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Published on: November 14, 2015
Vacuum grasping as a manipulation technique for minimally invasive surgery
D Vonck1, R H M Goossens, D J van Eijk
1Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Department of Applied Ergonomics and Design, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands. d.vonck@tudelft.nl
Surgical Endoscopy
|March 3, 2010
Summary
New vacuum instruments show promise for laparoscopic surgery, causing no significant bowel tissue damage in pig models. These instruments could be safely used as graspers in minimally invasive procedures.
Area of Science:
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Laparoscopic surgery necessitates specialized instruments.
- Bowel tissue damage, particularly perforation, is a critical concern in laparoscopic procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel vacuum instruments for laparoscopic surgery.
- To assess the potential for bowel tissue damage using prototype vacuum graspers.
Main Methods:
- Healthy pig bowel tissue was manipulated using two prototype vacuum instruments.
- Manipulations were performed by experienced surgeons at vacuum levels of 60 kPa and 20 kPa.
- Tissue damage was macroscopically assessed, with 160 observations recorded.
Main Results:
- 63 negligible ecchymoses were observed across 160 trials.
- No instances of serosa, seromuscular damage, or bowel perforation occurred.
- The vacuum instruments demonstrated a low risk of significant tissue injury.
Conclusions:
- The tested vacuum instruments are suitable for use as graspers in minimally invasive surgery.
- These prototypes present a safe option for handling bowel tissue during laparoscopic procedures.
- Further development could lead to advanced vacuum-assisted surgical tools.
