Anastomosis system utilizing an access port

Abstract

A tool used in the performance of an anastomosis procedure between a graft vessel and a target vessel, where that anastomosis procedure utilizes at least one surgical tool, may include an access system that has a port and a seal connected to the port. The seal may substantially prevent loss of fluid from the target vessel.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 967,684, filed on Sep. 28, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to an anastomosis system, and more particularly, to an system utilizing an access port for a vascular anastomosis procedure. [0003] Description of the Related Art [0004] Vascular anastomosis is a procedure by which two blood vessels within a patient are surgically joined together. Vascular anastomosis is performed during treatment of a variety of conditions including coronary artery disease, diseases of the great and peripheral vessels, organ transplantation, and trauma. In coronary artery disease (CAD), an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery interferes with blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment of CAD involves the grafting of a vessel in the form of a prosthesis or harvested artery or vein to reroute blood flow around the occlusion and restore adequate ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of performing a vascular anastomosis procedure includes the steps of: substantially sealing to a target vessel; inserting a tissue cutter through the access port system; forming an opening in a side wall of the target vessel with the tissue cutter; removing the tissue cutter from the access port system; providing a seal in the access port system to substantially prevent blood loss from the opening in the target vessel; inserting an anastomosis instrument through the access port system; and performing a vascular anastomosis between a graft vessel and the target vessel with the anastomosis instrument.

Problems solved by technology

The suturing process is a time consuming and difficult procedure requiring a high level of surgical skill.

However, when these automated anastomosis systems are deployed it is often difficult to properly align the graft vessel to the hole which is formed in the target vessel.

In addition, there is often a problem of blood loss through the hole in the target vessel after the hole is formed and before the anastomosis procedure is completed.

However, clamping is undesirable because it may cause plaque to be dislodged and may cause neurological complications.

Images