Les affections sinusales sont la première cause de jetage nasal unilatéral chez les chevaux. Cependant, la complexité anatomique de la région rend le diagnostic difficile avec la radiologie et l’endoscopie, et l’utilisation des techniques diagnostiques plus avancées comme la tomodensitométrie est souvent limitée par le manque de disponibilité et les coûts. Par conséquent, la sinusoscopie est souvent la technique disponible avec le meilleur taux diagnostic (70%) mais demeure invasive (trépanation de 10 à 15 mm) et peu pratique dans certains cas. Notre hypothèse est que le développement d’une technique de sinusoscopie peu invasive (TSPI), réalisée par une mini-trépanation avec une aiguille 14G (2 mm de diamètre), combinée à l’utilisation d’un nouvel endoscope flexible de 2 mm de diamètre, peut permettre d’obtenir une évaluation exhaustive des différents sinus paranasaux. Durant les deux premières phases du projet, réalisées sur des cadavres, les repères anatomiques pour réaliser une mini-trépanation des différents sinus ont été déterminés puis la visualisation des différents compartiments sinusaux a été évaluée en attribuant un score pour chaque structure sinusale. Dans une troisième phase, la TSPI a été appliquée sur des chevaux debout sous sédation afin de déterminer la faisabilité et les éventuelles complications chez des chevaux vivants. Les repères déterminés durant la phase 1 ont permis une exploration exhaustive et satisfaisante des sinus durant les deux phases suivantes. L’ensemble des chevaux a bien toléré la procédure et aucune complication sérieuse n’a été rapportée. La technique développée est facile à réaliser et peu faciliter le diagnostic des affections sinusales par tous les vétérinaires spécialistes ou non. / Paranasal sinus disease is the most common cause of unilateral nasal discharge in horses. However, achieving a definitive diagnosis using radiology and endoscopy is difficult due to the complex anatomy of the sinuses, and the use of computed tomography (gold standard) is often limited due to its cost and low availability. Consequently, sinoscopy is often the available diagnostic technique with the highest diagnostic rate (70%) but it remains invasive (10 to 15 mm trepanation) and unpractical in some cases. Our hypothesis is that the development of a minimally invasive sinoscopic technique (MIST), performed through a mini-trepanation with a 14G needle (2 mm trephination) and combined with the use of a novel flexible 2mm diameter endoscope, can allow an exhaustive evaluation of the paranasal sinuses. During the first two cadaveric phases of the project, we determined the exact anatomic landmarks to perform the mini-trepanation in the different sinuses, and the visualization of the different sinus compartments was assessed by attributing a score to each sinusal structure. In the last phase of the study, the MIST was performed on standing sedated horses to determine the feasibility and possible complications associated to the technique. The landmarks determined in the first phase allowed a thorough evaluation of the sinuses in the following phases. The horses tolerated well the procedure and no serious complications were reported. The technique developed during this study is easy to perform and could facilitate the diagnosis of paranasal sinus diseases for all veterinarians specialized or not.

Zielsetzung: In dieser Studie wurde an 15 gesunden Rindern die Methode der Thorakoskopie erprobt mit dem Ziel, eine Grundlage für den weiteren Einsatz dieses Verfahrens am bovinen Thorax zu schaffen. Im Mittelpunkt standen die Entwicklung einer geeigneten Untersuchungstechnik und die Beschreibung der endoskopisch dargestellten, im Pleuraspalt gelegenen Organe sowie möglicher pathologischer Befunde. Weiterhin galt es Komplikationen zu ermitteln und anhand der Erfahrungen aus diesem Versuch Indikationen für den Einsatz dieses minimal-invasiven Verfahrens beim Rind zu formulieren. Methodik: Alle Tiere wurden einer links- und rechtsseitigen Thorakoskopie jeweils mit und ohne intrapleurale Insufflation von Kohlenstoffdioxid über einen interkostalen Zugang unterzogen. Im Rahmen des Versuches fanden folglich vier Thorakoskopien je Rind und insgesamt 60 Thorakoskopien mit einer Wartezeit von 24 Stunden zwischen den einzelnen Untersuchungen statt. Die Untersuchungen erfolgten am im Zwangsstand fixierten, lokal anästhesierten Tier. Der endoskopische Zugang lag stets auf Höhe des Tuber coxae und variierte vom 8. bis zum 10. Interkostalraum. Nach interkostaler Schnittinzision wurde eine Zitzenkanüle bis in den Pleuraspalt vorgeschoben. Der spontane Einstrom von Raumluft in das Cavum pleurae führte zum Teilkollaps des ipsilateralen Lungenflügels. Die Kanüle wurde durch eine Trokar-Hülsen-Einheit ersetzt und die Hülse stellte nach Entfernung des Trokars den Zugang für die Optik. Je Hemithorax wurde die Untersuchungszeit auf 20 Minuten festgelegt. Sie begann im kranialen Pleuraspalt, wurde über (dorso)-kranial, (dorso)-medial, (dorso)-kaudal, ventrokaudal und ventral fortgeführt und endete mit ventrokranial ausgerichteter Optik. Ergebnisse: Die meisten im Cavum pleurae gelegenen Organe konnten ohne die Insufflation von CO2 ausreichend adspiziert werden. Während der links- und rechtsseitigen Thorakoskopien gelang die Adspektion großer Bereiche der Pleura costalis mit den Mm. intercostales interni sowie den Aa. et Vv. intercostales dorsales, Anteile der Lungenflügel und des Ligamentum pulmonale, der Aorta thoracica, des thorakalen Ösophagus, des M. longus colli, von Lymphknoten des Lc. thoracicum dorsale sowie der Lnn. mediastinales caudales, der Pars thoracica des Truncus sympathicus und des Truncus vagalis dorsalis des N. vagus. Des Weiteren konnten der M. psoas major, Anteile des Diaphragmas und der V. phrenica cranialis, der Hiatus aorticus, der Arcus lumbocostalis sowie unregelmäßig die A. et V. bronchoesophagea adspiziert werden. Die Untersuchung des rechten kranialen Pleuraspaltes war mit Einschränkungen