US20110101069A1 - Surgical Stapler with Direct Sled to Staple Contact - Google Patents

Abstract

An exemplary surgical stapler may include a staple holder, staples positioned within the staple holder, and at least one structure slidable within the staple holder to contact directly at least one staple, where that direct contact deploys at least one staple from the staple holder. Another exemplary surgical stapler may include a staple holder, an anvil movably connected to the staple holder, staples positioned within the staple holder; and a sled slidable within the staple holder to contact directly at least one staple, where that direct contact urges at least one staple out of the staple holder and against the anvil.

Description

• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/378,127, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,924, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,131, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,038, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing anastomosis.
BACKGROUND
• Anastomosis is a procedure by which two hollow tissue structures are joined together. More particularly, vascular anastomosis is a procedure by which two blood vessels within a patient are surgically joined together. Vascular anastomosis is performed during treatment of a variety of conditions including coronary artery disease, diseases of the great and peripheral vessels, organ transplantation, and trauma. In coronary artery disease (CAD) an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery interferes with blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment of CAD involves the grafting of a vessel in the form of a prosthesis or harvested artery or vein to reroute blood flow around the occlusion and restore adequate blood flow to the heart muscle. This treatment is known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
• In the conventional CABG, a large incision is made in the chest and the sternum is sawed in half to allow access to the heart. In addition, a heart-lung machine is used to circulate the patient's blood so that the heart can be stopped and the anastomosis can be performed. In order to minimize the trauma to the patient induced by conventional CABG, less invasive techniques have been developed in which the surgery is performed through small incisions in the patient's chest with the aid of visualizing scopes. In both conventional and less invasive CABG procedures, the surgeon has to suture one end of the graft vessel to the coronary artery and the other end of the graft vessel to a blood-supplying artery, such as the aorta. The suturing process is a time consuming and difficult procedure requiring a high level of surgical skill. In order to perform the suturing of the graft to a target vessel such as the coronary artery or the blood supplying artery, a surgeon holds the edges of the incision in the target vessel with one handle and holds a needle in the other hand for suturing, or an assistant may hold the edges of the incision in the target vessel while a surgeon makes small stitches as close as possible to the edges of the incision. This suturing requires a high degree of precision and is quite time consuming. In addition, during conventional CABG procedures blood flow at the anastomosis site is stopped during suturing. This prevents bleeding from the incision site but also prevents blood from reaching a portion of the heart muscle served by the vessel. Further, during off-pump CABG procedures a side clamp or other device may be used to isolate a portion of the wall of the aorta to which a graft vessel is sutured. The use of a side clamp or similar device can cause emboli to detach from the wall of the aorta and enter the bloodstream, which is undesirable.
• Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a vascular anastomosis system that allows the tissue at the anastomosis site to be controlled during suturing or other connection of the graft and target vessels. It would also be desirable to provide a vascular anastomosis system that allows the connection of a graft vessel to a target vessel prior to making an incision in the target vessel which allows blood flow between the target vessel and the graft vessel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In one aspect of the invention, an anastomosis tool includes a tissue effector connected to a handle by a shaft or other structure. The tissue effector may be orientable relative to the handle and/or shaft. For example, the tissue effector may be configured to roll, pitch and/or yaw relative to the shaft. In this way, the tissue effector can be placed in a desired orientation at an anastomosis site, and the handle can be held in a convenient position by the user.
• In another aspect of the invention, the tissue effector includes a staple holder moveable relative to an anvil. The staple holder holds at least one staple. The staple holder and the anvil are movable relative to one another, and move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the anvil is configured for insertion into a target vessel. The tissue effector may be biased to the open position with a spring or other mechanism or structure. In the closed position, the tissue effector holds the graft vessel against the wall of the target vessel.
• In another aspect of the invention, the staple holder includes two or more spaced-apart arms. An end of the graft vessel is cut to form at least one flap therein, and each flap is folded onto an arm of the staple holder. One or more graft clips are provided on each arm, where each graft clip secures a corresponding flap to the surface of the arm. Each clip is configured to move between an open position for receiving a flap and a closed position for securing the flap to the corresponding arm of the staple holder. Each graft clip may utilize a cam-lock feature or other structure or mechanism to hold itself in the closed position. One or more spikes may be provided on each arm, such that the spike or spikes penetrate and hold the corresponding flap to secure it more thoroughly to the staple holder.
• In another aspect of the invention, at least one of the arms of the staple holder includes at least one connector bay. A staple is held within each connector bay, such as by friction against its walls. One or more of the staples may be coated with sodium stearate or other biocompatible lubricant. A passage extends though each arm of the staple holder, where one end of each connector bay opens to that passage.
• In another aspect of the invention, a connector deployer extends into each connector bay, such that one end of the connector deployer contacts or is in proximity to the corresponding staple. One end of each connector bay faces the anvil when the tissue effector is in the closed position, and the other end of each connector bay opens to a channel or other structure. The ends of the connector bays facing the anvil are against or in proximity to the flaps of the graft vessel held against the arms of the staple holder, such that deployment of the staples from the connector bays causes those staples to penetrate the flaps.
• In another aspect of the invention, a ramp element is movable within each passage. The ramp element may be a component of a sled that is movable relative to the staple holder. Upon contacting a connector deployer, the ramp element urges it into the connector bay. In turn, that connector deployer urges the corresponding staple along the connector bay and out of the open end of the connector bay. As the ramp element translates along the channel, it sequentially encounters the connector deployers, thereby sequentially deploying the staples into the corresponding flap and into the wall of the target vessel. Alternately, at least one ramp element may be configured to deploy the staples in another manner, such as substantially simultaneously.
• In another aspect of the invention, excess tissue may be incised from the flaps of the graft vessel. Such incising may be performed before, during or after the connection of the graft vessel to the target vessel. For example, a vein knife is configured to move relative to a second channel defined in an arm of the staple holder, where the second channel is positioned relative to the flap such that the flap can be to a desired size. Each flap may be incised during or after the anastomosis, freeing the graft vessel from the staple holder. The vein knife may be connected to the sled directly or indirectly. Thus, as the sled translates along the first channel, the vein knife translates along the second channel and incises the corresponding flap.
• In another aspect of the invention, at least one graft clip blade optionally is attached to at least one of the arms of the staple holder. The graft clip blade has a serrated edge oriented to engage the corresponding flap of the graft vessel. The serrations on the edge of the graft clip blade assist in holding the corresponding flap securely, particularly as the vein knife incises excess tissue from the flap. Additionally, the graft clip blade may participate in incising excess tissue from the corresponding flap. Further, the serrations on the edge of the graft clip blade, in conjunction with the spikes, may assist in holding the excess tissue incised from each flap.
• In another aspect of the invention, a cutter translates along a slot in the anvil to create an opening in the wall of the target vessel. The timing of the staple deployments are coordinated with the motion of the cutter. As one example, the sled and the cutter move simultaneously. The sled and the cutter are shaped, positioned and/or otherwise configured to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel and to incise an opening in the wall of the target vessel in a coordinated manner.
• In another aspect of the invention, the distal end of one or more of the arms of the staple holder may be notched. After the staples have been deployed, the sled may be positioned such that its distal ends are located at the distal ends of the channels, such that the sled is visible via the notches. In this way, actuation of the sled and thus deployment of the staples can be visually confirmed.
• In another aspect of the invention, the handle includes a trigger operationally connected to the tissue effector, providing for actuation of the tissue effector with a single motion of the trigger. That is, a single input to the anastomosis tool both deploys staples and incises the target vessel at the anastomosis site, such that a single input to the tool creates a complete anastomosis between the graft vessel and the target vessel.
• In another aspect of the invention, the trigger is connected to a rocker that is configured to engage a proximal slider during actuation of the trigger. A first cable or other force transmission structure or mechanism is connected to the proximal slider, as well as to the anvil. The first cable is movable relative to a cable housing, which is fixed at one end to the staple holder and at the other end to the shaft. The anvil is fixed relative to the shaft as well. As the trigger is actuated, the rocker urges the proximal slider proximally, causing the proximal slider to pull the first cable proximally. Because the anvil is fixed relative to the shaft, the proximal motion of the first cable tensions the first cable. Because the cable housing is fixed to the staple holder, the tensioning of the first cable causes the staple holder to move closer to the anvil, thereby moving the tissue effector from the open position to the closed position. By moving the staple holder and keeping the anvil substantially stationary, the tissue effector closes without damaging the target vessel within which the anvil is positioned.
• In another aspect of the invention, the rocker is configured to engage a distal slider during actuation of the trigger. A second cable or other force transmission structure or mechanism is connected to the distal slider, as well as to the sled. As the trigger is actuated, the rocker releases the distal slider to move proximally, causing the distal slider to pull the second cable proximally. The second cable is routed over a bend on the staple holder such that the motion of the second cable pulls the sled in the distal direction.
• In another aspect of the invention, the flaps are decoupled from the tissue effector after the anastomosis is complete. Advantageously, this decoupling occurs as a result of the depression of the trigger, such that a single control is used to perform the entire anastomosis procedure. Decoupling may be performed by incising the flaps, by releasing the graft clips, or in any other appropriate manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anvil and a plurality of staples according to a first aspect of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the anvil ofFIG. 1 being inserted into a target vessel.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the anvil tenting a wall of a target vessel for an anastomosis procedure.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a graft vessel placed adjacent an exterior of the tented target vessel for the anastomosis procedure.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the staples being applied to the graft vessel and the target vessel during an anastomosis procedure.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the completed anastomosis according to the first aspect of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a staple supported on a staple holding strip.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of the staple and staple holding strip ofFIG. 7 when the ends of the staple have been bent by contact with an anvil.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an anvil and staple according to another aspect of the present invention.
• FIGS. 10A and 10B are is a side views of a plurality of staples supported on two examples of expandable staple holding strips.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an anvil having a movable cutting device.
• FIG. 12 is a side view of an anvil having an external cutting device.
• FIGS. 12A and 12B are side views of a portion of an anvil and two cutting devices that snap onto the anvil.
• FIG. 13 is a side view of a portion of an anvil with an extendable cutting device.
• FIG. 14 is a side view of the anvil ofFIG. 13 with the cutting device extended.
• FIG. 15 is a side view of a portion of an anvil with an alternate extendable cutting device.
• FIG. 16 is a side view of the anvil ofFIG. 15 with the cutting device extended.
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an anvil according to a second aspect of the invention being inserted into a target vessel.
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the anvil ofFIG. 17 positioning inside a target vessel and a clamp being advanced to clamp the wall of the target vessel between the anvil and the clamp.
• FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a graft vessel being advanced to the target vessel with a continuous anastomosis staple while the anastomosis site on the target vessel is controlled by the anvil and clamp.
• FIGS. 20-22 are side cross sectional views of the steps of performing the anastomosis with the continuous anastomosis staple shown inFIG. 19.
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the completed anastomosis performed as shown inFIGS. 19-22.
• FIGS. 24-27 are perspective views of the steps of an alternative anvil and clamp system for controlling an anastomosis site and forming an incision through the clamped tissue of the target vessel.
• FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a system for controlling a tissue site and performing anastomosis according to the present invention.
• FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C ofFIG. 28, showing a first step of the anastomosis procedure.
• FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C ofFIG. 28, showing a second step of the anastomosis procedure.
• FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C ofFIG. 28, showing a third step of the anastomosis procedure.
• FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an anvil according to another aspect of the present invention for use with sutures.
• FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the anvil ofFIG. 32 positioned within a target vessel and used to locate a plurality of suture at an anastomosis site.
• FIG. 34 is a side cutaway view of a first embodiment of an anvil, a cutter and a staple holder, where the anvil and staple holder are spaced apart from each other.
• FIG. 35 is an end cross-section view of the anvil ofFIG. 34.
• FIG. 36 is a side cutaway view of a portion of the anvil inserted into the lumen of a target vessel.
• FIG. 37 is a side view of the cutter.
• FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the cutter ofFIG. 37.
• FIG. 39 is a side view of the distal end of a second embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 40 is a side view of the distal end of a third embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 41 is a side view of the distal end of a fourth embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 42 is a side view of a portion of a fifth embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 43 is a side view of the distal end of a sixth embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 43A is a side view of another embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 43B is a side view of another embodiment of a cutter.
• FIG. 44 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 34, where the cutter is in a first position.
• FIG. 45 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 34, where the cutter is in a second position.
• FIG. 46 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 34, where the cutter is in a third position.
• FIG. 47 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 34, where the cutter is in a fourth position.
• FIG. 48 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 34, where the cutter is in a fifth position.
• FIG. 49 is a side cutaway view of a second embodiment of an anvil and a staple holder, where the anvil and staple holder are spaced apart from each other.
• FIG. 50 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 40, where the cutter is in a first position.
• FIG. 51 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 40, where the cutter is in a second position.
• FIG. 52 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 40, where the cutter is in a third position.
• FIG. 53 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 40, where the cutter is in a fourth position.
• FIG. 54 is a side cutaway view of the anvil and staple holder ofFIG. 40, where the cutter is in a fifth position.
• FIG. 55 is a side view of an anastomosis tool having a tissue effector and a handle.
• FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55 in first position.
• FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55 in a second position.
• FIG. 58 is another perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55 in the first position.
• FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55 in the first position, with a graft vessel being connected to it.
• FIG. 59A is a detail cross-section view of a cam lock used in the tissue effector ofFIG. 55, where the cam lock is in an open position.
• FIG. 59B is a detail cross-section view of the cam lock ofFIG. 59A in a closed position.
• FIG. 59C is an end view of the left half of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55, in the closed position.
• FIG. 59D is an end view of the right half of another embodiment of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55, in the closed position.
• FIG. 60 is a detail side view of a portion of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55, showing an embodiment of a graft clip.
• FIG. 61 is a detail end view of a portion of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55.
• FIG. 62 is a side view of a vein knife used in the tissue effector ofFIG. 55.
• FIG. 63 is a side view of a graft clip blade used in the tissue effector ofFIG. 55.
• FIG. 64 is a cross-section view of section A-A ofFIG. 57.
• FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a connector deployer used in the arm ofFIG. 64.
• FIG. 66 is a side view of a portion of the arm ofFIG. 64 as defined by the line B-B ofFIG. 64.
• FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a staple configured to be deployed from the tissue effector ofFIG. 55.
• FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a sled used in the tissue effector ofFIG. 55.
• FIG. 69 is a bottom view of the sled ofFIG. 68.
• FIG. 69A is a side view of the sled ofFIG. 68.
• FIG. 70 is a side cross-section view of the handle ofFIG. 55 in a first position.
• FIG. 71 is a top view of a portion of a rocker utilized in the handle ofFIG. 55.
• FIG. 72 is a side cross-section view of the handle ofFIG. 55 in a second position.
• FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a completed anastomosis.
• FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 55 with a graft vessel loaded onto it.
• FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 74, where the anvil of the tissue effector has been inserted into the lumen of a target vessel.
• FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the tissue effector ofFIG. 74, after the graft vessel has been connected to the target vessel and before the anvil of the tissue effector has been removed from the lumen of the target vessel.
• FIG. 77 is a graph qualitatively illustrating the positions of the distal slider and the proximal slider of the handle over time, with regard to an arbitrary point between them.
• The use of the same reference symbols in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• As shown inFIG. 1, one embodiment of ananvil10 includes ahandle12 and ananvil arm14 extending from thehandle12. Theanvil arm14 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to thehandle12, or oriented at a different angle. Theanvil arm14 may be provided with one or more staple bending features16 on opposite sides of theanvil arm14. In theanvil10 shown inFIG. 1, the staple bending features16 each include a plurality ofrecesses20 which receive the ends ofstaples22 and cause the staple ends to bend over. At least one of the staple bending features16 may be configured differently or omitted, if desired. Thestaples22 may be connected to astaple holding strip24. Thestaples22 are U-shaped and are arranged in a spaced apart parallel configuration such that thestaples22 all lie in a single plane. Alternately, thestaples22 may be shaped differently, and/or lie in one or more different planes. Anexemplary anvil arm14 has a height and a width of about 2 mm or less, advantageously about 1 mm or less, and a length of about 2 to 15 mm, advantageously 5 to 12 mm. The length of the anvil will vary depending on the diameter of the graft vessel selected. The length to width ratio of theanvil arm14 is substantially between 2:1 and 15:1. A different length to width ratio may be used, if desired. As one example, thestaples22 have widths of about 0.2-3 mm. Advantageously, thestaples22 have widths of substantially 2 mm or less. The leg lengths of thestaples22 are substantially 0.2-3 mm. Alternately, other staple widths and/or leg lengths may be used.
• Theanvil arm14 has a sharpdistal end28 for puncturing the tissue of a target vessel to insert theanvil arm14 into the target vessel. As illustrated inFIG. 2, theanvil arm14 is inserted into a pressurized orunpressurized target vessel30 by puncturing the target vessel with thedistal end28 of theanvil arm14. The hole that is formed in the wall of thetarget vessel30 by theanvil arm14 is small enough to prevent significant bleeding through the puncture site. Alternately, the hole is closed by hand suturing. Alternately, the hole is closed with a biocompatible glue, adhesive or the like. Alternately, the hole is closed with a clip, clamp, or other implantable device that remains on the target vessel. Such a device may be positioned on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the target vessel, and may extend into the hole. A device for closing the hole may be constructed from nitinol or other superelastic or pseudoelastic material, or from stainless steel or other material, where that device moves between a first configuration and a second configuration during deployment, and where the second configuration holds the hole closed. The hole is less than substantially 2 mm wide, and advantageously less than 1 mm wide. Alternately, theanvil arm14 has a bluntdistal end28 that is inserted through a hole created with a separate instrument, by a different instrument connected to theanvil arm14, or by a sharp member connected to theanvil arm14 that can be refracted into theanvil arm14 or otherwise blunted or concealed after puncturing or creating an incision in the wall of the target vessel.
• Once theanvil arm14 has been inserted into thetarget vessel30, theanvil arm14 may be pulled against an inner wall of thetarget vessel30, causing tenting of the thin tissue of the vessel wall as illustrated inFIG. 3. This tenting of the vessel wall provides control over the anastomosis site during an anastomosis procedure that is described with respect toFIGS. 4-6. However, tenting of the target vessel wall need not be tented in order to control the anastomosis site during the anastomosis procedure.
• As shown inFIG. 4, agraft vessel32 is advanced to the anastomosis site and anend34 of thegraft vessel32 is positioned adjacent an exterior surface of thetarget vessel30 at the anastomosis site. The tented portion of thetarget vessel30 is positioned within the perimeter of theend34 of thegraft vessel32. As shown inFIG. 5, astaple holder38 is provided having twoarms40 which are pivotally connected to thehandle12 of theanvil10. Alternatively, the pivotingarms40 of thestaple holder38 may be connected to thehandle12 in a different way, or may be connected to a separate or additional device. Thearms40 are spaced apart from one another across at least a part of their length. Thus, the graft vessel can be positioned between thearms40. That is, thearms40 are positioned on substantially opposite sides of the graft vessel. In this way, eacharm40 may be positioned against a flap at an end of the graft vessel, as illustrated inFIGS. 29-31. Thearms40 may be configured differently, if desired.
• Referring also toFIG. 1, thestaple holder38 may be used to holdindividual staples22 and/or staple holding strips24. In one embodiment, eacharm40 of thestaple holder38 carries one row ofstaples22 or onestaple holding strip24, where thestaples22 are arranged in a substantially linear row. Alternately,staples22 or staple strips24 may be arranged in two or more rows, parallel or otherwise, on one ormore arms40. Alternately, thestaples22 may be staggered on one or more arms, such that at least one row ofstaples22 does not fall along a straight line. Thestaples22 or staple strips24 may be arranged or aligned in any manner on eacharm40 that results in a secure anastomosis between the graft vessel and the target vessel. Thestaples22 are inserted through the flaps at the end of thegraft vessel32, or another portion of the target vessel, and into thetarget vessel30 by pivoting thearms40 of thestaple holder38 towards theanvil arm14. The staple bending features16 are positioned in a configuration corresponding to the configuration of thestaples22, such that each staple22 engages a correspondingstaple bending feature16 during deployment. When the ends of thestaples22 engage the staple bending features16 on theanvil arm14, the ends of thestaples22 are bent over, securing thegraft vessel32 andtarget vessel30 together. Once the staple ends are bent over, thestaples22 are released from thestaple holding strip24 or thestaple holder38, resulting in spaced apartstaples22 securing thegraft vessel32 and thetarget vessel30 together as shown inFIG. 6. Alternately, thestaple holder38 is a mechanism that deploys connectors other than or in addition tostaples22.
• After stapling is complete, an incision is formed in the wall of thetarget vessel30 to allow blood flow between the target vessel and thegraft vessel32. Some examples of methods and devices for forming the incision will be described in further detail below.FIG. 6 illustrates a completed anastomosis between atarget vessel30 and agraft vessel32 with a plurality ofstaples22. The spacing between thestaples22 is approximately 1 to 4 mm. This spacing is similar to the spacing between sutures in a conventional sutured anastomosis. A different spacing between thestaples22 may be used if desired. After completion of the anastomosis, theanvil arm14 is withdrawn from thetarget vessel30 betweenadjacent staples22. The withdrawal of theanvil arm14 leaves a gap that is approximately the same as the spacing between adjacent staples. Accordingly, substantially no blood leakage occurs at the location where the anvil arm has been withdrawn.
• FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate one example of a staple22 connected to astaple holding strip24. Thisstaple22 includes barbed staple ends52 extending from the front portion of the staple22 and a C-shapedportion54 extending from a rear of the staple22 for connecting the staple22 to thestaple holding strip24. Thestaple holding strip24 includes a plurality ofprotrusions56 for receiving thestaples22. The C-shapedportion54 of each staple22 is received around one of theprotrusions56 and is secured in place at one or more locations, such as bywelds58 or by a frangible linkage or connection. Alternately, the C-shapedportion54 of each staple22 may be secured to the staple-holdingstrip24 in a different way. As shown inFIG. 8, when thestaple holding strip24 is advanced toward theanvil arm14, the barbed staple ends52 are received in therecesses20 in theanvil arm14. Contact between eachstaple end52 and thecorresponding recess20 generates a moment that causes the barbed staple ends52 to bend towards one another. At the same time that the barbed staple ends52 bend over, or after the bending of the staple ends52, thestaple22 is detached from thestaple holding strip24. The staple22 may be detached from thestaple holding strip24 by the action of bending the barbed staple ends52 such that the C-shapedportion54 of the staple22 splays outward and breaks apart from the correspondingprotrusion56 on thestaple holding strip24, by bending a frangible connection between the staple holding strip and the staples to separate the staples, or any other known separation methods, such as melting of a connection between the staple and the staple holding strip.
• FIG. 9 illustrates analternate staple22ahaving inwardly curved barbed staple ends52a. Because the staple ends52aare themselves curved, the corresponding staple bending feature or features16aneed not be curved to bend the ends52aof thestaples22a. As shown inFIG. 9, the staple bending features16aon each side of the anvil arm14amay be formed as a single longitudinal groove along the anvil arm14a, where the staple bending feature16ahas a substantially flat surface. When the curved ends52aof the staple22aare received in the groove16aof the anvil arm14a, the ends bend inward to secure the tissue with the staple. Alternately, the staple may be configured differently. Alternately, two or more different kinds of staples are deployed by thestaple holder38 in order to form a single anastomosis.
• Referring also toFIG. 10A, a plurality ofstaples22aare positioned on an expandable staple holding strip called anexpandable backbone66. Theexpandable backbone66 includes a plurality ofelements68 which are interconnected by one or more expandingmembers70. Each of thebackbone elements68 is provided with a connectingdiamond member72 that is connected to one of thestaples22a. As shown inFIG. 10A, each staple22ais connected to thecorresponding diamond member72 by a thin connectingsection74. Theexpandable backbone66 allows the spacing between thestaples22ato be adjusted for the particular anastomosis to be performed. Thebackbone66 allows expansion of the distance between staples from a distance of approximately 0.1 mm to a distance of approximately 1 to 4 mm, i.e., expansion of up to 40 times the original spacing. Alternately, thebackbone66 allows a different amount of expansion. The expandingbackbone66 also includes twoopenings76 at opposite ends which may be engaged by holding pins (not shown) on an anastomosis system or staple holder. Theopening76 allow thebackbone66 to be easily expanded by relative motion of the holding pins. The connectingdiamond members72 are configured to collapse inwardly toward the backbone when thestaples22aengage the staple bending surface or surfaces16aof the anvil. The collapsing of eachdiamond member72 forces the correspondingstaple22ato separate from thediamond member72 at a connectingsection74. The connectingsection74 is a frangible linkage connecting a staple22ato acorresponding diamond member72.
• FIG. 10B illustrates another example ofstaples22adetachably connected to abackbone66. Thestaples22aare each connected to the associatedbackbone elements68 at two connectingsections74. Thestaples22a,backbone66, and associated components are substantially as described above with regard toFIG. 10A.
• FIG. 11 shows a portion of ananvil arm14 with amovable cutting device44. The cuttingdevice44 includes abase46 and ablade48. Thebase46 of the cuttingdevice44 is positioned in alongitudinal groove50 in theanvil arm14. After theanvil arm14 has been inserted into the target vessel, the cuttingdevice44 may be moved longitudinally along theanvil arm14 to form an incision in the target vessel.
• FIGS. 12,12A, and12B illustrate external cutting devices that are advanced down onto theanvil arm14 after the anastomosis procedure and cut an incision in the target vessel from an exterior of the target vessel as theanvil arm14 is withdrawn. As shown inFIG. 12, aknife62 is positioned on aknife arm64 that is movable along thehandle12 of the anvil. Theknife62 is moved downward in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of thehandle12 until theknife62 engages arecess65 in theanvil arm14. Theknife62 is thereby positioned substantially at the anastomosis site. The end of the graft vessel is then placed substantially against the wall of the target vessel at the anastomosis site, over theknife62 andknife arm64. As theanvil arm14 is withdrawn from the anastomosis site, theknife62 forms an incision in the target vessel. Theknife62 andknife arm64 exit the anastomosis site via the joint between the graft vessel and the target vessel. The withdrawal of theanvil arm14,knife62 andknife arm64 leaves a gap in the wall of the target vessel that is approximately the same as the spacing between adjacent staples to minimize or eliminate leakage through that gap. Alternately, theknife62 may be moveable relative to thehandle12 in at least one direction in addition to a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of thehandle12. For example, theknife62 may be moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the wall of the target vessel to create an arteriotomy in the target vessel at the junction between the graft vessel and the target vessel.
• FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate two alternate examples of theknife62 which snap onto acorresponding engagement surface65 of theanvil arm14 so that the knife and anvil are secured together for formation of the incision during removal of theanvil arm14 from the anastomosis site.
• FIGS. 13-16 illustrate two variations of extendable cutting devices for making an incision in the target vessel while withdrawing theanvil arm14 from the target vessel.FIG. 13 illustrates ananvil arm14bhaving ablade78 connected to aflexible blade support80. When theblade support80 is pulled in the direction of the arrow A with respect to theanvil arm14b, theblade78 moves from a forwardly extending position shown inFIG. 13 to an upwardly extending position shown inFIG. 14 as a result of flexure of theblade support80. Theblade78 in the forwardly extending position may be used to form a small opening in the wall of the target vessel through which theanvil arm14 is inserted into the target vessel. After an anastomosis has been performed, or while an anastomosis is performed, theblade78 is moved to an upwardly angled or a vertical position in which theblade78 is used to form an incision in the target vessel as theanvil arm14bis removed from the target vessel.
• FIGS. 15-16 illustrate an alternate example of ananvil arm14chaving ablade84 and ablade support86. While theanvil arm14cis inserted into the target vessel and during the anastomosis procedure, theblade84 is positioned in arecess88 in the anvil arm. Theblade84 may be moved from the position ofFIG. 15 to the extended position ofFIG. 16 by moving theblade support86 in the direction of the arrow B with respect to the anvil arm. Theblade84 is flexible and stressed, such that freeing theblade84 from therecess88 causes theblade84 to move to the extended position. Alternatively, theblade84 may be extended automatically upon withdrawal of theanvil arm14 when ablade tip90 catches on an interior surface of the target vessel wall during withdrawal of the anvil arm.
• The extendable cutting devices shown inFIGS. 13-16 are merely shown as examples of the type of cutting devices which may be used for making the incision. Once these cutting devices or blades have been extended from the anvil arm, they may be fixed to perform cutting as the anvil arm is removed from the target vessel or the blades may be movable along the anvil arm to make an incision prior to removal of the anvil arm from the target vessel.
• Referring toFIG. 55, anexemplary anastomosis tool300 is shown. Theanastomosis tool300 includes ahandle302, ashaft304 connected to thehandle302, acable housing306 connected at one end to thehandle302, and atissue effector400 connected to both theshaft304 and thecable housing306. Theanastomosis tool300 may be configured differently, if desired. For example, thecable housing306 may be omitted, and the cable or cables (not shown) that would otherwise extend therethrough are instead routed through theshaft304. Thehandle302 and/or thetissue effector400 may be detachable from theshaft304 to allow for interchangeability of these components. In this way, thesame handle302 may be used to perform more than one anastomosis within a single patient, where adifferent tissue effector400 may be connected to that handle302 for each anastomosis. Further, thehandle302 may be constructed from materials that can be sterilized, such as by an autoclave, and reused. Thehandle302 may assume any appropriate configuration; the shape and configuration of thehandle302 described herein is exemplary and not limiting. Theshaft304 may be a rigid hollow structure such as a tube of stainless steel, but may be shaped differently and/or fabricated from a different material. Further, theshaft304 may be flexible at least in part, rather than rigid. Alternately, theshaft304 may be omitted altogether, such that thehandle302 is connected to thetissue effector400 by one or more cables that would otherwise have extended through theshaft304. Thehandle302 includes atrigger308 that provides for actuation of theanastomosis tool300 based solely on a single input to thattrigger308, as described in greater detail below. Alternately, additional inputs may be utilized to actuate theanastomosis tool300. For example, actuation of theanastomosis tool300 may be based on an input to one or more buttons in addition to thetrigger308.
• Thetissue effector400 includes ananvil10 and astaple holder38. Thetissue effector400 may be permanently fixed to theshaft304, or may be detachable from it such that is it decoupled from thehandle302. That is,tissue effectors400 may be interchangeable. Alternately, theshaft304 is not provided, and thetissue effector400 is directly coupled to thehandle302. One end of thecable housing306 is fixed to thestaple holder38.
• Theanvil10 of thetissue effector400 may be as described above, or may be configured differently. Advantageously, theanvil10 also includes acutter200 that is moveable relative to theanvil10 for making an incision in the wall of a target vessel. Referring toFIGS. 34 and 35, atissue stop220 is formed into or connected to theanvil10. The portion of theanvil10 distal to thetissue stop220 is configured to penetrate into the wall of a target vessel, and may be referred to as theanvil arm14. Achannel246 is defined within theanvil arm14, through which acutter200 is configured to move. Thecutter200 is narrower than thechannel246, such thatinterior surfaces202 on either side of thechannel246 may guide the translation of thecutter200 relative to theanvil arm14. As used in this document, the term “translation” as used in regard to thecutter200 refers to motion of thecutter200 in the distal or proximal direction, whether or not thecutter200 or a portion thereof moves upward or downward during that motion. For convenience, the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14 toward the wall of the target vessel may be referred to as “upward”, and the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14 away from the wall of the target vessel may be referred to as “downward”. However, the positioning of theanvil arm14 in use is not limited to an orientation in which these directions correspond to absolute directions measured relative to the ground. Similarly, for convenience, motion upward or downward may be referred to as “vertical” motion, and motion substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14 may be referred to as “horizontal” motion.
• Theanvil arm14 includes acontact surface206. Referring also toFIG. 36, in use, thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 is placed substantially against theinner surface203 of atarget vessel201. Thecontact surface206 substantially defines a place that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14. Alternately, thecontact surface206 is contoured and/or oriented differently. Anupper opening248 extends along at least a portion of thecontact surface206 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14, and opens into thechannel246. Theupper opening248 may divide thecontact surface206 into symmetrical or asymmetrical sections. Further, thecontact surface206 may be formed by two substantially planar surfaces, by one substantially planar surface and a differently-shaped surface, or by another set of surfaces. Additionally, thecontact surface206 may be formed by two thin edges, each edge occurring at the intersection of a wall of theupper opening248 and an outer surface of theanvil arm14. Theupper opening248 need not extend proximally any further than thetissue stop220. However, theupper opening248 may extend proximal to thetissue stop220, if desired. A firstlower opening254 and a secondlower opening268 are defined through alower surface256 of theanvil arm14. Thelower surface256 of theanvil arm14 may be substantially parallel to thecontact surface206 or may be oriented differently relative to thecontact surface206. Alternately, the firstlower opening254 and/or the secondlower opening268 do not extend completely through theanvil arm14, and instead are depressions extending along at least part of abottom surface266 of thechannel246.
• Referring also toFIGS. 37-38, thecutter200 is a thin, rigid member, shaped such that it can be held within thechannel246 in theanvil arm14. Thecutter200 has a substantially constant width along its entire length. Alternately, the width of thecutter20 may vary along its length. Thecutter200 may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or other material, or from a combination of different materials. Asharp projection208 extends upward from thecutter200 at or near its distal end. Theprojection208 is substantially triangular, but may be shaped differently. Theprojection208 may be smooth or serrated, or otherwise shaped or formed. A portion of theprojection208 may be ground or otherwise honed to a sharp edge to facilitate the motion of theprojection208 through the tissue of the wall of a target vessel, as described in greater detail below. If so, thecutter200 is composed of a material that can be sharpened adequately to cut tissue. Alternately, thecutter200 may be flexible, at least in part. Further, theprojection208 may be located at a different position on thecutter200 than at or near its distal end. An additional sharp point (not shown) may be provided at the distal end of thecutter200, extending in a distal direction, in order to create an initial puncture or incision in the wall of the target vessel. Such a point may be as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/134,081, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• One or moreadditional projections208 may be provided, if desired. For example, two ormore projections208 may extend upward from thecutter200. Wheremultiple projections208 are used, they may cooperate with one another to create an incision in the wall of the target vessel. Referring also toFIG. 39, asecond projection208 extends upward from thecutter200 proximal to afirst projection208. Theprojections208 are both substantially the same triangular shape and the same size. However, theprojections208 may be shaped and sized differently. Theprojections208 are both substantially planar, and are aligned such that bothprojections208 lie in substantially the same plane. Eachprojection208 may include at least one sharpened orbeveled edge209 oriented to engage and incise the wall of the target vessel when thecutter200 is translated, as described below. Referring toFIG. 40, at least twoprojections208 extend upward from thecutter200. Theprojections208 each have abarb211 at the tip. However, thebarb211 may be omitted from some or all of theprojections208. Under thebarb211, a sharpened orbeveled edge209 extends downward and proximally. Theedge209 may be straight or curved. The upper end of theedge209 is distal to the lower, proximal end of the corresponding barb. Theedge209 of eachprojection208 is oriented to engage and incise the wall of the target vessel when thecutter200 is translated. Referring toFIG. 41, at least twoprojections208 extend upward from thecutter200, at least one of which has abarb211 at its tip. Theedge209 associated with eachprojection208 is more curved than theedge209 shown inFIG. 40. Alternately, theedge209 is substantially straight, or gently curved, or positioned on a portion of a largercurved segment213 extending downward from and proximal to thebarb211. Referring toFIG. 42, a number ofprojections208 may be placed along a length of thecutter200. This length may be comparable to the desired length of the incision in the wall of the target vessel. Theseprojections208 may be substantially triangular as shown, or may be shaped differently. Where more than oneprojection208 is used on thecutter200, theprojections208 need not have the same configuration. For example,projections208 such as theexemplary projections208 shown inFIGS. 39-41 may be mixed together on thesame cutter200. Alternately, one or more of theprojections208 are moveable relative to thecutter200, such that one ormore projections208 can be moved upward or downward relative to thecutter200.
• As another example of a configuration of theprojections208, referring toFIG. 43, theprojections208 extending upward from thecutter200 each are substantially planar, and are aligned such that not all of theprojections208 lie in the same plane. In such a configuration, theprojections208 may create a wider incision in the wall of the target vessel than would be created if theprojections208 were substantially aligned. For example, one set ofprojections208 may be aligned substantially in a first plane, and a second set ofprojections208 may be aligned substantially in a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The second plane and the first plane may be oriented differently relative to one another, if desired. As another example, none of theprojections208 lie in a common plane with one or moreother projections208. Referring toFIGS. 39-42, by using multiple projections, thecutter200 need not be translated as far to make an incision in the wall of the target vessel as it would if only asingle projection208 were used, as described in greater detail below.
• Referring back toFIGS. 34-35, aninterior surface202 is located on each side of thechannel246. Eachinterior surface202 may be substantially planar, curved, or may be shaped differently. Further, eachinterior surface202 may be oriented at an angle to vertical or substantially vertical. The interior surfaces202 may be formed such that thechannel246 is substantially bilaterally symmetrical, or may be formed to result in achannel246 that is not bilaterally symmetrical. The interior surfaces202 of thechannel246 within theanvil arm14 may include raisedfeatures204 that correspond to depressed staple bending features (not shown) on the outer surface of theanvil arm14. That is, if the staple bending features are stamped into theanvil arm14, or formed in another way that causes deformation of theanvil arm14, the depressed staple bending features result in corresponding raised features204 on theinterior surface202 of thechannel246. The raised features204 do not interfere with the motion of thecutter200 through thechannel246. Alternately, the raised features204 are not present on theinterior surface202 of thechannel246.
• Optionally, asafety feature210 may be connected to the underside of theanvil10. Thesafety feature210 is biased toward theanvil10 and thecutter200. Thesafety feature210 may be biased into thechannel246 within theanvil10. Alternately, thesafety feature210 is connected to a different location, such as the underside of theanvil arm14. Thesafety feature210 may be flexible or rigid. Thesafety feature210 includes atip212 that is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal centerline of thecutter200. Alternately, thetip212 may be oriented in a different direction. If thesafety feature210 is provided, thecutter200 may include asafety recess214 defined in it, corresponding to thetip212 of thesafety feature210. Thetip212 is shaped and sized such that it can engage thesafety recess214. Thetip212 may be a bar or rod oriented substantially transverse to the direction of translation of thecutter200, or may be shaped or oriented differently.
• InFIG. 34, thestaple holder38 has not yet been moved into position to perform anastomosis. In this position, if thesafety feature210 is provided, thetip212 of thesafety feature210 is biased upward to engage thesafety recess214. The engagement between thesafety recess214 and thetip212 of thesafety feature210 substantially prevents translation of thecutter200 within thechannel246. Thus, thecutter200 and theprojection208 are prevented from deploying until thestaple holder38 has been moved into the appropriate position relative to theanvil arm14, and inadvertent deployment of thecutter200 is prevented.
• Thecutter200 includes anengagement member216 extending upward from a location at or near its proximal end. Theengagement member216 instead may extend downward from thecutter200 or to the side of thecutter200. Further, theengagement member216 may be positioned at a location other than at or near the proximal end of thecutter200. Theengagement member216 is configured to engage at least a portion of acorresponding receiver218 in thestaple holder38. Thus, after engagement between theengagement member216 and thereceiver218, translation of thereceiver218 results in translation of thecutter200. Thereceiver218 is a structure that is at least partially open on its underside and that includes at least onesurface219 configured to engage theengagement member216. As shown inFIG. 34, thesurface219 is a partially-curved surface shaped to receive the curved upper end of theengagement member216. However, thereceiver218 may be a flat vertical surface, a curved surface, a structure such as an inverted cup that is open on its underside and that has a wall or walls encircling theengagement member216, or any other structure or mechanism capable of engaging theengagement member216 and urging it distally. Referring also to FIGS.58 and68-69, thereceiver218 may be defined in asled482, which is described in greater detail below.
• Ananvil insert222 is fixed to theanvil10. As one example, theanvil10 is wider proximal to theanvil arm14, open at its top with a space therein. Theanvil insert222 can be inserted into theanvil10 through its top, such that theanvil insert222 is partially or completely positioned within theanvil10. However, theanvil insert222 may be connected to theanvil10 in another way. Alternately, theanvil insert222 is connected to and capable of motion relative to theanvil10. Further, theanvil insert222 instead may be connected to the proximal end of theanvil arm14, or another location on theanvil arm14. Acavity228 is defined within theanvil insert222. Anaperture230 is defined through the distal end of theanvil insert222 into thecavity228, connecting thechannel246 in theanvil arm14 andanvil10 to thecavity228. Thecutter200 extends through theaperture230, such that the distal end of thecutter200 is positioned within thechannel246 and the proximal end of thecutter200 is positioned within thecavity228.
• Acutter stop236 may be formed into or connected to theanvil insert222, or formed into or connected to theanvil10 itself or another structure or mechanism. Thecutter stop236 may engage the proximal end of thecutter200 if thecutter200 is moved to a defined position within thecavity228, thereby restricting its proximal translation. Acavity262 may be defined within thestaple holder38 or a separate component connected to thestaple holder38. Apost258 is positioned at the upper end of thecavity262, where thepost258 is oriented downward. A biasingelement260 is connected at one end to thepost258. The biasingelement260 may be a coil spring, a leaf spring, a different type of spring, an elastomer, a wire form, or other structure or mechanism capable of exerting a biasing force. The biasingelement260 is positioned within and protected by thecavity262, where thecavity262 is used. Thecavity262 may be a cylindrical opening having a diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the biasingelement260, such that thecavity262 restricts the biasingelement260 to motion substantially along the axis of thecavity262 and thus directs the force exerted by the biasingelement260 in a substantially downward direction, preventing bending or other undesirable motion of the biasingelement260. The end of the biasingelement260 that is not connected to thepost258 contacts thecutter200. As an example, the biasingelement260 may be a compression spring that is compressed between thepost258 and thecutter200, resulting in a force on thecutter200 that biases thecutter200 downward. Thecutter200 is slidable relative to the biasingelement260, such that the biasingelement260 exerts a downward force on thecutter200 at different locations along itsupper surface252 as thecutter200 translates. Thus, at least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased downward throughout its translation along theanvil10. Theentire cutter200 may be biased downward, if desired. Alternately, thepost258 is omitted, and the biasingelement260 is fixed to an upper surface of thecavity260. Alternately, the biasingelement260 is omitted, and thecutter200 is biased downward in another way. For example, thecutter200 may be constructed from an elastic or superelastic material that is formed in such a way as to produce a downward bias.
• Referring also toFIG. 56, theanvil10 may include one or more attachment features270. The attachment features270 provide a location for attachment of one or more cables or other force transmission structures or mechanisms. As one example, the attachment features270 may be one ormore passages270 through thecutter stop236. Thecutter stop236 may include two or more spaced-apart members. If so, the attachment features270 may be substantially aligned with one another, or offset from one another. However, thecutter stop236 may be a single member, if desired. As another example, one or more of the attachment features270 are separate from thecutter stop236, and are positioned at a different location on theanvil10. As another example, one or more of the attachment features270 may extend in a direction from theanvil10 that is other than upward.
• The configuration of the attachment features270 is related to the configuration of the cable or other force transmission structure or mechanism attached to it, such that the connection between them is secure. As one example, thecutter stop236 includes two spaced-apart members, and the attachment features270 are passages through the upper portion of each member of thecutter stop236. Two separate cables are connected to the attachment features270. The end of each cable is passed through one of the attachment features270, after which it is welded, connected with adhesive, clamped, tied or otherwise secured to thecutter stop236. Alternately, a single first cable is passed through each of the attachment features270, such that the free ends of the first cable are spaced apart from the attachment features270. In this way, no additional steps are needed to secure the first cable to the attachment features270. However, the cable may be welded, connected with adhesive, clamped, tied or otherwise secured to thecutter stop236, if desired.
• Referring also toFIG. 44, theanvil10 extends proximally to a pivot point such as apin226. The pivot point may be any other structure or mechanism that allows theanvil10 to rotate about it. Alternately, theanvil insert222 extends to thepin226 instead of or in addition to theanvil10. Thepin226 pivotally connects thestaple holder38 to theanvil10. Thepin226 may be formed into or otherwise fixed to thestaple holder38 oranvil10, if desired. Theanvil10 and/oranvil insert222 may extend still further proximally from thepin226. As one example, theanvil10 extends proximally to thepin226. Theanvil insert222 also extends proximally to thepin226, and additionally extends as far as or further proximally to the proximal end of theanvil10.
• Referring also toFIG. 57, a proximal portion of theanvil insert222 may be bent upward relative to a distal portion of theanvil insert222. The proximal portion of theanvil insert222 may be referred to as the spine272. The spine272 need not be bent upward relative to the proximal portion of theanvil insert222, and instead may be bent downward or oriented substantially parallel to the proximal portion of theanvil insert222. Alternately, the spine272 is a separate structure or mechanism that is connected to theanvil insert222. Apost274 may be defined in or connected to the spine272. Thepost274 may be cylindrical, or may be shaped differently. One end of aspring276 is connected to thepost274. Thespring276 is a coil spring, but may be a different type of spring if desired. The other end of thespring276 is connected to thestaple holder38, such as to anattachment member275 defined in or connected to thestaple holder38. Theattachment member275 may be cylindrical, or may be shaped differently. Thespring276 may be connected to thepost274 and to theattachment member275 by hooking an end of thespring276 to each, by welding, by adhesive, or by any other appropriate structure, mechanism or method. Thespring276 may be connected to thestaple holder38 and/or the spine272 in a different way, if desired. Thespring276 is sized and configured to be in tension, so as to bias thetissue effector400 to an open position. That is, thespring276 presses thestaple holder38 about thepin226, toward the spine272 of theanvil insert222.
• Optionally, one ormore buttons278 are connected to the spine272. The wing orbuttons278 may be spaced apart from the spine272 and connected to it by one ormore connection members280. Thebuttons278 each may be sized and shaped for contact with a user's finger. For example, twobuttons278 may be sized and shaped such that a user may conveniently press one with a thumb and the other with a forefinger. The precise shape and size of thebuttons278 is not critical to the invention. Optionally, at least onebutton278 is connected to acog282 that in turn connects to theshaft304 of theanastomosis tool300, as described in greater detail below. Thecog282 includes one ormore teeth284. Advantageously, thecog282 is substantially circular, and theteeth284 extend substantially radially outward from it.
• Referring toFIG. 58, the underside of thestaple holder38 is seen. Thestaple holder38 includes twoarms402, where thosearms402 are spaced apart from one another at least at one end. More orfewer arms402 may be provided. Thearms402 extend distally from the remainder of thestaple holder38. However, thearms402 may be positioned differently, if desired. Thearms402 are generally linear in configuration, and the longitudinal centerlines of thearms402 are substantially parallel to one another. However, thearms402 may be shaped differently and/or oriented differently relative to one another. One or more of thearms402 may be angled relative to a horizontal plane to facilitate connecting the flaps of the graft vessel to the wall of the target vessel. Referring also toFIG. 59, thearms402 are spaced apart from one another at least at one end to allow agraft vessel404 to be placed between them, and to allow thetissue effector400 to be freed from the completed anastomosis.
• The underside of eacharm402 includes aflap receiving surface406. Eachflap receiving surface406 is substantially flat across at least a portion of its area. Eachflap408 at the end of thegraft vessel404 is placed onto a correspondingflap receiving surface406, and the main body of thegraft vessel404 extends between thearms402 of thestaple holder38. Advantageously, eachflap408 is substantially flat against the correspondingflap receiving surface406. One or more of theflap receiving surfaces406 may include a ridgedregion413 that hasindividual ridges416 spaced apart from one another. Theindividual ridges416 may be parallel to one another, or oriented differently. Theridges416 extend away from theflap receiving surface406. As one example, eachflap receiving surface406 includes a ridgedregion413 in proximity to its inner edge. As used in this document in the context of thestaple holder38, the term “inner” refers to proximity to the space between thearms402, and the term “outer” refers to distance from the space between thearms402.
• Advantageously, twoflaps408 are present at the end of thegraft vessel404. Theseflaps408 may be created in any appropriate manner, such as by incising the end of thegraft vessel404 with a scalpel. However, the end of thegraft vessel404 may have more than twoflaps408. Further, the end of thegraft vessel404 may have asingle flap408. That is, a single incision may be made at the end of thegraft vessel404, substantially parallel to its centerline. As a result, asingle flap408 is created that extends substantially continuously around the circumference of the end of thegraft vessel404, where the opposite ends of theflap408 are adjacent to the incision.
• Optionally, one ormore spikes410 may extend outward from at least one of the flap receiving surfaces406. As at least one of theflaps408 is placed onto the correspondingflap receiving surface406, one or more of thespikes410 penetrate thatflap408 partially or completely, thereby assisting in holding theflap408 in place against theflap receiving surface406.
• Agraft clip412 is connected to eacharm402. Eachgraft clip412 may be configured to rotate relative to thecorresponding arm402. As one example, eachgraft clip412 is pivotally connected to thecorresponding arm402 at or near theouter edge414 of thatarm402. Alternately, at least onegraft clip412 is movable relative to thecorresponding arm402 in a different way, such as by sliding. Alternately, at least onegraft clip412 is initially a separate component from thearm402, and is connectable to thecorresponding arm402. Eachgraft clip412 is moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to thecorresponding arm402. Thegraft clip412 is positioned relative to theflap receiving surface406 on thecorresponding arm402 such that, in the closed position, thegraft clip412 is configured to engage aflap408 of thegraft vessel404. Thegraft clip412 may engage substantially all of theflap408, or less than all of theflap408. Optionally, thegraft clip412 may includeridges416 corresponding toridges416 extending from theflap receiving surface406.
• Alternately, thespikes410 alone hold theflaps408 onto the correspondingflap receiving surfaces406, and one or more graft clips412 are not used. Thespikes410 are oriented at an angle that facilitates the opening of thetissue effector400 after theflaps408 are connected to the target vessel. Where thespikes410 alone hold theflaps408, thevein knives432 that are described below may be omitted, because thestaple holder38 is disengaged from theflaps408 simply by removal of thespikes410 from theflaps408. Thus, by eliminating the graft clips412, construction of thetissue effector400 may be simplified. Alternately, a structure or mechanism other than or in addition to thespikes410 may be used to hold theflaps408 onto the corresponding flap receiving surfaces406.
• Eachgraft clip412 is locked or otherwise held in the closed position to securely hold theflap408 between itself and the correspondingflap receiving surface406. The pressure between thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406, alone or in conjunction withridges416 on thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406 and/orspikes410 extending upward from the flap receiving surface, holds theflap408 firmly in place. Thespikes410, if used, may engage thegraft clip412 when it is in the closed position. Theridges416 on thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406, if used, engage opposite sides of at least oneflap408, thereby gripping theflap408 firmly and resisting motion of theflap408 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation of theridges416. However, eachgraft clip412 may be shaped or configured in any manner that allows it to participate in holding thecorresponding flap408 to the correspondingflap receiving surface406.
• Thegraft clip412 may be locked or otherwise held in the closed position with any appropriate mechanism, structure or method. As one example, thegraft clip412 uses a cam lock to hold itself in the closed position. Referring also toFIG. 59A, thegraft clip412 is in an open position. In the open position, thegraft clip412 is positioned to receive aflap408 of thegraft vessel404 between it and theflap receiving surface406. Thegraft clip412 is rotatable about anaxle418 that is spaced apart from awall420 defined on anarm402 of thestaple holder38. Thewall420 may be perpendicular or otherwise angled to theflap receiving surface406. Theaxle418 is connected to thearm402, and is substantially fixed relative to thewall420. Alternately, theaxle418 is movable relative to thewall420. Theaxle418 extends substantially longitudinally, but may be angled relative to the longitudinal direction. Thearm402 also includes anoverhang586 that extends outward and downward from the main portion of thearm402. Alternately, theoverhang586 extends in a different direction. Theoverhang586 may extend laterally outward at least as far as the longitudinal centerline of theaxle418, but need not do so.
• Thegraft clip412 includes alobe422 in proximity to theaxle418, where thelobe422 has a non-circular cross section. Thelobe422 has a variable thickness, where thickness is defined as the distance between the surface of theaxle418 and the surface of thelobe422. Thelobe422 includes afirst portion588 that has a relatively small thickness. When thegraft clip412 is in the open position, thefirst portion588 is substantially adjacent to theoverhang586. The thickness of thefirst portion588 of thelobe422 is substantially equal to the distance between theaxle418 and theoverhang586. Alternately, thefirst portion588 of thelobe422 may have a different thickness. Moving counterclockwise along thelobe422, its thickness increases, then decreases rapidly to form astep590, which may be substantially aligned with the centerline of theaxle418. Continuing to move counterclockwise along thelobe422, its thickness once again increases. Thegraft clip412 may be a mirror image of theclip412 shown inFIG. 59A, such that the thickness of thelobe422 relative to the angular position thereon is reversed from the description above. Similarly, if thegraft clip412 is viewed from the opposite direction, the thickness of thelobe422 will be reversed from the description above. The operation of thegraft clip412 is the same.
• In the open position, which is the initial position of thegraft clip412, thefirst portion588 of thelobe422 is adjacent to theoverhang586. Thisfirst portion588 may be substantially as thick as the distance between theaxle418 and theoverhang586. The portion of thelobe422 adjacent to and immediately clockwise from thestep590 may be in contact with or in proximity to thewall420. Thegraft clip412 is rotated about theaxle418 from the open position to the closed position in a clockwise direction by the user or by a mechanism associated with thetissue effector400. As this rotation begins, increasingly-thick portions of thelobe422 move between theaxle418 and theoverhang586. As a result, theoverhang586,axle418, and/orlobe422 may flex to accommodate the increased amount of thickness of thelobe422 between theaxle418 and theoverhang586. Further, this increase in thickness between theaxle418 and the overhand586 may provide at least some resistance to the motion of thegraft clip412.
• Referring also toFIG. 60, as the rotation of thegraft clip412 continues, thestep590 encounters theoverhang586, then moves past theoverhang586. As a result, the thickness of thelobe422 between theoverhang586 and theaxle418 decreases abruptly. The stiffness of theoverhang586 is such that theoverhang586 can flex enough to allow thegraft clip412 to rotate past thestep590. Rotation of thegraft clip412 may stop at or shortly after the motion of thestep590 past theoverhang586, such that thegraft clip412 stops at the closed position shown inFIG. 59C. Motion of thegraft clip412 in the counterclockwise direction would cause thestep590 to encounter the end of theoverhang586, stopping the rotation of thegraft clip412. Thus, thestep590 acts to hold thegraft clip412 in the closed position.
• Alternately, a structure or mechanism other than a cam lock may be used to hold thegraft clip412 in a closed position. As one example, at least one elastic band (not shown) may be used to hold thegraft clip412 against thestaple holder38. Each elastic band may be fixed to either thegraft clip412 or thestaple holder38. As another example, thegraft clip412 and thecorresponding arm402 may each include corresponding magnets (not shown), such that magnetic force holds thegraft clip412 in contact with thearm402 in the closed position.
• As another example, referring toFIG. 60, asnap arm606 may be used to hold thegraft clip412 in a closed position. Thesnap arm606 is connected at one end to thecorresponding arm402. This connection may be a hinge, or may be any other connection that allows thesnap arm606 to move between an open position, in which thegraft clip412 may be opened, and a closed position, in which thegraft clip412 is held closed. The connection between the proximal end of thesnap arm606 and thearm402 is made proximal to theflap receiving surface406. Alternately, the connection between thesnap arm606 and thestaple holder38 is made at a different location. Alternately, a different part of thesnap arm606 than its proximal end is connected to thearm402.
• The distal end of thesnap arm606 includes acatch608 that is shaped to engage the distal end of thecorresponding arm402. For example, thecatch608 may be curved such that alobe610 of thecatch608 is proximal to the distal end of thearm402 when thesnap arm606 is in the closed position, thereby holding thesnap arm606, and thegraft clip412, in place. Thecatch608 is at least partially flexible such that thecatch608 can be snapped down onto the distal end of the corresponding arm, thereby holding thesnap arm606 in the closed position. Thecatch608 may be configured differently, if desired. When thesnap arm606 is in the closed position, at least a portion of thegraft clip412 is positioned between thesnap arm606 and thecorresponding arm402. Thus, in the closed position, thesnap arm606 presses thegraft clip412 against thearm402, holding it in place. As a result, thegraft clip412 holds thecorresponding flap408 against theflap receiving surface406.
• Alternately, aseparate snap arm606 is not used, and thegraft clip412 itself includes acatch608 that engages thecorresponding arm402 of thetissue effector400. Alternately, thesnap arm606, or thegraft clip412 that includes acatch608, is oriented differently, such as described above with regard toFIGS. 59A-59B.
• Referring also toFIG. 61, in the closed position, eachgraft clip412 is configured to press aflap408 of the target vessel against the correspondingflap receiving surface406. Theflap408 is not shown for clarity. In the closed position, thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406 are substantially fixed relative to one another. Thegraft clip412 and the correspondingflap receiving surface406 may be configured such that a portion of each would contact the other in the closed position, absent theflap408. Thus, where theflap408 is present, thegraft clip412 compresses theflap408 against theflap receiving surface406. Additionally, thegraft clip412 may include anoverhang424, which extends along at least a portion of the edge of thegraft clip412. Theoverhang424 may be substantially parallel to and in proximity to the correspondinginner edge411 of thearm402 in the closed position. Alternately, theoverhang424 may be configured differently relative to thearm402. Theoverhang402 may bend theflap408 and/or press, pinch or otherwise hold it against the corresponding edge of thearm402.
• Still referring toFIG. 61, afirst channel426 may be defined in thegraft clip412, and a correspondingsecond channel428 may be defined in thearm402. Thefirst channel426 and thesecond channel428 are substantially linear and substantially aligned with one another. Alternately, thefirst channel426 and thesecond channel428 are configured differently, aligned differently with respect to one another and/or have a different cross-section. Eachchannel426,428 is open along one side, at least in part. Thefirst channel426 and thesecond channel428 are oriented and aligned relative to one another such that the openings in thechannels426,428 face one another to form avein knife passage430. Thechannels426,428 may be spaced apart from one another at least in part and still form thevein knife passage430; that is, thevein knife passage430 need not be bounded around its entire periphery. Alternately, thechannels426,428 are oriented and aligned differently, and/or thevein knife passage430 is formed differently. Eachvein knife passage430 is oriented such that, when thetissue effector40 is in the closed position, the longitudinal centerline of thevein knife passage430 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of theanvil10. Alternately, thevein knife passages430 are aligned differently relative to the longitudinal axis of theanvil10 when thetissue effector400 is in the closed position.
• Referring also toFIG. 62, at least onevein knife passage430 is configured to receive acorresponding vein knife432. The fit between the dimensions of thevein knife432 and the correspondingvein knife passage430 is close enough that thevein knife passage430 guides thevein knife432 and substantially prevents wobbling or other disruption of the motion of thevein knife432 as it travels along thevein knife passage430, and loose enough to allow thevein knife432 to slide easily along thatvein knife passage430 substantially without binding or interference. Eachvein knife432 has ablade434 or other sharp element at its distal end. Theblade434 of at least onevein knife432 may be angled. Alternately, theblade434 of at least one vein knife may be curved or otherwise shaped. The proximal end of eachvein knife432 is connected to a sled, which is described in greater detail below. Thevein knife432 is configured to translate or otherwise move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, theblade434 of thevein knife432 is located proximal to theflap408 held between thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406. Thevein knife432 translates or otherwise moves to the second position and cuts theflap408 as it does so. In the second position, theblade434 of thevein knife432 is located adjacent or distal to the portion of theflap408 held between thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406. The first and second positions are reversed when thevein knife432 is moved in the opposite direction.
• Optionally, one or moregraft clip blades436 are connected to at least onegraft clip412. Referring also toFIG. 63, one or more of thegraft clip blades436 may be serrated. Eachgraft clip blade436 is located in and against one side of thefirst channel426, such that it does not interfere with the motion of thevein knife432. Alternately, one or moregraft clip blades436 are located in a different position on thecorresponding graft clip412 orarm402.Serrations438 on thegraft clip blade436 are oriented toward the open face of thefirst channel426 in thegraft clip412. Theserrations438 may be sized and shaped in any appropriate manner. Theserrations438 assist in holding theflap408 between thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406. That is, one or more of theserrations438 may penetrate into or through theflap408, thereby holding the tissue of theflap408 substantially fixed relative to thegraft clip412 and theflap receiving surface406. When thevein knife432 translates along thevein knife passage430 to incise theflap408, theserrations438 hold theflap408. The motion of thevein knife432 may apply stress to the tissue of theflap408 such that theserrations438 themselves act to cut the tissue of theflap408. Thus, the cutting action may be a scissors-like action resulting from the relative motion of thevein knife432 and thegraft clip blade436. More than onegraft clip blade436 can be provided in at least onevein knife passage430. For example, twograft clip blades436 may be located in onefirst channel426, in and against two different sides of thefirst channel426 and spaced apart from one another a sufficient distance to allow thevein knife432 to slide therebetween. Other configurations or numbers ofgraft clip blades436 may be utilized, if desired.
• Alternately, referring toFIG. 59D, at least onegraft clip412 may have a thinner cross-section than thegraft clip412 ofFIGS. 59-59B. This thinner cross-section may be achieved by utilizing metal, such as sheet metal, to form at least part of thegraft clip412. However, metal need not be used in order for thegraft clip412 to be made thinner. As shown inFIG. 59C, thegraft clip412 may be an assembly having afirst piece407 connected to asecond piece409. Thefirst piece407 is located at or near thefirst channel426 of thegraft clip412. Alternately, thegraft clip412 may be a single-piece, or may be an assembly having additional components. Thesecond piece409 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. Other materials may be used to form thepieces407,409 if desired. Advantageously, thegraft clip blades436 may be formed into thefirst piece407, particularly where at least thefirst piece407 of thegraft clip412 is metal. By forming thegraft clip blades436 into a portion of thegraft clip412 rather than connecting them to thegraft clip412, construction of thegraft clip412 may be simplified.
• The use of athinner graft clip412 results in less compression of the surface of the heart, where the target vessel is a coronary artery and theanvil arm14 is inserted into that coronary artery. The vertical distance between the bottom of theanvil arm14 and the bottom of thegraft clip412 substantially defines the distance across which the heart tissue near the coronary artery is compressed as thetissue effector400 moves from the open to the closed position. By decreasing that distance, the heart tissue around the coronary artery is compressed a lesser distance. As a result, the amount of force required to move thetissue effector400 from an open position to a closed position, in which compressive force is applied against the heart tissue, may be decreased. This reduction in force may simplify the construction of thetissue effector400.
• Referring also toFIG. 64, a cross-section of onearm402 of thestaple holder38 is shown. Thestaple holder38 is substantially symmetrical, such that thearm402 shown is substantially a mirror image of theother arm402. Alternately, thestaple holder38 is not symmetrical, and/or thearms402 are not mirror images of one another. Apassage440 is defined within eacharm402. Eachpassage440 extends substantially longitudinally within thecorresponding arm402, and the longitudinal centerline of eachpassage440 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil10 when thetissue effector400 is in the closed position. Alternately, at least onepassage440 is oriented differently relative to itscorresponding arm402. Thepassage440 may have a rectangular cross-section, or a different cross-section. Further, the dimensions of thepassage440 may be substantially constant along its entire length, or may change along at least part of its length. Optionally, thedistal end442 of thepassage440 is open, and/or theproximal end444 of thepassage440 is open.
• Aramp element446 is configured to translate or otherwise move through at least a portion of eachpassage440. Referring also toFIGS. 68-69A, theramp elements446 may be molded or otherwise formed into a unitaryramp element assembly484, or may be molded or otherwise formed separately and then connected together. Theramp elements446 may be formed from stainless steel or other appropriate material. Thevein knives432 are connected to theramp element assembly484 to form asled482. As an example,apertures486 are defined in theramp element assembly484, and the proximal end of eachvein knife432 is sized and shaped to provide for a pressure or interference fit within the correspondingaperture486. However, any other appropriate mechanism, structure or method may be used to connect eachvein knife432 to theramp element assembly484. Alternately, theramp elements446 and thevein knives432 are cast, molded or otherwise formed as a single unit. Thevein knives432 are fixed to theramp element assembly484, such that theramp elements446 and thevein knives432 translate as a unit substantially simultaneously. Alternately, at least oneramp element446 is moveable relative to at least onevein knife432. As another example of thesled482, eachramp element446 is connected to thecorresponding vein knife432, but theramp elements446 are not connected to one another.
• Thesled482 includes anattachment feature488. Theattachment feature488 may be an aperture through a portion of theramp element assembly484 that is configured to receive asecond cable490 or other force transmission mechanism or structure. Where a cable is used and theattachment feature488 is an aperture, thesecond cable490 may be inserted into and/or through theattachment feature488, and held in place there such as by tying off one end of the cable, by welding, by adhesive, or any other appropriate connection method. Alternately, theattachment feature488 may be a ring, a hook, a raised area, a depression, or any other structure or mechanism appropriate for connection to a cable or other force transmission mechanism or structure.
• One ormore connector bays448 are defined in eacharm402, between thepassage440 within thearm402 and aninner surface450 of thearm402. Theconnector bays448 and thepassages440 are substantially hollow. The cross-sectional shape of eachconnector bay448 is selected to allow it to receive and hold a staple, as described below. Theconnector bays448 are oriented such that the longitudinal centerline of eachconnector bay448 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of thecorresponding passage440. Alternately, at least oneconnector bay448 is oriented differently relative to thecorresponding passage440. Eachconnector bay448 has substantially the same cross-section and length. Alternately, at least oneconnector bay448 has a different cross-section and/or length than at least oneother connector bay448. Theconnector bays448 may be oriented relative to a local horizontal such that the longitudinal centerline of eachconnector bay448 forms an angle of between 0° and 45° relative to that local horizontal. A different orientation may be used, if desired. The use of the term “horizontal” here and elsewhere in this document is used for convenience in description only, and does not restrict the orientation in which theanastomosis tool300 may be used.
• Referring also toFIG. 65, at least oneconnector bay448 is configured to receive aconnector deployer452. Eachconnector bay448 is shaped to allow thecorresponding connector deployer452 to translate or otherwise move within it. Thesliders452 may be shaped in any appropriate manner. As one example, aconnector deployer452 is substantially curved at itsouter end454 and substantially flat at itsinner end456. Theconnector deployer452 may vary in height along at least a portion of its length and/or width. As one example, aregistration element458 may extend upward from theupper surface460 of theconnector deployer452. Theregistration element458 may be formed into theconnector deployer452, or otherwise manufactured into it or connected to it.
• Where aregistration element458 is used, the correspondingconnector bay448 is shaped accordingly. That is, the size, shape and orientation of theregistration element458 of theconnector deployer452 corresponds to the size, shape and orientation of aregistration feature462 of theconnector bay448. For example, where theconnector deployer452 andregistration element458 ofFIG. 65 is used, the correspondingconnector bay448 is shaped as shown inFIG. 66. Theregistration element458 translates along theregistration feature462 as theconnector deployer452 translates along theconnector bay448. In this way, theconnector deployer452 is maintained in a desired orientation throughout its translation relative to theconnector bay448, and theconnector deployer452 is prevented from cocking in theconnector bay448 during that translation. Thesliders452 andcorresponding connector bays448 may be shaped differently, if desired. Thesliders452 are all shaped substantially identically. Alternately, at least one of thesliders452 is shaped differently from at least one of the others, and the corresponding connector bay orbays448 are shaped accordingly. Optionally, a biocompatible lubricant such as sodium stearate may be used between at least oneconnector deployer452 and the correspondingconnector bay448 to facilitate the translation of theconnector deployer452 relative to theconnector bay448.
• Eachconnector deployer452 is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, theouter end454 of theconnector deployer452 extends at least partially into thepassage440. Alternately, the outer end of theconnector deployer452 does not extend into thepassage440. In the second position, theconnector deployer452 has translated relative to the correspondingconnector bay448 and completed its motion. Theouter end454 of theconnector deployer452 no longer extends into thepassage440. Alternately, theouter end454 of theconnector deployer452 still extends into thepassage440 in the second position. Eachconnector deployer452 translates or otherwise moves from the first position to the second position as a result of contact with theramp element446. This translation is described in greater detail below.
• Aconnector464 is placed in at least oneconnector bay448. In an exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 64, theconnector464 is a staple. Eachconnector464 is located closer to theinner surface450 of thearm402 than the correspondingconnector deployer452. Theconnector464 may be configured as disclosed in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/309,519 filed on Dec. 4, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As one example, referring also toFIG. 67, theconnector464 includes fourtines466 extending from abase468. Thetines466 may be offset from one another. A different configuration ofconnector464 may be used, if desired. Theconnector464 is constructed from 316L stainless steel, but may be constructed from a different type of stainless steel, or from a different material. As another example, theconnector464 may be a connector other than a staple, such as a pin or clip.
• Eachconnector464 is oriented in theconnector bay448 such that thetines466 extend in a direction facing substantially out of theconnector bay448. Alternately, eachconnector464 is oriented differently. Thebase468 of theconnector464 may be in contact with the inner end of the correspondingconnector deployer452 when thatconnector deployer452 is in the first position, or may be spaced apart from the inner end of thatconnector deployer452 in the first position. When theconnector deployer452 is in the first position, the correspondingconnector464 is held within theconnector bay448 in any appropriate way. Referring also toFIG. 66, as one example, thetines466 of eachconnector464 may be biased against at least part of the correspondingconnector bay448. For example, at least onetine468 may be biased against alower surface470 of theconnector bay448 and at least one other tine469 may be biased against anupper surface472 of theconnector bay448. The biasing force exerted by eachtine468 against thecorresponding surface470,472 of theconnector bay448 holds theconnector464 in place when theconnector deployer452 is in the first position. The biasing forces exerted by thetines468 are high enough to hold theconnector464 securely within theconnector bay448, and are low enough to allow theconnector464 to translate easily as a result of contact with the correspondingconnector deployer452. As another example, eachconnector464 may be held in place in the correspondingconnector bay448 with a biocompatible substance that provides friction between thatconnector464 and theconnector bay448, where the amount of force required to overcome that friction and move theconnector464 is selected to be less than the amount of deployment force to be exerted on theconnector464 by the correspondingconnector deployer452. The translation of aconnector deployer452 from the first position to the second position causes deployment of thecorresponding connector464, as described in greater detail below.
• Theramp element446 translates or otherwise moves within thepassage440, as described above. Thedistal end474 of theramp element446 is configured to engage thesliders452 as it moves, causing thosesliders452 in turn to translate or otherwise move relative to theirrespective connector bays448. As one example, theramp element446 is curved and/or angled at itsdistal end474, where the curvature and/or angularity begins at or near the most distal point of theramp element446 and continues proximally along theinner surface476 of theramp element446. That is, theramp element446 increases in width from its most distal point to a selected point spaced apart from and proximal to that most distal point. Theramp element446 may be shaped such that the curvature and/or angularity of thedistal end474 is present on theinner surface476 of theramp element446, and such that theouter surface478 of theramp element446 is substantially flat against a wall of thepassage440. However, theramp element446 may be shaped in any other appropriate manner. Theramp element446 may be translated distally along at least a portion of thepassage440. In the course of this translation, thedistal end474 of theramp element446 sequentially contacts and thereby actuates thesliders452, beginning with the most proximal and concluding with the most distal. Alternately, theramp element446 translates proximally to contact and actuate sequentially thesliders452, beginning with the most distal and concluding with the most proximal. Alternately, theramp element446 is configured to move in such a manner that at least a component of its motion is toward theinner surface450 of thearm402, such that theramp element446 engages more than oneconnector deployer452 at a time. Thus, theramp element446, another component of thesled482, or a different component may actuate thesliders452 serially or in parallel.
• Optionally, one or more of thesliders452 are omitted from thetissue effector400, such that theramp element446 and/or a different component of thesled482 directly contacts one or more of thestaples464 to urge that staple orstaples464 out of thecorresponding arm402. That is, the intermediate mechanism between thesled482 and at least one of thestaples464 may be omitted. If so, thesled482 and/or at least oneconnector464 are configured such that contact between them urges theconnector464 in the desired direction. For example, one or more of thestaples464 may include a structure analogous to theconnector deployer452 formed into it, where that structure is implanted into the patient along with theconnector464. This additional structure is small, and is positioned outside the lumen of both the graft vessel and the target vessel, such that its presence in the patient has no effect. Such a structure may be composed of stainless steel or other biocompatible material, or from bioabsorbable material that is gradually absorbed by the patient. Such biocompatible and bioabsorbable materials are standard in the art.
• Optionally, one or more of theconnector bays448 may be omitted from one or more of thearms402 of thetissue effector400. For example, if thestaples464 are deployed in parallel, thestaples464 may be connected to thesled482 or other component such as by adhesive, where that connection is able to withstand an amount of force less than the force with which the deployedconnector464 grips thegraft vessel404 and thetarget vessel580. As a result, after thestaples464 are deployed into tissue and grip thevessels404,580 and thesled482 or other component is pulled away from the anastomosis, the connection between eachconnector464 and thesled482 or other component is broken, thereby freeing thestaples464 from thetissue effector400.
• Referring also toFIGS. 58 and 74, theanvil10 is connected to a force transmission mechanism such as afirst cable480. As described above, theanvil10 may include acutter stop236 having one or more attachment features270 to which thefirst cable480 is connected. However, thefirst cable480 may be connected to a different or an additional part of theanvil10.
• Thesled482 is connected to a force transmission mechanism such as asecond cable490. As described above, thesled482 includes anattachment feature488 to which thesecond cable490 is connected. However, thesecond cable490 may be connected to a different or an additional part of thesled482. Alternately, one or both of thecables480,490 are not used, and a different force transmission mechanism is used instead. For example, one or both force transmission mechanisms may be a chain, a shaft, one or more gears, one or more tubes for handling pressurized gas or vacuum, conductive elements for carrying electricity, and/or other appropriate mechanisms.
• Thecables480,490 extend proximally from thetissue effector400. Optionally, acable housing306 is provided. Thecable housing306 is a tube that is at least partially flexible, through which at least a portion of thecables480,490 extend. Two or more lumens or passages may be present in thecable housing306, such that eachcable480,490 extends through a different lumen or passage. Referring also toFIG. 57, thestaple holder38 includes acollar492. Thecollar492 may be formed into thestaple holder38, or formed separately from and attached to thestaple holder38. Thecollar492 includes apassage494 therethrough. The diameter of thepassage494 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of thecable housing306, such that the distal end of thecable housing306 may be received into and/or through thecollar492 and held therein. Similarly, the shape of thepassage494 may substantially correspond to the shape of the distal end of thecable housing306. The distal end of thecable housing306 is fixed to thecollar492 via a friction fit, adhesive, welding, or any other appropriate structure, mechanism or method. Thecable housing306 need not have a uniform shape, size or cross-section along its entire length. Alternately, the distal end of thecable housing306 may connect to a different portion of thetissue effector400, or may not connect to thetissue effector400 at all. Additionally, thecable housing306 may pass over and/or connect to one or more of theconnection members280 of thetissue effector400, and/or one or more other components of thetissue effector400.
• One ormore channels496 may be defined on the surface of thestaple holder38 distal to thecollar492. Eachchannel496 receives acable480,490. At least onechannel496 may be curved in a convex manner, such that thecorresponding cable480,490 curves as well. The convex curvature causes the most distal part of thatchannel496 to be located between the upper and lower ends of thechannel496. Thecable480,490 in thatchannel496 may be under tension, such that it follows the curvature of thatchannel496. Thus, thechannel496 causes thecable480,490 received therein to curve back in a proximal direction. For example, thesecond cable490 is connected to thesled482. Tension on thesecond cable490 that results from proximal motion of its proximal end also results in distal motion of thesled482.
• Referring also toFIG. 56, theshaft304 may be bifurcated at its distal end, forming two spaced-apartarms305. Thecable housing306 passes between thearms305, such that thearms305 constrain the potential lateral motion of thecable housing306. Alternately, thecable housing306 does not pass between thearms305. At least onearm305 forms or connects to apaddle307 at its distal end. Thecable housing306 extends in a curved configuration, such as an S-shaped or serpentine configuration, between theshaft304 and thetissue effector400. The paddle or paddles307 may be substantially planar and parallel to one another. A receivingopening309 is provided through at least onepaddle307, each opening corresponding to acog282 of thetissue effector400. One ormore detents310 are present along the perimeter of the receivingopening309, corresponding to theteeth284 of thecog282. Theteeth284 are configured to engage thedetents310 in the receivingopening309. Thebutton278 connected to thecog282 may be connected to the spine272 with asingle connection member280 spaced apart from thecog282, or may be connected to the spine272 with one or moreflexible connection members280. As a result, thebuttons278 can be compressed together, such that theteeth284 are moved out of engagement with thecorresponding detents310. Thecog282 thus can be moved to a position out of contact with the receivingopening309, such that it is located between thepaddles307. Consequently, thecog282 and thetissue effector400 can be freely rotated to a desired orientation. Thebuttons278 are then released, such that thecog282 re-enters the receivingopening309 and theteeth284 engage thedetents310 in the receivingopening309 once again. Alternately, thecog282 engages a corresponding gear or other structure or mechanism in or on theshaft304, such that motion of the corresponding gear rotates thecog282. Alternately, thecog282 is connected to theshaft304 or one or more components in and/or on theshaft304 in such a way that thecog282 can be rotated or otherwise manipulated as desired. Alternately, thetissue effector38 is connected to theshaft304 with a mechanism or structure other than or in addition to thecog282.
• Thecog282 allows thetissue effector38 to be oriented at a plurality of positions relative to theshaft304. That is, thecog282 allows thetissue effector38 to move such that the longitudinal centerline of thetissue effector38 may be positioned at more than one angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of theshaft304. Thecog282 or other mechanism may allow thetissue effector38 to move smoothly through a range of orientations relative to thehandle302, or may allow thetissue effector38 to move among two or more discrete orientations relative to thehandle302. Thus, thetissue effector38 is orientable to two or more different positions relative to thehandle302. The relative motion between thetissue effector38 and theshaft304 allows thetissue effector38 to be utilized on target vessels having a number of different orientations within the patient, while allowing convenient access by the surgeon or other medical professional. That is, the surgeon may hold thehandle302 in a single convenient position, and orient thetissue effector38 into a selected position relative to theshaft304 and handle302 that is optimal for use with a particular target vessel. Optionally, thearms305 or a mechanism connected to the arms may be capable of rotation relative to theshaft304, providing additional freedom of motion for thetissue effector38. Alternately, thecog282 is not present, and thearms305 otherwise allow motion of thetissue effector38 relative to theshaft304. Alternately, thetissue effector400 is fixed relative to theshaft304.
• Referring also toFIG. 55, theshaft304 is substantially hollow along at least part of its length, starting at its proximal end and continuing distally. Theentire shaft304 may be substantially hollow. Anaperture498 or other opening is located in the wall of theshaft304 at a point along its length where it is hollow. Thus, theaperture498 provides access to the lumen of theshaft304. Thecable housing306 extends through theaperture498 into the lumen of theshaft304. Alternately, thecable housing306 does not enter the lumen of theshaft304, and instead is attached to the outer surface of theshaft304 with adhesive, clips, pins, and/or any other appropriate attachment mechanisms, structures or methods. If so, theshaft304 need not include a lumen. Alternately, thecable housing306 does not connect to theshaft304 at all, and instead connects to thehandle302 directly. If so, theshaft304 need not include a lumen, and may be solid.
• The proximal end of theshaft304 is connected to thehandle302. Thehandle302 may be formed from two or more individualhandle shell members502 that are connected to one another. Alternately, thehandle302 may be constructed differently. Theshaft304 may be fixed to thehandle302 such that it does not substantially move relative to thehandle302. Referring also toFIG. 70, as one example, amember500 extends from onehandle shell member502 into the hollow interior of thehandle302. Thatmember500 may connect at its other end to the otherhandle shell member502. The proximal end of theshaft304 includes acorresponding aperture504, such that themember500 fits within theaperture504. Theaperture504 is substantially the same size as the cross-section of themember500. When theshell members502 are assembled, themember500 engages theaperture504 of theshaft304 and holds theshaft304 in place. Alternately, amember500 extends from eachhandle shell member502, and thosemembers500 both engage theaperture504 of theshaft304. As another example, ribs (not shown) may be defined in the inner surface of the handle, and a corresponding retainer (not shown) is defined at or near the proximal end of the shaft. The retainer is wider than theshaft304, and has a selected thickness. The ribs are spaced apart from one another substantially the same distance as the thickness of the retainer. The ribs thus substantially prevent theshaft304 from translating proximally or distally. Thehandle302 may engage the retainer with a registration feature or other structure or mechanism to substantially prevent rotation of theshaft304 about its longitudinal axis. Alternately, thehandle302 holds theshaft304 in a different way.
• Thehandle302 has a substantially hollow interior. Where theshaft304 includes a lumen, the lumen of theshaft304 opens into the interior of thehandle302. Thecables480,490 extend out of the lumen of theshaft304 into the hollow interior of thehandle302. Alternately, thecables480,490 extend through thecable housing306 directly into thehandle302, bypassing theshaft304.
• Referring toFIG. 70, mechanisms within thehandle302 are utilized to actuate thetissue effector38 via thecables480,490. Alternately, at least some of those mechanisms are separate from thehandle302. A single input to theanastomosis tool300 via thetrigger308 actuates theanastomosis tool300. Alternately, one or more additional inputs to theanastomosis tool300 are required, such as actuation of a safety switch or depression of a second feature. Thetrigger308 initially extends outward from the upper surface of thehandle302 through anaperture506 in thehandle302. Alternately, thetrigger308 initially extends from a different surface of thehandle302. Alternately, thetrigger308 is initially flush with the surface of thehandle302, or otherwise configured. Thehandle302 may be shaped ergonomically for ease of operation. For example, as shown inFIG. 70, thehandle302 is curved and tapered slightly toward its proximal end, and substantially bilaterally symmetrical, such that the proximal end of thehandle302 can be gripped easily with either the left or the right hand. Alternately, thehandle302 may be ergonomically configured in a different way for ease of actuation by the user. Thetrigger308 is positioned on thehandle302 such that it can be actuated conveniently by a user's thumb. Alternately, thetrigger308 could be placed on the underside of thehandle302 for actuation with the index finger of either hand. More than one finger may be used to actuate thetrigger308 and/or other mechanisms for actuating theanastomosis tool300.
• Thetrigger308 is connected to arocker508. Thetrigger308 may be formed into therocker508, or otherwise connected to it. Therocker508 is located inside thehandle302. Alternately, therocker508 is located at least partly outside thehandle302. Therocker508 is rotatably mounted to arocker axle510. Therocker axle510 extends from one interior surface of thehandle302, and may extend to a different interior surface of thehandle302 to provide additional stiffness and/or stability to therocker axle510. Alternately, therocker axle510 may connect to thehandle302 in a different way.
• Therocker508 includes aproximal arm514 extending proximally to therocker axle510. Theproximal arm514 may be formed into therocker508, or otherwise connected to it. Theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 may be tapered to a curved or rounded surface. Alternately, theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 is shaped differently. Alternately, the entireproximal arm514 is tapered. Therocker axle510 is located proximal to thetrigger308. As a result, depression of thetrigger308 causes rotation of therocker508 such that theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 moves upward. Alternately, thetrigger308 and therocker axle510 are positioned differently relative to one another. Therocker508 also includes adistal arm518 extending distal to thetrigger308, where thedistal arm518 has adistal end520. Thedistal arm518 may be formed into therocker508, or otherwise connected to it. Referring also toFIG. 71, at least a portion of thedistal arm518 may be bifurcated into two or more spaced-apartmembers542. Apost544 may be located at the distal end of eachmember542. At least onepost544 substantially may take the shape of a cylindrical or rectangular solid. Eachpost544 is angled relative to the correspondingmember542, protruding at least partly inward. This angle may be substantially ninety degrees, or any other angle. Alternately, at least onepost544 extends outward from the corresponding member. Theposts544 are spaced apart from one another by a distance that is less than the distance separating the spaced-apartmembers542. Alternately, at least onepost544 is located at a position on the correspondingmember542 other than its distal end. As one example, at least onepost544 may be positioned a short distance proximal to the distal end of the correspondingmember542.
• Because therocker axle510 is located proximal to thetrigger308, depression of thetrigger308 causes thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 to move downward. Alternately, thearms514,518 of therocker508 are configured to move in another manner when thetrigger308 is depressed. Alternately, therocker508 may be shaped or configured differently than described above.
• Aproximal slider522 is also included within thehandle302. Theproximal slider522 includes at least oneflange524 extending laterally from at least one side thereof. Advantageously, aflange524 extends from each side of theproximal slider522 for stability.Additional flanges524 may be provided, if desired.Ribs526 are molded, formed, connected or otherwise attached to the inner surface of thehandle302. Tworibs526 are spaced apart from one another a distance substantially equal to the thickness of thecorresponding flange524, such that eachflange524 is configured to slide therebetween. Each pair ofribs526 substantially constrains the motion of thecorresponding flange524. Where theribs526 are substantially linear, andribs526 andcorresponding flanges524 are utilized on opposite sides of theproximal slider522, theribs526 substantially linearly constrain the motion of thecorresponding flange524. Aspring546 is connected at one end to thehandle302, and is connected to or engages theproximal slider522. Thespring546 is in compression, and thereby biases theproximal slider522 distally. Astop547 may be connected to or defined in the inner surface of one or more of thehandle shell members502, where the stop or stops547 are located distal to theproximal slider522. The stop or stops547 act to restrain the distal motion of theproximal slider522, thereby defining a position that is the most distal theproximal slider522 can travel. Alternately, a different or additional mechanism, structure or method may be used to bias theproximal slider522 distally. Alternately, thespring546 is initially neither in tension nor compression, but is compressed by therocker508 during at least a portion of its travel.
• Thespring546 stores energy within itself when it is in tension. Alternately, an energy storage device could be used in lieu of thespring546. As one example, the energy storage device is a reservoir or cylinder of pressurized gas. Valves, tubing and/or other structure may be used to route the pressurized gas to desired locations in thehandle302 such that the energy stored in the gas is used to bias theproximal slider522 distally, and/or to perform other actuation functions within thehandle302 and/or thetool300. The gas may be carbon dioxide, nitrogen, a different gas, air, or a combination of gases. As another example, a cylinder or source of vacuum may be used as an energy storage device. Valves, tubing and/or other structure may be used to route the vacuum to desired locations in thehandle302 such that the vacuum can be used to bias theproximal slider522 distally, and/or to perform other actuation functions within thehandle302 and/or thetool300. That is, compressed gas may be used for controlling the operation of thetool300 instead of or in addition to providing energy storage. As another example, a battery may be used as an energy storage device. Wiring and actuators such as solenoids or motors may be provided within thehandle302 such that the stored electrical energy in the battery is used to bias or hold theproximal slider522 distally, and/or to perform other actuation functions within thehandle302 and/or thetool300. That is, electromagnetic energy may be used for controlling the operation of thetool300 instead of or in addition to providing energy storage. Where such an alternate energy storage device is provided, thetrigger308 may be configured differently, such that actuation of theanastomosis tool300 may be performed simply by contacting thetrigger308 with a finger, or moving thetrigger308 through a more limited range of motion. Alternately, thetrigger308 may be omitted altogether, and theanastomosis tool300 may be actuated remotely by a computer, dedicated control station, handheld computing device, or other device.
• Acontact feature528 is defined on the distal surface of theproximal slider522. Alternately, thecontact feature528 is a separate element connected to theproximal slider522. Thecontact feature528 is configured to engage theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 at or after the time thetrigger308 is depressed, as described in greater detail below. Thecontact feature528 is angled proximally and downward along alower portion530 thereof, and is substantially vertical along anupper portion532 thereof. Alternately, thecontact feature528 is shaped and/or angled differently.
• The first cable orcables480 are connected to theproximal slider522 in any appropriate way. As an example, at least one aperture or port (not shown) may be formed in theproximal slider522, and at least onecable480 is inserted into at least one aperture and secured thereto. As other examples, an end of the cable orcables480 may be wound around all of or a portion of, crimped to, welded to, or secured by adhesive to theproximal slider522. Theproximal arm514 of therocker508 may be bifurcated to allow the first cable orcables480 to extend substantially along the longitudinal centerline of thehandle302 and between the bifurcations substantially without interference. Similarly, thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 may be bifurcated as well. Where both theproximal arm514 and thecontact feature528 are bifurcated, the two are aligned such that they contact one another during at least a portion of the travel of therocker508.
• Adistal slider534 is also included within thehandle302. Thedistal slider534 includes aflange536 extending outward from at least one side thereof. Advantageously, aflange536 extends from each side of thedistal slider534 for stability.Additional flanges536 may be provided, if desired.Ribs538 are molded, formed, connected or otherwise attached to the inner surface of thehandle302. Tworibs538 are spaced apart from one another a distance substantially equal to the thickness of thecorresponding flange536, such that eachflange536 is configured to slide therebetween. Each pair ofribs538 substantially constrains the motion of thecorresponding flange536. Where theribs538 are substantially linear, andribs538 andcorresponding flanges536 are utilized on opposite sides of thedistal slider534, theribs538 substantially linearly constrain the motion of thecorresponding flange524.
• A contact surface548 is defined on at least a portion of the proximal surface of thedistal slider534. The contact surface548 may be curved or angled. As one example, the contact surface548 has a concave curvature. Other shapes or configurations of the contact surface548 may be utilized. Alternately, the contact surface548 is located on a portion of thedistal slider534 other than its proximal surface. Thedistal slider534 may include apassage550 through it to allow thecables480,490 to pass therethrough. Alternately, thepassage550 is not provided in thedistal slider534, and thedistal slider534 is bifurcated or otherwise shaped to allow thecables480,490 to pass through it. Alternately, thecables480,490 are routed through the handle in such a way as to bypass thedistal slider534 altogether.
• Thedistal slider534 may include alower guide552. Thelower guide552 extends downward from the remainder of thedistal slider534, and may extend proximal to the contact surface548. Further, thelower guide552 may be thinner than the remainder of thedistal slider534. Alternately, thelower guide552 is not included in thedistal slider534, or may be configured differently relative to the remainder of thedistal slider534. Optionally, thelower guide552 may include aflange554 extending outward from at least one side thereof. Advantageously, aflange554 extends from each side of thelower guide552 for stability.Additional flanges554 may be provided, if desired. Theseflanges554 provide additional stability to thedistal slider534.Ribs556 are molded, formed, connected or otherwise attached to the inner surface of thehandle302. Tworibs556 are spaced apart from one another a distance substantially equal to the thickness of thecorresponding flange554, such that eachflange554 is configured to slide therebetween. Each pair ofribs556 substantially constrains the motion of thecorresponding flange554. Where theribs556 are substantially linear, andribs556 andcorresponding flanges554 are utilized on opposite sides of thedistal slider534, theribs556 substantially linearly constrain the motion of thecorresponding flange554.
• Aspring540 is connected at one end to thedistal slider534 and at the other end to thehandle302. Anaperture558 may be provided in thelower guide552, or in another part of thedistal slider534. One end of thespring540 includes a hook or similar structure, which is received into and held by theaperture558. Alternately, thespring540 is connected to thedistal slider534 in a different way. Thespring540 is in tension, and thereby biases thedistal slider534 proximally. Alternately, a different or additional mechanism, structure or method may be used to bias thedistal slider534 proximally.
• Aholder594 is connected to the inner surface of thehandle302. This connection may be accomplished in any appropriate manner. As one example, a slot602 may be defined in a member604 or between two separate members604 extending inward from the inner surface of eachshell member502, wherein a portion of theholder594 is held by the slot602 such as by a pressure fit. The distal end595 of theholder594 is held by the slot602 such that it does not substantially move. Alternately, a different part of theholder594 is held by the slot602, and/or the distal end595 of theholder594 is free to move. Moving proximally from the distal end595 of theholder594, theholder594 is bifurcated by an opening598 that extends substantially longitudinally. Two spaced-apart members600 extend substantially proximally, each member600 on an opposite side of the opening598. At least the members600 of theholder594 have some flexibility, such that the members600 can move up or down in response to force applied to them. However, the members600 are stiff enough to remain in a neutral position until that force is applied.
• A stop596 extends upward from each member600. The stops596 are positioned and shaped to engage thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548 of thedistal slider534. Theholder594 is substantially restrained against longitudinal motion by its engagement with the slots602 in theshell members502 ad/or members604 defined in or on theshell members502. Thus, by engaging thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548 of thedistal slider534, the stops596 substantially restrain thedistal slider534 against proximal motion under the influence of thespring540. The stops596 are stiff enough, and extend upward enough, to provide this restraint. For example, the stops596 may be curved to match the curvature of the contact surface548, such that they contact a portion of the contact surface. Alternately, contact between thedistal slider534 and therocker508 prevents thedistal slider534 from substantially moving proximally. This contact occurs between the contact surface548 of thedistal slider534 and thedistal tip520 of thedistal arm518 of therocker508. Alternately, this contact occurs between other or additional components of thedistal slider534 and/or therocker508.
• Thespring540 stores energy within itself when it is in tension. Alternately, an energy storage device such as a reservoir or container of pressurized gas, a battery, or other energy storage device could be used in lieu of thespring540. Where a reservoir of pressurized gas is utilized, valves, tubing and other structure may be used to route the pressurized gas to desired locations in thehandle302 such that the energy stored in the gas is used to bias thedistal slider534 proximally, and/or to perform other actuation functions within thehandle302 and/or thetool300. Similarly, where a battery is utilized, wiring and actuators such as solenoids or motors may be provided within thehandle302 such that the stored electrical energy in the battery is used to bias or hold thedistal slider534 proximally, and/or to perform other actuation functions within thehandle302 and/or thetool300. Where such an alternate energy storage device is provided, thetrigger308 may be configured differently, such that actuation of theanastomosis tool300 may be performed simply by contacting thetrigger308 with a finger, or moving thetrigger308 through a more limited range of motion. Alternately, thetrigger308 may be omitted altogether, and theanastomosis tool300 may be actuated remotely by a computer, dedicated control station, handheld computing device, or other device.
• Thesecond cable490 is connected to thedistal slider534 in any appropriate way. As an example, at least one aperture or port (not shown) may be formed in thedistal slider534, and at least onecable480 is inserted into at least one aperture and secured thereto. As other examples, an end of the cable orcables480 may be wound around all of or a portion of, crimped to, welded to, or secured by adhesive to thedistal slider534. Thesecond cable490 may have an amount of slack in it when thedistal slider534 is in the first, predeployment position shown inFIG. 70. The amount of slack, if any, is related to the distance traveled by thedistal slider534 during actuation, as described in greater detail below.
• Optionally, thedistal slider534 includes averification stub560. Theverification stub560 extends substantially upward from the upper end of thedistal slider534. Alternately, theverification stub560 extends from a different portion of thedistal slider534, or in a different direction. Theverification stub560 may extend into or through aslot562 through thehandle302. Because it is connected to thedistal slider534, theverification stub560 moves along theslot562 in thehandle302 when thedistal slider534 moves during operation, as described below. As a result, the position of theverification stub560 may be used to confirm visually whether aparticular anastomosis tool300 has been actuated or not. That is, theverification stub560 may be located in a first position before theanastomosis tool300 is actuated, and in a second position after theanastomosis tool300 is actuated, such that the user can determine whether theanastomosis tool300 has been actuated by viewing the position of theverification stub560.
• Optionally, therocker508 includes aratchet564 extending substantially downward from a location distal to therocker axle510. Alternately, theratchet564 extends in a different direction. Theratchet564 includes amember566 at its lower end extending substantially transverse to the remainder of theratchet564. Alternately, themember566 extends in a different direction. Alternately, themember566 is a notch or other element defined in theratchet564. Theratchet564 moves in conjunction with therocker508. Thus, when thetrigger308 is depressed and the distal end of therocker508 moves downward, theratchet564 moves downward as well. Apawl feature568 is configured to engage themember566 of theratchet564 after theratchet564 has moved downward a particular distance, allowing theratchet564 to continue to move downward after engagement, but preventing theratchet564 from moving back upward past thepawl feature568 after engagement.
• Alternately, therocker508,sliders522,534, and/or other mechanisms in the handle are not used, and a different mechanism or mechanisms are used to actuate thetissue effector400 and complete the anastomosis. For example, a fluid logic mechanism may be used, where a container of gas within the handle or a connection to a tank outside the handle provides gas under pressure to a switching assembly or other mechanism. The switching assembly utilizes and/or directs the pressure of the gas to successively actuate the components of thetissue effector400. Vacuum or liquid may be used instead of gas, if desired. As another example, thehandle302 may include an electromechanical assembly under analog or digital control, such that actuation of thetrigger308 or other component causes actuation of the tissue effector.
