title: Laparoscopic dissecting instruments.
abstract: The authors provide an overview of laparoscopic dissecting instruments and discuss early development, surgical options, and special features. End effectors of different shapes and functions are described. A comparison of available energy sources for laparoscopic instruments includes discussion of thermal dissection, ultrasonic dissection, and water-jet dissection. The ergonomic risks and challenges inherent in the use of current laparoscopic instruments are outlined, as well as ergonomic issues for the design of future instruments. New directions that laparoscopic instrumentation may take are considered in connection with developing technology in robotics, haptic feedback, and MicroElectroMechanical Systems.
authors.affiliation: University of Kentucky, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Lexington KY 40536-0293, USA.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Mastrangelo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gandsas
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Quick
mesh_terms: D004210:Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D014465:Ultrasonics