Device for Minimally Invasive Internal Apposition of Two Tissues

An easy to deploy, minimally invasive device that reduces the risk of patient infection and post-operative care

Background

 In certain medical procedures, it is required to secure two tissues or a tissue and an implant. Examples include gastrostomy tube (G-Tube) placement, where the stomach wall needs to be secured to the abdominal wall, and hernia repair procedures, where the anterior abdominal wall needs to be secured to a synthetic mesh. Existing fixation technologies are either unreliable, difficult and time-consuming to deploy, or involve a part, such as a locking disk, that is left on the surface of the skin. This residual part will complicate the post-operative care and result in great patient discomfort. It also requires a follow-up visit to be removed. Furthermore, pressure ulcers and infections can occur at the site of fixation. Therefore, there is a need for fastening technologies that are easy to use, reliable, and safe and comfortable for the patient.

Technology Overview

This invention is a new technology that is easy to deploy and use. It eliminates the external fixation, thereby mitigating patient discomfort and the risk of infection. The invention consists of two T-fasteners that are secured to one another with a suture. The T-fasteners are housed inside a needle, which is used to deliver the T-fasteners to the desired place in the tissue or implant. Once the T-fasteners are in their proper places, the operator can tie the suture to tightly secure the two tissue, or the tissue and the implant. Therefore, the use of this device involves only a single needle incision. Furthermore, the T-fasteners can be made from dissolvable material, eliminating the need to remove them after healing. The invention, therefore, reduces the amount and cost of postoperative care, patient discomfort, and health risks. Figure 1.

Benefits

• Easy to deploy
• Minimally invasive
• Reduces the risk of infection
• Comfortable to the patient
• Reduces the amount of post-operative care

Applications

• Gastrostomy tube (G-Tube) placement
• Laparoscopic hernia repair procedures

IP Status

• Patent application submitted