Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a surgical procedure that typically utilizes an endoscope or other instrument which is passed through a small incision into a body. Because of this, it often results in less trauma, complications and adverse effects versus open-type surgery. It is not without challenges, however, particularly when it comes to tissue manipulation, which is needed for greater visualization or dissection. When a single tubular body is employed in MIS procedures, simultaneous tissue retraction and dissection become difficult. Magnetic tissue anchors are sometimes used to grasp tissue during MIS, but they are manually controlled with a moveable magnet positioned external to the body.
Researchers at Arizona State University in collaboration with gastroenterologists from The Mayo Clinic, have developed a novel system for active and dynamic magnetic manipulation of internal organs and tissues. Using magnetic tissue anchors and robotic actuators with a magnetic field source, this system can be used during MIS procedures to manipulate target tissue without having to manually position a magnet. Surgeons can input the optimized position of the external magnetic source and this technology translates it and moves it accordingly, providing greater dexterity and operational maneuverability to the surgeon.
This novel system provides enhanced manipulation of tissues and organs in MIS procedures to enable greater visualization, and counter-traction and ultimately better outcomes for patients.
Potential Applications
-
Tissue and organ manipulation/positioning/retracting during MIS procedures
-
Endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy
-
Dissections, visualizations, resections, excisions, bypasses, repairs, etc.
-
Benefits and Advantages
-
The external magnet does not need to be manually held and positioned
-
Because of this, the size of the external magnet is not limited
-
Makes surgical procedures easier for the surgeon
-
-
Enables additional degrees of freedom in manipulating target tissue
-
Allows for repositioning magnetic clips
-
-
Can supply haptic feedback to the user
-
Greater coupling strength of the magnets
For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see