US6019788A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vascular shunt graft and junction for same
Assignee: W.L. Gore and Associates Inc
•
Filing: 1997-11-04
•
Granted: 2000-02-01
•
Expires: 2017-11-04
Abstract
Abstract An improved implantable medical device and junction between a blood conduit and a blood vessel are disclosed. The device of the present invention provides a connection to a blood vessel that is resistant to occlusion. Resistance to occlusion is achieved by providing an implantable medical junction with: improved and consistent anastomotic geometry and hemodynamics to minimize turbulence and inappropriate shear stresses on the native blood vessels; intraluminal configuration that does not require penetration through to the luminal surface of the blood vessel or the device for anchoring; protection of the native blood vessel from the forces of blood flow in the impact zone and beyond the impact zone; and isolation of injured and traumatized tissues from the lumen of the blood vessel and the device. A cuff is also provided at the junction to reduce blood leakage from the native blood vessel, and to provide additional device anchoring.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie C. Butters
- 👤 Charles E. Biggerstaff
- 👤 Brian M. Conn
- 👤 Ramona Hicks
- 👤 Anita Switzer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/36; A61M1/3621; A61M1/3653; A61M1/3655; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/064; A61B17/11; A61B17/115; A61B17/1152; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/064; A61B2017/1107; A61B2017/1135; A61B2017/1139
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A junction device having an interior and adapted for implantation within a blood vessel to direct blood flow between two streams of blood, the device comprising a connector having at least three legs, the connector being adapted to merge blood flow into, or separate blood flow from, a continuous blood vessel; wherein the first and second legs are adapted to be inserted into the continuous blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the continuous blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; and wherein the third leg is adapted to exit the continuous blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect a second stream of blood into or from the continuous blood vessel; and means surrounding the third leg to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed around the third leg without requiring formation of punctures through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A junction device having an interior and adapted for implantation within a blood vessel to direct blood flow between two streams of blood, the device comprising a connector having at least three legs, the connector being adapted to merge blood flow into, or separate blood flow from, a continuous blood vessel; wherein the first and second legs are adapted to be inserted into the continuous blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the continuous blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; and wherein the third leg is adapted to exit the continuous blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect a second stream of blood into or from the continuous blood vessel; and means surrounding the third leg to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed around the third leg without requiring formation of punctures through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The junction device of claim 1 wherein the third leg comprises a conduit for fluid connection between the continuous blood vessel and a second blood vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The junction device of claim 1 wherein the means surrounding the third leg to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed comprises a cuff sealed to the third leg that is adapted to be affixed around the opening in the continuous blood vessel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
The junction device of claim 1 wherein the means surrounding the third leg to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed comprises a ring of material attached to the third leg adapted to receive anchoring sutures placed around the opening in the continuous blood vessel without requiring sutures to penetrate through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
The junction device of claim 1 wherein the third leg is attached to the first and second legs at an angle; and the angle between a straight line through the third leg parallel to a longitudinal axis of the third leg and a straight line through the first and second legs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first and second legs is at least 15 degrees.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The junction device of claim 1 where device has an impact isolation distance of at least 10 mm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The junction device of claim 1 wherein the third leg is attached to the device by sutures.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The junction device of claim 7 wherein a sealant is applied around the sutures to prevent leakage through the device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The junction device of claim 1 wherein the first and second legs consist of a fluoropolymer material that is self-supporting in an enlarged state to form a tight fit within the blood vessel without the need for separate anchoring means within the blood vessel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
224 words
A junction device adapted for implantation within a blood vessel to direct blood flow between a first stream of blood and a second stream of blood, the device comprising a connector having an interior and being adapted to be inserted within a blood vessel, and a conduit in fluid communication with the connector to connect the first and second streams of blood; the connector being adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; the connector being adapted to exit the blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect the second stream of blood with the blood vessel; means attached to the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed around the conduit without requiring formation of punctures through the junction device into the interior; and wherein at least the connector consist of fluoropolymer material that is self-supporting in an enlarged state to form a tight fit within the blood vessel without the need for separate anchoring means within the blood vessel, the connector undergoing less than a 10% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to the enlarged state.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
224 words
A junction device adapted for implantation within a blood vessel to direct blood flow between a first stream of blood and a second stream of blood, the device comprising a connector having an interior and being adapted to be inserted within a blood vessel, and a conduit in fluid communication with the connector to connect the first and second streams of blood; the connector being adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; the connector being adapted to exit the blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect the second stream of blood with the blood vessel; means attached to the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed around the conduit without requiring formation of punctures through the junction device into the interior; and wherein at least the connector consist of fluoropolymer material that is self-supporting in an enlarged state to form a tight fit within the blood vessel without the need for separate anchoring means within the blood vessel, the connector undergoing less than a 10% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to the enlarged state.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the connector undergoes less than a 8% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to the enlarged state.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the connector undergoes less than a 5% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to the enlarged state.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the fluoropolymer material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the means attached to the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed comprises a cuff attached to the conduit that is adapted to be affixed around the opening in the blood vessel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
58 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the means attached to the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed comprises a ring of material attached to the conduit adapted to receive anchoring sutures placed around the opening in the blood vessel without requiring sutures to penetrate through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
80 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the connector comprises first and second legs adapted to be inserted within a continuous blood vessel; the conduit is attached to the first and second legs at an angle; and the angle between a straight line through the conduit parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit and a straight line through the first and second legs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first and second legs is at least 15 degrees.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The junction device of claim 10 where device has an impact isolation distance of at least 10 mm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The junction device of claim 10 wherein the conduit is attached to the connector by sutures.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The junction device of claim 18 wherein a sealant is applied around the sutures to prevent leakage through the device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The junction device of claim 13 wherein the polytetrafluoroethylene comprises a porous polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The junction device of claim 13 wherein the polytetrafluoroethylene comprises an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
