Ergonomic laparoscopic grasper with touch control

Unmet Need: Cost-effective laparoscopic instruments with improved ergonomics and precise control

Handheld laparoscopic instruments can often be uncomfortable for users. Extended use of these instruments during surgeries can lead to fatigue, physical stress, and even hand injuries. These factors contribute to increases in the potential for surgical errors, while decreasing physical longevity for surgeons. Although efforts have been made to enhance the ergonomics of laparoscopic handles, the majority of these improvements still depend on manual control. Additionally, the few existing motorized solutions continue to employ mechanical buttons and dials, and robot-assisted instruments can be extremely costly.

The Technology: Touch-controlled, ergonomic laparoscopic grasper

This laparoscopic instrument is touch-controlled with a linear sliding touch sensor that enables more precise grasp control. Through capacitive touch sensors, this technology decreases fatigue when compared to traditional instruments. This device furthermore offers precision control by enabling surgeons to translate touch gestures into accurate movements during surgical procedures. As such, this technology may serve as a cost-effective option for those looking for a more ergonomic and precise handheld laparoscopic device.

This technology has been prototyped with feedback from surgeons at Columbia University Medical Center.

Applications:

Minimally invasive surgical procedures
Robotics-assisted surgery
Pediatric surgery
Surgical training and simulation
Laboratory research

Advantages:

High level of precise control
Improved ergonomics
Decreases surgeon fatigue for laparoscopy
Cost-effective compared to robot-assisted instruments

Lead Inventor:

Arvind Nandakumar

Patent Information:

Patent pending

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU24024

*Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik