ADHESION PROMOTION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present generally invention relates to an adhesion promotion device and a method that involves use of an adhesion promotion device.

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION

In a medical field, a medical procedure (for example, anastomosis for a digestive tract) of joining biological organs to each other by performing a surgical operation is known. In a case where the medical procedure as described above is performed, as a prognosis determinant after surgery, a fact is important that there is no delay in adhesion in a joint portion joined between the biological organs.

In the medical procedure of joining the biological organs, various methods and various medical instruments are used. For example, a method of suturing the biological organs by using a biodegradable suture, or a method of using a mechanical anastomosis device (refer to JP-T-2007-505708 for suturing the biological organs by using a stapler has been proposed. In particular, in a case where anastomosis is performed using the mechanical anastomosis device, compared to a method of using the suture, a joining force between the biological organs can be improved in the joint portion. Accordingly, risk factors of an anastomotic leakage can be reduced.

However, a degree of progress of adhesion in the joint portion depends on a state of biological tissues in a joint object site (joint target site) of a patient. Therefore, for example, even in a case where the anastomosis device as disclosed in JP-T-2007-505708 is used, depending on the state of the biological tissues of the patient, there is a possibility that the risk factors of the anastomotic leakage cannot be sufficiently reduced.

SUMMARY

The adhesion promotion device disclosed here is capable of reducing risk factors of an anastomotic leakage after a surgical operation is performed.

According to an embodiment, there is provided an adhesion promotion device including a main body portion formed of a biodegradable sheet having a plurality of through-holes and promoting adhesion of biological tissues, and a reinforcement portion disposed in a portion of the main body portion and reinforcing the main body portion.

The adhesion promotion device can improve rigidity of a main body portion by a reinforcement portion, and can prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring. In this manner, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device during an operation (when the adhesion promotion device indwells a body). In addition, in a case where any force is applied after indwelling, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce risk factors of an anastomotic leakage after a surgical operation is performed.

In accordance with another aspect, an adhesion promotion device that promotes adhesion between biological tissue comprises a main body portion and a reinforcement portion. The main body portion is made of a biodegradable sheet that promotes adhesion of the biological tissue, and the main body portion includes a plurality of through-holes that pass through the main body portion. The main body portion includes an outer periphery, and the main body portion circumscribes or inscribes a virtual circle possessing a center. The reinforcement portion reinforces the main body portion and is disposed at a portion of the main body portion so that the parts of the main body portion are devoid of the reinforcement portion. The reinforcement portion is disposed so that every straight line segment extending radially outwardly from the center of the virtual circle and intersecting the virtual circle also intersects the reinforcement portion.

According to another aspect, a method of promoting adhesion between biological tissue comprises positioning an adhesion promotion device between first and second biological tissue, wherein the adhesion promotion device comprises: a main body portion formed of a biodegradable sheet that promotes adhesion of the first and second biological tissues, with the main body portion including a plurality of through-holes that pass through the main body portion; and a reinforcement portion that is disposed at a portion of the main body portion and that reinforces the main body portion. The method additionally involves moving the first and second biological tissues relative to one another while the adhesion promotion device remains positioned between the first and second biological tissues so that the first and second biological tissues approach one another, and joining parts of the first and second biological tissues to each other while a portion of the main body portion of the adhesion promotion device is pinched between the first and second biological tissues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a form of an adhesion promotion device of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating a main body portion of the adhesion promotion device illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the main body portion.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views used for describing conditions for specifying a shape of a reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are views illustrating various forms of the shape of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views illustrating various forms of the shape of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device, subsequently to FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views illustrating various forms of the shape of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device, subsequently to FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views illustrating a form of a hole portion formed in a main body portion of the adhesion promotion device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another form of the adhesion promotion device of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating still another form of the adhesion promotion device of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating the main body portion of the adhesion promotion device illustrated in FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are views illustrating another form of the shape of the main body portion in the adhesion promotion device.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views illustrating another form of a cross-sectional structure of the adhesion promotion device.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are views illustrating a form of a manufacturing procedure of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are views illustrating a specific shape of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are views illustrating a specific shape of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device, subsequently to FIG. 13.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are views illustrating a specific shape of the reinforcement portion in the adhesion promotion device, subsequently to FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating each procedure of a treatment method of using the adhesion promotion device.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an embodiment (large intestine anastomosis) of the treatment method.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing the large intestine anastomosis.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing the large intestine anastomosis.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing the large intestine anastomosis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to each drawing. Dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated and different from actual proportions for convenience of description, in some cases.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a form of an adhesion promotion device 10, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating a main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the main body portion 20.

For example, the illustrated adhesion promotion device 10 can be used for a method of joining a predetermined site serving as a joint object of a biological organ (for example, anastomosis of a digestive tract). In general, the adhesion promotion device 10 has the main body portion 20 formed of a biodegradable sheet having a plurality of through-holes 25 and promoting adhesion of biological tissues, and a reinforcement portion (reinforcement) 30 disposed in a portion of the main body portion 20 and reinforcing the main body portion 20. Hereinafter, configurations will be described in detail.

