Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates are guided to each other in a parallel orientation by guides. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an externally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The apparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.

Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates are guided to each other in a parallel orientation by guides. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an externally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The apparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.

Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates are guided to each other in a parallel orientation by guides. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intralumninally directed anvil apparatus or an externally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The appparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new and useful apparatus, systems and methods for providing an effective tool for intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis of a graft vessel to a receiving blood vessel that is performed according to a minimally invasive procedure. The intraluminally directed vascular anastomosis does not require the interruption of blood flow in the receiving blood vessel and it is versatile enough to suitably combine a variety of cutting, welding, soldering, sealing, and joining techniques. The intraluminally directed anvil apparatus comprises an anvil and a wire used for signaling the optimal anastomosis site; this signaling can be performed when the initial exploration is performed. An anastomosis device is used in conjunction with the intraluminally directed anvil apparatus for opening the anastomosis fenestra and joining the anastomosed structures.

Abstract: Compression plate apparatus enables vessels to be joined together in various anastomosis configurations. The compression plates have locking components such as snap-fit components to maintain the plates together. The compression plate apparatus may be utilized with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus or an eternally positioned anvil apparatus. One of the compression plates assists in the eversion of the anastomosis fenestra contour. One of the compression plates enables a graft vessel to be pre-everted so that the anastomosis fenestra contours are everted. The appparatus provides a structure that enables the vessels to be joined without being penetrated.

Abstract: The invention provides vascular access methods, systems and devices facilitating long-term, repeated, percutaneous access to a patient's blood stream. This is provided by an access tube apparatus adapted for anastomosis to the sidewall of a target anatomical vessel. The access tube has a replaceable occluder that fits within the conduit of the access tube in between blood treatments or when vascular access is otherwise not needed. When such access is desired, the percutaneously accessible occluder is simply removed from the access tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a vascular access system and methods for facilitating long-term, repeated access to any of a patient's vascular systems. This is provided by an access tube apparatus adapted for anastomosis to an anatomical vessel. The access tube is occluded with an fluid occluder that fits within the conduit of the access tube in between treatments or when vascular access is otherwise not needed. When such access is desired, the fluid occluder is withdrawn from the access tube and the body fluid is accessed through the access tube.

Abstract: The invention provides vascular access methods, systems and devices facilitating long-term, repeated access to any of a patient's anatomical vessels and the body fluid therein, such as a patient's bloodstream. This is provided by an access tube apparatus adapted for anastomosis to a target anatomical vessel. The access tube has an occluder that fits within the conduit of the access tube when vascular access is not needed. The occluder can be selectively moved or removed to allow for access to the body fluid in the anatomical vessel by way of the access tube.

Abstract: A full-body harness, with or without an integral support line, with the harness being adaptable for class I, class II, and/or class III service, and for use by safety personnel (such as firefighters, for example) for situations that call for emergency activity in areas where falls from an unsafe height are possible.

Abstract: A system for making anastomoses between hollow structures by mechanical means is provided with a device in the shape of an annular or tubular element comprising circumferentially provided means, such as pin-shaped elements, for joining the abutting walls of the hollow structures together. An applicator is intended for moving said annular or tubular element in position and activating the joining means thereof, so as to make the anastomosis. Possibly, intraluminal joining means can be inserted without using an annular or tubular element.

Abstract: A system for making anastomoses between hollow structures by mechanical means is provided with a device in the shape of an annular or tubular element comprising circumferentially provided means, such as pin-shaped elements, for joining the abutting walls of the hollow structures together. An applicator is intended for moving said annular or tubular element in position and activating the joining means thereof, so as to make the anastomosis. Possibly, intraluminal joining means can be inserted without using an annular or tubular element.

Abstract: A connector, applicator and method for mechanically connecting hollow structures, in particular small blood vessels, in order to make an anastomosis. The connector incorporates various features to create a reliable engagement with the vessel walls to make a good connection thereof. The connector includes knife members to make an arteriotomy in and punch a hole in one of the vessel walls, an expansion portion to cause a large expansion with a minimum profile, and anvil members to reliably bring the staple-like elements to the joining position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting apparatus for cutting an opening in a vessel for subsequent anastomosis. The cutting apparatus includes an anvil, an anvil pull and a cutter. The anvil is inserted through a small incision at the anastomosis site and brought into contact with the interior wall of a vessel so that the anvil distends the wall of the vessel. The cutter is then urged against the portion of the vessel wall that is distended by the anvil to form an opening in the vessel wall. The anvil has a surface that is softer than the cutter so that the cutter can cut completely through the vessel and depress into the anvil.

