Anastomosis system utilizing an access port

Abstract

A tool used in the performance of an anastomosis procedure between a graft vessel and a target vessel, where that anastomosis procedure utilizes at least one surgical tool, may include an access system that has a port and a seal connected to the port. The seal may substantially prevent loss of fluid from the target vessel.

1 . A system for performing a vascular anastomosis procedure between a graft vessel and a target vessel, the system comprising: 
 a sealing element configured to substantially seal to the target vessel;    a port connected to said sealing element;    a tissue cutter insertable through said port to form an opening in a side wall of the target vessel;    an anastomosis tool insertable through said port to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel; and    a seal associated with said port, wherein said seal substantially provides a seal between said port and at least one of said tissue cutter and said instrument.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sealing element includes a plate contoured for placement against an exterior of the target vessel.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said sealing element is configured to receive suction.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said seal is a valve.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said seal is fabricated from an elastomeric material.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a one-piece anastomosis device connected to said anastomosis tool, whereby said one-piece anastomosis device connects the graft vessel to the target vessel.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said one-piece anastomosis device is superelastic.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said port axially registers said tissue cutter and said anastomosis tool.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said port is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       10 . A system for use in performing vascular anastomosis between a graft vessel and the aorta with tools including a tissue cutter and an anastomosis tool, the system comprising: 
 an access system including 
 a port, and  
 a seal connected to said port;  
   wherein said seal is configured to sequentially admit the tissue cutter and the anastomosis tool therethrough; and    wherein said seal provides substantial hemostasis when neither the tissue cutter nor the anastomosis tool are admitted through said seal, and also provides substantial hemostasis when either of the tissue cutter and the anastomosis tool are admitted through said seal.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said access system substantially seals to an exterior surface of the target vessel.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said seal is a valve configured to provide hemostasis.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said seal is elastomeric.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said port is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said port includes a lumen therethrough, and wherein said seal is located substantially at the proximal end of said port.  
   
   
       16 . A tool used in the performance of an anastomosis procedure between a graft vessel and a target vessel, said procedure utilizing at least one surgical tool, the tool comprising: 
 an access system including 
 a port, and  
 a seal connected to said port;  
   wherein said seal is configured for transition between an open position and a closed position; and    wherein in said closed position said seal substantially prevents loss of fluid from the target vessel through said seal, and wherein in said open position said seal admits at least one surgical tool and substantially prevents loss of fluid from the target vessel between said seal and the at least one surgical tool.    
   
   
       17 . The tool of  claim 16 , wherein said access system further comprises an element connected to said port, wherein said element is shaped to contact the wall of the target vessel.  
   
   
       18 . The tool of  claim 16 , wherein said seal is elastomeric.  
   
   
       19 . The tool of  claim 16 , wherein said seal is a valve.  
   
   
       20 . The tool of  claim 16 , wherein said seal is biased toward said closed position.