Evaluation of surgical skills in microgravity using force sensing

Introduction: measurements can be used to characterize surgical maneuvers in microgravity. s: es of surgical tasks was performed by a group of 20 participants (n = 20) both in 1 g on the ground and in 0 g aboard NASAʹs KC-135 aircraft in parabolic flight. The group included astronauts, a flight surgeon, surgeons, physicians, Ph.D.-scientists, and technical personnel. The interaction forces between the surgical instruments and the mock tissue were measured for a clip-applying, suturing, grasping, and cutting. Seven evaluations in 1 g and a single evaluation in 0 g were performed by each of the participants. s: ta from a single participant are examined in detail. Statistical results for the group of 20 participants do not show significant differences in the average or peak forces during clip-applying or in the average forces applied during suturing in 0 g versus in 1 g. However, the results do show statistically greater (43% higher) peak forces during suturing in microgravity. sion: data show the usefulness of analyzing force information to assess surgical task performance in microgravity. Although peak suturing forces were statistically higher in microgravity, their clinical relevance is unknown, but likely would not result in a change in clinical outcome. Overall, the data suggest that forces exerted during surgical tasks will not pose a significant barrier to effective surgery in microgravity.