The Coloflator: A ‘new’ device for the reduction of intussusception, a ‘spin-off’ from laparoscopic surgery

Summary

This paper reports on the development of a new apparatus for the pneumatic reduction of intussusception and describes the results of the first clinical trials of the ‘Coloflator’. A high flow insufflator used for advanced laparoscopic surgery was modified by the manufacturers, at the suggestion of the senior author, to evaluate its use for pneumatic reduction of intussusception. Initial biomechanical trials of a prototype machine were conducted in 1994, leading to a final finished product, which has been in clinical trials since 1995. Preliminary clinical trials with this machine have only been completed in 30 patients, with successful reduction of intussusception in 21 (70%). The pneumatic reduction of intussusception has been further simplified by the development of a Coloflator specifically designed for this purpose. This is a direct spin-off from recent technological advances made in high-flow laparoscopic insufflators. By incorporating all the refinements achieved with the latest generation of laparoscopic insufflators, we have successfully developed a machine which greatly simplifies the pneumatic reduction of intussusception.

Key Words:

• intussusception
• pneumatic reduction