behaftet und spiegelte sich in einer reduzierten Darstellung der sympathische Nervenfasern aus dem Ggl. cervicothoracicum, des Truncus costocervicalis dextra sowie der V. costocervicalis dextra wider. Linksseitig war die Betrachtung dieser Organe bzw. der korrespondierenden linksseitig angelegten Organe regelmäßig möglich. Weiterhin gelang während der linksseitigen Untersuchung die Adspektion des Ln. tracheobronchalis sinister, des Truncus brachiocephalicus sowie der V. azygos sinistra. Rechtsseitig konnte die V. azygos dextra stets adspiziert werden. Die Darstellung des Ductus thoracicus erfolgte nur bei einem der untersuchten Rinder infolge einer pathologischen Kompression. Während der Untersuchungen unter passivem Lungenkollaps war das Perikard nur bei einer rechtsseitigen Thorakoskopie zu sehen. Die Zweituntersuchungen des ipsilateralen Pleuraspaltes fanden während der Insufflation von CO2 bis zu einem Überdruck von 5 mm Hg statt. Dies sollte einen stärkeren Lungenkollaps bewirken und damit die Sicht auf intrapleural gelegene Organe verbessern. Während der Insufflation waren beidseits größere Anteile der Rippen und des Zwerchfells sowie das Perikard linksseitig bei drei Rindern und rechtsseitig bei einem Rind darstellbar. Postoperative Röntgenaufnahmen dienten dem Ausschluss des Vorhandenseins eines ipsi- oder kontralateralen Pneumothorax. Schlussfolgerung: Die Studie zeigt, dass Thorakoskopien an stehenden, gesunden Rindern sicher und komplikationsarm durchzuführen sind. Die beschriebene, minimal-invasive Technik stellt eine wertvolle, zusätzliche Methode zur tierschonenden Abklärung intrathorakaler Erkrankungen beim Rind dar. Der diagnostische, palliative oder therapeutische Nutzen muss in weiterführenden Untersuchungen ermittelt werden. / Objective: A study on 15 healthy cows was conducted to prove the thoracoscopic technique with the aim to establish a basis for further application of this procedure on cattle. Focus was on developing an adequate examination technique, displaying and describing of physical as well as pathological findings on intrathoracic organs examined endoscopically. Furthermore perioperative complications and indications of this minimally invasive method on cattle should be presented. Methods: The animals underwent a left and right side thoracoscopy under passive lung collapse and under insufflation of CO2. Therefore four thoracoscopies at each cow and a total of 60 thoracoscopies were performed with a waiting time of 24 hours between each examination. The cows were restrained in a stock and locally anesthetized. The endoscopic portal was lined up horizontally with the level of the ventral margin of the coxal tuber, at the point where the local anaesthetic had been injected and varied between the eighth and the tenth intercostal space. After a vertical stab incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissues a blunt stainless teat cannula was introduced into the pleural space. At this point air streamed spontaneously into the pleural space following by an ipsilateral lung collapse. The teat cannula was then removed and replaced by a sharp guarded trocar. After that the trocar was removed and the endoscope was passed through the remaining cannula. The time assessment for examination of each thorax was 20 minutes, started in the cranial pleural space, was continued in the (dorso)-cranial, (dorso)-medial, (dorso)-caudal, ventrocaudal und ventral direction and ended with ventrocranially aligned optic. Results: Most of the intrathoracic organs were seen without additional CO2 insufflation. During left and right side thoracoscopies large parts of the costal pleura, the internal intercostal muscles, the dorsal intercostal veins and arteries, parts of the lungs and the pulmonary ligament, the thoracic aorta, the thoracic part of the esophagus and the longus colli muscle, caudal mediastinal lymph nodes and lymph nodes associated with the dorsal thoracic lymph center, the thoracic part of the sympathic trunk and the dorsal vagus nerve were seen. Furthermore the psoas major muscle, parts of the diaphragm and the cranial phrenic vein, the aortic hiatus, the lumbocostal arch and intermittently the broncho-esophageal artery and vein could be identified. There were some constraints during right side thoracoscopy of the cranial pleural space which caused a limited view at the sympathic nerve fibres associated with the cervicothoracic ganglion, the right costocervical trunk and the right costocervical vein. At the left side these organs, the corresponding left side organs respectively, were constantly seen. Moreover during the exam at the left pleural space the left tracheobronchial lymph node, the brachiocephalic trunk and the left azygos could be well identified. During right side thoracoscopy the right azygos vein was always visible. In one case the presentation of the thoracic duct succeeded as a result of its pathological compression. During examination under passive lung collapse the pericard was visualized in one cow during right side thoracoscopy. The second thoracoscopies of the ipsilateral pleural space were conducted during insufflation of CO2 with a pressure of 5 mm Hg. A stronger lung collapse should result during insufflation with an enhanced view of the organs located intrapleurally. During insufflation at both sides larger parts of the ribs and diaphragm as well as the pericard on the left side at three cattle and on the right side at one cattle could be seen. Postoperative radiographies ensured the absence of an ipsi- or contralateral pneumothorax. Conclusion: This study shows that thoracoscopies on standing healthy cattle could be safely performed without major perioperative complications or side effects. The described minimally invasive procedure is a valuable, gentle and additional method to diagnose intrathoracic diseases in cattle. The use of thoracoscopy as diagnostic tool, for curative and palliative therapy should be identified in further studies.

Hintergrund: Die Simulation wichtiger Handgriffe und Techniken in der Chirurgie wurde bereits seit der Antike praktiziert. Pflanzen, Menschen- und Tierkadaver, Puppen sowie Phantome haben seit Jahrhunderten diesem Zweck gedient. Das 21. Jahrhundert ist jedoch von virtueller Realität geprägt und es gibt viele technische Neuerungen in der Chirurgie. Erste virtuelle Simulationsmöglichkeiten tauchten auf dem Markt bereits im 20. Jahrhundert auf. Zuerst nur schwarzweiß, rudimentär und nur andeutungsweise einer echten Situation im OP-Saal ähnlich, überzeugen die heutigen Simulatoren durch schnelle Prozessoren, qualitative graphische Darstellung und haptisches Feedback. Der Simulator selbst wird zum Forschungsobjekt, endlich können in Simulationsbedingungen Fragestellungen untersucht werden, die bisher unter Operationsbedingungen weder ethisch vertretbar noch technisch möglich waren. Fragestellung: Zwischen 2016 und 2017 fand am VTG Klinikum des Universitätsklinikums der TU Dresden Carl Gustav Carus eine Studie am chirurgischen Simulator für virtuelle Realität statt. Die untersuchte Fragestellung war die Übertragbarkeit von Fertigkeiten zwischen zwei laparoskopischen Operationen: Appendektomie und Cholezystektomie. Material und Methode: Es wurden 44 Studierende aus dem 3. bis 6. Studienjahr rekrutiert und in zwei Gruppen rand-omisiert. Beide Gruppen übten zunächst die Basisübungen bis bestimmte Leistungskriterien erfüllt wurden. Danach haben Probanden der ersten Gruppe die virtuelle Appendektomie und im Anschluss die virtuelle Cholezystektomie trainiert. Die zweite Gruppe ging sofort zum Cholezystektomie Training über. In beiden Gruppen wurden zum Schluss jeweils drei Wiederholungen der kompletten Cholezystektomie absolviert. Verglichen wurden Geschwindigkeit, Sicherheitsparameter wie z. B. aufgetretene Komplikationen sowie Motorik-Parameter der Instrumente. Des Weiteren wurde der mögliche Einfluss von Schlafverhalten, Koffeinkonsum und Erfahrung mit Videospielen auf die Leistung am Simulator untersucht. Ergebnisse: In der statistischen Analyse zeigte die erste Gruppe eine signifikante Verbesserung der Moto-rik-Parameter wie Instrumentenbewegungen und -strecke. Andere Werte wie Geschwindigkeit und Sicherheitsparameter waren innerhalb der zwei Gruppen ähnlich. Zwischen Schlaf-verhalten, Koffeinkonsum und Erfahrung mit Videospielen und der Leistung am Simulator konnte kein Zusammenhang festgestellt werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Studie ergab nur einen partiellen Übertragungseffekt zwischen laparoskopischer Appendektomie und Cholezystektomie. Die Gründe liegen in den jeweils unterschiedlichen Schlüsselmomenten, die die Beherrschung prozedurspezifischer Techniken erfordern. Diese müssen für jede Prozedur separat geübt werden. Die Verbesserung der feinmotorischen Fähigkeiten spricht jedoch dafür, dass eine Übertragung der Fertigkeiten bis zu einem gewissen Grad dennoch stattfand und durch das Trainieren einer zusätzlichen Modalität Vorteile insbesondere in der Bewegungsökonomie gewonnen werden können.:Inhaltsverzeichnis 3 Abkürzungsverzeichnis 7 1. Einleitung 8 1.1 Einblick in die Geschichte der chirurgischen Simulation 8 1.2 Entwicklung chirurgischer Simulatoren 9 1.3 Einsatz der Laparoskopie-Simulatoren in der heutigen chirurgischen Ausbildung 11 1.4 Übertragbarkeit von Fähigkeiten in der minimal invasiven Chirurgie 13 1.5 Laparoskopische Appendektomie und Cholezystektomie 17 1.5.1 Laparoskopische Appendektomie 17 1.5.2 Laparoskopische Cholezystektomie 18 1.6 Sonstige Aspekte des Trainings 19 1.6.1 Kriterien-basiertes Training 19 1.6.2 Betreuerfeedback 19 1.6.3 Leistung unter Beobachtung 20 1.6.4 Leistung unter Simulationsbedingungen 20 1.6.5.1 Schlafdauer 20 1.6.5.2 Kaffeekonsum 21 1.6.5.3 Motivation 21 1.6.5.4 Erfahrung mit Videospielen 22 2. Materialen und Methoden 23 2.1 Fragestellung 23 2.2 Ablauf der MIC Studie 24 2.3. Probandenrekrutierung 25 2.4 Lap Mentor von Simbionix (3D Systems) 27 2.5 Trainingsprotokolle am VRT-Simulator 28 2.5.1 Organisatorische Aspekte 28 2.5.2 Leistungsfeedback am VRT-Simulator 28 2.5.3 Training der Basis-Fertigkeiten (Basic Skills Training) 29 2.5.3.1 Peg Transfer 31 2.5.3.2 Clipping and Grasping 32 2.5.3.3 Electrocautery 33 2.5.3.4 Cutting 34 2.5.3.5 Pattern Cutting: Training Gauze 35 2.5.4 Training der Appendektomie Prozedur 36 2.5.5 Training der Cholezystektomie Prozedur 39 2.5.6 Subjektiver Schwierigkeitsgrad 43 2.6 Statistische Auswertung 44 3. Ergebnisse 45 3.1. Zusammenfassung der Probandencharakteristiken 45 3.2 Alter und Geschlecht der Probanden 45 3.3 Fragebogen 46 3.3.1 Schlaf 46 3.3.2 Kaffeekonsum 48 3.3.3 Motivation 49 3.3.4 Erfahrung mit Videospielen 50 3.3.5 Einflussfaktoren auf das Basistraining 50 3.4 Allgemeine Ergebnisse des Trainings am VRT Simulator 51 3.5 Ergebnisse des Trainings der Basis-Fertigkeiten 52 3.5.1 Peg Transfer 52 3.5.2 Clipping and Grasping 53 3.5.3 Electrocautery 54 3.5.4 Cutting 55 3.5.5 Pattern Cutting (Test Gauze) 56 3.5.6 Subjektiver Schwierigkeitsgrad für die Basis-Übungen 57 3.5.7. Zeitbedarf für das Erreichen der Könner-Kriterien 59 3.6 Ergebnisse des Appendektomie Trainings 60 3.7 Ergebnisse der Cholezystektomie Komplettprozedur 61 3.7.1 Geschwindigkeit 61 3.7.2 Sicherheitskriterien 62 3.7.2.1 Anzahl lebensbedrohlicher Komplikationen 62 3.7.2.2 Sichere Kauterisation 63 3.7.2.3 Anzahl verlorener Clips 63 3.7.2.4 Anzahl der Leberperforationen 64 3.7.2.5 Anzahl nicht kauterisierter Blutungen 64 3.7.3 Effizienz Kriterien 64 3.7.3.1 Anzahl der Instrumentenbewegungen 64 3.7.3.2 Gesamtstrecke der Instrumente 65 3.7.4 Subjektiver Schwierigkeitsgrad für die Cholezystektomie 65 3.7.5 Zeit für Basis Training und Cholezystektomie Parameter 65 4. Diskussion 67 4.1 Der Begriff des Übertragungsphänomens in Sportwissenschaften und seine Anwendbarkeit auf die laparoskopischen Fertigkeiten 67 4.2 Übertragbarkeit von Fertigkeiten zwischen virtueller Appendektomie und Cholezystektomie und Vergleich mit anderen Studien 74 4.3 Exploration zweitrangiger Fragestellungen 78 4.4 Vergleich zentraler Tendenzen der