US5720755A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Tubular suturing device and methods of use
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1995-10-02
•
Granted: 1998-02-24
•
Expires: 2015-10-02
Abstract
Abstract A tubular suturing device for suturing new types of tubular connectors to the ends of tubular structures such as blood vessels. The suturing device comprises a substantially rigid body containing multiple staples disposed within receptacles arranged radially along a suturing surface of the body, and an actuating mechanism moving in predetermined spaces producing multiple forces ejecting the staples in an approximately radial direction. Various embodiments and methods are provided for attachment of different types of tubular connectors to the external or internal surface of the tubular structures by staples ejected in an inward or outward radial direction; for new methods of clinching of the prongs of the ejected staples; for new surgical procedures and for new instruments facilitating their performance.
Inventors
- 👤 Pepi Dakov
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 15:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/11; A61B17/115; A61B17/1152; A61B17/064; A61B17/0643; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/1107; A61B2017/1132
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A suturing assembly for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said suturing assembly comprising: (a) a suturing device comprising a rigid body with a tubular suturing surface; (b) multiple staples disposed within respective receptacles arrayed radially along said suturing surface of said rigid body, each of said staples comprising two parallel prongs joined by a crosspiece; (c) actuating means that by an applied force move into respective spaces and eject simultaneously said multiple staples out of said receptacles; and (d) a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed firmly to each other, one of said tubular means being, sufficiently rigid for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the stapes upon ejection, said tubular means also sustaining a predetermined coupling form, and the other of said tubular means for withholding clinched staples, said other tubular means being sufficiently soft to be penetrated by ejected staples and with a sufficient tensile strength to withhold clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with the soft tubular means of said connector abutting said tubular anatomical structure on one side, while said suturing device with said suturing surface is abutting said tubular anatomical structure on the other side.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
210 words
A suturing assembly for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said suturing assembly comprising: (a) a suturing device comprising a rigid body with a tubular suturing surface; (b) multiple staples disposed within respective receptacles arrayed radially along said suturing surface of said rigid body, each of said staples comprising two parallel prongs joined by a crosspiece; (c) actuating means that by an applied force move into respective spaces and eject simultaneously said multiple staples out of said receptacles; and (d) a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed firmly to each other, one of said tubular means being, sufficiently rigid for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the stapes upon ejection, said tubular means also sustaining a predetermined coupling form, and the other of said tubular means for withholding clinched staples, said other tubular means being sufficiently soft to be penetrated by ejected staples and with a sufficient tensile strength to withhold clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with the soft tubular means of said connector abutting said tubular anatomical structure on one side, while said suturing device with said suturing surface is abutting said tubular anatomical structure on the other side.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said actuating means further comprise multiple rigid radial plates with predetermined sloped edges, said sloped edges producing multiple forces ejecting simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles when said plates are moved in an axial direction.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said staples are disposed within multiple receptacles arrayed along the inner side of said rigid body and are adapted to suture said tubular connector inserted into said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein said receptacles further comprise arcuate ends curved in a convergent direction which direct and clinch the prongs of the ejected staples in the convergent direction.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 4, wherein the rigid tubular means of said tubular connector has a tubular concave surface that clinches additionally the prongs of the ejected staples in the convergent direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tubular surface of the rigid tubular means of said tubular connector is curved sufficiently to clinch alone the prongs of the ejected staples.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 6, wherein said connector is positioned externally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said tubular surface of said rigid tubular means is adapted to clinch the prongs of the ejected staples in a convergent direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 6, wherein said connector is positioned internally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said tubular surface of said rigid tubular means is adapted to clinch the prongs of the ejected staples in a divergent direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
173 words
A suturing assembly for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said suturing assembly comprising: (a) a tubular suturing device comprising a tubular rigid body containing multiple staples disposed within respective receptacles arrayed radially along a suturing surface of said rigid body and actuating means that by an applied force move in a predetermined manner to eject simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles; and (d) a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed firmly to each other, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid tubular portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft tubular portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with said soft portion abutting said tubular anatomical structure on one side, while said suturing device with said suturing surface is abutting said tubular anatomical structure on the other side.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
173 words
A suturing assembly for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said suturing assembly comprising: (a) a tubular suturing device comprising a tubular rigid body containing multiple staples disposed within respective receptacles arrayed radially along a suturing surface of said rigid body and actuating means that by an applied force move in a predetermined manner to eject simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles; and (d) a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed firmly to each other, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid tubular portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft tubular portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with said soft portion abutting said tubular anatomical structure on one side, while said suturing device with said suturing surface is abutting said tubular anatomical structure on the other side.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 9, wherein said actuating means further comprise multiple rigid radial plates with predetermined sloped edges, said sloped edges producing multiple forces ejecting simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles when said plates are moved in an axial direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 9, wherein said staples are disposed within multiple receptacles arrayed along the inner side of said rigid body and are adapted to suture said tubular connector inserted into said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 9, wherein said receptacles further comprise arcuate ends curved in a convergent direction which direct and clinch the ejected staples in the convergent direction.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 12, wherein said rigid tubular means of said connector has a tubular concave surface that clinches additionally the ejected staples in the convergent direction.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 9, wherein the tubular surface of said rigid tubular means of said tubular connector is sufficiently curved to clinch alone the ejected staples.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 14, wherein said connector is positioned externally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said tubular surface of said rigid tubular means is adapted to clinch the ejected staples in a convergent direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
The suturing assembly according to 14, wherein said connector is positioned internally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said tubular surface of said rigid tubular means is adapted to clinch the ejected staples in a divergent direction.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The suturing assembly according to 14, wherein said connector is positioned internally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said tubular surface of said rigid tubular means is adapted to clinch the ejected staples in a divergent direction.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
152 words
A suturing assembly for attaching a tubular connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said suturing assembly comprising: (a) a tubular suturing device comprising a tubular rigid body containing multiple staples disposed within respective receptacles arrayed radially along a suturing surface of said rigid body and actuating means that by an applied force move in a predetermined manner to eject simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles; and (b) a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed firmly to each other, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein the ejected staples pierce said tubular anatomical structure and said soft portion and are clinched by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
152 words
A suturing assembly for attaching a tubular connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said suturing assembly comprising: (a) a tubular suturing device comprising a tubular rigid body containing multiple staples disposed within respective receptacles arrayed radially along a suturing surface of said rigid body and actuating means that by an applied force move in a predetermined manner to eject simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles; and (b) a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed firmly to each other, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein the ejected staples pierce said tubular anatomical structure and said soft portion and are clinched by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
44 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 17, wherein said actuating means further comprise multiple rigid radial plates with predetermined sloped edges, said sloped edges producing multiple forces ejecting simultaneously said staples out of said receptacles, when said plates are moved in an axial direction.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
39 words
The suturing assembly device according to claim 17, wherein said staples are disposed within multiple receptacles arrayed along the inner side of said rigid body and are adapted to suture said tubular connector inserted into said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 17, wherein said connector is positioned externally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said rigid portion of said connector is adapted to clinch convergently the ejected staples.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 17, wherein said connector is positioned internally to said tubular anatomical structure, and said rigid portion of said connector is adapted to clinch divergently the ejected staples.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 17, wherein receptacles further comprise arcuate ends curved in a convergent direction which clinch the ejected staples in the convergent direction.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
The suturing assembly according to claim 22, wherein said rigid portion of said connector has a tubular concave surface that clinches additionally the ejected staples in the convergent direction.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular anatomical structures by attaching connectors to their ends, said method comprising the steps of: (a) suturing a tubular connector to the end of each of said two tubular anatomical structures by a tubular suturing device ejecting simultaneously multiple staples in a radial direction, said connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed to each other, one of said portions tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, said tubular means having a predefined coupling surface and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) joining the two tubular anatomical structures by coupling the tubular connectors sutured to their ends.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular anatomical structures by attaching connectors to their ends, said method comprising the steps of: (a) suturing a tubular connector to the end of each of said two tubular anatomical structures by a tubular suturing device ejecting simultaneously multiple staples in a radial direction, said connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed to each other, one of said portions tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, said tubular means having a predefined coupling surface and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) joining the two tubular anatomical structures by coupling the tubular connectors sutured to their ends.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 24, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting staples in an outward radial direction by moving axially multiple rigid radial plates with predetermined sloped outer edges.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 24, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting staples in an inward radial direction by said tubular suturing device for attaching the tubular connectors inserted into said tubular structures.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 24, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching the ejected staples in a convergent direction by receptacles with arcuate ends curved convergently.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 27, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching additionally the ejected staples in the convergent direction by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 24, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching the ejected staples by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 29, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting staples in an outward radial direction and clinching convergently the ejected staples.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method for accomplishing an end-to-end anastomosis of two tubular structures according to claim 29, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting staples in an inward radial direction and clinching divergently the ejected staples.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for attaching a tubular connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the end of the tubular anatomical structure between a tubular suturing device containing multiple staples disposed within radially arrayed receptacles and a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) suturing said tubular connector to said tubular anatomical structure by ejecting said staples out of said receptacles, wherein the ejected staples pierce said tubular anatomical structure and said soft portion of said tubular connector.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for attaching a tubular connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the end of the tubular anatomical structure between a tubular suturing device containing multiple staples disposed within radially arrayed receptacles and a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) suturing said tubular connector to said tubular anatomical structure by ejecting said staples out of said receptacles, wherein the ejected staples pierce said tubular anatomical structure and said soft portion of said tubular connector.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 32, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting said staples in an outward radial direction by moving axially multiple rigid radial plates with predetermined sloped outer edges.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 32, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting said staples in an inward radial direction for attachment of said connector inserted into said tubular structure.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 32, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching the ejected staples in a convergent direction by receptacles with arcuate ends curved convergently.