Project Overview

Ovarian cyst removal can be difficult laparoscopically for Gynecologic surgeons. Laparoscopic surgery involves insufflating the abdomen with gas and using small incisions to introduce specialized tools through ‘ports’. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred to open surgery which involves larger abdominal incisions because of the reduced complications and recovery times.

Cysts can vary widely in size and can get quite large. Once the surgeon has insufflated the patient’s abdomen and placed ports, they will place a specimen bag, drain the cyst, and cut the cyst off of the ovary. The surgeons then use graspers to remove the cyst, but large cysts are not easily moved through ports. This is because the specimen bag often naturally orients in a flat shape perpendicular to the port vs. in line with the port. However, cysts are conformable so there could be a way to force them into a cylindrical shape making the passage of these cysts easier for the surgeon and possibly reducing or time. Additionally, draining a cyst is less desirable than keeping it intact.

The scope of this project includes a prototype medical device to assist in containing and removing ovarian cysts, both large and small, from the patient during laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal without the need to drain the cyst.

Team Pictures

Contact Information

Team Members

• Katarina Martinet - Team Leader
• Sophia Nehs - Communicator
• Marisa Vattendahl Vidal - BSAC
• Michael Walz - BWIG
• Yicheng Ma - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Dr. Ed Bersu - Advisor
• Ms. Marie Lotto - Client
• Jessica Schenck - Alternate Contact