Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel

US7025773B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Darin Gittings · Sunnyvale, US
• Alan R. Rapacki · Redwood City, US
• Dean F. Carson · Mountain View, US
• David Cole · San Mateo, US
• Keke Lepulu · Redwood City, US
• Adam Sharkawy · San Jose, US
• Gilbert Laroya · Menlo Park, US
• Wally Buch · Atherton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 7, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 11, 2006
• Expiry date: May 7, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2230/0076
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel and a source of blood, such as the aorta or a heart chamber. The device may be actuated using one hand to place the conduit. The invention allows air in the conduit to be removed prior to placement of the conduit. The invention deploys the conduit in the target vessel by moving a sheath in a distal direction and then in a proximal direction. A conduit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent kinking of the conduit, and a structure for preventing blockage of the conduit by tissue. A vessel coupling may be used to secure a conduit to a target vessel so as to preserve native blood flow through the vessel, and the conduit may be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel via a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure.