Patent ID: 9597082
Date: 2017-03-21
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A method of sealing an anastomosis site, wherein the anastomosis site is defined by the ends of two tubular anatomical structures, the method comprising: (a) joining the ends of the two tubular anatomical structures together with a circular stapler, such that the ends of the two tubular anatomical structures are stapled together; (b) placing a cuff about the ends of the two tubular anatomical structures, wherein the cuff defines an interior space between an inner surface of the cuff and the exterior of the two tubular anatomical structures, wherein the act of placing the cuff about the ends of the two tubular anatomical structures is performed while the circular stapler is positioned at the anastomosis site, such that the circular stapler provides a mandrel for the cuff and the fluid in the interior space; (c) introducing a fluid into the interior space; (d) allowing the fluid to cure in the interior space to create a cured fluid seal; and (e) removing the cuff, leaving behind the cured fluid seal.