An Applied Ergonomic Analysis and Comparison of Laparoscopic Surgical Tool Handles
Abstract
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which surgeons operate with a camera to view the operating area and instruments inserted through minor incisions. This surgery has many benefits, including faster patient recovery, but it can also be physically demanding for surgeons. Significant muscle fatigue and cognitive effort have been observed in surgeons as they engage in prolonged use of these instruments. The handles of these instruments are not ergonomic. The purpose behind this research project is to design and test an alternative to the standard laparoscopic instrument handles. Applying human factors and ergonomics principles, we sought to make quality of life improvements and introduce designs that were based around user comfort and performance. In order to confirm whether these proposed designs lead to any reduction in overall muscle fatigue and cognitive efforts, we analyzed brain and muscle activity signals captured through surface electromyography (sEMG) and electroencephalography (EEG). The participants were tasked with performing standard suturing training tasks with each pair of instruments. The 8-channel EEG was set to capture brain signals and EMG sensors were placed in the upper trapezius muscles, commonly cited as an area of strain. As part of the analysis, the EMG data was normalized to the percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction, providing a reference to compare muscular effort across participants regardless of their level of strength. The EEG brainwave signals were similarly processed, prior to frequency analysis, to reduce noise and classify signal wavelengths.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Ali Panahi
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
An Applied Ergonomic Analysis and Comparison of Laparoscopic Surgical Tool Handles
Alvin Sherman Library
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which surgeons operate with a camera to view the operating area and instruments inserted through minor incisions. This surgery has many benefits, including faster patient recovery, but it can also be physically demanding for surgeons. Significant muscle fatigue and cognitive effort have been observed in surgeons as they engage in prolonged use of these instruments. The handles of these instruments are not ergonomic. The purpose behind this research project is to design and test an alternative to the standard laparoscopic instrument handles. Applying human factors and ergonomics principles, we sought to make quality of life improvements and introduce designs that were based around user comfort and performance. In order to confirm whether these proposed designs lead to any reduction in overall muscle fatigue and cognitive efforts, we analyzed brain and muscle activity signals captured through surface electromyography (sEMG) and electroencephalography (EEG). The participants were tasked with performing standard suturing training tasks with each pair of instruments. The 8-channel EEG was set to capture brain signals and EMG sensors were placed in the upper trapezius muscles, commonly cited as an area of strain. As part of the analysis, the EMG data was normalized to the percentage of Maximum Voluntary Contraction, providing a reference to compare muscular effort across participants regardless of their level of strength. The EEG brainwave signals were similarly processed, prior to frequency analysis, to reduce noise and classify signal wavelengths.
