Connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels, in order to make an anastomosis. The connector incorporates various features to create a reliable engagement with the vessel walls to make a good connection thereof. The connector comprises knife members to make an arteriotomy in and punch a hole in one of the vessel walls, comprises an expansion portion to cause a large expansion with a minimum profile, and comprises anvil members to reliably bring the staple-like elements to the joining position.

1 . A connector for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small vessels, comprising: 
 an annular member of deformable material, said member having a center line and a main plane, and being adapted to be permanently deformed by expansion from a first size in a starting position in which it is delivered to a desired anastomosis site, to a second, larger size in a joining position in which it connects the hollow structures,    circumferentially spaced means for joining abutting walls of the hollow structures together, said means including staple-like elements being adapted to be permanently deformed from a starting position in which the connector is delivered to a desired site, to a joining position in which they engage the hollow structures to connect them, said staple-like elements having at least two free ends and being attached to the annular member between its free ends and being tapered from the annular member towards their free ends.    
     
     
         2 .- 39 . (canceled)