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A compliant tip reduces the peak pressure of laparoscopic graspers
Damian D Marucci1, John A Cartmill, Christopher J Martin
1Division of Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, UNSW, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.
Background:
Previous studies have demonstrated that high pressures are generated at the tips of laparoscopic graspers, which can cause tissue injury. This study examines the effect of a compliant edge on tip pressure.
Methods:
One of a pair of identical laparoscopic graspers was modified by refashioning the tip out of silicone. A thin film pressure transducer (I-scan 6900 sensor) was deployed between the jaws of the grasper and a simulated tissue (leather strap). Load and handle pressures were kept constant. Peak tip pressure readings were taken as the load orientation was increased from the perpendicular to 135 degrees (n = 10). The data was analysed using anova and a post-hoc Duncan's multiple range test.
Results:
Peak tip pressures generated by the compliant tipped grasper were significantly less than those developed by the unmodified grasper, particularly at high-load orientations.
Conclusion:
High pressures generated at the tip of laparoscopic graspers can be reduced by altering the mechanical properties (compliance) of the tip.