U.S. patent application number 11/756260 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for anastomosis system with cutting element.
This patent application is currently assigned to CARDICA, INC.. Invention is credited to Theodore M. Bender, David L. Bombard, Brendan M. Donohoe, Bernard A. Hausen, Michael J. Hendricksen, Bryan D. Knodel, James T. Nielsen, Jaime S. Vargas, Stephen A. Yencho.
Application Number | 20070233163 11/756260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34118181 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070233163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bombard; David L. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Anastomosis System with Cutting Element
Abstract
A surgical tool for performing anastomosis between a graft
vessel and a target vessel may include an anvil; a cutting element
connected to the anvil; and an energy source connected to the
cutting element, wherein the energy source is configured to deliver
energy to the cutting element. A method for performing anastomosis
with that tool may include placing an end of the graft vessel
against a side of the target vessel; creating an opening in the
wall of the target vessel at a first location; inserting an anvil
through the opening from outside the wall of the target vessel into
the lumen of the target vessel; creating an incision in the wall of
the target vessel spaced apart from the first location; and
connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel.
Inventors: |
Bombard; David L.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Knodel; Bryan D.; (Flagstaff,
AZ) ; Vargas; Jaime S.; (Menlo Park, CA) ;
Hendricksen; Michael J.; (Redwood City, CA) ; Yencho;
Stephen A.; (Menlo Park, CA) ; Nielsen; James T.;
(San Francisco, CA) ; Hausen; Bernard A.; (Menlo
Park, CA) ; Donohoe; Brendan M.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Bender; Theodore M.; (San Francisco,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARDICA, INC.
900 SAGINAW DRIVE
REDWOOD CITY
CA
94063
US
|
Assignee: |
CARDICA, INC.
900 Saginaw Drive
Redwood City
CA
94063
|
Family ID: |
34118181 |
Appl. No.: |
11/756260 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10151441 |
May 20, 2002 |
|
|
|
11756260 |
May 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
09363255 |
Jul 28, 1999 |
6391038 |
|
|
10151441 |
May 20, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/153 ;
606/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/037 20160201;
A61B 17/122 20130101; A61B 17/1152 20130101; A61B 2017/1107
20130101; A61B 2017/00243 20130101; A61F 2/064 20130101; A61B
2017/07214 20130101; A61B 17/072 20130101; A61B 17/0469 20130101;
A61B 2017/07285 20130101; A61B 2017/1135 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/153 ;
606/159 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/068 20060101
A61B017/068 |
Claims
1. A surgical tool for performing anastomosis between a graft
vessel and a target vessel, comprising: an anvil; a cutting element
connected to said anvil; and an energy source connected to said
cutting element, wherein said energy source is configured to
deliver energy to said cutting element.
2. The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said cutting element is
configured to vibrate upon delivery of energy thereto.
3. The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said cutting element
further comprises an emitter connected to said energy source.
4. The surgical tool of claim 3, wherein said emitter is configured
to emit laser energy upon delivery of energy thereto.
5. The surgical tool of claim 3, wherein said emitter is configured
to emit radio frequency energy upon delivery of energy thereto.
6. The surgical tool of claim 1, wherein said cutting element is
movably connected to said anvil.
7. The surgical tool of claim 6, wherein said anvil includes a
channel defined therein, wherein said cutting element is movable
within and along said channel.
8. The surgical tool of claim 7, wherein said cutting element
includes at least one projection extending generally upward.
9. The surgical tool of claim 8, wherein at least one said
projection is movable upward, then along, then downward relative to
said channel.
10. A method for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and
a target vessel, each vessel having a lumen therein, comprising:
placing an end of the graft vessel against a side of the target
vessel; creating an opening in the wall of the target vessel at a
first location; inserting an anvil through the opening from outside
the wall of the target vessel into the lumen of the target vessel;
creating an incision in the wall of the target vessel, the incision
spaced apart from the first location; and connecting the graft
vessel to the target vessel.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said creating an incision is
performed by translating a cutting element relative to said
anvil.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said placing an end of the
graft vessel against a side of the target vessel defines a closed
area on the side of the target vessel, and said incising is
performed by controlling said cutting element to position said
incision entirely within the closed area.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said controlling is performed
by biasing said cutting element upward and providing at least one
control element on the upper surface of said cutting element.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said controlling is performed
by biasing said cutting element downward and providing at least one
control element on the lower surface of said cutting element.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein said anvil includes a channel
defined therein, and wherein at least part of said translating
comprises translating at least part of said cutting element within
and along said channel.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said cutting element includes
at least one projection extending generally upward; further
comprises moving said projection to a position completely within
said channel after said creating an incision.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein said creating an incision is
performed outward from the lumen of the target vessel through the
wall of the target vessel.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein said creating an incision is
performed by delivering energy from said cutting element to the
wall of the target vessel.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said delivering energy
comprises delivering ultrasonic energy.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said delivering energy
comprises delivering laser energy.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein said delivering energy
comprises delivering radio frequency energy.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/151,441, filed on May 20, 2002, which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/363,255, filed on Jul. 28, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,038,
each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus and method for
performing anastomosis.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Anastomosis is a procedure by which two hollow tissue
structures are joined together. More particularly, 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 blood flow to the heart muscle. This treatment
is known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
[0004] In the conventional CABG, a large incision is made in the
chest and the sternum is sawed in half to allow access to the
heart. In addition, a heart-lung machine is used to circulate the
patient's blood so that the heart can be stopped and the
anastomosis can be performed. In order to minimize the trauma to
the patient induced by conventional CABG, less invasive techniques
have been developed in which the surgery is performed through small
incisions in the patient's chest with the aid of visualizing
scopes. In both conventional and less invasive CABG procedures, the
surgeon has to suture one end of the graft vessel to the coronary
artery and the other end of the graft vessel to a blood-supplying
artery, such as the aorta. The suturing process is a time consuming
and difficult procedure requiring a high level of surgical skill.
In order to perform the suturing of the graft to a target vessel
such as the coronary artery or the blood supplying artery, a
surgeon holds the edges of the incision in the target vessel with
one handle and holds a needle in the other hand for suturing, or an
assistant may hold the edges of the incision in the target vessel
while a surgeon makes small stitches as close as possible to the
edges of the incision. This suturing requires a high degree of
precision and is quite time consuming. In addition, during
conventional CABG procedures blood flow at the anastomosis site is
stopped during suturing. This prevents bleeding from the incision
site but also prevents blood from reaching a portion of the heart
muscle served by the vessel. Further, during off-pump CABG
procedures a side clamp or other device may be used to isolate a
portion of the wall of the aorta to which a graft vessel is
sutured. The use of a side clamp or similar device can cause emboli
to detach from the wall of the aorta and enter the bloodstream,
which is undesirable.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a vascular
anastomosis system that allows the tissue at the anastomosis site
to be controlled during suturing or other connection of the graft
and target vessels. It would also be desirable to provide a
vascular anastomosis system that allows the connection of a graft
vessel to a target vessel prior to making an incision in the target
vessel which allows blood flow between the target vessel and the
graft vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anvil and a plurality of
staples according to a first aspect of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 1 being
inserted into a target vessel.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the anvil tenting a wall of
a target vessel for an anastomosis procedure.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a graft vessel placed
adjacent an exterior of the tented target vessel for the
anastomosis procedure.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the staples being applied to
the graft vessel and the target vessel during an anastomosis
procedure.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the completed anastomosis
according to the first aspect of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a staple supported on a
staple holding strip.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of the staple and staple holding strip
of FIG. 7 when the ends of the staple have been bent by contact
with an anvil.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an anvil and staple
according to another aspect of the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 10A and 10B are is a side views of a plurality of
staples supported on two examples of expandable staple holding
strips.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an anvil
having a movable cutting device.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of an anvil having an external
cutting device.
[0018] FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of a portion of an anvil
and two cutting devices that snap onto the anvil.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of an anvil with an
extendable cutting device.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a side view of the anvil of FIG. 13 with the
cutting device extended.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of an anvil with an
alternate extendable cutting device.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a side view of the anvil of FIG. 15 with the
cutting device extended.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an anvil according to a
second aspect of the invention being inserted into a target
vessel.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 17
positioning inside a target vessel and a clamp being advanced to
clamp the wall of the target vessel between the anvil and the
clamp.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a graft vessel being
advanced to the target vessel with a continuous anastomosis staple
while the anastomosis site on the target vessel is controlled by
the anvil and clamp.
[0026] FIGS. 20-22 are side cross sectional views of the steps of
performing the anastomosis with the continuous anastomosis staple
shown in FIG. 19.
[0027] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the completed anastomosis
performed as shown in FIGS. 19-22.
[0028] FIGS. 24-27 are perspective views of the steps of an
alternative anvil and clamp system for controlling an anastomosis
site and forming an incision through the clamped tissue of the
target vessel.
[0029] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a system for controlling a
tissue site and performing anastomosis according to the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C of
FIG. 28, showing a first step of the anastomosis procedure.
[0031] FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C of
FIG. 28, showing a second step of the anastomosis procedure.
[0032] FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C of
FIG. 28, showing a third step of the anastomosis procedure.
[0033] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an anvil according to
another aspect of the present invention for use with sutures.
[0034] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 32
positioned within a target vessel and used to locate a plurality of
suture at an anastomosis site.
[0035] FIG. 34 is a side cutaway view of a first embodiment of an
anvil, a cutter and a staple holder, where the anvil and staple
holder are spaced apart from each other.
[0036] FIG. 35 is an end cross-section view of the anvil of FIG.
34.
[0037] FIG. 36 is a side cutaway view of a portion of the anvil
inserted into the lumen of a target vessel.
[0038] FIG. 37 is a side view of the cutter.
[0039] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the cutter of FIG. 37.
[0040] FIG. 39 is a side view of the distal end of a second
embodiment of a cutter.
[0041] FIG. 40 is a side view of the distal end of a third
embodiment of a cutter.
[0042] FIG. 41 is a side view of the distal end of a fourth
embodiment of a cutter.
[0043] FIG. 42 is a side view of a portion of a fifth embodiment of
a cutter.
[0044] FIG. 43 is a side view of the distal end of a sixth
embodiment of a cutter.
[0045] FIG. 44 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 34, where the cutter is in a first position.
[0046] FIG. 45 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 34, where the cutter is in a second position.
[0047] FIG. 46 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 34, where the cutter is in a third position.
[0048] FIG. 47 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 34, where the cutter is in a fourth position.
[0049] FIG. 48 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 34, where the cutter is in a fifth position.
[0050] FIG. 49 is a side cutaway view of a second embodiment of an
anvil and a staple holder, where the anvil and staple holder are
spaced apart from each other.
[0051] FIG. 50 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 40, where the cutter is in a first position.
[0052] FIG. 51 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 40, where the cutter is in a second position.
[0053] FIG. 52 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 40, where the cutter is in a third position.
[0054] FIG. 53 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 40, where the cutter is in a fourth position.
[0055] FIG. 54 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple
holder of FIG. 40, where the cutter is in a fifth position.
[0056] The use of the same reference symbols in different figures
indicates similar or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of an anvil 10 includes a
handle 12 and an anvil arm 14 extending from the handle 12. The
anvil arm 14 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the
handle 12, or oriented at a different angle. The anvil arm 14 may
be provided with one or more staple bending features 16 on opposite
sides of the anvil arm 14. In the anvil 10 shown in FIG. 1, the
staple bending features 16 each include a plurality of recesses 20
which receive the ends of staples 22 and cause the staple ends to
bend over. At least one of the staple bending features 16 may be
configured differently or omitted, if desired. The staples 22 may
be connected to a staple holding strip 24. The staples 22 are
U-shaped and are arranged in a spaced apart parallel configuration
such that the staples 22 all lie in a single plane. Alternately,
the staples 22 may be shaped differently, and/or lie in one or more
different planes. An exemplary anvil arm 14 has a height and a
width of about 2 mm or less, advantageously about 1 mm or less, and
a length of about 2 to 15 mm, advantageously 5 to 12 mm. The length
of the anvil will vary depending on the diameter of the graft
vessel selected. The length to width ratio of the anvil arm 14 is
substantially between 2:1 and 15:1. A different length to width
ratio may be used, if desired. As one example, the staples 22 have
widths of about 0.2-3 mm. Advantageously, the staples 22 have
widths of substantially 2 mm or less. The leg lengths of the
staples 22 are substantially 0.2-3 mm. Alternately, other leg
lengths may be used.
[0058] The anvil arm 14 has a sharp distal end 28 for puncturing
the tissue of a target vessel to insert the anvil arm 14 into the
target vessel. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the anvil arm 14 is
inserted into a pressurized or unpressurized target vessel 30 by
puncturing the target vessel with the distal end 28 of the anvil
arm 14. The hole that is formed in the wall of the target vessel 30
by the anvil arm 14 is small enough to prevent significant bleeding
through the puncture site. Alternately, the hole is closed by hand
suturing. Alternately, the hole is closed with a biocompatible
glue, adhesive or the like. Alternately, the hole is closed with a
clip, clamp, or other implantable device that remains on the target
vessel. Such a device may be positioned on the outer surface and/or
inner surface of the target vessel, and may extend into the hole. A
device for closing the hole may be constructed from nitinol or
other superelastic or pseudoelastic material, or from stainless
steel or other material, where that device moves between a first
configuration and a second configuration during deployment, and
where the second configuration holds the hole closed. The hole is
less than substantially 2 mm wide, and advantageously less than 1
mm wide. Alternately, the anvil arm 14 has a blunt distal end 28
that is inserted through a hole created with a separate instrument,
by a different instrument connected to the anvil arm 14, or by a
sharp member connected to the anvil arm 14 that can be retracted
into the anvil arm 14 or otherwise blunted or concealed after
puncturing or creating an incision in the wall of the target
vessel.
[0059] Once the anvil arm 14 has been inserted into the target
vessel 30, the anvil arm 14 may be pulled against an inner wall of
the target vessel 30, causing tenting of the thin tissue of the
vessel wall as illustrated in FIG. 3. This tenting of the vessel
wall provides control over the anastomosis site during an
anastomosis procedure that is described with respect to FIGS. 4-6.
However, tenting of the target vessel wall need not be tented in
order to control the anastomosis site during the anastomosis
procedure.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, a graft vessel 32 is advanced to the
anastomosis site and an end 34 of the graft vessel 32 is positioned
adjacent an exterior surface of the target vessel 30 at the
anastomosis site. The tented portion of the target vessel 30 is
positioned within the perimeter of the end 34 of the graft vessel
32. As shown in FIG. 5, a staple holder 38 is provided having two
arms 40 which are pivotally connected to the handle 12 of the anvil
10. Alternatively, the pivoting arms 40 of the staple holder 38 may
be connected to the handle 12 in a different way, or may be
connected to a separate or additional device. The arms 40 are
spaced apart from one another across at least a part of their
length. Thus, the graft vessel can be positioned between the arms
40. That is, the arms 40 are positioned on substantially opposite
sides of the graft vessel. In this way, each arm 40 may be
positioned against a flap at an end of the graft vessel, as
illustrated in FIGS. 29-31. The arms 40 may be configured
differently, if desired.
[0061] Referring also to FIG. 1, the staple holder 38 may be used
to hold individual staples 22 and/or staple holding strips 24. In
one embodiment, each arm 40 of the staple holder 38 carries one row
of staples 22 or one staple holding strip 24, where the staples 22
are arranged in a substantially linear row. Alternately, staples 22
or staple strips 24 may be arranged in two or more rows, parallel
or otherwise, on one or more arms 40. Alternately, the staples 22
may be staggered on one or more arms, such that at least one row of
staples 22 does not fall along a straight line. The staples 22 or
staple strips 24 may be arranged or aligned in any manner on each
arm 40 that results in a secure anastomosis between the graft
vessel and the target vessel. The staples 22 are inserted through
the flaps at the end of the graft vessel 32, or another portion of
the target vessel, and into the target vessel 30 by pivoting the
arms 40 of the staple holder 38 towards the anvil arm 14. The
staple bending features 16 are positioned in a configuration
corresponding to the configuration of the staples 22, such that
each staple 22 engages a corresponding staple bending feature 16
during deployment. When the ends of the staples 22 engage the
staple bending features 16 on the anvil arm 14, the ends of the
staples 22 are bent over, securing the graft vessel 32 and target
vessel 30 together. Once the staple ends are bent over, the staples
22 are released from the staple holding strip 24 or the staple
holder 38, resulting in spaced apart staples 22 securing the graft
vessel 32 and the target vessel 30 together as shown in FIG. 6.
Alternately, the staple holder 38 is a connector deployer that
deploys connectors other than or in addition to staples 22.
[0062] After stapling is complete, an incision is formed in the
wall of the target vessel 30 to allow blood flow between the target
vessel and the graft vessel 32. Some examples of methods and
devices for forming the incision will be described in further
detail below. FIG. 6 illustrates a completed anastomosis between a
target vessel 30 and a graft vessel 32 with a plurality of staples
22. The spacing between the staples 22 is approximately 1 to 4 mm.
This spacing is similar to the spacing between sutures in a
conventional sutured anastomosis. A different spacing between the
staples 22 may be used if desired. After completion of the
anastomosis, the anvil arm 14 is withdrawn from the target vessel
30 between adjacent staples 22. The withdrawal of the anvil arm 14
leaves a gap that is approximately the same as the spacing between
adjacent staples. Accordingly, substantially no blood leakage
occurs at the location where the anvil arm has been withdrawn.
[0063] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one example of a staple 22
connected to a staple holding strip 24. This staple 22 includes
barbed staple ends 52 extending from the front portion of the
staple 22 and a C-shaped portion 54 extending from a rear of the
staple 22 for connecting the staple 22 to the staple holding strip
24. The staple holding strip 24 includes a plurality of protrusions
56 for receiving the staples 22. The C-shaped portion 54 of each
staple 22 is received around one of the protrusions 56 and is
secured in place at one or more locations, such as by welds 58 or
by a frangible linkage or connection. Alternately, the C-shaped
portion 54 of each staple 22 may be secured to the staple-holding
strip 24 in a different way. As shown in FIG. 8, when the staple
holding strip 24 is advanced toward the anvil arm 14, the barbed
staple ends 52 are received in the recesses 20 in the anvil arm 14.
Contact between each staple end 52 and the corresponding recess 20
generates a moment that causes the barbed staple ends 52 to bend
towards one another. At the same time that the barbed staple ends
52 bend over, or after the bending of the staple ends 52, the
staple 22 is detached from the staple holding strip 24. The staple
22 may be detached from the staple holding strip 24 by the action
of bending the barbed staple ends 52 such that the C-shaped portion
54 of the staple 22 splays outward and breaks apart from the
corresponding protrusion 56 on the staple holding strip 24, by
bending a frangible connection between the staple holding strip and
the staples to separate the staples, or any other known separation
methods, such as melting of a connection between the staple and the
staple holding strip.
[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate staple 22a having inwardly
curved barbed staple ends 52a. Because the staple ends 52a are
themselves curved, the corresponding staple bending feature or
features 16a need not be curved to bend the ends 52a of the staples
22a. As shown in FIG. 9, the staple bending features 16a on each
side of the anvil arm 14a may be formed as a single longitudinal
groove along the anvil arm 14a, where the staple bending feature
16a has a substantially flat surface. When the curved ends 52a of
the staple 22a are received in the groove 16a of the anvil arm 14a,
the ends bend inward to secure the tissue with the staple.
Alternately, the staple may be configured differently. Alternately,
two or more different kinds of staples are deployed by the staple
holder 38 in order to form a single anastomosis.
[0065] Referring also to FIG. 10A, a plurality of staples 22a are
positioned on an expandable staple holding strip called an
expandable backbone 66. The expandable backbone 66 includes a
plurality of elements 68 which are interconnected by one or more
expanding members 70. Each of the backbone elements 68 is provided
with a connecting diamond member 72 that is connected to one of the
staples 22a. As shown in FIG. 10A, each staple 22a is connected to
the corresponding diamond member 72 by a thin connecting section
74. The expandable backbone 66 allows the spacing between the
staples 22a to be adjusted for the particular anastomosis to be
performed. The backbone 66 allows expansion of the distance between
staples from a distance of approximately 0.1 mm to a distance of
approximately 1 to 4 mm, i.e., expansion of up to 40 times the
original spacing. Alternately, the backbone 66 allows a different
amount of expansion. The expanding backbone 66 also includes two
openings 76 at opposite ends which may be engaged by holding pins
(not shown) on an anastomosis system or staple holder. The opening
76 allow the backbone 66 to be easily expanded by relative motion
of the holding pins. The connecting diamond members 72 are
configured to collapse inwardly toward the backbone when the
staples 22a engage the staple bending surface or surfaces 16a of
the anvil. The collapsing of each diamond member 72 forces the
corresponding staple 22a to separate from the diamond member 72 at
a connecting section 74. The connecting section 74 is a frangible
linkage connecting a staple 22a to a corresponding diamond member
72.
[0066] FIG. 10B illustrates another example of staples 22a
detachably connected to a backbone 66. The staples 22a are each
connected to the associated backbone elements 68 at two connecting
sections 74. The staples 22a, backbone 66, and associated
components are substantially as described above with regard to FIG.
10A.
[0067] FIG. 11 shows a portion of an anvil arm 14 with a movable
cutting device 44. The cutting device 44 includes a base 46 and a
blade 48. The base 46 of the cutting device 44 is positioned in a
longitudinal groove 50 in the anvil arm 14. After the anvil arm 14
has been inserted into the target vessel, the cutting device 44 may
be moved longitudinally along the anvil arm 14 to form an incision
in the target vessel.
[0068] FIGS. 12, 12A, and 12B illustrate external cutting devices
that are advanced down onto the anvil arm 14 after the anastomosis
procedure and cut an incision in the target vessel from an exterior
of the target vessel as the anvil arm 14 is withdrawn. As shown in
FIG. 12, a knife 62 is positioned on a knife arm 64 that is movable
along the handle 12 of the anvil. The knife 62 is moved downward in
a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
handle 12 until the knife 62 engages a recess 65 in the anvil arm
14. The knife 62 is thereby positioned substantially at the
anastomosis site. The end of the graft vessel is then placed
substantially against the wall of the target vessel at the
anastomosis site, over the knife 62 and knife arm 64. As the anvil
arm 14 is withdrawn from the anastomosis site, the knife 62 forms
an incision in the target vessel. The knife 62 and knife arm 64
exit the anastomosis site via the joint between the graft vessel
and the target vessel. The withdrawal of the anvil arm 14, knife 62
and knife arm 64 leaves a gap in the wall of the target vessel that
is approximately the same as the spacing between adjacent staples
to minimize or eliminate leakage through that gap. Alternately, the
knife 62 may be moveable relative to the handle 12 in at least one
direction in addition to a direction substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the handle 12. For example, the knife 62 may
be moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the wall of
the target vessel to create an arteriotomy in the target vessel at
the junction between the graft vessel and the target vessel.
[0069] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate two alternate examples of the
knife 62 which snap onto a corresponding engagement surface 65 of
the anvil arm 14 so that the knife and anvil are secured together
for formation of the incision during removal of the anvil arm 14
from the anastomosis site.
[0070] FIGS. 13-16 illustrate two variations of extendable cutting
devices for making an incision in the target vessel while
withdrawing the anvil arm 14 from the target vessel. FIG. 13
illustrates an anvil arm 14b having a blade 78 connected to a
flexible blade support 80. When the blade support 80 is pulled in
the direction of the arrow A with respect to the anvil arm 14b, the
blade 78 moves from a forwardly extending position shown in FIG. 13
to an upwardly extending position shown in FIG. 14 as a result of
flexure of the blade support 80. The blade 78 in the forwardly
extending position may be used to form a small opening in the wall
of the target vessel through which the anvil arm 14 is inserted
into the target vessel. After an anastomosis has been performed, or
while an anastomosis is performed, the blade 78 is moved to an
upwardly angled or a vertical position in which the blade 78 is
used to form an incision in the target vessel as the anvil arm 14b
is removed from the target vessel.
[0071] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate an alternate example of an anvil arm
14c having a blade 84 and a blade support 86. While the anvil arm
14c is inserted into the target vessel and during the anastomosis
procedure, the blade 84 is positioned in a recess 88 in the anvil
arm. The blade 84 may be moved from the position of FIG. 15 to the
extended position of FIG. 16 by moving the blade support 86 in the
direction of the arrow B with respect to the anvil arm. The blade
84 is flexible and stressed, such that freeing the blade 84 from
the recess 88 causes the blade 84 to move to the extended position.
Alternatively, the blade 84 may be extended automatically upon
withdrawal of the anvil arm 14 when a blade tip 90 catches on an
interior surface of the target vessel wall during withdrawal of the
anvil arm.
[0072] The extendable cutting devices shown in FIGS. 13-16 are
merely shown as examples of the type of cutting devices which may
be used for making the incision. Once these cutting devices or
blades have been extended from the anvil arm, they may be fixed to
perform cutting as the anvil arm is removed from the target vessel
or the blades may be movable along the anvil arm to make an
incision prior to removal of the anvil arm from the target
vessel.
[0073] Another embodiment of the anvil 10 also includes a cutter
200 that is moveable relative to the anvil 10 for making an
incision in the wall of a target vessel. Referring to FIGS. 34 and
35, a tissue stop 220 is formed into or connected to the anvil 10.
The portion of the anvil 10 distal to the tissue stop 220 is
configured to penetrate into the wall of a target vessel, and may
be referred to as the anvil arm 14. A channel 246 is defined within
the anvil arm 14, through which a cutter 200 is configured to move.
The cutter 200 is narrower than the channel 246, such that interior
surfaces 202 on either side of the channel 246 may guide the
translation of the cutter 200 relative to the anvil arm 14. As used
in this document, the term "translation" as used in regard to the
cutter 200 refers to motion of the cutter 200 in the distal or
proximal direction, whether or not the cutter 200 or a portion
thereof moves upward or downward during that motion. For
convenience, the direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal centerline of the anvil arm 14 toward the wall of the
target vessel may be referred to as "upward", and the direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the
anvil arm 14 away from the wall of the target vessel may be
referred to as "downward". However, the positioning of the anvil
arm 14 in use is not limited to an orientation in which these
directions correspond to absolute directions measured relative to
the ground. Similarly, for convenience, motion upward or downward
may be referred to as "vertical" motion, and motion substantially
parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the anvil arm 14 may be
referred to as "horizontal" motion.
[0074] The anvil arm 14 includes a contact surface 206. Referring
also to FIG. 36, in use, the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm
14 is placed substantially against the inner surface 203 of a
target vessel 201. The contact surface 206 substantially defines a
place that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline
of the anvil arm 14. Alternately, the contact surface 206 is
contoured and/or oriented differently. An upper opening 248 extends
along at least a portion of the contact surface 206 in a direction
substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the anvil
arm 14, and opens into the channel 246. The upper opening 248 may
divide the contact surface 206 into symmetrical or asymmetrical
sections. Further, the contact surface 206 may be formed by two
substantially planar surfaces, by one substantially planar surface
and a differently-shaped surface, or by another set of surfaces.
Additionally, the contact surface 206 may be formed by two thin
edges, each edge occurring at the intersection of a wall of the
upper opening 248 and an outer surface of the anvil arm 14. The
upper opening 248 need not extend proximally any further than the
tissue stop 220. However, the upper opening 248 may extend proximal
to the tissue stop 220, if desired. A first lower opening 254 and a
second lower opening 268 are defined through a lower surface 256 of
the anvil arm 14. The lower surface 256 of the anvil arm 14 may be
substantially parallel to the contact surface 206 or may be
oriented differently relative to the contact surface 206.
Alternately, the first lower opening 254 and/or the second lower
opening 268 do not extend completely through the anvil arm 14, and
instead are depressions extending along at least part of a bottom
surface 266 of the channel 246
[0075] Referring also to FIGS. 37-38, the cutter 200 is a thin,
rigid member, shaped such that it can be held within the channel
246 in the anvil arm 14. The cutter 200 has a substantially
constant width along its entire length. Alternately, the width of
the cutter 20 may vary along its length. The cutter 200 may be made
of metal, ceramic, plastic, or other material, or from a
combination of different materials. A sharp projection 208 extends
upward from the cutter 200 at or near its distal end. The
projection 208 is substantially triangular, but may be shaped
differently. The projection 208 may be smooth or serrated, or
otherwise shaped or formed. A portion of the projection 208 may be
ground or otherwise honed to a sharp edge to facilitate the motion
of the projection 208 through the tissue of the wall of a target
vessel, as described in greater detail below. If so, the cutter 200
is composed of a material that can be sharpened adequately to cut
tissue. Alternately, the cutter 200 may be flexible, at least in
part. Further, the projection 208 may be located at a different
position on the cutter 200 than at or near its distal end. An
additional sharp point (not shown) may be provided at the distal
end of the cutter 200, extending in a distal direction, in order to
create an initial puncture or incision in the wall of the target
vessel. Such a point may be as described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/134,081, which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0076] One or more additional projections 208 may be provided, if
desired. For example, two or more projections 208 may extend upward
from the cutter 200. Where multiple projections 208 are used, they
may cooperate with one another to create an incision in the wall of
the target vessel. Referring also to FIG. 39, a second projection
208 extends upward from the cutter 200 proximal to a first
projection 208. The projections 208 are both substantially the same
triangular shape and the same size. However, the projections 208
may be shaped and sized differently. The projections 208 are both
substantially planar, and are aligned such that both projections
208 lie in substantially the same plane. Each projection 208 may
include at least one sharpened or beveled edge 209 oriented to
engage and incise the wall of the target vessel when the cutter 200
is translated, as described below. Referring to FIG. 40, at least
two projections 208 extend upward from the cutter 200. The
projections 208 each have a barb 211 at the tip. However, the barb
211 may be omitted from some or all of the projections 208. Under
the barb 211, a sharpened or beveled edge 209 extends downward and
proximally. The edge 209 may be straight or curved. The upper end
of the edge 209 is distal to the lower, proximal end of the
corresponding barb. The edge 209 of each projection 208 is oriented
to engage and incise the wall of the target vessel when the cutter
200 is translated. Referring to FIG. 41, at least two projections
208 extend upward from the cutter 200, at least one of which has a
barb 211 at its tip. The edge 209 associated with each projection
208 is more curved than the edge 209 shown in FIG. 40. Alternately,
the edge 209 is substantially straight, or gently curved, or
positioned on a portion of a larger curved segment 213 extending
downward from and proximal to the barb 211. Referring to FIG. 42, a
number of projections 208 may be placed along a length of the
cutter 200. This length may be comparable to the desired length of
the incision in the wall of the target vessel. These projections
208 may be substantially triangular as shown, or may be shaped
differently. Where more than one projection 208 is used on the
cutter 200, the projections 208 need not have the same
configuration. For example, projections 208 such as the exemplary
projections 208 shown in FIGS. 39-41 may be mixed together on the
same cutter 200. Alternately, one or more of the projections 208
are moveable relative to the cutter 200, such that one or more
projections 208 can be moved upward or downward relative to the
cutter 200.
[0077] As another example of a configuration of the projections
208, referring to FIG. 43, the projections 208 extending upward
from the cutter 200 each are substantially planar, and are aligned
such that not all of the projections 208 lie in the same plane. In
such a configuration, the projections 208 may create a wider
incision in the wall of the target vessel than would be created if
the projections 208 were substantially aligned. For example, one
set of projections 208 may be aligned substantially in a first
plane, and a second set of projections 208 may be aligned
substantially in a second plane substantially parallel to the first
plane. The second plane and the first plane may be oriented
differently relative to one another, if desired. As another
example, none of the projections 208 lie in a common plane with one
or more other projections 208. Referring to FIGS. 39-42, by using
multiple projections, the cutter 200 need not be translated as far
to make an incision in the wall of the target vessel as it would if
only a single projection 208 were used, as described in greater
detail below.
[0078] Referring back to FIGS. 34-35, an interior surface 202 is
located on each side of the channel 246. Each interior surface 202
may be substantially planar, curved, or may be shaped differently.
Further, each interior surface 202 may be oriented at an angle to
vertical or substantially vertical. The interior surfaces 202 may
be formed such that the channel 246 is substantially bilaterally
symmetrical, or may be formed to result in a channel 246 that is
not bilaterally symmetrical. The interior surfaces 202 of the
channel 246 within the anvil arm 14 may include raised features 204
that correspond to depressed staple bending features (not shown) on
the outer surface of the anvil arm 14. That is, if the staple
bending features are stamped into the anvil arm 14, or formed in
another way that causes deformation of the anvil arm 14, the
depressed staple bending features result in corresponding raised
features 204 on the interior surface 202 of the channel 246. The
raised features 204 do not interfere with the motion of the cutter
200 through the channel 246. Alternately, the raised features 204
are not present on the interior surface 202 of the channel 246.
[0079] A safety feature 210 is connected to the underside of the
anvil 10 and is biased toward the anvil 10 and the cutter 200. The
safety feature 210 may be biased into the channel 246 within the
anvil 10. Alternately, the safety feature 210 is connected to a
different location, such as the underside of the anvil arm 14. The
safety feature 210 may be flexible or rigid. The safety feature 210
includes a tip 212 that is oriented substantially transverse to the
longitudinal centerline of the cutter 200. Alternately, the tip 212
may be oriented in a different direction. The cutter 200 includes a
safety recess 214 defined in it, corresponding to the tip 212 of
the safety feature 210. The tip 212 is shaped and sized such that
it can engage the safety recess 214. The tip 212 may be a bar or
rod oriented substantially transverse to the direction of
translation of the cutter 200, or may be shaped or oriented
differently. In FIG. 34, the staple holder 38 has not yet been
moved into position to perform anastomosis. In this position, the
tip 212 of the safety feature 210 is biased upward to engage the
safety recess 214. The engagement between the safety recess 214 and
the tip 212 of the safety feature 210 substantially prevents
translation of the cutter 200 within the channel 246. Thus, the
cutter 200 and the projection 208 are prevented from deploying
until the staple holder 38 has been moved into the appropriate
position relative to the anvil arm 14, and inadvertent deployment
of the cutter 200 is prevented.
[0080] The cutter 200 includes an engagement member 216 extending
upward from a location at or near its proximal end. The engagement
member 216 instead may extend downward from the cutter 200 or to
the side of the cutter 200. Further, the engagement member 216 may
be positioned at a location other than at or near the proximal end
of the cutter 200. The engagement member 216 is configured to
engage at least a portion of a corresponding receiver 218 in the
staple holder 38. Thus, after engagement between the engagement
member 216 and the receiver 218, translation of the receiver 218
results in translation of the cutter 200. The receiver 218 is a
structure that is at least partially open on its underside and that
includes at least one surface 219 configured to engage the
engagement member 216. As shown in FIG. 34, the surface 219 is a
partially-curved surface shaped to receive the curved upper end of
the engagement member 216. However, the receiver 218 may be a flat
vertical surface, a curved surface, a structure such as an inverted
cup that is open on its underside and that has a wall or walls
encircling the engagement feature 216, or any other structure or
mechanism capable of engaging the engagement feature 216 and urging
it distally.
[0081] An anvil insert 222 is fixed to the anvil 10. Alternately,
the anvil insert 222 is connected to and capable of motion relative
to the anvil 10. Further, the anvil insert 222 may be connected to
the proximal end of the anvil arm 14, or another location on the
anvil arm 14. A cavity 228 is defined within the anvil insert 222.
An aperture 230 is defined through the distal end of the anvil
insert 222 into the cavity 228, connecting the channel 246 in the
anvil arm 14 and anvil 10 to the cavity 228. The cutter 200 extends
through the aperture 230, such that the distal end of the cutter
200 is positioned within the channel 246 and the proximal end of
the cutter 200 is positioned within the cavity 228.
[0082] A cutter stop 236 may be formed into or connected to the
anvil insert 222. The cutter stop 236 may engage the proximal end
of the cutter 200 if the cutter 200 is moved to a defined position
within the cavity 228, thereby restricting its proximal
translation. A cavity 262 may be defined within the staple holder
38 or a separate component connected to the staple holder 38. A
post 258 is positioned at the upper end of the cavity 262, where
the post 258 is oriented downward. A biasing element 260 is
connected at one end to the post 258. The biasing element 260 may
be a coil spring, a leaf spring, a different type of spring, an
elastomer, a wire form, or other structure or mechanism capable of
exerting a biasing force. The biasing element 260 is positioned
within and protected by the cavity 262, where the cavity 262 is
used. The cavity 262 may be a cylindrical opening having a diameter
substantially the same as the outer diameter of the biasing element
260, such that the cavity 262 restricts the biasing element 260 to
motion substantially along the axis of the cavity 262 and thus
directs the force exerted by the biasing element 260 in a
substantially downward direction, preventing bending or other
undesirable motion of the biasing element 260. The end of the
biasing element 260 that is not connected to the post 258 contacts
the cutter 200. As an example, the biasing element 260 may be a
compression spring that is compressed between the post 258 and the
cutter 200, resulting in a force on the cutter 200 that biases the
cutter 200 downward. The cutter 200 is slidable relative to the
biasing element 260, such that the biasing element 260 exerts a
downward force on the cutter 200 at different locations along its
upper surface 252 as the cutter 200 translates. Thus, at least the
distal end of the cutter 200 is biased downward throughout its
translation along the anvil 10. The entire cutter 200 may be biased
downward, if desired. Alternately, the post 258 is omitted, and the
biasing element 260 is fixed to an upper surface of the cavity 260.
Alternately, the biasing element 260 is omitted, and the cutter 200
is biased downward in another way. For example, the cutter 200 may
be constructed from an elastic or superelastic material that is
formed in such a way as to produce a downward bias.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 34, the distal end of the anvil arm 14
initially is spaced apart from the staple holder 38. While the
distal end of the anvil arm 14 is spaced apart from the staple
holder 38, the anvil arm 14 is inserted through the wall of the
target vessel, which is not shown for clarity. Advantageously, the
anvil arm 14 has a cross-section small enough to allow it to enter
the target vessel easily and to result in minimal or no leakage
from the target vessel after the anvil arm 14 is removed. The
distal tip of the anvil arm 14 may be sharp such that the anvil arm
14 itself penetrates the wall of the target vessel, resulting in an
opening in the wall of the target vessel substantially the same
size as the cross-section of the anvil arm 14. Alternately, a sharp
retractable projection (not shown) is provided at the distal end of
the anvil arm 14. The retractable projection is extended to allow
the distal end of the anvil arm 14 to penetrate the wall of the
target vessel, then retracted into the anvil arm 14. The
retractable projection may be a wire, a blade, a substantially
conical member, a screw or a screw-tipped rod, or any other sharp
structure or mechanism capable of penetrating the wall of the
target vessel. Such a retractable projection may be as described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/134,081, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternately, the cutter
200 includes a blade (not shown) at its distal end, where the blade
is configured to swivel. In a first position, the blade is
configured to extend substantially distal to the distal end of the
anvil arm 14, such that the blade can penetrate the wall of the
target vessel. Then, the blade is swiveled upward such that it can
act as a protrusion 208 such as described in FIGS. 39-42.
Alternately, a separate mechanism or structure is used to penetrate
the wall of the target vessel, and the anvil arm 14 is later
inserted through that penetration.
[0084] Referring also to FIG. 36, after insertion, the distal end
of the anvil arm 14 enters the lumen of the target vessel. The
anvil arm 14 is advanced into the target vessel until a tissue stop
220 on the anvil arm 14 encounters the edge of the penetration in
the wall of the target vessel. The tissue stop 220 is substantially
flat and/or blunt, and extends upward or in another direction
relative to the anvil arm 14 to increase the height and/or width of
the anvil arm 14. The tissue stop 220 increases the cross-section
of the anvil arm 14 such that the anvil arm 14 cannot easily move
further into the penetration in the wall of the target vessel after
the tissue stop 220 encounters the outer wall of the target vessel.
