Deformable connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures
First Claim
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1. A connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small vessels, comprising:
- an annular member of deformable material, said annular member being permanently deformable by expansion via plastic deformation from a first size in a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired anastomosis site, to an annular member having a second, larger size in a joining position in which the connector connects the hollow structures,joining elements circumferentially spaced about said annular member for joining abutting walls of the hollow structures together, said joining elements comprising staple-like elements which are permanently deformable from a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired anastomosis site, to a joining position in which said staple-like elements engage the hollow structures to thereby cause the connector to connect the hollow structures, each said staple-like element being attached to the annular member, and comprising at least two staple portions extending from said location of said attachment between each said staple-like element and said annular member to free ends of each said staple portion, at least part of each said staple portion being tapered in a direction corresponding to a direction from the location of attachment between each said staple-like element and said annular member towards the free end of said staple portion.
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Abstract
A connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels, in order to make an anastomosis. The connector incorporates various features to create a reliable engagement with the vessel walls to make a good connection thereof.
The connector includes knife members to make an arteriotomy in and punch a hole in one of the vessel walls, an expansion portion to cause a large expansion with a minimum profile, and anvil members to reliably bring the staple-like elements to the joining position.
364 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small vessels, comprising:
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an annular member of deformable material, said annular member being permanently deformable by expansion via plastic deformation from a first size in a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired anastomosis site, to an annular member having a second, larger size in a joining position in which the connector connects the hollow structures, joining elements circumferentially spaced about said annular member for joining abutting walls of the hollow structures together, said joining elements comprising staple-like elements which are permanently deformable from a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired anastomosis site, to a joining position in which said staple-like elements engage the hollow structures to thereby cause the connector to connect the hollow structures, each said staple-like element being attached to the annular member, and comprising at least two staple portions extending from said location of said attachment between each said staple-like element and said annular member to free ends of each said staple portion, at least part of each said staple portion being tapered in a direction corresponding to a direction from the location of attachment between each said staple-like element and said annular member towards the free end of said staple portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small vessels, comprising:
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an annular or tubular member of deformable material, said annular member having a center line, and said annular member being adapted to be permanently deformed from a first size in a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired site, to an annular member having a second, larger size in a joining position in which the connector connects the hollow structures, joining elements circumferentially spaced about said annular or tubular member for joining abutting walls of the hollow structures together, said joining elements including staple-like elements which are permanently deformable by plastic deformation from a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired site, to a joining position in which said staple-like elements engage the hollow structures to thereby cause the connector to connect the hollow structures, each said staple-like element being attached to the annular member proximate to a center of said staple-like element and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the center line of the annular member when said connector is in said starting position, and wherein pairs of said staple-like elements are aligned with one another on said annular member.
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Specification