Medical connector

Claim 2

A medical connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, said connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be attached to the medical device, with said base connector defining an axis; a vascular tissue connector defining an axis; a vascular tissue connection member housed within said vascular tissue connector, said vascular tissue connection member being adapted to connect the vascular tissue connector to vascular tissue; a retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position, with said retaining ring being housed within a first one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector; a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of a second one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector, with said groove being adapted to engage said retaining ring; and an alignment feature and an engagement feature each defined by a portion of one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector and a portion of said retaining ring, with said alignment feature causing said vascular tissue connector to axially self-align with said base connector and with said engagement feature causing said retaining ring to move first into said biased position and then to return at least partially toward the rest position so as to snap into engagement within said retaining ring groove when said vascular tissue connector attaches to said base connector in an axially oriented motion.

Claim 3

The connector according to claim 1 wherein said retaining ring comprises a beveled edge, with said beveled edge defining at least a portion of said alignment feature.

Claim 4

The connector according to claim 1 wherein one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector comprises a leading edge defining at least a portion of said alignment feature, with said leading edge comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from said radiused edge.

Claim 5

The connector according to claim 3 wherein said retaining ring groove is formed adjacent said chamfered portion.

Claim 6

The connector according to claim 1 wherein a portion of said retaining ring is exposed through one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector so that said retaining ring can be moved to said biased position to facilitate removal of said vascular tissue connector from said base connector.

Claim 7

The connector according to claim 1 wherein said retaining ring is in said rest position when said retaining ring is engaged within said retaining ring groove.

Claim 8

The connector according to claim 1 wherein one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector comprises an annular body having an end face, with said end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when said vascular tissue connector is brought into proximity with said base connector.

Claim 9

The connector according to claim 1 wherein one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector comprises an annular body having an inner and outer surface, with said inner surface having an annular groove formed therein for housing said retaining ring, with said outer surface having an opening formed therein extending through to said annular groove of said inner surface to allow a portion of said retaining ring through said body.

Claim 10

The connector according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of o-ring seals disposed at an interface between said base connector and said vascular tissue connector when connected theretogether, with said interface defining an o-ring seal groove for receiving said o-ring seals in a generally co-axial alignment.

Claim 11

The connector according to claim 9 wherein an o-ring seal extends past said o-ring seal groove a predetermined distance.

Claim 12

The connector according to claim 10 wherein said predetermined distance is defined by about one-half a diameter of said o-ring seal.

Claim 13

The connector according to claim 1 wherein said base connector and said vascular tissue connector each have a body, with each said body having a substantially minimal profile relative to the vascular tissue.

Claim 14

The connector according to claim 1 in combination with the medical device.

Claim 15

The connector according to claim 1 further comprising a plug connector adapted to be connected to said vascular tissue connector, with said plug connector plugging the vascular tissue when said plug connector is attached to said vascular tissue connector, to test for leakage between said vascular tissue connector and the vascular tissue when said vascular tissue connector is attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 16

The connector according to claim 14 wherein said plug connector includes a pressure port formed therein.

Claim 17

A medical connector for connecting a blood vessel to a cardiac assist device, said connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be connected to the cardiac assist device, with said base connector comprising: an annular body defining an axis, with said body having a substantially minimal profile relative to a blood vessel to be connected; a leading edge formed on said body comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from said radiused edge; an o-ring seal groove formed in said body adjacent said radiused edge; a plurality of o-ring seals disposed in said o-ring seal groove in substantially coaxial alignment, with an o-ring extending past said o-ring seal groove a predetermined distance; and, a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of said body adjacent said chamfered portion; and, a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue, with said vascular tissue comprising: an annular body defining an axis, with said body having a substantially minimal profile relative to the vascular tissue connector; an end face formed on said body, with said end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when said vascular tissue connector is brought into contact with said base connector; a retaining ring housed in said body, with said retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position and further having a beveled edge adjacent said end face, with said beveled edge cooperating with said leading edge of said base connector to axially self-align said vascular tissue connector with said base connector and causing said retaining ring to move first into said biased position and then to snap into engagement with said annular groove when said vascular tissue connector attaches to said base connector in an axially oriented motion; inner and outer surfaces defined by said annular body; an annular groove formed in said inner surface for housing said retaining ring; an opening extending from said outer surface through to said annular groove of said inner surface to allow a portion of said retaining ring through said body to facilitate removal of said vascular tissue connector from said base connector; and a tissue connection member housed within said body, with said tissue connection member being adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 18

A medical connector for connecting a blood vessel to a cardiac assist device, said connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be connected to the cardiac assist device, with said base connector comprising: an annular body defining an axis, with said body having a substantially minimal profile relative to a blood vessel to be connected; a leading edge formed on said body comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from said radiused edge; an o-ring seal groove formed in said body adjacent said radiused edge; a plurality of o-ring seals disposed in said o-ring seal groove in substantially coaxial alignment, with an o-ring extending past said o-ring seal groove a predetermined distance; and, a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of said body adjacent said chamfered portion; and, a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue, with said vascular tissue comprising: an annular body defining an axis, with said body having a substantially minimal profile relative to the vascular tissue connector; an end face formed on said body, with said end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when said vascular tissue connector is brought into contact with said base connector; a retaining ring housed in said body, with said retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position and further having a beveled edge adjacent said end face, with said beveled edge cooperating with said leading edge of said base connector to axially self-align said vascular tissue connector with said base connector and causing said retaining ring to move first into said biased position and then to snap into engagement with said annular groove when said vascular tissue connector attaches to said base connector in an axially oriented motion; inner and outer surfaces defined by said annular body; an annular groove formed in said inner surface for housing said retaining ring; an opening extending from said outer surface through to said annular groove of said inner surface to allow a portion of said retaining ring through said body to facilitate removal of said vascular tissue connector from said base connector; and a tissue connection member housed within said body, with said tissue connection member being adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 19

The connector according to claim 16 in combination with the cardiac assist device.

Claim 22

The method according to claim 18 wherein the connector system further includes a plug connector having engagement features substantially similar to a medical device connector half, with said method further comprising the steps of: connecting the plug connector to the vascular tissue connector half thereby plugging the vascular tissue; and, testing for leakage between the vascular tissue connector half and the vascular tissue.

Claim 23

The method according to claim 19 wherein said testing step comprises the step of releasing a clamp from the vascular tissue to allow blood pressure to build in the vascular tissue connector half.

Claim 24

The method according to claim 19 wherein the plug connector includes a pressure port and wherein said testing step includes the step of injecting a solution through the pressure port thereby causing pressure to build in the vascular tissue connector half.

Claim 25

The method according to claim 19 wherein the connector system further includes a removal tool, with said method further comprising the step of removing one of said vascular tissue connector halves and said plug connector with the removal tool.

Claim 26

The method according to claim 18 wherein the connector system further includes an installation tool, wherein said axially pushing step comprises the step of holding the vascular tissue connector half with the installation tool.

Claim 27

The method of claim 18 , wherein each connector further comprises a resilient annular sealing element disposed on a first one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves and facing in an axial direction toward a second one of the first and second connector halves when the longitudinal axes of the first and second connector halves are aligned, the resilient sealing element biasing the connector halves axially against engagement.

Claim 28

A medical quick connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a first connector half having a longitudinal axis, an engaging end, and a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter; a second connector half having a longitudinal axis, an engaging end, a leading portion proximate the engaging end, and an annular engagement member receiving element adjacent to the leading portion; and a resilient annular sealing element disposed on a first one of the first and second connector halves and facing in an axial direction toward a second one of the first and second connector halves when the longitudinal axes of the first and second connector halves are aligned, the resilient sealing element biasing the connector halves axially against engagement; wherein a first one of the first and second connector halves is adapted to mate with the vascular tissue and a second one of the first and second connector halves is adapted to mate with the medical device; and whereby when the longitudinal axes of first and second connector halves are brought into substantial alignment and their engaging ends moved axially toward one another, the leading portion of the second connector half deflects the resilient annular engagement member away from its nominal diameter to allow engagement of the connector halves, and, when the resilient annular engagement member reaches the annular engagement member receiving element, the resilient annular engagement member snaps back toward its nominal diameter to thereby create a locking engagement between the connector halves.

Claim 29

A medical quick connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a first connector half having a longitudinal axis, an engaging end, and a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter; a second connector half having a longitudinal axis, an engaging end, a leading portion proximate the engaging end, and an annular engagement member receiving element adjacent to the leading portion; and a resilient annular sealing element disposed on a first one of the first and second connector halves and facing in an axial direction toward a second one of the first and second connector halves when the longitudinal axes of the first and second connector halves are aligned, the resilient sealing element biasing the connector halves axially against engagement; wherein a first one of the first and second connector halves is adapted to mate with the vascular tissue and a second one of the first and second connector halves is adapted to mate with the medical device; and whereby when the longitudinal axes of first and second connector halves are brought into substantial alignment and their engaging ends moved axially toward one another, the leading portion of the second connector half deflects the resilient annular engagement member away from its nominal diameter to allow engagement of the connector halves, and, when the resilient annular engagement member reaches the annular engagement member receiving element, the resilient annular engagement member snaps back toward its nominal diameter to thereby create a locking engagement between the connector halves.

Claim 30

The connector of claim 25 , wherein the resilient annular sealing element comprises at least one resilient O-ring disposed in an annular O-ring groove formed in the first one of the first and second connector halves.

Claim 31

The connector of claim 26 , wherein the resilient annular sealing element comprises a plurality of O-rings disposed in the O-ring groove.

Claim 32

The connector of claim 26 , wherein the O-ring groove faces in an axial direction and towards a second one of the first and second connector halves when the first and second connector halves are axially aligned for engagement.

Claim 33

The connector of claim 26 , wherein the O-ring groove is disposed toward the engagement end from the resilient annular locking element or the annular engagement member receiving element.

Claim 34

The connector of claim 25 , wherein the resilient annular engagement member comprises a circular snap ring and the annular engagement member receiving element comprises a groove.

Claim 35

The connector of claim 30 , wherein the snap ring has a groove mating surface substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis and facing in a direction opposite to the engaging end, and the groove has an opposed ring mating surface substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis and facing in a direction opposite to the engaging end.

Claim 36

The connector of claim 31 , wherein the snap ring includes a means for deflecting the snap ring away from the nominal diameter to allow disengagement of the connector halves.

Claim 37

The connector according to claim 30 wherein the snap ring comprises a beveled leading edge.

Claim 38

The connector according to claim 30 wherein a portion of the snap ring is exposed through one of the first and second connector halves so that the retaining ring can be moved to the biased position to facilitate removal of the vascular tissue connector from the base connector.

Claim 39

The connector according to claim 30 wherein the snap ring is in the rest position when the snap ring is engaged with the groove.

Claim 40

The connector of claim 25 , further comprising means for pressure testing a connection between a connector half and vascular tissue.

Claim 41

The connector according to claim 25 wherein one of the first and second connector halves comprises a leading edge defining at least a portion of a self alignment feature, with the leading edge comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from the radiused edge.

Claim 42

The connector according to claim 25 wherein one of the first and second connector halves comprises an annular body having an end face, the end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when the first connector half is brought into proximity with the second connector half.

Claim 43

A self-aligning medical quick connector system connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector system comprising: a male connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a female connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a locking engagement means provided on a first one of the male and female connectors for creating an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; an engagement receiving means provided on a second one of the male and female connectors for cooperating with the engagement means to create an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; and an alignment means comprising a taper provided on the male connector tapering inward toward the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the engaging end, and having a radiused edge adjacent the engaging end and a chamfer formed on the locking engaging means in a direction corresponding to the direction of the taper of the male connector; whereby when the male and female connectors are brought into engagement, the alignment means engages the female connector to cause the longitudinal axes of the male and female connectors to align, followed by a locking engagement between the locking engagement means.

Claim 44

A self-aligning medical quick connector system connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector system comprising: a male connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a female connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a locking engagement means provided on a first one of the male and female connectors for creating an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; an engagement receiving means provided on a second one of the male and female connectors for cooperating with the engagement means to create an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; and an alignment means comprising a taper provided on the male connector tapering inward toward the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the engaging end, and having a radiused edge adjacent the engaging end and a chamfer formed on the locking engaging means in a direction corresponding to the direction of the taper of the male connector; whereby when the male and female connectors are brought into engagement, the alignment means engages the female connector to cause the longitudinal axes of the male and female connectors to align, followed by a locking engagement between the locking engagement means.

Claim 45

The connector system of claim 39 , wherein the locking engagement means comprises a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter disposed on the female connector proximate to the engaging end, the annular engagement member deflecting so as to have a diameter greater than the nominal diameter in response to contact with the male connector, the annular engagement member further causing axial alignment of the male and female connectors.

Claim 46

The connector system of claim 40 , wherein the engagement receiving means comprises an annular engagement member receiving groove disposed on the male connector on an opposite side of the taper from the engaging end and, upon engagement of the male and female connectors, the annular engagement member deflects outward from its nominal diameter in response to contact from the taper on the male connector, the annular engagement member snapping back toward its nominal diameter upon engagement with the annular engagement member receiving groove to thereby create a locking engagement between the male and female connectors and provide a surgeon operating the connectors with tactile feed back that a locking engagement has been made.

