Abstract: Minimally invasive techniques utilized in bypass grafting are disclosed. For instance, a method of implanting an end portion of a graft in the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure includes the steps of (i) advancing a medical instrument within a circulatory system of said body, (ii) guiding a distal end of said medical instrument out of said circulatory system through an opening defined in said circulatory system after said medical instrument advancing step, (iii) advancing said end portion of said graft within said medical instrument after said guiding step, and (iv) securing said end portion of said graft to a blood vessel of said circulatory system after said end portion advancing step.

Abstract: Minimally invasive techniques utilized in bypass grafting are disclosed. For instance, a method of implanting and end portion of a graft in the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure includes the steps of (i) advancing a medical instrument within a circulatory system of said body, (ii) guiding a distal end of said medical instrument out of said circulatory system through an opening defined in said circulatory system after said medical instrument advancing step, (iii) advancing said end portion of said graft within said medical instrument after said guiding step, and (iv) securing said end portion of said graft to a blood to vessel of said circulatory system after said end portion advancing step.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a structure defining a fluid passage and a distal orifice, the structure having a first coupling configured to connect to a second coupling of a fluid line of a dialysis machine. The catheter system further includes a first spring supported by the structure and being configurable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. When the first spring is in the expanded configuration, the first spring extends through the distal orifice so that (i) a proximal part of the first spring is positioned within the fluid passage, and (ii) a distal part of the first spring is positioned outside of the fluid passage. When the first spring is in the compressed configuration, the first spring is positioned entirely within the fluid passage of the structure.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a structure defining a proximal orifice, a distal orifice, and a fluid passage extending therebetween. The catheter system further includes an actuator movable in relation to the structure between a first location and a second location. In addition, the catheter system includes a member movable in relation to the structure between (i) a first position in which the member extends through the distal orifice so that a proximal part of the member is positioned within the fluid passage and a distal part of the member is positioned outside of the fluid passage, and (ii) a second position in which the member is entirely located within the fluid passage. The catheter system additionally includes a linkage connected between the actuator and the member. Movement of the actuator from the second location to the first location causes movement of the member from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A method for implanting an end portion of a graft within the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure is disclosed. The body has a circulatory system which includes a femoral artery and an aorta. The method includes the steps of (i) making an incision in the body of the patient so as to expose the femoral artery and an inguinal ligament, (ii) advancing an endoscope between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament until a distal end of the endoscope is positioned at a working site within the body, (iii) advancing the end portion of the graft between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament to the working site, wherein said end portion advancing step includes the step of advancing the end portion of the graft through the endoscope, and (iv) forming an anastomosis between the end portion of the graft and the aorta at the working site.

Abstract: A method for implanting an end portion of a graft within the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure is disclosed. The body has a circulatory system which includes a femoral artery and an aorta. The method includes the steps of (i) making an incision in the body of the patient so as to expose the femoral artery and an inguinal ligament, (ii) advancing an endoscope between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament until a distal end of the endoscope is positioned at a wording site within the body, (iii) advancing the end portion of the graft between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament to the working site, wherein said end portion advancing step includes the step of advancing the end portion of the graft through the endoscope, and (iv) forming an anastomosis between the end portion of the graft and the aorta at the working site.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a guide catheter having a lumen defining a distal orifice. The catheter system further includes a conduit segment positioned within the lumen and movable between (i) an upper position at which the conduit segment is entirely contained within the lumen of the guide catheter, and (ii) a lower position at which the conduit segment extends through the distal orifice so as to be partially positioned outside of the guide catheter. The catheter system further includes an actuator wire positioned within the lumen of the guide catheter and coupled to the conduit segment. Movement of the actuator wire causes movement of the conduit segment.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a guide catheter defining a proximal lumen and a distal lumen. The catheter system includes an actuator positioned within the proximal lumen, and an extension member positioned within the distal lumen. The catheter system further includes a first spring positioned in the proximal lumen and in contact with the actuator, and a second spring positioned in the distal lumen and in contact with the extension member. The catheter system further includes a cable connected between the actuator and the extension member.