1. What is the Laprostop® designed to do?
It is designed to help control the insertion depth of a trocar by restricting the insertion to an appropriate depth as predetermined by the surgeon. It is also designed to help keep the trocar stable once it is in place. The flange of the Laprostop has three suture ports that the surgeon may use to secure the Laprostop to the patient’s skin.
2. How does the Laprostop attach to the trocar?
The Laprostop consists of 4 parts: the flange, the collet, the nut and the wrench. The collet is placed inside the flange, and then the nut is placed over the flange. The device slides onto the trocar, nut side up. The nut is finger-tightened and then can be tightened more firmly with the custom-designed wrench to hold it in place. Once the trocar is inserted to the designated depth, the surgeon may choose to suture it in place utilizing the three suture ports of the Laprostop's flange.
3. Can the Laprostop be used with any trocar?
The Laprostop can be used with any style of trocar (reusable, disposable, bladed, bladeless). It is available in three sizes: 5 mm, 10 mm, and 12mm.
4. Under what circumstances should the suturing ports be used?
If the surgeon needs the trocars to be more vertically and laterally stable for the exchange of instruments through the cannula, the Laprostop can be sutured to the patient's skin. It depends on the tasks being performed during the laparoscopic procedure.
5. What is the Laprostop made of?
The flange and wrench are made of medical-grade polycarbonate. The collets are made of medical grade vinyl, and the nut is made of non-galling nylon. The Laprostop is designed for single use, and must be disposed of as medical waste after use.
6. Does the Laprostop require special training?
No. It is very simple to use and the directions for use in the Laprostop package are easy to follow. The Laprostop can be attached to the trocar by a surgeon or a qualified medical professional.
7. What are the benefits of the Laprostop for the surgeon?
The Laprostop can help give the surgeon more control and peace of mind over the trocar insertion process. Also, the surgeon can focus on the procedure, knowing that the trocar will remain in place. If sutured in, the Laprostop can help prevent slippage or pulling out of the trocar during operative cases. This "pulling out" often causes loss of the necessary gas, requiring replacement of the gas and trocars. Avoiding this interruption can enable the surgeon to proceed effectively. The Laprostop can help stabilize the trocar or cannula for the surgeon, thereby eliminating the need for the surgeon or assistant to hold the cannula during a procedure. This could save time and free up hands for other tasks.
