LUNU 2022-103
INVENTORS Akira Yamada* Basil Alias Narain Reddy Nikhil Shah
SHORT DESCRIPTION A novel surgical instrument that optimizes precise cartilage and general tissue handling in reconstructive surgery
BACKGROUND Reconstructive surgery often requires precise manipulation of autologous cartilage to achieve appropriate form. This is especially true in auricle reconstruction for patients with trauma or congenital microtia. In order to achieve appropriate contour of the helix, antihelix, and other structural components, surgical gouges are routinely used. The aesthetic and surgical outcome of this reconstruction is heavily influenced by the manufacturing quality, alloy selection, and post-processing of the specific surgical gouge utilized during the operation. Current commercially available surgical gouges are not ideal for carving cartilage, as they lack necessary ergonomics and a sustained cutting edge. To ensure optimal surgical outcomes, there is a need for a surgical gouge that is ergonomic and can consistently provide a sharp cutting edge.
ABSTRACT A team of plastic surgeons and engineers have developed a new surgical gouge and handle that optimizes cartilage carving. The lead surgeon, Dr. Akira Yamada, is a world-renowned leader in the Nagata technique, the most popular surgical method for microtia reconstruction. With Dr. Yamada’s expertise, the team determined the ideal specifications of both the gouge and handle to improve surgical outcomes. The new gouge’s sharp blade increases precision, which is critical for technical and aesthetic details required in many plastic surgeries. Its ergonomic and lightweight handle improves surgeon comfort during the long process of precise cartilage manipulation. The modular nature of the device allows for quick, table-side adjustments and for some gouge components to be sterilized and reused. Initial usability testing confirmed a number of benefits. When compared to the standard commercial gouge, the new design improved upon the weight of the handle, speed of carving, sharpness of the gouge blade, and surgeon hand strain. Given the prominent use of surgical gouges in cartilage and bone surgeries, this invention has the potential to improve aesthetic and functional outcomes for a variety of plastic surgeries.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION Alias BP, Reddy NK, Shah ND, Chwa ES, and Yamada A (2023) Validating a New Surgical Gouge for Autogenous Ear Reconstruction During Simulated Microtia Workshops. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Submitted.
IP STATUS A provisional patent application has been filed.
CONTACT Kelley Elahi, MSE, BSN, RN, CPN Manager, Innovation Portfolio Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute kelahi@luriechildrens.org