MEDICAL GRAFTING METHODS AND APPARATUS
First Claim
1. A connector for use in making an anastomotic connection between tubular fluid conduits in a patient comprising an annular structure configured for placement partially within one of the tubular fluid conduits and for annular enlargement by expansion of an expandable structure positioned within an interior portion of the connector.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for making an anastomotic connection between tubular fluid conduits in a patient. A connector may provided having an annular structure configured for placement partially within one of the tubular fluid conduits and for annular enlargement by expansion of an expandable structure positioned within an interior portion of the connector. The connector may be configured for plastic annular enlargement, and have members with free end portions that are configured to penetrate a wall of the tubular fluid conduits at locations that are annularly spaced around the connection. A portion of the connector may be selectively deflected radially out from a remainder of the connector in response to expansion of the expandable structure disposed inside the connector. An axial portion of the connector may be adapted for insertion within an axial end of a first one of the tubular fluid conduits, and an axial portion of the connector may be adapted for insertion through an opening in a wall of a second one of the tubular fluid conduits.
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Citations
27 Claims
- 1. A connector for use in making an anastomotic connection between tubular fluid conduits in a patient comprising an annular structure configured for placement partially within one of the tubular fluid conduits and for annular enlargement by expansion of an expandable structure positioned within an interior portion of the connector.
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17. A method for making an anastomotic connection between a tubular fluid conduit and a patient'"'"'s tubular body structure, comprising:
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providing a connector having an annular structure configured for annular enlargement;
positioning an axial portion of the connector in the tubular fluid conduit and an axial portion of the connector in the tubular body structure; and
enlarging the connector with an expandable structure disposed within an interior portion of the connector. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification