Anastomotic Coupler Ring for Rapid Leak-Proof Tubular Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anastomosis 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 procedures, due to micro-motion, size mismatch, and vessel trauma.
Innovation Solution
An anastomotic coupler with a ring and fixation device that uses fasteners to securely connect tubular structures, allowing for rapid, reliable, and leak-proof anastomosis, even in side-to-end configurations, 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 the connection can be formed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires specialized skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate coupler device with a ring structure that mediates the connection between two tubular structures. The coupler includes a body with a lumen and a ring that can be positioned around the tubular structures, providing a standardized interface for rapid coupling without requiring complex suturing or stapling skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The anastomotic connection is divided into separate modular components: a coupler body, a ring, and coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and enables rapid assembly by simply coupling the pre-prepared components together, eliminating the time-consuming process of traditional suturing.
2Reliability
If conventional anastomosis techniques are used, then connection can be established, but micro-motion and size mismatch lead to complications like leakage and stenosis
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with specific dimensional parameters that accommodate a range of tubular structure sizes. The ring can be configured with different diameters to match various vessel or intestinal sizes, and the coupling mechanism includes features like barbules and grooves that adapt to different geometries, reducing size mismatch and micro-motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler and ring are made from biocompatible materials such as silicone, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers that provide flexibility and compliance matching the tubular structures. This material compatibility reduces mechanical mismatch and prevents trauma, while the composite construction allows for integrated sealing surfaces that prevent leakage.
3Reliability
If conventional suturing methods are used for vascular anastomosis, then connection can be formed, but vessel trauma and thrombosis risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as a trauma-free intermediary that connects vascular structures without requiring sutures that penetrate the vessel wall. The ring and coupling mechanism provide a external connection method that avoids direct manipulation and trauma to the vessel endothelium, reducing thrombosis risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical suturing system with a coupling system that uses elastic deformation and friction-based retention. The ring can be compressed or deformed to secure around the vessel, and the coupling mechanism uses barbules or grooves to hold the connection without penetrating the vessel wall, eliminating the harmful mechanical action of sutures.
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.