A DEVICE FOR EVALUATION OF TESTIS RIGIDITY DURING OPERATION OF TESTICULAR DISEASES

摘要

A device consisting of a number of weights and levers for objective intraoperative measurement of changes in testis rigidity caused by testicular diseases. The device comes into contact with the testis (11), deforming it in a pre-determined manner and simultaneously measuring the force required to achieve the above-mentioned deformation. The testis is secured in a groove by a reference plate (18), and deformed by a force produced by a set of weights (15) which are movable along a shaft (12). The latter is equipped with a scale (14) measuring the weights position in respect to the horizontal shaft (13). Testis rigidity is assessed by the position of the weight (15) on the scale when given deformation is achieved. The device can also operate by applying a constant force and measuring the achieved deformation. Device readings can intraoperatively assess damage and viability of the testis and assist surgeons in decision-making.