New laparoscopic instrument mimics human index finger

Microline Surgical, Inc.Nov 4 2010

Microline Surgical, a leading manufacturer of reposable instruments for minimally invasive surgery, today announced the launch of its LapFinger™ finger activated laparoscopic instrument. LapFinger mimics the ultimate dissection tool - the human index finger - enabling surgeons to dissect with confidence, retract with strength and palpate with feel.

“In surgery, patient safety is critical so my goal as an inventor was to develop new technology that would enable surgeons to dissect along anatomic planes with greater precision to minimize complications such as bleeding”

Many conventional instruments used for laparoscopic surgery provide a limited range of motion, increasing the risk for inadvertent damage, compromising the surgeon's ability to perform certain complex maneuvers and prolonging surgical times. Modeled after the anatomical structure of the human finger, Microline's LapFinger is a 5mm reposable instrument that provides the safety, ease of use and versatility to overcome these challenges and facilitate advanced general surgical and gynecological procedures.

Michael A. Goldfarb, M.D. developed the technology and prototype behind LapFinger. "In surgery, patient safety is critical so my goal as an inventor was to develop new technology that would enable surgeons to dissect along anatomic planes with greater precision to minimize complications such as bleeding," said Dr. Goldfarb.

LapFinger can be used both left and right handed and features a reusable handle and disposable tips for tissue separation and dissection. It can produce up to 40 lbs of pressure to manipulate structures, yet is sensitive enough to allow a surgeon to feel small masses or changes, closely simulating as if his/her index finger were physically touching the object. The device also provides a wide range of motion, enabling the surgeon to maneuver around structures for dissection and around vessels without the tip slipping off the vessel and causing inadvertent damage. With its intuitive user interface, LapFinger requires only a short learning curve, simplifying complex procedures and potentially reducing surgical times.

"The LapFinger's simple yet elegant design makes it a very useful and versatile tool for a wide variety of laparoscopic procedures. Its development is a perfect example of a creative surgeon partnering with great engineers to develop the next generation in devices. Microline is excited to add LapFinger to its growing number of reposable instruments that provide high quality clinical utility with great economic value," said Sharad Joshi, President & COO of Microline Surgical.