Devices and methods for interconnecting conduits and closing openings in tissue
First Claim
1. A device for connecting first and second tissue structures comprising:
- first and second substantially parallel and elongate flexible segments each having proximal and distal ends, wherein the first and second segments each comprise a compliant material configured to be constricted for implantation within the first and second tissue structures, respectively, and wherein the material has a natural tendency to return to an unconstricted state such that, when implanted in the tissue structures, the material utilizes an internal fluid pressure within the respective tissue structure to conform to a shape of an inner surface of the tissue structure to provide a sealing contact with the inner surface; and
a flow opening extending between the first and second segments at a point along the elongate length of the segments at least a distance from each of the proximal and distal ends to fluidically couple the first and second tissue structures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The subject invention provides devices and methods for closing and sealing an opening in a conduit. The subject devices consist of an implantable flexible member adapted to conform to and seal with an inner surface of a conduit and further adapted to utilize the internal conduit pressure exerted thereon to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner surface of the conduit whereby substances are prevented from leaking from the opening under normal physiological conditions. In the subject methods, a subject device is provided and positioned inside a conduit, operatively aligned over an opening to be sealed. The device is conformed to and sealed with an inner surface of the conduit and a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the device and the inner surface of the conduit utilizing the internal conduit pressure whereby substances within the conduit are prevented from leaking from the opening under normal physiological conditions.
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Citations
41 Claims
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1. A device for connecting first and second tissue structures comprising:
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first and second substantially parallel and elongate flexible segments each having proximal and distal ends, wherein the first and second segments each comprise a compliant material configured to be constricted for implantation within the first and second tissue structures, respectively, and wherein the material has a natural tendency to return to an unconstricted state such that, when implanted in the tissue structures, the material utilizes an internal fluid pressure within the respective tissue structure to conform to a shape of an inner surface of the tissue structure to provide a sealing contact with the inner surface; and a flow opening extending between the first and second segments at a point along the elongate length of the segments at least a distance from each of the proximal and distal ends to fluidically couple the first and second tissue structures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A device for fluidically coupling an artificial opening in a first vascular tissue structure with a second tissue structure comprising:
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a first elongate flexible segment having a proximal and a distal end and comprising a compliant material configured to be constricted for implantation in the first tissue structure via the artificial opening, wherein the material has a natural tendency to return to an unconstricted state such that, when implanted in the tissue structure, the material utilizes an internal fluid pressure within the first tissue structure to conform to a shape of an inner surface of the first tissue structure to provide sealing contact with the inner surface of the first tissue structure around the artificial opening; a second elongate flexible segment disposed substantially parallel to the first segment having a proximal and a distal end and implantable within the second tissue structure; and a flow opening extending through the artificial opening between the first and second segments at a point along the elongate length of the segments at least a distance from each of the proximal and distal ends of the first and second segments to fluidically couple the first and second tissue structures. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A kit for connecting first and second tissue structures comprising:
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an implantable device comprising; first and second substantially parallel and elongate flexible segments each having proximal and distal ends, wherein the first and second segments comprise a compliant material configured to be constricted for implantation within first and second tissue structures, respectively, the and wherein the material has a natural tendency to return to an unconstricted state such that, when implanted in the tissue structures, the material utilizes an internal fluid pressure within the respective tissue structure to conform to a shape of an inner surface of the tissue structure to provide a sealing contact with the inner surface, a flow opening extending between the first and second segments along the elongate length of the segments at least a distance from each of the proximal and distal ends to fluidically couple the first and second tissue structures, wherein the first and second segments are removably connectable to one another; and a third elongate flexible segment having at least one of a different size and shape than the second segment and configured to be connected to the first segment in place of the second segment. - View Dependent Claims (41)
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Specification