Abstract A method for implanting a tubular graft within a preselected blood vessel utilizes apparatus embodiments for inserting the graft endwise and axially through the blood vessel into place therein and for operatively securing the graft to the inside wall of the blood vessel with surgical staple-like clips. For inserting the graft through the blood vessel, an apparatus embodiment includes a lengthy conduit for insertion through the blood vessel and having a distal end adapted to selectively expand and contract for cooperating with a preformed hole in the sidewall of the graft for binding the graft to or releasing the graft from the distal end. For securing the graft to the wall of the blood vessel, an apparatus embodiment includes an inflatable body adapted to retain the staple-like clips in a circular formation so that the pointed legs of the clips are directed generally radially outwardly of the circular formation and a mechanism for abruptly inflating the inflatable body to thereby drive the clips radially outwardly and through the wall of the tubular graft. A magnet can be used to retain the clips in condition against the inflatable body prior to being driven outwardly as aforesaid. The method of the invention includes the steps involved in implanting the tubular graft in the preselected blood vessel.
The method of attaching an implantable tubular graft to the wall of a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: forming an incision in said blood vessel; inserting said tubular graft into said blood vessel through said incision; moving said graft along said blood vessel to a desired location relative to said blood vessel; moving an inflatable bulb in a deflated condition within said graft so as to be in a desired position with respect to said graft and blood vessel, said bulb releasably carrying a plurality of clips having outwardly-facing ends; quickly inflating said bulb so as to drive said clips outwardly to penetrate said graft and blood vessel; releasing said clips after said clips have penetrated said graft and blood vessel; deflating said bulb; withdrawing such deflated bulb from said blood vessel; and closing said incision, thereby to leave said graft attached to said blood vessel by said clips.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
150 words
The method of attaching an implantable tubular graft to the wall of a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: forming an incision in said blood vessel; inserting said tubular graft into said blood vessel through said incision; moving said graft along said blood vessel to a desired location relative to said blood vessel; moving an inflatable bulb in a deflated condition within said graft so as to be in a desired position with respect to said graft and blood vessel, said bulb releasably carrying a plurality of clips having outwardly-facing ends; quickly inflating said bulb so as to drive said clips outwardly to penetrate said graft and blood vessel; releasing said clips after said clips have penetrated said graft and blood vessel; deflating said bulb; withdrawing such deflated bulb from said blood vessel; and closing said incision, thereby to leave said graft attached to said blood vessel by said clips.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as set forth in claim 1, and further comprising the additional step of: magnetically holding each clip to said bulb when said bulb is in said deflated condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bulb has an annular groove when said body is deflated to receive said clips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said clips is U-shaped.