Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Transoral resection of pharyngeal tumors with acceptable oncological and functional results can be challenging due to their location in a narrow anatomic space. CASE PRESENTATION/METHODS:In this case report, we demonstrate successful visualization and resection of a squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx using the novel Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System. The Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System (Medrobotics Corp., Raynham, MA, USA) is an operator controlled flexible endoscope system that includes a rigid endoscope and computer-assisted controllers, with two external channels for the use of compatible, 3.5mm flexible instruments. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:In a 74-year old female patient a T1 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx was visualized and completely resected using this system. The Medrobotics(®) Flex(®) System is a promising device for transoral approaches in resection of tumors within the pharynx. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Good visualization, access, and flexibility of the endoscope and instruments are hereby clear advantages of the system compared to commonly used systems.

An extension of the white light spatial-phase-shift (WLSPS) for object surface measurements is described. Using WLSPS, surface measurements can be obtained from any real object image without the need of a reference beam, thus achieving inherent vibration cancellation. The surface topography is obtained by acquiring multiple images of an object illuminated by a spectrally modulated white light source and using an appropriate algorithm. The modulation of the light source obviates the need for the continuous phase delay to obtain the interferograms.