Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
  • A61F2/06—Blood vessels
  • A61F2/064—Blood vessels with special features to facilitate anastomotic coupling
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
  • A61F2/958—Inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
  • A61B2017/00238—Type of minimally invasive operation
  • A61B2017/00243—Type of minimally invasive operation cardiac
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B2017/00831—Material properties
  • A61B2017/00867—Material properties shape memory effect
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/11—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for performing anastomosis; Buttons for anastomosis
  • A61B2017/1107—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for performing anastomosis; Buttons for anastomosis for blood vessels
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/11—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for performing anastomosis; Buttons for anastomosis
  • A61B2017/1135—End-to-side connections, e.g. T- or Y-connections
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
  • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
  • A61F2/06—Blood vessels
  • A61F2002/061—Blood vessels provided with means for allowing access to secondary lumens
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2002/821—Ostial stents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/848—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents having means for fixation to the vessel wall, e.g. barbs
  • A61F2002/8483—Barbs
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/848—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents having means for fixation to the vessel wall, e.g. barbs
  • A61F2002/8486—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents having means for fixation to the vessel wall, e.g. barbs provided on at least one of the ends
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2210/00—Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
  • A61F2210/0014—Particular material properties of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof using shape memory or superelastic materials, e.g. nitinol
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
  • A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
  • A61M25/02—Holding devices, e.g. on the body
  • A61M2025/0213—Holding devices, e.g. on the body where the catheter is attached by means specifically adapted to a part of the human body
  • A61M2025/0233—Holding devices, e.g. on the body where the catheter is attached by means specifically adapted to a part of the human body specifically adapted for attaching to a body wall by means which are on both sides of the wall, e.g. for attaching to an abdominal wall
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/02—General characteristics of the apparatus characterised by a particular materials
  • A61M2205/0266—Shape memory materials

Definitions

• the present invention is concerned generally with minimally invasive vascular bypass surgery; and is directed to a catheterization methodology for creating a vascular bypass between an unobstructed artery or vein and an obstructed artery or vein in-vivo.
• Coronary artery disease is the single leading cause of human mortality and is annually responsible for over 900,000 deaths in the United States alone. Additionally, over 3 million Americans suffer chest pain (angina pectoris) because of it. Typically, the coronary artery becomes narrowed over time by the build up of fat, cholesterol and blood clots. This narrowing of the artery is called arteriosclerosis; and this condition slows the blood flow to the heart muscle
• myocardium myocardium
• myocardium leads to angina pectoris due to a lack of nutrients and adequate - 2 - oxygen supply. Sometimes it can also completely stop the blood flow to the heart causing permanent damage to the myocardium, the so-called “heart attack. "
• the conventional treatment procedures for coronary artery disease vary with the severity of the condition. If the coronary artery disease is mild, it is first treated with diet and exercise. If this first course of treatment is not effective, then the condition is treated with medications. However, even with medications, if chest pain persists (which is usually secondary to development of serious coronary artery disease), the condition is often treated with invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart.
• invasive procedures there are several types of invasive procedures: (1) Catheterization techniques by which cardiologists use balloon catheters, atherectomy devices or stents to reopen up the blockage of coronary arteries; or (2) Surgical bypass techniques by which surgeons surgically place a graft obtained from a section of artery or vein removed from other parts of the body to bypass the blockage.
• coronary artery angiography is usually performed to evaluate the extent and severity of the coronary artery blockages.
• Cardiologists or radiologists thread a thin catheter through an artery in the leg or arm to engage the coronary arteries.
• X-ray dye (contrast medium) is then injected into the coronary artery through a portal in the catheter, which makes the coronary arteries visible under X-ray, so that the position and size of the blockages in the coronary arteries can be identified.
• X-ray dye contrast medium
• Each year in U.S.A. more than one million individuals with angina pectoris or heart attack undergo coronary angiographies for evaluation of such coronary artery blockages. Once the blocked arteries are identified, the physician and surgeons then decide upon the best method to treat them.
• PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
• cardiologists thread a balloon catheter into the blocked coronary artery and stretch it by inflating the balloon against the arterial plaques causing vascular blockage.
• the PTCA procedure immediately improves blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieves angina pectoris, and prevents heart attacks.
• the angioplasty procedure may fail or cannot be performed.
• CABG coronary artery bypass graft
• vascular grafts In such bypass surgery, surgeons typically harvest healthy blood vessels from another part of the body and use them as vascular grafts to bypass the blocked coronary arteries. Each vascular graft is surgically attached with one of its ends joined to the aorta and the other end joined to the coronary artery. Approximately 500,000 CABG operations are currently performed in the U.S. each year to relieve symptoms and improve survival from heart attack. It is useful here to understand in depth what a coronary arterial bypass entails and demands both for the patient and for the cardiac surgeon. In a standard coronary bypass operation, the surgeon must first make a foot-long incision in the chest and split the breast bone of the patient. The operation requires the use of a heart-lung machine that keeps the blood circulating while the heart is being stopped and the surgeon places and attaches the bypass grafts. To stop the heart, the coronary arteries also have to be perfused with a cold potassium solution
• the body temperature of the patient is lowered by cooling the blood as it circulates through the heart-lung machine in order to preserve the heart and other vital organs. Then, as the heart is stopped and a heart-lung machine pumps oxygenated blood through the patient's body, the surgeon makes a tiny opening into the front wall of the target coronary artery with a very fine knife (arteriotomy); takes a previously excised saphenous vein (a vein from a leg) or an internal mammary artery (an artery from the chest); and sews the previously excised blood vessel to the coronary artery.
• the most common blood vessel harvested for use as a graft is the greater (long) saphenous vein, which is a long straight vein running from just inside the ankle bone to the groin.
• the greater saphenous vein provides a bypass conduit of the most desired size, shape, and length for use with coronary arteries.
• the other blood vessel frequently used as a bypass graft is the left or right internal mammary artery, which comes off the subclavian artery and runs alongside the under surface of the breastbone (sternum).
• the internal mammary artery remains attached to the subclavian artery proximally (its upper part) but is freed up distally (its lower part); and it is then anastomosed to the coronary artery.
• the - 4 - saphenous vein graft should be sewn not only to coronary artery but also to the aorta, since the excised vein is detached at both ends. Then, to create the anastomosis at the aorta, the ascending thoracic aorta is first partially clamped using a curved vascular clamp to occlude the proper segment of the ascending aorta; and a hole is then created through the front wall of the aorta to anchor the vein graft with sutures. The graft bypasses the blockage in the coronary artery and restores adequate blood flow to the heart. After completion of the grafting, the patient is taken off of the heart-lung machine and the patient's heart starts beating again. Most of the patients can leave the hospital in about 6 days after the CABG procedure.
• coronary artery bypass surgery is considered a more definitive method for treating coronary arterial disease because all kinds of obstructions cannot be treated by angioplasty; and because a recurrence of blockages in the coronary arteries even after angioplasty is not unusual.
• coronary artery bypass surgery usually provides for a longer patency of the grafts and the bypassed coronary arteries in comparison with the results of PTCA procedure.
• coronary artery bypass surgery is a far more complicated procedure, having need of a heart-lung machine and a stoppage of the heart. Also, it is clearly the more invasive procedure and is more expensive to perform than PTCA.
• MIBO minimally invasive bypass operation
• the MIBO is performed without use of a heart-lung machine or the stopping of the heart.
• Some versions are modeled after the video-assisted, fiberoptic techniques developed previously for gallbladder and other general surgeries. Other techniques have modified decades-old methods to sew arterial grafts onto beating hearts without using heart-lung machines.
• surgeons use a thoracoscope, a fiber-optic device that is similar to a laparoscope.
• a three-inch incision is made to the left of the breast bone through which the - 5 - surgeons operate. Three additional one-inch incisions then are made to insert a video camera, knife, surgical stapler, and other instruments.
• surgeons prepare the internal mammary artery, which courses vertically behind the rib cage, while watching on a video monitor. The internal mammary artery is freed up distally and is then sewn to the left anterior descending coronary artery. The internal mammary artery thus supplies blood to the coronary artery in place of blocked circulation of the heart. The wall of the chest formerly served by the mammary artery picks up blood from elsewhere via collateral blood circulations.
• LIMA left internal mammary artery
• the left internal mammary artery offers a number of advantages to the saphenous vein graft including higher patency rate; and anatomically, histologically and geometrically provides a more comparable graft than the saphenous vein graft.
• LIMA is particularly useful as a graft to the coronary arteries such as the left anterior descending, diagonal branches, and ramus intermedius arteries (which are located on the surface of the heart relatively close to the left internal mammary artery).
• vein graft has today become the standard conduit for myocardial revascularization.
• a first aspect provides a catheter apparatus for creating a bypass on-demand between an unobstructed blood vessel and an obstructed blood vessel in-vivo using a graft segment as a conduit, said bypass catheter apparatus comprising: a catheter suitable for introduction into and extension through the body in- vivo to a chosen site wherein an unobstructed blood vessel is in anatomic proximity to an obstruction lying within another blood vessel, said catheter being comprised of a hollow tube of fixed axial length having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one internal lumen of predetermined diameter; an obturator for on-demand introduction and passage through said catheter to a chosen site on the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo, said obturator comprising
• thermoelastic deformable cuff comprised of a prepared shape-memory alloy in a chosen extant configuration for positioning over said elongated shaft adjacent to said puncturing headpiece of said obturator together with a graft segment, said thermoelastic deformable cuff having a discrete medial portion and two discrete end portions
• a second aspect of the present invention provides a catheter apparatus for creating a bypass on-demand between an unobstructed blood vessel and an - 8 - obstructed blood vessel in-vivo using a graft segment as a conduit, said bypass catheter apparatus comprising: a catheter suitable for introduction into and extension through the body in- vivo to a chosen site wherein an unobstructed blood vessel is in anatomic proximity to an obstruction lying within another blood vessel, said catheter being comprised of a hollow tube of fixed axial length having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one internal lumen of predetermined diameter; an obturator for on-demand introduction and passage through said catheter to a chosen site on the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo, said obturator comprising (a) a puncturing headpiece for puncture of and entry into the lumen of an unobstructed blood vessel,
• thermoelastic deformable cuff comprised of a prepared shape-memory alloy in an chosen extant configuration for positioning over said elongated shaft adjacent to said puncturing headpiece of said obturator together with a graft segment to be used as a conduit, said thermoelastic deformable cuff having a discrete medial portion and two discrete end portions
• Fig. 1 is an overhead view of a conventionally known first catheter
• Fig. 2 is an overhead view of a conventionally known second catheter
• Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a single wall catheter tube of normal thickness
• Figs. 4A and 4B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a single wall catheter tube of reduced thickness
• Figs. 5A and 5B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a multiple- wall catheter tube of normal thickness
• Figs. 6A and 6B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a multiple- wall catheter tube of reduced thickness;
• Figs. 7A-7D are cross-sectional views of four different constructions of dual-lumen catheters;
• Fig. 8 is an illustration of a conventionally known introducer catheter
• Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred first obturator
• Fig. 10 is a frontal view of the first obturator of Fig. 9;
• Fig. 11 is a side view of the puncturing headpiece of the first obturator shown in Fig. 9;
• Fig. 12 is a side view of the puncturing headpiece of Fig. 11 when in a contracted state
• Fig. 13 is a side view of the puncturing headpiece of Fig. 11 when in an expanded state
• Fig. 14 is an exposed view of a mechanical assembly used for expanding and contracting a puncturing headpiece on-demand in an obturator
• Fig. 15 is an exposed view of a hydraulic assembly for expanding and contracting a puncturing headpiece on-demand in an obturator
• Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a second obturator
• Fig. 17 is a frontal view of the second obturator of Fig. 16;
• Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a third obturator
• Fig. 19 is a frontal view of the third obturator of Fig. 18;
• Fig. 20 is a side view of an alternative fourth puncturing headpiece of an obturator
• Fig. 21 is a side view of an alternative fifth puncturing headpiece of an obturator
• Figs. 22 A and 22B are side and top views of an alternative sixth obturator
• Figs. 23A and 23B are overhead and side views of a small-box pattern meshwork
• Figs. 24 A and 24B are overhead and side views of a large-box pattern meshwork; - 11 -
• Figs. 25 A and 25B are overhead and side views of a nets patterns meshwork
• Figs. 26A and 26B are overhead and side views of a brick pattern meshwork;
• Figs. 27A and 27B are overhead and side views of a spiral pattern meshwork;
• Figs. 28A and 28B are overhead and side views of a honeycomb pattern meshwork
• Fig. 29 is a view of a circular and smooth cuff end perimeter outline
• Figs. 30A and 30B are views of large and small petaloid cuff end perimeter outlines
• Fig. 31 is a view of a bare wire endpoint perimeter for a cuff end
• Figs. 32A-32C are views of a preformed first cuff embodiment in the extant and prepared memory-shaped configurations
• Figs. 33A-33C are views of a preformed second cuff embodiment in the extant and prepared memory-shaped configurations
• Figs. 34A-34C are views of an alternative cuff end perimeter outline for the embodiment of Fig. 33;
• Figs. 35A-35C are views of a third preformed cuff embodiment in the extant and prepared memory-shaped configuration
• Figs. 36A-36D are views of an alternative fourth cuff embodiment in the extant and prepared memory-shaped configurations
• Figs. 37A-37B are views of an alternative fifth cuff embodiment in the extant and prepared memory-shaped configurations
• Figs. 38A-38C are views of an alternative sixth cuff embodiment in the extant and prepared memory-shaped configurations
• Figs. 39A and 39B are cross sectional and side views of an inflatable and deflatable on-demand balloon
• Figs. 40 A and 40B are overhead and side views of an inflatable and deflatable balloon of Fig. 39 properly positioned on an obturator;
• Figs. 41 A and 4 IB are overhead and side views of the positioned balloon of Fig. 40 in the inflated state; - 12 -
• Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a previously excised vascular graft segment positioned over the balloon of Fig. 40 on the elongated shaft of the obturator;
• Fig. 43 is a perspective view of the preferred first cuff embodiment of Fig. 23A in combination with the previously excised vascular segment as shown by Fig. 42;
• Fig. 44 is a partially exposed view of the improved introducer system as a whole
• Figs. 45A-45F are illustrations of the modified Seldinger technique conventionally used for percutaneous catherterization;
• Fig. 46 is a partially exposed view of the improved introducer system in the correct position at the exterior wall of an unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 47 is a partially exposed view of the improved introducer system penetrating the vascular wall of the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 48 is a partially exposed view of the improved introducer system within the internal lumen of the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 49 is a partially exposed view of the engaged cuff beginning partial thermal deformation in-situ while being extended into the internal lumen of the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 50 is a partially exposed view of the engaged cuff continuing partial thermal deformation solely within the internal lumen of the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 51 is a partially exposed view of the engaged cuff after subsequent partial thermal deformation in-situ adjacent the exterior wall surface of the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 52 is a partially exposed view of the completely deformed cuff and vascular segment secured fluid-tight to and in blood flow communication with the internal lumen of the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo;
• Fig. 53 is a partially exposed view of the bypass conduit grafted additionally secured to the unobstructed blood vessel in-vivo by biocompatible adhesives; and - 13 - Fig. 54 is a partially exposed view of the other open end of the bypass conduit anastomosed in the conventionally known manner to another obstructed blood vessel.
• the present invention is a catheter apparatus and catherization technique for creating a single bypass or multiple bypasses on-demand between an unobstructed blood vessel such as the aorta and an obstructed blood vessel such as an obstructed coronary artery in-vivo.
• the present invention utilizes either a synthetic prosthetic channel section or a previously excised vascular segment as a grafted conduit; and employs a catheterized introducer system having an improved shape-memory alloy cuff, and an inflatable on-demand balloon in combination with the graft segment to create single or multiple shunts which overcome the obstruction in-vivo.
• the grafted conduit will then deliver blood from a primary blood vessel, around the obstruction, into a secondary artery or vein in order to increase and/or maintain proper blood circulation in the living body.
• the present invention provides the means for surgeons to perform multiple bypass grafts in a minimally invasive manner.
• the methodology permits the surgeon to utilize either synthetic prosthetic channel sections or previously excised veins or arteries as bypass conduits; and allows the surgeon to place each of the bypass conduits from a primary unobstructed artery (such as the aorta) to a secondary obstructed artery (such as the obstructed coronary artery) without using a heart-lung machine and without need for stopping the heart during surgery.
• the present invention simplifies the complexity of conventional bypass surgery and makes the surgery less invasive. Moreover, the technique provides the ability to create multiple bypass conduits using a catheterization procedure which not only shortens the conventional operation time for surgery but also makes the bypass surgery safer and more cost effective. - 14 -
• the present invention is suitable for creating a single bypass graft or multiple bypass grafts in any medical situation, condition, or pathology in which there is a need for increased blood flow to a specific blood vessel or vascular area or body region.
• the cause or source of the medical problem may be an obstruction in a blood vessel; or a narrowing or thickening of a blood vessel wall; or a diminution or narrowing of a vascular section in a particular blood vessel.
• Each of these medical conditions has its particular cause, origin, or source; and each of these pathologies, though different in origin, causes a similar effect overall ⁇ a loss of blood flow and blood pressure within the blood vessel. Accordingly, the present invention is deemed useful and desirable to overcome any of these particular medical conditions and instances where there is a demonstrated need for increased blood pressure and blood volume flow within a particular blood vessel in the body.
• the present apparatus and methodology can be employed to create a bypass conduit between any two blood vessels.
• the bypass conduit wil be made between a primary unobstructed artery and a secondary obstructed artery, a typical example being a bypass between the ascending aorta and an obstructed coronary artery.
• a bypass shunt may also be created between any two veins (such as between the portal vein and the inferior vena cava); or between an artery and a vein (such as between the superior vena cava and a pulmonary artery).
• the present apparatus and methodology may be employed anywhere in the human body where there is a need for increased vascularization or revascularization of the local region.
