A novel discrete linkage-type electrode for radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis

Abstract

Introduction

For decades, radiofrequency (RF)-induced tissue fusion has garnered great attention due to its potential to replace sutures and staples for anastomosis of tissue reconstruction. However, the complexities of achieving high bonding strength and reducing excessive thermal damage present substantial limitations of existing fusion devices.

Materials and methods

This study proposed a discrete linkage-type electrode to carry out ex vivo RF-induced intestinal anastomosis experiments. The anastomotic strength was examined by burst pressure and shear strength test. The degree of thermal damage was monitored through an infrared thermal imager. And the anastomotic stoma fused by the electrode was further investigated through histopathological and ultrastructural observation.

Results

The burst pressure and shear strength of anastomotic tissue can reach 62.2 ± 3.08 mmHg and 8.73 ± 1.11N, respectively, when the pressure, power and duration are 995 kPa, 160 W and 13 s, and the thermal damage can be controlled within limits. Histopathological and ultrastructural observation indicate that an intact and fully fused stomas with collagenic crosslink can be formed.

Conclusion

The discrete linkage-type electrode presents favorable efficiency and security in RF-induced tissue fusion, and these results are informative to the design of electrosurgical medical devices with controllable pressure and energy delivery.

Keywords:

• Radiofrequency energy
• electrode design
• tissue fusion
• anastomotic strength
• thermal damage

Author contributions

Lin Mao and Chengli Song conceived the whole project. Zhongxin Hu designed and manufactured the electrode. Lin Mao, Zhongxin Hu and Xupo Xing carried out experiments for intestinal anastomosis, performed characterizations of fused tissues, collected the relevant data and analyzed the results. All the authors contributed to the writing of manuscript.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.: 51901137, 51735003) and National Key R&D Program of Ministry of Science and Technology - digital medical equipment R&D (Grant No.: 2019YFC0120402).