A medical laboratory has developed an add-on to any standard minimally invasive surgical (MIS) tool allowing surgeons and surgical residents to receive real time force feedback. The add-on accurately measures the force being exerted on the tissue from the instrument’s tip and relays the information wirelessly via visual force-feedback. This feedback reduces unsafe force levels and variability that can occur during MIS thereby improving accident rates. It can also be used by surgical residents, helping to accelerate training.

Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States only behind heart disease and cancer. Twelve percent of these medical errors involve the use of inappropriate force during surgery. Application of too little force can result in leaks causing internal bleeding and sepsis, while too much force can cut off blood supply leading to strictures. As minimally invasive surgery is quickly replacing open surgery, there is an increased importance being placed on the use of accurate force.