Patent ID: 6443965
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method of forming an anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel, comprising the steps of:providing an anastomosis device having an inner flange, an outer flange, and a central orifice therethrough, the inner flange having a proximal surface and a distal surface, the inner flange having at least two operating positions including a collapsed position wherein said inner flange has a collapsed diameter and an expanded position wherein said inner flange has an expanded diameter which is greater than said collapsed diameter, the inner flange having a plurality of flange sectors which extend radially outward when in the expanded position, the outer flange having a proximal surface and a distal surface; positioning the graft in the central orifice; holding the plurality of flange sectors in the collapsed position; inserting the inner flange into the target vessel with the flange sectors in the collapsed position; permitting the plurality of flange sectors to expand to the expanded position, wherein the inner flange contacts the inner wall of the graft vessel; and compressing the target vessel between the inner and outer flanges.