Connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels, as well as auxiliary devices
First Claim
1. An applicator for delivering and deploying a connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures, said connector including an expandable annular member and a plurality of deformable staple-like elements spaced around the circumference of the annular member, comprising:
- a shank-like element;
a head formed at a distal end of the shank-like element, said head being adjustable in such a manner that the annular member and the staple-like elements of the connector are deformed from the starting position to the joining position when said adjusting takes place, said head including an inner member and an outer member which are longitudinally slidable and include longitudinally opposite anvil formations which are movable to and from one another upon relative sliding movements of the inner and outer members in order to deform the staple-like elements to their joining position;
wherein both the inner and outer members are expandable to deform the connector to the joining position during expansion of the inner and outer members and an expandable portion of the inner member is located inside the outer member when the inner member is expanded so as to expand the outer member by expansion of the inner member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a connector (1), 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 applicator may comprise knife members to make an arteriotomy and punch a hole in one of the vessel walls, comprises an expansion portion to cause a large expansion with a minimum profile, and comprises anvil members to reliably bring staple-like elements (5) of the connector to the joining position. The invention also includes auxiliary devices such as a punch and deforming instrument.
152 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An applicator for delivering and deploying a connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures, said connector including an expandable annular member and a plurality of deformable staple-like elements spaced around the circumference of the annular member, comprising:
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a shank-like element; a head formed at a distal end of the shank-like element, said head being adjustable in such a manner that the annular member and the staple-like elements of the connector are deformed from the starting position to the joining position when said adjusting takes place, said head including an inner member and an outer member which are longitudinally slidable and include longitudinally opposite anvil formations which are movable to and from one another upon relative sliding movements of the inner and outer members in order to deform the staple-like elements to their joining position; wherein both the inner and outer members are expandable to deform the connector to the joining position during expansion of the inner and outer members and an expandable portion of the inner member is located inside the outer member when the inner member is expanded so as to expand the outer member by expansion of the inner member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification