Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.

Vasconnect, Inc.

Hani Shennib

Charles S Taylor

Amr Salahieh

Ivan Sepetka

Richard S Ginn

Jackson F Demond

Jodi Akin

Michael Mack

Michael V Morejohn

Ronald Kenichi Yamamoto

Stanley R Conston

The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods forinterconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprises at least a first segment, a second component, and a flow opening between the at least one segment and the second component when operatively used. The first segment is flexible and has physical and mechanical properties which allow it to be easily inserted into a vessel, to conformably seal with the inside wall of the vessel and to be resistant to dislodging from the vessel. The second component may comprise a second segment having the same or a similar configuration as the first segment or may be a tubular member which extends from the first segment. The first and second segments are flexible for easy insertion into an incision made within the side of each vessel. Upon release from a constricted state, each flexible segment subsequently conforms to the interior walls of a vessel to provide a sealing contact along the contact surface of the segment inserted within. The tubular member is configured to be inserted into a transected end of a vessel. The flow opening provides fluid interconnectivity between the vessels connected by the implanted devices. The devices are configured so as to: (1) not impede flow inside a vessel; (2) prevent leakage from the incisions within the vessels; and (3) apposition the vessels toward each other allowing the vessels to heal together so that flow in one vessel may flow to the other.

Devices and methods for interconnecting vessels

A surgical instrument is configured to aid in performing a procedure of detaching an internal mammary artery (IMA) and the like, from the connecting tissues and side branch vessels which surround the artery in its native location, wherein the detaching procedure is preliminary to the performing of a coronary artery bypass grafting procedure and wherein the IMA is detached via a minimally invasive thoracotomy. To this end, an elongated slender rod includes a handle at its proximal end and an artery engaging loop, arc, fork configuration, or hook at its distal working end. Embodiments may incorporate electrosurgical capability or electrical insulation. A surgeon thus has means for harvesting an intact and undamaged graft vessel from its native location through a minimally invasive incision with enhanced speed, visibility, and freedom of motion.

Method for facilitating the detachment of an artery and the like

Surgical instrument for facilitating the detachment of an artery and the like

The present invention provides an implant device and an associated method for interconnecting human vessels rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The device comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a flow opening along the periphery of the two connected segments. The first and second segments are bendable for easy insertion into an incision made within each vessel. Upon release, each bendable segment subsequently conforms to the interior walls of a vessel to provide a sealing contact along the contact surface of the segment inserted within. The flow opening provides fluid interconnectivity between the vessels connected by the implant device. The device is configured so as to: (,) not impede flow inside a vessel; (,) prevent flow out of the openings in the vessels except for flow from one vessel to another via the connector opening; and (,) force the vessels toward each other at areas around the openings allowing the vessels to grow together so that flow in one vessel may flow to the other. The implant device may be inserted using special catheter designed specifically for the placement and release of the implant device within the vessels for interconnection thereof. The implant device is preferably provided in an assortment of sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. in order to interconnect vessels of various sizes, shapes and orientations. A system which includes a catheter having the implantable device loaded therein is also disclosed

Device for interconnecting vessels in a patient

The present invention provides an implant device and an associated method for interconnecting human vessels rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The device comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a flow opening along the periphery of the two connected segments. The first and second segments are bendable for easy insertion into an incision made within each vessel. Upon release, each bendable segment subsequently conforms to the interior walls of a vessel to provide a sealing contact along the contact surface of the segment inserted within. The flow opening permanently connects the segments and provides fluid interconnectivity between the vessels connected by the implant device. The device is configured so as to: (1) not impede flow inside a vessel; (2) prevent flow out of the openings in the vessels except for flow from one vessel to another via the connector opening; and (3) force the vessels toward each other at areas around the openings allowing the vessels to seal and grow together so that flow in one vessel may flow to the other. The implant device may be inserted using a special catheter designed specifically for the placement and release of the implant device within the vessels for interconnection thereof. The implant device is preferably provided in an assortment of sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. in order to interconnect vessels of various sizes, shapes and orientations.

Method for interconnecting vessels in a patient

Surgical instrument for facilitating the detachment of an artery and the

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