Tissue connector apparatus and methods

Abstract

A tissue connector assembly having a flexible member and a surgical clip releasably coupled to the flexible member. A needle may be secured to one end portion of the flexible member with the surgical clip coupled to the other end portion of the flexible member. A locking device may be used to couple the flexible member to the surgical clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes drawing tissue portions together with a clip assembly and securing the tissue portions together with the clip assembly.

1 - 38 . (canceled)  
   
   
       39 . A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel in an anastomosis comprising: 
 inserting a tissue connector assembly through said graft and target vessels with said graft vessel being spaced from said target vessel and said tissue connector assembly having a first end extending from an exterior surface of said graft vessel and a second end extending from an exterior surface of said target vessel; and    pulling at least a portion of said tissue connector assembly to draw said graft vessel into contact with said target vessel.    
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39  further comprising inserting a second tissue connector assembly through said graft and target vessels prior to pulling at least a portion of said tissue connector assembly.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 39  further comprising inserting a plurality of clips into said graft and target vessels after pulling at least a portion of said tissue connector assembly, to sealingly engage said vessels.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 41  further comprising placing said clips into an open configuration prior to inserting said clips into said vessels.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 42  wherein said deforming of said clips includes attaching a restraining device to each of said clips.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said inserting a tissue connector assembly includes inserting said tissue connector assembly through an end margin of said graft vessel and a side of said target vessel.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said inserting a tissue connector assembly includes inserting said tissue connector assembly through an end margin of said graft vessel and an end margin of said target vessel.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 39  wherein said inserting a tissue connector assembly includes inserting said tissue connector assembly through said a side of said graft vessel and a side of said target vessel.