• The operation of theanastomosis tool300 will now be described. Referring toFIGS. 59 and 74, an end of thegraft vessel404 is incised substantially in the longitudinal direction to formflaps404 therein. At least one incision may be made in a different direction. Advantageously, two incisions are made to create twoflaps404 of substantially the same size. However, theflaps404 may be of different sizes. Further, more than twoflaps404 may be created with more than two incisions. Alternately, asingle flap404 is made with a single incision. Thegraft vessel404 is loaded onto thestaple holder38 as described above, such that eachflap408 is held between agraft clip412 in the closed position and aflap receiving surface406, and thegraft vessel404 extends between thearms402 of thestaple holder38. Referring also toFIG. 70, theanastomosis tool300 is initially in a pre-deployment configuration. In this configuration, thedistal arm518 of therocker508 is at an uppermost position, thetrigger308 correspondingly extends outward from thehandle302 to its greatest extent, and theproximal arm514 of therocker508 is at a lowermost position. Thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 of therocker508 may engage the contact surface548 of thedistal slider534 at or near the uppermost end of the contact surface548. This contact may be between theposts544 of thedistal arm518 and the contact surface548, and/or between another portion of thedistal arm518 and the contact surface548. The stops596 of theholder594 hold thedistal slider534 substantially in place against the proximal bias exerted by thespring540. Alternately, where theholder594 is not used, contact between the rigiddistal arm518 and the contact surface548 holds thedistal slider534 substantially in place against the proximal bias exerted by thespring540. In the pre-deployment configuration, theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 may be spaced apart from thelower portion530 of theproximal slider522, or may be in contact with thelower portion530 of theproximal slider522. Theproximal slider522 is biased distally to its most distal possible position. Alternately, theproximal slider522 is positioned differently in the pre-deployment configuration. Alternately, therocker508 and/or thetrigger308 may be in a different position in the pre-deployment configuration, particularly where therocker508 and/or trigger308 are shaped or configured differently than shown inFIG. 70. If so, therocker508 may engage theproximal slider522 and/or thedistal slider534 in a different manner than described above.
• Referring also toFIG. 77, when thehandle302 is in the pre-deployment configuration, the time is t=0. Theposition590 of theproximal slider522 is at an initial position, and theposition592 of thedistal slider534 is also at an initial position. Thepositions590,592 of thesliders522,534 on the graph ofFIG. 77 are qualitative, and are shown with respect to an arbitrary point selected between them. That is, the graph ofFIG. 77 illustrates an exemplary set of motions of thesliders522,534 over time.
• The first cable orcables480 are connected to theproximal slider522 and thesecond cable490 is connected to thedistal slider534, as described above. In the pre-deployment configuration, bothcables480,490 include some slack, such that a small initial motion of thetrigger308 takes up the slack and causes thecables480,490 to become tensioned. In this way, small motions of thetrigger308 before deployment is intended do not begin the actuation of theanastomosis tool300. Alternately, one or more of thecables480,490 are tensioned in the pre-deployment configuration.
• Thesecond cable490 is also connected to thesled482 in thetissue effector400, as described above. Referring also to FIGS.64 and68-69, in the pre-deployment configuration thesled482 is positioned such that eachramp element446 is located within thecorresponding passage440 in thecorresponding arm402, proximal to theconnector bays448. Similarly, in the pre-deployment configuration thesled482 is positioned such that eachvein knife432 is located proximal to thevein flap408 held between thegraft clip412 and the correspondingflap receiving surface406. Alternately, thesled482 is positioned differently in the pre-deployment configuration. For example, eachramp element446 may be positioned initially in a location distal to theconnector bays448. Referring also toFIG. 72, eachflap408 is held between agraft clip412 and aflap receiving surface406 as described above, such that thegraft vessel404 extends between thearms402 of thetissue effector400. Theflaps408 are held on the undersides of thearms402. Eachflap408 is held by the correspondinggraft clip412 such that a portion of theflap408 at itsroot405, which is the portion of theflap408 at or in proximity to its intersection with the tubular portion of thegraft vessel404, is exposed. Theroot405 of eachflap408 is configured to contact the outer surface of the target vessel, as described in greater detail below.
• Optionally, the orientation of thetissue effector400 may be changed relative to thehandle302. Thus, thetissue effector400 can be oriented relative to the target vessel such that theanvil arm14 is aligned with it, and thehandle302 can be placed in a convenient position for the user. To re-orient thetissue effector400, the user depresses thebuttons278, disengaging theteeth284 of thecog282 from thedetents310 of the receivingopening309. Thetissue effector400 is then rotated to the desired orientation. Thebuttons278 are then released, allowing theteeth284 of thecog282 to engage once again thedetents310 of the receivingopening309. Thecog282 is thus held securely in place in its new orientation.
• Referring toFIGS. 34 and 74, in the pre-deployment configuration, the distal end of theanvil arm14 is spaced apart from thestaple holder38. Referring also toFIG. 75, theanvil arm14 is inserted through the wall of thetarget vessel580. Thetarget vessel580 may be a coronary artery, if theanastomosis tool300 is used in the course of a CABG procedure, or any other appropriate bodily vessel or structure. Advantageously, theanvil arm14 has a cross-section small enough to allow it to enter thetarget vessel580 easily and to result in minimal or no leakage from the target vessel after theanvil arm14 is removed. The distal tip of theanvil arm14 may be sharp such that theanvil arm14 itself penetrates the wall of thetarget vessel580, resulting in an opening in the wall of thetarget vessel580 substantially the same size as the cross-section of theanvil arm14. Alternately, a sharp retractable projection, such as but not limited to theblade78 ofFIGS. 13-14 or theblade84 ofFIGS. 15-16, is provided at the distal end of theanvil arm14. The retractable projection is extended to allow the distal end of theanvil arm14 to penetrate the wall of thetarget vessel580, then retracted into theanvil arm14. The retractable projection may be a wire, a blade, a substantially conical member, a screw or a screw-tipped rod, or any other sharp structure or mechanism capable of penetrating the wall of thetarget vessel580. Such a retractable projection alternately may be as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/134,081, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternately, a separate mechanism or structure is used to penetrate the wall of thetarget vessel580, and theanvil arm14 is later inserted through that penetration. Alternately, thecutter200 includes a sharp point at its distal end, where that sharp point extends out of the distal end of theanvil arm14 to puncture the wall of thetarget vessel580. If so, thecutter200 may be actuated in a direction the reverse of that described below.
• Referring also toFIGS. 36 and 75, after insertion, the distal end of theanvil arm14 enters the lumen of thetarget vessel580. Theanvil arm14 is advanced into thetarget vessel580 until atissue stop220 on theanvil arm14 encounters the edge of the penetration in the wall of thetarget vessel580. Thetissue stop220 is substantially flat and/or blunt, and extends upward or in another direction relative to theanvil arm14 to increase the height and/or width of theanvil arm14. Thetissue stop220 increases the cross-section of theanvil arm14 such that theanvil arm14 cannot easily move further into the penetration in the wall of thetarget vessel580 after the tissue stop220 encounters the outer wall of thetarget vessel580. Because thetissue stop220 is blunt, it does not penetrate the wall of thetarget vessel580 or act to expand the size of the existing penetration. Thus, the distance between the distal end of theanvil arm14 and the tissue stop220 substantially determines how much of theanvil arm14 is allowed into the lumen of thetarget vessel580.
• Optionally, the distal end of theanvil arm14 is stabilized after insertion into thetarget vessel580. This stabilization may be performed by, for example, extending pins (not shown) from thestaple holder38 to theanvil arm14, where the pins act to hold the distal end of theanvil arm14 substantially in place. The pins may be sized and shaped to fit into depressions, slots or other features on theanvil arm14. In this way, potential deflection of the distal end of theanvil arm14 may be further reduced without the need for increasing the stiffness of theanvil arm14. After theconnectors464 have been deployed, the pins are retracted or otherwise moved away from theanvil arm14, freeing it. Different or additional mechanisms, structures or methods may be used to stabilize theanvil arm14. Optionally, a different part of theanvil arm14 is stabilized in addition to or instead of the distal end of theanvil arm14.
• Next, referring also toFIGS. 44 and 70, an operator depresses thetrigger308 of theanastomosis tool300. As a result, therocker508 begins to rotate about therocker axle510, such that thedistal arm518 moves downward and theproximal arm514 of therocker508 moves upward. As thetrigger308 is depressed, thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 moves downward. The stops596 of theholder594 continue to hold thedistal slider534 substantially in place against the proximal bias exerted by thespring540. Thus, thedistal slider534 does not substantially move as thetrigger308 is initially depressed. The contact surface548 of thedistal slider534 is curved to substantially match the travel of thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518. That is, the radius of curvature of the contact surface548 relative to therocker axle510 is substantially the same as the path of motion of thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 as therocker508 rotates, and thus does not substantially interfere with the motion of thedistal arm518. If theholder594 is not used, thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 holds thedistal slider534 in substantially the same position as thedistal arm518 moves relative to the contact surface548, due to the match between the curvature of the contact surface548 and the motion of thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518. Alternately, the contact surface548 is configured differently. Further, thedistal slider534 may be configured to move as thetrigger308 is initially depressed, if desired.
• Theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 moves upward as thetrigger308 is depressed, and contacts thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522 if it is not initially in contact with theproximal slider522. As theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 continues to move upward, it continues to engage thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522. Thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 is shaped such that a component of force exerted by theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 on thatlower surface530 is converted into a substantially translational force acting on theproximal slider522 to urge it proximally. As one example, thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 is angled proximally and downward. Further, theribs526 andcorresponding flanges524 of theproximal slider522 substantially linearly constrain the motion of the proximal slider. The angle of thelower surface530 relative to the arcuate motion of theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 results in the conversion of the substantially arcuate motion of theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 to substantially linear motion of theproximal slider522.
• Thus, the upward motion of therocker508 against thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522 urges theproximal slider522 in the proximal direction, against the bias of thespring546 connected to theproximal slider522 and thehandle302. Referring also toFIG. 77, this is time t=1, theproximal slider522 has moved proximally from time t=0, and thedistal slider534 has remained in substantially the same position it occupied at time t=0. As theproximal slider522 moves proximally, it takes up slack in the first cable orcables480 connected thereto, if slack is present. The first cable orcables480 are fixed to theanvil10. Because theanvil10 is in turn fixed relative to theshaft304, the proximal motion of the first cable orcables480 removes slack from, then tensions, the first cable orcables480. The first cable orcables480 pass through at least a portion of thecable housing306. As described above, thecable housing306 curves between theshaft304 and thetissue effector400. The tension in the first cable orcables480 causes thecable housing306 to move. That is, the tension in the first cable orcables480 acts upon theflexible cable housing306, causing its curvature to decrease. Although thecable housing306 is at least partially flexible, thecable housing306 possesses stiffness longitudinally. Thus, as the curvature of thecable housing306 decreases, the distal end of thecable housing306 moves distally. Referring also toFIG. 58, thestaple holder38 is biased away from theanvil10 by a biasingelement475, which tends to move thetissue effector400 to an open position. The biasingelement475 may be a coil spring, leaf spring, or any other structure or mechanism capable of applying a biasing force. When the tension in the first cable orcables480 causes the distal end of thecable housing306 to move distally, the distal end of thecable housing306 exerts a force on theanvil10 that overcomes the bias of the biasingelement475, causing theanvil10 to rotate about a pivot point such as thepin226 to a standby position. In this way, theanvil arm14 remains substantially stationary within thetarget vessel580, while thestaple holder38 rotates. Alternately, thestaple holder38 andanvil10 may be actuated to move between the position shown inFIG. 34 and the position shown inFIG. 44 by any structure, mechanism or method.
• Alternately, a second cable housing (not shown) is provided. If so, the first cable orcables480 may extend through thecable housing306 as described above, and the second cable orcables490 may extend through the second cable housing. In this way, the forces exerted along the first cable orcables480 andcable housing306 are substantially isolated from the forces acting along the second cable orcables490 and the second cable housing.
• Referring also toFIGS. 29-31,44 and76, as thestaple holder38 andanvil10 move closer together, thestaple holder38 holds aroot405 of eachflap408 against or in proximity to the outer surface of the target vessel. For clarity, the flaps and graft vessel are not shown inFIG. 44. That is, theroots405 of theflaps408 are apposed to the outer wall of thetarget vessel580. As a result, a portion of the intimal layer of thegraft vessel404 at theroot405 of eachflap408 is placed against the outer wall of thetarget vessel580. Theflaps408 are held by thestaple holder38 in a substantially fixed position relative to the surface of thetarget vessel580, such that the end of thegraft vessel404 is substantially immobile relative to the wall of thetarget vessel580. Thus, the position of the end of thegraft vessel404 relative to the wall of thetarget vessel580 remains substantially unchanged throughout the duration of the anastomosis procedure. Further, after theanvil arm14 has been inserted into the lumen of thetarget vessel580, thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 is substantially in contact with the inner surface of the wall of thetarget vessel580. The perimeter of the end of thegraft vessel404 defines a closed area on the wall of the target vessel. The location of a connection made between the end of thegraft vessel404 and the wall of the target vessel is substantially registered with an opening made within the closed area in the wall of the target vessel, regardless of the order in which the connection and the opening are made. Further, the position of the end of thegraft vessel404 relative to the wall of thetarget vessel580 substantially maintains position registration throughout the duration of the anastomosis procedure relative to the opening in the wall of the target vessel through which theanvil arm14 is inserted.
• As thestaple holder38 andanvil10 move together, theengagement member216 engages thereceiver218. As described above, thereceiver218 is defined in thesled482. However, thereceiver218 may be a separate component from thesled482. Further, if theoptional safety feature210 is utilized, the relative motion of thestaple holder38 and theanvil10 causes thestaple holder38 to contact thesafety feature210 and urge it downward against its upward bias. Consequently, thetip212 of thesafety feature210 is moved downward out of engagement with thesafety recess214 of thecutter200. Alternately, another structure or mechanism is configured to engage thesafety feature210 when thestaple holder38 andanvil10 are moved together, so as to urge thetip212 out of thesafety recess214. Thus, in the standby position, thecutter200 is freed for translation along thechannel246.
• Optionally, aninterface structure238 may be connected to or formed into thestaple holder38. Theinterface structure238 engages theanvil10 or a component associated with theanvil10 as thestaple holder38 and theanvil10 move to the standby position, such as by snapping onto a corresponding feature (not shown) on theanvil10. By doing so, theinterface structure238 holds thestaple holder38 substantially fixed relative to theanvil10, in order to maintain registration between the target vessel, the graft vessel, theanvil10 and thestaple holder38. Theinterface structure238 may be a tab, rail, bump, or any other feature that is capable of engaging a corresponding feature and holding thestaple holder38 substantially fixed relative to theanvil10. Alternately, theinterface structure238 is formed into or connected to theanvil10 and engages a corresponding feature on thestaple holder38.
• Referring also toFIG. 70, the user continues to depress thetrigger308. As a result, therocker508 continues to rotate about therocker axle510 such that thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 continues to move downward, and theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 continues to move upward. As theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 continues to move upward, its contact with thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522 continues to urge theproximal slider522 proximally. When theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 has reached a position at or near the intersection between the twoportions530,532 of thecontact feature528, theproximal slider522 has moved substantially as far proximally as it will move during actuation of theanastomosis tool300. Further, when theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 has reached that position, thestaple holder38 and theanvil arm14 are still in the standby position. Referring also toFIG. 77, this is time t=2, at which theproximal slider522 has moved proximally from its position at time t=1, and has reached its most proximal position. Thedistal slider534 is in substantially the same position that it was in at time t=1.
• The user continues to depress thetrigger308. As theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 continues to move upward, it moves past the intersection between the twoportions530,532 of thecontact feature528, thereby contacting theupper portion532 of thecontact feature528. Theupper portion532 of thecontact feature528 provides substantially no resistance to the continued rotation of therocker508, because it is substantially vertical or angled in a proximal direction as it extends upward. Theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 thus moves upward rapidly. Alternately, the speed of the motion of theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 is controlled to be the same as or slower than its speed while it contacts thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528. During the upward motion of theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514, theproximal slider522 may move distally at least slightly due to the arcuate motion of theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 relative to the non-arcuateupper portion532 of thecontact feature528.
• As theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 moves upward along theupper portion532 of thecontact feature528, thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 continues to move downward along the contact surface548 of thedistal slider534. As described above, theposts544 at thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 are spaced apart from one another, such that a gap is present between them. Thedistal arm518 may contact the contact surface548 via theposts544 during at least a portion of its travel. As thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 moves downward, theposts544 reach thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548. Therocker508, the proximal slider, and thedistal slider534 are positioned relative to one another and shaped such that theposts544 reach thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548 at substantially the same time that theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 reaches the intersection between the twoportions530,532 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522.
• When theposts544 reach thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548, they contact the members600 of theholder594. As thedistal end520 of thedistal arm518 continues to move downward, theposts544 thereby press the members600 downward. As a result, the stops596 are moved out of engagement with thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548, such that the stops596 no longer contact thedistal slider534. Consequently, the stops596 no longer restrain thedistal slider534 against proximal motion under the influence of thespring540. The width of thelower guide552 is less than the width of the gap between theposts544, and thelower guide552 is substantially aligned with the gap between theposts544. Thus, after the stops596 have been pushed below thebottom edge570 of the contact surface548 of thedistal slider534, thelower guide552 is free to slide through the gap between theposts544 and through the proximal end of theholder594. The proximal motion of thedistal slider534 thus takes up the slack (if any) in thesecond cable490 connected to thedistal slider534, then causes thatsecond cable490 to move proximally. Referring also toFIG. 77, this is time t=3, at which thedistal slider534 has rapidly moved proximally from its position at time t=2, and theproximal slider522 has moved slightly in the distal direction from its position at time t=2.
• Referring also toFIG. 58, this proximal motion of thesecond cable490 urges thesled482, which also is connected to thesecond cable490, into motion. As described above, at least onechannel496 is defined in thestaple holder38, and thesecond cable490 is guided by a correspondingchannel496. Thestaple holder38 is shaped such that thechannel496 curves and causes thesecond cable490 to curve back in a proximal direction. Thesecond cable490 is connected to thesled482. Thus, the curvature of thechannel496 causes thesecond cable490 to curve, such that the proximal motion of thesecond cable490 pulls thesled482 distally. In this way, proximal motion of thedistal slider534 causes thesled482 to move distally.
• Referring also to FIGS.64 and68-69, thesled482 includes one ormore ramp elements446, each movable within acorresponding passage440 in anarm402 of thestaple holder38, as described above. Initially, thesled482 is positioned such that eachramp element446 is proximal to the mostproximal connector bay448 connected to thecorresponding passage440. Thus, as thesecond cable490 is tensioned and moved proximally by thedistal slider534, and thesled482 moves distally as a result, eachramp element446 moves distally in itscorresponding passage440.
• For convenience in describing the deployment ofstaples464, the motion of oneramp element446 through thecorresponding passage440 will be described; the motion of eachadditional ramp element446 through itscorresponding passage440 occurs in the same or a similar manner. Referring toFIG. 64, as theramp element446 moves distally from its initial position, itsdistal end474 contacts the mostproximal connector deployer452. As described above, eachconnector deployer452 initially is in a first position in which itsouter end454 extends into thepassage440. When thedistal end474 of theramp element446 contacts the mostproximal connector deployer452, it urges thatconnector deployer452 into the correspondingconnector bay448. Thedistal end474 of theramp element446 may be shaped such that itsinner surface476 curves or angles relative to the direction of travel of theramp element446. Thus, when thedistal end474 of theramp element446 encounters theouter end454 of the mostproximal connector deployer452, a component of the force it exerts on theconnector deployer452 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the correspondingconnector bay448. That centerline may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of theramp element446, or may be otherwise oriented relative to the direction of travel of theramp element446.
• As a result of contact with thedistal end474 of theramp element446, theconnector deployer452 begins to move through the correspondingconnector bay448, away from thepassage440. Aconnector464 is located in theconnector bay448, inward from theconnector deployer452. Thetines466 of theconnector464 initially may be biased against at least part of the correspondingconnector bay448 as described above, or theconnector464 may otherwise be held within theconnector bay448 prior to motion of theconnector deployer452. As theconnector deployer452 moves, it exerts a force on thecorresponding connector464, overcoming the force with which theconnector464 is initially held in place and pushing theconnector464 inward. As theconnector464 is urged inward, the registration element458 (if used) translates along theregistration feature462 of theconnector bay448. Theregistration element458 reduces or eliminates lateral cocking of theconnector deployer452 during its translation through theconnector bay448, such that theconnector deployer452 is maintained in substantially the same orientation throughout its travel.
• Referring also toFIG. 61 (in which the graft vessel and target vessel are not shown for clarity), as theconnector deployer452 urges theconnector464 out of theconnector bay448, thetines466 of theconnector464 move out of theconnector bay448, penetrate theroot405 of theflap408 held against theinner surface450 of thearm402, then penetrate the wall of thetarget vessel580. One or more of thearms402 may be angled relative to a horizontal plane to facilitate connecting the flaps of thegraft vessel404 to the wall of thetarget vessel580, where that angle is chosen to place connectors in a desired orientation relative to the surface of thetarget vessel580. Advantageously, thestaples464 enter the target vessel substantially perpendicular to it. However, thestaples464 can enter the target vessel at a different angle, and/or at different angles relative to one another.
• After thetines464 have completely penetrated the wall of the target vessel, they encounter corresponding staple bending features572 in theanvil arm14. The staple bending features572 are depressions in the surface of theanvil arm14, aligned with theconnector bays448 such that at least onetine466 of at least oneconnector464 encounters astaple bending feature572 upon being pushed out of itsconnector bay448. One or more of the staple bending features572 may be configured differently, or may be omitted altogether. As theconnector deployer452 continues to urge theconnector464 out of theconnector bay448 and toward theanvil arm14, thetines464 of theconnector464 are pressed into the staple bending features572. Thus, the force transmitted from theramp element446 to theconnector deployer452 presses thetines464 into the staple bending features572, causing them to deflect. Thetines464 may be deflected in any direction suitable for holding theflap408 to thegraft vessel404.
• When the widest portion of thedistal end474 of theramp element446 encounters theouter end454 of theconnector deployer452, theconnector deployer452 reaches the end of its stroke through the connector bay. Theconnector464 and the corresponding staple bending feature or features572 are configured such that the deflection of thetines446, and thus the deployment of theconnector464, is substantially complete when the correspondingconnector deployer452 reaches the end of its stroke. Theramp element446 then continues its motion through thepassage440 to encounter thenext connector deployer452, such that thestaples464 in eacharm402 are deployed sequentially. Alternately, theramp element446 andpassage440 are configured such that theramp element446 moves in substantially the same direction as thesliders452, or is otherwise connected to thesliders452, such that two or more of thesliders452 are actuated substantially simultaneously. That is, thesliders452 may be actuated in series, in parallel, or in a different way. For example, thesliders452 may be selectively actuated, such that a selected number ofstaples464 can be deployed. The user can deploy a selected number ofstaples464 based on the size of thegraft vessel404 or other relevant factors. That is, the staple line (the length along thetarget vessel580 along whichstaples464 are deployed) is adjustable. Such adjustment may be performed in any appropriate manner, such as by adjusting the distance traveled by eachramp element446 during deployment of thestaples464. Alternately, other mechanisms or structures may be used to deploy thestaples464 from theconnector bays448 in a desired sequence.
• As described above, thestaple holder38 includes two spaced-apartarms402. Aramp element446 proceeds distally through acorresponding passage440 in eacharm402. Further, theconnector bays448 in eacharm402 are aligned in a substantially bilaterally symmetric manner. Thus, as thesled482 translates distally, thedistal end474 of eachramp element446 encounters aconnector deployer452 at substantially the same time, such that aconnector464 is deployed from eacharm402 at substantially the same time. As a result, thestaple holder38 sequentially deploys pairs ofstaples446 into tissue as theramp elements446 move distally. Alternately, theconnector bays448 are staggered, such thatstaples464 from eacharm402 are deployed at different times than staples from theother arm402.
• Thesled482 also includesvein knives432. Eachvein knife432 translates through a correspondingvein knife passage430 defined by afirst channel426 in thegraft clip412 and asecond channel428 in theflap receiving surface406, as described above. Thedistal end474 of eachvein knife432 is sharp. As described above, thevein knives432 are initially in a first position, where thedistal end474 of eachvein knife432 is located proximal to theroot405 of thecorresponding flap408. As thesecond cable490 is tensioned and pulled toward thehandle302 by thedistal slider534, thesled482 moves distally. Thevein knives432, which are connected to thesled482 move distally as well through the correspondingvein knife passages430.
• As eachvein knife432 moves distally, its sharpdistal end474 engages the proximal edge of theroot405 of thecorresponding flap408, entering the tissue of theflap408 and beginning to make an incision therein. Theserrations438 on thegraft clip blades436 assist in holding theflap408 as thecorresponding vein knife432 incises it. Alternately, thoseserrations438 may assist in incising theflap408, depending on their configuration. In addition, theserrations438 may assist in holding the excess tissue incised from eachflap408, after thevein knife432 has made an incision through the entire flap. Thevein knives432 do not extend as far in the distal direction as theramp elements446. Thus, as thesled482 translates distally, thedistal end474 of eachramp element466 reaches any given longitudinal position before theblade434 of thecorresponding vein knife432. Consequently, theramp element466 causes a staple446 to deploy at a particular longitudinal position before thecorresponding vein knife432 extends the incision in theflap408 to that longitudinal position. By stapling before incising at any given longitudinal position, eachflap408 is held securely as it is cut by thecorresponding vein knife432. Alternately, at any given longitudinal position, theflap408 is incised during or before deployment of a staple446 at that position. Eachvein knife432 is positioned to cut theflap408 far enough from the deployedstaples446 to minimize or eliminate interference with thesestaples446, but close enough to thestaples446 to cut away excess tissue on theflap408 that is not needed for the finished anastomosis.
• Referring also toFIGS. 45,58 and68, thecutter200 has been freed for translation. Thecutter200 is urged distally by thereceiver218, which engages theengagement feature216 of thecutter200. Thereceiver218 may be defined in thesled482, as described above. As thesled482 is pulled distally by thesecond cable490, thereceiver218 moves distally, thereby urging theengagement feature216 of thecutter200 distally. Alternately, thereceiver218 is not defined in thesled482. Instead, thereceiver218 is a separate structure that may be connected to thesled482, and that is configured to travel along aguide structure241. Theguide structure241 is a rail or other structure along which thereceiver218 slide, and thereceiver218 interfaces with and translates along the rail. Thus, theguide structure241 guides the translation of thereceiver218. Acavity240 is provided in thestaple holder38 adjacent to theguide structure241 to allow for motion of thereceiver218 along theguide structure241. Thecavity240 is sized to allow thereceiver218 to translate freely. Alternately, theguide structure241 is a hollow channel defined within thestaple holder38, such that the walls of the channel guide the translation of thereceiver218. Alternately, theguide structure241 may be any other structure or mechanism capable of guiding the translation of thereceiver218. Theguide structure241 is substantially aligned with theanvil arm14. That is, the longitudinal centerline of theguide structure241 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14. Thus, motion of thereceiver218 along theguide structure241 causes translation of theengagement feature216 and therefore translation of thecutter200 substantially parallel to the centerline of theanvil arm14. Thereceiver218 may be actuated to translate along theguide structure241 by thesecond cable490, which transmits force from thehandle302. Alternately, the actuator may convert stored energy to force that is applied to the cutter. Such stored energy may be provided by a spring, battery, source of compressed gas, or other source. Alternately, any mechanism, structure or method, using stored energy or not, may be used to translate thereceiver218 along theguide structure241. The particular mechanism, structure or method used to cause translation of thecutter200 is not critical to the invention.
• Theupper surface252 of thecutter200 is substantially planar proximal to theprojection208. The biasingelement260 contacts theupper surface252 of thecutter200 and biases thecutter200 downward. Thecutter200 includes akeel264 that extends downward. Thekeel264 may be formed into thecutter200, or may be a separate component connected to thecutter200. Thekeel264 is substantially as wide as the adjacent portion of thecutter200. However, thekeel264 may be wider or narrower than the adjacent portion of thecutter200. Thekeel264 is positioned at or near the distal end of thecutter200. Alternately, thekeel264 may be positioned at a different location on thecutter200.
• Referring toFIG. 43A, another embodiment of acutter200 is shown. As described above, thecutter200 includes at least oneprojection208 extending substantially upward from a position at or near its distal end, and anengagement feature216 extending upward from theupper surface252 of thecutter200. In this embodiment, thekeel264 of thecutter200 is spaced apart from theprojection208, differing from the embodiment ofFIG. 37-38 in which thekeel264 is adjacent to theprojection208. By spacing thekeel264 apart from theprojection208, thekeel264 can project a smaller distance downward while moving theprojection208 substantially the same amount upward and downward. Consequently, thekeel264 as a whole can be made smaller.
• Referring toFIG. 43B, another embodiment of acutter200 is shown. As described above, thecutter200 includes at least oneprojection208 extending substantially upward from a position at or near its distal end, and anengagement feature216 extending upward from theupper surface252 of thecutter200. In this embodiment, thecutter200 includes afirst keel264 and asecond keel265. Thefirst keel264 may be configured similarly to thekeel264 ofFIG. 43, and thesecond keel265 may be configured similarly to thekeel265 ofFIG. 43A. Thefirst keel264 extends further below the body of thecutter200 than thesecond keel265. A third lower opening (not shown) is defined through alower surface256 of theanvil10, in addition to the firstlower opening254 and the secondlower opening268. The third lower opening is spaced apart from the secondlower opening268, and is positioned distal to the secondlower opening268. Thefirst keel264 initially extends into the secondlower opening268, and thesecond keel265 initially extends into the firstlower opening254.
• As shown inFIG. 45, thekeel264 initially extends into the firstlower opening254, which is defined through alower surface256 of theanvil10. Thekeel264 may extend completely through the firstlower opening254, such that its lowest point extends outside theanvil10. Thekeel264 is biased downward into the firstlower opening254 as a result of the downward force exerted on thecutter200 by the biasingelement260. While thekeel264 is biased into the firstlower opening254, theprojection208 remains below thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14. In this way, theprojection208 does not extend out of theanvil arm14 while theanvil arm14 is inserted into the wall of a target vessel. Where thecutter200 ofFIG. 43A is used, thekeel264 need not extend into or through the firstlower opening254 as far as thekeel264 of thecutter200 ofFIGS. 37-38. As a result, less clearance for the motion of thekeel264 need be provided, and thetissue effector400 may be made more compact. The firstlower opening254 extends along a fixed length of thelower surface256 of theanvil10. As thecutter200 translates distally, thekeel264 continues to remain at least partially within the firstlower opening254, such that theprojection208 continues to remain below thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14. Initially, thekeel264 may be positioned proximal to the distal end of the firstlower opening254. The length of the firstlower opening254 is selected to cause theprojection208 to remain below thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 across that distance. That is, this distance is selected such that theprojection208 on thecutter200 does not engage the wall of the target vessel until theprojection208 is positioned within the circumference of the graft vessel. That is, the connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel substantially defines a closed area, and theprojection208 is configured to engage the wall of the target vessel within that closed area. In this way, theprojection208 makes an incision completely within the connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel, completing the anastomosis between the two vessels and minimizing or eliminating leakage at the anastomosis site. While theprojection208 on thecutter200 remains below the upper surface of theanvil arm14, it neither engages nor cuts the wall of the target vessel.
• Referring also toFIG. 46, thecutter200 continues to advance distally as thereceiver218 continues to urge theengagement feature216 distally. As described above, at least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased downward. As thecutter200 advances distally, thekeel264 encounters the distal end of the firstlower opening254. This encounter, and the continued proximal translation of thecutter200, causes thekeel264 to move upward relative to theanvil arm14. Thekeel264 and/or the distal end of the firstlower opening254 may be constructed to provide a smooth, gradual upward motion of thekeel264, such as by providing a gradual slope on thekeel264 and/or the distal end of the firstlower opening254. Alternately, thekeel264 and/or the distal end of the firstlower opening254 may be constructed to allow or cause thekeel264 to move upward abruptly upon encountering the distal end of the firstlower opening254. The upward motion of thekeel264 causes the distal end of thecutter200 and theprojection208 to move upward. Thus, the size and position of the firstlower opening254, including the position of the distal end of the firstlower opening254, control the motion of thecutter200 and theprojection208 in the vertical direction.
• Where thecutter200 ofFIG. 43A is used, thekeel264 contacts the distal end of the firstlower opening254 in the same manner as the cutter ofFIGS. 37-38. By spacing thekeel264 apart from theprojection208, theprojection208 may be protected from inadvertent contact with the distal end of the firstlower opening254. The initial position of thecutter200 relative to the remainder of thetissue effector400 may be different than that of thecutter200 ofFIGS. 37-38, to ensure that theprojection208 enters the wall of the target vessel at a selected point relative to thetissue effector400. Where thecutter200 ofFIG. 43B is used, as thecutter200 is urged distally, thesecond keel265 and the firstlower opening254 are configured such that thesecond keel265 contacts the distal end of the firstlower opening254 before thefirst keel264 can contact the distal end of the secondlower opening268. In this way, the distal end of thecutter200 is prevented from contacting the distal end of the secondlower opening268.
• As the distal end of thecutter200 moves upward, theprojection208 moves upward through theupper opening248 in theanvil arm14. Thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 is substantially adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of the target vessel. Thus, upward motion of theprojection208 through theupper opening248 and above thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 causes theprojection208 to enter the wall of the target vessel. Thecutter200 continues to move distally, such that thekeel264 moves out of the firstlower opening254 completely and contacts thebottom surface266 of thechannel246 of theanvil arm14. Theprojection208 is sized such that theprojection208 completely penetrates the wall of the target vessel when thekeel264 has moved proximally to the firstlower opening254 and is in contact with thebottom surface266 of thechannel246. That is, at least a portion of theprojection208 passes through the wall of the target vessel and enters the lumen of the target vessel. This initial penetration of the wall of the target vessel defines the starting point of an arteriotomy performed on the target vessel by theprojection208. The starting point of the arteriotomy is spaced apart from the location on the target vessel at which theanvil arm14 is inserted, because thecutter200 and theprojection208 have moved proximally a selected distance before penetrating or incising the wall of the target vessel. The portion of the wall of the target vessel between the arteriotomy and the insertion point of theanvil arm14 may be referred to as a tissue bridge. The incision is referred to as an arteriotomy for convenience, and this terminology does not limit the type of anastomosis that may be performed. For example, anastomosis may be performed between two tissue structures that are not blood vessels, such as bile ducts.
• Theprojection208 of thecutter200 enters the wall of the target vessel at a location between thearms402 of thestaple holder38. Eacharm402 holds at least a portion of aflap408 of thegraft vessel404 against the wall of the target vessel, such that theprojection208 enters the wall of the target vessel at a location between theflaps408. The length of thecutter200, the position of theprojection208 on thecutter200, and the placement of the firstlower opening254 may be selected such that theprojection208 enters the wall of the target vessel after at least onestaple446 is deployed into one of theflaps408 and the wall of the target vessel. Alternately, theprojection208 enters the wall of the target vessel before any of thestaples446 have been deployed, or after all of thestaples446 have been deployed. Further, the length of thecutter200, the position of theprojection208 on thecutter200, and the placement of the firstlower opening254 may be selected such that the projection enters the wall of the target vessel at substantially the same time that one ormore vein knives432 begin to incise the corresponding flaps408.
• As thesled482 continues to advance distally, thedistal end474 of eachramp element476 actuates eachconnector deployer452 in turn, causing thesliders452 to sequentially deploy the correspondingstaples446 as described above. Additionally, thevein knives432 continue to move distally as thesled482 advances distally, lengthening the incision in theroot405 of eachflap408. Further, referring also toFIG. 47, thecutter200 continues to advance distally as thereceiver218 continues to urge theengagement feature216 distally. Thecutter200 incises the wall of the target vessel at a given longitudinal position at substantially the same time as eachvein knife432 incises thecorresponding flap408 at the that longitudinal position. Alternately, the timing of the cutting action of thecutter200 and thevein knives432 is different, such that thecutter200 incises the wall of the target vessel at a given longitudinal position either before or after eachvein knife432 incises thecorresponding flap408 at that longitudinal position.
• The lower surface of thekeel264 contacts thebottom surface266 of thechannel246 during this translation. The contact between thekeel264 and thebottom surface266 of thechannel246 counteracts the downward bias of the distal end of thecutter200. In this way, theprojection208 is maintained above thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14. As thecutter200 continues to translate distally, theprojection208 moves through the tissue of the wall of the target vessel in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14, and incises the tissue of the wall of the target vessel to create an arteriotomy. Because theprojection208 is connected to and translated by thecutter200, which is within the target vessel, the arteriotomy is performed from within the target vessel. The tip of theprojection208 may maintain substantially the same height relative to thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 during translation of thecutter200, or may change its height relative to thecontact surface206 of the anvil arm, as long as theprojection208 continues to incise completely through the wall of the target vessel.
• Where the cutter ofFIG. 43B is used, the lower surface of thesecond keel265 and the lower surface of thefirst keel264 both contact thebottom surface266 of thechannel246. Alternately, the lower surface of thefirst keel264 extends downward enough that the lower surface of thesecond keel265 does not contact thebottom surface266 of thechannel246.
• Referring also toFIG. 48, a secondlower opening268 is defined through thelower surface256 of theanvil arm14. The secondlower opening268 is distal to and substantially aligned with the firstlower opening254. Thecutter200 continues to advance distally as thereceiver218 continues to impel theengagement feature216 distally. As a result of this translation, thekeel264 encounters the proximal end of the secondlower opening268. Because the distal end of thecutter200 is biased downward, thekeel264 moves downward at least partially into the secondlower opening268. The downward motion of thekeel264 causes the distal end of thecutter200 and theprojection208 to move downward. Thekeel264 and/or the proximal end of the secondlower opening268 may be constructed to provide a smooth, gradual downward motion of thekeel264, such as by providing a gradual slope on thekeel264 and/or the proximal end of the secondlower opening268. Alternately, thekeel264 and/or the proximal end of the secondlower opening268 may be constructed to allow or cause thekeel264 to move downward abruptly upon encountering the proximal end of the secondlower opening268. Alternately, where thecutter200 ofFIG. 43B is used, thefirst keel264 moves as least partially into the third lower opening269, and thesecond keel264 moves at least partially into the secondlower opening268. The downward motion of the distal end of thecutter200 causes theprojection208 to retract into or completely through theupper opening248, such that theprojection208 no longer encounters the tissue of the wall of the target vessel. Theprojection208 may be urged downward completely into thechannel246, depending on the depth of thechannel246 and the height of theprojection208.
• Alternately, the upper tip of theprojection208 may remain within theupper opening248. Thecutter200 may stop its distal translation at substantially the same time that theprojection208 retracts completely into theupper opening248, or may continue to translate distally within thechannel246 before coming to a stop. Alternately, the secondlower opening268 is not provided, and only the firstlower opening254 extends through thelower surface156 of theanvil arm14 into thechannel246. In such a configuration, thecutter200 is refracted in the proximal direction after the arteriotomy is formed, until thekeel264 moves downward into the firstlower opening254 and theprojection208 consequently retracts completely into theupper opening248.
• Thesled482 continues to move distally, such that thedistal end474 of theramp element446 actuates the mostdistal connector deployer452 and deploys thecorresponding staple446. Referring also toFIG. 76, the connection between the end of thegraft vessel404 and thetarget vessel580 is then complete. Thesled482 continues to translate, such that eachvein knife432 then moves completely through thecorresponding flap408. A portion of eachflap408 continues to be held between eachgraft clip412 and correspondingflap receiving surface406. Thus, when theroot405 of eachflap408 has been completely incised through by thecorresponding vein knife432, thestaple holder38 no longer holds thegraft vessel404, and is freed from the anastomosis site.
• Referring toFIG. 73, therocker508 completes its travel when thedistal end520 of thedistal arm516 contacts one or more of theribs556 in thehandle302. This contact prevents further downward motion of thedistal arm518, and thereby causes therocker508 to cease its motion. Alternately, at least a portion of thedistal arm516 and/or theproximal arm514 contact a stop or other structure in thehandle302 which obstructs further motion of therocker508. Alternately, the motion of therocker508 is stopped in a different way, such as by a braking or clutch mechanism. Thus, the corresponding travel of thesecond cable490 and theconnected sled482 cease as well. After therocker508 has completed its travel, theupper portion532 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522 contacts theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514. Thespring546 biases theproximal slider522 distally. Thus, theupper portion532 of thecontact feature528 is pressed against theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514, holding theproximal arm514 and therocker508 in place and substantially preventing rotation of therocker508 in a direction opposite to its previous motion. Alternately, theproximal slider522 does not contact therocker508 after the travel of therocker508 is complete. At substantially the same time as the motion of therocker508 stops, thelower guide552 of thedistal slider534 contacts astop553 defined in or connected to thehandle302. Thestop553 may be integrated with at least one of theribs556. Thestop553 is positioned to interfere with further proximal motion of thedistal slider534, such that contact between thelower guide552 and thestop553 causes thedistal slider534 to cease moving proximally. Alternately, thestop553 is not used, and thedistal slider534 is allowed to continue to move proximally after deployment of thestaples446. Referring also toFIG. 77, this is time t=4, at which thedistal slider534 has moved proximally from its position at time t=3, and the proximal slider has moved slightly distally from its position at time t=3.
• As described above, thedistal slider534 may include averification stub560 that extends substantially upward from the upper end of thedistal slider534 through aslot562 in thehandle302. Initially, when thedistal slider534 is in its most distal position, theverification stub560 is also in its most distal position. As thedistal slider534 translates proximally during actuation of theanastomosis tool300, theverification stub560 also translates proximally. Thus, after theanastomosis tool300 has been actuated and thedistal slider534 has moved to its most proximal position, theverification stub560 has moved to its most proximal position as well. By visually inspecting the position of theverification stub560, the user can confirm whether theanastomosis tool300 has been completely actuated. In addition, thedistal end474 of at least oneramp element446 may be visible after actuation of theanastomosis tool300 if thedistal end442 of thepassage440 is open, providing another visual indication that theanastomosis tool300 has been completely actuated. The distal end of the firstlower opening254 and the proximal end of the secondlower opening268 control the motion of theprojection208 and thereby control the penetration of the wall of the target vessel. That is, the distance between the distal end of the firstlower opening254 and the proximal end of the secondlower opening268 determines the length of the arteriotomy.
• Alternately, where thesnap arm606 is used instead of the cam lock to hold acorresponding graft clip412 in the closed position, thedistal end474 of thecorresponding ramp element446 extends out of thedistal end442 of thepassage440 to disengage thecatch608 of thesnap arm606. That is, thelobe610 of thesnap arm606 is positioned relative to thedistal end442 of thepassage440 such that thedistal end474 of thecorresponding ramp element446 encounters thelobe610 near the end of the travel of the ramp element, pushing thelobe610 out of engagement of thearm402 and thus disengaging thecatch608 from thearm402. Thecorresponding graft clip412 is thereby free to move out of the closed position, freeing theflap408 held by thatgraft clip412. In such an embodiment, thevein knives432 may be omitted, because theflaps408 are freed in their entirety. Further, thespikes410 are omitted, such that theflaps408 are not held in place on theflap receiving surface406 after thesnap arm606 is disengaged from thearm402.
• After performing the arteriotomy, thecutter200 is in a distally-extended position. Thecutter200 remains in that position as theanvil arm14 is removed from thetarget vessel580, where thetissue bridge582 separates the anastomosis site from thehole584 in the wall of thetarget vessel580 through which theanvil arm14 entered thetarget vessel580. Thus, theprojection208 does not extend out of theupper opening248 during removal of theanvil arm14 from thetarget vessel580. Alternately, after performing the arteriotomy, thecutter200 may be moved proximally within thechannel246 in theanvil arm14 before removing theanvil arm14 from thetarget vessel580.
• Thetissue effector400 is then returned to the open position from the closed position, to allow theanvil arm14 to be withdrawn from thetarget vessel580. After thetrigger308 has been depressed to deploy one ormore connectors464, thedistal arm518 of therocker508 has deflected at least a portion of theholder594. As a result, the deflectedholder594 exerts an opposing bias against thedistal arm518 of therocker508. When the user releases thetrigger308, thebiased holder594 then acts against thedistal arm518, pushing it upward and causing therocker508 to rotate about therocker axle510. As a result, theproximal arm514 of therocker508 moves downward toward its original position. Thus, theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 moves downward against theupper portion532 of thecontact feature528 of theproximal slider522, and continues to move downward past the intersection between the twoportions530,532 of thecontact feature528. As theproximal end516 of theproximal arm514 moves past that intersection to contact thelower portion530 of thecontact feature528, theproximal slider522 is freed to move distally a small amount due to the bias of thespring546. This proximal motion relaxes the tension on thefirst cable480. As a result, the biasingelement475 pushes thestaple holder38 away from theanvil10, returning thetissue effector400 to the open position. Thetissue effector400 thus no longer clamps the wall of thetarget vessel580, and theanvil arm14 can be removed from the lumen of thetarget vessel580. The spacing between thestaple holder38 and theanvil10 in the open position is selected to ensure adequate clearance for separation of thetissue effector400 from thetarget vessel580. For example, thestaple holder38 is moved far enough from theanvil10 such that thespikes410 are fully removed from theflaps408 before theanvil arm14 is removed from thetarget vessel580. Alternately, thetissue effector400 is returned to the open position in another manner. When theprojection208 is retracted out of the tissue of the wall of the target vessel, the distal end of the arteriotomy is defined, and the arteriotomy is complete. Thus, the anastomosis is complete as well.
• Referring also toFIG. 74, the completed anastomosis between thegraft vessel404 and thetarget vessel580 remains. Thehole584 in the wall of thetarget vessel580 through which theanvil arm14 entered thetarget vessel580 is small enough to prevent significant bleeding through the puncture site after theanvil arm14 has been withdrawn. Alternately, thehole584 is closed by hand suturing. Alternately, thehole584 is closed with a biocompatible glue, adhesive or the like. Alternately, thehole584 is closed with a clip, clamp, or other implantable device that remains on the target vessel. Such a device may be positioned on the outer surface and/or inner surface of the target vessel, and may extend into thehole584. A device for closing thehole584 may be constructed from nitinol or other superelastic or pseudoelastic material, or from stainless steel or other material, where that device moves between a first configuration and a second configuration during deployment, and where the second configuration holds thehole584 closed. Thehole584 is less than substantially 2 mm wide, and advantageously less than 1 mm wide.
• As described above, thecutter200 incises the wall of the target vessel while thestaple holder38 is stapling or otherwise connecting the graft vessel to the target vessel, as described in greater detail below. Alternately, thestaple holder38 may completely staple or otherwise connect the graft vessel to the target vessel before thecutter200 is urged forward, such that the two vessels are connected before thecutter200 makes an incision between them. Alternately, thecutter200 incises the wall of the target vessel before thestaple holder38 has stapled or otherwise connected the graft vessel to the target vessel.
• Referring toFIG. 49, a different embodiment of theanvil10 also includes acutter200 moveable relative to theanvil10 for making an incision in the wall of a target vessel. Theanvil10,anvil arm14,staple holder38, and other components are substantially as described above with regard toFIGS. 34-38 and44-49. In this embodiment, at least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased upward. In other regards, the actuation of theanastomosis tool300, the operation of the mechanisms within thehandle302, and the operation of thetissue effector400 are substantially as described above. Referring toFIGS. 35 and 49, theanvil insert222 is connected to theanvil10. Anaperture230 is defined through the distal end of theanvil insert222 into thecavity228 defined within theanvil insert222, connecting thechannel246 to thecavity228. Thecutter200 extends through theaperture230 in theanvil insert222, such that the distal end of thecutter200 is positioned within thechannel246 and the proximal end of thecutter200 is positioned within thecavity228. Acam232 is positioned within thecavity228 above theaperture230. Alternately, thecam232 may be positioned differently relative to theaperture230. Thecam232 is a structure used in controlling the motion of thecutter200, as is described in greater detail below.
• At least the distal end of thecutter200 may be biased upward. This biasing may be performed by any appropriate structure or mechanism, such as by one or more springs (not shown). Such a spring or springs may act in compression to push the distal end of thecutter200 upward, or may act in tension to pull the distal end of the cutter upward. As another example, thecutter200 may be constructed from an elastic or superelastic material that is formed in such a way as to produce an upward bias. Theentire cutter200 may be biased upward, if desired. At least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased upward during the translation of thecutter200 along theanvil arm14. Alternately, thecutter200 is not biased, either upward or downward. Instead, thecutter200 is urged upward and downward at different locations during its translation by the interaction between at least one cam follower on thecutter200 and at least thecam232.
• As shown inFIG. 49, the distal end of theanvil arm14 is spaced apart from thestaple holder38. Theanvil arm14 is inserted through the wall of the target vessel, as described above, such that thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 is in substantial contact with the inner wall of the target vessel. Next, referring toFIG. 50, thestaple holder38 andanvil10 are moved relative to one another into the standby position, as described above. In the standby position, thecutter200 is freed for translation along thechannel246, because thetip212 of thesafety feature210 no longer engages thesafety recess214 of thecutter200. At least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased upward, and thecam232 limits the upward motion of thecutter200 by contacting at least a portion of theupper surface252 of thecutter200. Thecam232 controls the motion of the distal end of thecutter200 in the vertical direction as thecutter200 translates within thechannel246. Because theprojection208 is fixed to thecutter200, thecam232 also controls the motion of theprojection208 in the vertical direction, and thus controls the location at which theprojection208 encounters the wall of the target vessel.
• Referring also toFIG. 51, after thecutter200 has been freed for translation, it is urged distally by thereceiver218 as described above. Afirst cam follower242 is defined on theupper surface252 of thecutter200. Thefirst cam follower242 is a raised structure formed into theupper surface252 of thecutter200. Alternately, thefirst cam follower242 is a separate structure or mechanism constructed separately from thecutter200 and later connected to thecutter200. Alternately, thefirst cam follower242 may be located on a surface of thecutter200 in addition to or instead of itsupper surface252, depending on the position and configuration of thecam232. Thefirst cam follower242 may be shaped as a trapezoid or similar shape, or may be shaped differently.
• Thecam232 is fixed, and thefirst cam follower242 is raised relative to theupper surface252 of thecutter200. At least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased upward. Thus, as thecutter200 translates distally, thecam232 engages thefirst cam follower242 and causes thecutter200 to move downward. Thecam232 and thefirst cam follower242 are shaped to smoothly engage each other. Alternately, thefirst cam follower242 is shaped to induce thecutter200 to abruptly move downward when thefirst cam follower242 initially encounters thecam232. The height of thefirst cam follower242 relative to thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 determines the distance that the distal end of thecutter200 is moved downward. As described above, thecutter200 may include akeel264 or similar projection extending downward. As the distal end of thecutter200 moves downward, thekeel264 or other projection moves into the firstlower opening254. In this embodiment, the firstlower opening254 does not control the motion of thecutter200; instead, it provides a space for thekeel264 to move downward without interfering with the vertical motion of the distal end of thecutter200. If thekeel264 is omitted, the firstlower opening254 and the secondlower opening268 may be omitted as well.
• The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel substantially defines a closed area, and theprojection208 is configured to engage the wall of the target vessel within that closed area. That is, the end of the graft vessel has a perimeter that contacts the side of the target vessel, such that the perimeter of the end of the graft vessel defines a closed area on the wall of the target vessel. In this way, theprojection208 makes an incision completely within the connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel, completing the anastomosis between the two vessels and minimizing or eliminating leakage at the anastomosis site. While theprojection208 on thecutter200 remains below thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14, it neither engages nor cuts the wall of the target vessel. Thus, thefirst cam follower242 is sized to translate the tip of theprojection208 below thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 for a selected distance such that theprojection208 does not engage the tissue of the target vessel until theprojection208 is positioned to enter the closed area on the wall of the target vessel defined by the perimeter of the end of the graft vessel.
• Referring also toFIG. 52, thecutter200 continues to advance distally as thereceiver218 continues to impel theengagement feature216 distally. Thus, thefirst cam follower242 of thecutter200 advances distally relative to thecam232. As described above, at least the distal end of thecutter200 is biased upward. Thefirst cam follower242 decreases in height at its proximal end. Thus, as the upwardly-biasedfirst cam follower242 moves distally relative to thecam232, thecam232 and thefirst cam follower242 gradually disengage, causing both the distal end of thecutter200 and theprojection208 to move upward. Thefirst cam follower242 is constructed to provide a smooth, gradual upward motion of the distal end of thecutter200 and theprojection208, such as by providing a gradual slope between anupper surface250 of thefirst cam follower242 and anupper surface252 of thecutter200. Alternately, thefirst cam follower242 may be constructed to allow the distal end of thecutter200 and theprojection208 to abruptly snap upward as thefirst cam follower242 moves distal to thecam232.
• As the distal end of thecutter200 moves upward, theprojection208 moves upward through theupper opening248 in theanvil arm14. Thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 is adjacent to the inner surface of the wall of the target vessel. Thus, upward motion of theprojection208 through theupper opening248 causes theprojection208 to enter the wall of the target vessel. Theprojection208 is sized, and thefirst cam follower242 andcam232 are shaped, such that the upward motion of theprojection208 after thefirst cam follower242 has moved distal to thecam232 causes theprojection208 to completely penetrate through the wall of the target vessel. That is, at least a portion of theprojection208 passes through the wall of the target vessel and enters the lumen. This initial penetration of the wall of the target vessel defines the starting point of an arteriotomy performed on the target vessel by theprojection208. The starting point of the arteriotomy is spaced apart from the location on the target vessel at which theanvil arm14 is inserted, resulting in a tissue bridge therebetween.
• Referring also toFIG. 53, thecutter200 continues to advance distally as thereceiver218 continues to impel theengagement feature216 distally. Theupper surface252 of thecutter200 may contact thecam232 during this motion, because the distal end of thecutter200 continues to be biased upward. As thecutter200 translates, theprojection208 moves through the tissue of the wall of the target vessel in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of theanvil arm14. In this way, theprojection208 incises the tissue of the wall of the target vessel to create an arteriotomy. The tip of theprojection208 may maintain substantially the same height relative to thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14 during its distal translation, or may change its height relative to thecontact surface206 of theanvil arm14, as long as the tip of theprojection208 remains in the lumen of the target vessel during that translation.
• Referring also toFIG. 54, asecond cam follower244 is defined on theupper surface252 of thecutter200, proximal to and spaced apart from thefirst cam follower242. Alternately, a single cam follower is defined on theupper surface252 of thecutter200, where that single cam follower includes a feature corresponding to thefirst cam follower242, a feature corresponding to thesecond cam follower244, and a section of reduced height between them corresponding to theupper surface252 of thecutter200. Thecutter200 continues to advance distally as thereceiver218 continues to impel theengagement feature216 distally. As a result of this motion, thesecond cam follower244 contacts thecam232. Engagement between thesecond cam follower244 and thecam232 pushes the distal end of thecutter200 downward. The shape and size of thesecond cam follower244 andcam232 are selected such that the distal end of thecutter200 is pushed downward far enough to cause theprojection208 to retract into theupper opening248. Theprojection208 may be urged downward completely into thechannel246, depending on the depth of thechannel246 and the height of theprojection208. Alternately, the upper tip of theprojection208 may remain within theupper opening248. Thecutter200 may stop its distal translation at substantially the same time that theprojection208 retracts completely into theupper opening248, or may continue to translate distally within thechannel246 before coming to a stop.
• When theprojection208 is retracted out of the tissue of the wall of the target vessel, the distal end of the arteriotomy is defined, and the arteriotomy is complete. The distance between thefirst cam follower242 and thesecond cam follower244, and the shape of thecam followers242,244, determine the length of the arteriotomy. That is, eachcam follower242,244 includes a location thereon having a height relative to theupper surface252 of thecutter200 sufficient to cause theprojection208 to be pushed out of contact with the wall of the target vessel. The distance between these locations defines the length of the arteriotomy. Thus, thecam followers242,244 control the motion of theprojection208 and control the penetration of the wall of the target vessel.
• After performing the arteriotomy, thecutter200 is in a distally-extended position. Thecutter200 remains in that position as theanvil arm14 is removed from the target vessel. Alternately, after performing the arteriotomy, thecutter200 may be moved proximally within thechannel246 before removing theanvil arm14 from the target vessel. Theanvil arm14 is removed from the target vessel after the anastomosis between the graft vessel and the target vessel has been completed. The hole at the puncture site and its closure are substantially as described above.
• Alternately, thecutter200 is initially in a distally-extended position, and retracted proximally in order to make an incision in the wall of the target vessel. Similarly, thesled482 is initially at its most distal location. The structures and mechanisms are substantially as described above, but operated in substantially the reverse order as described above. In this embodiment, thechannels496 in thestaple holder38 are not needed, nor it is necessary to reverse the direction of motion of thesecond cable490 as applied to thesled482; rather, thesled482 is deployed by pulling it proximally with thesecond cable490. Thus, thesecond cable490 may be connected to the proximal end or other portion of thesled482. Alternately, thecutter200 and theprojection208 may be moved in a different way in order to incise the tissue of the wall of the target vessel. Further, this embodiment is particularly suited for the use of acutter200 having a sharp distal end that initially extends out of the distal end of theanvil arm14 in order to puncture the target vessel, after which thecutter200 is retracted proximally to move its sharp distal end into theanvil arm14.
• Wheremultiple projections208 are provided on thecutter200 as shown inFIGS. 39-43, thecutter200 need not be translated as far to make an incision in the wall of the target vessel as it would if only a single projection were used. Because theprojections208 are spaced apart from each other along the direction of translation of thecutter200, eachprojection208 is able to form a portion of the incision during translation of thecutter200. Thus, by translating eachprojection208 across a distance less then the intended length of the entire incision, the complete incision can be formed. The distance that thecutter200 is translated to form the incision is related to the distance between theprojections208. That is, because eachprojection208 forms a portion of the incision, nosingle projection208 need be translated along the entire length of the incision.
• Alternately, wheremultiple projections208 are utilized, theprojections208 may be inserted into the wall of the target vessel, after which energy is applied to theprojections208 via thecutter200 or directly in order to create an incision in the wall of the target vessel. In such an embodiment, an energy source (not shown) is connected to thecutter200. For example, an ultrasound generator (not shown) may be connected to thecutter200 and to the energy source. The ultrasound generator may be a piezoelectric crystal, as is standard, or a different structure or mechanism. Electrical energy may be applied to the ultrasound generator from the energy source, thereby causing the ultrasound generator to vibrate theprojections208. Thus, energy may be applied from the energy source to the ultrasound generator after theprojections208 have been inserted into the wall of the target vessel, causing theprojections208 to move and thereby create an incision. Advantageously, a plurality ofprojections208 spaced relatively close to one another are utilized. Other methods may be used to vibrate, move or oscillate theprojections208.
• Alternately, the length of the arteriotomy created by and the number ofconnectors464 deployed by thetissue effector400 are adjustable. By controlling these parameters, graft vessels of different diameters can be attached to a target vessel within a small range of angles relative to the graft vessel. The cross-sectional area of the connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel thus can be controlled across a range of two or more sizes while providing for a substantially fixed angle between the target vessel and the graft vessel.
• The number ofconnectors464 deployed by thetissue effector400 can be controlled in any appropriate manner. As one example, by varying the stroke of thesled482 and therefore the length along eachpassage440 that is traversed by thecorresponding ramp element446 of thesled482, the number ofconnectors464 deployed as a result of motion of thesled482 can be controlled. Control of the stroke of thesled482 may be accomplished in any appropriate manner. For example, a control (not shown) connected to thehandle302 may allow the selection of a particular number ofconnectors464 for deployment. Such a control may interact with thesecond cable490 and/or other components of or connected to thehandle302, in order to restrict the length that thesecond cable490 moves upon actuation. By restricting the motion of thesecond cable490, the stroke of thesled482 is controlled, and hence the number ofconnectors464 deployed is controlled. As another example, a set of controllable stops (not shown) may be provided within thetissue effector400. Each stop is positioned in proximity to aconnector bay448, and is moveable between a first position that is out of thepassage440 adjacent to theconnector bay448 and a second position that is at least partially into thepassage440. In the second position, the stop contacts and prevents further distal motion of thecorresponding ramp element446 of thesled482. The control interacts with the stops, such that when the control is used to select a particular number ofconnectors464 for deployment, at least one stop is moved to its second position into apassage440 of thetissue effector400. Each stop that is moved to its second position corresponds to theconnector bay448 from which the last of the selected number ofconnectors464 is to be deployed. Other mechanisms, structures or methods may be used to control the number ofconnectors464 that are deployed.
• Similarly, the length of the arteriotomy is controlled to correspond to the length of tissue that is connected by the selected number ofconnectors464. The length of the arteriotomy can be controlled by controlling the motion of thecutter200. The motion of thecutter200 can be controlled in several ways. As one example, theopenings254,268 in theanvil arm14 can be changed both in length and position, to ensure that the arteriotomy is made to the correct length in the correct position. Theopenings254,268 can be changed in length and position in any appropriate manner. As one example, one or more pins or other structures (not shown) are extendable laterally across theopenings254,268, such that the presence of those pins or other structures across theopenings254,268 effectively changes their length and position. Other mechanisms, structures or methods may be used to control the length and position of theopenings254,268 and/or the motion of thecutter200.
• FIGS. 17-23 illustrate analternate anvil100 that is used with aclamp102 for controlling an incision site during an anastomosis procedure. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, theanvil100 includes ananvil arm104 and ahandle106. Theclamp102 is slidable on thehandle106 to clamp the tissue of thetarget vessel30 between theclamp102 and theanvil arm104. As with theanvil arm104 described above, theanvil arm104 includes two rows of staple bending features108 in the form of recesses positioned in two parallel rows along a top surface of theanvil arm104. Theclamp102 has acentral opening110. Once the tissue of the target vessel wall has been trapped between theclamp102 and theanvil arm104, an incision may be made through the target vessel wall and the edges of the incision are controlled by the combination of theanvil arm104 and theclamp102.
• As shown inFIG. 19, a continuous anastomosisstaple device114 may be used to connect thegraft vessel32 to thetarget vessel30 at the anastomosis site. Thestaple device114 as shown inFIG. 19 includes a plurality of linkages forming a tubular configuration and a plurality of staple ends extending from the linkages.FIGS. 20-22 illustrate how the staple ends116 of thestaple device114 are positioned in the end of thegraft vessel32 and are inserted through theincision118 in the target vessel and bent over by contact with the staple bending features108 of the anvil. As shown inFIG. 22, the opposite ends120 of thestaple device114 are folded over to complete the anastomosis.FIG. 23 illustrates a completed anastomosis performed according to the steps illustrated inFIGS. 19-22.
• FIGS. 24-27 illustrate an alternate example of ananvil arm14dhaving acutting wire124 for forming the incision in the wall of thetarget vessel30. Thecutting wire124 may be used to form an incision before, during or after performing an end-to-side anastomosis procedure. Referring particularly toFIGS. 26-27, for forming the incision after the anastomosis procedure, aclamp126 is used to trap the tissue at the anastomosis site between theclamp126 and theanvil arm14dprior to performing the incision. The incision is spaced apart from the entry point of theanvil arm14dinto the target vessel, creating a tissue bridge between the incision made in the wall of the target vessel and the entry point of theanvil arm14dinto the target vessel. A portion of the contact between the anastomosed graft vessel and target vessel extends across the tissue bridge, such that the incision is located within the closed area defined by the contact between the perimeter of the end of the graft vessel and the wall of the target vessel.
• FIG. 28 shows asystem140 for controlling a tissue site and performing anastomosis. For purposes of clarity, the staple holder and staples have been omitted fromFIG. 28. Thesystem140 includes ananvil arm142, acutter144, and agraft vessel holder146 all mounted on ahandle148. Theanvil arm142 is mounted on thehandle148 and connected to afirst actuator150 that allows the anvil to be moved downward against the bias of a spring inside the handle. Thecutter144 may be spring biased or fixed and is positioned on thehandle148 directly above theanvil arm142. Thegraft vessel holder146 includes two fixedarms152 and twomovable arms154. The twomovable arms154 are connected to asecond actuator156 on thehandle148. Depression of thesecond actuator156 against the bias of a spring within the handle causes themovable arms154 to be moved downward away from the fixed arms to receive portions of a graft vessel between the movable and fixed arms.
• The operation of thesystem140 ofFIG. 28 is shown in the cross sectional views ofFIGS. 29-31. As shown inFIG. 29, an end of agraft vessel32 is split so that each half of thegraft vessel32 can be held between afixed arm152 and amovable arm154. In order to load thegraft vessel32 into thesystem140, thefirst actuator150 and thesecond actuator156 are depressed to move theanvil arm142 and themovable arms154 downward. Thesplit graft vessel32 is then inserted between the fixed andmovable arms152,154 and thesecond actuator156 is released to trap the ends of thegraft vessel32, as shown inFIG. 30. Theanvil arm142 is then inserted into thetarget vessel30 in the same or similar manner as described above.
• Once the anvil has been inserted in thetarget vessel30 as shown inFIG. 30, thefirst actuator150 is released to allow the anvil to move upward to tent the wall of the target vessel.FIG. 31 illustrates thetented target vessel30 positioned adjacent the split and trappedgraft vessel32 in a position for performing anastomosis. Thestaple holders38 are then advanced in the direction of the arrows D toward opposite sides of the anvil to staple the graft vessel and target vessel together. Thestaple holders38 may hold a staple strip with an expandable backbone as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, or may instead or additionally hold different types of staples not connected to a backbone. Thestaple holders38 may be provided with movable pins which allow the spacing between the staples to be adjusted depending on a size of the graft vessel used. Once the staples have been placed, theanvil arm142 is removed and thecutter144 makes an incision in the target vessel before or during removal of the anvil.
• As described above, staple bending features are provided on the anvil and staples are provided at an exterior of the tissue. Alternately, the staples and/or staple holding strips may be positioned on the anvil and an exterior member with staple bending features may be moved toward the anvil to bend the ends of the staples and secure the graft and target vessels together.
• FIGS. 32-33 illustrate the use of analternate anvil130 for controlling the tissue at an anastomosis site. Theanvil130 includes alongitudinal opening132 extending through theanvil130 for application of a plurality of conventional sutures at the anastomosis site. According to this method, theanvil130 is inserted into thetarget vessel30 and pulled against the interior wall of thetarget vessel30, tenting the target vessel as shown inFIG. 33.Sutures134 are then passed through theopening132 in theanvil130 and through the tissue of the target vessel wall on opposite sides of theanvil130. Once thesutures134 are placed as shown inFIG. 33, an incision is made in the target vessel along a center of theanvil130. A center portion of each of thesutures34 is then pulled out through the incision in the target vessel and cut so that an even row of sutures is provided along each of the sides of the incision. This system eliminates the tedious procedure of placing each individual suture very close to the edge of the incision in the very thin and flexible target vessel wall. Each of thesutures134 is connected to a graft vessel in a conventional manner completing the anastomosis. The anvil as shown inFIGS. 32-33 allows quick and easy placement of a plurality of sutures in a very even manner close to the edge of the incision. For example, the sutures of a conventional anastomosis are generally within about one millimeter of the edge of the incision and are advantageously within 0.5 millimeters of the edge of the incision.
• In an alternate embodiment, thecutter200 does not include one ormore projections208. Instead, thecutter200 includes or is connected directly or indirectly to an energy source (not shown), which is used to create an opening in the wall of the target vessel. For example, an emitter of laser or RF energy, or another type of energy, may be connected to thecutter200 and to the energy source. As thecutter200 translates along theanvil arm14, it translates the emitter of laser or RF energy relative to the wall of the target vessel. The emitter of laser or RF energy is selectively actuated to transmit energy into the wall of the target vessel during translation of thecutter200, thereby creating an opening therein. The energy source may transmit a first type of energy to the emitter or other mechanism, which is converted by the emitter into a second type of energy delivered into the wall of the target vessel. Alternately, thecutter200 may include aprojection208 and additionally be connected to an energy source that is selectively actuated in order to assist in creating an opening in the wall of the target vessel.
• In an alternate embodiment, thecutter200 does not translate through theanvil arm14. Instead, thecutter200 is spatially removed from theanvil arm14, and creates an opening in the wall of the target vessel before or after theanvil arm14 is inserted into the target vessel. In one example of such an embodiment, theanvil arm14 is inserted into a hole in the wall of the target vessel and thestaple holder38 deploys staples or other connectors to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel, as described above. Theanvil arm14 is removed, and anindependent cutter200 is then introduced through the hole in the wall of the target vessel. Thecutter200 may be configured as described above, including aprojection208 extending therefrom, or may be configured differently. Thecutter200 is manipulated relative to the connection between the target vessel and the graft vessel to create an opening at the junction therebetween. That is, registration is maintained between thecutter200 and the junction between the end of the graft vessel and the wall of the target vessel. In order to position and manipulate thecutter200 to create an opening at the location of the junction between the target vessel and the graft vessel, an imaging device (not shown) or other device may be connected to thecutter200 or utilized in conjunction with thecutter200. For example, a standard intravascular ultrasound unit may be connected to or used in conjunction with thecutter200. The intravascular ultrasound unit is connected to a display device (not shown) visible to the operator. The operator controls the intravascular ultrasound unit to visualize the interior of the target vessel and the surrounding area, thereby locating the junction between the target vessel and the graft vessel and allowing thecutter200 to be controlled to incise an opening in the wall of the target vessel within the closed area on the wall of the target vessel defined by the perimeter of the end of the graft vessel, thereby allowing blood to flow through the opening into the target vessel. A different visualization device or devices may be inserted into or positioned outside of the target vessel to locate the junction with the graft vessel. Thecutter200 and any visualization device present in the lumen of the target vessel are then removed from the lumen of the target vessel, and the opening in the wall of the target vessel through which they were removed is sealed.
• In another example of such an embodiment, theanvil arm14 is inserted into a hole in the wall of the target vessel and thestaple holder38 deploys staples or other connectors to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel, as described above. Theanvil arm14 is removed, and the hole in the wall of the target vessel is removed. A cannula (not shown) is inserted into the lumen of the graft vessel through the free end of the graft vessel, and a stylet (not shown) is inserted through the lumen of the cannula. The cannula and the stylet are surgical instruments that are well known in the art. The stylet has a distal end configured to penetrate the wall of the target vessel. Thus, a sharp point, blade, or other penetrating member may be formed into or connected to the distal end of the stylet. The cannula may be inserted into the lumen of the graft vessel such that its distal end contacts the outer wall of the target vessel. After the stylet has been inserted into the cannula, a force is exerted on the stylet to cause its distal end to penetrate the wall of the target vessel. Consequently, an opening is created between the graft vessel and the target vessel within the circumference of the end of the graft vessel. The cannula and stylet are then removed from the lumen of the graft vessel through its free end.
• In another example of such an embodiment, theanvil arm14 is inserted into a hole in the wall of the target vessel and thestaple holder38 deploys staples or other connectors to connect the graft vessel to the target vessel, as described above. Theanvil arm14 is removed, and the hole in the wall of the target vessel is closed. Anindependent cutter200 is then introduced through the wall of the graft vessel. Thecutter200 itself may create an opening in the wall of the graft vessel through which it can enter, or a separate implement may be used to create an opening in the wall of the graft vessel. Thecutter200 may be configured as described above, including aprojection208 extending therefrom, or may be configured differently. For example, thecutter200 may be J-shaped or L-shaped to facilitate creation of the opening between the graft vessel and the target vessel through the wall of the graft vessel. Thecutter200 is manipulated relative to the connection between the target vessel and the graft vessel to create an opening in the wall of the target vessel at the junction therebetween. That is, registration is maintained between thecutter200 and the junction between the end of the graft vessel and the wall of the target vessel. Thecutter200 is then removed through the wall of the graft vessel, and the opening in the wall of the graft vessel is sealed.
• While the invention has been described in detail, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made and equivalents employed, without departing from the present invention. For example, thetissue effector400 may be connected directly to thehandle302 without an interveningshaft304, in a substantially rigid or substantially non-rigid manner. As another example, the mechanisms within thehandle302 may be reversed or otherwise rearranged, while maintaining their ability to actuate thetissue effector400. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction, the arrangements of components, and/or the process of performing anastomosis set forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. Further, the invention is not limited to the performance of anastomosis in the context of a CABG procedure, nor it is limited to the anastomosis of two bodily vessels. Other tissue structures than vessels may be connected together within the body utilizing the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be restricted or limited except in accordance with the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (18)

1. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a staple holder;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple holder; and

at least one structure slidable within said staple holder to contact directly at least one said staple, wherein said direct contact deploys said at least one said staple from said staple holder.

2. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, wherein said staple holder includes two arms spaced apart from one another; further comprising at least two staples, wherein each said arm holds at least one said staple.

3. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, further comprising a shaft connected to said staple holder, and a handle connected to said shaft; wherein said staple holder is orientable in a plurality of orientations relative to said shaft.

4. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, further comprising a shaft connected to said staple holder, and a handle connected to said shaft; wherein at least a portion of said shaft is flexible.

5. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, wherein at least a subset of said staples are arranged in a substantially linear row.

6. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, wherein said structure is a ramp element having a curved surface, wherein said curved surface directly contacts at least one said staple when said ramp element slides within said staple holder.

7. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, wherein said structure is slidable in a single motion to deploy a plurality of said staples.

8. The surgical stapler ofclaim 1, further comprising a sled, wherein at least one said structure is a portion of said sled.

9. A surgical stapler, comprising:

a staple holder;

an anvil movably connected to said staple holder;

a plurality of staples positioned within said staple holder; and

a sled slidable within said staple holder to contact directly at least one said staple, wherein said direct contact urges at least one said staple out of said staple holder and against said anvil.

10. The surgical stapler ofclaim 9, wherein said sled comprises at least one ramp element, wherein said sled contacts directly at least one said staple by direct contact between at least one said staple and at least one said ramp element.

11. The surgical stapler ofclaim 10, wherein at least part of at least one said ramp element is curved.

12. The surgical stapler ofclaim 10, wherein said sled includes at least two said ramp elements laterally spaced from one another.

13. The surgical stapler ofclaim 10, wherein said sled includes at least two said ramp elements each having a longitudinal centerline, wherein said longitudinal centerlines are substantially parallel to one another.

14. The surgical stapler ofclaim 9, wherein said sled is slidable in a single motion to urge a plurality of said staples out of said staple holder and against said anvil.

15. The surgical stapler ofclaim 9, wherein said sled is slidable in a longitudinal direction.

16. The surgical stapler ofclaim 9, wherein said sled is slidable distally to contact directly at least one said staple.

17. The surgical stapler ofclaim 9, further comprising a shaft connected to said staple holder, and a handle connected to said shaft; wherein said staple holder is orientable in a plurality of orientations relative to said shaft.

18. The surgical stapler ofclaim 9, further comprising a shaft connected to said staple holder, and a handle connected to said shaft; wherein at least a portion of said shaft is flexible.

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