Abstract: A paired, expandable anastomosis device joins two vessels together and can expand and contract with changes in the size of the two vessels. The anastomosis device has two expandable rings with a plurality of holding tabs. The holding tabs of one ring are shaped to enable a graft vessel tissue to be everted through one of the rings and to be held on one of the rings. Similarly, the holding tabs of the other ring are shaped to enable a target vessel to be everted through the other ring and to be retained by the holding tabs. Once the graft and target vessels are loaded, the rings are adapted to be brought together to a position in which the graft and target vessels are anastomosed together.

Abstract: Anastomosis procedures are achieved through the use of an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus. The apparatus is inserted at a catheter site and is then positioned through the lumen of the blood vessel to a remote anastomosis site. The intraluminally directed anvil apparatus has an anvil pull extending from an anvil. At the anastomosis site, the anvil is extended through the wall of the vessel at an initial piercing. The anvil is too large to pass through the initial piercing so the anvil pull can be used to pull the anvil against the wall of the vessel and distend the vessel wall in preparation for being cut to form an opening. The apparatus is used with a cutter to form openings in a wall of a blood vessel. After the opening is formed then the vessel is joined with another vessel.

Abstract: A medical device system and method allows an arterial bypass graft to be proximally anastomosed to an aorta during a beating heart procedure without substantial loss of blood by use of an endolumenal aorta isolation assembly provided along the distal end portion of an elongate catheter body. The aorta isolation assembly includes proximal and distal portions that are separated by an isolation region and that are adjustable to first and second extended positions, respectively, which are adapted to circumferentially engage the aortic wall and isolate upstream and downstream aspects of an exterior space between the elongate body and the aortic wall. The intermediate region is adapted to be positioned along the proximal anastomosis site such that the distal and proximal portions when adjusted to the first and second extended positions circumferentially engage the aortic wall on upstream and downstream sides of the proximal anastomosis site.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a body vessel includes a relatively stiff proximal shaft that is shaped as a tube formed with a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the catheter includes a relatively flexible distal tube formed with a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon may be attached to the outer wall of the distal tube near the distal end. The proximal end of the distal tube is attached to the distal end of the proximal shaft at a transitional joint. The transitional joint provides a gradual transition in flexibility over the length of the joint between the stiff proximal shaft and the flexible distal tube. Importantly, the transitional joint includes an extension made of a material having superelastic properties when positioned inside the body vessel. One end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the proximal shaft. The other end of the extension projects into the lumen of the distal tube.

Abstract: Vascular access systems and devices for facilitating repeated access to a blood vessel for the external treatment of blood, such as dialysis, and in intra-venous administration of medicines, such as heparin, for extended periods of time. The vascular access systems comprise an anastomosis graft vessel, an occlusal balloon, and a port device for accessing the occlusal balloon. Occlusal balloons can be nonpermeable or permeable to drive an osmotic gradient and to deliver agents, such as heparin, into the blood stream. In addition, occlusal balloons can adopt a distended and a collapsed configuration, the latter allowing for blood flow through the anastomosis graft vessel.

Abstract: Vascular access systems and devices for facilitating repeated access to a blood vessel. These systems and devices can be used in external treatment of blood, such as dialysis, and in intra-venous administration of medicines, such as heparin, for extended periods of time, while avoiding deleterious effects such as those derived from repeated puncturing of the blood vessel tissues or exposure of such tissues to abnormal fluid flows. The vascular access systems comprise an anastomosis graft vessel, an occlusal balloon, and a port device for accessing the occlusal balloon. Occlusal balloons can be self-contained, they can rely on osmosis, and they can serve as the support of an agent to which the blood stream is exposed, either by transport or by mere contact. In addition, occlusal balloons can adopt a distended and a collapsed configuration, the latter allowing for blood flow through the anastomosis graft vessel.

Abstract: Anastomosis procedures are achieved through the use of a system adapted for use with an intraluminally directed anvil apparatus having an anvil pull extending from an anvil. The system has an engager for engaging the anvil pull so that a vessel can be distended by the anvil as the anvil pull is pulled. The system has a cutter for forming an opening in a vessel. The system is adapted for use with a compression plate apparatus used to eversion and holding everted surfaces around the opening together. The system can also be used with an externally positioned anvil apparatus.