Innovative handles for use in minimally invasive surgery

Summary

Most of the handles available for laparoscopic surgery are not ergonomically designed. Based on anatomic, physiologic and ergonomic principles, new criteria for handles for laparoscopic surgery have been developed. In minimally invasive surgery, handles have to be adjustable for various hand sizes. The functional elements need to be operated by the sensitive parts of the fingers, without causing pressure areas. Rotation movements have to be transmitted directly to the effector; the instrumenťs shaft represents an immediate extension of the lower arm rotation axis. Taking these factors into account, new concepts for handles were developed. The multi-functional handle ‘MFEHG Schafreuter’ is shaped to fit either the right or left hand. Manipulation of the various functional elements is carried out using the first three fingers, while the handle rests in the half-closed hand. The vario-handle ‘VG Hirschberg’ is shaped to fit either hand and can be held in various grip positions for precise dissection, or for strenuous work. Both handles fulfil ergonomic criteria and support a bimanual and more ergonomical laparoscopic surgery.

Key Words:

• laparoscopy
• ergonomics
• handles