John J Nguyen-Lee, MD1, Albert Y Huang, MD2, Shawn M Purnell, MD1, Brian J Dunkin, MD, FACS3. 1Houston Methodist, 2Allotrope Medical Inc., 3Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education
With surgical approaches and technologies becoming less and less invasive, there is greater reliance on visual identification of critical tissue structures due to loss of haptic feedback. During abdominopelvic operations, identification of the ureter is a critical step of the procedure both to prevent injury as well as to serve as a landmark during dissections into the retroperitoneum. Current techniques rely on pre-operative stent placements, fluorescent injections as well as Urology consults, which can require additional operating time and increase surgeon stress.
Presented in this demonstration is a novel smooth muscle stimulation technology that elicits ureter peristalsis allowing instantaneous identification as well as the ability to visually trace the path of the ureter. The electrical impulse is both novel and specific for smooth muscle structures, and it reliably and repeatably generates ureteric contractions. Designed as a low-cost disposable laparoscopic instrument, it can be held by the surgeon and fits seamlessly into the surgical workflow.
Application of this technology during colonic resections, gynecologic procedures as well as other procedures near the ureter can speed ureter identification, decrease dissection (and the associated injury risks), and minimize the need for stent placement and consults. As such, this system can increase the safety profile of an operation, decrease costs, increase surgical efficiency, and provide a documentable way of ensuring ureter protection.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 93886
Program Number: V404
Presentation Session: Video Loop Day 4
Presentation Type: VideoLoop