Cholezystektomie-Parameter mit Hersteller-Kriterien und externen Studien 79 4.5 Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Training der Basis-Fertigkeiten 81 4.6 Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Appendektomie Training 82 4.7 Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Cholezystektomie Training 83 4.8 Empfehlungen für das Ausbildungscurriculum an einem VR Simulator 85 4.9 Vorschlag für das Anfängertraining an einem VRT Simulator 91 4.10 Limitierungen der Arbeit 92 4.11 Ausblick 93 5. Zusammenfassung 94 5.1 Summary 96 6. Literatur 98 6.1 Abbildungsverzeichnis 106 6.2 Tabellenverzeichnis 108 7. Anhang 109 7.1 Probandenrandomisierung 109 7.2 Probandeninformationsblatt 110 7.3 Einwilligungserklärung 112 7.4 Beispiel Teilnahmebescheinigung 114 7.5 Zusammenfassung der aufgetretenen Softwarefehler am Lap Mentor II 115 8. Danksagung 116 9. Eigenständigkeitserklärung 117 Anlage 1 118 Anlage 2 120 / Background: Simulation of important surgical procedures and techniques has been practiced since ancient times. Plants, human and animal cadavers, dolls and phantoms have served this purpose for hundreds of years. However, the 21st century is characterized by virtual reality and there are also many technical innovations in the field of surgery. The first virtual simulation possibilities appeared on the market in the 20th century. Initially only black and white, rudimentary and only suggestively similar to a real situation in the operating room, today's simulators convince with fast processors, qualitative graphical representation and haptic feedback. The simulator itself becomes an object of research. At last, questions can be investigated in simulation conditions that were previously neither ethically nor technically possible under operating conditions. Hypothesis: Between 2016 and 2017, at the VTG clinic of the Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital of the TU Dresden a study using a surgical simulator for virtual reality took place. The question investigated was the transferability of skills between two laparoscopic procedures: appendectomy and cholecystectomy. Methods: 44 students from the 3rd to 6th year of study were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. Both groups initially practiced the basic exercises until certain criteria were met. Afterwards, the first group practiced virtual appendectomy and then virtual cholecystectomy. The second group immediately moved on to cholecystectomy training. In both groups, three repetitions of the complete cholecystectomy were completed in the end. Speed, safety parameters such as complications that occurred and efficiency parameters of the instruments were compared. Furthermore, the possible influence of sleep behavior, caffeine consumption and experience with video games on simulator performance was investigated. Results: In the statistical analysis, the first group showed a significant reduction in the efficiency parameters such as instrument movements and distance travelled. Other values like speed and safety parameters were similar within two groups. There was no correlation between sleep behavior, caffeine consumption and experience with video games and simulator performance. Conclusion: The study showed only a partial skill transfer between laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy. The reasons are the different key moments that require the mastery of procedure-specific techniques. These must be practiced separately for each procedure. However, the improvement of fine motor skills indicates, that by training an additional modality a skill transfer nevertheless took place to a certain degree and that advantages, especially in the economy of movement, were gained.:Inhaltsverzeichnis 3 Abkürzungsverzeichnis 7 1. Einleitung 8 1.1 Einblick in die Geschichte der chirurgischen Simulation 8 1.2 Entwicklung chirurgischer Simulatoren 9 1.3 Einsatz der Laparoskopie-Simulatoren in der heutigen chirurgischen Ausbildung 11 1.4 Übertragbarkeit von Fähigkeiten in der minimal invasiven Chirurgie 13 1.5 Laparoskopische Appendektomie und Cholezystektomie 17 1.5.1 Laparoskopische Appendektomie 17 1.5.2 Laparoskopische Cholezystektomie 18 1.6 Sonstige Aspekte des Trainings 19 1.6.1 Kriterien-basiertes Training 19 1.6.2 Betreuerfeedback 19 1.6.3 Leistung unter Beobachtung 20 1.6.4 Leistung unter Simulationsbedingungen 20 1.6.5.1 Schlafdauer 20 1.6.5.2 Kaffeekonsum 21 1.6.5.3 Motivation 21 1.6.5.4 Erfahrung mit Videospielen 22 2. Materialen und Methoden 23 2.1 Fragestellung 23 2.2 Ablauf der MIC Studie 24 2.3. Probandenrekrutierung 25 2.4 Lap Mentor von Simbionix (3D Systems) 27 2.5 Trainingsprotokolle am VRT-Simulator 28 2.5.1 Organisatorische Aspekte 28 2.5.2 Leistungsfeedback am VRT-Simulator 28 2.5.3 Training der Basis-Fertigkeiten (Basic Skills Training) 29 2.5.3.1 Peg Transfer 31 2.5.3.2 Clipping and Grasping 32 2.5.3.3 Electrocautery 33 2.5.3.4 Cutting 34 2.5.3.5 Pattern Cutting: Training Gauze 35 2.5.4 Training der Appendektomie Prozedur 36 2.5.5 Training der Cholezystektomie Prozedur 39 2.5.6 Subjektiver Schwierigkeitsgrad 43 2.6 Statistische Auswertung 44 3. Ergebnisse 45 3.1. Zusammenfassung der Probandencharakteristiken 45 3.2 Alter und Geschlecht der Probanden 45 3.3 Fragebogen 46 3.3.1 Schlaf 46 3.3.2 Kaffeekonsum 48 3.3.3 Motivation 49 3.3.4 Erfahrung mit Videospielen 50 3.3.5 Einflussfaktoren auf das Basistraining 50 3.4 Allgemeine Ergebnisse des Trainings am VRT Simulator 51 3.5 Ergebnisse des Trainings der Basis-Fertigkeiten 52 3.5.1 Peg Transfer 52 3.5.2 Clipping and Grasping 53 3.5.3 Electrocautery 54 3.5.4 Cutting 55 3.5.5 Pattern Cutting (Test Gauze) 56 3.5.6 Subjektiver Schwierigkeitsgrad für die Basis-Übungen 57 3.5.7. Zeitbedarf für das Erreichen der Könner-Kriterien 59 3.6 Ergebnisse des Appendektomie Trainings 60 3.7 Ergebnisse der Cholezystektomie Komplettprozedur 61 3.7.1 Geschwindigkeit 61 3.7.2 Sicherheitskriterien 62 3.7.2.1 Anzahl lebensbedrohlicher Komplikationen 62 3.7.2.2 Sichere Kauterisation 63 3.7.2.3 Anzahl verlorener Clips 63 3.7.2.4 Anzahl der Leberperforationen 64 3.7.2.5 Anzahl nicht kauterisierter Blutungen 64 3.7.3 Effizienz Kriterien 64 3.7.3.1 Anzahl der Instrumentenbewegungen 64 3.7.3.2 Gesamtstrecke der Instrumente 65 3.7.4 Subjektiver Schwierigkeitsgrad für die Cholezystektomie 65 3.7.5 Zeit für Basis Training und Cholezystektomie Parameter 65 4. Diskussion 67 4.1 Der Begriff des Übertragungsphänomens in Sportwissenschaften und seine Anwendbarkeit auf die laparoskopischen Fertigkeiten 67 4.2 Übertragbarkeit von Fertigkeiten zwischen virtueller Appendektomie und Cholezystektomie und Vergleich mit anderen Studien 74 4.3 Exploration zweitrangiger Fragestellungen 78 4.4 Vergleich zentraler Tendenzen der Cholezystektomie-Parameter mit Hersteller-Kriterien und externen Studien 79 4.5 Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Training der Basis-Fertigkeiten 81 4.6 Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Appendektomie Training 82 4.7 Schlussfolgerungen aus dem Cholezystektomie Training 83 4.8 Empfehlungen für das Ausbildungscurriculum an einem VR Simulator 85 4.9 Vorschlag für das Anfängertraining an einem VRT Simulator 91 4.10 Limitierungen der Arbeit 92 4.11 Ausblick 93 5. Zusammenfassung 94 5.1 Summary 96 6. Literatur 98 6.1 Abbildungsverzeichnis 106 6.2 Tabellenverzeichnis 108 7. Anhang 109 7.1 Probandenrandomisierung 109 7.2 Probandeninformationsblatt 110 7.3 Einwilligungserklärung 112 7.4 Beispiel Teilnahmebescheinigung 114 7.5 Zusammenfassung der aufgetretenen Softwarefehler am Lap Mentor II 115 8. Danksagung 116 9. Eigenständigkeitserklärung 117 Anlage 1 118 Anlage 2 120

Historically, the education of surgical navigation in minimally invasive neurosurgery has been constrained by several factors. Medical students have been required to physically be in the operating room to observe a teacher perform the different procedures. This restricts their opportunities to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field. An extended reality simulation system that employs auditory feedback in the form of sonification could be used to provide an inexpensive alternative to this traditional approach. Such a system would allow medical students to get practical experience with valuable insights during their initial years of training without requiring access to the operating room. In order to perform a first evaluation of the impact of sonification on neurosurgical learning using extended reality simulations, a prototype of a surgical simulation tool with six possible sonifications was implemented for the task of aligning a catheter against a target angle. The sonification types studied were spatial, psychoacoustic and direct parameter-mapping, each of which encoded the component angles either in parallel or sequentially. The sonifications were evaluated against each other and the baseline condition in a comparative mixed-design user study measuring the participants efficacy as accuracy, precision, time-to-completion and perceived workload for an assisted neurosurgical simulation task. Participants were found to be significantly slower when using the psychoacoustic sonification as compared to using no aid. Both the spatial and direct sonification showed non-significant tendencies to be slower than the baseline condition. Whilst no significant difference was found between the sonifications, the participants tended to have higher efficacy when using the spatial and direct sonifications, than with the psychoacoustic sonification. Hence these sonifications show the most promise as possible candidates for an auditory feedback system in an extended reality simulator for surgical navigation. However, further evaluation is needed to conclude the full effect of the direct and spatial sonifications on the students’ efficacy. / Utbildningen av kirurgisk navigation för minimalinvasiva neurokirurgiska operationer har historiskt begränsats av flera anledningar. För att kunna lära sig, så har läkarstudenter behövt fysiskt närvara i operationssalen för att observera en lärare genomföra olika operationer. Det har begränsat studenternas möjlighet att få viktig praktisk erfarenhet inom sitt fält. Som ett alternativ till traditionella metoder skulle ett simulationssystem baserat på extended reality (utökat verklighet) och som använder auditiv återkoppling i form av sonifikation kunna användas. Ett sådant system skulle kunna ge läkarstudenter möjligheten att träna praktiskt utanför operationssalen samtidigt som de kan få direkt återkoppling under operationens gång. För att genomföra en första utvärdering av sonifikations påverkan på inlärningen av neurokirurgi när simulationer baserad på extended reality används, så utvecklades en prototyp av en kirurgisk simulator med sex möjliga sonifikationer för uppgiften att positionera en kateter så att den är vinklad i en given riktning. Sonifikationerna byggde på parametrisk mappning baserad på spatiala, psykoakustiska eller direkta metoder. För vardera av de tre metoderna kunde komponent vinklarna antingen kommuniceras parallellt eller sekventiellt. Prototyperna utvärderades mot varandra och basfallet då ingen hjälp användes. Utvärderingen genomfördes som en användarstudie av mixed design (blandad design). Användarnas effektivitet mättes som noggrannhet, precision, använd tid och upplevd arbetsbörda. Deltagarna var signifikant långsammare än basfallet när den psykoakustiska sonifikationen användes. Både den spatiala och direkta sonifikation påvisade en likartad, men icke-signifikanta tendens att va långsammare än basfallet. Medans ingen signifikant skillnad upptäcktes mellan sonifikationerna, så tenderade deltagarna att va mer effektiva när de använde den spatiala och direkta sonifikationerna, i jämförelse med när de använde den psykoakustiska sonifikationen. Därmed verkar dessa två metoder för sonifikation vara de mest lovande kandidater för ett auditivt återkopplingssystem i en extended reality simulator för kirurgisk navigation. Dock behövs vidare utvärdering för att finna en slutsats om spatiala och direkta sonifikationers fulla påverkan på läkarstudenternas effektivitet.