Claim 47

A medical quick connector system connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a male connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a female connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a locking engagement means provided on a first one of the male and female connectors for creating an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; an engagement receiving means provided on a second one of the male and female connectors for cooperating with the engagement means to create an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; and a means for preventing tissue snagging during engagement of the connectors; whereby when the male and female connectors are brought into axial alignment and engaged, the locking engagement means engages the engagement receiving means to create a locking engagement between the male and female connectors without tissue snagging.

Claim 48

A medical quick connector system connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a male connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a female connector having a longitudinal axis and an engaging end; a locking engagement means provided on a first one of the male and female connectors for creating an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; an engagement receiving means provided on a second one of the male and female connectors for cooperating with the engagement means to create an axial locking engagement between the male and female connectors; and a means for preventing tissue snagging during engagement of the connectors; whereby when the male and female connectors are brought into axial alignment and engaged, the locking engagement means engages the engagement receiving means to create a locking engagement between the male and female connectors without tissue snagging.

Claim 49

The connector system of claim 42 , wherein the means for preventing tissue snagging comprises a completely continuous end face provided at the engaging end of the female connector.

Claim 50

A medical quick connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a vascular tissue connector half adapted to mate with the vascular tissue having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; a medical device connector half adapted to mate with the medical device having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; wherein a first one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves includes a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter and a second one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves including a leading portion proximate the engaging end, and an annular engagement member receiving element adjacent to the leading portion; and a pressure testing means having engagement features substantially similar to the medical device connector, the pressure testing means being replaceably engageable with the vascular tissue connector half to pressure test a mating connection between the vascular tissue connector half and the vascular tissue; whereby when the longitudinal axes of vascular tissue and medical device connector halves are brought into substantial alignment and their engaging ends moved axially toward one another, the leading portion deflects the resilient annular engagement member away from its nominal diameter to allow engagement of the connector halves, and, when the resilient annular engagement member reaches the annular engagement member receiving element, the resilient annular engagement member snaps back toward its nominal diameter to thereby create a locking engagement between the connector halves.

Claim 51

A medical quick connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a vascular tissue connector half adapted to mate with the vascular tissue having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; a medical device connector half adapted to mate with the medical device having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; wherein a first one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves includes a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter and a second one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves including a leading portion proximate the engaging end, and an annular engagement member receiving element adjacent to the leading portion; and a pressure testing means having engagement features substantially similar to the medical device connector, the pressure testing means being replaceably engageable with the vascular tissue connector half to pressure test a mating connection between the vascular tissue connector half and the vascular tissue; whereby when the longitudinal axes of vascular tissue and medical device connector halves are brought into substantial alignment and their engaging ends moved axially toward one another, the leading portion deflects the resilient annular engagement member away from its nominal diameter to allow engagement of the connector halves, and, when the resilient annular engagement member reaches the annular engagement member receiving element, the resilient annular engagement member snaps back toward its nominal diameter to thereby create a locking engagement between the connector halves.

Claim 52

A medical connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be attached to the medical device, with the base connector defining an axis; a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue, with the vascular tissue connector defining an axis; a retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position, with the retaining ring being housed within a first one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector; a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of a second one of the base connector and the vascular tissue connector, with the groove being adapted to engage the retaining ring; and an alignment feature and an engagement feature each defined by a portion of one of the base connector and the vascular tissue connector and a portion of the retaining ring, with the alignment feature causing the vascular tissue connector to axially self-align with the base connector and with the engagement feature causing the retaining ring to move first into the biased position and then to return at least partially toward the rest position so as to snap into engagement within the retaining ring groove when the vascular tissue connector attaches to the base connector in an axially oriented motion, the alignment feature comprising a beveled leading edge on the retaining ring.

Claim 53

A medical connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be attached to the medical device, with the base connector defining an axis; a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue, with the vascular tissue connector defining an axis; a retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position, with the retaining ring being housed within a first one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector; a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of a second one of the base connector and the vascular tissue connector, with the groove being adapted to engage the retaining ring; and an alignment feature and an engagement feature each defined by a portion of one of the base connector and the vascular tissue connector and a portion of the retaining ring, with the alignment feature causing the vascular tissue connector to axially self-align with the base connector and with the engagement feature causing the retaining ring to move first into the biased position and then to return at least partially toward the rest position so as to snap into engagement within the retaining ring groove when the vascular tissue connector attaches to the base connector in an axially oriented motion, the alignment feature comprising a beveled leading edge on the retaining ring.

