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Automated uretero-intestinal anastamosis with absorbable staples

Project Overview

In patients with bladder cancer, the bladder can be either partially or completely removed. A procedure called a radical cystectomy is required to completely remove the bladder when cancer has invaded the muscle layer of the bladder. Afterwards, a section of the small intestine can be used to form a new bladder (neobladder). If the neobladder is not constructed, a ureostomy bag is implemented instead. However, in both procedures the ureters need to be connected to the new bladder tissue; this is currently done using absorbable sutures. There are several complications associated with this approach due to the invasiveness and length of the procedure. Our goal is to design and construct a stapler that is small enough to be passed through the ureter to perform automated uretero-intestinal anastomosis and secure the ureters to the neobladder or ureostomy bag with staples. In addition to fabricating a stapler, we will be responsible for designing and testing new materials to be used for biocompatible, absorbable staples. The tasks of this project will be divided over two semesters, we will be working on designing the stapler first semester and the staples second semester.

Team Picture

Team photo From left to right: Katie Pollock, Terra Gahlman, Rebecca Clayman, John Cheadle, and Kim Safarik
Team photo From left to right: Katie Pollock, Terra Gahlman, Rebecca Clayman, John Cheadle, and Kim Safarik

Images

The staple cartridge houses 12 staples before they are fired into the ureter and bladder tissues.
The staple cartridge houses 12 staples before they are fired into the ureter and bladder tissues.
During the procedure, the anvil is placed into the ureter tissue and is used to pull it down through the bladder. The anvil serves as a guide along which the firing mechanism pushes the staple cartridge and staple firing teeth.
During the procedure, the anvil is placed into the ureter tissue and is used to pull it down through the bladder. The anvil serves as a guide along which the firing mechanism pushes the staple cartridge and staple firing teeth.
The firing teeth push through the staple cartridge driving the staples through the ureter and bladder tissue into the ring clamp where they bend over and secure the tissue.
The firing teeth push through the staple cartridge driving the staples through the ureter and bladder tissue into the ring clamp where they bend over and secure the tissue.
The ring clamp has 2 halves which connect to clamp the ureter tissue around the anvil neck. The ring clamp ensures that the tissue remains stationary. It also contains divets and serves as a base against which the staples in the firing mechanism can push against and bend over.
The ring clamp has 2 halves which connect to clamp the ureter tissue around the anvil neck. The ring clamp ensures that the tissue remains stationary. It also contains divets and serves as a base against which the staples in the firing mechanism can push against and bend over.
The ring clamp halves fit together like puzzle pieces. Both halves are identical. One side has an extrusion that fits into a cut on the opposite side. As an added form of security, we created holes which pass through both sides where a pin can be placed to lock the parts in place. These holes proved to be redundant, as the ring clamp halves fit together quite tightly.
The ring clamp halves fit together like puzzle pieces. Both halves are identical. One side has an extrusion that fits into a cut on the opposite side. As an added form of security, we created holes which pass through both sides where a pin can be placed to lock the parts in place. These holes proved to be redundant, as the ring clamp halves fit together quite tightly.

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Kimberly Safarik - Co-Team Leader
  • Rebecca Clayman - Co-Team Leader
  • Terra Gahlman - Communicator
  • John Cheadle - BSAC
  • Kathryn Pollock - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Wan-Ju Li - Advisor
  • Dr. Tracy Downs - Client

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