• the sole limitation, therefore, is a means of access for the catheter apparatus, the introducer system, and the methodology to be performed by the skilled surgeon and interventional radiologist.
• Three essential component parts comprise the catheter apparatus needed to create a bypass in-vivo. These are: a catheter; an obturator having a puncturing headpiece; and an improved deformable thermoelastic cuff formed of a prepared shape-memory alloy for engaging and securing a synthetic prosthesis or a previously excised vascular segment as a bypass conduit to an unobstructed major blood vessel (such as the aorta).
• a catheter an obturator having a puncturing headpiece
• an improved deformable thermoelastic cuff formed of a prepared shape-memory alloy for engaging and securing a synthetic prosthesis or a previously excised vascular segment as a bypass conduit to an unobstructed major blood vessel (such as the aorta).
• the in-vivo bypass catheterization method comprising the present invention requires that a guiding or introducer catheter be employed as a essential part of the apparatus.
• This controlling or guiding flexible catheter has at least one tubular wall of fixed axial length; has at least one proximal end for entry; has at least one distal end for egress; and has at least one internal lumen of a volume sufficient to allow for on-demand controlling passage therethrough of a prepared obturator carrying a deformable thermoelastic cuff and a bypass conduit.
• Catheters particularly surgical catheters, are conventionally known and used; and a wide range and variety of guiding or introducer catheters are available which are extremely diverse in shape, design, and specific features. All of the essential requirements of a guiding flexible catheter exist as conventional knowledge and information in the relevant technical field; and all of the information regarding catheter design and provided in summary form hereinafter is - 16 - publicly known, widely disseminated, and published in a variety of authoritative texts. The reader is therefore presumed to be both familiar with and have an in- depth knowledge and understanding of the conventional diagnostic and therapeutic uses of catheters and cathertization techniques. Merely representative of the diversity of publications publicly available are the following, each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Cathertization.
• catheters include the following: central venous catheters which are relatively short (usually 20-60 centimeters) in length and are designed for insertion into the internal jugular or subclavian vein; right heart catheters such as the Cournard catheter designed specifically for right heart catheterization; transseptal catheters developed specifically for crossing from right to left atrium through the interarterial septum at the fossa ovalis; angiographic catheters which are varied in shape and are frequently used today in the femorial and brachial approach for cardiac catheterization and angiography in any of the major vessels; coronary angiographic catheters which include the different series of - 17 - grouping including Sones, Judkins, Amplatz, multipurpose, and bypass graft catheters; as well as many others developed for specific purposes and medical conditions.
• central venous catheters which are relatively short (usually 20-60 centimeters) in length and are designed for insertion into the internal jugular or subclavian vein
• right heart catheters such as the Cournard catheter
• Figs. 1 and 2 Merely representative of guiding and introducer catheters, generally presented herein without regard to their specific past usages or intended applications, are those illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2 respectively.
• a catheter 2 is seen having a tubular wall of fixed axial length; having two proximal portals 4 and 6 which together generate the proximal end 8 for entry into the interior of the catheter; a single distal portal 10 and the distal end 12 of the catheter; and an internal lumen 14 (which is not visible in the illustration).
• FIG. 2 shows a controlling flexible catheter 20 having a tubular wall of fixed axial length; three proximal portals 21, 22 and 23 respectively which collectively form the proximal end 24 for entry into the internal volume of the catheter; and a single distal portal 25 which designates the distal end 26 or tip of the catheter.
• Figs. 1 and 2 are presented merely to show the overall general construction and relationship of parts present in each flexible controlling catheter suitable for use with the present methodology.
• the axial length of the catheter may be composed of one or several layers in combination.
• one hollow tube is stretched over another to form a bond; and the components of the individual layers determine the overall characteristics for the catheter as a unitary construction.
• Most multilayered catheters comprise an inner tube of teflon, over which is another layer of nylon, woven Dacron, or stainless steel braiding.
• a tube of polyethylene or polyurethane is then heated and extruded over the two inner layers to form a bond as the third external layer.
• Other catheter constructions may consist of a polyurethane inner core, covered by a layer of stainless steel braiding, and a third external jacket layer formed of polyurethane.
• Figs. 3-6 respectively.
• Figs. 3A and 3B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a single tubular wall considered the standard minimum construction for a - 18 - catheter.
• Figs. 4A and 4B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a thin- walled design for a single layer extruded catheter.
• Figs. 5A and 5B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a standard multilayered catheter construction having a braided stainless steel midlayer in its construction.
• Figs. 6A and 6B are perspective and cross-sectional views of a thin-walled design for a multilayered catheter with a braided stainless steel middle layer.
• Catheters are generally sized by external and internal diameter and length.
• the internal specified either by diameter (in thousandths of an inch or millimeters or French).
• Many newer thin-walled catheter designs provide a much larger internal lumen volume to external diameter ratio than has been previously achieved; and this has resulted in catheters which can accommodate much more volume and allow the passage of much larger sized articles through the internal lumen.
• External diameter is typically expressed in French sizes which are obtained by multiplying the actual diameter of the catheter in millimeters by a factor of 3.0.
• the size of any catheter in millimeters may be calculated by dividing its French size by a factor of 3.0. French sizes from 5-8 are currently used for diagnostic angiography.
• Figs. 7A-7D show different dual-lumen constructions for four catheters having similar or identical overall diameter (French) size.
• Fig. 7A shows a dual-lumen catheter 30 wherein a first external tubular wall 32 provides an outer lumen volume 34 into which a second internal tubular wall 36 has been co-axially positioned to provide an inner lumen volume 38.
• catheter 30 is a co-axial design of multiple tubular walls spaced apart and co-axially spaced but separate internal lumens of differing individual volumes.
• Fig. 7B shows a second kind of construction and design by dual-lumen catheter 40 having a single external tubular wall 42; and an centrally disposed inner septum 44 which divides the interior tubular space into two approximately equally lumen volumes 46 and 48 respectively.
• the diameter, length, and volume of internal lumen 46 is effectively identical to the diameter, length and volume of internal lumen 40; and both of these exist and are contained within a single, commonly-shared, tubular wall.
• FIG. 7C shows an alternative kind of construction and design. As seen in Fig.
• dual-lumen catheter 50 has a single external tubular wall 52; and contains an asymmetrically positioned internal divider 54 which divides the interior tubular space into two unequal and different lumen volumes 56 and 58 respectively.
• the discrete volume of internal lumen 56 is markedly smaller than the volume of the adjacently positioned internal lumen 58; and yet both of these internal lumens 56 and 58 exist in, are adjacently positioned, and are both contained within a commonly-shared single tubular wall.
• FIG. 7D shows a catheter 60 having a single external tubular wall 62 of relatively large size and thickness.
• Within the material substance 68 of the tubular wall 60 are two discrete bore holes 64 and 66 of differing diameters which serve as two internal lumens of unequal volume.
• Internal lumen 64 is clearly the smaller - 20 - while internal lumen 66 is far greater in spatial volume. Yet each internal lumen volume 64 and 66 is adjacent to the other, lies in parallel, and follows the other over the axial length of the catheter.
• an introducer catheter is straight or linear over its axial length and does not have any bends or curves towards the distal end or at the distal tip.
• a representative illustration of the distal end and tip of an introducer catheter is shown by Fig. 8.
• an introducer catheter 80 has an elongated tubular body
• the catheter distal end 88 terminates as a single tip 90 having one central distal portal 92 to the lumen 86.
• the catheter proximal end 94 terminates as an enlarged proximal tip 96 and has one central proximal portal 98 to access the internal lumen 86.
• distal end design for catheters generally are the distal ends of some ventricular catheters which can include a "pigtail" design and construction which has a curled- tip format and multiple side holes; the Lehman ventricular catheter end which provides a number of side holes in different places along the distal end; and the Gensini design which provides multiple side holes at varying angles.
• any construction of the catheter distal end whether having one or more curves, or none; and whether or not there is more than one central portal for exiting the lumen or multiple side holes, are all considered conventional variations in catheter tip construction and design. Any and all of these distal tip designs and constructions are therefore deemed to be encompassed completely and to lie within the general catheter scope of construction suitable for use with the present invention.
• the Obturator The second requisite component part of the catheter apparatus is the obturator.
• Each embodiment of an obturator is comprised of at least three parts, and preferably comprises four component parts.
• the minimal requisite three elements include a puncturing headpiece; a perforating end tip on the headpiece; an elongated shaft integral with the puncturing headpiece.
• the fourth highly desirable component is the means for expanding and contracting the size of the puncturing headpiece on-demand.
• Various embodiments representative of each of these structural components are individually illustrated within Figs. 9-15 respectively.
• One general embodiment of an obturator is illustrated by Figs. 9-10.
• the obturator 120 comprises a puncturing headpiece 122 which is substantially bullet-shaped (frusto-conical) in configuration, and comprises an outer shell 124 and a base plate 126.
• the outer shell 124 has deter minable surface dimensions and an overall girth which can be either fixed or varied in size.
• a perforating end tip 130 which appears as a cross-shaped cutting edge for the headpiece 122. As shown by Fig. 10, the perforating end tip 130 does not extend over the entire surface area of the outer shell 124; instead, the perforating end tip 130 is limited in size and orientation to the distal end 128. The perforating end tip 130 serves as the sharp cutting edge for the obturator 120 as a whole.
• Integral with the puncturing headpiece 122 is an elongated shaft 134 whose overall axial length may be varied to accommodate the surgeon and the particular medical circumstances of usage.
• the distal end 136 of the shaft is integrated with the puncturing headpiece 122 and can provide access to the interior volume of the headpiece bounded by the outer shell 124 and the base plate 126.
• the proximal end 138 of the elongated shaft 134 is intended to be held by the surgeon performing the vascular bypass surgery. Accordingly, the axial length of the elongated shaft 134 will vary and accommodate the surgeon; and thus vary from a few inches to a few feet in length.
• the function of the elongated shaft 134 is for the carrying and transport of a bypass conduit to the chosen site on the unobstructed or primary blood vessel in-vivo.
• the elongated shaft 134 acts to - 22 - support, maintain and convey the conduit within the lumen of the catheter in a manner such that the conduit can be used as a bypass graft.
• the fixed size embodiments of the obturator does not provide any means nor mechanism to alter the surface dimensions or configuration of the puncturing headpiece integrated with the elongated shaft.
• the initial dimensions and girth for the puncturing headpiece 122 shown by Figs. 9 and 10 respectively will remain constant and fixed; and neither the size, shape, aspect ratios, nor overall geometry will be changed or modified during the intended in-vivo use for the obturator embodiment.
• the fixed size embodiment is a less preferred format for clinical applications; and this minimalist format may cause more procedural difficulty and inconvenience for the surgeon than the preferred variable- size embodiments of the obturator.
• a highly desirable and preferred component feature of the puncturing headpiece and the obturator as a whole is that means exist for expanding and contracting the puncturing headpiece on-demand.
• the effect of this fourth feature and capability for the obturator is illustrated by Figs. 11-13 respectively.
• the puncturing headpiece 122 appears in its initial size identical to that shown by Figs. 9 and 10.
• the outer shell 124 is substantially cone-shaped in configuration, has an initial internal volume, and has a girth dimension d equal to the initial diameter of the base plate 126.
• the internal volume of the puncturing headpiece as determined by the dimensions of the outer shell 124 and the base plate 126, provides an initial internal volume of determinable quantity.
• Fig. 12 When the mechanism for contracting the puncturing headpiece is activated, the consequence is illustrated by Fig. 12 in which the dimensions of the outer shell 124 have been diminished and the girth of the headpiece has been reduced as shown by the reduced diameter d' of the base plate 126. Note also, that as the puncturing headpiece 122 becomes contracted in overall volume and dimensions, the configuration of the puncturing headpiece 122 has consequentially become - 23 - altered and now appears to be spear-like in configuration. Similarly, the overall angular disposition of the perforating end tip 130 serving as the cutting edge will also be slightly altered in overall appearance as a consequence of contracting the puncturing headpiece 122. Alternatively, when the puncturing headpiece 122 is expanded, the overall result is shown by Fig. 13.
• the outer shell 124 has been expanded in overall dimensions and volume; and the girth of the headpiece has been expanded and can be determined by the diameter d" of the expanded base plate 126.
• the overall appearance of the puncturing headpiece has been altered as a consequence of its expansion and now appears to be elliptical in shape overall.
• the perforating end tip 130 has similarly been altered in appearance and has angularly expanded somewhat to conform with the expanded dimensions and angularity of the outer shell 124.
• each preferred obturator is the existence and availability of specific means for expanding and contracting the puncturing - 24 - headpiece on-demand.
• a number of different mechanisms and means for expanding and contracting the puncturing headpiece of the obturator are conventionally known and easily employed. Merely to demonstrate some different and conventionally known mechanisms, attention is directed to the means illustrated by Figs. 14 and 15 respectively.
• the means for expanding and contracting the puncturing headpiece on- demand illustrated by Fig. 14 constitute a mechanical approach and design mechanism which is carried within the internal volume of the puncturing headpiece 122 and the integrated elongated shaft 134.
• a central rod 150 extends through the hollow interior of the elongated shaft 134 and extends into the internal volume defined by the outer shell 124 and the base plate 126 of the puncturing headpiece 122.
• a plurality of rotable ribs 152 are joined to the central rod 150 at the distal end to form a central pivot point 154.
• Each rotable rib 152 is mobile and pivotable around the central point 154 and forms an umbrella-like scaffolding structure which can be expanded outwardly or collapsed inwardly at will.
• Mounted on the central rod 150 is an expansion wheel 156.
• This expansion wheel 156 is centrally mounted on the rod 150; is moveable over the axial length of the central rod 150; and is controlled in the direction of axial movement (distally and proximally).
• the expansion wheel 156 comprises a center hub 158 and a plurality of hub supports 160, both of which maintain the expansion wheel in proper position as it engages the plurality of rotable ribs 152.
• linear movement members 162 Joined to the central hub 158 of the expansion wheel 156 are linear movement members 162 which are positioned within the interior volume of the elongated shaft 134 and have a length sufficient to reach to the proximal end 138 of the elongated shaft 134 for control by the surgeon or invasive radiologist.
• the linear movement members 162 engage the center hub 158 of the expansion wheel 156; and extend or withdraw the expansion wheel closer to or away from the perforating end tip 130 of the puncturing headpiece 122.
• expansion wheel engages the rotable ribs 152 and expands the rotable ribs outwardly thereby increasing the overall girth of the puncturing headpiece as a unit.
• the internal volume of the puncturing headpiece 122 and the integrated elongated shaft 134 includes an elastic sack 180 comprised of a fluid containing elastic bubble 182 and a fluid delivering elastic conduit 184.
• the outer shell 124 and base plate 126 of the puncturing headpiece 122 are as previously shown; and the headpiece 122 is integrated with the elongated shaft 134 as previously described herein.
• Within the internal volume of the puncturing headpiece 122 is a fluid containing elastic bubble 182 which is in fluid communication with the elastic conduit 184 carried within the internal volume of the elongated shaft 134.
• the elastic sack 180 is formed of elastomeric material (such as rubber, elastic plastic, and the like) and is fluid-tight along its seams.
• the elastic sack 180 contains any liquid which is compatible with the material of the elastic sack; and it is the intrinsic nature of the material forming the elastic sack 180 that the material exerts a compression force or pressure upon the fluid contained within the elastic sack itself. In this way a hydraulic system for expanding and contracting the puncturing headpiece of the obturator is created.
• As fluid is introduced through the elastic conduit 180 by the surgeon or invasive radiologist, that fluid is conveyed and delivered into the elastic bubble 182 positioned within the puncturing headpiece 122.
• the elasticity of the bubble 182 exerts a mild compression force and pressure against the quantity of fluid contained within the bubble interior volume; accordingly, the greater the quantity of fluid within the elastic bubble 182, the larger in overall volume the elastic bubble becomes.
• the overall configuration and internal volume of the piercing headpiece 122 also enlarges. In this manner, by carefully controlling the amount of fluid conveyed through the conduit 184 into the elastic bubble, the overall size and configuration of the piercing headpiece 122 can be controUably expanded.
• a quantity of fluid is permitted to be released from the elastic conduit 184 at the proximal end by the surgeon or radiologist. Because the material is elastic and exerts a compression force against the quantity of fluid present within the bubble at any given moment in time, the release of fluid through the elastic conduit will cause a reduction in overall size for the elastic bubble 182; and as the overall volume of the elastic bubble is reduced in size, the puncturing headpiece will consequently be contracted and reduced in configuration and overall volume as well.
• Figs. 16-22 A number of different physical embodiments for the obturator are also envisioned and intended for use. Some examples, which are merely illustrative of the range and variety of physical formats and which serve to merely illustrate the range and degree of difference available for the various puncturing headpieces of an obturator, are illustrated by Figs. 16-22 respectively. It will be recognized and understood, however, that these alternative embodiments are merely representative of obturators and puncturing headpieces generally and do not signify any limitation or restriction on their structural construction or design.
• the embodiment illustrated by Figs. 16 and 17 respectively shows a puncturing headpiece 200 which is substantially cone-shaped in overall appearance and comprises an outer shell 202 and a base plate 206.
• the distal end 208 of the - 27 - puncturing headpiece 200 has a perforating end tip 210 which is also substantially cone-shaped in configuration and appearance and covers only a small surface area of the outer shell 202. Integral with the puncturing headpiece is the elongated shaft 134 as described previously herein; and means for expanding and contracting the puncturing headpiece 200 on-demand are included within the obturator as a integrated unit.
• the puncturing headpiece 220 comprises the outer shell 222 and the base plate 224 integral with the elongated shaft 134.
• a particular feature of this embodiment is the distal end 226 seen most clearly within Fig. 19 as providing a perforating end tip 230 which is substantially star-shaped and extends over the surface area of the outer shell 222. The result is to provide a series of grooves 228 alternating with sharp cutting edges 232 over the surface of the outer shell 222.
