Patent ID: 8671950
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of performing a medical procedure on a patient involving a first anatomical vessel and a second anatomical vessel that is to be transversely secured to the first anatomical vessel, the method comprising: positioning a first remotely computer-controlled medical instrument within the second anatomical vessel, wherein the first medical instrument is sufficiently flexible so as to be capable of being remotely controlled and maneuvered through a curvature of an elongated portion of the second anatomical vessel within the patient; manipulating a user input device to robotically control movement of the first medical instrument in order to position the second anatomical vessel adjacent to a sidewall of the first anatomical vessel within the patient and to which the second anatomical vessel is to be attached; introducing a second remotely computer-controlled medical instrument into the patient, the second medical instrument being located outside of both of the first and second anatomical vessels and comprising a first active tool configured to pierce the first anatomical vessel and the second anatomical vessel; introducing a third remotely computer-controlled medical instrument into the first anatomical vessel, the third medical instrument comprising a second active tool configured to receive a stitch delivered by the first active tool and extending through the first anatomical vessel and the second anatomical vessel; conveying control signals from the user input device to a drive unit; and operating the drive unit in accordance with the control signals to actuate the first and second tools in unison to transversely secure the second anatomical vessel to the sidewall of the first anatomical vessel by piercing the first anatomical vessel and the second anatomical vessel and stitching the second anatomical vessel to first anatomical vessel using the second medical instrument and the third medical instrument.