Technology For Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery Advanced By Olympus

Main Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 24 Apr 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Olympus America Inc. formally introduced its advanced technology platform that now allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive single-site surgery through the umbilicus (belly button), which may result in less abdominal trauma, less post-operative pain, less internal/external scarring and improved recovery for patients. The platform, introduced at the annual Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons meeting, combines existing Olympus and Gyrus ACMI endoscopic and laparoscopic technology with the new TriPort access system. The platform includes the technology and devices necessary to perform procedures such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendectomy, and urological or gynecological surgery through just one incision in the belly button.

In Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site surgery (LESS™), the TriPort access system is placed into the umbilical incision of between 12-25mm, allowing single-port access for up to three surgical and imaging instruments that can be either straight or bent, flexible or articulated. After the procedure the surgeon removes the port, allowing the natural contours of the belly button to hide the surgical incision.

Along with the TriPort, the Olympus LESS platform consists of other advanced instruments including the unique 5mm deflectable EndoEYE®, which uses digital-chip technology to place the camera on the tip of the scope, and which delivers high-quality images enabling doctors to see fine details during surgical procedures. Olympus' EndoEYE has a streamlined configuration, eliminating the light post and intrusive second cable. Incorporation of a deflectable tip on the EndoEYE provides surgeons with the flexibility to change the direction of his/her view giving them a new way to observe the anatomy. It also helps minimize potential collisions between the instruments, which is common when operating in narrow spaces. These features make the Olympus EndoEYE the only LESS instrument of its kind.

One of the centers utilizing this advanced technology platform is Tampa General Hospital, where Dr. Sharona Ross, Assistant Professor of Surgery, has performed a number of LESS procedures, including a dual surgery involving the removal of a gallbladder and uterus. "There are a number of advantages in using a single port through the umbilicus compared to typical laparoscopy," said Dr. Ross. "We have found that patients experience less pain because there are fewer incisions in the abdomen, and there is less trauma to the muscle wall going through the midline. Other advantages of single incision include decreased risk of wound infection and no visible scar."

"This procedure is nearly impossible to do without the Olympus EndoEYE®, which provides an exceptional digital image while being small and flexible enough to maneuver with other instruments in a small space," continued Dr. Ross. "The EndoEYE allows us to view the surgical field from multiple angles giving the surgeon the ability to completely view the surgical dissection."

In addition to being the exclusive distributor for the TriPort, Olympus is the manufacturer of a processor called the EVIS EXERA II® universal platform, which features the world's first and only narrow band imaging (NBI™) and high-definition technologies, the next generation of visualization which enhances minute capillaries and tissue during laparo-endoscopic procedures. Other laparoscopic tools that can be utilized with LESS™ surgery include HiQ+ Hand Instruments™ and the Gyrus ACMI PK Technology platform, which are designed to be an extension of the surgeon's hand for both grasping and dissecting tissue; and SonoSurg® Ultrasonic Surgical System, which transmits ultrasonic vibrations into energy that prevents bleeding by coagulating blood as it cuts tissue.

Source:
Lisa Koen
Golin/Harris International