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 35, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching additionally the ejected staples in the convergent direction by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 32, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching the ejected staples by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 37, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting said staples in an outward radial direction and clinching convergently the ejected staples.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 37, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting said staples in an inward radial direction and clinching divergently the ejected staples.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the end of the tubular anatomical structure between a tubular suturing device containing multiple staples disposed within radially arrayed receptacles and a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) suturing of said tubular connector to said tubular anatomical structure by ejecting said staples out of said receptacles, wherein the ejected staples pierce said tubular structure and said soft portion and are clinched by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the end of the tubular anatomical structure between a tubular suturing device containing multiple staples disposed within radially arrayed receptacles and a tubular connector comprising inner and outer tubular means, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) suturing of said tubular connector to said tubular anatomical structure by ejecting said staples out of said receptacles, wherein the ejected staples pierce said tubular structure and said soft portion and are clinched by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 40, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting said staples in an outward radial direction by moving axially multiple rigid radial plates with predetermined sloped outer edges.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 40, wherein said step of suturing further comprises ejecting said staples in an inward radial direction for attachment of said tubular connector inserted into the end of said tubular structure.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 40, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching convergently the ejected staples by said rigid portion of said connector that is positioned externally to said tubular structure.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 40, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching divergently the ejected staples by said rigid portion of said connector that is positioned internally to said tubular structure.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 40, wherein said step of suturing further comprises clinching convergently the ejected staples by receptacles with arcuate ends curved convergently.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method for attaching a connector to an end of a tubular anatomical structure according to claim 45, wherein said steps of suturing further comprises clinching convergently the ejected staples by said rigid portion of said connector.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
112 words
A tubular connector for attachment to an end of a tubular anatomical structure by a tubular suturing device ejecting simultaneously multiple staples in a radial direction, said connector comprising: inner and outer tubular means firmly affixed together, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid tubular portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, said tubular means including a predetermined coupling surface and the other of said tubular means being a soft tubular portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with said soft portion abutting said tubular structure.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
112 words
A tubular connector for attachment to an end of a tubular anatomical structure by a tubular suturing device ejecting simultaneously multiple staples in a radial direction, said connector comprising: inner and outer tubular means firmly affixed together, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid tubular portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, said tubular means including a predetermined coupling surface and the other of said tubular means being a soft tubular portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with said soft portion abutting said tubular structure.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tubular connector according to claim 47, wherein said rigid portion is the outer portion and said soft portion is the inner portion of said connector that is positioned externally to said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tubular connector according to claim 47, wherein said rigid portion is the inner portion and said sole portion is the outer portion of said connector that is positioned internally to said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tubular connector according to claim 49, wherein said connector has an internal caliber approximating the internal caliber of said anatomical tubular structure.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
107 words
A tubular connector for attachment to an end of a tubular anatomical structure by a tubular suturing device ejecting simultaneously multiple staples in a radial direction, said connector comprising: inner and outer tubular means firmly affixed together, one of said tubular means having a rigid tubular portion and being sufficiently hard for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with said soft portion abutting said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
107 words
A tubular connector for attachment to an end of a tubular anatomical structure by a tubular suturing device ejecting simultaneously multiple staples in a radial direction, said connector comprising: inner and outer tubular means firmly affixed together, one of said tubular means having a rigid tubular portion and being sufficiently hard for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples, wherein said connector is positioned at the end of said tubular anatomical structure with said soft portion abutting said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tubular connector according to claim 51, wherein said rigid portion is the outer portion and said soft portion is the inner portion of said connector that is positioned externally to said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
35 words
The tubular connector according to claim 51, wherein said rigid portion is the inner portion and said soft portion is the outer portion of said connector that is positioned internally to said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tubular connector according to claim 53, wherein said connector has an internal caliber approximating the internal caliber of said tubular anatomical structure.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for accomplishing anastomosis of two tubular anatomical structures by attaching connectors to their ends, said method comprising the steps of: (a) suturing a tubular connector to the end of each said tubular anatomical structures by a tubular suturing device ejecting staples radially, said connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed to each other, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, said tubular means having a predefined coupling surface and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) coupling the sutured tubular connectors to a tubular graft adapted at the ends with rigid surfaces that match correspondingly to the coupling surfaces of the sutured connectors.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for accomplishing anastomosis of two tubular anatomical structures by attaching connectors to their ends, said method comprising the steps of: (a) suturing a tubular connector to the end of each said tubular anatomical structures by a tubular suturing device ejecting staples radially, said connector comprising inner and outer tubular means affixed to each other, one of said tubular means being a sufficiently rigid portion for preventing penetration of the staples and for clinching the staples upon ejection, said tubular means having a predefined coupling surface and the other of said tubular means being a soft portion and having a sufficient tensile strength for withholding clinched staples; and (b) coupling the sutured tubular connectors to a tubular graft adapted at the ends with rigid surfaces that match correspondingly to the coupling surfaces of the sutured connectors.
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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) | 2001-02-23 | 2001-08-25 | 2002-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-08-25 | 2006-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-02-23 | 2009-08-25 | 2010-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |