Method for Connecting Vessels

Abstract

A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel may utilize an integrated tool that includes a movable cam having a number of discrete slots defined therein. The method may include moving the cam, creating an opening in the wall of the target vessel with the integrated tool; and advancing an anastomosis device at least partially into the opening with the integrated tool, where moving the cam causes both the creating of the opening and the advancing of the anastomosis device.

1 . A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel having a lumen therethrough and a wall about said lumen, comprising: 
 providing an integrated tool comprising a movable cam having a plurality of discrete slots defined therein;    providing an anastomosis device connected to said integrated tool;    moving said cam;    creating an opening in the wall of the target vessel with said integrated tool; and    advancing said anastomosis device at least partially into the opening with said integrated tool;    wherein said moving causes both said creating and said advancing.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising deploying said anastomosis device after said advancing.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said deploying comprises radially expanding at least a portion of said anastomosis device.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said deploying comprising forming at least one flange on said anastomosis device.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said deploying comprises 
 forming a flange on said anastomosis device within the lumen of the target vessel; and    retracting said anastomosis device such that said flange engages the inner surface of the target vessel wall.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein said moving causes at least one of said forming and said retracting.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said deploying comprises 
 forming a flange on said anastomosis device; and    seating said flange against the wall of the target vessel after said forming.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said moving causes at least one of said forming and said seating.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said moving causes said deploying.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein said anastomosis tool includes a holder tube to which said anastomosis device is connected, and an expander, at least part of which is positioned within said holder tube; wherein said deploying includes sliding said expander relative to said holder tube and said anastomosis device.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said deploying includes advancing said holder tube distally, then advancing said expander distally relative to said holder tube.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said advancing said expander including advancing the distal end of said expander from a location proximal to said anastomosis device to a location within said anastomosis device.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising positioning said holder tube and said expander outside of the lumen of the graft vessel.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said cam is pivotable, and wherein said moving comprises pivoting said cam.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said pivoting is about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said integrated tool.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising substantially maintaining hemostasis at the opening after said creating, and before completing the anastomosis.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising everting an end of the graft vessel onto the distal end of said anastomosis device before said moving.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising puncturing the wall of graft vessel with said anastomosis device to hold the graft vessel on said anastomosis device.  
     
     
         19 . An anastomosis device for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel, the device comprising: 
 a unitary hollow structure with open ends, comprising 
 a first linkage comprising a plurality of struts and a plurality of axial members, each said strut connected to at least one said axial member, said first linkage expandable from a first configuration in which said first linkage is a substantially smooth shape to a second configuration in which said first linkage includes at least one first outwardly extending flange,  
 a second linkage configured to form at least one second outwardly extending flange; and  
 a connecting portion configured to connect said first linkage to said second linkage and space apart said first linkage and said second linkage.  
   
     
     
         20 . The anastomosis device of  claim 19 , wherein said hollow structure has a substantially circular cross-section in said first configuration.