Irreversible electroporation is a minimally invasive technique for the non-thermal destruction of cells in a targeted volume of tissue, using brief electric pulses, (~100 µs long) delivered through electrodes placed into or around the targeted region. These electric pulses destabilize the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in the creation of nanoscale defects that increase a cell’s permeability to exchange with its environment. When the energy of the pulses is high enough, the cell cannot recover from these effects and dies in a non-thermal manner that does not damage neighboring structures, including the extracellular matrix. IRE has been shown to spare the major vasculature, myelin sheaths, and other supporting tissues, permitting its use in proximity to these vital structures. This technique has been proposed to be harnessed as an advantageous non-thermal focal ablation technique for diseased tissues, including tumors. IRE electric pulses may be delivered through small (ø ≈ 1 mm) needle electrodes, making treatments minimally invasive and easy to apply. There is sub-millimeter demarcation between treated and unaffected cells, which may be correlated with the electric field to which the tissue is exposed, enabling numerical predictions to facilitate treatment planning. Immediate changes in the cellular and tissue structure allow real-time monitoring of affected volumes with imaging techniques such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, electrical impedance tomography, or ultrasound. The ability to kill tumor cells has been shown to be independent of a functioning immune system, though an immune response seems to be promoted by the ablation. Treatments are unaltered by blood flow and the electric pulses may be administered quickly (~ 5 min). Recently, safety and case studies using IRE for tumor therapy in animal and human patients have shown promising results. Apart from these new studies, previous work with IRE has involved studies in healthy tissues and small cutaneous experimental tumors. As a result, there remain significant differences that must be considered when translating this ablation technique towards a successful and reliable therapeutic option for patients. The dissertation work presented here is designed to develop irreversible electroporation into a robust, clinically viable treatment modality for targeted regions of diseased tissue, with an emphasis on tumors. This includes examining and creating proving the efficacy for IRE therapy when presented with the many complexities that present themselves in real-world clinical patient therapies, including heterogeneous environments, large and irregular tumor geometries, and dynamic tissue properties resulting from treatment. The impact of these factors were theoretically tested using preliminary in vitro work and numerical modeling to determine the feasibility of IRE therapy in heterogeneous systems. The feasibility of use was validated in vivo with the successful treatment of human mammary carcinomas orthotopically implanted in the mammary fat pad of mice using a simple, single needle electrode design easily translatable to clinical environments. Following preliminary theoretical and experimental work, this dissertation considers the most effective and accurate treatment planning strategies for developing optimal therapeutic outcomes. It also experimentally characterizes the dynamic changes in tissue properties that result from the effects of IRE therapy using ex vivo porcine renal cortical tissue and incorporates these into a revised treatment planning model. The ability to use the developments from this earlier work is empirically tested in the treatment of a large sarcoma in a canine patient that was surgically unresectable due to its proximity to critical arteries and the sciatic nerve. The tumor was a large and irregular shape, located in a heterogeneous environment. Treatment planning was performed and the therapy carried out, ultimately resulting in the patient being in complete remission for 14 months at the time of composing this work. The work presented in this dissertation finishes by examining potential supplements to enhance IRE therapy, including the presence of an inherent tumor-specific patient immune response and the addition of adjuvant therapeutic modalities. / Ph. D.

Réalisé sous la co-direction des Drs Denis Bouchard et Michel Pellerin / La sternotomie médiane est l’approche classique pour la chirurgie de la valve mitrale. Elle permet une exposition optimale, mais est associée à un traumatisme chirurgical important, car elle requiert la séparation de l’os sternal. Le présent mémoire porte sur une solution alternative à la sternotomie dans le contexte de la chirurgie mitrale : la chirurgie minimalement invasive (CMI) par minithoracotomie antérolatérale. Trois études ont été réalisées dans le cadre de ce travail. Dans un premier temps, une étude de cohorte regroupant 200 patients consécutifs a permis d’évaluer le taux de succès des réparations mitrales réalisées par minithoracotomie et d’évaluer la durabilité de ces réparations à moyen terme. Par la suite, une étude comparative a été réalisée afin d’évaluer deux méthodes de clampage aortique pour la CMI, soit l’occlusion endovasculaire avec ballon et l’occlusion transthoracique. Enfin, une étude avec analyse par score de propension (propensity score) a permis de comparer la CMI à la sternotomie en ce qui a trait à une complication fréquente en chirurgie cardiaque, l’insuffisance rénale aiguë. La première étude a permis de conclure que la CMI peut être réalisée avec un taux de réparation quasi parfait, et ce malgré la courbe d’apprentissage associée à la technique minimalement invasive. Ces réparations semblent être durables, tel que démontré par une survie sans réopération de 98.3 ± 1.2% à 5 ans. La seconde étude a permis de démontrer que l’occlusion transthoracique est plus fiable que l’occlusion endoaortique et qu’elle est associée à des temps opératoires diminués et à une plus faible incidence de complications procédurales. Enfin, la troisième étude a démontré une association significative entre la CMI et une diminution du risque d’insuffisance rénale aiguë. En conclusion, la minithoracotomie antérolatérale est une excellente alternative à la sternotomie médiane. Tout en diminuant le traumatisme chirurgical, cette approche ne compromet pas la qualité de l’acte chirurgical et présente des bénéfices cliniques. / Median sternotomy is the classic approach for mitral valve surgery. This technique allows optimal exposure but is considered invasive as it requires section of the sternal bone. This thesis discusses an alternative sternotomy : minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) through a right anterolateral minithoracotomy. Three studies were conducted as part of this work. First, a cohort study involving 200 consecutive patients was used to evaluate the success rate of mitral valve repairs performed by minithoracotomy and assess the midterm durability of these repairs. Second, a comparative study was conducted to evaluate two methods of aortic clamping for MIMVS, namely the endovascular balloon occlusion technique and the transthoracic occlusion approach. Finally, a propensity score analysis study was performed to compare MIMVS and sternotomy with respect to a common complication following cardiac surgery : acute renal failure. The first study demonstrated that MIMVS can be performed with a near perfect repair rate, despite the learning curve associated with the minimally invasive technique. These repairs appear to be durable, as evidenced by a freedom from reoperation rate of 98.3 ± 1.2% at 5 years. The second study demonstrated that transthoracic clamping is more reliable than endoaortic occlusion and is associated with shorter operative times and a lower incidence of procedural complications. Finally, the third study found a significant association between MIMVS and a decreased risk of postoperative acute renal failure. In conclusion, the anterolateral minithoracotomy appraoch is an excellent alternative to median sternotomy. While decreasing surgical trauma, this approach does not compromise the quality of surgery and is associated with important clinical benefits.