The main body portion 20 can be formed of the biodegradable sheet having a thin film shape. The main body portion 20 has a plurality of the through-holes 25. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the plurality of through-holes 25 are regularly and cyclically (e.g., a ratio of through hole diameter and pitch is repeated throughout the main body portion) provided in a plane direction of the main body portion 20. For example, the plurality of through-holes 25 may be randomly provided in the main body portion 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the plurality of through-holes 25 are vertically provided along a thickness direction (upward-downward direction in FIG. 2B) of the main body portion 20. The plurality of through-holes 25 are substantially vertically provided between a front surface 21 and a rear surface 23 of the main body portion 20. However, the plurality of through-holes 25 may be provided to be curved between the front surface 21 and the rear surface 23 in the thickness direction of the main body portion 20.

A thickness of the main body portion 20 (size T illustrated in FIG. 2B) is not particularly limited. The thickness is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 mm, and more preferably 0.1 to 0.2 mm. When the thickness of the main body portion 20 is 0.05 mm or thicker (particularly, 0.1 mm or thicker), sufficient strength can be ensured to such an extent that the main body portion 20 is not damaged when the adhesion promotion device 10 is handled. On the other hand, when the thickness of the main body portion 20 is 0.3 mm or thinner (particularly, 0.2 mm or thinner), the main body portion 20 closely adheres to a biological tissue to which the main body portion 20 is applied, and it is possible to ensure sufficient flexibility to follow the biological tissue.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the main body portion 20 has a circular shape in a plan view. However, an outer shape of the main body portion 20 is not particularly limited, and may be a substantially rectangular shape or an elliptical shape, for example.

In the main body portion 20, a ratio value of a hole diameter D (distance D illustrated in FIG. 2B) of the plurality of through-holes 25 to a pitch P (distance P illustrated in FIG. 2B) of the plurality of through-holes 25 is preferably 0.25 or greater and smaller than 40. When a shape of the through-hole 25 is a perfect circle in a plan view, the hole diameter D of the through-hole 25 is equal to a diameter of the perfect circle. On the other hand, in a case where the through-hole 25 is not the perfect circle in a plan view, the diameter (equivalent circle diameter) of the perfect circle having an area the same as an area of an opening portion (portion facing the front surface 21 or the rear surface 23 in the through-hole 25) of the through-hole 25 can be set as the hole diameter D of the through-hole 25.

In addition, the main body portion 20 has the plurality of through-holes 25. Therefore, the main body portion 20 has a plurality of values of the hole diameters D corresponding to the respective through-holes 25. In the present embodiment, in calculating the above-described ratio value, an arithmetic average value of two or more values of the hole diameter D corresponding to each of the plurality of through-holes 25 is used as a representative value of the hole diameter D. On the other hand, the “pitch P” of the plurality of through-holes 25 means a shortest distance between the opening portions of the two through-holes 25. With regard to the value of the pitch P, there are a plurality of values of the pitch P corresponding to a combination of the through-holes 25 adjacent to each other. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in calculating the above-described ratio value, the arithmetic average value of two or more values of the pitch P corresponding to each combination of the through-holes 25 adjacent to each other is used as a representative value of the pitch P.

The pitch P of the above-described through-holes 25, the hole diameter D, and the ratio of the hole diameter D to the pitch P are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The main body portion 20 can be formed of a biodegradable material. A material which may be used to form the main body portion 20 is not particularly limited. For example, a biodegradable resin may be used. As the biodegradable resin, for example, it is possible to use a known biodegradable (co)polymer such as those disclosed in JP-T-2011-528275, JP-T-2008-514719, Pamphlet of International Publication No. 2008-1952, and JP-T-2004-509205. Specifically, the biodegradable resin includes (1) a polymer selected from a group formed of aliphatic polyester, polyester, polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polycarbonate, polyphosphazene, polyphosphate ester, polyvinyl alcohol, polypeptide, polysaccharide, protein, and cellulose; or (2) copolymer configured to include one or more monomers configuring the above-described materials (1). That is, it is preferable that the biodegradable sheet includes the polymer selected from a group formed of aliphatic polyester, polyester, polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polycarbonate, polyphosphazene, polyphosphate ester, polyvinyl alcohol, polypeptide, polysaccharide, protein, and cellulose, and at least one biodegradable resin selected from a group formed of the copolymer configured to include one or more monomers configuring the polymer.

A manufacturing method of the main body portion 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the manufacturing method includes a method of preparing a fiber formed of the above-described biodegradable resin and manufacturing a mesh-shaped sheet by using the fiber. A method of preparing the fiber formed of the biodegradable resin is not particularly limited. For example, the method includes an electrospinning method (electric field spinning method and electrostatic spinning method) or a melt blowing method. As the method for the main body portion 20, only one of the above-described methods may be selected and used. Alternatively, two or more methods may be used in appropriate combination with each other.

Here, the electrospinning method is a method of forming fine fibers formed of a resin in a state where a high voltage (for example, approximately 20 kV) is applied between a syringe filled with a resin solution and a collector electrode. When the method is adopted, the solution extruded from the syringe is charged and scattered in an electric field. However, a solvent contained in the scattered solution evaporates with the lapse of time. Accordingly, as a result, a thinned solute appears. The thinned solute becomes fine fibers formed of the resin, and adheres to a collector of basal lamellas.

