Conventional Laparoscopic vs Multi-Degree of Freedom Articulating Instruments in Minimally Invasive Surgical...

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Instrumentation
• Gynecologic Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery utilizes specialized instruments for procedures within the abdominal cavity.
• Conventional laparoscopic instruments have limitations in articulation and dexterity, potentially impacting suturing efficiency.
• Articulating instruments offer enhanced maneuverability, which may improve surgical tasks like suturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the time required for knot tying using conventional laparoscopic instruments versus the novel Artisential articulating instruments.
• To evaluate the efficiency of the Artisential device in a specific surgical context, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, internally controlled cohort/case series design.
• Two patients undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy were enrolled.
• Suturing was performed using both conventional needle drivers and the Artisential device, with knot-tying times recorded and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Mean knot-tying time was significantly reduced with the Artisential device (66s) compared to conventional instruments (119s) (P < .01).
• All individual knot-tying components, including needling and knot formation, were faster with the Artisential instrument (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• The Artisential articulating laparoscopic instrument nearly halved knot-tying time in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.
• This novel instrument demonstrates potential to improve surgical efficiency in minimally invasive gynecologic procedures.