Devices, systems, and methods for implanting and using a connector in a tissue wall

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems, and methods for implanting and using a connector in a tissue wall to establish, maintain, control, and close a fluid communication between opposing surfaces of the tissue wall. The connector may include an anchoring device, a port, and a coupler device. The anchoring device may be configured for advancing at least partially through the tissue wall. The port may be positioned about a proximal end of the anchoring device, and the port may define an aperture therethrough. The coupler device may be positioned about a proximal end of the port, and the coupler device may be configured for coupling to a medical device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A connector for implanting in a tissue wall, the connector comprising:
 an anchoring device configured for advancing at least partially through the tissue wall;   a port positioned about a proximal end of the anchoring device, wherein the port defines an aperture therethrough;   a coupler device positioned about the port, wherein the coupler device is configured for coupling to a medical device; and   a secondary sealing element configured for contacting and sealing against the tissue wall upon advancing the anchoring device at least partially therethrough.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary sealing element is formed as a substantially ring-shaped member positioned about the distal end of the port. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary sealing member has a generally frusto-conical shape. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary sealing member has a generally flat annular shape. 
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary sealing member is formed of a rigid or substantially rigid material configured for biasing the tissue wall to conform to the geometry of the secondary sealing element. 
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary sealing member is formed of a flexible or elastic material configured for conforming to the shape of the tissue wall. 
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a hemostasis valve configured for closing a fluid communication through the connector. 
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 7 , wherein the hemostasis valve is positioned at least partially within the aperture of the port, and wherein the hemostasis valve is configured for closing the fluid communication through the aperture. 
     
     
         9 . The connector of  claim 7 , wherein the hemostasis valve comprises a one-way valve. 
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 9 , wherein the hemostasis valve comprises a one-way multi-leaflet valve. 
     
     
         11 . The connector of  claim 7 , wherein the hemostasis valve is configured for allowing at least a portion of the medical device to pass therethrough. 
     
     
         12 . The connector of  claim 11 , wherein the hemostasis valve is configured for forming a fluid-tight seal about an outer surface of the medical device. 
     
     
         13 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a cannula configured for positioning at least partially through the aperture of the port and at least partially through the tissue wall. 
     
     
         14 . The connector of  claim 13 , wherein the cannula comprises threads configured for engaging mating threads of the port. 
     
     
         15 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring device is a suture-less device configured for advancing at least partially through the tissue wall. 
     
     
         16 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring device comprises a helical coil or spring. 
     
     
         17 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the port comprises a flange formed about a distal end of the port, wherein the flange is configured for contacting the tissue wall upon advancing the anchoring device at least partially therethrough. 
     
     
         18 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the coupler device is a suture-less device configured for coupling to the medical device. 
     
     
         19 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the medical device is an inlet tube of a ventricular assist device, and wherein the coupler device is configured for receiving and axially retaining the inlet tube. 
     
     
         20 . A connector for implanting in a tissue wall, the connector comprising:
 an anchoring device configured for advancing at least partially through the tissue wall;   a port positioned about a proximal end of the anchoring device, wherein the port defines an aperture therethrough;   a coupler device positioned about the port, wherein the coupler device is configured for coupling to a medical device;   a hemostasis valve configured for closing a fluid communication through the connector, wherein the hemostasis valve is positioned at least partially within the aperture of the port when the cannula and the port are engaged; and   a secondary sealing element configured for contacting and sealing against the tissue wall upon advancing the anchoring device at least partially therethrough.