The magnetic needle retrieval device is designed to fit through standard laparoscopic, endoscopic or robotic surgery ports to retrieve lost metal surgical needles, clips, foreign bodies, etc.
Dr. Michael Palese, Director of Minimally Invasive Urology, and Dr. Daniel Gainsburg, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Urology recognized the need for a specialized medical device that would expedite the process of recovering dropped needles during laparoscopic surgery. Due to the 
reduced visibility of the surgical field, laparoscopic surgery requires even more attention to retained foreign bodies and subsequently more specialized equipment to retrieve them. An estimated 1 in 8,800 intra-abdominal operations result in a retained surgical instrument or sponge, however this rate does not account for lost needles that are recovered during a procedure. In fact, in one institutional study, dropped needles accounted for 76% of all near-miss events. After a needle is recognized as missing, the current protocol for recovery involves a systematic visual
inspection, followed by intraoperative x-rays. This laparoscopic instrument is designed to expedite the process of lost-needle recovery through the incorporation of an articulating magnetic tip, enabling the surgeon to gently sweep the abdominal cavity in a far more efficient manner.
Current Development Status
- Developed working prototype
- Published large animal study showing 60% decrease in search time for dropped needles
Applications
- Retrieval of lost metal surgical needles, clips, foreign bodies, etc. during laparoscopic, endoscopic or robotic surgery
Advantages
- Reduce associated morbidity of an open incision
- Save on operating room costs by decreasing dropped needle search time
- Reduce potential legal liability of lost foreign objects in the operating room
Publications
- Small et al. “Laparoscopic Needle-Retrieval Device for Improving Quality of Care in Minimally Invasive Surgery.” J Am Coll Surg. 217, pp.400-5 (2013)
Patent Status
- International Application PCT/US2011/061960 filed November 22, 2011
- Status: Published. International Publication No. WO 2012/071473
- US Utility Application 13/303,050 filed November 22, 2011
- Status: Pending. US Publication No. 2012/0130164 A1
- US CIP Application 13/672,370 filed November 8, 2012
- Status: Published. US Publication No. US 2013-0066136
Contact
Christopher Frenz, PhD
Business Development Analyst
Mount Sinai Innovation Partners | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Phone: 646.605.7316