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Why steerability in laparoscopic surgery?
Current problems in laparoscopic surgery
During dissection, the entry point in the abdominal wall and the positioning of other instruments and scope limits the dissecting device in obtaining an optimal approach to the tissue plane. Advancing the dissection device “off-plane” may lead to intra-operative complications (e.g. bleedings and perforations of hollow organs).
This is prevented by 1) placing the entry point strategicaly to obtain a proper approach, 2) shifting between multiple entry points and 3) by manipulating organs to present the dissection plane to the active device. This takes time and instructions to the assisting surgeon, and still the approach may be suboptimal, specifically in tight anatomical areas.
Steerable laparoscopic surgical instruments enable you to:
- In addition you can maintain ergonomic posture
Continuous adequate exposure of your target area
Position in line with the tissue plane
The end-effector (e.g. a hook) of the LaproFlex can approach tissue optimally, by placing the tip in line with the dissecting plane.
Work around an organOptimal view and approach of the target area
The end-effector of our articulating surgical instrument, the LaproFlex, can reach around an organ as it can be steered without changing the shaft angle and without disrupting the workflow.
Work around instrumentsOptimal assistance to your active instrument
The LaproFlex’s steering technology enables you to work around your active instrument as the shaft can be placed out of its pathway, while still presenting the target tissue as needed and safeguarding adequate exposure.
Retract tissue over a large section
The bending section can be placed to a traumatically retract and stretch an organ over a large section at once.
Read about hands on experience with the LaproFlex
Examples: Steerable laparoscopic instrument Facilitated dissecting and suturingUsers experience an added value when dissecting and suturing with an articulating surgical device
DissectingFree working path when dissecting
During dissection, the tissue can be grabbed optimally while the tip of the LaproFlex avoids collisions as it can be steered around other instruments to the target area.
SuturingOptimal approach needle to needle holder
During suturing, the needle can be easily grabbed and presented to the needle holder in an optimal position. Laparoscopic knot tying is also facilitated.
Watch the advantages of steerability in laparoscopic surgery
This video is a collage of several procedures on the colon. It shows the freedom in obtaining adequate exposure of the target area as you can work around organ structures and/or around other instruments. Please notice that the shaft of the LaproFlex is continuously positioned out of the scope view and away from the instrument path, which is possible due to the steerability of the LaproFlex.
LaproFlex enables surgeons to maintain ergonomic posture during surgery
The unique combination of the axial handle of the LaproFlex and steerability enables you to keep your hands low and your arms relaxed along your body. Only small movements of your wrist are required to reach the complete abdominal cavity, as opposed to rigid laparoscopic devices, with which large motions are needed from the surgeon. This enables you to keep a straight posture and even to be seated while doing your procedure when using steerable medical devices.
Straight postureBend your instrument, not your body
The surgeon does not have to bend to reach the LaproFlex as trocars can be placed closer to the surgeon and still have the same approach to the target area, due to steerability of the tip. The possibility of reimagining trocar positions is a unique aspect of the articulating laparoscopic instrument.
Seated surgeryExperience one of the main benefits of robotic surgery
The surgeon can execute the procedure while seated as trocars can be placed closer to the surgeon, due to steerability of the tip.
Interested in hands on experience with the LaproFlex?
Do you have any questions?
We are available when it suits you. Call, app or e-mail us anytime.
Jules Scheltes
CTO and co-founder
julesscheltes@deam.com
+31 (0)6 15075341