220 words
A junction device for connecting a first blood stream and a second blood stream, the device having an interior through which blood flows, the device comprising a connector adapted to be inserted within a blood vessel through which the first blood stream flows, and a conduit in fluid communication with the connector adapted to merge blood flow from the second blood stream into the first blood stream; the connector adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; and the connector being adapted to exit the continuous blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect to the second blood stream; the conduit is attached to the connector at an angle; the junction device includes a primary impact area within the connector comprising an area on an interior wall of the connector opposite the conduit; wherein the junction device is constructed from a continuous material that completely covers the blood vessel at least over the primary impact area; and wherein the junction device includes means to seal the opening in the blood vessel around the conduit without sutures penetrating into the interior of the junction device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
220 words
A junction device for connecting a first blood stream and a second blood stream, the device having an interior through which blood flows, the device comprising a connector adapted to be inserted within a blood vessel through which the first blood stream flows, and a conduit in fluid communication with the connector adapted to merge blood flow from the second blood stream into the first blood stream; the connector adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; and the connector being adapted to exit the continuous blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect to the second blood stream; the conduit is attached to the connector at an angle; the junction device includes a primary impact area within the connector comprising an area on an interior wall of the connector opposite the conduit; wherein the junction device is constructed from a continuous material that completely covers the blood vessel at least over the primary impact area; and wherein the junction device includes means to seal the opening in the blood vessel around the conduit without sutures penetrating into the interior of the junction device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the conduit includes an inner wall and a longitudinal axis; and the primary impact area is a portion of the device defined by drawing a series of straight lines from the conduit along the inner wall parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit to the interior wall of the connector.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the junction device includes an isolation distance between the primary impact area and the end of the connector; and the isolation distance is between about 3 and 30 mm.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The junction device of claim 24 wherein the isolation distance is between about 5 and 15 mm.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The junction device of claim 24 wherein the isolation distance is between about 8 and 12 mm.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
54 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the connector comprises first and second legs adapted to be inserted within a continuous blood vessel; the angle of attachment between the first and second legs and the conduit is approximately between 10 and 90 degrees off a longitudinal axis drawn through the first and second legs.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The junction device of claim 27 wherein the angle of attachment is approximately between 15 and 45 degrees off the longitudinal axis drawn through the first and second legs.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The junction device of claim 27 wherein the angle of attachment is approximately between 25 and 35 degrees off the longitudinal axis drawn through the first and second legs.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the entire junction device comprises continuous fluoropolymer material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein at least the connector consist of fluoropolymer material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the means to seal the opening in the blood vessel comprises a cuff attached to the conduit that is adapted to be affixed around the opening in the blood vessel.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
51 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the means to seal the opening in the blood vessel comprises a ring of material attached to the conduit adapted to receive anchoring sutures placed around the opening in the blood vessel without requiring sutures to penetrate through the junction device into its interior.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein the device comprises a material resistant to tissue in-growth through the device into its interior.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The junction device of claim 22 that further comprises the connector being adapted to undergo less than a 10% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to an enlarged state.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The junction device of claim 22 wherein at least the connector comprises a fluoropolymer material that is self-supporting in an enlarged state to form a tight fit within the blood vessel.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
119 words
A junction device having an interior and adapted for implantation within a blood vessel, the device comprising a connector adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; a conduit attached to the connector, the conduit adapted to exit the blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect to a stream of blood; and means surrounding the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed around the conduit without requiring formation of punctures through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
119 words
A junction device having an interior and adapted for implantation within a blood vessel, the device comprising a connector adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel in a contracted state and then be enlarged in place to form a tight fit within the blood vessel so as to direct blood flow through the interior of the junction device; a conduit attached to the connector, the conduit adapted to exit the blood vessel through an opening formed in the blood vessel to connect to a stream of blood; and means surrounding the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed around the conduit without requiring formation of punctures through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
43 words
The junction device of claim 37 wherein the means surrounding the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed comprises a cuff attached to the conduit that is adapted to be affixed around the opening in the blood vessel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
57 words
The junction device of claim 37 wherein the means surrounding the conduit to permit the opening in the blood vessel to be sealed comprises a ring of material attached to the conduit adapted to receive anchoring sutures placed around the opening in the blood vessel without requiring sutures to penetrate through the junction device into the interior.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The junction device of claim 37 where device has an impact isolation distance of at least 10 mm.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The junction device of claim 37 wherein the conduit is attached to the connector by sutures.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
The junction device of claim 41 wherein a sealant is applied around the sutures to prevent leakage through the device.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The junction device of claim 37 wherein the connector comprises a fluoropolymer material that is self-supporting in an enlarged state to form a tight fit within the blood vessel without the need for separate anchoring means within the blood vessel.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The junction device of claim 43 wherein the connector undergoes less than a 8% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to the enlarged state.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The junction device of claim 43 wherein the connector undergoes less than a 5% foreshortening in overall length when it is enlarged from the contracted state to the enlarged state.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
The junction device of claim 43 wherein the fluoropolymer material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The junction device of claim 43 wherein the polytetrafluoroethylene comprises a porous polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The junction device of claim 43 wherein the polytetrafluoroethylene comprises an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-31 | 2003-08-02 | 2004-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-31 | 2007-08-02 | 2008-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-31 | 2011-08-02 | 2012-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |