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

摘要

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.