A mesh-shaped base material formed of stainless steel (SUS) is used as the collector of the electrospinning method. In this manner, the fine fibers formed of the biodegradable resin which serves as the thinned solute adhere to a substantial portion of a mesh, thereby forming the mesh formed of the fine fibers. The biodegradable sheet can be manufactured by separating the resin mesh obtained in this way from the mesh-shaped base material. A size (a hole diameter or a pitch) of the mesh-shaped base material is appropriately adjusted. In this manner, it is possible to control a shape (a hole diameter or a pitch of the through-hole) of the biodegradable sheet formed of the manufactured resin mesh.

In addition, as another example of the manufacturing method of similarly using the electrospinning method, the above-described solution is scattered on a front surface of a flat base material having no mesh shape, and the fine fibers are adhered thereto. In this manner, it is possible to adopt a method of forming the through-hole after obtaining the resin sheet having a uniform thickness. In this case, for example, the resin sheet is irradiated with a laser beam focused by using a condenser lens. In this manner, the through-hole can be formed in an irradiation site. Then, energy or an irradiation time of the laser beam to be used for the irradiation, and an interval between the irradiation sites are adjusted. In this manner, it is possible to control the shape (the hole diameter or the pitch of the through-hole) of the biodegradable sheet formed of the manufactured resin mesh.

As still another example of the manufacturing method of the main body portion 20, a fiber formed of the above-described biodegradable resin may be spun in accordance with a usual method, and the obtained fiber may be knitted into a mesh shape to manufacture the biodegradable sheet.

The main body portion 20 causes a biological reaction by using the configuration materials such as the biodegradable resin configuring the main body portion 20. Due to this action, the main body portion 20 induces expression of biological components such as fibrin. The biological components induced in this way can promote adhesion by being accumulated to penetrate the through-holes 25 of the main body portion 20. For example, the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10 is disposed between the biological organs serving as the object to be joined (anastomosis object), thereby promoting the adhesion by using the above-described mechanism.

The main body portion 20 has a hole portion 40 (hole or center hole) at a substantially central position when viewed in a plan view, and the hole diameter dl of this hole portion 40 is larger than that of the through-holes 25. For example, the hole diameter of the hole portion 40 can be 5 mm to 25 mm. In addition, an outer shape of the hole portion 40 can be a perfect circle, for example. However, the hole portion 40 may have an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or other shapes.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the reinforcement portion 30 is disposed in a portion of the main body portion 20. The reason that the reinforcement portion 30 is disposed in a portion of the main body portion 20 is as follows. In a case where the reinforcement portion 30 is provided on an entire surface of the main body portion 20, a function of promoting the adhesion which is an original function of the main body portion 20 cannot be achieved. The reinforcement portion 30 is disposed on one surface (front surface 21) out of both the front surface and the rear surface of the main body portion 20. Since the main body portion 20 is formed of the mesh sheet, the main body portion 20 is extremely soft. In a case of using only the main body portion 20, distortion or misalignment is likely to occur in the adhesion promotion device. Therefore, there is a possibility that distortion or misalignment may occur in the adhesion promotion device during an operation (when the adhesion promotion device indwells in a body). In addition, even after the indwelling, there is a possibility that distortion or misalignment may occur in the adhesion promotion device due to some reasons.

Therefore, in the adhesion promotion device 10 of the present embodiment, rigidity of the main body portion 20 is improved by disposing the reinforcement portion 30 in a portion of the main body portion 20. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10. In this manner, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10 during the operation (when the adhesion promotion device 10 indwells a body). In addition, in a case where any force is applied after the indwelling, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10.

The reinforcement portion 30 includes a first reinforcement portion 31 located on an outer edge side of the main body portion 20 and a second reinforcement portion 32 located on an inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40. In the main body portion 20, the rigidity of the outer edge side is improved by the first reinforcement portion 31, and the rigidity of the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40 is improved by the second reinforcement portion 32. When a medical instrument is inserted into the hole portion 40, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10.

The reinforcement portion 30 is not limited to a case where the two first and second reinforcement portions 31 and 32 are provided. One reinforcement portion 30 can be located only on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20, or can be located only on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40. In addition, the reinforcement portion 30 can be configured to include three or more reinforcement portions 30.

The second reinforcement portion 32 can be stronger than the first reinforcement portion 31 in reinforcing the biodegradable sheet forming the main body portion 20. Since the rigidity of the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40 is further improved, it is possible to further prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10 when a medical instrument is inserted into the hole portion 40.

The first reinforcement portion 31 and the second reinforcement portion 32 can have the same strength in reinforcing the main body portion 20.

A material of the reinforcement portion 30 is not particularly limited. However, for example, a biocompatible adhesive or a coating agent formed of a thermoplastic resin can be used. In addition, a material the same as that of the main body portion 20 can be used.

The thickness of the reinforcement portion 30 is not particularly limited. The reinforcement portion 30 is provided in order to reinforce the main body portion 20, and the reinforcement portion 30 does not need to be flexible or elastic. Therefore, the reinforcement portion 30 does not need to be thicker than necessary, and for example, an intended purpose can be achieved by the reinforcement thickness of smaller than 1 mm.

A preparation method of the reinforcement portion 30 is not particularly limited, and a preparation method suitable for the configuration material of the reinforcement portion 30 can be adopted. For example, in a case of using the biocompatible adhesive or the coating agent, the reinforcement portion 30 can be prepared by applying the biocompatible adhesive or the coating agent from a nozzle to a portion of the main body portion 20 and drying the applied portion. In addition, a layer including the reinforcement portion 30 is formed separately from the main body portion 20, and a reinforcement portion layer thereof is integrated with the main body portion 20 by means of crimping or heat-welding. In this manner, the reinforcement portion can be prepared.

Conditions for specifying the shape of the reinforcement portion 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In the adhesion promotion device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the main body portion 20 and the reinforcement portion 30 have a quadrangular shape. For convenience of description, sides configuring the reinforcement portion 30 having the quadrangular shape are defined as 33a to 33d. First, a virtual circle 50 (FIG. 3A) inscribed with the main body portion 20 or a virtual circle 50 (FIG. 3B) circumscribed with the main body portion 20 is assumed or identified. It is preferable that the reinforcement portion 30 intersects with a line segment (straight line segment) 52 extending from a center 51 of the assumed virtual circle 50 at least at one location. In the illustrated example, the line segment 52 extending from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50 and the side 33a of the reinforcement portion 30 intersect with each other at a point Pc. In a case of adopting this form, the rigidity of the main body portion 20 is improved by the side 33a of the reinforcement portion 30. For example, even in a case where a force F of pushing down or pulling up the main body portion 20 in a direction orthogonal to a paper surface of the drawing is applied to the point Pc, the side 33a of the reinforcement portion 30 is less likely to be bent. Therefore, in the adhesion promotion device 10, distortion or misalignment is prevented from occurring against the force F.

Various forms of the shape of the reinforcement portion 30 in the adhesion promotion device will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10A in FIG. 4A includes the first reinforcement portion 31 located on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20 and the second reinforcement portion 32 located on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40. Both the first reinforcement portion 31 and the second reinforcement portion 32 have a closed ring shape or closed annular shape.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10B in FIG. 4B is located only on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40, and has a closed ring shape or closed annular shape.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10C in FIG. 4C is located only on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20, and has a closed ring shape or closed annular shape.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10D in FIG. 5A includes the first reinforcement portion 31 located on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20 and the second reinforcement portion 32 located on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40. The first reinforcement portion 31 extends in a circular shape with gaps between adjacent segments of the first reinforcement portion 31, and has an open ring shape or open annular shape. The second reinforcement portion 32 has a closed ring shape or closed annular shape.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10E in FIG. 5B includes two reinforcement portions 35a and 35b located close to the outer edge side of the main body portion 20. The two reinforcement portions 35a and 35b are concentrically located, and both have an open ring shape or open annular shape. When viewed outwardly from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50, a gap in the reinforcement portion 35a located outside in the radial direction is hidden by the reinforcement portion 35b located inside in the radial direction. On the other hand, when viewed from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50, a gap in the reinforcement portion 35b located inside in the radial direction is hidden by the reinforcement portion 35a located outside in the radial direction. Thus, the segments of the reinforcement portion 35a located outside in the radial direction overlap the gaps in the reinforcement portion 35b located inside in the radial direction, and the segments of the reinforcement portion 35b located inside in the radial direction overlap the gaps in the reinforcement portion 35a located outside in the radial direction.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10F in FIG. 6A has a closed rectangular shape.

The reinforcement portion 30 in an adhesion promotion device 10G in FIG. 6B has a radial shape (radially extending reinforcement segments) extending in the radial direction from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50.

All of the reinforcement portions 30 are disposed in a portion of the main body portion 20 (i.e., less than an entirety of the surface of the main body portion 20). Therefore, all of the through-holes 25 are not blocked, and the main body portion 20 can sufficiently achieve a function of promoting the adhesion which is an original function.

The reinforcement portion 30 illustrated in FIG. 4A intersects with the line segment 52 extending from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50 inscribed or circumscribed with the main body portion 20 at two locations. The reinforcement portion 30 illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C intersects with the line segment 52 at one location. The reinforcement portion 30 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B intersects with the line segment 52 at two locations in one direction of the line segment 52, and intersects with the line segment 52 at one location in the other direction. The reinforcement portion 30 illustrated in FIG. 6A intersects with the line segment 52 at one location. The reinforcement portion 30 illustrated in FIG. 6B extends on the line segment 52, and a width direction of the reinforcement portion 30 is a direction intersecting with the line segment 52. Therefore, all of the reinforcement portions 30 intersect with the line segment 52 extending from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50 at least at one location. Since the main body portion 20 has a circular shape, the virtual circle 50 coincides with an outer periphery of the main body portion 20.

Except for the reinforcement portion 30 having a radial shape illustrated in FIG. 6B, the reinforcement portions 30 illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, and 6A intersect with the line segment 52 over the entire periphery of the virtual circle 50 in a circumferential direction. That is, in a case where the line segment 52 is rotated once (360 degrees) around the center 51 of the virtual circle 50, the reinforcement portion 30 intersects with the line segment 52 in any direction and at all times throughout the one rotation. In other words, the reinforcement portions 30 have a shape that forms a closed region internally including the center 51 of the virtual circle 50. Since the reinforcement portion 30 intersects with the line segment 52 over the entire periphery of the virtual circle 50 in the circumferential direction, the reinforcement portion 30 is less likely to be bent even when the force F is applied along any direction. Therefore, the adhesion promotion device 10 can prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring against the force F applied along any direction.

