Anastomosis device and method

Abstract

An anastomosis device for use in coupling an end of a graft vessel to a side of a target vessel. The target vessel has an opening formed in a side wall thereof for insertion of the device. The device comprises a tubular member, at least a portion thereof being radially compressible to a compressed state for insertion of the tubular member into the opening in the target vessel and expandable from the compressed state to an expanded state for engagement of an inner graft vessel surface with an inner surface of the target vessel after insertion of the tubular member into the opening in the side wall of the target vessel. The compressible portion of the tubular member has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a wall thickness therebetween. The wall thickness of the compressible portion in its compressed state is less than the wall thickness of the compressible portion in its expanded state.

1 - 30 . (canceled)  
   
   
       31 . A method for coupling a graft vessel and a target vessel in an end-to-side anastomosis comprising the steps of: 
 everting a free end of the graft vessel over an end of the coupling member;    coupling the graft vessel to a coupling member, the coupling member comprising a radially compressible portion;    exerting an inwardly directed radial force over at least a portion of the compressible portion until the coupling member has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of an opening formed in a side wall of the target vessel;    inserting at least a portion of the coupling member into the opening in the side wall of the target vessel with a portion of the graft vessel extending through the opening of the target vessel; and    removing the radial force to allow the compressible portion of the coupling member to radially expand to sealingly engage the graft vessel with the target vessel.    
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the step of coupling the graft vessel to a coupling member comprises attaching the graft vessel to the coupling member coaxially with the coupling member.  
   
   
       33 . The method as set forth in  claim 32 , wherein the step of attaching the graft vessel to the coupling member comprises inserting a free end of the graft vessel longitudinally through an opening in the coupling member.  
   
   
       34 . The method as set forth in  claim 31 , further comprising suturing the everted end of the graft vessel to the coupling member.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the step of exerting a radial force comprises disposing the coupling member within an introducer that has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the coupling member in its expanded state.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the step of removing the radial force comprises removing the introducer from the coupling member.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the inserting step comprises inserting the coupling member into and through the opening in the side wall of the target vessel.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the inserting step comprises inserting the coupling member into the opening in the side wall of the target vessel such that a portion of the graft vessel extends coaxially within the target vessel.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the step of removing the radial force allows the compressible portion of the coupling member to radially expand to sealingly engage the graft vessel with the inner surface of the target vessel.