Compression Anastomosis Research Articles

Sutureless compression anastomosis with a biofragmentable anastomosis ring.

Many studies have reported the safety and effectiveness of biofragmentable anastomotic rings (BARs). However, these devices are not widely used, especially in Japan. Therefore, we considered the clinical benefits of BARs and the reasons for their unpopularity. We retrospectively examined 61 patients who underwent sigmoidectomy (34 patients) or high anterior resection (HAR) (27 patients). The patients were divided into 4 groups: sigmoidectomy and anastomosis with a BAR (SB group), sigmoidectomy and anastomosis with an end-to-end (EEA) stapler (SE group), HAR and anastomosis with a BAR (HARB group), and HAR and anastomosis with an EEA stapler (HARE group). The time required for anastomosis was significantly lower in the HARE group than in the HARB group. The incidence of anastomotic stricture formation was significantly lower in the HARB group, however the duration of hospitalization after surgery was significantly longer in the HARB group rather than in the HARE group. BARs are unpopular because of the long interval between surgery and the passage of the device in the feces, and because compared to BARs, staplers are easy to manipulate in the narrow pelvic space.

Magnetic compression anastomosis: a promising technique in the further development of minimal invasive surgery

Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA)involves the use of two rare-earth magnets that attract to each other transmurally between two internal organs, resulting in compression and subsequent fistula formation to create a nonsurgical enteric, vascular, or biliary anastomosis with therapeutic aims. The magnetic vascular coupler allows a sutureless anastomoses between arteries and veins by using interventional radiological techniques. The MCA technique significantly reduces ischemic time during anastomosis, and has the advantages of low invasiveness and simplicity. It is a rather effective method for recanalizing between various hollow viscera, creating anastomosis such as gastrojejunostomy, choledochojejunostomy, or choledochoduodenostomy.Furthermore, this novel technique is considered to be a feasible and alternative reconstructive method for patients who develop significant bile duct complications following hepaticojejunostomy and living donor liver transplantation. MCA is a promising and novel technique in the further development of minimal invasive surgery. Key words: Magnetic compression anastomosis ; Minimal invasive surgery

Magnetic compression anastomosis is useful in biliary anastomotic strictures after living donor liver transplantation

An anastomotic biliary stricture is a complication of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) performed using duct-to-duct anastomosis. Despite advances in treating this complication, there is no one established treatment protocol. To investigate the safety, effectiveness, and mid-term outcome of magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) for treating biliary obstruction after LDLT when the obstruction cannot be resolved by using percutaneous or peroral methods. Retrospective, observational study with standardized treatment and follow-up. Tertiary-care academic medical center. Twelve patients underwent MCA procedures to treat anastomosis site stricture after LDLT. MCA. Bile duct patency, technique performance, and complications were evaluated. We achieved magnet approximation at the anastomotic stricture in 10 of 12 patients (83.3%). The magnets failed to approximate in 2 patients. We achieved recanalization of the stricture site in 10 of 10 patients. We removed an internal catheter in 9 patients. The mean interval from magnet approximation to removal was 74.2 days (range 14-181 days). The mean time from recanalization to removal of the internal catheter was 183 days (range 51-266 days). Patients were examined regularly after removing the internal catheter with a mean follow-up period of 331 days (range 148-581 days). The observed MCA-related complications consisted of 1 case of mild cholangitis and 1 recurrence of the anastomotic stricture. Nonrandomized study design. MCA safely and effectively resolved post-LDLT biliary duct-to-duct anastomotic strictures that could not be resolved using conventional methods, such as ERCP and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

Comparison of the Compression Anastomosis Ring (EndoCAR) With a Circular Stapled Anastomosis in a Porcine Model

The aim of this study was to compare characteristics of rectal compression and stapled anastomoses at multiple time points. A total of 50 domestic pigs underwent a rectal anastomosis with a compression device or a circular stapler. They were sacrificed at zero-time, 2 days, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Burst and maximal tolerated pressure and sites of failure, internal diameters, and radiographic leak rates were assessed. Desmosine (elastin) levels were determined. There were no clinical or radiographic leaks. Overall, 10 out of 27 (37%) compression anastomoses burst at higher pressures than the 14 out of 24 (58%) stapled anastomoses. Mean circumference and anastomotic index were greater for the EndoCAR at 1 week and 3 months. Desmosine levels were similar. In the porcine model, compression rectal anastomoses with the EndoCAR had improved bursting pressures and internal circumference compared with circular stapled anastomoses.

FE Analysis of Nitinol Leaf Springs Used in a Compression Anastomosis Device

Reconstruction of the digestive system lumen patency (anastomosis creation) after its partial surgical removal is a common and crucial procedure. The conventional anastomosis methods use devices for mechanical suturing which are associated with high failure risk and can lead to major complications. The compression anastomosis as a sutureless method seems to be a promising alternative. However, attempts during the last two centuries have not been completely successful due to the complex character of the tissue-healing process. The specific mechanical behavior of Nitinol alloys was applied to the force element of the compression devices. These devices are becoming more widely adopted in surgery practice. The compression anastomosis device enables the anastomosis of colonic and intestinal tissue based on compression forces exerted by Nitinol leaf springs. By means of changing the strain distribution in the stressed leaves with varying moments of inertia, one can gain full control of the different stages in the force-deflection profile (i.e., linear elastic stage and the force plateau stage). The target of this study is the comparison of different Nitinol leaf geometries and evaluation of the finite elements analysis as a tool for preliminary design of such geometries. The results of this analysis allow us to establish regulation of the spring’s mechanical behavior, thus controlling the anastomosis creation in the compression anastomosis device.

Colon to colon, small bowel to colon and colorectal anastomoses with the compression anastomosis ring NiTi CAR™ 27

Background-Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the NiTi CAR™ 27 Compression Anastomosis Ring in colon or rectum resection.

Two novel endoscopic esophageal lengthening and reconstruction techniques

Esophageal reconstruction presents a significant clinical challenge in patients ranging from neonates with long-gap esophageal atresia to adults after esophageal resection. Both gastric and colonic replacement conduits carry significant morbidity. As emerging organ-sparring techniques become established for early stage esophageal tumors, less morbid reconstruction techniques are warranted. We present two novel endoscopic approaches for esophageal lengthening and reconstruction in a porcine model. Two models of esophageal defects were created in pigs (30-35kg) under general anesthesia and subsequently reconstructed with the novel techniques. The first model was a segmental defect of the esophagus created by thoracoscopically transecting the esophagus above the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. The first reconstruction technique involved bilateral submucosal endoscopic lengthening myotomies (BSELM) with a magnetic compression anastomosis (MAGNAMOSIS™). The second model was a wedge defect in the anterior esophagus created above the GE junction through a laparotomy. The second reconstruction technique involved an inverted mucosal-submucosal sleeve transposition graft (IMSTG) that crossed the esophageal gap and was secured in place with a self-expandable covered esophageal stent. Both techniques were feasible in the pig model. The BSELM approach lengthened the esophagus 1cm for every 2cm length of myotomy. The myotomy targeted only the inner circular fibers of the esophagus, with preservation of the longitudinal layer to protect against long-term dilation and pouching. The IMSTG approach generated a vascularized mucosal graft almost as long as the esophagus itself. Emerging endoscopic capabilities are enabling complex endoluminal esophageal procedures. BSELM and IMSTG are two novel and technically feasible approaches to esophageal lengthening and reconstruction. Further survival studies are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of these techniques.

Compression Anastomosis Revisited: Prospective Audit of Short‐ and Medium‐term Outcomes in 62 Rectal Anastomoses

The ColonRing™ represents a further advancement in compression anastomosis by using superelastic materials. In contrast to other compression devices, its field of application is identical to circular staplers. Yet, limited data are available and there are no reports on the use of this compression device for anastomoses in the lower rectum and in diverted cases. Between November 2008 and March 2010 a nonrandomized prospective study of patients undergoing colorectal resection was done. Sixty-two patients (30 female) with a median age of 67 years (range = 23-87) underwent surgery for benign (35) and malignant (27) indications;the surgery was performed laparoscopically in 53 (85.5%) cases. There were no leaks or other major complications related to the compression anastomosis. One patient died from sepsis caused by a leak of a colonic J-pouch. Three of 12 (25%) patients after (ultra-)low anterior resection experienced pain caused by the presence of the ring. Of 53 undiverted patients, rings were passed spontaneously in 52 (98.1%). No spontaneous passage occurred in patients with a stoma. Their rings were removed transanally prior to stoma closure. After a median of 6 months, endoscopic follow-up was performed in 60 patients (96.8%). Two anastomotic stenoses were detected (3.3%). Construction of rectal anastomosis using this novel compression device is feasible and safe and appears to cause only few anastomotic strictures in the medium term. Discomfort or pain from the presence of the ring at anastomosis following (ultra-)low anterior resection can be observed in a relevant number of patients.

Animal experimental study of compression anastomosis ring for low anterior resection

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of nickel-titanium compression anastomosis ring (CAR27) in colorectal anastomosis after low anterior rectal resection in animal models. End-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed using CAR27 in 6 experimental pigs after resection of the middle and lower third of the rectum. The animals were observed postoperatively for up to 56 days. Five pigs were sacrificed at day 14 and the other at day 56. Distance from anal verge to anastomosis and anastomotic circumference were measured. Histopathologic examination was performed. The median distance from anal verge was 5.3(4-6) cm. No anastomotic leak or other complications were observed. All the pigs recovered and gained weight. In 5 animals sacrificed at day 14, the mean circumference of the anastomosis was 6.8(6.5-7.0) cm, and histopathological examination showed mild inflammatory reaction and fibrosis. In the one sacrificed at day 56, the circumference expanded to 9.3 cm, and no inflammation and fibrosis were observed. Minor adhesion was noticed in only one pig, while smooth and intact serosa in the anastomosis was seen in the rest of the animals. CAR27 is a promising device for mid and low colorectal anastomosis.

Prospective study on the use of nickel-titanium temperature-dependent memory-shape device (CAR27) for anastomosis after colorectal surgery

To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of nickel- titanium temperature-dependent memory-shape device(CAR27) for colorectal anastomosis. Sixty colorectal cancer patients were randomly divided into two groups and received colorectal anastomosis with CAR27 or traditional stapling device. Complications, bowel function return, and the extrusion of anastomosis ring were prospectively monitored. Both CAR27 and stapler group had one case of anastomotic leakage. Other complications such as stricture or obstruction were not found. Time for anastomosis of the two groups were (10.1±1.2) minutes and (11.2±2.1) minutes respectively. Time to first flatus was(3.2±1.2) days and (3.5±1.4) days respectively. Time to food intake resumption was (4.0±1.4) days and (4.3±1.3) days respectively. The differences above between the two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05). The ring was expelled with stool within 7-16 days. The two groups were similar in operative time and the return of bowel function. CAR27 is safe and simple for colorectal anastomosis.

Safety and efficacy of gastrointestinal anastomosis with nickel titanium compression anastomosis clip

To assess the safety and efficacy of gastrointestinal anastomosis with nickel titanium shape memory alloy compression anastomosis clip. We randomized 51 patients to undergo gastrointestinal anastomosis with stapler (n=25) and nickel titanium compression anastomosis clip (n=26) respectively. The following parameters were recorded to evaluate the safety and efficacy: mean hospitalization time, anastomotic complication, first post-operation flatus and bowel movement, and extrusion of the clip. Anastomotic complications such as leakage, stenosis and obstruction were not observed in both groups. There were no significant differences in the first post-operation flatus time and bowel movement time between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The clip was expelled with stool within 9-15 d. Compression anastomosis clip is safe and effective.