The reinforcement portion 30 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B includes a portion having an open ring shape. However, all of the reinforcement portions 30 have a shape overlapping in an extending direction of the line segment 52. That is, a line segment 52 directed radially outwardly from the center 51 in any direction will always intersect the reinforcement portion 30. Even when the portion having this open ring shape is included, the reinforcement portion 30 intersecting with the line segment 52 can be formed over the entire periphery of the virtual circle 50 in the circumferential direction.

A form of the hole portion 40 formed in the main body portion 20 of adhesion promotion devices 10H and 10J will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The hole portion 40 illustrated in FIG. 7A is a center hole formed concentrically with the center 51 of the virtual circle 50 inscribed or circumscribed with the main body portion 20. The hole portion 40 illustrated in FIG. 7B is a hole formed at an eccentric position from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50. That is, the center of the hole 40 in FIG. 7B is offset from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50. In this way, the hole portion 40 can be formed at a desired position in the main body portion 20.

Another form of the adhesion promotion device will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, adhesion promotion devices 10K and 10L may not have the hole portion 40 formed in the main body portion 20.

The main body portion 20 is not limited to a main body portion having a circular shape in a plan view. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, an outer shape of a main body portion 20A can be a substantially rectangular shape.

The reinforcement portion 30 in the adhesion promotion device 10K illustrated in FIG. 8 is located only on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20, and has a closed ring shape. The reinforcement portion 30 in the adhesion promotion device 10L illustrated in FIG. 9A is located only on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20A, and has a closed and substantially rectangular shape.

Another form of the shape of the main body portion in the adhesion promotion device will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C.

The outer shape of the main body portions 20 and 20A is not limited to the above-described circular shape or substantially rectangular shape. The outer edge of the main body portion can have various shapes including a linear shape or an arc shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, an outer edge of a main body portion 20B can have a polygonal shape (hexagonal shape in the illustrated example) including the linear shape. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, an outer edge of a main body portion 20C can have an elliptical shape including an oval shape. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 10C, an outer edge of a main body portion 20D can have a track-like shape including both the linear shape and the arc shape or curved shape.

Another form of a cross-sectional structure of the adhesion promotion device will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

The cross-sectional structure of the adhesion promotion device is not limited to a structure in which a layer including the reinforcement portion 30 (reinforcement portion layer) is integrated with one side of the main body portion 20 (refer to FIG. 2A).

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, an adhesion promotion device 10M can have a cross-sectional structure in which a reinforcement portion layer 35c is integrated with both the front and rear surfaces 21 and 23 (top and bottom surfaces in FIG. 11A) of the main body portion 20. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11B, an adhesion promotion device 10N can have a cross-sectional structure in which the main body portion 20 is integrated with both surfaces of the reinforcement portion layer 35c. That is, the opposite surfaces of the reinforcement portion layer 35c are integrated with or covered by the main body portion 20 so that the reinforcement portion layer 35c is embedded in the main body portion 20. The reinforcement portion layer 35c and the main body portion 20 can be integrated by means of crimping or heat-welding.

A form of a manufacturing procedure of the reinforcement portion in adhesion promotion devices 10P and 10Q will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B.

The reinforcement portion 30 in the adhesion promotion device 10 is not limited to a case where the reinforcement portion 30 is manufactured by integrating the layer including the reinforcement portion (reinforcement portion layer) and the main body portion 20 with each other.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, a biodegradable sheet material 60 before forming the through-holes 25 is prepared. Then, the through-holes 25 are formed in the biodegradable sheet material 60 to form the main body portion 20, except for a region configuring or constituting a reinforcement portion 35d (i.e., through-holes 25 are formed in the biodegradable sheet material 60, except at a portion of the sheet material 60 at which will be located the reinforcement portion 35d). Thus, while the main body portion 20 has the plurality of through-holes 25, through-holes 25 are not formed in the reinforcement portion 35d. Therefore, the reinforcement portion 35d of the adhesion promotion device 10P has rigidity higher than that of the main body portion 20, and can reinforce the main body portion 20.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, a biodegradable sheet 61 having the plurality of through-holes 25 is prepared. Then, only a region configuring or constituting a reinforcement portion 35e is compressed or heated in a thickness direction to crush the through-hole 25. The through-hole 25 in the reinforcement portion 35e does not need to be completely extinguished. The through-holes 25 may be crushed and reduced, and the materials forming the biodegradable sheet may be in a densely aggregated form. Whereas the main body portion 20 has the plurality of through-holes 25, the through-holes 25 in the reinforcement portion 35e are crushed and reduced. Therefore, the reinforcement portion 35e of the adhesion promotion device 10Q has higher density. Accordingly, the rigidity is improved compared to the main body portion 20, and the main body portion 20 can be reinforced.

A specific shape of a reinforcement portion in an adhesion promotion device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

The reinforcement portion can have any desired shape including the linear shape, or the arc shape, as long as the reinforcement portion is disposed in a portion of the main body portion and achieves a function of reinforcing the main body portion. In all of the adhesion promotion devices 100 illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, a main body portion 102 has a circular shape in a plan view, and a hole portion 104 (center hole) is formed at a substantially central position when the main body portion 102 is viewed in a plan view.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 13A has an outer ring portion 103a located only on the outer edge side of the main body portion 102 and having a closed shape. The reinforcement portion 103 is configured to include a portion having a curved shape.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 13B has the outer ring portion 103a having the arc shape, and a rib portion 103b extending in the radial direction. The rib portion 103b extends toward the hole portion 104 from an inner periphery of the outer ring portion 103a, but does not reach the hole portion 104. The reinforcement portion 103 is configured to include a portion having the arc shape and the linear shape.

