University develops laparoscopic tool for surgeons

The Department of Industrial Manufacturing Engineering of the University of Malta has created a laparoscopic tool that combines a scissors, hook and grasper, thus speeding up keyhole surgery. Prof Jonathan C Borg, who coordinated the project, said the...

The Department of Industrial Manufacturing Engineering of the University of Malta has created a laparoscopic tool that combines a scissors, hook and grasper, thus speeding up keyhole surgery.

Prof Jonathan C Borg, who coordinated the project, said the researchers observed surgeons at work and identified a pattern of swapping of surgical tools. This led them to believe that if they combined the three main tools, surgery would be simpler.

The new tool's dimensions are just 35mm by 10mm.

Prof Jonathan C Borg, who coordinated the project, said the University has applied for a patent. The next step would be to work on the commercialisation of the tool.

So far feedback from surgeons has been encouraging, Prof Borg said.

The project was funded by the National Research and Innovation Programme of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, which forwarded a grant of €200,000.

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