Human Extensions: A Novel, hand-held surgical operating system.

Amir Szold, MD, FACS. Assia Medical Group, Tel Aviv, Israel, and Human Extensions Inc., Netanya, Israel.

Objective: Laparoscopic instruments have limited degrees of freedom and are not ergonomic. This results in severe limitations in performing complex, and even simple tasks in surgery, limiting many surgeons from performing a variety of minimally invasive procedures.

Our goal was to combine the advantages of robotic surgery with those of hand-held  laparoscopic instruments. 

Technology: We have designed and built a hand-held electro-mechanical system that can support several end effectors. The instrument is composed of a sophisticated user interface that enables unrestricted hand movement, and a novel, motor driven articulating tool that is controlled by the interface. The system is cordless,  lightweight, doesn't require any set up time, and can be easily moved between laparoscopic trocars and perform complex motions in the surgical field. 

Preliminary results: We have validated the instruments in an animal model. The surgeon was able to perform complex tasks such as complex tissue manipulation and intra – corporeal suturing easily.

Conclusions: the new hand held motorized system seems to address a real clinical need.