Cardica, Inc.

Zachary Warder-Gabaldon

Bryan Dale Knodel

Theodore M Bender

Bernard A Hausen

Matthew B Newell

Brian R DuBois

Kathleen Hannon Davies

Luke W Clauson

Philipe Roget Manoux

Stephen A Yencho

Tenny Chang

An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by suturing an end of the graft vessel to the side of the target vessel with the connection module.

Compliant anastomosis system utilizing suture

A length of suture is provided, and a knot is partially tied in that suture around a tube. The partially-tied knot includes a noose portion connected to a loosely-tied barrel portion. The knot is tied by holding a standing end of the suture substantially stationary and pulling the running end of the suture through the noose. The knot locks upon tightening, making it suitable for surgical applications.

Surgical knot

An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by deploying a plurality of connectors such as staples into tissue. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The cutter assembly and/or the connection module may be cable-actuated.

Compliant anastomosis system

One method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a substantially continuous solid staple having a plurality of tines and a longitudinal centerline, plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple to a closed configuration. Another method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a staple having a plurality of tines; plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple from the splayed configuration to a closed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple.

Method for closing an opening in tissue with a splayable staple

An exemplary medical apparatus insertable into the vasculature of a patient at an insertion point for treating a defect in the heart, may include an elongated, flexible driver sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the defect in the heart; and a staple frangibly attached to the distal end of the driver. Another exemplary medical apparatus may include a catheter sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the patent foramen ovale; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter; a driver extending into the housing; and a staple frangibly attached to the driver. Another exemplary medical apparatus may include a steering catheter sufficient in length to extend from the insertion point to the patent foramen ovale; an end effector attached to the distal end of the steering catheter, the end effector having a cross-section sufficiently small to allow it to be moved through the vasculature to the patent foramen ovale; and a staple held by the end effector, wherein the staple is frangibly separable from and deployable out of the end effector to close the patent foramen ovale.

Heart defect closure apparatus

A system for closing an opening in tissue may include an end effector that holds a staple, where the staple is deformed to a splayed configuration for engaging tissue, then deformed to a closed condition for closing the opening. The system may include one or more butterfly members configured to register the opening to the end effector.

Vascular closure system utilizing a staple

A system for closing an opening in tissue may include an end effector that holds a staple, where the staple is plastically deformed to a splayed configuration for engaging tissue, then plastically deformed to a closed condition for closing the opening. The system may include one or more butterfly members configured to register the opening to the end effector.

Vascular closure system

A method for closing an opening in tissue, such as an opening in heart tissue, may include moving a housing to a location in proximity to the opening, registering the housing to the opening, and deploying a staple from the housing into tissue in proximity to the opening. The opening in heart tissue may be a patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect, or other opening. The housing may be moved to the opening through the vasculature, utilizing a guidewire, steering catheter, or other mechanism.

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Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Zachary Warder-Gabaldon