Sutureless Anastomosis Connector With Active Tines for Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical techniques for connecting anatomical tissues and non-anatomical devices often require sutures, which can be time-consuming and may lead to complications.
Innovation Solution
A sutureless connector with mechanically active tines actuated by a mechanical mechanism, such as shape memory or superelastic deformation, that penetrates and compresses or decompresses against tissue without an anvil, allowing for end-to-end or end-to-side connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suture-based surgical techniques are used to connect anatomical tissues and non-anatomical devices, then secure coupling is achieved, but procedural time increases and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the suture element from the coupling process entirely. The connector uses mechanically active tines that directly penetrate and engage with the tissue and device interface, eliminating the need for sutures to achieve secure coupling. This extraction of the suture component reduces procedural steps and time while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual suture tying mechanism with an automated mechanical system. The mechanically active tines are actuated by a mechanical mechanism (such as a spring-loaded or shape memory alloy system) that automatically penetrates, expands, and secures the connection without requiring manual suture manipulation. This substitution reduces procedural time and potential complications associated with manual suturing.
2Reliability
If suture-based techniques are used for tissue connection, then secure coupling is achieved, but procedural complexity and potential complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated connector device. The mechanically active tines simultaneously perform penetration, anchoring, and securing functions that traditionally required separate suture steps. This merging of functions simplifies the surgical procedure while maintaining secure coupling, as the connector self-actuates to achieve the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be self-actuating through its mechanical mechanism. Once deployed, the mechanically active tines automatically extend or compress to engage with the tissue and device interface without requiring additional manual manipulation or tying steps. This self-service capability reduces procedural complexity and minimizes the risk of complications associated with manual suture techniques.
3Device complexity
If mechanically active tines are actuated without an anvil, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the support frame, the mechanically active tines, and the actuating mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently with precise tolerances, reducing the overall complexity of assembly while maintaining the required manufacturing precision for tine actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape memory alloys or spring-loaded mechanisms that rely on material property parameters (such as transformation temperature or spring constant) to control tine actuation. By precisely controlling these material parameters during manufacturing, the system achieves reliable tine movement without requiring complex mechanical guidance structures, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining actuation precision.
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
Facilitates efficient and secure coupling of anatomical tissues and non-anatomical devices without the need for sutures, reducing procedural time and complications.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of the following properties: shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other mechanical mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of the following properties: shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other mechanical mechanism
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of the following properties: shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other mechanical mechanism
Implementation Method 4
The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of the following properties: shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other mechanical mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Connectors for fluidly coupling a tubular conduit to an anatomical structure. The connectors and their variants are each characterized by having at least one mechanically active tine that are actuated by extension or compression of a mechanical mechanism linking the active tines to a frame. The mechanical mechanism may actuate by one or more of shape memory, superelastic, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, electromechanical and/or other motive mechanism operably associated with the at least one mechanically active tines and the frame to rotate the tines about a hinge region under the influence of the mechanical mechanism.