Pincer next to U.S. penny. Researchers from Vanderbilt University recently created a device merely two-millimeters-thick that may revolutionize minimally invasive surgery. The pincer may be used to remove brain tumors and more. (via Vanderbilt University)
While minimally invasive surgery definitely has its benefits, including faster recovery time for patients due to smaller incisions, it has limitations too. Even tiny, precise surgical robots, such as da Vinci, have their limitations, because although they may be small and exact, they are not flexible enough for things like brain surgery. That’s why the “pincer” was created.
The “pincer” is the creation of a research team based out of Vanderbilt University. Led by Robert Webster, the team designed a flexible probe that can be steered inside of the body. The team took a nickel titanium tube and cut it in such a way that it became flexible. This was attached to a string that runs through the tube so surgeons would be able to bend the tip up to 90 degrees. The result was an incredibly small surgical tool that may minimize the need to make incisions in the body.
Minimally invasive surgery has been raved about because of its ability to gain access to the body through smaller incisions. The “pincer” steps this up a bit, as the instrument can fit through the body’s natural orifices. If a patient has a brain tumor in the base of the skull, for example, the research team believes it can be used to pull out the tumor through the nasal passage, instead of cutting open the face (current procedure). If a patient suffers from inner ear issues, the “pincer” can travel there too, without making additional incisions. The flexibility coupled with its small size makes it a promising tool for even further minimizing the dangers of surgery.
The Vanderbilt team is hoping to find a commercial partner that can get the instrument FDA approved so it can go from concept to practice with the people who need it most.
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