Publications by authors named "Mark Slack"

Objectives: This study aims to assess the feasibility to perform transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with a new robotic platform, the Versius Surgical System (CMR Surgical, UK) in a preclinical cadaveric setting in accordance to stage 0 of the IDEAL-D framework.

Design: IDEAL stage 0 preclinical assessment of the Versius Robotic System in TORS in human cadavers.

Setting: All procedures were performed in a simulated operating theatre environment at a UK surgical training centre.

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Background: When introducing new equipment like robotic surgical systems, it is essential to ensure that surgeons have the basic skills before operating on patients. The objective was to investigate the validity evidence for a competency-based test for basic robotic surgical skills using the Versius® trainer.

Methods: We recruited medical students, residents, and surgeons which were classified based on data on clinical experience with the Versius system as either novices (0 min), intermediates (1-1000 min), or experienced (> 1000 min).

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The human pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide receptor (hPAC-R), a class B G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) identified almost 30 years ago, represents an important pharmacological target in the areas of neuroscience, oncology, and immunology. Despite interest in this target, only a very limited number of small molecule modulators have been reported for this receptor. We herein describe the results of a drug discovery program aiming for the identification of a potent and selective hPAC-R antagonist.

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Objectives: To evaluate the Versius surgical system for robot-assisted prostatectomy in a preclinical cadaveric model using varying system setups and collect surgeon feedback on the performance of the system and instruments, in line with IDEAL-D recommendations.

Materials And Methods: Procedures were performed in cadaveric specimens by consultant urological surgeons to evaluate system performance in completing the surgical steps required for a prostatectomy. Procedures were conducted using either a 3-arm or 4-arm bedside unit (BSU) setup.

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Objective: To present the first report of data from the Versius Surgical Registry, a prospective, multicenter data registry with ongoing collection across numerous surgical indications, developed to accompany the Versius Robotic Surgical System into clinical practice.

Background: A data registry can be utilized to minimize risk to patients by establishing the safety and effectiveness of innovative medical devices and generating a thorough evidence base of real-world data.

Methods: Surgical outcome data were collected and inputted through a secure online platform.

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Objectives: To describe a new, international, prospective surgical registry developed to accompany the clinical implementation of the Versius Robotic Surgical System by accumulating real-world evidence of its safety and effectiveness.

Interventions: This robotic surgical system was introduced in 2019 for its first live-human case. With its introduction, cumulative database enrollment was initiated across several surgical specialties, with systematic data collection via a secure online platform.

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Background: Miscarriage in the second trimester and preterm birth are significant global problems. Vaginal cervical cerclage is performed to prevent pregnancy loss and preterm birth. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a monofilament suture thread compared with braided suture thread on pregnancy loss rates in women undergoing a cervical cerclage.

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Introduction: This study aimed to demonstrate the safe and effective use of the Versius surgical system (CMR Surgical, Cambridge, UK) in robot-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. This surgical robot was developed iteratively with input from surgeons to improve surgical outcomes and end-user experience. We report data from the gynecology cohort of an early clinical trial designed in broad alignment with IDEAL-D (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow-up - Devices) stage 2b (Exploration).

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The use of digital technology is increasing rapidly across surgical specialities, yet there is no consensus for the term 'digital surgery'. This is critical as digital health technologies present technical, governance, and legal challenges which are unique to the surgeon and surgical patient. We aim to define the term digital surgery and the ethical issues surrounding its clinical application, and to identify barriers and research goals for future practice.

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The uptake of robot-assisted surgery has continuously grown since its advent in the 1990s. While robot-assisted surgery is well-established in adult surgery, the rate of uptake in paediatric surgical centres has been slower. The advantages of a robot-assisted system, such as improved visibility, dexterity, and ergonomics, could make it a superior choice over the traditional laparoscopic approach.

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Objectives: The adoption of robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) has helped to overcome some of the challenges associated with surgeons performing conventional video-assisted thoracic surgery. The Versius Surgical System (CMR Surgical, Cambridge, UK) has been developed iteratively in line with surgical team feedback to improve the surgeon's experience and patient outcomes. The goal of this study was to assess the use of the device in RATS in a preclinical setting and to fulfil Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-Term Follow Up-Devices stage 1 (Idea).

