Design of a Steerable Laparoscopic Instrument for Cleaning and Sterilization

Master thesis (2011)

Authors

Contributors

J. Dankelman (mentor)
P. Breedveld (mentor)
Programme
BME (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2011 Golde, T.A.
Design Surgical instruments Cleaning Sterilization
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Published Date

28-10-2011

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Programme

BME

Abstract

In the last thirty years, many new surgical methods and techniques such as laparoscopic surgery and natural orifice surgery have been introduced into hospitals worldwide. As these technologies have progressed, surgical instruments have become increasingly more complex and also much more difficult to clean and sterilize. In this paper, one such instrument, a steerable laparoscopic grasper which is currently too complex to clean and sterilize in a hospital, is examined in detail. The challenges which prevent this instrument from being properly cleaned are identified, and a new novel design concept to neutralize these challenges is suggested. In addition to this, cleaning and sterilization guidelines and strategies which can be applied to any surgical instrument are presented.