Patent ID: 6620178
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A vein grafting aid for joining two blood vessels together, each blood vessel having an end and a lumen, comprising:a shaft having a length and an axis extending along its length, said shaft having a first portion, a second portion and a central position defined therebetween; a plate having a plurality of apertures defined therein, said plate disposed in the area of said central position, said plate disposed perpendicular to said axis of said shaft, said plate extending around said shaft and spaced a distance away from said shaft; a plurality of plate support members, each having a length and each extending from said central position on said shaft to said plate and defining a plurality of open spaces between said plate, said plate support members and said shaft; and a first and second plurality of prongs extending respectively from said first and second portions of said shaft, said prongs extending at an angle toward said central position such that said shaft and prongs can be inserted into said lumens of said blood vessels wherein said prongs will engage on the inside of said blood vessels such that said ends of said blood vessels can be maneuvered in position against said plate where they will be retained in position by said prongs.