Comparison of different devices to control computer bases systems in the OR

Usage of PC based systems in the OR by the surgeon (e.g. navigation system) is difficult since the surgeon needs to interact with a helper who is not scrubbed in. To compensate this problem different devices e.g. foot controlled mice were developed. In this study we evaluated well established systems to control PCs (mouse, touchpad, presenter and freeware to gesture control) regarding the practicality of their use in the OR.

The steril wrapped devices were used by test persons in a realistic environment. At a PACS viewer a set of three tasks, wich contained different control actions (show, click, drag and drop), was repeated ten times. Time to completion was measured and test persons were asked to complete a NASA Task Load Index survey.

The mouse was the fastest way to finish the tasks (21.5 ± 5.33 s mean;± standard deviation). Completion with the touchpad needed 52.5 ± 35.8 s and was 2.4 times longer, followed by webcam and presenter. This is also deflected in the TLI were the mouse was superior to the other systems in four of six items.

Parallel to the development of computer based assistance devices the surgeon needs practicable control instruments. There are many systems available which are often complex to use. It was shown that input devices which are known from day to day use are superior to other solutions in performance and acceptance.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)