Patent ID: 6743244
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A cutting apparatus comprising:anvil means for engaging the interior surface of a first vessel at an anastomosis site, anvil pull means for holding an engaging end of the anvil means against the interior of the first vessel, the anvil pull means extending from an engaging end of the anvil means; and cutting means for forming a first vessel opening in the wall of the first vessel at the anastomosis site through engagement with the anvil means; wherein the cutting means includes a cutting tube that terminates at cutting knife with a cutting edge that defines the shape of the first vessel opening, wherein the anvil pull means extends within the cutting tube to enable the anvil pull means and the cutting means to be moved relative to each other, wherein the cross-sectional area defined by the perimeter of the cutting edge of the cutting knife is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the engaging end such that portions of the engaging end of the anvil means extend beyond the cutting edge when the cutting means engages the anvil means and forms the first vessel opening, wherein the engaging end is uncoated and is sufficiently soft to enable the cutting means to depress into the engaging end such that the cutting means cuts completely through the first vessel and forms the first vessel opening and wherein the engaging end of the anvil means is adapted to engage an area of the interior surface of the wall of the first vessel which is greater than the cross-sectional area defined by the cutting edge of the cutting knife.