US4470415A — Sutureless vascular anastomosis means and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 96 words

A means for performing sutureless surgical anastomosis between a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: a first ferrule placed around an end of said first member; a second ferrule placed around an end of said second member; means for everting said ends of said first and second members over said first and second ferrules, respectively; a shrinkable sleeve placed around said first and second members; means for shrinking said shrinkable sleeve wherein said first and second ferrules and said shrinkable sleeve cooperate to hold said first and second members in an anastomotic relationship.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 96 words

A means for performing sutureless surgical anastomosis between a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: a first ferrule placed around an end of said first member; a second ferrule placed around an end of said second member; means for everting said ends of said first and second members over said first and second ferrules, respectively; a shrinkable sleeve placed around said first and second members; means for shrinking said shrinkable sleeve wherein said first and second ferrules and said shrinkable sleeve cooperate to hold said first and second members in an anastomotic relationship.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 31 words

A means, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first member comprises a first portion of a severed vessel and said second member comprises a second portion of said severed vessel.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 33 words

A means, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first member comprises a severed vessel and said second member comprises a replacement vessel removed from the same or another part of a body.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 22 words

A means, as recited in claim 1, wherein said first member comprises a severed vessel and said second member comprises a prosthesis.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 60 words

A means as recited in claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein said means for everting comprises: means for expanding each of said ends of said first and second members; and means for folding said expanded ends of said first and second members over said first and second ferrules, respectively, whereby said folded ends extend beyond each of said ferrules, respectively.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 31 words

A means, as recited in claim 5, wherein said means for everting further comprises means for maintaining said first and second members stationary relative to said first and second ferrules, respectively.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 78 words

A means, as recited in claim 6, wherein said means for maintaining said first and second members stationary comprises: an inflatable balloon; means for alternately inserting said inflatable balloon into said end of said first and second member; means for inflating said inflatable balloon whereby said first and second member is expanded by said inflated balloon and is held securely against said first and second ferrule, respectively; means for deflating said balloon; and means for withdrawing said balloon.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 28 words

A means, as recited in claim 7, wherein said shrinkable sleeve comprises a heat shrinkable sleeve and further comprising means for applying heat to aid heat shrinkable sleeve.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 53 words

A means, as recited in claim 8, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated with a selectable radial dimension in an unshrunken state selected to be larger than said members to be anastomosed and with a selectable longitudinal dimension selected to extend beyond said first and second ferrules when in a shrunken state.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 19 words

A means, as recited in claim 9, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is selectively shrinkable in a radial direction.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

A means, as recited in claim 10, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is selectively shrinkable in a longitudinal direction.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 48 words

A means, as recited in claim 11, wherein said means for applying heat comprises means for subjecting said heat shrinkable sleeve to a selectable temperature change, said temperature change being from a first temperature to a second temperature wherein said second temperature is greater than said first temperature.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 36 words

A means, as recited in claim 12, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated from a biocompatible material which shrinks upon an application of heat at said second temperature selected to minimize damage to biological tissue.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 24 words

A means, as recited in claim 13, wherein said second temperature is selected to be in the range of 50° C. to 70° C.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 19 words

A means, as recited in claim 14, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated from a heat shrinkable polymer.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 28 words

A means, as recited in claim 15, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated from a material selected from a group comprised of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyoxide.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 19 words

A means, as recited in claim 15, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated with a smooth continuous wall.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 18 words

A means, as recited in claim 15, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated with a cribreformed wall.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 17 words

A means, as recited in claim 15, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from a biostable rigid material.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 23 words

A means, as recited in claim 19, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from a material selected from a group comprising polypropylene and polyethylene.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 18 words

A means, as recited in claim 15, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from an in vivo degradable material.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 23 words

A means, as recited in claim 21, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from a material selected from a group comprising collagen and polyglycolate.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 121 words

A method for performing sutureless surgical anastomosis between a first tubular member and a second tubular member comprising the steps of: placing a first ferrule around an end of said first member; placing a second ferrule around an end of said second member; everting said end of said first member over said first ferrule; everting said end of said second member over said second ferrule; placing a shrinkable sleeve around said first and second members to be anastomosed; placing said everted ends of said first and second members in an anastomotic relationship; and shrinking said shrinkable sleeve around said first and second members whereby the shrunken shrinkable sleeve securely engages and maintains said first and second members in said anastomotic relationship.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 121 words

A method for performing sutureless surgical anastomosis between a first tubular member and a second tubular member comprising the steps of: placing a first ferrule around an end of said first member; placing a second ferrule around an end of said second member; everting said end of said first member over said first ferrule; everting said end of said second member over said second ferrule; placing a shrinkable sleeve around said first and second members to be anastomosed; placing said everted ends of said first and second members in an anastomotic relationship; and shrinking said shrinkable sleeve around said first and second members whereby the shrunken shrinkable sleeve securely engages and maintains said first and second members in said anastomotic relationship.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 40 words

A method, as recited in claim 23, wherein said first member comprises a severed vessel and wherein said second member comprises a replacement vessel comprising a portion of a vessel removed from the same or another part of a body.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method, as recited in claim 23, wherein said first member comprises a severed vessel and wherein said second member comprises a prosthesis.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 68 words

A method, as recited in claim 23 wherein: said first and second members comprise a severed biological tubular member comprising a connecting tissue sheath enclosing further biological members; said step of preparing said first and second members for anastomosis is accomplished by placing said further biological members in said anastomotic relationship; and said shrunken shrinkable sleeve securely engages and maintains said connecting tissue sheath in said anastomotic relationship.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 21 words

A method, as recited in claim 26, further comprising the step of removing thrombi and other foreign material from said ends.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method, as recited in claim 27, wherein the steps of everting include the steps of: expanding said end of said first member; folding said expanded end of said first member over said first ferrule whereby said everted end extends beyond said first ferrule; expanding said end of said second member; and folding said expanded end of said second member over said second ferrule whereby said everted end extends beyond said second ferrule.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 44 words

A method, as recited in claim 28, wherein said steps of everting further includes the step of maintaining said first and second members stationary relative to said first and second ferrules respectively during said steps of enlarging said ends and folding said enlarged ends.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 107 words

A method, as recited in claim 29, wherein said step of maintaining said first and second members stationary includes the steps of: inserting an inflatable balloon into said end of said first member; inflating said balloon whereby said first member is held securely against said first ferrule during said step of everting said first member; deflating and withdrawing said balloon from said first member; inserting said inflatable balloon into said end of said second member; inflating said balloon whereby said second member is held securely against said second ferrule during said step of everting said second member; and deflating and withdrawing said balloon from said second member.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method, as recited in claim 24 further comprising the step of removing thrombi and other foreign material from said ends of said severed vessel and said replacement vessel.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method, as recited in claim 31, wherein the steps of everting include the steps of: expanding said end of said severed vessel; folding said expanded end of said severed vessel over said first ferrule whereby said everted ends extends beyond said first ferrule; expanding said end of said replacement vessel; and folding said expanded end of said replacement vessel over said second ferrule whereby said everted end extends beyond said second ferrule.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method, as recited in claim 32, wherein said steps of everting further includes the step of maintaining said severed vessel and said replacement vessel stationary relative to said first and second ferrules respectively during said steps of enlarging said ends and folding said enlarged ends.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 108 words

A method, as recited in claim 33, wherein said step of maintaining said severed vessel and replacement vessel stationary includes the steps of: inserting an inflatable balloon into said end of said severed vessel; inflating said balloon whereby said severed vessel is held securely against said first ferrule during said step of everting said severed vessel; deflating and withdrawing said balloon from said severed vessel; inserting said inflatable balloon into said end of said replacement vessel; inflating said balloon whereby said replacement vessel is held securely against said second ferrule during said step of everting said replacement vessel; and deflating and withdrawing said balloon from said replacement vessel.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method, as recited in claim 25, further comprising the step of removing thrombi and other foreign material from said end of said severed vessel.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 70 words

