Tissue Reconnection Device Could Replace Surgical Stapling

An innovative device reconnects tissues naturally after colorectal surgery, helping patients recover faster and experience fewer complications.

The NiTi Compression Anastomosis Ring reconnects tissue using a sophisticated ring made of nickel titanium (Nitinol, derived from its place of discovery, the U.S. Nickel Titanium Naval Ordinance Laboratory), a strong but pliable metal alloy that has a "shape memory” effect. During placement, the elasticity of the Nitinol leaf springs enables the ring to adapt to differences in tissue thickness, uniformly bringing together tissues while applying consistent, controlled, circumferential pressure. The ring is placed using an applicator similar to that used with standard circular staples, but unlike stapling devices, the applicator is not withdrawn through the newly created reconnected tissue, eliminating the potential for trauma. After the ring is set, the process of the ring returning to its original closed position begins. The tissue trapped within the ring is cut off from blood supply and it becomes necrotic.

The first phase of wound healing--the lag or inflammatory phase--includes the critical task of phagocytosis or "cleaning” of the damaged, necrotic tissue of bacteria and other foreign cell matter. This lag phase is shorter with the NiTi compression anastomosis technology than with stapling because the extent of tissue trauma is minimal. Healing takes place by fibrous adhesion, without suppuration and formation of granulation tissue, a process called "healing by first intention.” The healing process results in the re-epithelialization and the full adaptation of the wall layers of anastomosed tissue, allowing a full recovery of the natural multilayer tissue lumen structure. The average time taken to reconnect tissue using the applicator is eight minutes. When the tissue connection is fully healed (usually within weeks), the ring passes out of the body, leaving behind healthy tissue that shows minimal signs of the surgery and leaving no foreign material in the body--unlike staples, which are left permanently behind. The NiTi Compression Anastomosis Ring is a product of NiTi Surgical Solutions (Netanya, Israel), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Our initial procedures prove that NiTi's reconnection device has the potential to replace the current standard of surgical stapling for closure following colorectal surgery,” said Stephen Cohen, a colorectal surgeon at Southern Regional Medical Center (Atlanta, GA, USA), who has used the compression ring in more than 40 procedures. "Our patients benefited immensely from this new technique, experienced minimal complications associated with traditional stapling methods, and recovered faster than patients with surgical staples. The NiTi compression ring is a true medical breakthrough that will allow surgeons to minimize discomfort for patients for many years to come.”

Related Links:
NiTi Surgical Solutions
Southern Regional Medical Center