Resumen en inglés

ABSTRACT: in this project, the development of a minimally viable prototype of a laparoscopic needle holder with 6 degrees of freedom of movement in the forceps is presented. Laparoscopic surgery is performed through two to four small incisions in the pelvic or abdominal area; this is beneficial because of the short recovery times, short hospital stays, and reduced risks during and after surgery, among others. Laparoscopic needle holders are used in these procedures to hold and manipulate needles, allowing freehand suturing of wounds or surgical incisions inside the cavity. However, currently on the market, most of laparoscopic needle holders available are rigid, having only 4 degrees of freedom of movement at the tip of the instrument, as opposed to the 6 degrees of freedom of movement offered by open surgery, which results in muscle fatigue and occupational illnesses in the physician, which can lead to possible errors during procedures. On the other hand, the high prices of these instruments in the market make vulnerable populations unable to access these advantages and procedures. As a result, a minimum viable prototype of a laparoscopic needle holder with 6 degrees of freedom of movement was obtained. The result was a prototype of easy replicability, low cost, comfort, intuitiveness, and functionality, designed with 3D printing mechanisms and manufactured considering the tuning of printing parameters, such as infill density and pattern.