Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
11:40
Building An Open-source Robotic Stereotaxic Instrument
Published on: October 29, 2013
15.1K
A Fully 3D-Printed Steerable Instrument for Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Costanza Culmone1, Kirsten Lussenburg1, Joost Alkemade1
1Bio-Inspired Technology Group (BITE), Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 24, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D-printed surgical instrument for laparoscopy, offering enhanced control and customization. Additive manufacturing enables personalized designs for improved surgeon comfort and instrument functionality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Instruments
- Additive Manufacturing
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Additive manufacturing (AM) significantly reduces component count and enhances functionality in medical instruments.
- AM enables the production of customized single items for specific user needs and procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the design of a new, fully 3D-printed handheld steerable instrument for laparoscopic surgery.
- To highlight the integration of ergonomic principles and AM for personalized surgical tools.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical actuation using cables for grasping and omnidirectional steering.
- Design incorporates compliant joints and snap-fit connectors for simplified assembly.
- CAD model modifications allow for personalization of the pistol-grip handle to surgeon's anatomy.
Main Results:
- Forces for steering and grasping were below 15 N.
- Grasping force efficiency was determined to be 10-30%.
- The instrument design facilitates personalization and streamlined assembly.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed instrument effectively combines AM advantages for personalized and simplified surgical tools.
- This approach represents a new direction in advanced surgical instrument design, prioritizing user-specific customization.
