Side-to-end vascular anastomotic staple apparatus

Claim 1

A staple for joining one end of a first flexible conduit in a branched connection with a second flexible conduit having an opening formed in the side of the second flexible conduit; wherein the staple comprises: a substantially rigid annular base member formed about a longitudinal center line and having: an open center; an upper end; and, lower end a plurality of spaced apart and oppositely facing first and second engaging member means extending initially outwardly from one another in a longitudinal direction which is in the same general plane as said annular base member wherein the first engaging member means have: a first end; an intermediate portion which is angled outwardly from said first end; and, a second end which is angled outwardly from said intermediate portion; wherein, said first engaging member means are attached on said first end thereof to, and extending from the upper end of said base member for permitting said one end of said first flexible conduit extending through said annular base member to be folded back over and piercingly engaged by the second end of said first engaging member means and for extending through said opening in the side of said second flexible conduit and engaging the interior of said second flexible conduit around the opening thereof; and, wherein said second engaging member means have a first end and a second end; wherein, the second engaging member means are attached at said first end thereof to, and extending from the lower end of said base member wherein the second end is engageable with the exterior of said second flexible conduit, around the opening in the side of said second flexible conduit, for thereby securing the end of the first flexible conduit in fluid communication with the side of the second conduit.