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| Improving the design of the grip of Laparoscopic graspers |
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| by Simone Maase & Fred
Voorhorst (Delft, 1998) |
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| Laparoscopic operation, or minimally
invasive surgery, is a surgical technique where
the surgeon operates through small openings (so
called key-holes) in the abdomen wall. |
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| For the patient Laparoscopic operation
has several advantages such as smaller scars, less
dehydration and faster recovery. For the surgeon
it introduces more disadvantages. |
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| For visual information the surgeon
relies on a camera image. Typically the image is
static and an assistant controls the camera. |
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| The surgeon operates using special
instruments, which enter the abdomen through fixed
locations and therefore restrict the degree of freedom. |
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There were two events that brought together this project.
First, a quick prototype that
was adapted to the typical 'grasp & pull' movement performed by the surgeon during operation. A quick experiment showed this was
easy to operate and provided much more flexibility and control for the surgeon. Regretfully, only for the 'grasp & pull', not for other activities. |
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Second, research at a partner faculty on improving the technical side of laparoscopic graspers.
Just Herder, working at the Department of BioMechanical Engineering,
has been developing a new grasper. This grasper is based on so called rolling link mechanisms and offers a more than 90% mechanical efficiency. |
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This resulted in a project with the aim to design an ergonomic interface for rolling-link based laparoscopic instrument. As a process, a sequence of
non functional prototypes were produced, which were tried by and discussed with a surgeon.
The images below show the three most promissing designs/prototypes that
were discussed |
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| Based on the feedback a final functioning prototype was produced. For more information on this prototype and this project, please contact Just Herder |
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