• This embodiment for the puncturing headpiece 220 provides a much greater area for cutting and perforation as a specific feature of the obturator design.
• the puncturing headpiece 250 includes a buttressing region 254 as a part of the outer shell 252.
• the buttressing region 254 is a reinforced region for engaging materials placed in contact with the outer shell when the puncturing headpiece is expanded.
• the puncturing headpiece 250 includes a base plate 256 and is integrated with the elongated shaft 134 (described previously herein).
• the puncturing headpiece 260 exemplified by Fig. 21 is a sharply tapered and contoured embodiment in which the outer shell 262 includes a spiral girth zone 264 suitable for deforming elastic materials.
• the base plate 266 conforms to and is integrated with the spiral zone 264.
• the puncturing headpiece 280 comprises an outer shell 282 having a triangular-shaped distal tip 284 which is joined to and integrated with the base plate 286 and the elongated shaft 134.
• the triangular- - 28 - shaped configuration of the distal tip 284 is intended to aid the puncturing headpiece as it is expanded and contracted on-demand.
• the Deformable Thermoelastic Cuff An essential component part of the apparatus and method for creating a bypass graft is the presence and use of a deformable thermoelastic cuff comprised of a shape-memory alloy composition and prepared in advance to deform in a warm temperature environment.
• the shape-memory metal alloy compositions to be used with the present invention constitute conventionally known blends and formulated metallic mixtures of nickel and titanium which undergo a phase transition - that is, a molecular rearrangement of atoms, molecules or ions within a lattice structure - as a consequence of an increase in temperature.
• the unique capability of shape- memory alloys is that these alloys after pretreatment will change shape or configuration in whole or in part as a direct consequence of a change in temperature; and the alloy composition "remembers" its earlier pretreatment and specifically prepared shape because the temperature-initiated phase change affects its structure on the atomic level only, without disturbing the arrangement of the molecules which would otherwise be irreversible.
• these shape-memory alloy compositions are recognized as being malleable into any chosen extant form, shape, or configuration after pretreatment in the superheated condition; as being both deformable and thermoelastic; and as being - 29 - able to revert into a prepared memory-shaped configuration merely by being warmed to a temperature above its individual transition temperature.
• Allov formulations At least twenty different formulations of these alloys are conventionally known to exhibit the shape-memory effect and property, all of these comprising different mixtures of nickel and titanium in varying percentage ratios [Design News. June 21, 1993 issue, pages 73-76]. These metal alloys are today utilized in the manufacture of differing products. For example, a range of different shape- memory alloy wires are commercially available in diameters from 0.001-0.030 inches (Dynalloy Inc. , Irvine, California]. In addition, surgical anchors having superelastic properties and formed by two or more arcs of wire strands (which can withstand strains exceeding 10%) have been developed [Mitek Surgical Products, Inc. , Norwood, Massachusetts].
• blood clot filters formed of shape-memory alloy wires are commercially sold for implantation in large blood vessels such as the vena cava [Nitinol Medical Technologies, Inc. , Boston, Massachusetts]. While these commercially available products illustrate the use of one or more shape- memory alloy formulations by the manufacture of their particular articles, a more general listing of conventionally known properties and characteristics for shape- memory alloy compositions is provided by Table 2 below.
• Transformation Strain for polycrystaline material for a single cycle 8% maximum for 10 2 cycles 6% for 10 5 cycles 4%
• All the different specific formulations and metallic blends comprising nickel and titanium which yield a deformable, thermoelastic, shape-memory alloy composition are suitable for use when practicing the present methodology. All of these shape-memory alloys rely on a crystal phase change from a higher temperature Austenite form to a lower temperature Martensite form to accomplish the memory effect.
• the cubic Austenite phase behaves much like ordinary metals as it deforms.
• the complex crystal Martensite form can be found by reversible movement of twin boundaries to change the average "tilt" or strain in each segment of the alloy.
• the overall strain can be eliminated by releasing the stress, by maintaining it if it is not thermally stable (the superelastic effect), or by heating the alloy to change it back to Austenite form (shape-memory effect).
• the crystal transformation of shape-memory alloy compositions is, by definition, thermoelastic - e ⁇ it progresses in one direction on cooling below the transition temperature and in the other direction upon heating above the transition temperature.
• the amount of transformation change versus temperature measured either as the present Martensite form or the strain in a constantly stressed element, is a function of and can be plotted against temperature (°C) directly; and the change from one phase (and identifiable shape) to another typically occurs in a narrow temperature range (often 5-10°C). Hysteresis takes place before the reverse transformation occurs.
• the amount of strain accommodated due to the movement of twin boundaries differs in each metallic alloy blending system.
• nickel-titanium system for example, up to 8% reversible tensile strain is available; however, to guarantee a long life use, the strain is often limited to 4-5 % .
• the stress-strain behavior of shape-memory alloy compositions is employed to help explain the shape-memory effect. For instance, the Martensite form is much easier to deform than Austenite. Therefore, one can deform the alloy with much less force to change it back into Austenite form. As a result, the alloy converts thermal energy to mechanical work at high forces. - 33 -
• the alloy composition To prepare and fix the particular (or desired) shape to be "remembered” when the alloy undergoes a temperature phase transition, the alloy composition must be superheated initially to about 300-600°C for between 30 minutes - 3 hours while held in the shape and position to be memorized.
• the native alloy blend enters what is called the Austenite phase ⁇ a rigid lattice of nickel atoms surrounded by titanium alloys.
• the alloy composition adopts the Martensite phase in which the nickel and titanium atoms assume a very different arrangement - one that is flexible and malleable, and is thus very easy to bend.
• the cooled and pretreated metallic alloy can then be reshaped into any other extant configuration or orientation repeatedly. Nevertheless, when the metallic alloy is subsequently warmed or heated to the chosen transition temperature range between 25-35 °C, thermal motion causes the atoms to snap back into the Austerine phase, thereby restoring the previously fixed memory-shaped configuration of the object. Also, when the alloy is warmed above its transition temperature the form becomes firm and rigid in configuration [Invention & Technology, Fall 1993, pages 18-23].
• the shape-memory alloy composition be prepared in a metallic blend and formulation such that the temperature transition phase occurs at a temperature less than about 35°C; but greater than about 25°C; and preferably be in the range from about 30-35 °C.
• This preferred 30-35 °C transition phase temperature range is dictated by the demands of the human body which maintains a normal temperature at about 37°C (98.6°F); and typically shows a normal temperature range and variance of one or two degrees Celsius above and/or below this normative temperature standard.
• the broad temperature range be about 25-35 °C and the preferred temperature transition occur in the range of 30-35 °C; but that such transformation into the prepared fixed memory-shaped configuration occur at least by a temperature of 35 °C to insure a safety margin of medical usefulness.
• the alloy cuff is embodied generally an open-ended and elongated article of manufacture; is often cylindrical, ovoid, barrel-shaped, tube-like or spiral in appearance; and has a substantially rounded cross-section which typically is circular, oval, or oblong in geometry.
• the cuff article is ostensibly hollow over its axial length; and is dimensioned in overall diameter size and axial length to accommodate and to contain comfortably the graft segment (intended to be used as a blood conduit) within and through the spatial volume of the cuff's hollow interior. It is both desirable and most preferred that the alloy cuff structure be an open-weave pattern of wires composed of a memory-shape alloy rather than be a solid mass of thermoelastic alloy material.
• all the preferred cuff embodiments presented herein appear as an open meshwork of wires which are intertwined in any of a wide variety of diverse patterns; can have regular or irregular points, edges, and ends; provide symmetrical or asymmetrical contours and perimeters; and can be consistent or inconsistent in meshwork format and pattern.
• the open meshwork of wires for the cuff structure provides the desired degree of resiliency, flexibility, and memory-shaped deformation capability for optimal results.
• Figs. 23- 28 Merely representative of the typical wire meshwork patterns which are available for use in the body of the cuff structure are those illustrated by Figs. 23- 28 respectively.
• Each representative wire meshwork pattern suitable for use as the cuff body is shown in an overhead view and in a cross-sectional view. Thus, Figs.
• FIG. 23A and 23B illustrate a squareline pattern for the wire meshwork while Figs. 24A and 24B show a large-box meshwork pattern.
• Figs. 2 A and 25B reveal a nets pattern of wires while Figs. 26A and 26B demonstrate a brick pattern of wire weaving.
• Figs. 27 A and 27B depict a spire meshwork pattern while Figs. 28A and 28B portray a honeycomb pattern.
• the cuff structure provides the user with a choice and variety of different open end surfaces, edges, contours and perimeters regardless of the particular wire meshwork pattern employed in the body of the cuff.
• Representative of some typical open-ended designs and perimeter surfaces for the alloy cuff are - 35 - those shown by Figs. 29, 30, and 31 respectively.
• Fig. 29 illustrates a smooth and regular perimeter surface and circular open-end for the cuff.
• Figs. 30A and 30B show two different types of finished open ends which are petaloid points in appearance and edge design.
• Fig. 31 depicts a set of single stranded, bare-wire points as the open-end and perimeter edge of the cuff structure.
