What is the ATLAS™ U-Stitch? 

The ATLAS™ U-Stitch builds upon decades of hollow viscus attachment techniques – and improves them for modern surgical practice. This innovative suture delivery system utilizes magnets to form a u-stitch within a hollow viscus to secure the organ to the abdominal wall. After proper placement, only the suture remains, which then can be tied over a soft, silicone bumper – completely metal free. Following this procedure, an appropriate interventional catheter will be placed according to patient needs.

This device is designed to provide a more broadly applicable and faster alternative to existing manual u-stitches and t-fasteners.

In the abdominal cavity there are several hollow viscera, including the stomach, large intestine, small intestine, and the bladder. Each of these organs has an associated -pexy procedure and resultant applicable interventional catheter that may form part of a treatment plan to address patient needs. In pursuit of placing an interventional catheter, it may be helpful to attach the chosen hollow viscus to the abdominal wall. By approximating the organ to the abdominal wall, and securing it, the clinician may then begin to create the needed stoma tract.

In Saini et al. it was found that adhering the viscus to the abdominal wall ahead of the placement of an interventional catheter, compared to not performing the pexy, helped ensure tube patency and prevent possible adverse events such as peritonitis.²

Prompt Placement of the ATLAS™ U-Stitch* 

Suture Delivery System with Magnetic Technology

Instead of using a manual lasso or metal anchor, the ATLAS™ U-Stitch utilizes rare-earth magnets to complete the suture loop within the hollow viscus. Once the suture loop is complete and the ATLAS™ U-Stitch is removed, no metal is left behind, eliminating the need for it to pass through the body.

Benefits for Providers + Patients

Designed to Decrease the Possibility of Adverse Events.

As compared to manual u-stitches:

• The ATLAS™ U-Stitch can be used in patients with an abdominal thickness up to 5 cm. Manual u-stitches have limited applicability to differing body types, especially those outside of early childhood.

• The design of the ATLAS™ U-Stitch ensures that the suture bite is consistent across placements, whereas manual u-stitches are often inconsistent.

As compared to t-fasteners:

• Securement is accomplished with no metal left behind at the insertion site, and no foreign materials to pass through the hollow viscus following device removal, whereas t-fasteners leave behind a metal internal securement bar that must be passed though the gastrointestinal tract and may migrate into the abdominal wall.³

• The ATLAS™ U-Stitch has flexibility, allowing the clinician to choose whether to leave an external bumper. T-fasteners leave no options when deciding on external retention and require clinicians to cut above the skin to remove the bolster, which increases the risk of accidentally nicking the skin upon bumper removal.

Device Anatomy

Specially Designed Needles

The ATLAS™ U-Stitch features two parallel introducer needles made of medical grade stainless steel with cutting style tips. These tips are designed to reduce the need to nick the skin before insertion of the device. Additionally, these needles feature an anti-coring heel that is designed to avoid coring of the fascia during insertion.

Exclusive Suture

The suture left after placement is a 3-0 braided permanent suture. This suture is FDA cleared to remain in place for up to 14 days following placement and does not lose strength over the placement period.

Comfortable Bumper

This soft and flexible silicone bumper can be used to separate the suture knot from the top of the skin. Its low-profile design is meant to maximize comfort for the patient.

Safety Aspects

The device has safety features that guard against accidental early deployments and associated risks. These include a needle cover to sheath the needle tips and a device lock to prevent depression of the advancement hub prematurely.

Gastrostomy Tube Initial Placement with the ATLAS™ U-Stitch, AMT I.P. Kit, and the AMT MiniONE^® – a winning combination!

With the introduction of the ATLAS™ U-Stitch device – you can now complete a gastrostomy tube initial placement from start to finish with AMT products. This ensures that your team and your patient can benefit from the full range of exclusive AMT benefits.

Following proper placement, there are many options for final securement of the gastrostomy device. The ATLAS™ U-Stitch affords the clinician unparalleled flexibility to decide which final placement option best suits their patients’ needs.

Part Numbers & Ordering Information