of the system on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Exposure, accessibility, and manipulation of important laryngeal structures were always possible using the new prototype. The participants needed considerably less time (mean, 96.4 seconds ± 6.4 seconds vs. 111.5 seconds ± 4.5 seconds, P = .18), reported significantly better general impression (mean score 3.0 vs. 3.8, P = .041) and significantly lower user head and neck strain (2.6 vs. 1.7, P = .022) using a 40-inch television screen as compared to a standard videolaryngoscope monitor. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that our curved prototype and large monitor visualization may provide a cost-effective minimally invasive alternative for difficult laryngeal exposure. Its special advantages include avoiding the need for a straight line of sight and a simple and cost-effective construction. The system could be further improved through advances in camera chip technology and smaller instruments. Laryngoscope, 131:E561-E568, 2021.

Office-Based Lower Airway Endoscopy: Feasibility and Safety.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to identify the ease and safety of office-based lower airway endoscopy (OLAE) in patients with and without comorbidities. In addition, we identified the most common indications for OLAE and the associated diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective review on 567 patients and 706 in-office flexible fiberoptic procedures was performed. Using a previously established grading system, the ease of visualization of the subglottis, trachea, and carina was assessed, in addition to the overall ease of the exam. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-eight videos were available for review. Of those, 105 videos included an OLAE, accounting for 21.5% of all procedures. Laryngomalacia was the most common diagnosis in 35 of 105 (36%) OLAE. For all laryngomalacia cases, the overall ease was found to be on average 2.15 (standard error 0.12). Fisher exact testing showed a statistical significance in the ability to visualize the trachea between the types of Laryngomalacia (LM) (P = .035). Fisher exact testing was performed comparing LM types I, II, or III, and combined types of LM; no statistical difference was found between groups. In 4.76% of OLAE procedures, a subglottic pathology was diagnosed. Comorbidities were found in OLAE 26 of 105 patients. There were no complications identified. CONCLUSION: We found OLAE more challenging than previously reported. OLAE of combined types of laryngomalacia was subjectively more difficult, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. OLAE continues to be a safe alternative to operative laryngoscopy in pediatric patients and appears safe in those with comorbidities when precautions are taken. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 131:E649-E652, 2021.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy for submucosal type 2 fibroids with cold enucleation technique and complete fibroid extraction using a double-lumen intracervical cannula.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new double-lumen intracervical cannula designed to allow a single-step hysteroscopic myomectomy with nonfragmented complete fibroid extraction after cold enucleation of submucosal type 2 fibroids, avoiding complications related to the use of energy and hypo-osmolar solutions. DESIGN: Video article depicting the use of a new double-lumen intracervical cannula for single-step hysteroscopic cold myomectomy, according to our institutional care guidelines and after obtaining the patient's informed consent. (The publication of this video has been authorized by the Institutional Ethics Committee of CES University in Medellín, Colombia.) SETTING(S): Private infertility clinic. PATIENT(S): A 45-year-old woman with abnormal uterine bleeding consisting of polymenorrhea and hypermenorrhea, nonresponsive to medical treatment, caused by three type 2 (FIGO leiomyoma subclassification system) submucosal fibroids of 17, 15, and 13 mm with more than 80% of intramyometrial component. INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopic enucleation of three submucosal fibroids performed by blunt dissection using the 30° Bettocchi hysteroscope's bevel under continuous observation of the avascular subcapsular plane of the fibroids. Once full enucleation was attained, cervical dilatation to 12 mm with Hegar plugs was performed followed by intracervical placement of a newly designed double-lumen intracervical cannula that allows the concomitant introduction of the Bettocchi diagnostic hysteroscope and a 5-mm laparoscopic tenaculum into the uterine cavity for complete nonfragmented fibroid extraction under direct visualization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Complete and unfragmented fibroid extraction in a single intervention, absence of surgical complications, and postoperative course. RESULT(S): Ambulatory hysteroscopic myomectomy of three submucosal type 2 fibroids was successfully performed by blunt enucleation and complete nonfragmented fibroid extraction using the double-lumen intracervical cannula. The total operative time was 32 minutes, and the total amount of distension media (normal saline) used was 800 mL with a liquid balance of 50 mL. No surgical or anesthesia-related complications occurred. In the postsurgical evaluation, the patient classified her pain as minimal, giving it a score of 1 on a pain scale of 1 to 5 (in which 1 is the lowest and 5 the highest pain perception). When asked about the level of satisfaction with the surgical procedure, the patient reported the highest degree of satisfaction with a score of 5 on a satisfaction scale of 1 to 5 (in which 1 is the lowest and 5 the highest satisfaction). The patient reported having postsurgical regular menstrual cycles every 28 days and 3 bleeding days without hypermenorrhea. CONCLUSION(S): An efficient hysteroscopic myomectomy of submucosal type 2 fibroids with deep intramyometrial component can be performed with complete and nonfragmented fibroid extraction in a single intervention by using a newly designed double-lumen intracervical cannula. This technique allows the completion of the surgery without the need of a resectoscope, electrosurgery, or hypo-osmolar uterine distension media, thus avoiding potential complications such as thermal-induced myometrial injury and hyponatremia; a second surgical intervention will not be required because the fibroid enucleation is complete. The procedure can be performed with the use of a diagnostic hysteroscope that is widely available in gynecologic practices. (Acknowledgment: The authors thank Dr. David Olive for the invaluable help and guidance with this surgical technique and video article.).

