Use of compression clips made of shape memory materials in the gastrointestinal surgery : a preliminary report

Abstract

memory materials, i.e., superelastic nickel titanium alloys (NiTi). This report represents the first experience with these materials in gastrointestinal surgery in Poland. Material and methods. Nine anastomoses were performed in 8 patients using CC: Two anastomoses of the small intestine with the large intestine, 3 anastomoses of the small intestine with the small intestine, 3 anastomoses of the stomach with the small intestine, and 1 anastomosis between the transverse colon and the duodenum. Results. No complications related to this method were observed. Delayed clip excretion was found in one patient. (On day 61 after the surgery, radiological imaging showed that the clip was located in the rectum.) Conclusions. A preliminary study investigating the use of compression clips made of shape memory TiNi alloys in gastrointestinal anastomoses demonstrated that they led to safe anastomoses. Because only a small number of anastomoses have been performed by us to date, this procedure requires further study.