Components, Systems and Methods for Forming Anastomoses Using Magnetism or Other Coupling Means

Abstract

Anastomotic components may be attached to hollow bodies or vessels by magnetic or mechanical force to create an anastomosis, form a port in a vessel, or repair a diseased vessel lumen. Anastomoses are created by coupling a first connection to an end of a vessel and then attracting it to a second connector secured to the side wall of another vessel. The connection between the first and second connectors may be solidly magnetic, solely mechanical, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are methods and devices for treating diseased vessel lumens, for example abdominal aortic aneurysm. A plurality of docking members is attached to the vessel at solicited positions, and then one or more grafts is secured to the docking members in any suitable manner.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method for repairing an aneurysm using magnetism, the aneurysm being located in a patient's body lumen, the method comprising steps of:
 providing a prosthesis having an outer surface and a lumen;   locating a body lumen having an aneurysm;   placing the prosthesis in a desired position with respect to the aneurysm so that the prosthesis lumen sealingly engages the body lumen; and   using magnetism to secure the prosthesis in the selected position.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein a docking member is first placed adjacent the desired position and the prosthesis is secured thereto. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the docking member and prosthesis are magnetically attracted. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein docking member and prosthesis each comprise a magnet carried by a base structure. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the prosthesis has an expandable portion. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the expandable portion comprises a stent graft. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the expandable portion is delivered at least partially collapsed and then is expanded. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the prosthesis has more than one lumen. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising placing at least one additional prosthesis in the body lumen. 
     
     
         31 - 37 . (canceled)