Magnets Could Allow Scar-Free Surgery

A new surgical concept for magnetically maneuvering laparoscopic surgical tools could be the key to delivering on the promise of surgery without scars.

The new concept, called the magnetic anchoring and guidance system, was developed by physicians at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, USA) and engineers at UT Arlington (UTA, USA). The concept is based on inserting surgical tools into the abdominal cavity through the navel or throat.

The system uses a stack of magnets outside the abdomen to attract other magnets attached to laparoscopic instruments inside the abdomen. Surgeons can then move the outside magnets to position an internal camera at the best spot for observing, or to move a retractor or other surgical instrument. Once optimally positioned, the instruments can be locked in place, allowing a much greater range of maneuverability. In animal studies, surgeons have been able to successfully remove a kidney using the system. The new surgical concept is described in the March 2007 edition of the journal Annals of Surgery.

"The current state of the art for laparoscopic surgery requires four or five holes. The question behind this is, can we do the surgery through only one hole and can we hide the hole in a cosmetically advantageous or less painful location,” said lead researcher Dr. Jeffrey Cadeddu, director of the clinical center for minimally invasive treatment of urologic cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The team of urologists and surgeons at Southwestern Medical Center worked with engineers from the UTA Automation and Robotics Research Institute and the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) to build the prototype.


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