Apparatus and methods for hybrid endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for performing surgery. In particular, it relates to apparatus and methods that combine the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery in a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique. The apparatus and methods of the invention can be implemented using manual or robotic instruments.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Laparoscopy was an evolution from open abdominal surgery. Laparoscopy offered faster recovery, reduction in pain and less scarring post surgery. Compared with open surgery, where the surgeon manipulates the tissue and performs the surgery when the entire surgical field is exposed, the laparoscopic procedure required significant training. The learning curve was slow and it took a large number of procedures to be performed before the surgeon mastered the mental, as well as manual, demands of the technique and the procedure time was shortened.[0003]In the last few years, as pa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0044]In addition to hybrid NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery, many of the methods and apparatus described herein can also be used to facilitate other surgical approaches, including, but not limited to NOTES-assisted NOTES surgery, where two or more NOTES devices are inserted through different bodily orifices to a surgical site. Working tips can be inserted through one of the NOTES devices and another NOTES device with an elongated shaft like the laparoscopic tools desc

Problems solved by technology

The learning curve was slow and it took a large number of procedures to be performed before the surgeon mastered the mental, as well as manual, demands of the technique and the procedure time was shortened.

The problem is that this approach requires the use of flexible and controllable delivery platforms and endoscopes so that they can navigat

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