Learning outcomes

The objective of the course is to give students the basic understanding of theory and practical aspects of using a robotic system in the operating room. This objective will be reached by four theoretical and two laboratory lectures. The theoretical lectures will address the technological and clinical aspects of robotic surgery. The two lectures on technology will describe the basic concepts of robotic surgery, its economic and social aspects, the products available on the market, the outlook of the technology development, and some simple description of the mechanical and algorithmic aspects of operating a surgical robot. The two clinical lectures will address the surgical aspects of robotics, with particular references to minimally invasive interventions, and the methods and tools to simulate a surgical intervention, from the point of view of intervention planning and training. The laboratory lectures will aim at exposing students to the physical interaction with robots and simulators and will be carried out with small groups of students. The laboratory lectures will address the use of a simulator for basic training in robotic surgery and the use of the da Vinci surgical robot to carry out simple manipulations in virtual and real environments.

Program

The course is organized in four classroom lectures and in a laboratory in which students are split in different groups. During the lectures, we will introduce students to the clinical and engineering foundations of robotic surgery. During the laboratory practices, students will be given the possibility of using a simulator of robotic surgery, and to use the da Vinci surgical robot in realistic activities in simulations and with the real robot.

Examination Methods

Credits are given to students based on their attendance to the lectures.