Team 11

Libre Lung: A Novel Surgical Instrument for Lung Decortication

Team Members:

Talia Hertzberg

Cory Smith

Scott Stevens

Team Mentors:

Dr. Olivia Burnsed, PhD - Arizona State University, SBHSE

Dr. Ian Makey, MD - Mayo Clinic

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/83054971125


Abstract

As of 2021, pleural empyema affects approximately 20,000 US individuals, with 1 in 5 patients requiring surgical intervention. The condition involves the buildup of pus (empyema) in the pleural cavity, which if untreated leads to the development of pleural fibrosis, a condition resulting in severe dyspnea due to restricted lung expansion (known as “trapped lung”). Associated mortality rates are high for patients 65 and over, currently exceeding 16% of hospitalized patients. Lung Decortication involves the surgical removal of the fibrinous tissue “trapping” the lungs that restricts lung expansion and decreases oxygen saturation. The procedure is time-consuming as the surgeons must manually remove the fibrinous tissue while avoiding damage to underlying healthy lung tissue. Currently, there are no novel devices specific to lung decortication which include tissue imaging capabilities. Our goal is to create a minimally invasive device that is efficient and effective in removing the fibrinous tissue encapsulating the lung while concurrently protecting healthy lung tissue. Using models/simulations for Mechanical Force, O₂ Saturation, and Photoacoustic Sensor Feedback, design constraints were determined for housing/geometry, tissue oxygenation, and tissue feedback. After multiple design iterations, experiments assessed the compressive modulus, contact angle, and effectiveness (quantified by measuring the time required to remove simulated fibrotic tissue) of three different 3D printed prototypes with varying geometries. By developing a surgical device specifically for laparoscopic real-time tissue differentiation and for lung decortication, Libre Lung aims to streamline surgical methodologies, reduce surgical time and complications in existing decortication procedures, and ultimately improve surgical outcomes for lung decortication procedures.