Redesign of Uterine Manipulator for Cervical Cancer Surgery
(2021-2022)
Minimally invasive surgeries are rising in popularity due to their decreased risks and time of recovery. One such area where these surgeries can be applied is cervical cancer surgery. It typically involves a radical hysterectomy. One of the key instruments used in cervical cancer surgeries is the uterine manipulator, which allows the surgeons to move the cervix in the correct alignment for the surgical procedure.
When compared to traditional radical hysterectomies, laparoscopic methods have fewer surgery complications, but lower long-term survival rates. While many theories as to why this happens are being explored, the general consensus among surgeons is that this is due to the incompatibility of the uterine manipulator with the fragility of the uterus endometrium.
The primary problem we have identified with the laparoscopic methods is the higher rate of recurrence probably caused by tumor spillage from the use of the uterine manipulator. Our team’s goal is to redesign the manipulator such that the possibility of spillage decreases.
We hope to find out relevant information and past patents that will aid the redesign of the uterine manipulator. We hope to detail out a blueprint of our proposed redesign of the uterine manipulator by the end of February and then 3D print the parts by the end of this semester.
When compared to traditional radical hysterectomies, laparoscopic methods have fewer surgery complications, but lower long-term survival rates. While many theories as to why this happens are being explored, the general consensus among surgeons is that this is due to the incompatibility of the uterine manipulator with the fragility of the uterus endometrium.
The primary problem we have identified with the laparoscopic methods is the higher rate of recurrence probably caused by tumor spillage from the use of the uterine manipulator. Our team’s goal is to redesign the manipulator such that the possibility of spillage decreases.
We hope to find out relevant information and past patents that will aid the redesign of the uterine manipulator. We hope to detail out a blueprint of our proposed redesign of the uterine manipulator by the end of February and then 3D print the parts by the end of this semester.
Team Member Bios
Rachel Lin is a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering with a Mechanical Emphasis. She is interested in entering the biomedical device industry and possibly a graduate degree to gain specific knowledge in a biomedical field.
Nayeli De Leon is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Electrical Engineering. She is interested in the health field and pursuing ways that provide more access to healthcare services for local communities. In her free time, she likes to take photos and build her photography portfolio!
Lucia Liu is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Engineering. She plans on attending medical school and pursuing a career that combines the fields of medicine and engineering.
Alayne Morrel is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in cellular and molecular engineering. She plans on pursuing an MS/MD program and is interested in making healthcare devices that are inexpensive and accessible.
Nayeli De Leon is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Electrical Engineering. She is interested in the health field and pursuing ways that provide more access to healthcare services for local communities. In her free time, she likes to take photos and build her photography portfolio!
Lucia Liu is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Engineering. She plans on attending medical school and pursuing a career that combines the fields of medicine and engineering.
Alayne Morrel is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in cellular and molecular engineering. She plans on pursuing an MS/MD program and is interested in making healthcare devices that are inexpensive and accessible.