Automated uretero-intestinal anastomosis 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. The staples should be strong enough to effectivly secure tissue and be absorbable to avoid a second surgery to remove the staples.