Ethicon: Disposable Laparoscopic Instruments, a disposable surgical instrument system for general use in laparoscopic surgery

Surgical Device Design Challenge: Design a minimally invasive surgical instrument that alleviated shoulder, wrist, and elbow pain reported by surgeons performing laparoscopic surgical procedures. Based on direct observation in the operating room and other design research processes, TKDG developed an innovative ergonomic design that replaced the small ring handles that were ideal for open surgery, but ill-suited for the laparoscopic procedures. The design research conducted by TKDG was instrumental in helping the client resolve a significant ergonomic design problem that previously had not been recognized by the medical device industry.