In the reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 13C, the rib portion 103c reaches an inner peripheral edge of the hole portion 104, compared to FIG. 13B.

Compared to FIG. 13C, the reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 13D has an inner ring portion 103d located on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 104 and having a closed shape. The rib portion 103c connects the outer ring portion 103a and the inner ring portion 103d. The outer ring portion 103a corresponds to a first reinforcement portion 31, and the inner ring portion 103d corresponds to a second reinforcement portion 32.

Compared to FIG. 13D, the reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 14A has an intermediate ring portion 103e located between the outer ring portion 103a and the inner ring portion 103d and having a closed shape. The rib portion 103c connects the outer ring portion 103a, the intermediate ring portion 103e, and the inner ring portion 103d.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 14B is configured to include a portion having the linear shape, and is formed in a shape like a spider web. The reinforcement portion 103 has a rib portion 103f extending in the radial direction, and a connection rib portion 103g connecting the adjacent rib portions 103f to each other. The rib portion 103f extends from the outer edge of the main body portion 102 to the inner peripheral edge of the hole portion 104. The connection rib portion 103g forms an octagonal shape.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 14C is configured to include a portion having the linear shape. The reinforcement portion 103 has a vertical rib portion 103h extending in a vertical direction and a horizontal rib portion 103i extending in a horizontal direction in the drawing. The vertical rib portion 103h and the horizontal rib portion 103i are orthogonal to each other at least at one location. The vertical rib portion 103h and the horizontal rib portion 103i are formed so that width dimensions are substantially equal to each other.

Compared to FIG. 14C, in the reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 14D, vertical rib portions 103j and 103k and a horizontal rib portion 103m have different width dimensions. The width dimension of the vertical rib portion 103j located on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 104 and the width dimension of the horizontal rib portion 103m are larger than the width dimension of the vertical rib portion 103k located on the outer edge side of the main body portion 102. The reinforcement portion 103 is configured to include the first reinforcement portion 31 located on the outer edge side of the main body portion 102 and the second reinforcement portion 32 located on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 104. Then, depending on a size of the width dimension, the second reinforcement portion 32 is stronger than the first reinforcement portion 31 in reinforcing the biodegradable sheet forming the main body portion 102.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 15A is configured to include a portion having the linear shape. The reinforcement portion 103 is formed in such a way that a plurality of linear rib portions 103n are connected to form a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, and a hexagonal shape.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 15B is formed in such a way that a plurality of linear rib portions 103p are connected to form a honeycomb structure.

The reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 15C is configured to include a portion having the linear shape. The reinforcement portion 103 has a rib portion 103q extending in the radial direction. The rib portion 103q extends toward the hole portion 104 from the outer edge of the main body portion 102, but does not reach the hole portion 104.

Compared to FIG. 15C, in the reinforcement portion 103 in FIG. 15D, a rib portion 103r reaches the inner peripheral edge of the hole portion 104.

In all of the adhesion promotion devices 100 illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the rigidity of the main body portion 102 is improved by the reinforcement portion 103, and it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 100.

As described above, the adhesion promotion device 10 has the main body portion 20 formed of the biodegradable sheet having the plurality of through-holes 25 and promoting the adhesion of the biological tissues, and the reinforcement portion 30 disposed in a portion of the main body portion 20 and reinforcing the main body portion 20. According to the adhesion promotion device 10 configured in this way, the rigidity of the main body portion 20 is improved by the reinforcement portion 30, and it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the distortion or the misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10 during the operation (when the adhesion promotion device 10 indwells the body). In addition, in a case where any force is applied after the indwelling, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10. Therefore, it is possible to reduce risk factors of an anastomotic leakage after a surgical operation is performed.

The reinforcement portion 30 intersects with the line segment 52 extending from the center 51 of the virtual circle 50 inscribed or circumscribed with the main body portion 20 at least at one location. According to this configuration, even in a case where the force F of bending the reinforcement portion 30 is applied to an intersection portion between the line segment 52 and the reinforcement portion 30, the reinforcement portion 30 is less likely to be bent. Therefore, the adhesion promotion device 10 can prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring against the force F.

The reinforcement portion 30 intersects with the line segment 52 over preferably the entire periphery of the virtual circle 50 in the circumferential direction. That is, every line segment 52 extending radially outwardly from the center of the virtual circle 50 intersects the reinforcement portion 30. According to this configuration, the reinforcement portion 30 is less likely to be bent even when the force F is applied along any direction. Therefore, the adhesion promotion device 10 can prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring against the force F applied along any direction.

The reinforcement portion 30 has a shape overlapping in an extending direction of the line segment 52. According to this configuration, even in a case where the reinforcement portion 30 has an open shape, it is possible to form the reinforcement portion 30 intersecting with the line segment 52 over the entire periphery of the virtual circle 50 in the circumferential direction. That is, even when the reinforcement portion 30 has an open shape defined by spaced apart reinforcement parts such as shown in FIG. 5B, every line segment (an infinite number of line segments) 52 that extends radially outwardly from the center of the virtual circle 50 and that intersects the virtual circle 50 also intersects (must intersect) the reinforcement portion 30. Stated differently, there is no radially extending line segment 52 that intersects the virtual circle 50 while at the same time not intersecting the reinforcement portion 30. Therefore, the adhesion promotion device 10 can prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring against the force F applied along any direction.

