Ring-and-Fastener Anastomotic Coupler 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 blood leakage 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, adaptable to various diameters and capable of side-to-end connections, 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 connection can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires specialized skills
Solution Approach 1:
The anastomotic device is divided into separate modular components: a first coupler for the first tubular structure, a second coupler for the second tubular structure, and a bridging component. This segmentation allows each component to be independently deployed and secured, enabling rapid assembly without requiring complex hand-sewn sutures or multi-step stapling procedures, thus reducing operation time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging component acts as an intermediary element that connects the first and second tubular structures through the bridging tissue. This intermediary approach simplifies the connection process by providing a pre-formed bridge that eliminates the need for time-consuming suturing or stapling of the tubular structures directly to each other, achieving reliable anastomosis faster.
2Reliability
If conventional anastomotic techniques are used, then connection can be established, but complications like leakage, stenosis, and thrombosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a bridging tissue with specific local properties that differ from the original tubular structures. This bridging tissue is engineered to have properties that prevent thrombosis and maintain patency, addressing the harmful effects of conventional techniques while maintaining the structural integrity needed to prevent leakage and stenosis at the anastomotic site.
Solution Approach 2:
The anastomotic device uses composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: the first and second couplers are made from biocompatible materials suitable for vascular or gastrointestinal applications, while the bridging tissue provides additional functional properties. This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously prevent leakage, stenosis, and thrombosis that plague conventional single-material techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing couplers are used for anastomosis, then connection can be achieved, but size mismatch and micro-motion lead to blood leakage and vessel trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic adaptation through the bridging tissue that can accommodate size variations between the first and second tubular structures. The bridging component is designed to flex and conform to different diameters, preventing micro-motion at the anastomotic site while maintaining secure attachment. This dynamic design eliminates the rigid size-matching requirements of existing couplers, preventing blood leakage and vessel trauma caused by forced size compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging tissue serves as an intermediary that mediates between tubular structures of different sizes. Instead of requiring the couplers to directly match in size, the bridging tissue absorbs the size mismatch and provides a compliant transition zone that prevents micro-motion and associated damage, thereby maintaining adaptability across different diameters without causing harmful effects.
Data Source
AI summary
An anastomotic coupler is provided. A cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners are operable to engage with a ring such that the tubular structure is coupled with the ring.