Browsing by Author "Moreira-Pinto, J"
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- Five really easy steps to build a homemade low-cost simulatorPublication . Moreira-Pinto, J; Silva, JG; Ribeiro de Castro, JL; Correia-Pinto, JAIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate how simple it is to build a homemade low-cost simulator using a simple 5-step scheme. METHODS: A scheme explaining how to build an endoscopic surgery simulator in 5 easy steps was presented to 26 surgeons. The simulator required a pair of scissors and easy-to-find materials. Its total cost was less than €35. The participants assessed the simulator using common endoscopic training toys or ex vivo tissue and completed an anonymous query comparing it with other commercial simulators that they had experienced before. RESULTS: In all, 84.6% found the simulator really easy to build. Every participant felt that he or she could do the same simulator themselves. Comparing with other commercial available box simulators, the majority of participants found the homemade simulator easier to (a) mount and dismount, (b) transport, (c) clean, and (d) use when practicing alone. CONCLUSIONS: Anyone can build its own simulator for a small amount of money.
- Left atrial appendage ligation with single transthoracic port assistance: a study of survival assessment in a porcine modelPublication . Moreira-Pinto, J; Ferreira, A; Miranda, A; Rolanda, C; Correia-Pinto, JBACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion is a well-known procedure for the prevention of stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication to long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approach for LAA ligation. DESIGN: In 4 acute and 6 survival pigs, we performed LAA by using a forward-viewing, single-channel gastroscope and an operative thoracoscope with a 3-mm working channel (introduced through an 8-mm single transthoracic port). SETTING: Animal laboratory. INTERVENTIONS: The gastroscope was introduced in the thoracic cavity through an esophageal submucosal tunnel. An end loop introduced through the gastroscope was used to legate the LAA. In the survival experiments, the esophageal mucosa was closed using hemoclips. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The time, safety, and feasibility of the procedure were recorded. In the survival experiments, endoscopy and postmortem examination were performed on postoperative day 14. RESULTS: Creation of a submucosal tunnel and esophagotomy were safely performed in all animals without incidents. The mean time for esophagotomy was 17.0 ± 6.3 minutes. Pericardial dissection and LAA ligation were performed in all animals but 1. The mean time for LAA ligation was 34.4 ± 19.1 minutes. No adverse events occurred during the survival period. Endoscopy showed complete esophageal closure. Postmortem examination revealed pleural adhesions on the site of pericardial dissection, and the LAA was fibrotic with the endoloop in place. LIMITATIONS: Animal study. CONCLUSIONS: LAA ligation with single transthoracic trocar assistance is feasible and may be an alternative to anticoagulant therapy or to permanent intracardiac implants in patients with atrial fibrillation.
- Natural orifice transesophageal endoscopic surgery: state of the artPublication . Moreira-Pinto, J; Ferreira, A; Rolanda, C; Correia-Pinto, JThe main goal of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is performing surgery avoiding skin incisions. Theoretical advantages of NOTES include decreased postoperative pain, reduction/elimination of general anesthesia, improved cosmetic outcomes, elimination of skin incision-related complications such as wound infections and hernias, and increased overall patient satisfaction. Although various forms of port creation to accomplish thoracic NOTES procedures have been proposed, transesophageal NOTES has been shown to be the most reliable one. The evolution of endoscopic submucosal transesophageal access resulted in the development of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), which had a fast transition to clinical practice. The authors present a review of the current state of the art concerning transesophageal NOTES, looking at its potential for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions as well as the hurdles yet to be overcome.
- Natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery: A reviewPublication . Moreira-Pinto, J; Lima, E; Correia-Pinto, J; Rolanda, CMinimally invasive surgery started spreading worldwide in 1987, when the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Meanwhile, improvement of endoscopic equipment and instruments allowed gastroenterologists to attempt more aggressive endoluminal interventions, even beyond the wall barrier. The first transgastric peritoneoscopy, in 2004, brought to light the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The idea of incisionless surgery is attractive and has become a new goal for both surgeons and other people interested in this field of investigation. The authors present a review of all developments concerning NOTES, including animal studies and human experience.
- Transesophageal pulmonary lobectomy with single transthoracic port assistance: study with survival assessment in a porcine modelPublication . Moreira-Pinto, J; Ferreira, A; Miranda, A; Rolanda, C; Correia-Pinto, JBACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy is being performed in an increasing number of patients. The aims of the current study were to assess natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) as an alternative to transthoracic endoscopic surgery, and to test the feasibility of peroral transesophageal right upper pulmonary lobectomy with the assistance of a single transthoracic trocar. METHODS: In 10 acute and 4 survival pigs, right upper pulmonary lobectomy was performed using a forward-viewing double-channel gastroscope and an operative thoracoscope with a 5-mm working channel inserted through a single transthoracic 12-mm) port. Time, safety, and feasibility of the following steps were recorded in all animals: esophagotomy, hilar dissection, individual ligation of the hilum elements, pulmonary lobectomy, and specimen retrieval. In the survival experiments, esophagotomy was closed using a reticulated laparoscopy suture device and an esophageal stent was placed. These animals were kept alive and monitored for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Esophagotomy was performed safely in all animals (mean procedure duration 5.4 ± 1.7 minutes). Dissection of the right upper lobe hilum elements (bronchus, arteries, and veins) was carried out without adverse events. Individual ligation of the hilum elements was performed in all but two cases (time for dissection and ligation 44.2 ± 14.8 minutes). Lobectomy and specimen retrieval were completed in all animals (9.5 ± 3.1 minutes). Esophagotomy closure and stent placement were carried out in 20.0 ± 2.8 minutes in the survival animals. These animals fed normally and gained weight postoperatively without signs of disease. Endoscopic examination before necropsy revealed a pseudo-diverticulum in one animal, and wound dehiscence with confined collection/recess in the remaining animals. CONCLUSIONS: Transesophageal right upper pulmonary lobectomy using single transthoracic trocar assistance is feasible and may represent a step towards scar-free pulmonary lobectomy.