Implantable Flow Connector Sutureless Anastomosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming anastomoses in bypass or AV fistula surgery are challenging due to technical and biomechanical issues such as poor technique, thrombosis, intimal hyperplasia, and adverse biological responses, leading to compromised patency and potential complications like leakage and stenosis.
Innovation Solution
An implantable flow connector system with a conduit and retention device that allows for sutureless coupling of tissue-enclosed body spaces, featuring a conduit with a lumen and a circumferential flange for secure implantation, and a retention device with engaging elements to maintain the connector in place, facilitating precise and accurate fluid communication between body spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional suture-based anastomosis is used, then the procedure can be performed with existing surgical techniques, but the precision and accuracy of the connection are compromised leading to leakage and poor patency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow connector as an intermediary device that mediates the connection between two body conduits. This connector includes a body with a lumen and engaging structures that interface with both conduits, providing a precise mechanical alignment and secure connection without relying on traditional suture techniques. The intermediary device eliminates the precision problems of hand-sewn anastomosis while maintaining surgical feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion with lumen for fluid flow, engaging structures for attachment to conduits, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall connection precision while simplifying the implantation procedure through modular assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional anastomosis techniques are used, then the surgical procedure can be completed, but adverse biological responses such as thrombosis and intimalhyperplasia occur leading to compromised long-term patency
Solution Approach 1:
The flow connector serves as a biocompatible intermediary that separates the two body conduits, eliminating the direct tissue-to-tissue interface that triggers adverse biological responses. The connector's surface can be engineered with specific properties to reduce thrombogenicity and prevent intimal hyperplasia, improving long-term patency while isolating the conduits from harmful inflammatory responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the connection interface by using a controlled, standardized connector geometry and surface properties. This changes the biological environment at the anastomosis site from one that promotes thrombosis and hyperplasia to one that supports endothelialization and long-term patency, reducing harmful biological responses.
3Productivity
If precise anastomosis is achieved through traditional methods, then fluid connection can be established, but the procedure is time-consuming and technically challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The flow connector as an intermediary device comes pre-formed with engaging structures and lumens, eliminating the need for surgeons to perform complex, time-consuming anastomotic suturing. The connector simplifies the procedure by providing ready-made connection interfaces that can be rapidly attached to conduits, significantly improving surgical efficiency and reducing technical difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow connector is prepared in advance with pre-formed lumens, engaging structures, and sealing surfaces. This preliminary preparation of the connection device eliminates the need for complex intraoperative shaping and alignment, allowing surgeons to simply attach pre-configured components and dramatically reducing procedure time and technical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling a first space within a body of a patient with a second space within the body of the patient including a flow connector insertable into the first and second spaces within the body and having a conduit having a wall forming a lumen therein and first and second orifices. A first retention member is engageable with a first portion of the first space within the body and has a first opening, and the flow connector is positioned within the first opening. A second retention member is engageable with the second space within the body, the second retention member has a second opening and the flow connector is positioned within the second opening. The second retention member interlocks with the first retention member.