Anastomotic Coupler with Angled Fasteners for Vascular Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for vascular and gastrointestinal anastomoses, such as suturing and stapling, are time-consuming, require specialized expertise, and can lead to complications like leakage, stenosis, and thrombosis due to micro-motion and size mismatch issues.
Innovation Solution
An anastomotic coupler system that includes a ring and a fixation device with fasteners, which securely couples tubular structures by puncturing the vessel wall and receiving the fasteners in the ring, creating a sealed and leak-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suturing and stapling techniques are used for anastomosis, then the connection can be formed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires specialized expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The anastomotic coupler divides the connection process into discrete components: a first coupler for the first tubular structure and a second coupler for the second tubular structure. Each coupler includes separate fastening elements (e.g., clips, staples, or sutures) that can be independently applied to each structure before final coupling, allowing parallel preparation and reducing overall procedure time while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component that bridges the two tubular structures. Instead of directly joining the structures to each other through complex suturing, the coupler provides a standardized interface with fastening elements that secure each structure independently, then mechanically couple them together, simplifying the overall process and reducing expertise requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional suturing and stapling techniques are used for anastomosis, then the connection can be formed, but specialized expertise is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler system segments the fastening function into discrete, pre-configured elements (clips, staples, or sutures) that are already positioned and prepared on the coupler body. This eliminates the need for the surgeon to perform complex real-time suturing or stapling maneuvers, reducing the skill threshold while maintaining connection reliability through the engineered fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed with self-aligning and self-securing features where the fastening elements are pre-positioned to automatically engage with the tubular structures when inserted. The coupler's geometry and the fastening elements' configuration allow the system to guide and secure the structures without requiring complex manual manipulation or specialized expertise, making the procedure more accessible to various surgical practitioners.
3Reliability
If conventional techniques are used for anastomosis, then the connection can be formed, but complications like leakage and thrombosis occur due to micro-motion
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler divides the circumferential connection into multiple discrete fastening elements (e.g., multiple clips or staples arranged around the circumference). This segmented approach distributes the mechanical load and constrains micro-motion at multiple independent points around the anastomosis, preventing the harmful effects of motion at any single location while maintaining overall connection integrity and reducing leakage and thrombosis risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the coupler before insertion, ensuring that the connection is established with optimal alignment and secure engagement from the outset. This preliminary preparation eliminates micro-motion that would occur with conventional techniques where structures are joined during the procedure, thereby preventing complications like leakage and thrombosis while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If conventional techniques are used for anastomosis, then the connection can be formed, but size mismatch issues lead to complications
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates adjustable or expandable fastening elements that can adapt to different tubular structure sizes. The fastening mechanism allows for dynamic adjustment to accommodate size variations between the first and second tubular structures, maintaining reliable connections even when there is a size mismatch, thereby improving versatility without compromising connection integrity.
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 anastomotic coupler system provides a faster, more secure, and reliable method for creating anastomoses, reducing the risk of leakage and thrombosis, and allowing for unobstructed flow of luminal contents.
Implementation Method 1
a fixation device with fasteners, which securely couples tubular structures by puncturing the vessel wall and receiving the fasteners in the ring
Data Source
AI summary
An anastomotic coupler is provided. A ring can include a receiving portion. A fixation device includes a cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners that extend from a body of the cartridge at an angle from the longitudinal axis. The fasteners are operable to puncture the tubular structure.