Feasibility of Prototype of Curved Clip Forceps for Endoscopic Laryngo-Pharyngeal Surgery

Abstract

Endoscopic laryngo-pharyngeal surgery (ELPS) was developed in Japan for superficial carcinoma of the pharynx or larynx. This method requires special instruments, such as malleable electrocauteries and curved forceps. We often use an electrocautery in hemostasis; however, an electrocautery alone may not be sufficient for thick blood vessels. Hemostasis by clipping is a helpful method in such cases, but many of the existing clip forceps are linear in shape, and there have been problems, such as inability to reach the surgical field exposed with a curved laryngoscope. Therefore, we developed a prototype of curved clip forceps for ELPS. The forceps are curved, and the distal end can be rotated. Using these forceps, it is now possible to reach almost all operative fields exposed with a curved laryngoscope. Using hemostatic curved clip forceps is expected to enable even safer trans-oral surgery.