POLYPECTOMY SNARE
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CLINICAL NEED
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. [3]. It affects about 14 million Americans annually [4]. Colorectal cancers derive from polyps, which are small growths in the intestinal tract. These polyps are removed during colonoscopies before they can develop into cancer most often with polypectomy snares, though other instruments may be used with more difficult polyps.
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objective
Many laparoscopic instruments are manufactured in a single size. Studies have shown that surgeons with small hands (glove sizes 7 inches or smaller around the knuckles) have greater difficulty operating these devices compared to those with medium and large hands [5]. Our aim is to design a polyp-removing instrument that relieves discomfort for our target population (surgeons with small glove sizes) and reduces procedural complications.