Cable-Actuated Manual Anastomosis Device for Simplified Graft Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anastomosis devices for coronary artery bypass graft procedures are complex, costly, and difficult to use, requiring substantial skill to connect a graft vessel to target vessels without damaging them, often necessitating invasive surgeries and heart-lung machines.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated anastomosis device with a handle, end-effector assembly, shaft, and cable system that facilitates actuation of the end-effector assembly for performing anastomosis, utilizing a simplified mechanism with springs and levers for clamping and unclamping, and a cartridge assembly with a dual wedge for staple deployment and incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional anastomosis devices are used, then anastomosis can be performed, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anastomosis device is divided into distinct modular components: a handle assembly, a shaft, an end effector assembly, and a cable system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying manufacturing and assembly. The handle assembly contains the actuation mechanism, the shaft provides structural support and cable routing, the end effector assembly performs the actual anastomosis, and the cable system transmits actuation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex mechanisms from conventional anastomosis devices. By using a simple cable-pulley system for actuation instead of complex mechanical linkages, and by using a straightforward clamping mechanism with springs and levers, the device achieves reliable anastomosis functionality while significantly reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional anastomosis devices are used, then anastomosis can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly with staples, cartridge, and anvil is designed as a disposable component. After a single use, this assembly is discarded rather than sterilized and reused. This approach reduces the need for expensive sterilization infrastructure, simplifies manufacturing requirements, and lowers overall system cost while ensuring reliable single-use performance for each anastomosis procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simpler cable-pulley mechanism. Instead of using multiple interconnected mechanical linkages, gears, or hydraulic systems, the device uses a flexible cable that runs through the shaft and connects the handle to the end effector, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If conventional manual connection techniques are used, then graft vessel connection can be achieved, but substantial skill is required and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-aligning and self-adjusting features that reduce the skill requirement. The clamping mechanism with springs automatically adjusts to the vessel size within a range, the staple cartridge is pre-loaded and automatically deployed, and the cable system provides consistent actuation force. These self-service features compensate for operator skill variations and reduce the risk of manual errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector assembly is pre-assembled with staples loaded in the cartridge before use. The cable system is pre-routed through the shaft, and the clamping mechanism is pre-adjusted with springs. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex intra-procedural assembly steps that require high skill levels and reduces the chance of errors during the actual anastomosis procedure.
4Reliability
If invasive CABG procedures are used, then adequate blood flow can be restored, but patient trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anastomosis device is designed to be compatible with both open and minimally invasive surgical approaches. The flexible shaft and cable system allow the device to be introduced through small incisions while maintaining the same reliable anastomosis functionality. This multi-functionality enables the device to restore adequate blood flow whether used in traditional open CABG or in less invasive endoscopic-assisted procedures, thereby reducing patient trauma without compromising the reliability of blood flow restoration.
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
Enables safe, cost-effective, and less invasive anastomosis procedures by simplifying the connection of graft and target vessels, reducing the need for invasive techniques and heart-lung machines, and allowing skilled personnel to perform anastomosis with ease.
Implementation Method 1
a cable (223) positioned within the shaft (103), wherein the cable (223) one end is secured to the handle (105) and the cable (223) other end is secured to the end-effector assembly (101) to facilitates in actuation of the end-effector assembly (101) to perform anastomosis
Implementation Method 2
The handle (105) of the anastomosis device (100) further comprises a plurality of springs (215a), (215b) to facilitate in clamping and unclamping of the end-effector assembly (101) to perform anastomosis
Implementation Method 3
The handle (105) of the anastomosis device (100) further comprises a plurality of actuation lever (205a), (205b) operationally connected to the cable (223) to facilitate in actuation of the end-effector assembly (101) to perform anastomosis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for manually performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel in order to bypass the blocked in coronary artery to restore adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. The manually operated configuration of the anastomosis device includes a handle (105) positioned at its distal end and an end-effector assembly (101) positioned at its proximal end. A shaft (103) one end is coupled to the handle (105) and the shaft (103) other end is coupled to the end-effector assembly (101). Further, a cable (223) is positioned within the shaft (103), wherein the cable (223) one end is secured to the handle (105) and the cable (223) other end is secured to the end-effector assembly (101) and the cable (223) facilitates in actuation of the end-effector assembly (101) to perform anastomosis.