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. 2024 Jun 14:51:e20243619.
doi: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20243619-en. eCollection 2024.

Development and mechanical-functional validation of 3D-printed laparoscopic forceps

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Carlos Magno Queiroz DA Cunha  1 , Ana Paula Bomfim Soares Campelo  2 , Lucas Buffat Sales  3 , Ian Barros Leal Malveira Ary  3 , José Walter Feitosa Gomes  4 , Márcio Wilker Soares Campelo  1   5
Affiliations

Development and mechanical-functional validation of 3D-printed laparoscopic forceps

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Carlos Magno Queiroz DA Cunha et al. Rev Col Bras Cir. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Introduction: 3-dimensional printing has enabled the development of unique and affordable additive manufacturing, including the prototyping and production of surgical forceps. Objective: demonstrate the development, 3D printing and mechanical-functional validation of a laparoscopic grasping forceps.

Methods: the clamp was designed using a computer program and printed in 3 dimensions with polylactic acid (PLA) filament and added 5 screws for better leverage. Size and weight measurements were carried out, as well as mechanicalfunctional grip and rotation tests in the laboratory with a validated simulator.

Results: Called "Easylap", the clamp weighed 48 grams, measured 43cm and was printed in 8 pieces, taking an average of 12 hours to produce. It allowed the simulation of the functional characteristics of laparoscopic pressure forceps, in addition to the rotation and rack locking mechanism. However, its strength is reduced due to the material used.

Conclusion: It is possible to develop plastic laparoscopic grasping forceps through 3-dimensional printing.

Introdução:: a impressão em 3 dimensões permitiu o desenvolvimento de manufaturas aditivas únicas e acessíveis, inclusive na prototipagem e produção de pinças cirúrgicas. Objetivo: Demonstrar o desenvolvimento, a impressão em 3D e a validação mecânico-funcional de pinça laparoscópica do tipo apreensão.

Métodos:: a pinça foi desenhada em programa de computador e impressa em 3 dimensões com filamento de ácido poliláctico (PLA) e acrescida de 5 parafusos para melhor efeito de alavanca. Foram realizadas aferições de tamanho e peso, bem como testes mecânicos-funcionais de preensão e rotação em laboratório com simulador validado.

Resultados:: denominada “Easylap”, a pinça pesou 48 gramas, mediu 43 cm e foi impressa em 8 peças, levando em média 12 horas para sua produção. Ela permitiu a simulação das características funcionais de pinça laparoscópicas de apreensão, além de mecanismo de rotação e travamento por cremalheira. Porém sua força é reduzida devido ao material utilizado.

Conclusão:: é possível desenvolver pinça laparoscópica plástica de apreensão através de impressão em 3 dimensões.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: no.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Digital design of the printed and assembled forceps.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Assembly of the forceps: Part 1 is fitted inside part 2. The ball of part 1 is fitted into part 3. With this assembly formed, parts 4 and 5 are fitted laterally at the proximal end and parts 6 and 7 at the distal end. Fitting part 8 at the proximal end is optional (rack).
Figure 3
Figure 3. Side view of forceps inserted into a laparoscopic simulator..
Figure 4
Figure 4. Forceps being used in a laparoscopic simulator.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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