Videoscope-Assisted Cleft Palate Surgery: Rationale, Experience, and Technical Implementation.

Limited visibility characteristic of cleft palate repair presents both ergonomic and educational challenges to cleft surgeons. Despite widespread recognition and reporting, posture-related spine disorders continue to represent a significant and potentially career-limiting problem for cleft/craniofacial surgeons. In addition, education and participation during palate repairs is difficult because of visual field constraints. At the authors' institution, a novel videoscope system was designed and implemented to (1) provide visualization for all surgical team members during palate operations, (2) facilitate active resident education, and (3) improve surgeon ergonomics. The authors' prior report demonstrated proof of concept for this method, which is now used in all cleft palate operations at their center. The purpose of this report is to share the detailed methodology to facilitate implementation by others and a retrospective review of the authors' experience before and after implementation. Video demonstration of the videoscope setup and a representative, recorded case are provided. The use of the videoscope was feasible in palatoplasties regardless of palatal phenotype and repair technique and did not have an effect on operative time. Subjectively, the authors report reduced procedure time in cervical flexion and subjectively improved musculoskeletal strain associated with videoscope use. Importantly, use of this system also provided complete visualization for all operating room team members and enabled enhanced resident autonomy during palate operations. Finally, it has facilitated the creation and archive of high-definition educational videos with unparalleled perspective. The equipment required to implement the system is likely already available in many medical centers. Adoption of this system may provide an opportunity to improve posture and teaching capabilities for cleft surgeons. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Therapeutic, III.

Changing the view: Video versus direct laryngoscopy for intubation in the pediatric emergency department.

The aim of this study was to compare the success of first-attempt tracheal intubation in pediatric patients >1-year old performed using video versus direct laryngoscopy and compare the frequency of tracheal intubation-associated events and desaturation among these patients.Prospective observational cohort study conducted in an Academic pediatric tertiary emergency department. We compared 50 children intubated with Mcgrath Mac video laryngoscope (VL group) and an historical series of 141 children intubated with direct laryngoscopy (DL group). All patients were aged 1 to 18 years.The first attempt success rates were 68% (34/50) and 37.6% (53/141) in the VL and DL groups (P < .01), respectively. There was a lower proportion of tracheal intubation-associated events in the VL group (VL, 31.3% [15/50] vs DL, 67.8% [97/141]; P < .01) and no significant differences in desaturation (VL, 35% [14/50] vs DL 51.8% [72/141]; P = .06). The median number of attempts was 1 (range, 1-5) for the VL group and 2 (range, 1-8) for the DL group (P < .01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that video laryngoscope use was associated with higher chances of first-attempt intubation with an odds ratio of 4.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.9-10.4, P < 0.01).Compared with direct laryngoscopy, VL was associated with higher success rates of first-attempt tracheal intubations and lower rates of tracheal intubation-associated events.

Randomized crossover trial comparing cervical spine motion during tracheal intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope versus a C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscope in a simulated immobilized cervical spine.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining cervical immobilization is essential during tracheal intubation in patients with unstable cervical spines. When using the Macintosh laryngoscope for intubation in patients with cervical immobilization, substantial neck extension is required for visualization of the glottis. However, the C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope may require less neck extension due to its acute angulation. We hypothesized that C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscopic intubation would result in less cervical spine movement than Macintosh laryngoscopic intubation. We compared the effects of C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscopic intubation and Macintosh laryngoscopic intubation in terms of cervical spine motion during intubation in patients with simulated cervical immobilization. METHODS: In this randomized crossover study, the cervical spine angle was measured at the occiput-C1, C1-C2, and C2-C5 segments before and during tracheal intubation with either a C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope or Macintosh laryngoscope in 20 patients, with application of a neck collar for simulated cervical immobilization. Cervical spine motion was defined as the change in angle measured before and during tracheal intubation. RESULTS: The cervical spine motion at the occiput-C1 segment was measured at 12.1 ± 4.2° and 6.8 ± 5.0° during Macintosh laryngoscopic and C-MAC D-blade videolaryngoscopic intubation, respectively, corresponding to a 44% reduction in cervical spine motion when using the latter device (mean difference, - 5.3; 98.33% CI: - 8.8 to - 1.8; p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two intubation devices at the C1-C2 segment (- 0.6; 98.33% CI: - 3.4 to 2.2; p = 0.639) or C2-C5 segment (0.2; 98.33% CI: - 6.0 to 6.4; p = 0.929). CONCLUSIONS: The C-MAC D-Blade videolaryngoscope causes less upper cervical spine motion than the Macintosh laryngoscope during tracheal intubation of patients with simulated cervical immobilization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on June 26, 2018 ( NCT03567902 ).

Integrating the MasSpec Pen to the da Vinci Surgical System for In Vivo Tissue Analysis during a Robotic Assisted Porcine Surgery.

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgeries have been increasingly used as a first-line of treatment for patients undergoing oncologic surgeries. In-situ tissue identification is critical to guide tissue resection and assist decision-making. Traditional intraoperative histopathologic analysis of frozen tissue sections can be time-consuming and present logistical challenges which interrupt surgical workflows. We report the development and implementation of a laparoscopic, drop-in version of the MasSpec Pen device integrated into the da Vinci Xi Surgical system for in vivo tissue analysis in a robotic-assisted porcine surgery. We evaluated the performance of the drop-in MasSpec Pen during surgery by introducing the device into the animal upper gastrointestinal system and performing in vivo analyses of the stomach and liver, including charred and bloody tissues after electrocauterization. The molecular profiles obtained included ions tentatively identified as metabolites and lipids typically observed with MasSpec Pen analysis, without causing observable tissue damage. Statistical classifiers built to distinguish porcine liver and stomach tissues using the in vivo data yielded an overall tissue identification accuracy of 98% (n = 53 analyses). The results provide evidence that the drop-in MasSpec Pen developed can be used to acquire mass spectra in vivo during a robotic-assisted surgery and might be used as an in vivo tissue assessment tool to help guide surgical resections and streamline surgical workflows.

3D Versus 4K Display System - Influence of "State-of-the-art"-Display Technique on Surgical Performance (IDOSP-study) in Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Randomized Cross-over Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if "state-of-the-art" 3D- versus 4K-display techniques could influence surgical performance. BACKGROUND: High quality minimally invasive surgery is challenging. Therefore excellent vision is crucial. 3D display technique (3D) and 2D-4K technique (4K) are designed to facilitate surgical performance, either due to spatial resolution (3D) or due to very high resolution (4K). METHODS: In randomized cross-over trial the surgical performance of medical students (MS), non-board certified surgeons (NBC), and board certified surgeons (BC) was compared using 3D versus 4K display technique at a minimally invasive training Parkour. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight participants were included (February 2018 through October 2019, 49 MS, 39 NBC, 40 BC). The overall Parkour time (s) 3D versus 4K was 712.5 s ± 17.5 s versus 999.5 s ±â€Š25.1 s (P < 0.001) for all levels of experience. It was (3D vs 4K) for MS (30 tasks) 555.4 s ±â€Š28.9 s versus 858.7 s ±â€Š41.6 s, (P < 0.0001), for NBC (42 tasks) 935.9 s ±â€Š31.5 s versus 1274.1 s ±â€Š45.1 s (P =< 0.001) and for BC (42 task) 646.3 s ±â€Š30.9 s versus 865.7 s ±â€Š43.7 s (P < 0.001). The overall number of mistakes was (3D vs 4K) 10.0 ±â€Š0.5 versus 13.3 ±â€Š0.7 (P < 0.001), for MS 8.9 ±â€Š0.9 versus 13.1 ±â€Š1.1 (P < 0.001), for NBC 12.45 ±â€Š1.0 versus 16.7 ±â€Š1.2 (P < 0.001) and for BC 8.8 ±â€Š1.0 versus 10.0 ±â€Š1.2 (P = 0.18). MS, BC, and NBC showed shorter performance time in 100% of the task with 3D (significantly in 6/7 tasks). For number of mistakes the effect was less pronounced for more experienced surgeons. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-task load index was lower with 3D. CONCLUSION: 3D laparoscopic display technique optimizes surgical performance compared to the 4K technique. Surgeons benefit from the improved visualization regardless of their individual surgical expertise.

Videolaringoscopía para intubación pediátrica, en comparación con la intubación orotraqueal clásica. Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca, 2018 / Video laryngoscopy for pediatric intubation, compared to classical orotracheal intubation. Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital, Cuenca, 2018

Introduction: A relevant aspect in pediatric anesthesia is the management of the airway. Anatomical differences in this population makes them more susceptible to devices designed for their management. Video laryngoscopy improves panoramic vision of the glottis. Objective: To compare the use of video laryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy for orotracheal intubation in pediatric patients. Methods: With an observational descriptive design, 276 cases were studied, patients from 5 to 17 years old, undergoing planned surgery, with general anesthesia plus orotracheal intubation. The specialist decided on the handling device. The data was transcribed from the forms and analyzed with the SPSS 22.0 program. The descriptive analysis was based on median, mode, average, minimum value, maximum value. Standard deviation and range dispersion measurements. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of the study was 9.83 years. With direct laryngoscopy 97.4% intubation was performed at the first attempt and with video laryngoscopy 88.4% (p = 0.003). In 94.2% of cases of direct laryngoscopy, a successful intubation was performed in less than 10 seconds, with video laryngoscopy it was 75.2% (p = 0.000). Complications occurred in 6.6% of intubations with video laryngoscopy versus 2.6% with conventional laryngoscopy (p = 0.103). 56.2% of specialists prefer direct laryngoscopy to manage a pediatric airway without predictors of difficulty. Conclusions: Video laryngoscopy provides additional support in routine airway management, always requiring prior knowledge and skills. The evidence to support one technique over another is insufficient.

Introduction: A relevant aspect in pediatric anesthesia is the management of the airway. Anatomical differences in this population makes them more susceptible to devices designed for their management. Video laryngoscopy improves panoramic vision of the glottis. Objective: To compare the use of video laryngoscopy with direct laryngoscopy for orotracheal intubation in pediatric patients. Methods: With an observational descriptive design, 276 cases were studied, patients from 5 to 17 years old, undergoing planned surgery, with general anesthesia plus orotracheal intubation. The specialist decided on the handling device. The data was transcribed from the forms and analyzed with the SPSS 22.0 program. The descriptive analysis was based on median, mode, average, minimum value, maximum value. Standard deviation and range dispersion measurements. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The average age of the study was 9.83 years. With direct laryngoscopy 97.4% intubation was performed at the first attempt and with video laryngoscopy 88.4% (p = 0.003). In 94.2% of cases of direct laryngoscopy, a successful intubation was performed in less than 10 seconds, with video laryngoscopy it was 75.2% (p = 0.000). Complications occurred in 6.6% of intubations with video laryngoscopy versus 2.6% with conventional laryngoscopy (p = 0.103). 56.2% of specialists prefer direct laryngoscopy to manage a pediatric airway without predictors of difficulty. Conclusions: Video laryngoscopy provides additional support in routine airway management, always requiring prior knowledge and skills. The evidence to support one technique over another is insufficient.

Video laryngoscopic oral intubation in rats: a simple and effective method.

Endotracheal intubation is a vital component of many rat in vivo experiments to secure the airway and allow controlled ventilation. Even in the hands of experienced researchers, however, the procedure remains technically challenging. The safest and most reliable way for human intubation is by video laryngoscopy. Previous attempts to apply this technique in rodents have been complicated and expensive. We, hereby, describe a novel, noninvasive method to safely intubate rats orally by video laryngoscopy, thus avoiding the need for a surgical tracheostomy. By repurposing a commercially available ear wax removal device, visualization of the rat larynx can be significantly enhanced. Because of its small diameter, integrated illumination, and a powerful camera with adequate focal length, the device has all of the necessary properties for exploring the upper airway of a rat. After identifying the vocal cords by video laryngoscopy, the insertion of an endotracheal tube (a 14G intravenous catheter) into the trachea under constant visual control is facilitated by using PE50 polyethylene tubing as a stylet (Seldinger technique). The procedure has been performed more than 60 times in our laboratory; all intubations were successful on the first attempt, and no adverse events were observed. We conclude that the described procedure is a simple and effective way to intubate a rat noninvasively, using inexpensive and commercially available equipment.

