Description

Dr. Fatima Mrue, a visionary laparoscopic surgeon and innovator, introduced her revolutionary Pneumoperitoneum Electronic Needle (PEN), a device poised to redefine safety and precision in minimally invasive surgery. This landmark moment, celebrated amidst a gathering of the world’s leading surgeons and gynecologists, marks a significant step forward in addressing one of the most critical challenges in laparoscopy: establishing a pneumoperitoneum with minimal risk to patients. The Significance of Pneumoperitoneum in Laparoscopic Surgery Laparoscopic surgery, often referred to as minimally invasive surgery, has transformed modern medicine by offering patients shorter recovery times, reduced postoperative pain, and smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery. Central to this technique is the creation of a pneumoperitoneum—a gas-filled space within the abdominal cavity that provides surgeons with the visibility and room needed to operate using specialized instruments. Traditionally, this is achieved using methods like the Veress needle or the open Hasson technique, both of which carry inherent risks, such as visceral or vascular injuries due to blind insertion or technical challenges. Despite its widespread use, the Veress needle—a spring-loaded device designed to penetrate the abdominal wall and insufflate gas—remains a point of contention. Studies have shown that while it is effective, complications such as bowel perforation, vascular injury, or failed insufflation occur in a small but significant percentage of cases. Similarly, the open Hasson technique, though considered safer by some, is not immune to complications and can be time-consuming, particularly in complex cases like obese patients or those with prior abdominal surgeries. These challenges have fueled a decades-long quest for a safer, more reliable method to establish pneumoperitoneum—culminating in Dr. Mrue’s innovation. Dr. Fatima Mrue: A Trailblazer in Surgical Innovation Dr. Fatima Mrue is no stranger to the field of laparoscopic surgery. With years of experience as a practicing surgeon and a deep commitment to patient safety, she has dedicated her career to improving surgical techniques and outcomes. Her work has consistently focused on bridging the gap between technological advancement and practical application in the operating room. The Pneumoperitoneum Electronic Needle is the culmination of her extensive research, clinical expertise, and collaboration with engineers and medical device experts. Dr. Mrue’s inspiration for the PEN stemmed from her firsthand observations of the limitations of existing tools. “I’ve seen too many cases where the initial entry—the very first step of a laparoscopic procedure—becomes the most dangerous moment for the patient,” she remarked during her keynote address at WALS 2025. “My goal was to create a tool that not only enhances safety but also empowers surgeons with greater control and confidence.” Unveiling the Pneumoperitoneum Electronic Needle The Pneumoperitoneum Electronic Needle, unveiled to a captivated audience at WALS 2025, represents a paradigm shift in laparoscopic access technology. Unlike the traditional Veress needle, which relies on mechanical spring action and blind insertion, the PEN integrates advanced electronic sensors and real-time feedback mechanisms. These features allow surgeons to precisely monitor the needle’s position as it penetrates the abdominal wall, significantly reducing the risk of unintended injury. Key features of the PEN include: 1. Real-Time Tissue Detection: The needle is equipped with sensors that differentiate between layers of tissue—skin, fat, fascia, and peritoneum—providing auditory and visual feedback to the surgeon. This ensures the needle tip is correctly positioned within the peritoneal cavity before gas insufflation begins. 2. Pressure Monitoring: An integrated pressure sensor alerts the surgeon to abnormalities, such as high resistance or low intra-abdominal pressure, which could indicate improper placement or complications like subcutaneous emphysema. 3. Adaptive Insufflation Control: The PEN automatically adjusts the rate of carbon dioxide insufflation based on real-time data, preventing over-pressurization and minimizing patient discomfort. 4. Ergonomic Design: Lightweight and intuitive, the device is designed to fit seamlessly into a surgeon’s workflow, requiring minimal additional training. During the live demonstration at WALS 2025, Dr. Mrue showcased the PEN’s capabilities on a simulation model, highlighting its precision and ease of use. The audience, comprising hundreds of surgeons and medical professionals from around the globe, erupted in applause as the device successfully established a pneumoperitoneum in under two minutes—faster and safer than traditional methods. Addressing a Persistent Challenge The introduction of the PEN comes at a critical time. Despite advancements in laparoscopic techniques, the initial establishment of pneumoperitoneum remains one of the riskiest phases of surgery. Complications, though rare (occurring in approximately 0.04–0.2% of cases), can be life-threatening, with mortality rates for visceral injuries reaching as high as 3.6% in some instances. These risks are particularly pronounced in high-risk patients, such as those with obesity, previous abdominal surgeries, or anatomical abnormalities, where blind insertion techniques are less reliable. The PEN’s ability to provide real-time feedback addresses these concerns head-on. By eliminating much of the guesswork associated with traditional methods, it promises to lower complication rates and improve outcomes across a wide range of laparoscopic procedures, from cholecystectomies to gynecological surgeries.