The coloflator: a 'new' device for the reduction of intussusception, a 'spin-off' from laparoscopic surgery

This paper reports on the development of a new apparatus for the pneumatic reduction of intussusception and describes the results of the first clinica l trials of the 'Coloflator'. A high flow insufflator used for advanced lap aroscopic surgery was modified by the manufacturers, at the suggestion of t he senior author, to evaluate its use for pneumatic reduction of intussusce ption. Initial biomechanical trials of a prototype machine were conducted i n 1994, leading to a final finished product, which has been in clinical tri als since 1995. Preliminary clinical trials with this machine have only bee n completed in 30 patients, with successful reduction of intussusception in 21 (70%). The pneumatic reduction of intussusception has been further simp lified by the development of a Coloflator specifically designed for this pu rpose, This is a direct spin-off from recent technological advances made in high-flow laparoscopic insufflators. By incorporating all the refinements achieved with the latest generation of laparoscopic insufflators, we have s uccessfully developed a machine which greatly simplifies the pneumatic redu ction of intussusception.