Finger-Controlled Laparoscopic Device Facilitates Surgical Procedures

An innovative finger-activated laparoscopic instrument mimics the ultimate dissection tool, the human index finger, enabling surgeons to dissect with confidence, retract with strength, and palpate with feel.

The LapFinger device is a 5-mm reposable instrument that is modeled after the anatomical structure of the human finger. It can be used both left- and right-handed and features reusable handles and disposable tips for tissue separation and dissection. 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. The LapFinger only requires a short learning curve, simplifying complex procedures and potentially reducing surgical times.

While the device can produce up to 18 kg of pressure to manipulate structures, it is sensitive enough to allow a surgeon to feel small masses or changes, closely simulating physically touch with the finger. The LapFinger device is a product of Microline Surgical (Beverly, MA, USA).

"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,” said Sharad Joshi, president and COO of Microline Surgical. "Microline is excited to add LapFinger to its growing number of reposable instruments that provide high quality clinical utility with great economic value.”

"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,” added Michael A. Goldfarb, M.D., who developed the technology and prototype behind the LapFinger.

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