Design of the Novel Single Incision, Free Motion Laparoscopic Surgical System

Laparoscopic surgery is a common minimally invasive surgery that uses specialized tools to access the abdominal cavity and pelvic regions via small incisions called ports. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopy’s small incision size better protects a patient’s health and reduces recovery time. However, restricted rotation of the tools around chosen port locations can limit a surgeon’s mobility while operating. To address this, the novel single incision, free motion (SIFM) laparoscopic surgical system was created, and its design was explored through three experiments. Experiment 1 analyzed different permanent magnetic configurations to optimize the magnetic force between a tool on the inside of the abdominal wall and an external tool. The chosen configuration was a single-pole external magnet, coupled to an axially magnetized internal magnet. Experiment 2 analyzed the experimental and theoretical forces applied by the internal tool. The tool was able to provide sufficient cutting forces at 26.1 mm of separation between the tools. Experiment 3 measured the precision of the tool’s end effector which was controlled by a stepper motor-powered cable system. The tool’s end effector rotates no more than 1 deg about the y-axis and no more than 2 deg about the x-axis. The SIFM system combines the health benefits of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, with the free motion and ease of open surgery.