ABSTRACT
If surgical investigators were privileged enough to be addressed and advised by the Wizard of Menlo Park, Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931), undoubtedly, his words would contain the following advice:
Dear Surgical Investigator, Your profession is a unique one, reflecting the intense dedication of individuals
committed to the investigation of surgical problems. Dealing with diseases that af fect the human body and attempting to discover cures-clearly beyond my area of expertise-as well as studying why certain therapies work and why certain proce dures are better than others, together create a complex situation that requires an extraordinary commitment from anyone involved. Though what I convey to you may not be unique, still let me try to express my principles associated with innova tion and research.
