Devices for creating vascular grafts by vessel distension using fixed post and moveable driver elements
AssigneeGeorgia Tech Research Corporation
InventorsRaymond P. Vito, Jack C. Griffis, III
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Abstract
Devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. The device preferably comprises a stretching mechanism which includes (i) a rigid body; (ii) a pair of posts comprising a first post and a second post which are connected to the body; (iii) a driver element slidably secured to the body and disposed between the pair of posts; and (iv) a device for sliding the driver element away from the pair of posts to axially distend a blood vessel positioned between the pair of posts and the driver element. Preferably, the device is implanted, for example using endoscopic techniques, for use in vivo, although the device also can be used in vitro.
Claims33
A device for axially extending a blood vessel to induce growth of the blood vessel, comprising:
- a stretching mechanism which comprises
- (i) a rigid body;
- (ii) a pair of posts comprising a first post and a second post which are connected to the body;
- (iii) a driver element slidably secured to the body and disposed between the pair of posts;
- and
- (iv) a means for sliding the driver element away from the pair of posts to axially distend a blood vessel positioned between the pair of posts and the driver element.
The device of clam 2, wherein the posts are each rotatably attached to the proximal surface of the first plate.
The device of clam 2, further comprising a resting member extending from the proximal surface of the first plate, wherein the resting member is shaped such that the driver element can be secured between the proximal surface and an upper ridge of the resting member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.