Claim 54

The connector according to claim 45 wherein one of the base connector and the vascular tissue connector comprises a leading edge defining at least a portion of the alignment feature, with the leading edge comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from the radiused edge.

Claim 55

The connector according to claim 45 wherein a portion of the retaining ring is exposed through one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector so that the retaining ring can be moved to the biased position to facilitate removal of the vascular tissue connector from the base connector.

Claim 56

The connector according to claim 45 wherein the retaining ring is in the rest position when the retaining ring is engaged with the retaining ring groove.

Claim 57

The connector according to claim 45 wherein one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector comprises an annular body having an end face, with the end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when the vascular tissue connector is brought into proximity with the base connector.

Claim 58

The connector according to claim 45 wherein one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector comprises an annular body having an inner and outer surface, with the inner surface having an annular groove formed therein for housing the retaining ring, with the outer surface having an opening formed therein extending through to the annular groove of the inner surface to allow a portion of the retaining ring through the body.

Claim 59

The connector according to claim 45 further comprising a plurality of o-ring seals disposed at an interface between the base connector and the vascular tissue connector when connected theretogether, with the interface defining an o-ring seal groove for receiving the o-ring seals in a generally co-axial alignment.

Claim 60

The connector according to claim 51 wherein an o-ring seal extends past the o-ring seal groove a predetermined distance.

Claim 61

The connector according to claim 52 wherein the predetermined distance is defined by about one-half a diameter of the o-ring seal.

Claim 62

The connector according to claim 45 further comprising a tissue connection member housed within the vascular tissue connector, with the tissue connection member being adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 63

The connector according to claim 45 wherein the base connector and the vascular tissue connector each have a body, with each body having a substantially minimal profile relative to the vascular tissue.

Claim 64

The connector according to claim 45 in combination with the medical device.

Claim 65

The connector according to claim 45 further comprising a plug connector adapted to be connected to the vascular tissue connector, with the plug connector plugging the vascular tissue when the plug connector is attached to the vascular tissue connector, to test for leakage between the vascular tissue connector and the vascular tissue when the vascular tissue connector is attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 66

The connector according to claim 57 wherein the plug connector includes a pressure port formed therein.

Claim 67

A medical quick connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a vascular tissue connector half adapted to mate with the vascular tissue and having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; a medical device connector half adapted to mate with the medical device and having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; wherein a first one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves includes a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter and a second one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves including a leading portion proximate the engaging end, and an annular engagement member receiving element adjacent to the leading portion; and a plug connector adapted to be connected to the vascular tissue connector and having engagement features, the plug connector being replaceably engageable with the vascular tissue connector half to pressure test a mating connection between the vascular tissue connector and the vascular tissue.

Claim 68

A medical quick connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, the connector comprising: a vascular tissue connector half adapted to mate with the vascular tissue and having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; a medical device connector half adapted to mate with the medical device and having a longitudinal axis, and an engaging end; wherein a first one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves includes a resilient annular engagement member defining a nominal diameter and a second one of the vascular tissue and medical device connector halves including a leading portion proximate the engaging end, and an annular engagement member receiving element adjacent to the leading portion; and a plug connector adapted to be connected to the vascular tissue connector and having engagement features, the plug connector being replaceably engageable with the vascular tissue connector half to pressure test a mating connection between the vascular tissue connector and the vascular tissue.

Claim 69

The connector according to claim 59 wherein one of the medical device connector half and the vascular tissue connector half comprises a leading edge defining at least a portion of the alignment feature, with the leading edge comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from the radiused edge.

Claim 70

The connector according to claim 59 wherein a portion of the annular engagement member is exposed through one of the vascular tissue connector half and the medical device connector half so as to facilitate removal of the vascular tissue connector half from the medical device connector half.

Claim 71

The connector according to claim 59 wherein one of the vascular tissue connector half and the medical device connector half comprises an annular body having an end face, with the end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when the vascular tissue connector half is brought into proximity with the medical device connector half.

Claim 72

The connector according to claim 59 further comprising at least one o-ring seal disposed at an interface between the medical device connector half and the vascular tissue connector half when connected theretogether, with the interface defining an o-ring seal groove for receiving the at least one o-ring seal in a generally co-axial alignment.

Claim 73

The connector according to claim 63 wherein an o-ring seal extends past the o-ring seal groove a predetermined distance.

Claim 74

The connector according to claim 64 wherein the predetermined distance is defined by about one-half a diameter of the o-ring seal.

Claim 75

The connector according to claim 63 wherein the at least one o-ring seal consists of a plurality of o-ring seals.

Claim 76

The connector according to claim 59 further comprising a tissue connection member housed within the vascular tissue connector half, with the tissue connection member being adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 77

The connector according to claim 59 wherein the medical device connector half and the vascular tissue connector half each have a body, with each body having a substantially minimal profile relative to the vascular tissue.

Claim 78

A medical connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, said connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be attached to the medical device, with said base connector defining an axis; a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue, with said vascular tissue connector defining an axis; a retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position, with said retaining ring being housed within a first one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector; a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of a second one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector, with said groove being adapted to engage said retaining ring; and an alignment feature and an engagement feature each defined by a portion of one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector and a portion of said retaining ring, with said alignment feature causing said vascular tissue connector to axially self-align with said base connector and with said engagement feature causing said retaining ring to move first into said biased position and then to return at least partially toward the rest position so as to snap into engagement within said retaining ring groove when said vascular tissue connector attaches to said base connector in an axially oriented motion wherein one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector comprises an annular body having an end face, with said end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when said vascular tissue connector is brought into proximity with said base connector.

Claim 79

A medical connector for connecting vascular tissue to a medical device, said connector comprising: a base connector adapted to be attached to the medical device, with said base connector defining an axis; a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue, with said vascular tissue connector defining an axis; a retaining ring having a rest position and a biased position, with said retaining ring being housed within a first one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector; a retaining ring groove formed on an outer circumference of a second one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector, with said groove being adapted to engage said retaining ring; and an alignment feature and an engagement feature each defined by a portion of one of said base connector and said vascular tissue connector and a portion of said retaining ring, with said alignment feature causing said vascular tissue connector to axially self-align with said base connector and with said engagement feature causing said retaining ring to move first into said biased position and then to return at least partially toward the rest position so as to snap into engagement within said retaining ring groove when said vascular tissue connector attaches to said base connector in an axially oriented motion wherein one of said vascular tissue connector and said base connector comprises an annular body having an end face, with said end face being completely continuous, thereby reducing tissue snagging when said vascular tissue connector is brought into proximity with said base connector.

Claim 80

The connector according to claim 69 wherein one of the base connector and the vascular tissue connector comprises a leading edge defining at least a portion of the alignment feature, with the leading edge comprising a radiused edge and a chamfered portion conjoined with and extending away from the radiused edge.

Claim 81

The connector according to claim 69 wherein a portion of the retaining ring is exposed through one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector so that the retaining ring can be moved to the biased position to facilitate removal of the vascular tissue connector from the base connector.

Claim 82

The connector according to claim 69 wherein the retaining ring is in the rest position when the retaining ring is engaged with the retaining ring groove.

Claim 83

The connector according to claim 69 wherein one of the vascular tissue connector and the base connector comprises an annular body having an inner and outer surface, with the inner surface having an annular groove formed therein for housing the retaining ring, with the outer surface having an opening formed therein extending through to the annular groove of the inner surface to allow a portion of the retaining ring through the body.

Claim 84

The connector according to claim 69 further comprising at least one o-ring seal disposed at an interface between the base connector and the vascular tissue connector when connected theretogether, with the interface defining an o-ring seal groove for receiving the at least one o-ring seal in a generally co-axial alignment.

Claim 85

The connector according to claim 69 wherein the at least one o-ring seal consists of a plurality of o-ring seals.

Claim 86

The connector according to claim 74 wherein an o-ring seal extends past the o-ring seal groove a predetermined distance.

Claim 87

The connector according to claim 76 wherein the predetermined distance is defined by about one-half a diameter of the o-ring seal.

Claim 88

The connector according to claim 69 further comprising a tissue connection member housed within the vascular tissue connector, with the tissue connection member being adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 89

The connector according to claim 69 , wherein the base connector and the vascular tissue connector each have a body, with each body having a substantially minimal profile relative to the vascular tissue.

Claim 90

The connector according to claim 69 in combination with the medical device.

Claim 91

The connector according to claim 69 further comprising a plug connector adapted to be connected to the vascular tissue connector, with the plug connector plugging the vascular tissue when the plug connector is attached to the vascular tissue connector, to test for leakage between the vascular tissue connector and the vascular tissue when the vascular tissue connector is attached to the vascular tissue.

Claim 92

The connector according to claim 81 wherein the plug connector includes a pressure port formed therein.