An Isolator System for minimally invasive surgery: the new design

Area of Science:

• Surgical Technology
• Infection Control
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Post-surgical infection risk is linked to air quality around exposed tissues and instruments.
• Existing surgical isolators create sterile volumes but can restrict instrument movement.
• This study aimed to develop an Isolator System (IS) for laparoscopy without limiting instrument mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate an Isolator System (IS) for standard laparoscopic instruments.
• To ensure the IS maintains a sterile environment without restricting instrument movement.
• To test the efficacy of the IS in preventing airborne contamination during simulated procedures.

Main Methods:

• The IS features a protective sleeve for instruments and a balloon for incision/trocar protection.
• A coupling mechanism enables instrument changes without compromising sterility.
• Smoke tests were conducted to assess the IS's containment effectiveness against airborne particles.

Main Results:

• Seven out of eight smoke tests showed no particle contamination within the IS.
• The IS successfully maintained sterility, with only one test showing minor contamination due to a loosened part.
• Instrument manipulation and trocar exchange were performed without complications during testing.

Conclusions:

• The developed Isolator System (IS) effectively increases sterility for laparoscopic procedures in compromised environments.
• The IS design is adaptable for broader applications in minimally invasive surgery.
• This innovation enhances patient safety by reducing infection risk in non-ideal surgical settings.