US 6,984,238 B2 · Devices and methods for performing avascular anastomosis

Abstract

A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis. including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple. A second aspect of the invention includes an anastomotic fitting, having an inner flange over which the graft vessel is everted and an outer flange which contacts the exterior surface of the target vessel. A tailored amount of compression applied by the inner and outer flanges grips the target vessel wall and creates a leak-proof seal between the graft vessel and the target vessel. A third aspect of the invention has a flange to which the graft vessel attaches, by everting the graft vessel over the flange, and a plurality of staple-like members which attach the flange and the everted end of the graft vessel to the wall of the target vessel to form the anastomosis

Claims72

Dependent claims

A method of performing a procedure on a vessel having a previously made opening, the method comprising:

providing a device comprising a member having a longitudinal axis and an annular ring configured to be disposed about the member, the annular ring having at least two staple members extending therefrom, the at least two staple members each having a distal portion formed of an elastic material and ending in a sharpened point, the distal portions having a first configuration, where the at least two staple members are straight and the distal portions are separated by a first distance, and a second configuration, where the distal portions are separated by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance;
positioning the member at a location near the opening;
holding the distal portions of the at least two staple members in the first configuration with the member;
penetrating the sharpened points into tissue adjacent the opening;
and
permitting the distal portions to move to the second configuration.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Devices and methods for performing avascular anastomosis

Life of this patent

Devices and methods for performing avascular anastomosis

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims72