An Endo-Luminal Linear Anastomosis (ELLA) Stapler
Problem to be solved
Because of its technical difficulty, laparoscopic right colectomy with intra-corporeal anastomosis is performed only by a small number of laparoscopically very skilled surgeons. Current staplers do not solve this problem. Thus, there is a need of a safer and easier to be managed stapler.
Background
ELLA Stapler is a medical tool to be used in patients undergoing a laparoscopic right colectomy or undergoing any kind of laparoscopic intestinal resection and reconstruction of the intestinal integrity. This device has been conceived and designed to address the problems of intracorporeal ileo-colic anastomosis after right, extended right or subtotal colectomy. ELLA anastomosis technique could be applied to all forms of anastomoses in the small bowel anastomosis during laparoscopy. It could also be applied as a first choice technique in the closure of a protective ileostomy/colostomy.
Technology status
The proposed ELLA stapler would be based in current staplers but with an important improvement in the cutting and sealing process. A 3D prototype has been developed. After that, there is needed the development of a pre-prototype to test in animal models. IP status: Patent application on draft.
Context
Ileocolic anastomoses are most commonly performed after intestinal resection for right sided colon cancer, not resectable polyps or Crohn’s disease. An ileocolic anastomosis is a routine procedure in the elective and emergency setting. Case series have suggested that both stapled and sutured anastomoses can be performed with a very low risk of anastomotic leak, however a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials on stapled versus hand-sewn methods for ileocolic anastomoses shown that the stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis is associated with significantly fewer anastomotic leaks compared with hand-sewn. Laparoscopy is supported by many studies to be introduced as standard in colonic resection as the overall postoperative complications seem to be reduced. However many surgeons discourage the intracorporeal anastomosis for the excessive performing time and unavoidable technical challenges. Nowadays an indication to the intracorporeal anastomosis is represented only by the incapability to perform an extracorporeal anastomosis. Otherwise the length of the right transverse laparotomy has to be greater than 15 cm hereby losing the advantage of a laparoscopic approach. Taking into consideration the excellent results obtained with the intraluminal stapler in the left colon and rectum, there is an urgent need to unify and simplify the anastomosis in the right colon and small bowel. Because of its technical difficulty, laparoscopic right colectomy with intra-corporeal anastomosis is performed only by a small number of laparoscopically very skilled surgeons.
Technology
The invention presents a novel approach for the safe and easy performance of an otherwise very complex laparoscopic procedure. With the traditional approach, the primary laparoscopic operation for the resection of the right colon has to be completed using a large incision in order to perform an anastomosis. The presented technology would eliminate the need for this large incision, resulting in a reduction of surgical trauma and a transformation of the right-sided colectomy into a real laparoscopic procedure.
Autors
Golda T (IDIBELL, HUB)
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 3
What are we looking for?
Codevelopment