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Device Technologies and Biomedical Robotics

Device Technologies and Biomedical Robotics - Poster Session E

Poster V19 - Improving Laparoscopic Surgical System Maneuverability with the LapProFlex Advanced System

Saturday, October 26, 2024

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST

Location: Exhibit Hall E, F & G

Co-Author(s)

AP

Aamuktha Porika

Medical Student
School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University
Houston, Texas, United States
SM

Samantha Mathew

Medical Student
School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, United States
KM

Kristina Montez

Medical Student
School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, United States

Presenting Author(s)

Anita Sumali (she/her/hers)

Medical Student
School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University
Houston, Texas, United States

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgical systems are used in operative settings where minimally invasive surgeries are performed. Since the late 1980s, minimally invasive surgeries have increased exponentially, associated with a shift away from open surgeries.2 Given its less invasive nature compared to open surgery, laparoscopic procedures typically have less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries.3 Some of the most common minimally invasive procedures include procedures in the abdomen and pelvis such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, vertical (sleeve) gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and prostatectomy.4 Laparoscopy is also utilized in non-gastroenterological specialities, such as gynecology.5 Currently, laparoscopic surgical systems limit intuitive hand movements, restricting dexterity and range of motion, which can impair ergonomics for the surgeon. These systems are widely used in procedures such as diagnostics, repairs, weight-loss surgeries, and cancer treatments. In 2023, 15.2 million laparoscopic procedures were performed globally. In the United States, about 11% of surgeries are laparoscopic, with 2% using robotic-assisted systems. Complication rates for laparoscopic abdominal surgeries in the U.S. are higher at 11.6% compared to 9.4% for robotic-assisted surgeries. The average hospitalization cost for laparoscopic surgeries is $16,000. The North American market for laparoscopic devices is valued at $8.9 billion, with a global market size of $18.6 billion. This abstract outlines the design and early-stage development of the LapProFlex Advanced System, which aims to enhance maneuverability and ergonomics in laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and

Methods: The LapProFlex Advanced System is a single device that incorporates four complementary subsystems with unique design features to promote natural, intuitive maneuverability that is easily controlled in the provider’s hand with an ergonomic controller. This approach to creating an all-in-one, combination laparoscopic surgical system was validated through copious market landscape and patent research. Existing devices either innovate upon the handle, modify design to improve the grasper’s multifunctionality or are produced by the big medical device companies (Medtronic, Ethicon, Karl Storz) that occupy a lion’s share of the market space. Devices with innovative handles provide proximal rotation without a locking mechanism, those that innovate to improve multifunctionality are electro-mechanical in design and thus have severely limited/no tactile feedback; and those from the prominent market players do not prioritize improving either. Therefore, our research highlighted the need for a system that combines smooth, wristed (natural) movement via a more ergonomic design with the multifunctionality of electrical laparoscopic graspers. While the IP landscape for laparoscopic graspers is robust, our thorough review indicated that our device’s incorporation of multiple features in this field would give us freedom to operate.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: A total of 15 stakeholder interviews – from a variety of categories, including physicians, sterilization employees, surgical technologists, and medical students – validated the need for a more ergonomic and maneuverable laparoscopic surgical system. Currently, the CAD models for each subsystem have been designed and the 3D printed have undergone preliminary proof-of-concept testing, both for technological feasibility and user satisfaction. A more ergonomic and maneuverable laparoscopic surgical system can decrease complication rates, reduce hospital stays, reduce patient and hospital costs, and increase surgeon satisfaction. Future directions of the LapProFlex Advanced System include developing compatibility with contemporary electronic systems used in minimally invasive surgeries to position the device as the next best option after robotic-assisted surgery with significantly reduced OR-related costs and surgeon learning curve as well as increased accessibility. Additionally, the device can be made compatible and reusable with other common-place distal laparoscopic attachments such as dissectors, scissors, and staplers.

Acknowledgements (Optional): We would like to acknowledge the support of our faculty mentors: Dr. April Lovelady, PhD and Dr. Amanda Arrington, MD.