Graft implant method

Abstract

A method for implanting an end portion of a graft within the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure is disclosed. The body has a circulatory system which includes a femoral artery and an aorta. The method includes the steps of (i) making an incision in the body of the patient so as to expose the femoral artery and an inguinal ligament, (ii) advancing an endoscope between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament until a distal end of the endoscope is positioned at a wording site within the body, (iii) advancing the end portion of the graft between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament to the working site, wherein said end portion advancing step includes the step of advancing the end portion of the graft through the endoscope, and (iv) forming an anastomosis between the end portion of the graft and the aorta at the working site.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09 / 073,336, filed May 5, 1998, and which will issue on Nov. 9, 1999 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,455, which in turn is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 08 / 702,742, filed Aug. 23, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,375, which in turn is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 08 / 391,960, filed Feb. 21, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,167, which is in turn a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 138,912, filed Oct. 18, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,712, which is in turn a division of application Ser. No. 08 / 056,371, filed on May 3, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,220., which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07 / 725,597, filed on Jul. 3, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,683.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a method for improving blood flow in the body of a patient and more particularly concerns an endoscopic bypass grafting method ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] One object of the present invention is to an improved method f

Problems solved by technology

Although conventional surgical bypass grafting is an accepted procedure, it presents substantial morbidity and mortality risks.

Also, not all patients are acceptable candidates for the above surgical procedure due to advanced age and preexisting medical conditions.

Moreover, conventional surgical bypass grafting is an invasive procedure which may require extended hospitalization due to postoperative recovery.

In addition, the above surgical procedure may involve substantial financial costs to patients, hospitals and society in general.

Further, incisions made during the above surgical procedure may cause significant cosmetically unattractive scarring which is undesirable to many patients.

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