Anastomosis Device Tissue Approximation and Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anastomosis procedures, particularly in reconnecting the urethra and bladder after radical prostatectomy, are challenging due to the retraction of the urethral stump into adjacent tissue and obstruction by the pubic bone, making it difficult for surgeons to access and reconnect tissues accurately, which can lead to complications like leakage, healing issues, or conditions such as incontinence or impotence.
Innovation Solution
A surgical tool with an elongated body featuring first and second sets of tissue approximating structures that can be independently deployed and retracted using an actuating mechanism, along with a drainage lumen and a main balloon, and a strap connector for stabilization, allowing for secure reconnection and easy removal of tissues during anastomosis procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suturing operations with tiny, fine needles are used to reconnect severed tissues, then the surgeon can attempt to reconnect the urethra and bladder, but the procedure becomes difficult and technique-sensitive, leading to increased risk of complications such as leakage, healing failure, incontinence, or impotence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the needle and suture from the reconnection process entirely. Instead of using tiny, fine needles for suturing, the invention uses a specialized device with tissue approximating structures that mechanically hold and approximate the severed tissues together without penetrating stitches, eliminating the technical sensitivity and risk associated with conventional needle suturing in difficult-to-access areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device between the severed tissues. This device includes tissue approximating structures that act as a mediator to hold the urethral stump and bladder neck in proper alignment and approximation, replacing the direct needle-to-tissue interaction with a safer, more reliable mechanical approximation system
2Stability of the object's composition
If the urethral stump is allowed to retract into adjacent tissue after being severed, then the natural tissue response occurs, but the area becomes difficult to access by the surgeon, particularly for extending periods of time when performing the surgical procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a retrieval tool that can be introduced through the drainage lumen before the tissue approximating structures are fully deployed or while they are still in place. This allows the surgeon to access and retrieve the device without needing to physically reach the retracted urethral stump area, solving the accessibility problem caused by tissue retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses nesting by placing the retrieval tool through the drainage lumen of the existing device. The retrieval tool is nested within the structure of the anastomosis device itself, allowing access to the deployed tissue approximating structures without requiring external manipulation of the retracted tissues
3Productivity
If tissue approximating structures are used to reconnect severed tissues without traditional sutures, then the risks during the surgical procedure are reduced and the amount of time required to perform certain anastomosis procedures is significantly reduced, but additional safety features and removal features are needed for the anastomosis devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the anastomosis device to perform multiple functions: tissue approximation, drainage, and self-retention. The tissue approximating structures serve both the primary function of holding tissues together and the secondary function of being retrievable through the drainage lumen, eliminating the need for separate removal procedures and reducing overall device complexity despite the added safety features
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The tool facilitates safer and more efficient tissue reconnection by providing additional safety features and quick-disconnect capabilities, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical precision and speed during anastomosis procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool which comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end, a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, and a strap connector extending from the elongated body that is connectable with a stabilization strap.