Patent ID: 6926724

Claim:
A method of performing mammalian visceral anastomosis upon a luminal viscus ligated into two opposing stumps comprising the steps of: inserting a stent having an elongated stent wall comprised substantially of a biocompatible material which dissolves after completion of anastomosis, wherein said stent wall forms a substantially tubular hollow structure, and wherein integral to said stent wall is means for providing bending flexibility to the stent wall without compromising the strength thereof, said means comprising a circumferential crimping of a portion of the stent wall, said stent wall having a length L, a distance approximately L/2 into the first stump of the ligated viscus such that a portion of the stent of length approximately L/2 remains extending outside the first stump; inserting the remaining portion of the stent into the second stump whereby the two stumps are placed in a substantially abutting relationship; and joining the two luminal stumps together by surgical joining means.