Design of a Handheld Trocar Insertion Device for Laparoscopic Surgery to Avoid Overshooting

Overshooting trocar insertion in Iaparoscopic surgery has been extensively cited as a major cause of surgical injury. The complexity and extensive insertion force required of the current handheld insertion method increases the risk of overshooting and is difficult for novice and female operators. Hence, we developed a trocar insertion device to make the procedure easier and safer. The device is designed so it is easy to handle and assemble. It used negative pressure and pneumatic cylinders to lift the abdominal wall and two motors to drive the trocar insertion. In addition, we interpreted the characteristics of the insertion force and developed an algorithm to detect whether the trocar is properly inserted. By monitoring changes in the insertion force with this device, the trocar insertion can be stopped automatically and immediately. The development of this device has realized the automation of trocar insertion. It reduces the demand on operators and improves the safety of the procedure.