Surgical Anastomosis Stapler With Progressive Submucosal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical staplers fail to provide optimal compression anastomosis, leading to complications such as leakage, infections, and fibrosis due to inadequate contact between submucosal layers of the gastrointestinal tract during anastomosis procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a first and second pressure area that increases during compression, allowing the submucosal layers to be contacted by pressing aside the muscularis and mucosal layers, and optionally using a swellable hydrogel to enhance sealing and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical staplers are used for anastomosis, then the procedure is standard and easy to perform, but the submucosal layers do not contact adequately leading to leakage and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The compression anastomosis device is divided into multiple functional components: a compression member with compression elements, an anvil with receiving surface, and a staging mechanism. The compression elements are segmented to contact different tissue layers at different stages, with first compression elements contacting muscularis layers and second compression elements contacting submucosal layers, enabling progressive compression to achieve reliable submucosal contact while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary compression of the muscularis layers using first compression elements before engaging the submucosal layers with second compression elements. This staged approach prepares the tissue by initially compressing the outer layers, then progressively compressing the inner submucosal layers to ensure adequate contact and healing conditions
2Reliability
If compression anastomosis is performed to improve healing, then submucosal layer contact is achieved, but the procedure becomes more complex and less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple compression functions are merged into a single integrated compression anastomosis device. The device combines first compression elements for muscularis compression, second compression elements for submucosal compression, an anvil for receiving compressed tissue, and a staging mechanism all in one unit, achieving high-quality healing without requiring multiple separate instruments or complex manual manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The compression elements are configured to automatically engage tissue layers in the correct sequence during device insertion and activation. The staging mechanism enables progressive compression where the device itself controls the sequencing of muscularis then submucosal layer compression, reducing the need for complex external control or manual adjustment by the operator
3Reliability
If pressure area increases during compression to strip and contact submucosal layers, then healing by primary intent is achieved, but the compression force distribution changes dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device incorporates dynamic pressure application through its staging mechanism. As the compression member advances, different compression elements engage at different stages, creating a dynamic pressure distribution that progresses from compressing the muscularis layers to compressing the submucosal layers. This dynamic pressure application ensures proper tissue stripping and contact throughout the compression process
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
Facilitates healing by primary intent, reducing leakage and infection risks through enhanced contact and sealing of submucosal layers, promoting a watertight seal and vascularization.
Implementation Method 1
a swellable hydrogel positioned on the first body such that during uses, the first gastro-intestinal tract section and the second gastro-intestinal tract section can at least partially be compressed between the swellable hydrogel
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method and a surgical instrument, typically a surgical stapler that is configured for performing anastomosis of a first gastro-intestinal tract section to a second gastro-intestinal tract section, both gastro-intestinal tract sections comprising a superficial layer and an intermediate layer. Said method comprises contacting the superficial layers of said gastro-intestinal tract sections and compressing the contacted sections between a first pressure area and a second pressure area, wherein the sum of the first pressure area and the second pressure increases during the compression such that the superficial layers are pressed aside and the intermediate layers are contacted.