• a first open end may take form as the petaloid points of Fig. 30A while the other second open end may appear as the bare wire points of Fig. 31.
• any of the representative wire meshwork patterns suitable for use in the body of the cuff as illustrated by Figs. 23-28 may utilize and employ any or all of the typical open end structures and designs shown by Figs. 29-31 respectively.
• alloy cuff article preferably embodied as open-weave meshwork pattern of wires having two open ends
• states and contours which are: the extant shape, state, and transitory outline appearing at ambient temperatures less than about 25-35 °C; and the memory-shaped, deformed configuration state prepared in advance and appearing as a consequence of exposure to ambient temperatures greater than about 25-35 °C.
• the range and variety of some useful extant shapes and memory-shaped configurations is described in detail hereinafter.
• the extant state and transitory shape or appearance is that outline and contour for the cuff which exists at least immediately prior to positioning the cuff over the bypass graft segment; and is the elongated and - 36 - generally unbent appearance imposed on the cuff article of manufacture subsequently after the alloy has been prepared in advance (thus leaving the memory of a specific configuration permanently imprinted into the alloy composition).
• the extant shape can be manipulated and changed at will so long as the ambient environment temperature remains below 25-35 °C, the critical transition temperature range for the alloy composition.
• the extant shape can be intentionally or accidentally bent or twisted and then unbent and untwisted if desired, once or on multiple occasions.
• the extant shape can and undoubtedly will be altered or rearranged in whole or in part to fit over, accommodate, and ultimately engage the graft segment to be used as a bypass and blood conduit in-vivo.
• the memory-shaped configuration for the prepared alloy cuff is induced and brought into tangible form by exposure to an ambient temperature range greater than about 25-35°C.
• the memory-shaped configuration is that form which has been imprinted in advance into the substance of the thermoelastic alloy comprising the cuff article by the superheated preparatory procedure; and constitutes the deformed state, appearance, and outline which is believed desirable for permanently joining a graft segment to an unobstructed blood vessel.
• the prepared cuff article — when appearing in the extant shape and form — need not be completely or wholly exposed at one time to a temperature above the 25-35 °C range; and that the structure of the alloy cuff need not become thermoelastically deformed entirely, completely, or as a unitary whole at the same moment in time; and that different portions of the alloy cuff structure can and at-will become individually deformed into a prepared memory-shaped configuration at separate times and in alternative fashion.
• extant cuff configurations of the pretreated and prepared thermoelastic alloy composition at temperatures less than about 25-35 °C may take a broad variety of different forms, diverse dimensions, and disparate overall shapes.
• range and diversity of three-dimensional forms into which the thermoelastic alloy compositions can be shaped into a cuff or flange structure at temperatures below 25-35°C are those illustrated by Figs. 32A, 33A, 35A, 36A,
• Figs. 32-36 are considered more preferred embodiments and constructions of the cuff- shaped alloy structures, while Figs. 37-38 respectively represent formats and fabrications of the alloy compositions in less frequently utilized cuff-shaped configurations.
• the deformable thermoelastic cuff 300 is a substantially cylindrical-shaped article which is open at each of its ends 302, 304.
• the cuff 300 is hollow; is substantially round or oval (in cross-sectional view); and has an extant state and set dimensions at temperatures less than 25-35 °C which are deformed at will into a memory -
• thermoelastic material constituting the sidewall 306 of the cuff 300 be prepared and memory-shaped along the axes AA' and BB' as shown within Figs. 32A-32C; and that the thermoelastic material constituting the sidewall 306 be an open-weave meshwork pattern of a memory-shaped alloy rather
• Fig. 23A appears in the first configuration as an open meshwork of wires which are intertwined to form a substantially honeycomb pattern shown previously by Fig. 28.
• This open meshwork of wires provides a desired degree of resiliency, flexibility, and memory-shaped deformation capability (particularly
• the deformed cuff shown by Figs. 32B and 32C is merely the result of removing the cuff structure from a temperature less than 25-35 °C and sequentially exposing different sections to a temperature environment greater than about 25-35°C.
• the uppermost portion 308 of the open meshwork of wires above the axis AA 1 has become deformed such that the upper sidewall 308 adjacent to the open end 302 has expanded outwardly, flaired, and become bent into a curved lip configuration in the memory-shaped deformed state as shown by Fig. 32B.
• the open meshwork of wires constituting the central portion 310 and the lower portion 312 of the sidewall 306 at the other open end 304 remains relatively stable and substantially unaltered in its original shape and state.
• the deformation thus is controlled and the forces preferably applied to the upper sidewall portion from the AA' axis cause the outwardly extending, flaired lip result.
• the resulting flaired lip zone 314 retains structural strength and resiliency as an open meshwork of wires despite having been created by deformation.
• the ability of the cuff to be deformed in section or parts in the manner illustrated by Figs. 32B and 32C respectively is a requisite and necessary attribute and characteristic of each embodiment and construction for the deformable thermoelastic cuff.
• 32C illustrates the completion of the thermoelastic deformation.
• the lower portion 312 of the sidewall 306 has, in its sequential turn, become exposed to the greater than 25-35 °C temperature environment, and the lower most portion 312 has become outwardly flaired in reciprocal fashion at the second open end 304.
• the deformation begins along the BB 1 axis and continues to the perimeter edge outlining the open end 304.
• thermoelastic cuff in the present invention is an example of the engineering principle that structural form follows intended function.
• the intended functions of the thermoelastic cuff are threefold in nature: (1) the temperature-deformable cuff is intended to engage and become joined to either a synthetic prosthesis or a previously excised vascular segment which will serve as the bypass graft in-vivo; - 39 -
• the temperature-deformable cuff is intended to be positioned in part within the internal lumen of an unobstructed major blood vessel (such as the aorta) and become thermally deformed in-situ such that a portion of the cuff wall becomes outwardly flaired, positioned and secured within the internal lumen (the blood flow channel) of the unobstructed blood vessel permanently; and (3) another portion of the thermoelastic cuff is to be positioned adjacent the external surface of the unobstructed blood vessel and be deformed in-situ such that this other portion of the cuff becomes outwardly flaired and secured to the blood vessel exterior.
• an unobstructed major blood vessel such as the aorta
• the uppermost region 308 and the lowermost region 312 of the alloy comprising the cuff 300 are individually deformed on-demand by warming each section individually to a temperature greater than 25-35°C.
• Each section deforms into a flaired outwardly bent form which is intended to be secured individually to the unobstructed artery or vein.
• the central portion 310 of the cuff is retained in substantially unaltered form for engagement and juncture to the graft segment which will serve as the bypass graft.
• the central section 310 can optionally be made thermoelastically to increase in overall diameter slightly, if desired, in order to hold the cuff more tightly and to seal the vessel wall.
• thermally deformable memory-shaped cuff Several attributes and characteristics are commonly to be shared among all embodiments and constructions of the thermally deformable memory-shaped cuff. These include the following:
• the alloy material constituting the memory- shaped cuff be thermally deformable on-demand.
• the alloy composition forming the cuff be an open weave or meshwork rather than a solid alloy mass, which is considered to be more difficult to deform in a thermally-controlled manner.
• the choice of whether to use an open meshwork or a solid mass of thermoelastic alloy material is left solely to the discretion of the manufacturer and the surgeon.
• thermoelastic cuff need only be comprised of resilient, flexible, but deformable metallic alloy matter.
• a number of different alloys of various formulations may be usefully employed when making a deformable memory-shaped cuff suitable for use with the present invention.
• desirable alloy formulations are those characterized by Table 2 above.
• the extant shape of the cuff structure may be covered to advantage with one or more biocompatible coatings.
• biocompatible coatings are intended to water-tighten the article and to facilitate the sewing of the bypass conduit to the cuff as well as to reduce the interactions of the immune system and tissue reaction with the bypass graft after it has been secured to the blood vessels in their appropriate locations in- vivo.
• biocompatible coatings are conventionally known; are sometimes incorporated with drugs such as anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, or anti-growth factors or with radioactive materials; will reduce the severity and duration of immune or tissue reactions which frequently disrupt or interfere with bypass grafts; and are considered desirable in a majority of use instances in order to minimize the body reaction to vascular bypass surgery.
• Shape-memory alloys can also be made radioactive to minimize tissue reactions.
• a representative listing of biocompatible coatings deemed suitable for use with the deformable thermoelastic cuff is provided by Table 3 below.
• PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
• other polyhalogenated carbons Fibronection;
• HEMA Hydroxyethyl methacrylates
• the cuff in its initial state prior to thermal deformation may have a variable internal diameter over the axial length of the article in which one open end may be either greater or lesser in size than the other open end; and there may be multiple increases and decreases in diameter size successively over the entire axial length of the cuff itself. All of these variations in construction and structure are within the scope of the present invention.
• Figs. 33-38 the alternative cuff embodiments illustrated by Figs. 33-38 are provided.
• a particular feature is shown within Figs. 33 and 34 where the extant shape for the deformable cuff or collar 330 appears as a cylindrical-shaped article having two open ends 332, 334 and a rounded sidewall 336.
