Rapid prototyped sutureless anastomosis device from self-curing silk bio-ink

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Traditional suturing for cardiovascular anastomosis is time-consuming and technically demanding.
• Sutureless devices aim to simplify the procedure, reduce surgical time, and minimize invasiveness.
• Existing devices may have limitations in biocompatibility, degradation, or mechanical strength.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate novel, resorbable sutureless anastomosis devices for cardiovascular applications.
• To assess the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation profile of the novel devices.
• To compare the surgical speed and efficacy of the new device against current anastomosis techniques.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of resorbable implants using custom robotic deposition of a self-curing silk solution.
• Mechanical testing including radial crush resistance, retention strength, and leak resistance.
• In vivo evaluation in a porcine model over 28 days, including histological analysis of degradation and cellular infiltration.

Main Results:

• The sutureless anastomosis devices exhibited high crush resistance comparable to metal implants.
• Devices demonstrated excellent retention strength and leak resistance, with burst strength exceeding physiological pressures.
• In vivo studies showed device integrity for 28 days, with observed cellular infiltration and initial degradation, indicating biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Sutureless anastomosis devices fabricated from silk offer a promising alternative to traditional suturing methods.
• The novel devices provide robust mechanical performance and favorable biocompatibility and degradation characteristics.
• This technology has the potential to significantly reduce surgical time and improve clinical outcomes in cardiovascular procedures.