Because the tissue stop 220 is blunt, it does not penetrate the
wall of the target vessel or act to expand the size of the existing
penetration. Thus, the distance between the distal end of the anvil
arm 14 and the tissue stop 220 substantially determines how much of
the anvil arm 14 is allowed into the lumen of the target vessel.
After the anvil arm 14 has been inserted into the lumen of the
target vessel, the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14 is
substantially in contact with the inner surface of the wall of the
target vessel.
[0085] Next, referring also to FIG. 44, the staple holder 38 and
the anvil 10 are rotated or otherwise moved closer to one another
to a standby position. As the staple holder 38 and anvil 10 move
closer together, the staple holder 38 holds flaps at the end of the
graft vessel, which are configured substantially as shown in FIGS.
29-31, against the surface of the target vessel at the site of the
anastomosis. The flaps are substantially fixed relative to the
surface of the target vessel, such that the end of the graft vessel
is substantially immobile relative to the wall of the target
vessel. Thus, the position of the end of the graft vessel relative
to the wall of the target vessel remains substantially unchanged
throughout the duration of the anastomosis procedure. The perimeter
of the end of the graft vessel defines a closed area on the wall of
the target vessel. Consequently, the location of a connection made
between the end of the graft vessel and the wall of the target
vessel is substantially registered with an opening made within the
closed area in the wall of the target vessel, regardless of the
order in which the connection and the opening are made. Further,
the position of the end of the graft vessel relative to the wall of
the target vessel substantially maintains position registration
throughout the duration of the anastomosis procedure relative to
the opening in the wall of the target vessel through which the
anvil arm 14 is inserted. For clarity, the flaps and graft vessel
are not shown in FIG. 44. The staple holder 38 and anvil 10 may be
actuated to move between the position shown in FIG. 34 and the
position shown in FIG. 44 by any structure, mechanism or method. As
one example, a cable (not shown) is connected to the anvil 10 at or
near a shoulder 224 proximal to the tissue stop 220. This
connection may be made by soldering, welding, winding the cable
tightly around the anvil 10 at the shoulder 224, or in any other
way that results in a secure connection between the cable and the
anvil 10. To move the anvil 10 and the staple holder 38 relative to
one another, the cable is tensioned, causing the anvil 10 and/or
the connected anvil insert 222 to rotate around a pivot point such
as a pin 226 that pivotally connects the staple holder 38 to the
anvil 10. The pin 226 may be formed into or otherwise fixed to the
staple holder 38 or anvil arm 14, if desired. Thus, the anvil 10
and the staple holder 38 rotate relative to one another to the
standby position.
[0086] As the staple holder 38 and anvil 10 move together, the
engagement member 216 engages the receiver 218. Further, the
relative motion of the staple holder 38 and the anvil 10 causes the
staple holder 38 to contact the safety feature 210 and urge it
downward against its upward bias. Consequently, the tip 212 of the
safety feature 210 is moved downward out of engagement with the
safety recess 214 of the cutter 200. Alternately, another structure
or mechanism is configured to engage the safety feature 210 when
the staple holder 38 and anvil 10 are moved together, so as to urge
the tip 212 out of the safety recess 214. Thus, in the standby
position, the cutter 200 is freed for translation along the channel
246
[0087] Optionally, an interface structure 238 may be connected to
or formed into the staple holder 38. The interface structure 238
engages the anvil 10 or a component associated with the anvil 10 as
the staple holder 38 and the anvil 10 move to the standby position,
such as by snapping onto a corresponding feature (not shown) on the
anvil 10. By doing so, the interface structure 238 holds the staple
holder 38 substantially fixed relative to the anvil 10, in order to
maintain registration between the target vessel, the graft vessel,
the anvil 10 and the staple holder 38. The interface structure 238
may be a tab, rail, bump, or any other feature that is capable of
engaging a corresponding feature and holding the staple holder 38
substantially fixed relative to the anvil 10. Alternately, the
interface structure 238 is formed into or connected to the anvil 10
and engages a corresponding feature on the staple holder 38.
[0088] Referring also to FIG. 45, after the cutter 200 has been
freed for translation, the cutter 200 is urged distally relative to
the anvil arm 14. Advantageously, the staple holder 38 has stapled
or otherwise connected the graft vessel to the target vessel before
the cutter 200 is urged forward, such that the two vessels are
connected before the cutter 200 makes an incision between them.
Alternately, the cutter 200 may be urged forward while the staple
holder 38 is stapling or otherwise connecting the graft vessel to
the target vessel, or before the staple holder 38 has stapled or
otherwise connected the graft vessel to the target vessel.
[0089] The cutter 200 is urged distally by the receiver 218, which
engages the engagement feature 216 of the cutter 200. The receiver
218 is configured to travel along a guide structure 241. The guide
structure 241 is a rail or other structure along which the receiver
218 slide, and the receiver 218 interfaces with and translates
along the rail. Thus, the guide structure 241 guides the
translation of the receiver 218. Alternately, the guide structure
241 is a hollow channel defined within the staple holder 38, such
that the walls of the channel guide the translation of the receiver
218. Alternately, the guide structure 241 may be any other
structure or mechanism capable of guiding the translation of the
receiver 218. The guide structure 241 is substantially aligned with
the anvil arm 14. That is, the longitudinal centerline of the guide
structure 241 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal
centerline of the anvil arm 14. Thus, motion of the receiver 218
along the guide structure 241 causes translation of the engagement
feature 216 and therefore translation of the cutter 200
substantially parallel to the centerline of the anvil arm 14. The
receiver 218 may be actuated to translate along the guide structure
241 by an actuator (not shown). The actuator may directly transmit
force from a human hand or the like to the cutter, such as via a
cable (not shown). The cable may be the same cable described above
that may be utilized to rotate the anvil 10 and staple holder 38
relative to one another, or may be a different cable. Alternately,
the actuator may convert stored energy to force that is applied to
the cutter. Such stored energy may be provided by a spring,
battery, source of compressed gas, or other source. Alternately,
any mechanism, structure or method, using stored energy or not, may
be used to translate the receiver 218 along the guide structure
241. The particular mechanism, structure or method used to cause
translation of the cutter 200 is not critical to the invention. A
cavity 240 is provided in the staple holder 38 adjacent to the
guide structure 241 to allow for motion of the receiver 218 along
the guide structure 241. The cavity 240 is sized to allow the
receiver 218 to translate freely.
[0090] The upper surface 252 of the cutter 200 is substantially
planar proximal to the projection 208. The biasing element 260
contacts the upper surface 252 of the cutter 200 and biases the
cutter 200 downward. The cutter 200 includes a keel 264 that
extends downward. The keel 264 may be formed into the cutter 200,
or may be a separate component connected to the cutter 200. The
keel 264 is substantially as wide as the adjacent portion of the
cutter 200. However, the keel 264 may be wider or narrower than the
adjacent portion of the cutter 200. The keel 264 is positioned at
or near the distal end of the cutter 200. Alternately, the keel 264
may be positioned at a different location on the cutter 200.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 45, the keel 264 initially extends into the
first lower opening 254, which is defined through a lower surface
256 of the anvil 10. The keel 264 may extend completely through the
first lower opening 254, such that its lowest point extends outside
the anvil 10. The keel 264 is biased downward into the first lower
opening 254 as a result of the downward force exerted on the cutter
200 by the biasing element 260. While the keel 264 is biased into
the first lower opening 254, the projection 208 remains below the
contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14. In this way, the
projection 208 does not extend out of the anvil arm 14 while the
anvil arm 14 is inserted into the wall of a target vessel. The
first lower opening 254 extends along a fixed length of the lower
surface 256 of the anvil 10. As the cutter 200 translates distally,
the keel 264 continues to remain at least partially within the
first lower opening 254, such that the projection 208 continues to
remain below the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14.
Initially, the keel 264 may be positioned proximal to the distal
end of the first lower opening 254. The length of the first lower
opening 254 is selected to cause the projection 208 to remain below
the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14 across that distance.
That is, this distance is selected such that the projection 208 on
the cutter 200 does not engage the wall of the target vessel until
the projection 208 is positioned within the circumference of the
graft vessel. That is, the connection between the graft vessel and
the target vessel substantially defines a closed area, and the
projection 208 is configured to engage the wall of the target
vessel within that closed area. In this way, the projection 208
makes an incision completely within the connection between the
graft vessel and the target vessel, completing the anastomosis
between the two vessels and minimizing or eliminating leakage at
the anastomosis site. While the projection 208 on the cutter 200
remains below the upper surface of the anvil arm 14, it neither
engages nor cuts the wall of the target vessel.
[0092] Referring also to FIG. 46, the cutter 200 continues to
advance distally as the receiver 218 continues to impel the
engagement feature 216 distally. As described above, at least the
distal end of the cutter 200 is biased downward. As the cutter 200
advances distally, the keel 264 encounters the distal end of the
first lower opening 254. This encounter, and the continued proximal
translation of the cutter 200, causes the keel 264 to move upward
relative to the anvil arm 14. The keel 264 and/or the distal end of
the first lower opening 254 may be constructed to provide a smooth,
gradual upward motion of the keel 264, such as by providing a
gradual slope on the keel 264 and/or the distal end of the first
lower opening 254. Alternately, the keel 264 and/or the distal end
of the first lower opening 254 may be constructed to allow or cause
the keel 264 to move upward abruptly upon encountering the distal
end of the first lower opening 254. The upward motion of the keel
264 causes the distal end of the cutter 200 and the projection 208
to move upward. Thus, the size and position of the first lower
opening 254, including the position of the distal end of the first
lower opening 254, control the motion of the cutter 200 and the
projection 208 in the vertical direction.
