Compression automation of circular stapler for preventing compression injury on gastrointestinal anastomosis

Background Conventional manual compression relies on the surgeon's subjective sensations, so excessive compression can cause tissue injury to the stapling line of the intestinal anastomosis. Methods Automatic compression monitoring and compression control system was developed for circular stapler. The tissue injury related compression variables were evaluated and accommodated by compression control device. Was designed. The compression injury-reducing performance was verified on collagen sheets of in vitro experiments. Results Excessive pressure and tissue deformation were associated with compression-induced tissue damages. The safe pressure range was very narrow in weaker tissue than normal collagen. The automatic system performed proper compression within a safe pressure range without tissue injury. Conclusions Manual compression of circular stapler could cause tissue injuries by excessive pressure and tissue deformation. Our automatic compression system is designed to control peak pressure to prevent the compressive tissue injury.