VATS Versus Robotic Anatomic Pulmonary Resection in a High-Volume Institution: Cost and Outcomes Analysis.

Objective: This study evaluates the impact of transitioning from video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) on patient outcomes and costs, based on the experience of a single surgeon at a quaternary center.

Methods: We reviewed patients who underwent anatomic lung resections by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2022, excluding nonanatomic resections and those involving robotic bronchoscopy followed by resection. We compared baseline characteristics, short-term outcomes, and costs between the VATS (2015 to 2018) and robotic (2018 to 2022) groups.

Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Programs Largely Produce Cardiac Surgeons-Is the General Thoracic Surgeon an Endangered Species?

IntroductionIntegrated cardiothoracic surgery residency programs were introduced in 2008 in response to a decline in cardiothoracic surgery trainees. Since their inception, the number of integrated programs has grown, while the availability of independent fellowships has diminished. We hypothesize that the rise in integrated residencies will adversely affect the number of general thoracic surgery graduates.

Standardized Approach to Robotic-Assisted Esophagectomy.

Esophagectomy is the standard treatment for localized esophageal cancer. However, this procedure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There has been a growing shift toward minimally invasive techniques, which have been shown to reduce perioperative complications, shorten hospital stays, and enhance patient satisfaction while adhering to oncologic principles.

Combining Robotic Navigational Bronchoscopy and Lung Resection Into a Single Anesthetic Event: Cost-Effectiveness, Wait Times, and Outcomes.

Background: Delay from diagnosis to resection in non-small cell lung cancer negatively affects survival. Single-anesthesia robotic navigational bronchoscopy with biopsy and lung resection (SABR) was developed to mitigate delay. We report outcomes, wait times, and cost effectiveness of this approach vs staggered robotic navigational bronchoscopy followed by resection.

1121 Shape-sensing Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopic Biopsies: Diagnostic Yield and Surgical Implications.

Background: This study sought to evaluate a single institution's experience using shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) for the diagnosis and management of pulmonary nodules.

Methods: All patients underwent ssRAB between September 2020 and May 2024. A procedure was defined as diagnostic if a benign or malignant result was obtained.

National trends in operative approach to esophagectomy: utilization rates, outcomes, and overall survival.

Background: Although open esophagectomies (OE) have traditionally been favored, minimally invasive approaches are increasingly utilized and associated with improved outcomes. We investigated the adoption rates of robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) compared with OE. Utilization rates by surgical approach, post-operative outcomes, and overall survival were analyzed.

Development of a virtual reality-based intervention for community walking post stroke: an integrated knowledge translation approach.

Purpose: To develop a virtual reality (VR) based intervention targeting community walking requirements.

Methods: Two focus groups each involving 7 clinicians allowed exploring optimal features, needed support and perceived favorable/unfavorable factors associated with the use of the VR-based intervention from the clinicians' perspective. Three stroke survivors and 2 clinicians further interacted with the intervention and filled questionnaires related to acceptability and favorable/unfavorable perceptions on the VR intervention.

Recovery of Sensorimotor Functional Outcomes at Discharge from In-Patient Rehabilitation in Three Stroke Units in the Province of Quebec.

This study aimed to portray the characteristics, process variables, and sensorimotor outcomes of patients who had received their usual post-stroke in-patient rehabilitation in three stroke rehabilitation units in Quebec in 2013-2014. We assessed patients ( = 264) at admission and discharge with a subset of a standardized assessment toolkit consisting of observational and performance-based assessment tools. The patients, with a mean age of 60.

Development, Implementation, and Clinician Adherence to a Standardized Assessment Toolkit for Sensorimotor Rehabilitation after Stroke.

This study describes the development of a standardized assessment toolkit (SAT) and associated clinical database focusing on sensorimotor rehabilitation in three stroke rehabilitation units (SRUs). Implementation of the SAT was confirmed using objective measures of clinician adherence while exploring reasons for varied adherence. Participants were patients post-stroke admitted for inpatient rehabilitation and clinicians from the three SRUs.

Amount and Content of Sensorimotor Therapy Delivered in Three Stroke Rehabilitation Units in Quebec, Canada.

This study creates a baseline clinical portrait of sensorimotor rehabilitation in three stroke rehabilitation units (SRUs) as a first step in implementing a multi-centre clinical research platform. Participants in this cross-sectional, descriptive study were the patients and rehabilitation teams in these SRUs. Prospective (recording of therapy time and content and a Web-based questionnaire) and retrospective (chart audit) methods were combined to characterize the practice of the rehabilitation professionals.

Sensorimotor enhancement with a mixed reality system for balance and mobility rehabilitation.

We have developed a mixed reality system incorporating virtual reality (VR), surface perturbations and light touch for gait rehabilitation. Haptic touch has emerged as a novel and efficient technique to improve postural control and dynamic stability. Our system combines visual display with the manipulation of physical environments and addition of haptic feedback to enhance balance and mobility post stroke.

Cognitive load and dual-task performance during locomotion poststroke: a feasibility study using a functional virtual environment.

Background: Gait and cognitive functions can deteriorate during dual tasking, especially in people with neurological deficits. Most studies examining the simultaneous effects of dual tasking on motor and cognitive aspects were not performed in ecological environments. Using virtual reality technology, functional environments can be simulated to study dual tasking.