Abstract: An anastomosis device for use in coupling an end of a graft vessel to a side of a target vessel. The target vessel has an opening formed in a side wall thereof for insertion of the device. The device comprises a tubular member, at least a portion thereof being radially compressible to a compressed state for insertion of the tubular member into the opening in the target vessel and expandable from the compressed state to an expanded state for engagement of an inner graft vessel surface with an inner surface of the target vessel after insertion of the tubular member into the opening in the side wall of the target vessel. The compressible portion of the tubular member has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a wall thickness therebetween. The wall thickness of the compressible portion in its compressed state is less than the wall thickness of the compressible portion in its expanded state.

Abstract: A method of identifying vasculature including the steps of introducing an indicator in a peripheral vessel, and advancing a portion of the indicator into an internal vessel to identify said vessel. A catheter for identifying vasculature is also disclosed. The catheter is adapted to be introduced into a peripheral vessel and a portion thereof advanced into an internal vessel. The catheter includes a light delivery portion at a distal end thereof and an expandable member located proximal to the light delivery portion.

Abstract: A method for sealingly joining a graft vessel to a target vessel at an anastomosis site, the target vessel having an opening formed therein. The method includes positioning a fastener made from a deformable material radially adjacent to a free end portion of the graft vessel. The material is transformable between a non-fluent state and a fluent state, upon application of energy to the material. The method further includes inserting at least the free end portion of the graft vessel in the target vessel through the opening in the target vessel. Energy is then supplied to the deformable material at an intensity sufficient to transform the material into the fluent state. The free end portion of the graft is radially expanded to expand the graft vessel into intimate contact with an inner wall of the target vessel. The energy supply is discontinued so that the material returns to its non-fluent state to sealingly secure the graft vessel to the target vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to intraluminal shunt devices and methods of their use for delivering a drug or other fluid to a target vessel of a patient while also maintaining perfusion of blood through the vessel to reduce ischemia downstream of the vessel. The intraluminal shunt devices may generally include a primary elongate tubular member that is sized and dimensioned to be inserted into the target vessel, such as the right coronary artery. The primary tubular member includes at least one inner lumen which permits blood perfusion through the vessel. At least one secondary tubular member is provided which is in fluid communication with the primary tubular member. The secondary tubular member may be configured for drug or fluid delivery through the primary tubular member and into the vessel in either an anterograde or retrograde direction.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument adapted for percutaneous insertion into a body cavity to facilitate a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical cutting instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end, an open distal end, and an axial lumen therebetween. An inlet opening may be fluidly coupled to the lumen at a proximal end of the shaft, for connection to a vacuum source for creating a suction force sufficient to retain the distal end of the shaft adjacent to a surface of a body structure within the body cavity. A cutting element is disposed within the lumen of the shaft near the distal end of the shaft, and is operable to cut the body structure without removing any substantial portion of the body structure when the shaft is held adjacent to the surface of the body structure.

Abstract: A sternal closure device comprising first and second clamps. The first and second clamps have a generally tubular portion and the second clamp has a portion that is slidably receivable in the tubular portion, and a lock configured to retain said second clamp within said first clamp. A surgical instrument for laterally moving opposed sternal clamps toward one another is also disclosed. The instrument comprises first and second grasping members generally linearly slidably coupled to one another.