[0093] As the distal end of the cutter 200 moves upward, the
projection 208 moves upward through the upper opening 248 in the
anvil arm 14. The contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14 is
substantially adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of the
target vessel. Thus, upward motion of the projection 208 through
the upper opening 248 and above the contact surface 206 of the
anvil arm 14 causes the projection 208 to enter the wall of the
target vessel. The cutter 200 continues to move distally, such that
the keel 264 moves out of the first lower opening 254 completely
and contacts the bottom surface 266 of the channel 246 of the anvil
arm 14. The projection 208 is sized such that the projection 208
completely penetrates the wall of the target vessel when the keel
264 has moved proximally to the first lower opening 254 and is in
contact with the bottom surface 266 of the channel 246. That is, at
least a portion of the projection 208 passes through the wall of
the target vessel and enters the lumen of the target vessel. This
initial penetration of the wall of the target vessel defines the
starting point of an arteriotomy performed on the target vessel by
the projection 208. The starting point of the arteriotomy is spaced
apart from the location on the target vessel at which the anvil arm
14 is inserted, because the cutter 200 and the projection 208 have
moved proximally a selected distance before penetrating or incising
the wall of the target vessel. The portion of the wall of the
target vessel between the arteriotomy and the insertion point of
the anvil arm 14 may be referred to as a tissue bridge. The
incision is referred to as an arteriotomy for convenience, and this
terminology does not limit the type of anastomosis that may be
performed. For example, anastomosis may be performed between two
tissue structures that are not blood vessels, such as bile
ducts.
[0094] Referring also to FIG. 47, the cutter 200 continues to
advance distally as the receiver 218 continues to impel the
engagement feature 216 distally. The lower surface of the keel 264
contacts the bottom surface 266 of the channel 246 during this
translation. The contact between the keel 264 and the bottom
surface 266 of the channel 246 counteracts the downward bias of the
distal end of the cutter 200. In this way, the projection 208 is
maintained above the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14. As
the cutter 200 continues to translate distally, the projection 208
moves through the tissue of the wall of the target vessel in a
direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of
the anvil arm 14, and incises the tissue of the wall of the target
vessel to create an arteriotomy. Because the projection 208 is
connected to and translated by the cutter 200, which is within the
target vessel, the arteriotomy is performed from within the target
vessel. The tip of the projection 208 may maintain substantially
the same height relative to the contact surface 206 of the anvil
arm 14 during translation of the cutter 200, or may change its
height relative to the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm, as
long as the projection 208 continues to incise completely through
the wall of the target vessel.
[0095] Referring also to FIG. 48, a second lower opening 268 is
defined through the lower surface 256 of the anvil arm 14. The
second lower opening 268 is distal to and substantially aligned
with the first lower opening 254. The cutter 200 continues to
advance distally as the receiver 218 continues to impel the
engagement feature 216 distally. As a result of this translation,
the keel 264 encounters the proximal end of the second lower
opening 268. Because the distal end of the cutter 200 is biased
downward, the keel 264 moves downward at least partially into the
second lower opening 268. The downward motion of the keel 264
causes the distal end of the cutter 200 and the projection 208 to
move downward. The keel 264 and/or the proximal end of the second
lower opening 268 may be constructed to provide a smooth, gradual
downward motion of the keel 264, such as by providing a gradual
slope on the keel 264 and/or the proximal end of the second lower
opening 268. Alternately, the keel 264 and/or the proximal end of
the second lower opening 268 may be constructed to allow or cause
the keel 264 to move downward abruptly upon encountering the
proximal end of the second lower opening 268. The downward motion
of the distal end of the cutter 200 causes the projection 208 to
retract into or completely through the upper opening 248, such that
the projection 208 no longer encounters the tissue of the wall of
the target vessel. The projection 208 may be urged downward
completely into the channel 246, depending on the depth of the
channel 246 and the height of the projection 208. Alternately, the
upper tip of the projection 208 may remain within the upper opening
248. The cutter 200 may stop its distal translation at
substantially the same time that the projection 208 retracts
completely into the upper opening 248, or may continue to translate
distally within the channel 246 before coming to a stop.
Alternately, the second lower opening 268 is not provided, and only
the first lower opening 254 extends through the lower surface 156
of the anvil arm 14 into the channel 246. In such a configuration,
the cutter 200 is retracted in the proximal direction after the
arteriotomy is formed, until the keel 264 moves downward into the
first lower opening 254 and the projection 208 consequently
retracts completely into the upper opening 248.
[0096] When the projection 208 is retracted out of the tissue of
the wall of the target vessel, the distal end of the arteriotomy is
defined, and the arteriotomy is complete. The distal end of the
first lower opening 254 and the proximal end of the second lower
opening 268 control the motion of the projection 208 and thereby
control the penetration of the wall of the target vessel. That is,
the distance between the distal end of the first lower opening 254
and the proximal end of the second lower opening 268 determines the
length of the arteriotomy.
[0097] After performing the arteriotomy, the cutter 200 is in a
distally-extended position. The cutter 200 remains in that position
as the anvil arm 14 is removed from the target vessel. Thus, the
projection 208 does not extend out of the upper opening 248 during
removal of the anvil arm 14 from the target vessel. The anvil arm
14 is removed from the target vessel after the anastomosis between
the graft vessel and the target vessel has been completed.
Alternately, after performing the arteriotomy, the cutter 200 may
be moved proximally within the channel 246 in the anvil arm 14
before removing the anvil arm 14 from the target vessel. The hole
in the wall of the target vessel 30 through which the anvil arm 14
enters the target vessel is small enough to prevent significant
bleeding through the puncture site. Alternately, the hole is closed
by hand suturing. Alternately, the hole is closed with a
biocompatible glue, adhesive or the like. Alternately, the hole is
closed with a clip, clamp, or other implantable device that remains
on the target vessel. Such a device may be positioned on the outer
surface and/or inner surface of the target vessel, and may extend
into the hole. A device for closing the hole may be constructed
from nitinol or other superelastic or pseudoelastic material, or
from stainless steel or other material, where that device moves
between a first configuration and a second configuration during
deployment, and where the second configuration holds the hole
closed. The hole is less than substantially 2 mm wide, and
advantageously less than 1 mm wide.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 49, another embodiment of the anvil 10
also includes a cutter 200 moveable relative to the anvil 10 for
making an incision in the wall of a target vessel. The anvil 10,
anvil arm 14, staple holder 38, and other components are
substantially as described above with regard to FIGS. 34-38 and
44-49. Referring to FIGS. 35 and 49, the anvil insert 222 is
connected to the anvil 10. An aperture 230 is defined through the
distal end of the anvil insert 222 into the cavity 228 defined
within the anvil insert 222, connecting the channel 246 to the
cavity 228. The cutter 200 extends through the aperture 230 in the
anvil insert 222, such that the distal end of the cutter 200 is
positioned within the channel 246 and the proximal end of the
cutter 200 is positioned within the cavity 228. A cam 232 is
positioned within the cavity 228 above the aperture 230.
Alternately, the cam 232 may be positioned differently relative to
the aperture 230. The cam 232 is a structure used in controlling
the motion of the cutter 200, as is described in greater detail
below.
[0099] At least the distal end of the cutter 200 may be biased
upward. This biasing may be performed by any appropriate structure
or mechanism, such as by one or more springs (not shown). Such a
spring or springs may act in compression to push the distal end of
the cutter 200 upward, or may act in tension to pull the distal end
of the cutter upward. As another example, the cutter 200 may be
constructed from an elastic or superelastic material that is formed
in such a way as to produce an upward bias. The entire cutter 200
may be biased upward, if desired. At least the distal end of the
cutter 200 is biased upward during the translation of the cutter
200 along the anvil arm 14. Alternately, the cutter 200 is not
biased, either upward or downward. Instead, the cutter 200 is urged
upward and downward at different locations during its translation
by the interaction between at least one cam follower on the cutter
200 and at least the cam 232.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 49, the distal end of the anvil arm 14 is
spaced apart from the staple holder 38. The anvil arm 14 is
inserted through the wall of the target vessel, as described above,
such that the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14 is in
substantial contact with the inner wall of the target vessel. Next,
referring to FIG. 50, the staple holder 38 and anvil 10 are moved
relative to one another into the standby position, as described
above. In the standby position, the cutter 200 is freed for
translation along the channel 246, because the tip 212 of the
safety feature 210 no longer engages the safety recess 214 of the
cutter 200. At least the distal end of the cutter 200 is biased
upward, and the cam 232 limits the upward motion of the cutter 200
by contacting at least a portion of the upper surface 252 of the
cutter 200. The cam 232 controls the motion of the distal end of
the cutter 200 in the vertical direction as the cutter 200
translates within the channel 246. Because the projection 208 is
fixed to the cutter 200, the cam 232 also controls the motion of
the projection 208 in the vertical direction, and thus controls the
location at which the projection 208 encounters the wall of the
target vessel.
[0101] Referring also to FIG. 51, after the cutter 200 has been
freed for translation, it is urged distally by the receiver 218 as
described above. A first cam follower 242 is defined on the upper
surface 252 of the cutter 200. The first cam follower 242 is a
raised structure formed into the upper surface 252 of the cutter
200. Alternately, the first cam follower 242 is a separate
structure or mechanism constructed separately from the cutter 200
and later connected to the cutter 200. Alternately, the first cam
follower 242 may be located on a surface of the cutter 200 in
addition to or instead of its upper surface 252, depending on the
position and configuration of the cam 232. The first cam follower
242 may be shaped as a trapezoid or similar shape, or may be shaped
differently.
[0102] The cam 232 is fixed, and the first cam follower 242 is
raised relative to the upper surface 252 of the cutter 200. At
least the distal end of the cutter 200 is biased upward. Thus, as
the cutter 200 translates distally, the cam 232 engages the first
cam follower 242 and causes the cutter 200 to move downward. The
cam 232 and the first cam follower 242 are shaped to smoothly
engage each other. Alternately, the first cam follower 242 is
shaped to induce the cutter 200 to abruptly move downward when the
first cam follower 242 initially encounters the cam 232. The height
of the first cam follower 242 relative to the contact surface 206
of the anvil arm 14 determines the distance that the distal end of
the cutter 200 is moved downward. As described above, the cutter
200 may include a keel 264 or similar projection extending
downward. As the distal end of the cutter 200 moves downward, the
keel 264 or other projection moves into the first lower opening
254. In this embodiment, the first lower opening 254 does not
control the motion of the cutter 200; instead, it provides a space
for the keel 264 to move downward without interfering with the
vertical motion of the distal end of the cutter 200. If the keel
264 is omitted, the first lower opening 254 and the second lower
opening 268 may be omitted as well.
[0103] The connection between the graft vessel and the target
vessel substantially defines a closed area, and the projection 208
is configured to engage the wall of the target vessel within that
closed area. That is, the end of the graft vessel has a perimeter
that contacts the side of the target vessel, such that the
perimeter of the end of the graft vessel defines a closed area on
the wall of the target vessel. In this way, the projection 208
makes an incision completely within the connection between the
graft vessel and the target vessel, completing the anastomosis
between the two vessels and minimizing or eliminating leakage at
the anastomosis site. While the projection 208 on the cutter 200
remains below the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14, it
neither engages nor cuts the wall of the target vessel. Thus, the
first cam follower 242 is sized to translate the tip of the
projection 208 below the contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14
for a selected distance such that the projection 208 does not
engage the tissue of the target vessel until the projection 208 is
positioned to enter the closed area on the wall of the target
vessel defined by the perimeter of the end of the graft vessel.
[0104] Referring also to FIG. 52, the cutter 200 continues to
advance distally as the receiver 218 continues to impel the
engagement feature 216 distally. Thus, the first cam follower 242
of the cutter 200 advances distally relative to the cam 232. As
described above, at least the distal end of the cutter 200 is
biased upward. The first cam follower 242 decreases in height at
its proximal end. Thus, as the upwardly-biased first cam follower
242 moves distally relative to the cam 232, the cam 232 and the
first cam follower 242 gradually disengage, causing both the distal
end of the cutter 200 and the projection 208 to move upward. The
first cam follower 242 is constructed to provide a smooth, gradual
upward motion of the distal end of the cutter 200 and the
projection 208, such as by providing a gradual slope between an
upper surface 250 of the first cam follower 242 and an upper
surface 252 of the cutter 200. Alternately, the first cam follower
242 may be constructed to allow the distal end of the cutter 200
and the projection 208 to abruptly snap upward as the first cam
follower 242 moves distal to the cam 232.
[0105] As the distal end of the cutter 200 moves upward, the
projection 208 moves upward through the upper opening 248 in the
anvil arm 14. The contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14 is
adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of the target vessel.
Thus, upward motion of the projection 208 through the upper opening
248 causes the projection 208 to enter the wall of the target
vessel. The projection 208 is sized, and the first cam follower 242
and cam 232 are shaped, such that the upward motion of the
projection 208 after the first cam follower 242 has moved distal to
the cam 232 causes the projection 208 to completely penetrate
through the wall of the target vessel. That is, at least a portion
of the projection 208 passes through the wall of the target vessel
and enters the lumen. This initial penetration of the wall of the
target vessel defines the starting point of an arteriotomy
performed on the target vessel by the projection 208. The starting
point of the arteriotomy is spaced apart from the location on the
target vessel at which the anvil arm 14 is inserted, resulting in a
tissue bridge therebetween.
[0106] Referring also to FIG. 53, the cutter 200 continues to
advance distally as the receiver 218 continues to impel the
engagement feature 216 distally. The upper surface 252 of the
cutter 200 may contact the cam 232 during this motion, because the
distal end of the cutter 200 continues to be biased upward. As the
cutter 200 translates, the projection 208 moves through the tissue
of the wall of the target vessel in a direction substantially
parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the anvil arm 14. In
this way, the projection 208 incises the tissue of the wall of the
target vessel to create an arteriotomy. The tip of the projection
208 may maintain substantially the same height relative to the
contact surface 206 of the anvil arm 14 during its distal
translation, or may change its height relative to the contact
surface 206 of the anvil arm 14, as long as the tip of the
projection 208 remains in the lumen of the target vessel during
that translation.
[0107] Referring also to FIG. 54, a second cam follower 244 is
defined on the upper surface 252 of the cutter 200, proximal to and
spaced apart from the first cam follower 242. Alternately, a single
cam follower is defined on the upper surface 252 of the cutter 200,
where that single cam follower includes a feature corresponding to
the first cam follower 242, a feature corresponding to the second
cam follower 244, and a section of reduced height between them
corresponding to the upper surface 252 of the cutter 200. The
cutter 200 continues to advance distally as the receiver 218
continues to impel the engagement feature 216 distally. As a result
of this motion, the second cam follower 244 contacts the cam 232.
Engagement between the second cam follower 244 and the cam 232
pushes the distal end of the cutter 200 downward. The shape and
size of the second cam follower 244 and cam 232 are selected such
that the distal end of the cutter 200 is pushed downward far enough
to cause the projection 208 to retract into the upper opening 248.
The projection 208 may be urged downward completely into the
channel 246, depending on the depth of the channel 246 and the
height of the projection 208. Alternately, the upper tip of the
projection 208 may remain within the upper opening 248. The cutter
200 may stop its distal translation at substantially the same time
that the projection 208 retracts completely into the upper opening
248, or may continue to translate distally within the channel 246
before coming to a stop.
[0108] When the projection 208 is retracted out of the tissue of
the wall of the target vessel, the distal end of the arteriotomy is
defined, and the arteriotomy is complete. The distance between the
first cam follower 242 and the second cam follower 244, and the
shape of the cam followers 242, 244, determine the length of the
arteriotomy. That is, each cam follower 242, 244 includes a
location thereon having a height relative to the upper surface 252
of the cutter 200 sufficient to cause the projection 208 to be
pushed out of contact with the wall of the target vessel. The
distance between these locations defines the length of the
arteriotomy. Thus, the cam followers 242, 244 control the motion of
the projection 208 and control the penetration of the wall of the
target vessel.
[0109] After performing the arteriotomy, the cutter 200 is in a
distally-extended position. The cutter 200 remains in that position
as the anvil arm 14 is removed from the target vessel. The anvil
arm 14 is removed from the target vessel after the anastomosis
between the graft vessel and the target vessel has been completed.
Alternately, after performing the arteriotomy, the cutter 200 may
be moved proximally within the channel 246 before removing the
anvil arm 14 from the target vessel. The hole at the puncture site
and its closure are substantially as described above.
[0110] Alternately, in the embodiment of FIGS. 34-35 and 44-49, or
the embodiment of FIGS. 50-54, the cutter 200 is initially in a
distally-extended position, and retracted proximally in order to
make an incision in the wall of the target vessel. The structures
and mechanisms are as described above, but operated in
substantially the reverse order as described above. Alternately,
the cutter 200 and the projection 208 may be moved in a different
way in order to incise the tissue of the wall of the target
vessel.
[0111] Where multiple projections 208 are provided on the cutter
200 as shown in FIGS. 39-43, the cutter 200 need not be translated
as far to make an incision in the wall of the target vessel as it
would if only a single projection were used. Because the
projections 208 are spaced apart from each other along the
direction of translation of the cutter 200, each projection 208 is
able to form a portion of the incision during translation of the
cutter 200. Thus, by translating each projection 208 across a
distance less then the intended length of the entire incision, the
complete incision can be formed. The distance that the cutter 200
is translated to form the incision is related to the distance
between the projections 208. That is, because each projection 208
forms a portion of the incision, no single projection 208 need be
translated along the entire length of the incision.
[0112] Alternately, where multiple projections 208 are utilized,
the projections 208 may be inserted into the wall of the target
vessel, after which energy is applied to the projections 208 via
the cutter 200 or directly in order to create an incision in the
wall of the target vessel. In such an embodiment, an energy source
(not shown) is connected to the cutter 200. For example, an
ultrasound generator (not shown) may be connected to the cutter 200
and to the energy source. The ultrasound generator may be a
piezoelectric crystal, as is standard, or a different structure or
mechanism. Electrical energy may be applied to the ultrasound
generator from the energy source, thereby causing the ultrasound
generator to vibrate the projections 208. Thus, energy may be
applied from the energy source to the ultrasound generator after
the projections 208 have been inserted into the wall of the target
vessel, causing the projections 208 to move and thereby create an
incision. Advantageously, a plurality of projections 208 spaced
relatively close to one another are utilized. Other methods may be
used to vibrate, move or oscillate the projections 208. FIGS. 17-23
illustrate an alternate anvil 100 that is used with a clamp 102 for
controlling an incision site during an anastomosis procedure. As
shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the anvil 100 includes an anvil arm 104
and a handle 106. The clamp 102 is slidable on the handle 106 to
clamp the tissue of the target vessel 30 between the clamp 102 and
the anvil arm 104. As with the anvil arm 104 described above, the
anvil arm 104 includes two rows of staple bending features 108 in
the form of recesses positioned in two parallel rows along a top
surface of the anvil arm 104. The clamp 102 has a central opening
110. Once the tissue of the target vessel wall has been trapped
between the clamp 102 and the anvil arm 104, an incision may be
made through the target vessel wall and the edges of the incision
are controlled by the combination of the anvil arm 104 and the
clamp 102.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 19, a continuous anastomosis staple device
114 may be used to connect the graft vessel 32 to the target vessel
30 at the anastomosis site. The staple device 114 as shown in FIG.
19 includes a plurality of linkages forming a tubular configuration
and a plurality of staple ends extending from the linkages. FIGS.
20-22 illustrate how the staple ends 116 of the staple device 114
are positioned in the end of the graft vessel 32 and are inserted
through the incision 118 in the target vessel and bent over by
contact with the staple bending features 108 of the anvil. As shown
in FIG. 22, the opposite ends 120 of the staple device 114 are
folded over to complete the anastomosis. FIG. 23 illustrates a
completed anastomosis performed according to the steps illustrated
in FIGS. 19-22.
