×

Method and apparatus for performing coronary artery bypass surgery

  • US 5,755,682 A
  • Filed: 08/13/1996
  • Issued: 05/26/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus for use in a coronary artery bypass procedure at a human coronary artery on an exterior of a human heart wall, said apparatus comprising:

  • a. A hollow blood flow conduit having a first end dimensioned for insertion into and retention within said human heart wall of a left ventricle containing oxygenated blood with an opening of said first end for providing blood flow communication with blood contained within said left ventricle;

    b. said conduit having a second end, said conduit further dimensioned for said second end to be positioned and retained within said human coronary artery with an opening of said second end positioned and dimensioned for providing blood flow communication with a lumen of said human coronary artery when said first end is within said human heart wall;

    c. Said conduit capable of defining a continuously open blood flow path between said openings of said first and second ends, said conduit being sufficiently rigid such that when placed within said human heart wall said blood flow path remains open during both diastole and systole;

    d. said conduit configured to substantially block flow from leaving said conduit other than through said first and second ends; and

    e. said conduit includes a reservoir for accumulating blood from said conduit during periods of high blood pressure and for discharging accumulated blood into said conduit during periods of low blood pressure.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×