This technology seeks to refine this practice by using force sensors and a feedback loop to control the strength of the magnetic attraction.

Lead Inventor: Peter Allen, Ph.D.

Problem or Unmet Need:

Modern surgical procedures are incorporating less-invasive techniques and using smaller incisions. Laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive procedures which utilize one or more surgical incision ports, called trocar points, through which surgical instruments can gain access to an internal body cavity. These surgical instruments need to be anchored, most commonly external to the body either manually or through use of robotic arms. The presented technology demonstrates a novel method by which laparoscopic surgical instruments can be anchored to points on the interior surface of the abdominal cavity, and stabilized using a unique magnetic circuit. Unlike other technologies, this method allows greater stability of the trocar anchor, independent of patient size and surgical conditions.

Details of the Invention:

Surgical instruments in minimally invasive procedures can be anchored either externally through trocar ports, or anchored internally to a point on the interior surface of the abdominal wall. One method for internal fixation uses a magnetic setup in which a magnetic base on the interior abdominal wall is held in place by an external magnet. This technology seeks to refine this practice by using force sensors and a feedback loop to control the strength of the magnetic attraction. This stability circuit provides enhanced fixation for the surgical instruments despite the variable thickness of the patient's abdominal wall.

Applications:

• Fixation of surgical devices within abdominal cavity without trocar incisions
• Control and movement of such devices within the abdominal cavity

Advantages:

• Enhanced stability of anchor using electromagnetic circuit
• Stability is independent of patient size and characteristics
• Greater flexibility in dynamic control of anchor strength

Early Stage

Patent Status:
Patent Pending

Opportunities:

• Sponsored research funding
• Licensing