Patent ID: 8277465

Claim:
A method for providing a tubular side branch on a hollow vessel, the method comprising: providing a graft comprising (i) a tubular structure comprising a first end, a second end and a side wall extending therebetween, and (ii) a tubular side branch comprising a first end, a second end and a substantially fluid-impervious side wall extending therebetween, the first end of the tubular side branch being connected to the side wall of the tubular structure so that the interior of the tubular side branch is in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular structure, the second end of the tubular side branch comprising a grasp for engaging the second end of the tubular side branch, wherein the tubular side branch is disposed within the interior of the tubular structure, with the grasp of the tubular side branch extending out of the side wall of the tubular structure; providing an applicator comprising (i) an insertion element configured to be inserted through the side wall of a hollow vessel, the insertion element comprising a grasper for selectively engaging the grasp of the tubular side branch, and a retraction element for selectively applying a retraction force to the side wall of the hollow vessel from within the interior of the hollow vessel, and (ii) a cutting element in telescoping relation to the insertion element for selectively cutting through the side wall of a hollow vessel when the side wall of the hollow vessel is disposed between the retraction element and the cutting element; advancing the insertion element through the side wall of the hollow vessel so that the grasper and the retraction element are positioned within the hollow vessel, and advancing the graft within the interior of the hollow vessel so that the grasp of the graft is in the vicinity of the grasper of the insertion element; engaging the grasp of the graft with the grasper of the insertion element; advancing the cutting element against the outer surface of the side wall of the hollow vessel while the retraction element applies a retraction force against the inner surface of the side wall of the hollow vessel so as to form a hole in the side wall of the hollow vessel; and retracting the insertion element and the cutting element so as to draw the tubular side branch of the graft through the hole formed in the side wall of the hollow vessel.