Advantages

‐ Rapid Suction Recovery: Instant restoration of suction power by simply switching the pump to a spare tube in the event of clogging.
- Reduced Surgery Time: Minimization of time-consuming tube replacements (typically 3–4 times per procedure).
- Enhanced Safety: Prevention of retained surgical items (tube loss or misplacement) through a design where tubes are integrated into the port cover.
- Efficient Field Expansion: Gauze-tipped design allows simultaneous tissue retraction/dissection and suction while preventing tissue aspiration.
- Low Development Risk: A simple, practical configuration compatible with existing wound protectors (e.g., Alexis).

Current Stage and Key Data

‐ Proof of concept completed using existing wound protectors and gauze-tipped suction tubes.
- Established a configuration that addresses the efficiency losses and suction degradation inherent in conventional products.

Partnaring Model

Patent licensing, joint development, or technology transfer for commercialization.
‐ Potential partners: Medical device manufacturers specializing in access ports or suction instruments.

Background and Technology

In laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries, exudate from tissues obstructs visibility, and steam generated by electrosurgical knives contaminates the camera lens, posing significant obstacles to surgical procedures. Traditional suction forceps face limitations in their range of operation due to interference from bones or organs, and their effectiveness is often dependent on the skill of the assistant. Furthermore, gauze-lined tubes lead to prolonged surgery times because the pneumoperitoneum must be released whenever the tube needs replacement due to clogging. The present invention aims to streamline the workflow of increasingly sophisticated endoscopic surgeries by systematizing multiple tubes.

Principal Investigator

Tetsuro MARUYAMA (Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University)

Patents and Publications

Patent pneding