Design and evaluation of a multifunctional surgical device for space-based applications

As NASA plans for extended and far-reaching space explorations with astronauts aboard, there is an inevitability of situations where medical/surgical intervention will be necessary (e.g. emergency appendectomy). Given the urgency of these situations juxtaposed with limited material resources on a spacecraft, economy and efficiency while maintaining safety and sterility during surgical interventions are critical. To address these needs, an integrated multifunctional surgical device (MFSD) was developed for space-based general surgical applications. A reduced-footprint, compact, ergonomic handle and a dual-lumen fluid transfer shaft were fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), respectively. The device successfully integrates suction, irrigation, and illumination functionality through a single instrument via finger-tip control and has been validated on the benchtop and in a post-mortem animal study. The device will reduce blood loss and help maintain visualization by removing blood/debris from the operative field, while also minimizing the number of instruments and exchanges necessary during a procedure. The MFSD technology is compatible with the aqueous immersion surgical system (AISS), a fluidic control configuration currently in development for investigation of space-based surgical techniques, as well as conventional Earth-based systems for open and minimally invasive procedures. •Multifunctional surgical equipment for future space exploration is desired.•A 3D-printed device combining suction, irrigation, and illumination was developed.•Designed to interface with spaceflight (low-gravity) surgical systems in development.•Reduction in quantity of surgical instruments during procedures saves time and money.•Improved operative field visualization, reduction in devices exchanged in surgery.