Laparoscopic Simulation Device for Testing and Training

Abstract

Laparoscopy, a form of minimally invasive surgery focusing on the abdominal area, has become a common choice for surgeons due to its benefits of decreased recovery time and post-operative pain, which results in much lower costs for the patients. Currently, testing new tools in a surgical-like setting requires an animal cadaver, which can be both expensive and difficult to store, or an expensive device. This paper describes the development of a bench-top laparoscopy simulator that mechanically simulates access ports using outer ‘tissue’ samples for port insertion and an inner cavity region where ex-vivo organs can be placed and operated on using laparoscopic tools.