Efficacy of NiTi Hand CAC™ 30 for jejunojejunostomy in gastric cancer surgery: results from a multicenter prospective randomized trial

Although a novel technique for the performance of intestinal sutureless anastomosis using a compression device has recently been investigated, it has not yet received widespread acceptance. We performed a multicenter prospective randomized trial in order to determine the clinical efficacy of the NiTi Hand CAC 30, a type of compression anastomosis clip (CAC), for jejunojejunostomy in gastric cancer surgery. Forty-seven patients from 6 institutions, who were diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma, were enrolled; these patients were randomized to a CAC group and a hand-sewn (control) group. Three patients dropped out for various reasons, and results for 44 patients were finally analyzed. The CAC group consisted of 20 patients, and there were 24 patients in the control group. Anastomosis time, the primary endpoint of this trial, was shorter in the CAC group than in the control group (P < 0.001). However, total operation times (P = 0.055) did not differ. All reconstructions were completed by Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and the complication rates of the two groups did not differ (P = 0.908); however, jejunojejunostomy leakage occurred in two patients in the CAC group. Our prospective multicenter clinical trial showed that the use of the NiTi Hand CAC™ 30 for jejunojejunostomy in gastric cancer surgery was feasible and could reduce anastomosis time. However, considering that there were two cases of leakage, extended use of the NiTi Hand CAC™ 30 should be carefully applied.

Application of magnetic compression anastomosis in one-stage repair of the intestinal leakage

Objective To explore a new method for one-stage repair of the intestinal leakage based on the principle of magnetic compression anastomosis. Methods Twenty-four dogs were randomly divided into experimental group (n = 12) and control group (n = 12) according to random number table. The model of upper and multiple intestinal leakages was established by making transverse incisions of 1 cm in length on the jejunum wall about 50 cm and 100 cm away from the Treitz ligament. Forty-eight hours later, two NdFeB magnetic rings with the magnetic flux of 2500 G were put into the intestine from the leak sites. The leak sites were pressed between the two rings. The ventages in the control group were sutured. The condition of the dogs was observed after the repair of the leakage. The excreting time was recorded, and the leakage pressures of the anastomotic stoma were detected.The positions of the magnetic rings in the experimental group were detected by X ray. Tissues of the anastomotic stoma were processed by hematoxylin eosin and Masson staining. All data were analyzed using the two-sample t test. Results Severe abdominal infection occurred 48 hours after the establishment of the model. All the intestinal leakages in the experimental group were successfully repaired and the dogs survived for a long time. The magnetic rings were excreted six or seven days after the repair. Eight dogs of the control group survived. The leakage pressure of the anastomotic stoma seven days after the repair was (134 ±23)mm Hg (1 mm Hg =0. 133 kPa) in the experimental group and (91 ± 18)mm Hg in the control group, respectively, with a significant difference between the two groups (t = 3.225, P ＜ 0.05). The leakage pressure of the anastomotic stoma 14 days after the repair was (281 ±7)mm Hg in the experimental group and (271 ±21) mm Hg in the control group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (t =0. 988, P ＞ 0.05). Histological observation showed that after the magnetic compression anastomosis, the intestinal muscle and mucosa recovered well, inflammatory reaction was slight and less collagen fiber and scar was formed. Conclusions Application of magnetic ring with the magnetic flux of 2500 G in one-stage repair of the intestinal leakage in the state of severe abdominal infection is safe and reliable. Key words: Intestinal leakage; Magnetic compression anastomosis; One-stage repair; Dogs

Early experience of the compression anastomosis ring (CARTM27) in left-sided colon resection

To evaluate clinical validity of the compression anastomosis ring (CAR™ 27) anastomosis in left-sided colonic resection. A non-randomized prospective data collection was performed for patients undergoing an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27 between November 2009 and January 2011. Eligibility criteria of the use of the CAR™ 27 were anastomoses between the colon and at or above the intraperitoneal rectum. The primary short-term clinical endpoint, rate of anastomotic leakage, and other clinical outcomes, including intra- and postoperative complications, length of operation time and hospital stay, and the ring elimination time were evaluated. A total of 79 patients (male, 43; median age, 64 years) underwent an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27. Colectomy was performed laparoscopically in 70 patients, in whom two patients converted to open procedure (2.9%). There was no surgical mortality. As an intraoperative complication, total disruption of the anastomosis occurred by premature enforced tension on the proximal segment of the anastomosis in one patient. The ring was removed and another new CAR™ 27 anastomosis was constructed. One patient with sigmoid colon cancer showed postoperative anastomotic leakage after 6 d postoperatively and temporary diverting ileostomy was performed. Exact date of expulsion of the ring could not be recorded because most patients were not aware that the ring had been expelled. No patients manifested clinical symptoms of anastomotic stricture. Short-term evaluation of the CAR™ 27 anastomosis in elective left colectomy suggested it to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard hand-sewn or stapling technique.

A Case of Magnetic Compression Anastomosis with Double-balloon Enteroscopy for Biliary Obstruction after Living Donor Liver Translationn

今回，我々は生体肝移植術後胆管吻合部閉塞に対して磁石圧迫吻合術を行い，再手術することなく治癒せしめた1例を経験したので報告する．症例は56歳の男性で，C型肝硬変および肝細胞癌に対して，右葉グラフトを用いた生体肝移植術（胆管空腸吻合）を施行した．術後9か月目に胆管空腸吻合部狭窄を発症し，経皮経肝胆道ドレナージ（percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage；以下，PTBDと略記）を行ったが経過中に完全閉塞を来した．発症6か月目（生体肝移植術後1年3か月目）に，PTBDチューブおよびダブルバルーン内視鏡を用いて，閉塞した吻合部を2つの磁石で挟み込み開通させる磁石圧迫吻合術（山内法）を施行し，閉塞の解除および胆管空腸吻合部の内瘻化に成功した．本法は，保存的治療・外科手術いずれも適応とならない吻合部完全閉塞に対する有効な治療法であることが示唆された．

Magnamosis II: Magnetic Compression Anastomosis for Minimally Invasive Gastrojejunostomy and Jejunojejunostomy

Previously we demonstrated the safety and patency of a magnetic compression anastomosis (magnamosis). We present the further development of this technique, with specific focus on optimizing device design for minimally invasive magnamosis. The magnamosis device was designed to incorporate 3 features: 2 convex-concave radially symmetric halves that magnetically self-align, a central channel for immediate patency, and specially engineered radial topography of the mating surfaces to promote gradual remodeling. Each symmetrical half consists of a ring-shaped neodymium-iron-boron magnet encased in polycarbonate casing. Twenty-one young adult pigs underwent either magnetic gastrojejunostomy (n = 13) or jejunojejunostomy (n = 8). Animals were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after operation. Anastomoses were studied with contrast radiography, burst pressure, and histology. Gastrojejunostomy: In all animals with successful placement of magnets, anastomoses were patent by contrast fluoroscopy, well healed by histologic examination, and showed excellent burst strength. Jejunojejunostomy: All animals had uneventful clinical courses, indicating that the magnamosis with immediate patency functioned properly without device dislodgement. At sacrifice, all magnamoses were patent, well healed by histology, and had burst strengths that equaled or exceeded that of traditional stapled anastomoses. Minimally invasive placement of a custom magnetic device in the stomach and jejunum allows intraluminal self-alignment and subsequent compression anastomosis over 3 to 10 days. The magnamosis is immediately patent and develops strength equal to or greater than that of hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses. Magnamosis is effective in the pig model, and may be a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to current anastomotic strategies in humans.

Smart Self-Assembling MagnetS for ENdoscopy (SAMSEN) for transoral endoscopic creation of immediate gastrojejunostomy (with video)