A method, as recited in claim 35, wherein the steps of everting include the steps of: expanding said end of said severed vessel; folding said expanded end of said severed vessel over said first ferrule whereby said everted and extends beyond said first ferrule; expanding said end of said prosthesis; folding said expanded end of said prosthesis over said second ferrule whereby said everted end extends beyond said second ferrule.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method, as recited in claim 36, wherein said steps of everting further includes the step of maintaining said severed vessel and said prosthesis stationary relative to said first and second ferrules respectively during said steps of enlarging said ends and folding said enlarged ends.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 104 words

A method, as recited in claim 37, wherein said step of maintaining said severed vessel and said prosthesis stationary includes the steps of: inserting an inflatable balloon into said end of said severed vessel; inflating said balloon whereby said severed vessel is held securely against said first ferrule during said step of everting said severed vessel; deflating and withdrawing said balloon from said severed vessel; inserting said inflatable balloon into said end of said prosthesis; inflating said balloon whereby said prosthesis is held securely against said second ferrule during said step of everting said prosthesis; and deflating and withdrawing said balloon from said prosthesis.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 35 words

A method, as recited in claim 23 wherein said shrinkable sleeve comprises a heat shrinkable sleeve and wherein said step of shrinking is accomplished by a step of applying heat to said heat shrinkable sleeve.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method, as recited in claim 39, wherein said shrinkable sleeve comprises a heat shrinkable sleeve with a selectable radial dimension in an unshrunken state selected to be larger than said members to be anastomosed and with a selectable longitudinal dimension selected to extend beyond said first ferrule and said second ferrule when in a shrunken state.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method, as recited in claim 40, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is selectively shrinkable in a radial direction.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method, as recited in claim 41, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is selectively shrinkable in a longitudinal direction.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 153 words

A method, as recited in claim 42, wherein the step of applying heat to said heat shrinkable sleeve includes the steps of: applying heat to a first end of said heat shrinkable sleeve whereby said first end of said heat shrinkable sleeve shrinks in a radial direction and securely holds said folded end of said first member around said first ferrule; applying heat to a second end of said heat shrinkable sleeve whereby said second end of said heat shrinkable sleeve shrinks in a radial direction and securely holds said folded end of said second member around said second ferrule; and applying heat to a portion of said heat shrinkable tubing between said first end and said second end whereby said heat shrinkable sleeve shrinks in a radial direction and a longitudinal direction whereby said everted ends of said first and second members are brought into and maintained in a tight anastomotic relationship.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 48 words

A method, as recited in claim 43, wherein the steps of applying heat are accomplished by subjecting said heat shrinkable sleeve to a selectable temperature change, said temperature change being from a first temperature to a second temperature wherein said second temperature is greater than said first temperature.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 36 words

A method, as recited in claim 44, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated from a biocompatible material which shrinks upon an application of heat at said second temperature selected to minimize damage to biological tissue.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method, as recited in claim 45, wherein said second temperature is selected to be in the range of 50° C. to 70° C.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method, as recited in claim 46, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated from a heat shrinkable polymer.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 28 words

A method, as recited in claim 47, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated from a material selected from a group comprised of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyoxide.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method, as recited in claim 47, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated with a smooth continuous wall.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 18 words

A method, as recited in claim 47, wherein said heat shrinkable sleeve is fabricated with a cribreformed wall.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 17 words

A method, as recited in claim 47, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from a biostable rigid material.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method, as recited in claim 51, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from a material selected from a group comprising polypropylene and polyethylene.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 18 words

A method, as recited in claim 47, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from an in vivo degradable material.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method, as recited in claim 53, wherein said ferrules are fabricated from a material selected from a group comprising collagen and polyglycolate.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1987-09-11	1988-03-12	1988-09-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1991-09-11	1992-03-12	1992-09-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1995-09-11	1996-03-12	1996-09-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Sutureless vascular anastomosis means and method

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