A Novel Suction-and-Irrigation Laparoscopic Surgical Instrument: Internal Design and Preclinical Performance Evaluation

Abstract Objective: Laparoscopic instruments with suction and irrigation functions often lead to tissue damage during removal of the aspirated tissues, owing to the presence of aspiration into the side holes of their catheters. To address this problem, we designed a novel irrigation-and-suction catheter and assessed its preclinical efficacy. Methods: We made structural improvements to the irrigation-suction catheter to prevent tissue aspiration through its side holes. We ran a simulation program to perform experimental assessments before printing out the catheter tip models using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. Model 1 was the control, and Models 2, 3, and 4 were the improved models. Using these, we performed 10 repetitions of 15-s suction followed by 15-s irrigation, for a total of 5 times per model. We recorded the number of aspirations that occurred through the side holes and analyzed each model using nonparametric methods. Results: Models 2 and 3 showed fewer aspirations because the velocity and pressure around their side holes were lower than those of Model 1; this was statistically significant. On the other hand, Model 4 had a lesser preventive effect against aspiration due to higher velocity and pressure around its side holes. Interpretation of Results: We confirmed that side-hole aspiration can be prevented with an internal structure that completely separates the irrigation and suction paths. Even if the irrigation and suction paths are not completely separated, adding a septal structure at the distal end of the catheter may prevent aspiration.