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Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ability of the Versius Surgical System to successfully and safely complete cholecystectomy.

Background: The system has been developed in-line with surgeon feedback to overcome limitations of conventional laparoscopy to enhance surgeon experience and patient outcomes. Here we present results from the cholecystectomy cohort from a completed early clinical trial, which was designed to broadly align with Stage 2b of the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term follow-up framework for surgical innovation.

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Context: The role of robot-assisted surgery continues to expand at a time when trainers and proctors have travel restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Objective: To provide guidance on setting up and running an optimised telementoring service that can be integrated into current validated curricula. We define a standardised approach to training candidates in skill acquisition via telepresence technologies.

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Article Synopsis
  • The project aims to provide ethical guidelines for developing AI applications in surgical training, addressing the potential pitfalls associated with utilizing AI in healthcare.
  • It involved a systematic approach with a steering group reviewing literature, followed by expert panels discussing ethical implications and reaching consensus using the Delphi method, achieving 100% response in three rounds.
  • The resulting guidance highlighted key issues such as data protection, reproducibility, transparency, predictive analytics, inherent biases, and identified training areas most likely to benefit from AI, reflecting a strong consensus among experts.
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Introduction: Robot-assisted surgery is becoming increasingly adopted by multiple surgical specialties. There is evidence of inherent risks of utilising new technologies that are unfamiliar early in the learning curve. The development of standardised and validated training programmes is crucial to deliver safe introduction.

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Objective: The aim of this study was to provide an interim safety analysis of the first 30 surgical procedures performed using the Versius Surgical System.

Background: Robot-assisted laparoscopy has been developed to overcome some of the important limitations of conventional laparoscopy. The new system is currently undergoing a first-in-human prospective clinical trial to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the device when performing minimal access surgery (MAS).

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Objectives: Versius is a teleoperated surgical robotic system intended for use in minimal access surgery. This study aimed to validate the safety and effectiveness of the Versius user interface in the hands of trained users and identify and address the causes of any user errors.

Design: Surgical teams completed a commercially representative training program over 3.

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Objective: To evaluate the utility of a new robot-assisted surgical system (the Versius Surgical System, CMR Surgical, Cambridge, UK) for use in minimal access general and colorectal surgery, in a preclinical setting. Robot-assisted laparoscopy has been developed to overcome some of the important limitations of conventional laparoscopy. The new system is designed to assist surgeons in performing minimal access surgery and overcome some of the challenges associated with currently available surgical robots.

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Background: Minimal access surgery (MAS) is well-established in urological surgery. However, MAS is technically demanding and associated with a prolonged learning curve. Robot-assisted laparoscopy has made progress in overcoming these challenges.

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Background: Robot-assisted minimal access surgery (MAS) reduces blood loss, recovery time, intraoperative and postoperative complications and pain. However, uptake of robotic MAS remains low, suggesting there are barriers to its use. To overcome these barriers, a new surgical robot system, Versius, was developed based on the needs and feedback of surgeons and surgical teams.

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Purpose: Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common and heterogenous condition with numerous clinical manifestations, making the optimal management challenging. The traditional single-specialty approach may fail to address its complex nature. Currently, there are no published data on the impact of joint pelvic floor multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings on patient management.

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Background: The adverse publicity surrounding the use of mesh for correction of pelvic organ prolapse has driven a renewed interest in native tissue repair. Established techniques used reusable instruments, while recent innovations have generally involved disposable equipment. Here, we compare outcomes between the two techniques used for sacrospinous ligament fixation for the correction of apical prolapse: Miya Hook (reusable) and Capio (single-use) suturing devices.

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Aims: To assess effects of repeat treatment with onabotulinumtoxin A (onaBoNT-A) in women with refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity (DO).

Methods: Analysis of an open-label extension study of a large randomized placebo controlled trial of onaBoNT-A. Participants had been randomized to receive 200 IU onaBoNTA or placebo and were offered up to two further onaBoNTA injections over a 5-year period.

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Preterm birth, the leading cause of death in children under 5 years, may be caused by inflammation triggered by ascending vaginal infection. About 2 million cervical cerclages are performed annually to prevent preterm birth. The procedure is thought to provide structural support and maintain the endocervical mucus plug as a barrier to ascending infection.

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