A novel device designed to improve the operability of energy devices with foot pedals in endoscopic surgery: the Foot-Site Monitor.

Purpose: We developed the "Foot-Site Monitor" (FSM) to permit easy identification of multiple foot pedals of energy devices in endoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the FSM. Methods: Using a training box, 20 surgeons performed a task consisting of pressing foot pedals with and without the FSM. The time from showing a color on a PC monitor to pressing the foot pedal that corresponded to this color (defined as the completion time), and the distance of the movement of the tip of the surgeon's forceps from the beginning to the end of the task (defined as shaking of the forceps) were measured. Results: The use of the FSM was associated with significantly reduced shaking of the forceps (1.95 vs. 2.47 mm; p = 0.014), and a tendency toward a shorter completion time (1.39 vs. 1.51 s; p = 0.053). Conclusions: The use of the FSM in endoscopic surgery contributes to reduced shaking of the forceps and may shorten the operative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]