Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy with a Remotely Activated Bulldog Clamp in a Pig Model

Saving warm ischemia time (WIT) in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) is important. We have designed a new device, a remotely activated bulldog clamp, to facilitate LPN. In present study, the effectiveness, convenience, and safety of the new design device were compared with that of standard bulldog vascular clamp in a pig model.

Fifteen cases of LPN were bilaterally operated on upper or lower pole of kidneys in five pigs. As the test group, eight cases involved the remotely activated bulldog clamp, whereas the remaining seven cases, as the control group, involved the common standard vascular bulldog clamp. The mean operative time, blood lost, and mean WIT were compared between the two groups.

The mean operative time and blood lost were not significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). Continuous artery clamping was used in the two groups. With on-demand clamping, the mean WIT in the test group was 19.0 ± 3.42 minutes, which was significantly less compared with the control group (31.54 ± 5.23 minutes, p < 0.05).

The newly designed device can remotely control the renal artery, which made clamping and unclamping much easier. It is effective and safe in LPN.