Phase I - Laparoscopy

Until now, conventional laparoscopy requires a second surgeon or surgical assistant to hold and manipulate the endoscope while the surgeon works from another direction. The speed of the procedure is constrained by the loss of depth perception, intermittent loss of view of the instrument tips and frequent withdrawal to clean and defog lenses.

EndoSphere combines a trocar/cannula, endoscope optics, video camera and light source into one instrument with a hollow center channel to pass instruments through.  The video image looks straight down onto the instruments as if it were an open procedure.

Surgeons who have tested the system claim it is intuitive the first time using it; that it feels like an open procedure.

The EndoSphere system will be available in two versions:

1.    An integral trocar, cannula and endo-imaging system

2.    An endo-imaging assembly that fits through any 10mm trocar

Phase II

The next development phase will include the Arthroscopic and Thoracic fields and will adapt this Patent Pending system to the Flexible Endoscopy market for GI procedures and NOTES (Nature Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery).

Regulatory Path - The EndoSphere system combines the features of an endoscope, video camera, trocar and cannula, all currently listed as Class II 510(k)-approved devices. The consolidation of all the above into one device should carry the same classification as these predicate devices.