US4398907A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple outlet microarterial bridge for digital replantation
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-07-02
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Granted: 1983-08-16
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Expires: 2001-07-02
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for reestablishing and maintaining a blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries comprising: an elongated, flexible tubular means for insertion into a major artery which conveys blood to a reservoir means which controls the flow of blood from the tubular means to a blood distribution means which is further comprised of: a plurality of elongated tubes which are inserted into an artery of a severed digit to be reestablished and maintained with blood; and circumferential clamping means for forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of the tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F. Crais
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:25
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B90/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for reestablishing and maintaining a blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries, comprising: a. first elongated tubular means for conveying blood having proximal and distal end portions, said proximal end providing a needle means adapted for insertion of said proximal end into a major artery; b. blood distribution means comprising in part a plurality of elongated tubes, each of said tubes having a proximal and distal end portion, said distal end portion adapted for insertion into an artery of a severed digit to be reestablished and maintained with blood; c. reservoir means connecting the distal end of said tubular means with the proximal end of each of said tubes for controlling the flow of blood from said first tubular means to said blood distribution means; d. means associated with the distal end of each of said tubes for forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of the said tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for reestablishing and maintaining a blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries, comprising: a. first elongated tubular means for conveying blood having proximal and distal end portions, said proximal end providing a needle means adapted for insertion of said proximal end into a major artery; b. blood distribution means comprising in part a plurality of elongated tubes, each of said tubes having a proximal and distal end portion, said distal end portion adapted for insertion into an artery of a severed digit to be reestablished and maintained with blood; c. reservoir means connecting the distal end of said tubular means with the proximal end of each of said tubes for controlling the flow of blood from said first tubular means to said blood distribution means; d. means associated with the distal end of each of said tubes for forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of the said tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the needle means is convergently tapered to fit within the lumen of an artery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongated tubes are of a diameter less than the said first elongated tubular means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongated tubes are of a diameter of less than one millimeter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir means is the unitary connection of the distal end portion of the first elongated tubular means and the blood distribution means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the said reservoir means is of a diameter larger than the first elongated tubular means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blood distribution means provides blood to an artery of the severed digit under a pressure substantially equal to the pressure of blood in the said first tubular means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the said distal end portion of each of the said elongated tubes are convergently tapered to fit within the lumen of a severed digital artery.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for forming a substantially fluid tight connection of said tubes within each severed digital artery is a circumferential non-crushing, non-compressing clamp.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the length of each of said elongated tubes is provided with a means for observing the flow of blood therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the said elongated tubes is provided with a means for venting gaseous matter from the said tube.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the said elongated tubes is provided with a means for passing medication into said tubes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the said first elongated tubular means, blood distribution means and reservoir means are of a bio-compatible substance.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus in claim 13, wherein the bio-compatible substance is silicon.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoir means provides a substantially continuous, uninterrupted flow of blood to the blood distribution means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the said first elongated tubular means, said blood distribution means and said reservoir means are formed of a flexible, silicone material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first elongated tubular means, said blood distribution means, and said reservoir means are of a transparent material.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for reestablishing and maintaining blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries, comprising: a. a first elongated flexible tubular means for conveying blood having proximal and distal end portions said proximal end providing a needle means convergently tapered for insertion of said proximal end into a major artery; b. blood distribution means comprising in part a plurality of elongated tubes, of a diameter less than said first elongated tubular means, each of said tubes having a proximal and distal end portion, said distal end portion convergently tapered for insertion into an artery of a severed digit to be reestablished and maintained with blood; c. reservoir means, of a diameter larger than the first elongated tubular means, connecting the distal end of said tubular means with the proximal end of each of said tubes for controlling the flow of blood from said first tubular means to said blood distribution means; d. circumferential clamping means associated with the distal end of each of said tubes for forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of the said tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
183 words
An apparatus for reestablishing and maintaining blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries, comprising: a. a first elongated flexible tubular means for conveying blood having proximal and distal end portions said proximal end providing a needle means convergently tapered for insertion of said proximal end into a major artery; b. blood distribution means comprising in part a plurality of elongated tubes, of a diameter less than said first elongated tubular means, each of said tubes having a proximal and distal end portion, said distal end portion convergently tapered for insertion into an artery of a severed digit to be reestablished and maintained with blood; c. reservoir means, of a diameter larger than the first elongated tubular means, connecting the distal end of said tubular means with the proximal end of each of said tubes for controlling the flow of blood from said first tubular means to said blood distribution means; d. circumferential clamping means associated with the distal end of each of said tubes for forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of the said tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for reestablishing and maintaining the blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries comprising: a. inserting the proximal end of a first elongated tubular means for conveying blood into a major artery; b. connecting, by means of a reservoir, the distal end of said first tubular means with the proximal end of each of a plurality of elongated tubes of a blood distribution means; c. inserting the distal end of each of said elongated tubes within a severed digital artery; and d. forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of said elongated tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for reestablishing and maintaining the blood supply to one or more severed digital arteries comprising: a. inserting the proximal end of a first elongated tubular means for conveying blood into a major artery; b. connecting, by means of a reservoir, the distal end of said first tubular means with the proximal end of each of a plurality of elongated tubes of a blood distribution means; c. inserting the distal end of each of said elongated tubes within a severed digital artery; and d. forming a substantially fluid-tight connection of said elongated tubes within each severed digital artery after insertion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the proximal end of the said first elongated tubular means is provided with a needle means adapted for insertion of said proximal end into a major artery of the body.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 19, wherein controlling the flow of blood from said first tubular means to said blood distribution means is by a reservoir means connecting the distal end of said tubular means with the proximal end of each of said tubes.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-08-15 | 1987-02-14 | 1987-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-08-15 | 1991-02-14 | 1991-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-08-15 | 1995-02-14 | 1995-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |