CONNECT: A Multi-Cohort, Prospective Investigation of the Symani® Surgical System

Launched by MMI (MEDICAL MICROINSTRUMENTS, INC.) · Mar 4, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The CONNECT clinical trial is studying a new surgical system called the Symani System, which is used during certain types of surgeries, including free tissue transfer and lymphatic surgeries. The main goal of this trial is to find out how safe and effective the Symani System is when connecting blood vessels (a process known as microsurgical anastomosis) during these operations. Participants in the trial will receive standard care while allowing researchers to collect information about their treatment. If they are having a lymphatic procedure, they will fill out some questionnaires and have their limb swelling measured to help assess the outcomes.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be adults and have a specific medical reason for needing a microsurgical procedure. For those with lymphedema, this means having swelling that doesn’t completely go away with regular treatment. Patients must also be willing to return for follow-up visits and comply with any study requirements. Importantly, the trial will not begin recruiting participants until later, so those interested should keep an eye out for updates. Overall, the trial aims to improve surgical techniques and outcomes for patients needing these specialized surgeries.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults, according to the local law
• • Patient agrees to participate in the study, return for all required follow-up visits, and has willingly provided written informed consent after receiving all information related to the study, its requirements, and the robotic assisted procedure
• • Patient with a clinical indication for a microsurgical anastomosis for a free flap transfer surgery and/or lymphatic surgery Investigator considers candidate acceptable for free flap transfer surgery and/or lymphatic surgery with a robotic assisted microsurgical anastomosis in accordance with the Symani System IFU
• Inclusion Criteria for Therapeutic Lymphatic Patients:
• • For lymphedema of the extremities, swelling of lymphedema that is not completely reversed by decongestion therapy modalities. (Not applicable for patients with lymphedema of the head and neck)
• * For lymphedema of the extremities, at least one of the following positive quantitative measurements (not applicable for patients with lymphedema of the head and neck):
• • 1. Volumetry differential between diseased limb and contralateral limb must be at least 10% of the other
• • 2. Bioimpedance (L-Dex) differential, if feasible, between diseased limb and contralateral limb of at least 10 units
• • Maintain complete decongestive therapy (CDT), according to International Society of Lymphology (ISL) guidelines, for a minimum duration of four (4) weeks prior to screening
• • Willingness to comply with recommended regimen of self-care, with consistent use of compression garments from screening through the entire study duration
• • Patient must be diagnosed with Lymphedema
• • Patient must have a body mass index (BMI) of ≤ 35
• Inclusion Criteria for Prophylactic Lymphatic Patients:
• • The patient has at least one identifiable risk factor for developing lymphedema of the extremities
• • Patient with a body mass index (BMI) of ≤ 35
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who are not capable and/or unwilling to provide informed consent
• • Clinically significant cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, endocrine, liver or central nervous system disorders, previous mental disorders, or other disorders that may significantly affect the data collection or the ability to comply with the protocol per the investigators discretion.
• • Known history of significant bleeding, coagulopathy, or Von Willebrand's disease
• • Patients with implanted pacemaker
• • Planned vein graft (either venous or arterial)
• • Previously documented history of chronic kidney disease (eGFR ≤ 30)
• • Currently enrolled in any other investigational clinical studies that the investigator believes may impact patient safety or outcomes
• • Patients belonging to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, or patients ineligible to participate for other reasons in the judgement of the investigator
• Exclusion Criteria for Free Tissue Transfer Patients:
• • Patients with buried flaps
• • Multiple flaps planned for the procedure
• Exclusion Criteria for Therapeutic Lymphatic Patients:
• • Patients with venous edema (arising from increased capillary filtration)
• • Patients with other medical conditions that could lead to acute limb edema, such as (but not limited to) acute venous thrombosis or heart failure
• • Current infection in the affected area of lymphedema
• • Current evidence of malignancy
• • Known iodine sensitivity
• • Patient's lymphatic disease is due to lipedema
• • Patients with bilateral lymphedema or lymphedema in multiple anatomical locations
• Exclusion Criteria for Prophylactic Lymphatic Participants:
• • Patients for whom prophylactic surgery on more than one limb is planned
• • Known iodine sensitivity
• • Patients with post-thrombotic syndrome, arterial insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis or any other medical condition that could make them ineligible to participate in the judgment of the investigator
• • Patients diagnosed with lymphedema
• Intraoperative Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any presenting condition discovered intraoperatively that, in the opinion of the investigator, would make participating in this study not in the patient's best interest
• • The patient does not have at least two robotic sutures attempted during the index procedure