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A curved edge moderates high pressure generated by a laparoscopic grasper
A J Shakeshaft1, J A Cartmill, W R Walsh
1Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Clinical Sciences Building, Nepean Health, P.O. Box 63, Penrith N.S.W. 2751, Australia.
Surgical Endoscopy
|December 1, 2001
Summary
Rounding the jaw edge of laparoscopic graspers significantly reduces tissue pressure. This modification lessens stress concentration, improving surgical instrument safety and efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Surgical instrumentation
- Biomechanical engineering
- Medical device design
Background:
- Laparoscopic graspers generate high interface pressures with tissue.
- This pressure is attributed to stress concentration at the jaw's edge.
- Curving the jaw edge may modify stress concentration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a curved jaw edge on pressures generated by laparoscopic graspers.
- To quantify the reduction in tissue pressure with a modified grasper design.
Main Methods:
- Utilized thin film pressure transducers to measure instrument-tissue interface pressure.
- Compared an unmodified grasper jaw edge with one featuring a rounded profile.
- Recorded tissue pressures under constant load and handle pressure across varying load angles (0-135 degrees).
Main Results:
- The unmodified instrument's tip reached a maximum localized pressure of 1500 kPa.
- The instrument with a rounded grasping edge reached a maximum of 920 kPa under identical conditions.
- A significant reduction in peak pressure was observed with the curved edge design.
Conclusions:
- Rounding the jaw edge of laparoscopic graspers effectively reduces peak tissue pressures.
- This design modification offers a potential method to mitigate tissue damage during laparoscopic surgery.
- The findings support the optimization of surgical tool geometry for improved patient outcomes.