A artroscopia e a artrocentese são procedimentos considerados minimamente invasivos utilizados para o tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) e são métodos considerados intermediários entre a terapia conservadora e a cirurgia aberta da articulação temporomandibular (ATM). Apresentam como vantagem, em relação a cirurgia aberta, a pequena morbidade e o breve tempo de recuperação necessária aos pacientes. Desde o início do desenvolvimento da artroscopia esteve presente a preocupação com a possibilidade de danos a estruturas internas da ATM, com essa finalidade vários estudos em animais foram desenvolvidos evidenciando que realmente podem ocorrer lesões iatrogênicas as estruturas internas desencadeando processo degenerativo na articulação. A avaliação do mesmo potencial de lesão para artrocentese não existe, assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o trauma operatório da artrocentese comparativamente a artroscopia aos tecidos da ATM em suínos. Realizou-se experimento em vinte ATM de dez cabeças de suínos sendo seis artroscopias; seis artrocenteses e oito ATM utilizadas como controle. Após a realização dos procedimentos as ATM foram cuidadosamente dissecadas, examinadas e fotografadas com registro de alterações traumáticas ao disco articular e as fibrocartilagens da fossa articular e da cabeça da mandíbula. As imagens das estruturas foram analisadas por outro examinador que não tinha conhecimento prévio de qual procedimento havia sido realizado em cada ATM classificando as lesões de acordo com o número e localidade em: ausente (sem alteração visível); leve (descolamento de fibrocartilagem da fossa ou cabeça da mandíbula isoladas e únicas), moderado (perfurações do disco e mais de um descolamento de fibrocartilagem da fossa ou cabeça da mandíbula) e severo (lacerações do disco e lesões múltiplas em mais de uma estrutura). Os dados também foram classificados em ausente e presente para uma comparação direta. Foi realizada análise estatística dos dados. No grupo controle ocorreram danos em duas das oito ATM durante a dissecção, que apresentaram características distintas das lesões constatadas após os procedimentos, nas outras seis nenhuma alteração traumática pode ser evidenciada. No grupo submetido a artrocentese os danos foram ausentes, leves e moderados em 16.7% respectivamente e severos em 50% da amostra. No grupo submetido a artroscopia ocorreram danos moderados em 66.7%, severos em 16.7%, ausentes em 16.7% e não ocorreram danos leves. Em ambos os grupos foram evidenciadas a presença de lesões em 83.3% das amostras. Apesar de não haver diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os danos verificados, em uma análise direta, a severidade das lesões constatadas após artrocentese foi maior. Conclui-se que a artrocentese e a artroscopia não são isentas de morbidade aos tecidos articulares e independentemente de serem procedimentos considerados minimamente invasivos não se pode desprezar o potencial de danos as superfícies articulares. / Arthroscopy and arthrocentesis are considered minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and are situated between conservative therapies and open surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When compared to open surgery they present the advantages of having a brief post operatory recovery time for the patient and little morbidity. Since the beginning of the development of arthroscopy the possibility of damage to the inner structures of the TMJ was a concern, as a result a series of studies in animals were made and it became clear that iatrogenic damage can really happen and trigger degenerative alterations in the joint. Considering that there are no studies that investigate the potential of causing structural damage to the TMJ during arthrocentesis the objective of this study was to evaluate the operative trauma of arthroscopy and arthrocentesis to the tissues of the TMJ using swine heads. Twenty TMJ of ten swine heads were used for six arthroscopies; six arthrocentesis and eight that were used as a control group. After the procedures the TMJ were carefully dissected, examined and photographed. Traumatic alterations to the articular disk and to the fossa and head of the mandible fibrocartilage were recorded. The images of the structures were analyzed by other examiner that did not had previous knowledge of witch procedure each TMJ was subjected to. The lesions that were identified were classified according to the location and number as: absent (no visible alteration); light (one isolated scuffing of the fibrocartilage of the fossa or the head of the mandible); moderate (disk perforation or multiple scuffing of the fibrocartilage of the fossa or head of the mandible) and severe (disk laceration or multiple lesions in more than one structure). The obtained data was also classified as absent or present for a direct comparison. Statistical analyses of the obtained data were made. In the control group damage to two of the eight TMJ was perceived during dissection, the characteristics of those lesions were clearly different from those observed after the procedures, in the other six none traumatic damage could be noticed. In the arthrocentesis group the damages were absent, light and moderate in 16.7% respectively and were severe in 50% of the sample. In the arthroscopy group damage was moderate in 66.7%, severe in 16.7%, absent in 16.7 and no light damage occurred. In both groups damage was present in 83.3% of the sample. Even though the difference between the groups was not statistically significant, making a direct analysis of the data, the severity of the lesions found in the arthrocentesis group was higher. It was concluded that arthrocentesis and arthroscopy are not absent of morbidity to the TMJ tissues and regarded of being minimally invasive procedures the potential of damage to the structures of the TMJ should not be minimized.

Ο στόχος αυτής της εργασίας είναι να αποκτήσουμε μία βασική γνώση όλων των διαφορετικών σχεδιαστικών παραμέτρων που πρέπει να εξεταστούν για να είναι εφικτή η κατασκευή και ο έλεγχος ενός πολυαρθρωτού εργαλείου. Επιπλέον, όλες οι αναλυτικές μέθοδοι ελέγχου που βασίζονται στις ιδιαιτερότητες των SMA παρουσιάζονται λεπτομερώς, ώστε να παραχθεί μία ικανοποιητική λύση βασιζόμενη στις μεταβολές κατάστασης των κραμάτων και του συγκεκριμένου βραχίονα. Με άλλα λόγια, μία πλήρης γνώση του πώς σχεδιάζουμε, κατασκευάζουμε, προσομοιώνουμε, ελέγχουμε και απεικονίζουμε ένα λειτουργικό μικροσκοπικό πολυαρθρωτό βραχίονα, με τένοντες βασισμένους σε SMA για ελάχιστα επεμβατική χειρουργική είναι ο στόχος της παρούσας εργασίας. / The purpose of this work is to acquire a fundamental knowledge of all the different design parameters, which must be evaluated in order to be able to fabricate and control a multi-DOF manipulator. Moreover, all the analytical control techniques based on the particularities of the shape memory alloys will be shown in details, in order to provide an efficient solution based on the variations of the alloys and the specific manipulator. In other words, the knowhow of building, evaluating, controlling and displaying a functional tiny multi- DOF SMA-based manipulator for minimally invasive surgery is the purpose of this work.

