Mechanical “wrist” revolution for micro-invasive surgery – De Gelderlander

Developers of Vanderbilt University in Nashville have expanded the toolbox of surgeons with an improved instrument for special keyhole surgery. With a clever technique they have given a wafer gripper a ‘pulse’. That makes new operation methods possible

The need for the exploratory surgery:. One tube for a camera and usually two to four pieces for the instruments. These instruments are rigid and have their ends different functionalities, such as a pincer, a burner or a pair of scissors. The instruments were already getting thinner, but now developers have made sure that the end of the thinnest tools can bend and stretch

It took a while before they came up with the solution:. At the end make a few small notches on one side of the rigid tube. Due to a string that runs by pulling the instrument, the surgeon can bend the tip 90 degrees; such as the wrist.

Cut and attach
The greater freedom of movement is a huge advance. It makes it possible for surgeons to cut precisely, and to be adhered. ,, The smaller the tool, the better, as long as you retain sufficient freedom of movement, ‘says professor of urology Stanley Duke Herrell. He is involved in the development. ,, With smaller instruments, patients experience less pain after surgery and recover them more quickly, in my experience. “

New operations
Now the small equipment more mobility , may also ear, nose, ear and brain operations are carried out in a new way. The team will first use the technique for brain surgery through the nose.

The operation of a brain now goes through the skull and face, but a flight path through the nose, according to various studies minor. However, the technique is so complicated that only a handful of surgeons managed. ,, We think surgeons more applications find that we have not thought of, once they start working with the new instruments, ‘says team member Robert Webster.

Test
equipment this summer is further perfected. The team is still awaiting approval from the US Food and Commodities Authority. Followed by scientific studies. ,, At best surgeons can operate over four to five years our system, ” said Webster hopeful.