Live Demonstration: LaparoSense for Tactile Sensing in Minimally Invasive Surgery

This live demonstration showcases LaparoSense, a novel approach to restoring tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) through a sensorized handle integrated with force and angle sensors. Unlike traditional tip-mounted sensing systems, LaparoSense measures the grasping dynamics indirectly from the tool's handle, offering a reusable, sterilization-friendly, and modular solution compatible with standard laparoscopic tools. The demonstration will also feature advanced microfluidic-based sensors for enhanced tactile sensing performance. The demonstration setup includes a functional prototype (sensor-integrated laparoscopic grasper), a portable surgical simulator (Pyxus HD Move), soft PDMS-based tissue-like phantoms, a laptop interface for real-time tactile feedback visualization, and a display of various microfluidic sensor designs. Visitors will engage in a hands-on simulation where they manipulate various tissue phantoms using the grasper. During interaction, the system delivers real-time visual feedback of force magnitude, grasping angle, and estimated tissue stiffness. This immersive experience highlights LaparoSense's core innovation of indirect sensing from the tool's handle as a means to overcome key clinical challenges in MIS, such as loss of haptic perception and unintentional tissue damage. Attendees will gain insights into how LaparoSense can enhance surgical training, reduce intraoperative errors, and support environmentally sustainable practices by minimizing single-use medical waste.