Patent ID: 6517558
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for forming an anastomosis between a first vessel and a second vessel, the method comprising steps of:providing a vessel coupling having a main leg, a first leg and a second leg, the main leg having a proximal opening and a distal opening, the first and second legs being movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, the; first and second legs extending distally from the distal opening of the main leg when in the collapsed position, the first and second legs extending radially from the main leg when in the expanded position so that the first and second legs and the main body together form a generally T-shaped connector; attaching a first vessel to the main leg of the vessel coupling; forming an opening in a second vessel having a lumen; introducing the first and second legs into the second vessel through the opening, the first and second legs moving to the expanded position within the second vessel so that the first and second legs form the T-shaped connector thereby coupling the first and second vessels together.