Remote Suture Placement--Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgery

Minimal access abdominal surgery through the laparoscope has generally replaced surgical procedureslaparotomy for several common procedures, including cholecystectomy and appendectomy. More complicatgastrointestinal operations are also being attempted laparoscopically. Many of these procedures aretechniques which are not yet standard laparoscopic techniques. A basic surgical technique necessarythe more complicated procedures is remote suturing. Present manual suturing techniques are technicalcurrent tools for suturing through the laparoscope have limited use. Our primary objective is to devdevice capable of remotely placing and securing sutures automatically. The design of the remote sutusuch that sutures are placed and activated using a technique similar to laparoscopic stapling. A proand tested in Phase I to demonstrate the feasibility for laparoscopic use. The remote suturing devicPhase I in a pilot animal study, in which a laparoscopic procedure will be completed. If the Phase Ithe device developed may allow a more reproducible laparoscopic suturing technique. Ultimately, thissurgeons to perform more innovative laparoscopic procedures in complicated gastrointestinal surgery.