Dans cette thèse, nous apportons la contribution à la conception de robots médicaux, en proposant une démarche de conception simultanée de la structure mécanique du robot. Par opposition à une vision séquentielle naturelle de la conception, la formalisation du processus créatif permet une simultanéité, ouvrant la voie à des structures innovantes dédiées : en robotique médicale, faible masse et faible compacité de la structure mécanique sont souvent recherchées. A partir d’un descriptif de démarches existantes, nous effectuons la conception d’un robot de télé-échographie et d’un robot de chirurgie mini-invasive. Pour les deux applications, de fortes contraintes sont présentes. En télé-échographie, la portabilité est très recherchée, requérant une faible compacité. Pour la chirurgie mini-invasive, les moto-réducteurs du robot in vivo doivent être dimensionnés au plus juste. Ici, nous avons formalisé l’amélioration de la compacité d’une structure parallèle pour la télé-échographie. Les résultats montrent une amélioration de la compacité de l’ordre de 5%. Dans le même esprit, nous avons formalisé la synthèse dimensionnelle de deux robots 2R-R-R de chirurgie mini-invasive in vivo. Nous réalisons l’optimisation simultanée entre le dimensionnement des moto-réducteurs et des longueurs des corps pour tendre vers une simultanéité totale du processus créatif, ce qui nous permet d’améliorer les performances en termes de force et vitesse à l’effecteur. Ces expériences de conception montrent les limites à une simultanéité stricte. Nous indiquons le besoin d’adapter outils et méthodes de conception mécatronique pour une simultanéité en conception robotique tenant compte de l’aspect imparfait du processus créatif. / In this thesis, we propose a contribution to the design of medical robots, by offering a concurrent design or simultaneous approach. As opposed to a natural sequential view of the design process, the formalization of the creative process allows simultaneity, paving the way for innovative structures, dedicated: in the medical robotic field, low mass and low compactness of the mechanical structure are often sought. From a description of existing approaches, we design a tele-ultrasound robot and a minimally invasive surgery robot. For both applications, high physical integration is required. For tele-ultrasound robots, portability is highly sought, requiring low compactness. For minimally invasive surgery, geared motors of the in vivo robot must be sized correctly. Here, we formalized the improvement of compactness of an existing parallel structure for remote ultrasound application. The results show an improvement of compactness of around 5%. In the same way, we formalize the dimensional synthesis of two robots 2R-R-R for in vivo minimally invasive surgery. The results show the under-sizing of some actuators. We perform simultaneous optimization between the design of geared motors and lengths of the body of a robot 2R-RR, tendering towards full simultaneity of the creative process, allowing to improve minimal force and velocity at the end-effector of the robot. These experiments of design show limits to a strict simultaneity. We indicate the need to adapt the tools and methods of mechatronic design for simultaneous robotics design, taking into account the imperfect aspect of the creative process.

A artroscopia e a artrocentese são procedimentos considerados minimamente invasivos utilizados para o tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) e são métodos considerados intermediários entre a terapia conservadora e a cirurgia aberta da articulação temporomandibular (ATM). Apresentam como vantagem, em relação a cirurgia aberta, a pequena morbidade e o breve tempo de recuperação necessária aos pacientes. Desde o início do desenvolvimento da artroscopia esteve presente a preocupação com a possibilidade de danos a estruturas internas da ATM, com essa finalidade vários estudos em animais foram desenvolvidos evidenciando que realmente podem ocorrer lesões iatrogênicas as estruturas internas desencadeando processo degenerativo na articulação. A avaliação do mesmo potencial de lesão para artrocentese não existe, assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o trauma operatório da artrocentese comparativamente a artroscopia aos tecidos da ATM em suínos. Realizou-se experimento em vinte ATM de dez cabeças de suínos sendo seis artroscopias; seis artrocenteses e oito ATM utilizadas como controle. Após a realização dos procedimentos as ATM foram cuidadosamente dissecadas, examinadas e fotografadas com registro de alterações traumáticas ao disco articular e as fibrocartilagens da fossa articular e da cabeça da mandíbula. As imagens das estruturas foram analisadas por outro examinador que não tinha conhecimento prévio de qual procedimento havia sido realizado em cada ATM classificando as lesões de acordo com o número e localidade em: ausente (sem alteração visível); leve (descolamento de fibrocartilagem da fossa ou cabeça da mandíbula isoladas e únicas), moderado (perfurações do disco e mais de um descolamento de fibrocartilagem da fossa ou cabeça da mandíbula) e severo (lacerações do disco e lesões múltiplas em mais de uma estrutura). Os dados também foram classificados em ausente e presente para uma comparação direta. Foi realizada análise estatística dos dados. No grupo controle ocorreram danos em duas das oito ATM durante a dissecção, que apresentaram características distintas das lesões constatadas após os procedimentos, nas outras seis nenhuma alteração traumática pode ser evidenciada. No grupo submetido a artrocentese os danos foram ausentes, leves e moderados em 16.7% respectivamente e severos em 50% da amostra. No grupo submetido a artroscopia ocorreram danos moderados em 66.7%, severos em 16.7%, ausentes em 16.7% e não ocorreram danos leves. Em ambos os grupos foram evidenciadas a presença de lesões em 83.3% das amostras. Apesar de não haver diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os danos verificados, em uma análise direta, a severidade das lesões constatadas após artrocentese foi maior. Conclui-se que a artrocentese e a artroscopia não são isentas de morbidade aos tecidos articulares e independentemente de serem procedimentos considerados minimamente invasivos não se pode desprezar o potencial de danos as superfícies articulares. / Arthroscopy and arthrocentesis are considered minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and are situated between conservative therapies and open surgery of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). When compared to open surgery they present the advantages of having a brief post operatory recovery time for the patient and little morbidity. Since the beginning of the development of arthroscopy the possibility of damage to the inner structures of the TMJ was a concern, as a result a series of studies in animals were made and it became clear that iatrogenic damage can really happen and trigger degenerative alterations in the joint. Considering that there are no studies that investigate the potential of causing structural damage to the TMJ during arthrocentesis the objective of this study was to evaluate the operative trauma of arthroscopy and arthrocentesis to the tissues of the TMJ using swine heads. Twenty TMJ of ten swine heads were used for six arthroscopies; six arthrocentesis and eight that were used as a control group. After the procedures the TMJ were carefully dissected, examined and photographed. Traumatic alterations to the articular disk and to the fossa and head of the mandible fibrocartilage were recorded. The images of the structures were analyzed by other examiner that did not had previous knowledge of witch procedure each TMJ was subjected to. The lesions that were identified were classified according to the location and number as: absent (no visible alteration); light (one isolated scuffing of the fibrocartilage of the fossa or the head of the mandible); moderate (disk perforation or multiple scuffing of the fibrocartilage of the fossa or head of the mandible) and severe (disk laceration or multiple lesions in more than one structure). The obtained data was also classified as absent or present for a direct comparison. Statistical analyses of the obtained data were made. In the control group damage to two of the eight TMJ was perceived during dissection, the characteristics of those lesions were clearly different from those observed after the procedures, in the other six none traumatic damage could be noticed. In the arthrocentesis group the damages were absent, light and moderate in 16.7% respectively and were severe in 50% of the sample. In the arthroscopy group damage was moderate in 66.7%, severe in 16.7%, absent in 16.7 and no light damage occurred. In both groups damage was present in 83.3% of the sample. Even though the difference between the groups was not statistically significant, making a direct analysis of the data, the severity of the lesions found in the arthrocentesis group was higher. It was concluded that arthrocentesis and arthroscopy are not absent of morbidity to the TMJ tissues and regarded of being minimally invasive procedures the potential of damage to the structures of the TMJ should not be minimized.