Need for New Technology in Surgery
Laparoscopic techniques have radically altered the way surgery is performed. Endoscopes, lasers and nanoscale tools linked to computers and video systems are giving surgeons access to more areas of the body in less invasive ways.

Unlike traditional surgery that often requires a large incision, laparoscopic surgery allows for small keyhole incisions. The resulting benefits to millions of patients who undergo surgery each year are less pain and physical trauma, fewer complications, smaller scars and faster recovery time — all of which contribute to lower health care costs and patients returning to work sooner.

However, even experienced surgeons encounter steep learning curves for using laparoscopic instrumentation. Without extensive training, such approaches can be disorienting and may increase the probability for error.
The need for new minimally invasive procedures and tools, as well as for hands-on training for surgeons on these new technologies, opens the door to new research programs in technology that will lead to new interventional treatments and cures.

ASTEC— A Unique Opportunity to Make Arizona a Leader in Surgical Technology
ASTEC will create strategic partnerships for collaborative and trans-disciplinary research on surgical technology among world-class faculty from various University of Arizona departments and centers, including Optical Sciences, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and Telemedicine, as well as from Bioengineering at Arizona State University.
In addition to new minimally invasive devices and procedures, scientists and clinicians will investigate applications of image-guided surgery, new biomaterials, and non-invasive surgery using energy sources where no incision is made at all. The economic and health care benefits derived from these developments will be enormous.

Surgeons are constantly challenged to keep pace with new techniques and instrumentation as they continue to evolve at an increasingly rapid rate. The advancement of simulation-based training will be an important component of the surgery technology initiative.

Many surgeons believe that the integration of computers and robotics will have as great an impact as the introduction of anesthesiology into the operating room. ASTEC will take a leading role in the greater integration of technology into surgical education and practice, and put Arizona on the map as a leader in the development of biotechnology in surgery.

ASTEC Vision and Mission
ASTEC is a collaborative initiative to develop and assimilate new surgical procedures to improve health care for patients worldwide. The center will:

• Build upon Arizona’s existing strengths in surgery, optics, computer guidance, bioengineering and telemedicine to create the most advanced surgical technology.
• Revolutionize surgical education and training.
• Create partnerships with medical technology industry, generating new opportunities in Southern Arizona.

ASTEC Programs
Telesurgery and Outreach Program

• Extends the expertise of the University of Arizona through telesurgery, telementoring and telepresence.
• Provides the community access to advanced health care technology.

Advanced Surgical Technology Development Laboratory

• Serve as the translational research lab for ASTEC The lab will have bench resources and will function as the testing site for instrumentation, lasers and nanotechnologies.
• Facilitate the hands-on laboratory experiences that augment simulation, virtual reality and other training opportunities and environments.
• Be an integral part of the relationship with industry partners that will lead to the development of the next generation of surgical instruments, biomaterials and devices.

Medical and Surgical Simulation Laboratory

• Encompass a full range of virtual reality simulation equipment that will provide extensive real-time exposure to the anatomy and physiology of the human body, as well as manifestations of diseases, disorders and dysfunctions.
• Evaluate and create new uses of surgical simulation technology.
• Provide continuing education and training of physicians, nurses, biomedical engineers and other professionals locally, nationally and internationally.

ASTEC Collaborators and Partners
Academic: In partnership with the University of Arizona, UA College of Medicine, University Medical Center and Arizona State University, ASTEC will facilitate a synergistic critical mass of research and training efforts on the most advanced medical technologies.

Industry: ASTEC welcomes the participation of large and small companies in a partnership that provides opportunities in the areas of surgical research (discovery), product development, education and commercialization. These partnerships will play a profound role in ASTEC and on the future of medicine.

Benefits to Building ASTEC

• Attract medical technology companies and their highly trained workforce to Southern Arizona. Sharing expertise will increase collaboration and productivity and lead to more rapid applications for discoveries.
• Help to recruit new and outstanding faculty, as well as the best and brightest of students and residents, to the University of Arizona. Since physicians who train in Arizona typically stay in Arizona, the region will benefit from a higher quality of surgical specialists.
• Further UMC’s reputation as a leader in medical advances in its core areas of cancer, heart, pediatrics and transplantation and as the hospital of choice for the highest quality of health care.
• Extend far beyond AHSC walls, reaching trainees and practicing physicians throughout the state and world using telesurgery and telementoring.
• Enable technology companies working in optics, medical device, computer simulation and imaging access to and input on the creation of new technologies in surgery. Through these partnerships, ASTEC and Southern Arizona technology sectors will enjoy the benefits of new technology creation.
• Improve the quality of life for people in Southern Arizona and throughout the world.

For more information, contact:
Jo Marie Gellerman
The University of Arizona
Department of Surgery
1501 N. Campbell Ave., Room 5408
P.O. Box 24506
Tucson, Arizona 85724
520-626-7219