by Anastomosis is a surgical procedure where two hollow structures in the body are connected. This commonly occurs during bowel resectioning where a diseased part of the intestine is removed and the remaining healthy parts are rejoined. Earlier, these connections were done manually using sutures which required advanced skills and longer operating times. With the development of anastomosis devices, minimally invasive surgery has become safer and more effective.
Types
Stapler Devices
Linear staplers are the most commonly used devices for Anastomosis Devices. They contain permanent titanium staples inside their cartridges that are deployed to join the cut ends of tissues or organs together. This helps create a strong, leak-proof connection without the need for knot tying. Circular staplers are also available which can create circular connections needed during procedures like intestinal resectioning.
Suturing Devices
These devices work similarly to staplers but use sutures instead of staples for joining tissues. They contain pre-threaded sutures inside their cartridges that are automatically deployed to pierce and stitch the tissue edges together. This achieves hand-sewn quality anastomoses without the dexterity challenges of open suturing. Both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures are available.
Glue/Sealant Applicators
Some Anastomosis Devices apply surgical glues or sealants instead of staples/sutures for joining tissues. These formulations polymerize upon application to form strong bonds between adjacent tissues. While early glues had issues with leaks, newer formulations have proven safe and effective for indications like bowel anastomoses. They offer advantages like single-layer closure and avoidance of foreign bodies like staples.
How They Work ?
Most anastomosis devices have reusable handle assemblies to which single-use cartridges/applicators are attached. Through the use of triggers/buttons on the handles, the cartridges are actuated to deploy rows of staples/sutures or apply adhesive seals across the tissue edges. This is done either intracorporeally during laparoscopy or through small incisions with the device tips. They automate the anastomosis process, complete it more quickly than open techniques, and don’t require suturing skills.
Advantages
The key advantages of anastomosis devices include shorter operating times, easier adoption of minimally invasive techniques, consistent anastomotic quality regardless of surgeon skill level, avoidance of foreign bodies like knots in tissue and reduction in post-operative leaks compared to manual techniques. This translates to quicker recoveries for patients as well. As the devices continue to evolve with better features, benefits like reduced adhesion formation are also being reported.
Choosing the Right Device
The choice of anastomosis device depends on the surgical application, tissue characteristics and surgeon preference. While staplers are gold standard for bowel anastomoses, suturing devices often provide more control for delicate tissues. Newer formulations help sealants compete better for indications like low rectal anastomoses. Appropriate device sizing also impacts outcomes. Ongoing device refinements continue to expand the accessible indications and drive better clinical results. Proper training remains important for all users to extract full advantages.
Anastomosis devices have revolutionized minimally invasive surgery by enabling faster, safer and more consistent tissue joining compared to open techniques. As technology and applications continue advancing, they will likely become standard of care for more procedures worldwide. Surgeons now have diverse options tailored for different clinical needs. Overall, these automated devices have significantly boosted the safety, outcomes and adoption of laparoscopic surgery.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
