Summary: UCLA researchers in the Department of Surgery have developed an auto-drying surgical sponge with an integrated suction device tailored for minimally invasive procedures.
Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become the preferred standard for a wide range of medical procedures, driven by its benefits of reduced patient trauma, minimized scarring, and accelerated recovery. However, a critical challenge for the widespread adoption of MIS is maintaining clear visualization of the surgical area. Since MIS heavily relies on cameras, small traces of blood or bodily fluids can obscure the operative field, leading to prolonged procedure times and increased risk of surgical error. Current solutions for managing fluids include a separate suction device alongside small, rolled surgical sponges. These sponges quickly lose their effectiveness due to rapid saturation, requiring frequent removal and replacement. This process disrupts workflow and increases the risk of retaining a foreign object inside the patient. Requiring a dedicated suction device often involves swapping out essential surgical tools, adding even more risk and inefficiencies. Thus, there is a need for a multi-functional device that combines active suction and prolonged absorbance, allowing surgeons to maintain a clear operative field without the need for frequent tool exchanges or sponge replacement.
Innovation: UCLA researchers have developed a single-device fluid management system for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that integrates an absorbent sponge tip, active suction, and an automated wringing mechanism. The biocompatible sponge tip serves as both an absorbent interface and a protective barrier over the suction lumen, eliminating suction-induced tissue trauma—a common complication with conventional suction instruments. Because the sponge tip is integrated into the device, it also removes the risk of retained surgical sponges.
The device incorporates an auto-drying mechanism consisting of a lever-actuated press plate, an accordion-style bellows housing that provides radial compression, and paired twist bars that apply rotational compression. This mechanism rapidly regenerates sponge absorbency without requiring sponge replacement, maintaining a clear operative field and improving procedural efficiency.
By unifying protection, suction, and regenerative absorbency in a single instrument, this innovation has the potential to significantly enhance MIS workflows, reduce complications associated with traditional fluid management approaches, and support broader adoption of minimally invasive procedures.
Potential Applications: ● Minimally Invasive Surgery ● Robotic Surgery ● Laparoscopy ● Thoracoscopy ● General Surgery ● Urologic Surgery ● Gynecologic Surgery ○ Hysterectomy, ovarian cyst removal, endometriosis excision, etc. ● Urology ○ Nephrectomy, prostatectomy, cystoscopy ● Neurosurgery/Spine
Advantages: ● Operational Efficiency ● Clear Visualization ● Enhanced patient safety ○ Compliance & Risk Reduction ● Versatility
Development-To-Date: First description of the complete invention.
Reference: UCLA Case No. 2025-9AH
Lead Inventor: Dr. Bryan Burt, UCLA Professor, Department of Surgery