[0114] FIGS. 24-27 illustrate an alternate example of an anvil arm
14d having a cutting wire 124 for forming the incision in the wall
of the target vessel 30. The cutting wire 124 may be used to form
an incision before, during or after performing an end-to-side
anastomosis procedure. Referring particularly to FIGS. 26-27, for
forming the incision after the anastomosis procedure, a clamp 126
is used to trap the tissue at the anastomosis site between the
clamp 126 and the anvil arm 14d prior to performing the incision.
The incision is spaced apart from the entry point of the anvil arm
14d into the target vessel, creating a tissue bridge between the
incision made in the wall of the target vessel and the entry point
of the anvil arm 14d into the target vessel. A portion of the
contact between the anastomosed graft vessel and target vessel
extends across the tissue bridge, such that the incision is located
within the closed area defined by the contact between the perimeter
of the end of the graft vessel and the wall of the target
vessel.
[0115] FIG. 28 shows a system 140 for controlling a tissue site and
performing anastomosis. For purposes of clarity, the staple holder
and staples have been omitted from FIG. 28. The system 140 includes
an anvil arm 142, a cutter 144, and a graft vessel holder 146 all
mounted on a handle 148. The anvil arm 142 is mounted on the handle
148 and connected to a first actuator 150 that allows the anvil to
be moved downward against the bias of a spring inside the handle.
The cutter 144 may be spring biased or fixed and is positioned on
the handle 148 directly above the anvil arm 142. The graft vessel
holder 146 includes two fixed arms 152 and two movable arms 154.
The two movable arms 154 are connected to a second actuator 156 on
the handle 148. Depression of the second actuator 156 against the
bias of a spring within the handle causes the movable arms 154 to
be moved downward away from the fixed arms to receive portions of a
graft vessel between the movable and fixed arms.
[0116] The operation of the system 140 of FIG. 28 is shown in the
cross sectional views of FIGS. 29-31. As shown in FIG. 29, an end
of a graft vessel 32 is split so that each half of the graft vessel
32 can be held between a fixed arm 152 and a movable arm 154. In
order to load the graft vessel 32 into the system 140, the first
actuator 150 and the second actuator 156 are depressed to move the
anvil arm 142 and the movable arms 154 downward. The split graft
vessel 32 is then inserted between the fixed and movable arms 152,
154 and the second actuator 156 is released to trap the ends of the
graft vessel 32, as shown in FIG. 30. The anvil arm 142 is then
inserted into the target vessel 30 in the same or similar manner as
described above.
[0117] Once the anvil has been inserted in the target vessel 30 as
shown in FIG. 30, the first actuator 150 is released to allow the
anvil to move upward to tent the wall of the target vessel. FIG. 31
illustrates the tented target vessel 30 positioned adjacent the
split and trapped graft vessel 32 in a position for performing
anastomosis. The staple holders 38 are then advanced in the
direction of the arrows D toward opposite sides of the anvil to
staple the graft vessel and target vessel together. The staple
holders 38 may hold a staple strip with an expandable backbone as
shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, or may instead or additionally hold
different types of staples not connected to a backbone. The staple
holders 38 may be provided with movable pins which allow the
spacing between the staples to be adjusted depending on a size of
the graft vessel used. Once the staples have been placed, the anvil
arm 142 is removed and the cutter 144 makes an incision in the
target vessel before or during removal of the anvil.
[0118] As described above, staple bending features are provided on
the anvil and staples are provided at an exterior of the tissue.
Alternately, the staples and/or staple holding strips may be
positioned on the anvil and an exterior member with staple bending
features may be moved toward the anvil to bend the ends of the
staples and secure the graft and target vessels together.
[0119] FIGS. 32-33 illustrate the use of an alternate anvil 130 for
controlling the tissue at an anastomosis site. The anvil 130
includes a longitudinal opening 132 extending through the anvil 130
for application of a plurality of conventional sutures at the
anastomosis site. According to this method, the anvil 130 is
inserted into the target vessel 30 and pulled against the interior
wall of the target vessel 30, tenting the target vessel as shown in
FIG. 33. Sutures 134 are then passed through the opening 132 in the
anvil 130 and through the tissue of the target vessel wall on
opposite sides of the anvil 130. Once the sutures 134 are placed as
shown in FIG. 33, an incision is made in the target vessel along a
center of the anvil 130. A center portion of each of the sutures 34
is then pulled out through the incision in the target vessel and
cut so that an even row of sutures is provided along each of the
sides of the incision. This system eliminates the tedious procedure
of placing each individual suture very close to the edge of the
incision in the very thin and flexible target vessel wall. Each of
the sutures 134 is connected to a graft vessel in a conventional
manner completing the anastomosis. The anvil as shown in FIGS.
32-33 allows quick and easy placement of a plurality of sutures in
a very even manner close to the edge of the incision. For example,
the sutures of a conventional anastomosis are generally within
about one millimeter of the edge of the incision and are
advantageously within 0.5 millimeters of the edge of the
incision.
[0120] In an alternate embodiment, the cutter 200 does not include
one or more projections 208. Instead, the cutter 200 includes or is
connected directly or indirectly to an energy source (not shown),
which is used to create an opening in the wall of the target
vessel. For example, an emitter of laser or RF energy, or another
type of energy, may be connected to the cutter 200 and to the
energy source. As the cutter 200 translates along the anvil arm 14,
it translates the emitter of laser or RF energy relative to the
wall of the target vessel. The emitter of laser or RF energy is
selectively actuated to transmit energy into the wall of the target
vessel during translation of the cutter 200, thereby creating an
opening therein. The energy source may transmit a first type of
energy to the emitter or other mechanism, which is converted by the
emitter into a second type of energy delivered into the wall of the
target vessel. Alternately, the cutter 200 may include a projection
208 and additionally be connected to an energy source that is
selectively actuated in order to assist in creating an opening in
the wall of the target vessel.
[0121] In an alternate embodiment, the cutter 200 does not
translate through the anvil arm 14. Instead, the cutter 200 is
spatially removed from the anvil arm 14, and creates an opening in
the wall of the target vessel before or after the anvil arm 14 is
inserted into the target vessel. In one example of such an
embodiment, the anvil arm 14 is inserted into a hole in the wall of
the target vessel and the staple holder 38 deploys staples or other
connectors to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel, as
described above. The anvil arm 14 is removed, and an independent
cutter 200 is then introduced through the hole in the wall of the
target vessel. The cutter 200 may be configured as described above,
including a projection 208 extending therefrom, or may be
configured differently. The cutter 200 is manipulated relative to
the connection between the target vessel and the graft vessel to
create an opening at the junction therebetween. That is,
registration is maintained between the cutter 200 and the junction
between the end of the graft vessel and the wall of the target
vessel. In order to position and manipulate the cutter 200 to
create an opening at the location of the junction between the
target vessel and the graft vessel, an imaging device (not shown)
or other device may be connected to the cutter 200 or utilized in
conjunction with the cutter 200. For example, a standard
intravascular ultrasound unit may be connected to or used in
conjunction with the cutter 200. The intravascular ultrasound unit
is connected to a display device (not shown) visible to the
operator. The operator controls the intravascular ultrasound unit
to visualize the interior of the target vessel and the surrounding
area, thereby locating the junction between the target vessel and
the graft vessel and allowing the cutter 200 to be controlled to
incise an opening in the wall of the target vessel within the
closed area on the wall of the target vessel defined by the
perimeter of the end of the graft vessel, thereby allowing blood to
flow through the opening into the target vessel. A different
visualization device or devices may be inserted into or positioned
outside of the target vessel to locate the junction with the graft
vessel. The cutter 200 and any visualization device present in the
lumen of the target vessel are then removed from the lumen of the
target vessel, and the opening in the wall of the target vessel
through which they were removed is sealed.
[0122] In another example of such an embodiment, the anvil arm 14
is inserted into a hole in the wall of the target vessel and the
staple holder 38 deploys staples or other connectors to connect the
graft vessel to the target vessel, as described above. The anvil
arm 14 is removed, and the hole in the wall of the target vessel is
removed. A cannula (not shown) is inserted into the lumen of the
graft vessel through the free end of the graft vessel, and a stylet
(not shown) is inserted through the lumen of the cannula. The
cannula and the stylet are surgical instruments that are well known
in the art. The stylet has a distal end configured to penetrate the
wall of the target vessel. Thus, a sharp point, blade, or other
penetrating member may be formed into or connected to the distal
end of the stylet. The cannula may be inserted into the lumen of
the graft vessel such that its distal end contacts the outer wall
of the target vessel. After the stylet has been inserted into the
cannula, a force is exerted on the stylet to cause its distal end
to penetrate the wall of the target vessel. Consequently, an
opening is created between the graft vessel and the target vessel
within the circumference of the end of the graft vessel. The
cannula and stylet are then removed from the lumen of the graft
vessel through its free end.
[0123] In another example of such an embodiment, the anvil arm 14
is inserted into a hole in the wall of the target vessel and the
staple holder 38 deploys staples or other connectors to connect the
graft vessel to the target vessel, as described above. The anvil
arm 14 is removed, and the hole in the wall of the target vessel is
closed. An independent cutter 200 is then introduced through the
wall of the graft vessel. The cutter 200 itself may create an
opening in the wall of the graft vessel through which it can enter,
or a separate implement may be used to create an opening in the
wall of the graft vessel. The cutter 200 may be configured as
described above, including a projection 208 extending therefrom, or
may be configured differently. For example, the cutter 200 may be
J-shaped or L-shaped to facilitate creation of the opening between
the graft vessel and the target vessel through the wall of the
graft vessel. The cutter 200 is manipulated relative to the
connection between the target vessel and the graft vessel to create
an opening in the wall of the target vessel at the junction
therebetween. That is, registration is maintained between the
cutter 200 and the junction between the end of the graft vessel and
the wall of the target vessel. The cutter 200 is then removed
through the wall of the graft vessel, and the opening in the wall
of the graft vessel is sealed.
[0124] While the invention has been described in detail, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made and equivalents employed, without
departing from the present invention. It is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the details of construction, the
arrangements of components, and/or the steps of performing
anastomosis set forth in the above description or illustrated in
the drawings. Therefore, the invention is not to be restricted or
limited except in accordance with the following claims and their
legal equivalents.
* * * * *