A Framework for the Evaluation of Human Machine Interfaces of Robot-Assisted Colonoscopy.

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) of intraluminal robots has a crucial impact on the clinician's performance. It increases or decreases the difficulty of the tasks, and is connected to the users' physical and mental stress. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a framework to compare and evaluate different HMIs for robotic colonoscopy, with the objective of identifying the optimal HMI that minimises the clinician's effort and maximises the clinical outcomes. METHODS: The framework comprises a 1) a virtual simulator (clinically validated), 2) wearable sensors measuring the cognitive load, 3) a data collection unit of metrics correlated to the clinical performance, and 4) questionnaires exploring the users' impressions and perceived stress. The framework was tested with 42 clinicians investigating the optimal device for tele-operated control of robotic colonoscopes. Two control devices were selected and compared: a haptic serial-kinematic device and a standard videogame joypad. RESULTS: The haptic device was preferred by the endoscopists, but the joypad enabled better clinical performance and reduced cognitive and physical load. CONCLUSION: The framework can be used to evaluate different aspects of a HMI, both hardware and software, and determine the optimal HMI that can reduce the burden on clinicians while improving the clinical outcome. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of this study, and of future studies performed with this framework, can inform the design and development of HMIs for intraluminal robots, leading to improved clinical performance, reduced physical and mental stress for clinicians, and ultimately better patient outcomes.

Small bowel to closest human body surface distance calculation through a custom-made software using CT-based datasets.

Screening of the gastrointestinal tract is imperative for the detection and treatment of physiological and pathological disorders in humans. Ingestible devices (e.g., magnetic capsule endoscopes) represent an alternative to conventional flexible endoscopy for reducing the invasiveness of the procedure and the related patient's discomforts. However, to properly design localization and navigation strategies for capsule endoscopes, the knowledge of anatomical features is paramount. Therefore, authors developed a semi-automatic software for measuring the distance between the small bowel and the closest human external body surface, using CT colonography images. In this study, volumetric datasets of 30 patients were processed by gastrointestinal endoscopists with the dedicated custom-made software and results showed an average distance of 79.29 ± 23.85 mm.

Training Simulators for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Current and Future Perspectives.

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the gold standard in the detection and treatment of early and advanced GI cancers. However, conventional endoscopic techniques are technically demanding and require visual-spatial skills and significant hands-on experience. GI endoscopy simulators represent a valid solution to allow doctors to practice in a pre-clinical scenario. From the first endoscopy mannequin, developed in 1969, several simulation platforms have been developed, ranging from purely mechanical systems to more complex mechatronic devices and animal-based models. Considering the recent advancement of technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, augmented reality, robotics), simulation platforms can now reach high levels of realism, representing a valid and smart alternative to standard trainee/mentor learning programs. This is particularly true nowadays, when the current demographic trend and the most recent pandemic demand, more than ever, the ability to cope with many patients. This review offers a broad view of the technology available for GI endoscopy training, including platforms currently in the market and the relevant advancements in this research and application field. Additionally, new training needs and new emerging technologies are discussed to understand where medical education is heading.