Anastomotic Coupler Ring and Fasteners for Leak-Resistant Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anastomotic techniques, such as suturing and stapling, are time-consuming, require specialized skills, and can lead to complications like leakage, stenosis, and thrombosis, especially in vascular and gastrointestinal anastomoses, and existing couplers face issues with size mismatch and micro-motion, leading to potential leaks and trauma.
Innovation Solution
An anastomotic coupler with a ring and fixation device that uses fasteners to securely join tubular structures, allowing for rapid, reliable, and leak-proof connections, adaptable to various diameters and capable of end-to-end or side-to-end anastomoses, using materials like titanium and coatings to prevent thrombosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suturing and stapling techniques are used for anastomosis, then reliable connections can be achieved, but the procedures are time-consuming and require specialized skills
Solution Approach 1:
The anastomotic coupler divides the connection process into modular components: a first coupler portion with fasteners for the first tubular structure, a second coupler portion with corresponding fasteners for the second tubular structure, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process, reducing surgical time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary device between the two tubular structures, providing a standardized interface that eliminates the need for complex suturing or stapling operations. The fasteners and coupling mechanism serve as intermediary elements that securely join the structures without requiring specialized surgical skills or extensive procedure time.
2Productivity
If conventional anastomotic techniques are used, then connections can be made, but complications like leakage, stenosis, and thrombosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical suturing and stapling systems with a coupler-based mechanical connection system. The fasteners and coupling mechanism provide a more reliable connection that reduces harmful factors like leakage and stenosis by eliminating the need for multiple sutures or staples that could fail or cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler design changes critical parameters of the anastomotic connection, including the geometry of the fasteners, the material properties of the coupler portions, and the coupling mechanism. These parameter changes result in a more robust connection that prevents leakage, stenosis, and thrombosis while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If existing couplers are used for anastomosis, then connection speed is improved, but size mismatch and micro-motion lead to potential leaks and trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler portions are designed with local quality variations, including specifically shaped fasteners and tailored coupling mechanisms that accommodate different sizes of tubular structures. This local quality adjustment allows the coupler to adapt to size mismatches while preventing micro-motion and ensuring reliable connections without leaks or trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow for micro-adjustments and adapt to variations in tubular structure size and shape. This dynamic capability enables the coupler to maintain secure connections across different diameters while preventing the micro-motion that leads to leaks and tissue trauma in static coupler designs.
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. Upon actuation of the fixation device, the fasteners puncture the tubular structure. The fasteners are received by the receiving portions such that the tubular structure is coupled with the ring.