Scientists of the Silesian University of Technology will develop surgical tools of the next generation
At the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology, a project is being implemented, the aim of which is to develop new generation surgical tools. These tools, used during operations in the cardiovascular system, are to minimize tissue injuries.
The main goal of the project, implemented at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, is to develop and manufacture new generation of traditional and laparoscopic tools, ensuring safe and controlled closure of blood vessels. This will protect the tissue from overload, resulting in a reduction in injuries during grasping.
– The project assumes the use of modern biocompatible, atraumatized metamaterials and sensors on the working surfaces of tools, ensuring safe tissue gripping. In addition, the use of hydrophobic coatings is to ensure easy washing and sterilization, which will enable their reuse - said Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Basiaga, prof. SUT, Head of the Project.
Vascular clamps, which are currently available on the market, have a limited ability to control the pressure force during surgical operations. The design of some tools makes the distribution of pressure uneven over the entire length of the jaws.
– There are currently no relevant normative requirements that would determine the pressure force values for individual vessels, in particular those differing in mechanical properties. To reduce tissue damage, some manufacturers offer so-called atraumatic inserts made of soft materials. However, the research shows insufficient quality of the inserts, mainly due to their low susceptibility to deformation - emphasizes Dr Hab Eng. Marcin Basiaga, prof. of Silesian University of Technology
Other solutions proposed the use of special sensors, but they also did not bring satisfactory results.
“State-of-the-art instruments for clamping and gripping in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery do not provide real-time pressure control. As a result, almost all vascular procedures are associated with the risk of excessive clamping/gripping forces. The most common postoperative complications can cause narrowing of the arteries, followed by free-lobe necrosis, damage to the endothelium and artery walls, complete rupture in the centre of the vessel or blood vessel clots, interrupting the flow of blood to the organ or limb – adds the scientist.
The project entitled “Advanced metamaterials dedicated to cardiovascular operations to minimize tissue injuries” is carried out with the participation of nine consortium members, including four foreign (three from Austria, one from Turkey). The leader of the project is Silesian University of Technology. For its implementation, the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering obtained funding for the total amount of almost two million eight hundred thousand zlotys. The Head of the project is Dr Hab. Eng. Marcin Basiaga, prof. SUT from the Department of Biomaterials and Medical Devices Engineering.
