Apparatus for configuring an arteriovenous fistula

An apparatus for configuring first and second blood vessels connected by an anastomosis at a fistula, the apparatus comprising:

• a coupler shaped to comprise the following portions:
• a mount having a saddle-like shape comprising a convex face surface, a concave face surface configured to seat on and couple to the first blood vessel, and an aperture;
• a brace shaped to extend from the mount and configured around the exterior of the first blood vessel, wherein the brace comprises two legs extending from the mount that are closable to form a ring-like shape so as to encircle a circumference of the exterior surface of the first blood vessel, so as to secure the mount to the first blood vessel;
• an adapter having a first open end, a lumen, and a second open end, wherein the first open end is contiguous with the aperture comprised in the mount and the adapter is shaped to extend from the mount on the side of the convex face surface in the vicinity of the fistula;
• an intermediate portion that is shaped to gradually alter in shape from the shape of the mount to the shape of the adapter;
• and
• a sleeve that is connectable to the second open end of the adapter and is configured to
• ensheathe and hold a portion of the second blood vessel, wherein
• the sleeve does not extend beyond the first open end when connected to the adapter.

An apparatus for supporting first and second blood vessels connected by an anastomosis at a fistula, the apparatus comprising:

• an integrally formed coupler shaped to comprise the following portions:
• a mount having a saddle-like shape comprising a convex face surface, a concave face surface configured to seat on and couple to the first blood vessel, and an aperture;
• a brace shaped to extend from the mount wherein the brace comprises two legs extending from the mount that are closable to form a ring-like shape, such that the brace and mount together encircle the first blood vessel to secure the mount to the first vessel;
• an adapter having a first open end, a lumen, and a second open end, wherein the first open end is contiguous with the aperture comprised in the mount and the adapter is shaped to extend from the mount on the side of the convex face surface in the vicinity of the fistula;
• and
• an intermediate portion that is shaped to gradually alter in shape from the shape of the mount to the shape of the adapter;
• wherein the coupler portions of the mount, the brace, the adapter, and the intermediate portion are integrally formed;
• and
• a sleeve that is connectable to the second open end of the adapter and is configured to ensheathe and hold a portion of the second blood vessel, wherein the sleeve does not extend beyond the first open end when connected to the adapter.