• the body of the sidewall 336 is the pattern shown by Fig. 24 - the large box meshwork.
• Fig. 33 A A notable feature of the cuff construction within Fig. 33 A is the ability to choose the degree of outward flairing and thermal deformation at the uppermost portion 338 and the lowermost portion 342.
• the degree of deformation can be modest and shown by Figs. 33B and 33C.
• a maximal degree of deformation and outward bending can be prepared for the alloy in portions 338 and - 43 -
• thermoelastic deformation in which the thermoelastic deformation is curved and convoluted to the greatest possible degree.
• This optimal alternative is illustrated by Figs. 34A-34C respectively.
• the upper most portion 338 of the cuff near the open end 332 and the lowermost portion 342 adjacent the open end 334 will deform and flair outwardly to the greatest extent possible as a consequence of placing the cuff in a temperature environment greater than about 25-35 °C.
• Fig. 33C The result of thermal deformation in-situ of individual sections and portions of the cuff at a temperature greater than about 25-35 °C is shown by Fig. 33C and alternatively by Figs. 34A-34C.
• the sidewall upper portion 338 has become deformed and bent from the open end 332 to about the axis AA' and the lower sidewall portion 342 has thermoelastically deformed from about the axis BB' to the other open end 334.
• the central portion 340 remains substantially unaltered.
• This memory-shaped configuration illustrated in the alternative by Figs. 33C and 34A-34C is the thermally deformed state and structure suitable for juncture concurrently to the internal lumen and exterior surface of an artery or vein in-vivo.
• FIGs. 35A-35C A third embodiment of a thermally deformable cuff or flange is illustrated by Figs. 35A-35C.
• the extant shape and appearance for the deformable cuff 360 is formed using the wire meshwork pattern illustrated by Fig. 25 previously - the nets pattern.
• the extant cuff 360 at temperatures less than about 25°C has two open ends 362, 364 and an open meshwork sidewall 361.
• the open pattern of alloy wires provides the flexible and resilient meshwork suitable for achieving the primary functions of the memory-shaped deformable cuff.
• the uppermost sidewall portion 366 has been prepared from about the axis CC to the open end 362 such that the uppermost sidewall portion 366 will become bent and deformed outwardly when exposed to an environmental temperature greater than about 25-35 °C as shown by Fig. 35 A.
• the lowermost sidewall 370 has also been prepared to deform thermoelastically from the axis DD' to the other open end 364 as shown by Fig. 35A.
• the consequence of advancing the coiled cuff 360 in sections into an ambient temperature greater than about 25-35°C is shown by Figs. 35B and 35C. It will be appreciated that the partially-induced, memory-shaped configuration of - 44 -
• Fig. 35B is intended to be an in-situ generated result, occurring within the internal lumen of an artery or vein in-vivo. Accordingly, as seen in Fig. 35B, the flaired out uppersidewall portion 366 has become bent at nearly a 90 degree angle with respect to the central portion 368; and the line CC will generally serve as the axis of thermal deformation and curvature for the partially coiled cuff. Similarly, when exposed to a temperature greater than 25-35 °C, the lowermost sidewall will deform as seen in Fig. 35C from the axis DD' to the other open end 364. Thus, Fig. 35C is the ultimately desired result.
• Figs. 36A-36D The fourth alternative embodiment of a thermally deformable cuff or collar is illustrated by Figs. 36A-36D respectively.
• an extant shape for the deformable on-demand cuff 380 appears at temperatures less than 25 °C as an open meshwork of alloy wires in loose-weave form while the open ends 382, 384 have the petaloid design and perimeter outline as described by Fig. 30 A previously.
• the uppermost sidewall 386 has been prepared in advance to deform at an environmental temperature greater than about 25-35 °C to bend outwardly from about the axis EE' to the open end 382; and the lowermost sidewall 388 has also been pretreated to deform thermoelastically at the elevated temperature from about the axis FF' to the other open end 384.
• Fig. 36A The consequence of placing the prepared alloy cuff 380 in sections into temperatures greater than about the 25-35°C range is illustrated by Figs. 36B, 36C, and 36D. As shown by Fig.
• FIG. 36B the open end 382 and the upper sidewall 388 of the cuff 380 have been advanced into the elevated temperature zone; and the petaloid end perimeter has expanded and bent outwardly into the deformed state shown by Fig. 36D. Subsequently, as the remainder of the alloy cuff is advanced into the greater than 25-35 °C temperature zone, the other open end 384 and sidewall 388 also thermoelastically deform and become bent outwardly such that the open end 384 also appears as shown by Fig. 36D. The central body portion 387 of the alloy cuff remains substantially unchanged in appearance.
• a fifth alternative embodiment of a thermally deformable cuff or covering is illustrated by Figs. 37A-37C respectively.
• an extant shape for the deformable on-demand cuff 390 appears at temperatures less than 25 °C as an open - 45 - meshwork of alloy wires in loose-boxweave form while the open ends 392, 394 have the bare pointed wire end design and perimeter outline shown by Fig. 31 previously.
• the uppermost sidewall 396 has been prepared in advance to deform at an environmental temperature greater than about 25-35 °C to bend outwardly from about the axis GG' to the open end 392; and the lowermost sidewall 398 has also been pretreated to deform thermoelastically at the elevated temperature from about the axis HH' to the other open end 394.
• Figs. 37B and 37C The consequence of advancing the prepared alloy cuff 390 as different sections into temperatures greater than about the 25-35 °C range is illustrated by Figs. 37B and 37C.
• Fig. 37B the open end 392 and upper sidewall 398 of the cuff 390 have been placed into the elevated temperature zone; and the bare pointed wire end perimeter has expanded and bent outwardly into the deformed state.
• the other end 394 has remained unaltered as is shown by Fig. 37B.
• FIG. 38A-38C A sixth alternative embodiment of a thermally deformable cuff or covering is illustrated by Figs. 38A-38C respectively.
• an extant shape for the deformable on-demand cuff 400 appears at temperatures less than about 25 °C as an coiled helix of alloy wire in which the open ends 402, 404 have a single bare wire endpoint as the perimeter outline.
• the uppermost sidewall 406 has been prepared in advance to deform at an environmental temperature greater than about 25-35 °C to expand in size and twist in circular orientation outwardly from about the axis JJ' to the open end 402; and the lowermost sidewall 408 as also been pretreated to deform thermoelastically at the elevated temperature from about the axis KK' to the other open end 404. These features are illustrated by Fig. 38A.
• the other open end 404 and coiled sidewall 408 also thermoelastically deform, become larger in diameter, and directed outwardly in orientation, such that the extant helical form is entirely deformed and appears as shown by Fig. 38C.
• the central body portion 407 of the alloy cuff 400 also has deformed in marked degree as a consequence of being placed in the greater than 25-35 °C temperature environment.
• the Inflatable And Deflatable On-Demand Balloon Another unique structural feature and component of the present invention is the presence of an inflatable and deflatable on-demand balloon preferably positioned on and around the elongated shaft adjacent the puncturing headpiece of the obturator.
• An illustration of a preferred balloon is shown by Figs. 39-41 respectively.
• an on-demand inflatable and deflatable elongated balloon appears in any suitable length and girth.
• the balloon is desirably rounded in overall cross-sectioned geometry; has a central lumen area or hollow center intended for insertion and passage therethrough of the elongated shaft of the obturator; and presents an expandable and reducible girth or diameter size which can be increased or decreased at will by the attending physician, surgeon, or radiologist.
• the balloon may be composed of an elastic or non-elastic material; may be single-walled, double- walled, or multi- walled in construction; and comprises at least one tubular line or conduit for transporting a chosen volume of liquid or gaseous inflation fluid to inflate and expand the internal spatial volume of the balloon on-demand.
• the balloon may optionally receive and include a guide rod, push-pole, support tube, and/or fiber optic imaging bundle, cable or instrument as - 47 - an auxiliary member.
• auxiliary members will aid the actions and functions of the inflated balloon to achieve the intended results.
• a balloon cover may optionally be present on the obturator shaft as a thin sheath or plastic film (not shown) which encompasses the balloon body proper in whole or in part; and will aid in compressing and reducing the overall size and girth of an inflated balloon body on-demand such that a more rapid rate of size reduction, collapse, and deflation occurs for the balloon body under actual use conditions.
• the balloon body 420 appears as an inflatable volumetric mass which is preferably formed as spatial sections 424 for greater speed and control during inflation and deflation.
• the central lumen 426 is hollow and will assume a substantially rounded appearance as the balloon 420 becomes inflated.
• At least one inflation/deflation flow line or conduit 428 is present having a balloon-attached end 430 and a fluid-source end joined to a source of liquid or gaseous inflation fluid (not shown); the conduit 428 provides the inflation fluid to the balloon during inflation and serves to remove the fluid away from the balloon's internal volume during deflation.
• means for controlling and/or maintaining a desired volume of fluid within the internal volume of the balloon 420 are present; in this embodiment, such means take form as an adjustable three-way stopcock 432 connected to the end of the conduit 428.
