Laparosound™ - An ultrasonic method and device for tissue morcellation in laparoscopic surgery, utilizing high amplitude waveguides

Abstract

The laparoscopic removal of tumors and other solid structures from the abdomen and chest is preferable to traditional surgical treatment. The patients are benefiting from shorter hospitalization, less pain, and generally better outcomes. However, the minimization of the size of incision a surgeon uses in these procedures has created some unique challenges. Large tissue masses, such as fibroid tissue mass, are traditionally excised during the surgical procedure and removed intact from the patient through the surgical incision. One common procedure for reducing the size of large tissue masses is generally referred to as morcellation. We propose a new method for soft tissue morcellation using laparoscopy. A unique ultrasonic laparoscopic surgical device, termed Laparosound™, utilizing high amplitude ultrasonic waveguides has been developed that uses the principle of ultrasonic cavitation phenomenon for excision and morcellation of a variety of tissue types. The local ultrasonic acoustic intensity at the distal waveguide tip is sufficiently high that the liquefaction of moist tissue occurs. The mechanism of tissue morcellation is deemed to be cavitation based, therefore is dependant on water content in tissue, and thus its effectiveness depends on tissue type. This results in ultrasound being efficient in moist tissue and sparing dry, collagen rich blood vessels and thus minimizes bleeding. The applications of such device in particular, commonly encountered, could lay in general and ob/gyn laparoscopic surgery, whereas other applications could emerge.