生体医工学および医療機器ジャーナル
オープンアクセス

概要

Methodology of Evaluating Pulling Performance of Laparoscopic Electrode Hook

Yuan Kang*, Xiaoxin Wang, Lijun Zhu, Peng Zha

Purpose: Laparoscopic electrode hook is widely used in laparoscopic surgeries. However, the thermal damage determined by the power setting and the activation time is often concerning. The performance and safety of such electrodes are evaluated by the pulling force at a set power during dissection. The study is aimed to establish a method to evaluate hook performance and safety by combing ex vivo tests, simulation analysis, and validation in the acute animal experiment.

Methods: In the ex vivo study, pulling force was tested by an Instron pulling force test system with set power, angle, and speed on porcine stomach tissue using CleanCoat™ L-Hook (Medtronic, Boulder, CO) and a novel design L-hook. A finite element model of the monopolar electrode was established to simulate the cutting efficiency and thermal damage in tissue. The results were then tested in a porcine model in vivo to explore the lowest power for dissection.

Discussion and Conclusion: This comprehensive method maximum simulates the real clinical setting and can be a practical guide for testing pulling performance in medical device development.