Anastomosis System with Cutting Element

Abstract

A surgical tool for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel may include an anvil; a cutting element connected to the anvil; and an energy source connected to the cutting element, wherein the energy source is configured to deliver energy to the cutting element. A method for performing anastomosis with that tool may include placing an end of the graft vessel against a side of the target vessel; creating an opening in the wall of the target vessel at a first location; inserting an anvil through the opening from outside the wall of the target vessel into the lumen of the target vessel; creating an incision in the wall of the target vessel spaced apart from the first location; and connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel.

1 . A surgical tool for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel, comprising: 
 an anvil;    a cutting element connected to said anvil; and    an energy source connected to said cutting element, wherein said energy source is configured to deliver energy to said cutting element.    
   
   
       2 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting element is configured to vibrate upon delivery of energy thereto.  
   
   
       3 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting element further comprises an emitter connected to said energy source.  
   
   
       4 . The surgical tool of  claim 3 , wherein said emitter is configured to emit laser energy upon delivery of energy thereto.  
   
   
       5 . The surgical tool of  claim 3 , wherein said emitter is configured to emit radio frequency energy upon delivery of energy thereto.  
   
   
       6 . The surgical tool of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting element is movably connected to said anvil.  
   
   
       7 . The surgical tool of  claim 6 , wherein said anvil includes a channel defined therein, wherein said cutting element is movable within and along said channel.  
   
   
       8 . The surgical tool of  claim 7 , wherein said cutting element includes at least one projection extending generally upward.  
   
   
       9 . The surgical tool of  claim 8 , wherein at least one said projection is movable upward, then along, then downward relative to said channel.  
   
   
       10 . A method for performing anastomosis between a graft vessel and a target vessel, each vessel having a lumen therein, comprising: 
 placing an end of the graft vessel against a side of the target vessel;    creating an opening in the wall of the target vessel at a first location;    inserting an anvil through the opening from outside the wall of the target vessel into the lumen of the target vessel;    creating an incision in the wall of the target vessel, the incision spaced apart from the first location; and    connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said creating an incision is performed by translating a cutting element relative to said anvil.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said placing an end of the graft vessel against a side of the target vessel defines a closed area on the side of the target vessel, and said incising is performed by controlling said cutting element to position said incision entirely within the closed area.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said controlling is performed by biasing said cutting element upward and providing at least one control element on the upper surface of said cutting element.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said controlling is performed by biasing said cutting element downward and providing at least one control element on the lower surface of said cutting element.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said anvil includes a channel defined therein, and wherein at least part of said translating comprises translating at least part of said cutting element within and along said channel.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said cutting element includes at least one projection extending generally upward; further comprises moving said projection to a position completely within said channel after said creating an incision.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said creating an incision is performed outward from the lumen of the target vessel through the wall of the target vessel.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said creating an incision is performed by delivering energy from said cutting element to the wall of the target vessel.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said delivering energy comprises delivering ultrasonic energy.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said delivering energy comprises delivering laser energy.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said delivering energy comprises delivering radio frequency energy.