Patent ID: 6626914
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An introducer for a T-shaped graft connector, said graft connector comprisinga sleeve (10) that is to be introduced into a blood vessel (2) through a longitudinal incision made therein, the sleeve (10) having an opening (12) in a circumferential surface thereof, and a collar (11) adjoining the opening (12) and extending radially therefrom and, when the sleeve (10) is introduced into the blood vessel (2), extending out from the longitudinal incision made therein, the introducer comprising two L-shaped elements (18, 19); first releasable means (20, 21, 28-30) for disconnectably locking the two L-shaped elements (18, 19) together so as to form a T-shaped element (26) having a stem (17) and two oppositely directed arms (24, 25); and second releasable means (31; 42; 46) for connecting the arms (24, 25) of the T-shaped element (26) along the sleeve (10) of the graft connector, whereby the sleeve (10) may be introduced into the blood vessel (2) through the longitudinal incision made therein by manipulation of the stem (17) of the T-shaped element (16) and the two L-shaped elements (18, 19) may be release from each other and from the sleeve (10) and then retracted from the blood vessel (2).