Spring-Loaded Ring Coupler for Deep Microvascular Anastomosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microvascular anastomosis techniques face challenges in deep tissue procedures, particularly in the cerebrovascular area, where conventional sutured methods are cumbersome and sutureless couplers have not been effectively designed for end-to-side anastomosis, leading to potential vascular and cortical injuries.

Innovation Solution

Development of microvascular anastomotic coupler devices with ring-and-pin configurations that allow for sutureless coupling of vessels, featuring actuation mechanisms like rack-and-pinion arrangements and pivotable coupler arms to facilitate easy access and alignment within deep surgical corridors, enabling intima-to-intima contact without the need for sutures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional sutured anastomosis is used in deep tissue procedures, then the anastomosis can be performed with standard techniques, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and increases tissue trauma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of anastomosis procedureVSAvoidcomplexity of sutured anastomosis technique

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual suture-tying mechanical system with a spring-loaded ring coupler system that uses elastic potential energy to automatically secure the anastomosis. The spring mechanism automatically engages with the ring to hold the vessels together, eliminating the need for complex suture manipulation in deep tissue corridors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded ring coupler is designed to be self-securing once deployed. The spring automatically engages with the ring structure to maintain the anastomosis without requiring additional sutures or manual securing steps, allowing the device to service itself after initial placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional sutured anastomosis is used, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but tissue trauma increases and procedure time lengthens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of anastomosisVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ring coupler is pre-loaded with spring energy during manufacturing, so that upon deployment, the spring automatically engages to secure the anastomosis without requiring time-consuming manual securing steps. The preliminary storage of elastic potential energy translates to immediate securing action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the time-consuming suture-tying step from the anastomosis procedure by replacing it with a pre-loaded spring mechanism that automatically secures the connection, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If sutureless couplers are used for end-to-side anastomosis, then the procedure is simplified, but the design becomes inadequate leading to vascular and cortical injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of sutureless couplingVSAvoidadaptability to end-to-side anastomosis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ring coupler design incorporates a universal structure that can accommodate both end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis configurations. The spring-loaded mechanism and ring geometry are designed to work with various vessel arrangements, making the device versatile for different surgical needs including cerebrovascular end-to-side anastomosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded ring coupler introduces dynamic elements that allow the device to adapt to different anastomosis configurations. The spring mechanism can accommodate varying degrees of compression and alignment requirements, enabling the same device to function effectively in both end-to-end and end-to-side configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If intraluminal foreign materials are used in anastomosis, then the connection is secured, but the risk of complications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of anastomotic connectionVSAvoidrisk of complications from foreign materials

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ring coupler is designed as a disposable device that provides sufficient securing strength for the immediate postoperative period, after which it can be safely resorbed or removed. This eliminates the long-term presence of permanent foreign materials while still providing adequate initial securement for healing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a ring coupler that is discarded after serving its primary function of securing the anastomosis during the critical early healing phase. The device is designed to be temporary, allowing the body to recover without long-term foreign material presence, thereby reducing complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS20240206876A1Systems and methods for microvascular anastomotic coupler ring delivery device

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 DIGNITY HEALTH

AI summary

Various embodiments of a device for deep surgical corridor microvascular anastomosis are described herein.