Components, systems, and methods for forming anastomoses using magnetism or other coupling means

Abstract

Anastomotic components may be attached to hollow bodies or vessels by magnetic or mechanical force to create an anastomosis, form a port in a vessel, or repair a diseased vessel lumen. Anastomoses are created by coupling a first connection to an end of a vessel and then attracting it to a second connector secured to the side wall of another vessel. The connection between the first and second connectors may be solidly magnetic, solely mechanical, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are methods and devices for treating diseased vessel lumens, for example abdominal aortic aneurysm. A plurality of docking members is attached to the vessel at solicited positions, and then one or more grafts is secured to the docking members in any suitable manner.

1 . A method for forming an anastomosis between two blood vessels using magnetism, the method comprising the steps of: 
 securing a first component to a first blood vessel;    securing a second component to a side wall of a second blood vessel with an opening in the second component substantially aligned with an opening in the side wall of the second blood vessel;    placing the first component in contact with at least one of the second component and the side wall of the second blood vessel;    positioning an intimal surface of the first blood vessel adjacent an intimal surface of the second blood vessel; and    using magnetism to couple the first and second components and form an anastomosis between the first and second blood vessels.    
   
   
       2 - 37 . (canceled)  
   
   
       38 . A method for forming an anastomosis between two blood vessels, the method comprising the steps of: 
 securing a first component to an end portion of a first blood vessel, wherein the first component and the end portion of the first blood vessel have substantially the same length and an intimal surface of the first blood vessel is uncovered by the first component;    securing a second component to a side wall of a second blood vessel with an opening in the second component substantially aligned with an opening in the side wall of the second blood vessel;    placing the first component and the end portion of the first blood vessel through the opening in the second component and the opening in the side wall of the second blood vessel, wherein the uncovered intimal surface of the first blood vessel is disposed adjacent an intimal surface of the side wall of the second blood vessel; and    coupling the first and second components to form an anastomosis between the first and second blood vessels.    
   
   
       39 . A method for securing an anastomotic component to an end of a blood vessel, the method comprising steps of: 
 providing an anastomotic component including a sleeve defining a lumen;    securing an end portion of a blood vessel to the anastomotic component by passing the end portion through the lumen of the sleeve;    placing an edge of the blood vessel in substantial alignment with an edge of the anastomotic component; and    passing a fastener through the end portion of the blood vessel and into locking engagement with the sleeve, the fastener leaving an exposed intimal surface that extends substantially around the sleeve.    
   
   
       40 . A method for securing an anastomotic component to a side wall of a blood vessel, the method comprising steps of: 
 providing an anastomotic component including a non-expandable portion and an expandable portion, the anastomotic component comprising a wire shaped to define a lumen and multiple tissue engaging portions;    forming an opening in a side wall of a blood vessel;    collapsing the expandable portion of the anastomotic component by collapsing the wire;    expanding the expandable portion of the anastomotic component by expanding the wire; and    securing the anastomotic component to the blood vessel by engaging the tissue engaging portions with the side wall of the blood vessel.    
   
   
       41 . A method for treating a lumen defined by a hollow structure in a patient's body, the method comprising steps of: 
 providing a docking member configured to be secured to tissue;    providing a prosthesis configured to be magnetically coupled to the docking member, the prosthesis having a lumen;    securing the docking member to a vessel in a patient's body, the vessel having a lumen with a diseased portion; and    magnetically coupling the prosthesis to the docking member to place the prosthesis lumen in sealing engagement with the vessel lumen.    
   
   
       42 . A method for repairing an aneurysm using magnetism, the aneurysm being located in a patient's body lumen, the method comprising steps of: 
 providing a prosthesis having an outer surface and a lumen;    locating a body lumen having an aneurysm;    placing the prosthesis in a desired position with respect to the aneurysm so that the prosthesis lumen sealingly engages the body lumen; and    using magnetism to secure the prosthesis in the selected position.    
   
   
       43 . An anastomotic component comprising: 
 a sleeve having a lumen adapted to receive a first vessel;    a plate extending away from the sleeve, the plate having an opening communicating with the sleeve lumen;    at least one of the sleeve and plate including a locking portion configured to lockingly engage another anastomotic component secured to a second vessel.