Patent ID: 6896684

Claim:
A method for anastomosing a gastrointestinal tract, which includes the following steps: (a) gripping a surgical clip which includes: i) a first length of a wire having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and surface configuration, defining a closed geometrical shape having a central opening; ii) a second length of a wire having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and surface configuration, defining a closed geometrical shape substantially similar in configuration and magnitude to that of the first length of wire, having a central opening, wherein the first and second lengths of wire fully overlap, when configured in side-by-side registration; and iii) an intermediate portion located between said first length of wire and said second length of wire, said intermediate portion formed of a shape memory alloy; b) maintaining at least the intermediate portion of the clip at a temperature below a lower phase transition temperature thereof, whereat the intermediate portion is in a plastic state; c) moving the first and second lengths of wire into a position of mutual separation; d) drawing together portions of the gastrointestinal tract, wherein anastomosis is required, so as to bring them into an adjacent, side-by-side position, at least one of the portions being open-ended; e) surgically sealing the open ends of the portions of the gastrointestinal tract; f) forming predetermined perforations in adjacent walls of the adjacent portions of gastrointestinal tract and introducing the clip through the punctures, such that the adjacent portions of each wall are disposed between the first and second lengths of wire; g) retaining the relative adjacent positions of the portions of the gastrointestinal tract and the clip in relation thereto, while raising the temperature of at least the intermediate portion of the clip to a temperature above an upper phase transition temperature, whereat the intermediate portion is in an elastic stat; thereby causing the first and second lengths of wire to attain side-by-side registration, thereby to apply a compressive force to the walls located therebetween; and h) perforating the adjacent walls, held within the central openings between the first and second lengths of wire configured in side-by-side registration for creating an initial patency of the gastrointestinal tract.