Cook Medical unveils its uterine manipulator/injectors at 38th Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

Laparoscopic surgeons received their first glimpse of Cook Medical’s uterine manipulator/injectors (UMI) last week at the 38th Global Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, sponsored by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).

Cook’s new UMI and UMI-Loc™ products, designed to improve laparoscopic procedures during the diagnosis and treatment of common gynecological problems such as infertility, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and incontinence, debuted at AAGL accompanied by demonstrations of Cook’s Biodesign™ Advanced Tissue Repair line. Cook’s Biodesign product line is used in several gynecologic procedures including continence restoration, fistula repair, vaginal erosion repair and pelvic-floor reconstruction. Specifically, attendees at the show had the opportunity to learn more about how Cook’s UMI and UMI-Loc products work by helping physicians maneuver the uterus and gain access to the target tissue, thereby enhancing and facilitating treatment of incontinence.

More than two million women had surgery involving their pelvic anatomy in the United States in 2008, with a rising percentage undergoing laparoscopy: a minimally invasive technique in which a tiny camera and surgical tools are inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic surgery often allows shorter recovery times and less discomfort than open surgery.

Uterine manipulators/injectors are commonly used in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries to help the physician maneuver the uterus for better access to target tissues and to facilitate the injection of dyes that aid in visualizing organs and tissues. Typically a rigid, curved sheath is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. Then a tiny balloon at the end of the tube inflates to keep the instrument from dislodging. The rigid tube acts as both a lever and a catheter delivery system for the dyes.

Cook’s new single-use UMI and UMI-Loc devices feature design capabilities that make them more convenient and effective than the standard uterine manipulator/injectors. The UMI-Loc features a friction-grip locking mechanism that slides into the proper position and secures the catheter while making repositioning simple and safe. Cook’s uterine manipulator/injectors are disposable, affordable and easy to use, with catheter markings to gauge accurate placement and an innovative shape for easy insertion and maneuverability.

“Today there is a trend in gynecologic surgery toward laparoscopic procedures, and the UMI and UMI-Loc uterine manipulator/injectors are designed to better meet the needs of the trend-setting laparoscopic surgeons,” said Christina Anné, Vice President of Cook Medical’s Women’s Health strategic business unit.