Team 11

Design of Surgical Instrument to Assist With Lung Decortication Procedures

Team Members:

Talia Hertzberg

Cory Smith

Scott Stevens

Team Mentors:

Olivia Burnsed, PhD - Arizona State University

Ian Makey, MD - Mayo Clinic

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

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/87565186505

Abstract

As of 2021, pleural empyema affects approximately 6 in 100K individuals, with 1 in 5 patients eventually requiring surgical intervention. Associated mortality rates are relatively high for patients 65 and over, currently exceeding 16% of those hospitalized for the condition. The condition typically involves the buildup of pus (empyema) or other fluid in the pleural cavity, which if left untreated leads to the development of pleural fibrosis, a condition that results in severe dyspnea due to restricted lung expansion, commonly known as “trapped lung”. Lung Decortication is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the fibrinous tissue layer that has formed over the lungs, which restricts expansion during breathing and subsequently decreases blood oxygen saturation. Currently, there are no novel devices designed specifically for lung decortication and the procedure itself is excessively time consuming as the thoracic surgeons must manually remove the fibrinous tissue while trying to avoid puncturing or damaging the underlying healthy lung tissue. Thus, the goal of this engineering design project is to create a minimally invasive device that facilitates a more efficient and effective removal of the restrictive fibrinous tissue encapsulating the lung while concurrently protecting the underlying healthy lung tissue, during both open thoracotomy and video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures. Reduction of surgical procedure time would subsequently decrease infection risk and enable rapid patient recovery. Overall, functionality would be increased via improved lung expansion, thereby allowing the patient to deliver proper systemic tissue oxygenation levels to all tissues and organs throughout the body.