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Medical Miniaturization Tools

Technological advances in surgical procedures have encouraged the development of medical miniaturization tools. These tools are minimally invasive, lower in cost, more reliable, are higher in strength and performance, and fit into smaller spaces than traditional tools. Miniaturization tools allow doctors to work inside the body by going through small incisions or orifices thereby reducing infections and recovery time. Some of the most common miniaturization tools are used for abdominal surgeries and include such things as laparoscopes, graspers, trocars, needle holder and robotics.

  1. Laparoscope

    • A laparoscope is a pencil-like tool that is approximately 30 cm. long and is commonly used in abdominal surgeries. It has a telescope that is fitted with a light and camera that is inserted through small keyhole incisions to give the doctor visual images of internal organs. The laparoscope has an approximate 30-degree viewing area and is used along with other laparoscopic tools to assist in surgical procedures.

    Trocar

    • A trocar has a hollow plastic cylinder with a triangle point on the end through which tools --- such as graspers and scissors --- are introduced into the body; it also assists in draining fluids. Newer trocars are sometimes referred to as "hollow cannula" and "initial entry device." Size and shape of this tool varies depending on the type of operation being performed and the size of the individual.

    Needle Holder

    • The needle holder, also called a "needle driver," is used to hold suturing needles when closing wounds. It gives the surgeon the ability to suture and tie knots with precision. The holder can be straight or curved, is made from stainless steel and has three parts: the jaw, joint and handle.

    Bowel Grasper

    • Graspers are used to hold or move tissue and organs allowing for more precise maneuvers such as observation, excision and biopsy procedures. It is a long tool, similar to a laparoscope, and has scissor-type handles on the end used to grab and release.

    Robotics

    • Robotics is one of the newest tools in surgery. The surgeon sits at a computer that provides three-dimensional images of the patient; he controls small instruments that are attached to robotic arms inserted through small incisions. The movement of the instruments matches the surgeon's hand movements allowing for accuracy and eliminating errors due to hand tremors. The main benefits of robotics are a faster recovery due to smaller incisions, less bleeding and less infection.

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