Gastrojejunostomy is important for palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction and surgical obesity procedures. A less-invasive endoscopic technique for gastrojejunostomy creation is conceptually attractive. Our group has developed a compression anastomosis technology based on endoscopically delivered self-assembling magnets for endoscopy (SAMSEN) to create an instant, large-caliber gastrojejunostomy. To develop and evaluate an endoscopic means of gastrojejunostomy creation by using SAMSEN. Developmental laboratory and animal facility. Animal study and human cadaveric study. Yorkshire pigs (7 cadaver, 5 acute); human (1 cadaver). A transoral procedure for SAMSEN delivery was developed in porcine and human cadaver models. Subsequently, gastrojejunostomy creation by using SAMSEN was performed in 5 acute pigs. The endoscope was advanced into the peritoneal cavity through the gastrotomy, and a segment of the small bowel was grasped and pulled closer to the stomach. An enterotomy was created, and a custom overtube was advanced into the small bowel for deployment of the first magnetic assembly. Next, a reciprocal magnetic assembly was deployed in the stomach. The 2 magnetic systems were mated under fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. Contrast studies assessed for gastrojejunostomy leak. Immediate necropsies were performed. Technical feasibility and complications. Gastrojejunostomy creation by using SAMSEN was successful in all 5 animals. Deep enteroscopy was performed through the stoma without difficulty. No leaks were identified on contrast evaluation. At necropsy, the magnets were properly deployed and robustly coupled together, resistant to vigorous tissue manipulation. Acute animal study. Endoscopic creation of immediate gastrojejunostomy by using SAMSEN is technically feasible.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for biliary obstruction: review and experience at Tokyo Medical University Hospital

Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive method of performing choledochoenterostomy or choledochocholedochostomy without using surgical techniques in patients with biliary stricture or obstruction. Herein, we describe a case series of MCA for severe biliary stricture or obstruction, which could not be treated with conventional therapies. Two patients with biliary obstruction were treated using MCA for choledochocholedochostomy and choledochoenterostomy at Tokyo Medical University Hospital and Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center. Endoscopically, a samarium-cobalt (Sm-Co) rare-earth magnet was placed at the superior site of obstruction through the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage route and another Sm-Co magnet was placed at the inferior site of obstruction. A comprehensive computer-aided literature search for MCA was performed up to September 2009 by using MEDLINE and EMBASE. MCA techniques enabled complete anastomosis in both cases without procedure-related complications. The MCA technique is a revolutionary method of performing choledochocholedochostomy and choledochoenterostomy interventionally in patients with biliary obstruction, for whom the conventional endoscopic procedure is not available, or in candidates who are deemed unsuitable for surgery.

A modified method of using laparoscopic compression anastomosis clip for gastrointestinal anastomosis

The aim of this study was to validate a modified method of using a laparoscopic compression anastomosis clip (LapCAC) for gastrointestinal anastomosis in an animal experiment and two clinical cases. Anastomotic surgery of the upper digestive tract was performed on dogs using the conventional and modified methods for LapCAC. The animals were sacrificed postoperatively at different time points to obtain sections from the anastomotic site for pathologic study. Anastomotic outcomes of the two methods were also verified in two clinical cases. The animal experiments and the two clinical cases showed that no anastomotic leakage occurred with the modified method, and that the new method was simple, convenient and reliable as compared with the conventional method. The mean time of placing the anastomosis clip was shorter, and the mean numbers of operation attempts, secondary actions and sutures in the operating holes were reduced. The serosa at the anastomosis healed completely, the muscular layer and submucosal fibers proliferated well, and the anastomosis was covered with mucosa within two weeks after the operation. LapCAC offered a better surgical outcome when it was used according to the modified method, where anastomoses formed smoothly and completely within two weeks after the operation.

The Use of a Compression Device as an Alternative to Hand-Sewn and Stapled Colorectal Anastomoses: Is Three a Crowd?

BackgroundThe NiTi CAR™ 27 is a newer device that uses compression to create an anastomosis. An analysis of this device in the creation of colorectal anastomoses in humans has yet to be reported in the USA. MethodsA non-randomized, prospective pilot study of the NiTi CAR™ 27 device in patients undergoing a left-sided colectomy between March 2008 and August 2009 was performed. ResultsTwenty-three patients (9 men and 14 women) underwent a left-sided colectomy and compression anastomosis with the CAR™ 27 device. Minor morbidities, 3 of 23 (13%) patients, included one small postoperative abscess requiring antibiotics alone and two postoperative anastomotic strictures requiring balloon dilation. Major morbidities, 1 of 23 (4%) patients, included a partial anastomotic dehiscence/leak requiring surgical dismantling of the anastomosis and diversion. ConclusionThe CAR™ 27 device shows promise as a safe and effective alternative for the creation of colorectal anastomoses. However, studies in a larger patient population are warranted to demonstrate equivalence of this device.