A camera handler for Miccoli’s minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and paratiroidectomy procedures

Abstract

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and paratiroidectomy (MIVAT/P) are surgical procedures performed with 5-mm cameras handled by a camera assistant. The authors created a new camera handler for video-assisted neck surgery. It consists of a telescopic tripod device designed for mechanical handling of the camera, which is directly oriented by the operator even in solo surgery procedures. The camera is placed inside an O-shaped support, and moved by the operator himself for exploration and work on the surgical field. Thanks to this simple device, the camera holder provides a firm field and prevents blood stains in limited working spaces. The novel camera handler may be useful in either MIVAT/P or other simple laparoscopic procedures (i.e., cholecystectomy) for a steady handling of the camera, even in solo surgery procedures.