The main body portion 20 further has the hole portion 40 formed to have the hole diameter larger than that of the through-hole 25. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide the adhesion promotion device 10 having a shape suitable for treatment using the adhesion promotion device 10.

The reinforcement portion 30 includes the first reinforcement portion 31 located on the outer edge side of the main body portion 20 and the second reinforcement portion 32 located on the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40. According to this configuration, in the main body portion 20, not only the rigidity of the outer edge side can be improved by the first reinforcement portion 31, but also the rigidity of the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40 can be improved by the second reinforcement portion 32. When a medical instrument is inserted into the hole portion 40, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10.

In this case, the second reinforcement portion 32 is stronger than the first reinforcement portion 31 in reinforcing the biodegradable sheet forming the main body portion 20. According to this configuration, the rigidity of the inner peripheral edge side of the hole portion 40 can be further improved. When the medical instrument is inserted into the hole portion 40, it is possible to further prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10.

The outer edge of the main body portion 20 has the linear shape or the arc shape. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide the adhesion promotion device 10 having a shape suitable for treatment using the adhesion promotion device 10.

The reinforcement portion 30 has the linear shape or the curved shape. According to this configuration, the shape of the reinforcement portion 30 suitable for the shape of the main body portion 20 can be selected, and it is possible to further prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10.

Hitherto, the configuration of the adhesion promotion device 10 has been described. However, the specific configuration of the adhesion promotion device 10 according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as the sheet-like main body portion 20 having a function of promoting the adhesion of the biological tissues is reinforced by the reinforcement portion 30 disposed in a portion of the main body portion 20. As another modification example, for example, the adhesion promotion device 10 may have a communication hole exposed on a side surface of the main body portion 20. In addition, the adhesion promotion device 10 may have a shape partially widened in a direction in which the through-hole 25 formed in the main body portion 20 intersects with the thickness direction (upward-downward direction in FIG. 2B) of the main body portion 20. In addition, the adhesion promotion device 10 may have a shape partially narrowed in the direction in which the through-hole 25 formed in the main body portion 20 intersects with the thickness direction (upward-downward direction in FIG. 2B) of the main body portion 20.

Next, a treatment method of using the adhesion promotion device will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating each procedure of the treatment method of using the adhesion promotion device.

The treatment method includes disposing an adhesion promotion device provided with a sheet-like main body portion for promoting the adhesion of the biological tissues between one joint target site and the other joint target site which serve as a joint object of the biological organ (S11), and joining the one joint target site and the other joint target site in a state where at least a portion of the main body portion of the adhesion promotion device is disposed between the one joint target site and the other joint target site (S12).

The biological organ and the joint target site in the biological organ which are joined by using the treatment method are not particularly limited, and can be selected according to the intended use or operation. However, in the following description, an example will be described in which the treatment method is applied to large intestine anastomosis. In addition, as the adhesion promotion device used in each medical procedure described below, for example, it is possible to select any desired one from the adhesion promotion devices described above, and it is also possible to select other adhesion promotion devices. However, in the following description, as a representative example which can be preferably used for each medical procedure, an example of using a specific adhesion promotion device will be described. In addition, in each medical procedure described below, detailed description of known medical procedures, known medical devices, and medical instruments will be appropriately omitted.

Hereinafter, in the description herein, “disposing the adhesion promotion device between the biological organs” means at least any one of disposing the adhesion promotion device in a state of being in direct or indirect contact with the biological organs, disposing the adhesion promotion device in a state where a spatial gap is formed with the biological organs, and disposing the adhesion promotion device in both the states (for example, disposing the adhesion promotion device in a state where the adhesion promotion device is in contact with one biological organ and the adhesion promotion device is not in contact with the other biological organ). In addition, in the description herein, a “periphery” does not define a strict range (region), and means a predetermined range (region) as long as a treatment purpose (joining the biological organs to each other) can be achieved. In addition, as long as the treatment purpose can be achieved, in the medical procedure described in the respective treatment methods, orders can be appropriately switched therebetween. In addition, in the description herein, “moving the portions relatively closer to each other” means both moving two or more movement objects closer to each other, and moving only one closer to the other one.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an embodiment (large intestine anastomosis) of the treatment method, and FIGS. 18 to 20 are views for describing the large intestine anastomosis.

In the treatment method according to the present embodiment, the biological organ serving as the joint object is a large intestine cut due to excision of a cancer tumor. Specifically, the biological organs serving as the joint object are a cut mouth side A1 of the large intestine and a cut anal side A2 of the large intestine. In the following description, a joining procedure will be described in which a mouth portion periphery (one joint target site) on the cut mouth side A1 of the large intestine and a portion (the other joint target site) of an intestinal wall on the cut anal side A2 of the large intestine are joined to each other. In addition, in the present embodiment, an example of using the adhesion promotion device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the treatment method according to the present embodiment includes disposing the adhesion promotion device 10 between the mouth portion periphery of the large intestine and the intestinal wall of the large intestine (S101), moving the mouth portion periphery of the large intestine and the intestinal wall of the large intestine relatively closer to each other (S102), pinching the main body portion of the adhesion promotion device 10 between the mouth portion periphery of the large intestine and the intestinal wall of the large intestine (S103), joining both of these to each other in a state where the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10 is pinched between the mouth portion periphery of the large intestine and the intestinal wall of the large intestine (S104), and causing the main body portion of the adhesion promotion device to indwell between the mouth portion periphery of the large intestine and the intestinal wall of the large intestine (S105).

