We use perceptual methods, AI, and frugal robotics innovation to deliver transformative diagnostic and treatment solutions.

Head of Group

Dr George Mylonas

B415B Bessemer Building
South Kensington Campus

+44 (0)20 3312 5145

YouTube ⇒ HARMS Lab

What we do

The HARMS lab leverages perceptually enabled methodologies, artificial intelligence, and frugal innovation in robotics (such as soft surgical robots) to deliver transformative solutions for diagnosis and treatment. Our research is driven by both problem-solving and curiosity, aiming to build a comprehensive understanding of the actions, interactions, and reactions occurring in the operating room. We focus on using robotic technologies to facilitate procedures that are not yet widely adopted, particularly in endoluminal surgery, such as advanced treatments for gastrointestinal cancer.

Meet the team

Mr Junhong Chen

Mr Junhong Chen
Research Postgraduate

Dr Adrian Rubio Solis

Dr Adrian Rubio Solis
Research Associate in Sensing and Machine Learning

Citation

BibTex format

@article{Das:2024:10.1097/JS9.0000000000002053,
author = {Das, B and Ledesma, F and Naik, R and Law, S and Soleimani-Nouri, P and Khan, OA and Mylonas, G and Pai, M and Ashrafian, H and Spalding, D and Fehervari, M},
doi = {10.1097/JS9.0000000000002053},
journal = {Int J Surg},
title = {Development and validation of a virtual teaching method for minimally invasive surgery skills: a prospective cohort study.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JS9.0000000000002053},
year = {2024}
}

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB - INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in operative exposure for surgical trainees, necessitating alternative training methods to mitigate the impact on surgical education. This study sought to evaluate whether minimally invasive surgery (MIS) skills could be taught remotely using widely available technology with objective assessments of proficiency. METHODS: This was a pilot observational study with comparative assessment of face-to-face (F2F) and virtual training of novice learners in MIS skills. Performance and objective cognitive workload parameters (Surgical Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) score, heart rate and pupil metrics) were evaluated. The assessments were peg transfer (McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills (MISTELS)) and suturing (Suturing Training and Testing (SUTT)) tasks performed using box trainers. Virtual teaching was conducted by expert trainers using a web-based streaming platform. RESULTS: Technical challenges of delivering a virtual MIS skills course were addressed after a pilot course. Participants (n = 20) in the final course had similar baseline characteristics and were randomly allocated to F2F (n = 8) and virtual (n = 12) teaching groups. Participants in the online group completed the peg transfer task faster than the F2F group (11.25 minutes vs. 16.88 minutes; P = 0.015). There were no significant differences in all other MISTELS and SUTT performance measures between groups. Cognitive workload parameters (SURG-TLX score, heart rate and pupil metrics) were also similar between groups. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that virtual teaching of MIS skills using a web-based streaming platform is feasible and effective, providing the foundation for low-cost, effective, and scalable MIS skills programs in the future.
AU - Das,B
AU - Ledesma,F
AU - Naik,R
AU - Law,S
AU - Soleimani-Nouri,P
AU - Khan,OA
AU - Mylonas,G
AU - Pai,M
AU - Ashrafian,H
AU - Spalding,D
AU - Fehervari,M
DO - 10.1097/JS9.0000000000002053
PY - 2024///
TI - Development and validation of a virtual teaching method for minimally invasive surgery skills: a prospective cohort study.
T2 - Int J Surg
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/JS9.0000000000002053
UR - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39185954
ER -

Contact Us

General enquiries

Facility enquiries


The Hamlyn Centre
Bessemer Building
South Kensington Campus
Imperial College
London, SW7 2AZ
Map location