McGrath Video Laryngoscope Versus Macintosh Direct Laryngoscopy for Intubation of Morbidly Obese Patients: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Two-thirds of the US population is considered obese and about 8% morbidly obese. Obese patients may present a unique challenge to anesthesia clinicians in airway management. Videolaryngoscopes may provide better airway visualization, which theoretically improves intubation success. However, previous work in morbidly obese patients was limited. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that the use of McGrath video laryngoscope improves visualization of the vocal cords versus Macintosh direct laryngoscopy (Teleflex, Morrisville, NC) in morbidly obese patients. METHODS: We enrolled 130 surgical patients, aged 18-99 years, with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III. Patients were randomly allocated 1:1-stratified for patient's body mass index ≥50 kg/m-to McGrath video laryngoscope versus direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade. The study groups were compared on glottis visualization, defined as improved Cormack and Lehane classification, with proportional odds logistic regression model. RESULTS: McGrath video laryngoscope provided significantly better glottis visualization than Macintosh direct laryngoscopy with an estimated odds ratio of 4.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-9.8; P < .01). We did not observe any evidence that number of intubation attempts and failed intubations increased or decreased. CONCLUSIONS: McGrath video laryngoscope improves glottis visualization versus Macintosh direct laryngoscopy in morbidly obese patients. Large clinical trials are needed to determine whether improved airway visualization with videolaryngoscopy reduces intubation attempts and failures.

Validation of a 2-mm videoendoscope for the evaluation of the paranasal sinuses with a minimally invasive technique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the technique, experience, and limitations of using a 2-mm flexible endoscope to perform standing minimally invasive sinoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: In phases 1 and 2, we used cadaveric heads (ex vivo). In phase 3, we used unaffected horses (in vivo). ANIMALS: Five cadaveric equine skulls in phase 1 and 10 cadaveric equine skulls in phase 2. Six horses older than 5 years in phase 3. METHODS: In phase 1, the specimens were used to determine the suitability of the endoscope for sinoscopy and the ideal landmarks to approach the paranasal sinuses through minisinusotomies performed with a 14 gauge needle. In phase 2, a nonblinded evaluation of the visualization of the different sinus compartments was performed, and a score was attributed to each structure. Procedures were video recorded and compared with direct visualization of the sinuses after performing frontal and maxillary flaps. In phase 3, the technique was validated in healthy horses under sedation. RESULTS: The landmarks determined in phase 1 allowed a thorough exploration of the sinuses in phases 2 and 3. Sinoscopy findings were confirmed after direct visualization of the sinuses via frontal and maxillary bone flaps in phase 2. The procedure was well tolerated by all horses. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive sinoscopy was readily performed without relevant complications in standing horses. A thorough evaluation of most sinus structures was obtained only using the frontal and the rostral maxillary portals. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Minimally invasive sinoscopy offers an alternative diagnostic tool to veterinarians. A specialized endoscope and appropriate training are required to perform this minimally invasive procedure.

Upgraded bidirectional approach video-assisted neck surgery (BAVANS) using a rigid endoscope with variable viewing direction for advanced endoscopic lymph node dissection in thyroid cancer patients.

In 2011, we developed bidirectional approach video-assisted neck surgery (BAVANS) for endoscopic thyroid cancer surgery. BAVANS combines two different approach pathways at 180 degrees to the cervical lesion for endoscopic thyroidectomy and complete cervical lymphadenectomy. We reported previously that the cranio-caudal approach is extremely useful for endoscopic complete lymph node dissection around the trachea. In 2014, we upgraded the initial BAVANS for better maneuverability and quality of lymph node dissection. A new high-tech rigid endoscope with a variable viewing direction (EndoCAMeleon™), has enabled us to reduce the camera port in the anterior neck while keeping the easy maneuverability and the same quality of central lymph node dissection (LND) as with the initial BAVANS. Endoscopic thyroid cancer surgery is now evolving concurrently with new visual technology.