Patent ID: 8672957
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for applying one or more patches to a tubular structure in a body of a patient, the apparatus comprising an applicator, which is configured to removably hold the one or more patches, and to place the one or more patches at least partially around the tubular structure, wherein the applicator comprises one or more patch supports, and wherein each of the patch supports comprises: a yielding pad, which is removably coupleable to one of the patches; and a stiff back support structure, to which the yielding pad is fixed, wherein each of the patch supports is shaped so as to define at least one chamber that itself has a volume of at least 0.5 ml when the patch supports are in respective resting states, and wherein the applicator is characterized by at least one feature selected from the group of features consisting of: (a) the at least one chamber of each of the patch supports is filled with a gas or a gel, and is sealed such that the gas or the gel cannot escape from the chamber, and (b) the at least one chamber of each of the patch supports is filled with a gas, which compresses when the at least one chamber is squeezed upon applying the patch support thereof to the tubular structure.