Preliminary performance of a flexible cap and catheter-based endoscopic suturing system

Background: Translation of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) into clinical applications requires efficient and reliable enterotomy closure. Objective: TO evaluate a prototype endoscopic suturing system for enterotomy closure. Design: This study took place in an ex vivo animal laboratory Isolated porcine stomachs were contained within a plastic molded abdominal torso. The device specifications included a curved needle, end-cap assembly with a side-mounting wire-actuation channel, a needle-exchange assembly that operates within in endoscopic working channel, and a detachable needle tip attached to suture material. Interventions: Mucosal templates (3-cm circular markings) for targeted suture placement were created along the anterior wall of the stomach (cardia, antrum, and body). Device performance and functionality were studied in 3 ways: suture placement, purse-string closure, and edge-to-edge gastrotomy closure. Interrupted and running stitches were placed with the endoscope straight and retroflexed. Simple leak testing was conducted. Results: Sutures could accurately be placed at preset templated markings. Creation of a purse-string gastrotomy closure confirmed the capability to place a set of circumferential full-thickness running sutures during a single endoscopic intubation that resulted in a leak-proof closure. Edge-to-edge full-thickness tissue apposition was accomplished, which provided a water-tight closure of all 18-mm gastrotomy. The device worked consistently, without ally problems. Conclusions: This endoscopic suturing device provided accurate placement of full-thickness sutures during a Single intubation and permitted satisfactory tissue apposition. Standardized leak testing is needed for further development and evaluation of new devices. The catheter-driven needle actuator and the transfer-component system were intuitive and universally adaptable to any endoscope. This closure device may advance transluminal therapies by offering a secure, efficient method Of hollow viscus closure.