Next, the treatment method according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, an operator such as a doctor (hereinafter, referred to as an operator) inserts a first engagement instrument 710 of an anastomosis device 700 into the mouth side A1 of the large intestine. The operator disposes a second engagement instrument 720 of the anastomosis device 700 on the anal side A2 of the large intestine. Before the second engagement instrument 720 is disposed on the anal side A2 of the large intestine, the operator forms a through-hole A21 for inserting the second engagement instrument 720 of the anastomosis device 700 into the anal side A2 of the large intestine. A timing at which the through-hole A21 is formed is not particularly limited as long as the timing is before the second engagement instrument 720 is disposed.

For example, as the anastomosis device 700, a known device used for the large intestine anastomosis can be used. As the first engagement instrument 710 and the second engagement instrument 720 engage with each other, the anastomosis device 700 excises the biological tissue disposed between the first engagement instrument 710 and the second engagement instrument 720, and sutures a periphery of the excised biological tissue into a circumferential shape by using a stapler. For example, the first engagement instrument 710 is an instrument including a cylindrical engagement target portion 711. For example, the second engagement instrument 720 is an instrument including an engagement pin 721 to engage with and to be inserted into the engagement target portion 711 of the first engagement instrument 710.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the operator disposes the adhesion promotion device 10 between the mouth side A1 of the large intestine and the anal side A2 of the large intestine. According to the present embodiment, the adhesion promotion device 10 (refer to FIG. 1A) where the hole portion (center hole) 40 is formed in the main body portion 20 is used. When the operator disposes the adhesion promotion device 10, the operator causes the engagement pin 721 included in the second engagement instrument 720 to pass through the hole portion 40 formed in the main body portion 20. In this case, the operator brings the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10 into contact with the vicinity having the through-hole A21 formed on the anal side A2 of the large intestine. The operator may dispose the adhesion promotion device 10 on the mouth side A1 of the large intestine by causing the engagement target portion 711 included in the first engagement instrument 710 to pass through the hole portion 40 formed in the main body portion 20.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the operator engages the first engagement instrument 710 and the second engagement instrument 720 with each other by moving both of these relatively closer to each other. The operator pinches the mouth portion periphery on the mouth side A1 of the large intestine, the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10, and the periphery of the through-hole A21 formed on the intestinal wall on the anal side A2 of the large intestine between the first engagement instrument 710 and the second engagement instrument 720. The operator operates the anastomosis device 700. In this manner, while the operator excises a portion on the mouth side A1 of the large intestine, a portion of the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10, and a portion on the anal side A2 of the large intestine which are pinched between the first engagement instrument 710 and the second engagement instrument 720, the operator joins the peripheries of the excised portions to each other by using a stapler (not illustrated).

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the operator removes the anastomosis device 700 to the outside of the living body from the anal side A2 of the large intestine via an anus, for example. In addition, the operator causes the adhesion promotion device 10 to indwell in a state where a portion of the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10 is pinched between the mouth portion periphery on the mouth side A1 of the large intestine and the intestinal wall on the anal side A2 of the large intestine.

As described above, in the treatment method according to the present embodiment, the mouth portion periphery of the large intestine and the intestinal wall of the large intestine are joined to each other. According to the treatment method, the main body portion 20 of the adhesion promotion device 10 disposed between the mouth portion periphery on the mouth side A1 of the large intestine and the intestinal wall on the anal side A2 of the large intestine can promote the adhesion between the biological tissue in the periphery on the mouth side A1 of the large intestine and the biological tissue on the intestinal wall on the anal side A2 of the large intestine. Therefore, it is possible to reduce risk factors of an anastomotic leakage after large intestine anastomosis.

According to this treatment method, an easy method is used in such a way that the sheet-like or sheet-shaped main body portion included in the adhesion promotion device is pinched between one joint target site and the other joint target site. The easy method can reduce the risk factors of the anastomotic leakage after a medical joining procedure (for example, anastomosis of a digestive tract).

In addition, in the adhesion promotion device 10 to be used, the rigidity of the main body portion 20 is improved by the reinforcement portion 30. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10 during the operation of the operator (when the adhesion promotion device 10 indwells the body). In addition, in a case where any force is applied after the indwelling, it is possible to prevent distortion or misalignment from occurring in the adhesion promotion device 10. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the risk factors of the anastomotic leakage after a surgical operation is performed.

The detailed description above describes embodiments of an adhesion promotion device and a method representing examples of the inventive adhesion promotion device and method disclosed here. The invention is not limited, however, to the precise embodiments and variations described. Various changes, modifications and equivalents can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. It is expressly intended that all such changes, modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the claims are embraced by the claims.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/JP2019/038027	Sep 2019	US
Child	17212702		US

ADHESION PROMOTION DEVICE

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