Patent ID: 7160311

Claim:
A compression plate anastomosis apparatus for anastomosing an end of a graft vessel to a side of a receiving vessel together, comprising: a first compression plate having a first compression plate opening; wherein the first compression plate opening has a perimeter defined by first holding means for holding a portion of the receiving vessel that defines a receiving vessel opening in the side of the receiving vessel, wherein the first compression plate is shaped to enable the receiving vessel portion to extend through the first compression plate opening in a manner such that the receiving vessel opening conforms to the perimeter of the first compression plate opening, and wherein the first holding means extends from said first compression plate with a length that is sufficiently short to permit the receiving vessel portion to extend through the first compression Plate opening with a length sufficient for the receiving vessel portion to be everted over the first holding means at least partially around the first compression plate opening; and a second compression plate having a second compression plate opening; wherein the second compression plate opening is defined by second holding means for holding a portion of a graft vessel that defines a graft vessel opening, wherein the first compression plate and the second compression plate have means for locking the compression plates together, wherein the first compression plate, the second compression plate and the locking means are configured to cooperate together to anastomose the end of the graft vessel to the side of the receiving vessel with the receiving and graft vessel portions held directly between the first and second holding means, wherein the first holding means is shaped to hold the receiving vessel portion in a configuration such that when the receiving vessel portion and the graft vessel portion are anastomosed together there is an uneven distribution of force against the receiving vessel portion around the receiving vessel opening caused by the shape of the first holding means and due to the inability of the second holding means to fully extend into any spaces of the first holding means, and wherein the apparatus is configured to remain in one's body after the end of the graft vessel is anastomosed to the side of the receiving vessel.