LapCap for Needle Passage Introduced
The Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS) included a presentation from Aragon Surgical, Incorporated on their new LapCap device. The LapCap supports placement of needles endoscopically into the peritoneal cavity. The release was described by Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.
The Aragon Surgical LapCap helps surgeons to place a needle that is used for the installation of carbon dioxide gas into the peritoneal cavity, creating the pnuemoperitoneum. The device uses suction to pull the abdominal wall up and away from the blood vessels and intestines. This action creates a space for the safe advancement of the needle into the peritoneal cavity. Data indicates that this tool supports optimal needle placement with quick completion, that is both reliable and predictable.
The alternative to this approach is passing a needle 12 cm long into the peritoneum blindly. The goal is placement of the needle without injuring the blood vessels or intestines using only tactile feedback for guidance. The LapCap overcomes some of the limitations associated with this approach.
The organization received recognition for the innovation of the device, the LapCap was dubbed the Innovation of the Year by the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons. The award is given to products that support laparoscopy endeavors by both gynecologists and general surgeons.
Aragon Surgical is a venture backed surgical device manufacturer in Palo Alto, California. The organization has been developing products to improve the completion of surgeries by reducing the amount of time required to complete procedures.
September 10, 2007 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Quality, Safety, Errors, Surgery, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Neonatology