Development of Balloon-Based Organ Retractor for Laparoscopic Surgery

Abstract

Effective organ retraction is essential to ensure safe and efficient surgery, in the case of laparoscopic surgery, organ retraction is particularly difficult to achieve. Currently such as cherry dissectors are used for retraction, however the small size results in excessive stress on the organ being retracted. Therefore, we are developing a balloon-based retractor that provides similar functionality as the cherry dissector, particularly being able to pass through a small port, yet being expandable to provide a much greater contact area as well as improved traction, thus providing increased operating efficiency and improved safety in organ retraction. In this paper, the relative merits and demerits of a number of currently available retractors are compared. Parameters under consideration include shape, size, effective traction (coefficient of friction), type of actuation and ease of use. While parameters such as pressure distribution and effective traction have been objectively measured, other attributes unique to the individual mechanisms are discussed, and finally feedback is provided from surgeons regarding the respective retractor’s ease of use and perceived efficacy.

Balloon-Based Organ Retractor With Increased Safety and Reduced Invasiveness During Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

“…Additionally, the nylon mesh covering provides the frictional coefficient of retraction required to ensure effective and appropriate stabilization of the lung. 7…”

“…There are some other commercially available surgical devices that use the same concept of enlarging the working contact surface area for endoscopic surgery 7,16 ; however, there is little literature outlining the benefits of such devices. A high frictional coefficient of the retractor surface is integral in providing effective and appropriate control of such slippery organs.…”

“…We have detailed the high frictional coefficient provided by this retractor in comparison with existing retractors in a previous study. 7 One of the most important advantages of our current balloon-based retractor is that the entire circumferential area of the retractor makes contact with the organ, including the side wall as well as the tip. This is the main reason that we selected the balloon-based mechanism for our retractor.…”

“…2-6 We have previously reported the development of this balloon-based organ retractor and its effective frictional coefficient of retraction. 7 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the balloon-based retractor in the dry and wet labs.…”