• the intended placement of the inflatable/deflatable on-demand balloon 420 is shown by Figs. 40 and 41 respectively.
• the deflated state for the balloon is shown by Figs. 40A and 40B respectively.
• the deflated balloon 420 preferably rests upon, surrounds, and generally encompasses the elongated shaft 134 of the obturator 120 in both the deflated and inflated states.
• a desired positioning for the balloon 420 is adjacent to and behind the puncturing headpiece 122.
• the axial dimensions of the balloon 420 resting on the elongated shaft 134 be sufficient in length to extend beyond the axial length of the prepared memory-shaped alloy cuff which is intended to be placed over the elongated shaft 134 of the obturator 120.
• the inflated state for the balloon is shown by Figs. 41 A and 41B respectively.
• the inflated balloon 421 has increased in overall dimensions as a consequence of liquid or gaseous fluid being conveyed to the internal volume of - 48 - balloon sections 424 by the conduit 428.
• the girth of the balloon 421 has become larger in cross-sectional diameter; and the actual diameter size may be either larger or smaller than the diameter size of the puncturing headpiece 122 according to the wishes or needs of the user.
• the central lumen 426 area has become somewhat decreased in diameter.
• the axial length dimension of the inflated balloon 421 has increased and become spread over the elongated shaft 134 of the obturator 120.
• the inflated balloon 421 will compress, by gravity or forced compression means (such as a covering sheath), and revert substantially (if not completely) to the deflated state and size as shown in Fig. 40.
• the positioned balloon may be repeatedly inflated and deflated, as needed or desired, once or multiple times without meaningful consequence or change to either the apparatus as a whole or the status of the patient undergoing the bypass procedure.
• the purposes and advantages offered by the positioned balloon are multiple: (a) to provide a physical means of maneuvering the memory-shaped alloy cuff and graft segment during the in-vivo penetration of an unobstructed blood vessel; (b) to offer means for maintaining the engaged cuff and graft segment combination in a desired position on the obturator in-vivo; (c) to provide tangible means for exerting and expansion force to the interior surfaces of the combined alloy cuff and engaged graft segment if and when required in order to smooth internal surfaces and/or remove internal twists which might otherwise occur during the surgical procedure itself; and (d) to provide a hemostasis tool by plugging the arterial puncture hole in case of failure in the placement of the cuff which would result in potential bleeding.
• conduits suitable for use as a bypass graft Two major sources of conduits suitable for use as a bypass graft are presently known and available. These are: synthetic prosthetic channel sections and previously excised blood vessel segments.
• CABG coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
• alternative synthetic conduits such as young hyperlipemic patients; as absent or unsuitable autologous internal mammary artery and greater saphenous vein as a result of previous myocardial revascularization, peripheral arterial reconstruction; and varicose vein ligation procedures.
• approximately 15% of patients requiring CABG are now in need of alternative synthetic conduits.
• the desired characteristics of synthetic conduits used as bypass grafts are nonimmunogenicity, easy availability and storage, less risk of kinking (due to its stiffness), a less turbulent flow (due to uniform diameter), and an absence of branches.
• the Excised Blood Vessel Segment A variety of blood vessel segments excised from the vascular system in-vivo are suitable for use as bypass graft conduits. A representative, but incomplete, listing is provided by Table 5 below.
• Dacron (knitted or woven) polymer
• Polytetrafluoroethylene or "PTFE” (knitted or woven);
• Collagen human or bovine.
• Venous Conduits (a). Autologous vein conduits. Greater saphenous vein segments;
• Umbilical vein segments Greater saphenous vein homografts.
• Inferior epigastric artery segments Radial artery segments; Splenic artery segments; Gastroduodenal artery segments; Left gastric artery segments;
• Bovine internal thoracic artery segments Bovine internal thoracic artery segments.
• the preferred sources of blood vessels suitable for use as a vascular bypass graft are the saphenous veins. These veins constitute the superficial veins of the lower extremities and comprise both the greater (or long) saphenous and the lesser (or short) saphenous veins.
• the long saphenous vein begins on the medial side of the foot and ends in the fermoral vein below the inguinal ligaments; and the short saphenous vein begins behind the lateral malleous and runs up the back of the leg to end in the popliteal vein.
• the cephalic or the basilic veins are very acceptable substitutes for use as a vascular bypass conduit.
• synthetic or other biologic materials may also be used as substitutes.
• the medical procedure to isolate and excise the saphenous vein of choice is conventionally known and considered a routine surgical technique.
• the saphenous vein is harvested under general anesthesia. An incision is first made in the medial malleolus, where the saphenous vein is often dilated.
• the saphenous vein is identified and then dissected with a single incision made along its course with scissors. Branches are doubly clamped with hemostatic clips and divided.
• the saphenous vein is then freed up and removed from the leg.
• the leg wound is closed with subcutaneous sutures and Steristrip adhesive over the incision.
• the vascular segment is prepared on a separate sterile table with adequate light and loupes, and branches are selectively ligated with 4-0 silk.
• An oval-tip needle on a syringe is inserted into the graft to gently dilate it by administering a balanced electrolyte solution (pH 7.4, chilled to 7° to 10°C) and 10,000 units/liter of heparin.
• a valvulotome is inserted into the vein graft segment and the valves clipped with a 3-mm right-angle stainless steel instrument with a highly polished ball tip on the right angle. The knife edge is protected and sharply splits the cusp, causing valvular incompetence. Measurements for the approximate lengths of the grafts may be made with umbilical tapes, and the appropriate lengths may be chosen before it is sewn to the cuff and coronary arteries. - 55 - V.
• the introducer system comprises the catheter apparatus including the thermoelastic deformable cuff and a bypass conduit in combination; and it is this introducer system which is utilized by the surgeon to perform the requisite acts and manipulations by which the bypass conduit is delivered to and becomes secured within the lumen of the unobstructed major blood vessel (and subsequently anastomosed to the obstructed blood vessel at a site distal to the obstruction).
• this description will intentionally limit itself to the use of the variable-sized obturator illustrated by Figs. 9 and 10 respectively; to the thermally deformable cuff structure illustrated previously by Figs.
• the introducer system represents and provides for the intentional placement and carriage of the bypass conduit on the obturator, the engagement and juncture of the deformable cuff to one end of the bypass conduit prior to grafting in-vivo; and the proper orientation of the then engaged cuff/bypass conduit together on the obturator with respect to its relationship to the puncturing headpiece.
• the preferred introducer system begins with the proper placement of a previously excised vascular segment (desirably taken from the saphenous vein) upon the obturator and inflatable on-demand balloon.
• a previously excised vascular segment (desirably taken from the saphenous vein) upon the obturator and inflatable on-demand balloon.
• This initial manipulation is illustrated by Fig. 42 in which a previously excised vascular segment 460 having two open ends 464 and 466 is placed upon the elongated shaft 134 over the inflatable balloon 420 and adjacent to but preferably not in direct contact with the base plate 126 of the puncturing headpiece 122 of the obturator (previously shown by Figs. 9 and 10 respectively).
• the elongated shaft 134 be inserted at the proximal end 138 into the internal lumen 462 of the excised vascular segment 460 by the surgeon; and that the body of the vascular segment 400 then be conveyed over the axial length of the elongated shaft 134 until the open end 464 and vascular portion 470 are at a chosen position, typically 1-2 centimeters from the distal end adjacent to the puncturing headpiece 122.
• the weight and body of the excised vascular segment 460 is carried on the elongated shaft 134; and it is desirable that the - 56 - diameter of the elongated shaft 134 be smaller than the overall diameter of the internal lumen 462 for the vascular segment 460.
• the excised vascular segment is adequately supported, carried, and transported by the elongated shaft during the entirety of the manipulations prior to entry into the body of the living patient as well as subsequent to the in-vivo perforation of the unobstructed major artery or vein.
• the manipulation illustrated by Fig. 42 is expected to be performed by the surgeon immediately after excising the vascular segment from the patient but prior to beginning the bypass graft surgery itself.
• the deformable cuff 300 (illustrated by Fig. 23 and described in detail previously herein) is desirably passed over the puncturing headpiece 122 and over the open end 464 to cover the small portion 470 of the exterior surface over of the excised vascular segment 460. This is illustrated by Fig. 42.
• a gap distance "g" (about 1-2 centimeters) separating the open end 464 from the puncturing headpiece 122 be maintained during the placement of the deformable cuff over the inflatable balloon 420 — as this will allow for easier positioning of the thermally deformable cuff in a pre-chosen alignment and posture and in a more controlled manner of deformation on-demand.
• One preferred manner of engagement and juncture is for the surgeon to suture the open meshwork of the cuff 300 directly to the portion 470 of the excised segment 460.
• This suturing is easily performed by the surgeon prior to beginning the grafting surgery and each of the sutures 480 will serve as the physical means for engaging and permanently joining a portion of the open meshwork of wires in the sidewall of the cuff to the excised vascular segment itself.
• the type of sutures - 57 - 480, their placement, their number, and the linkage to the vascular wall of the excised segment are left to the personal discretion and choice of the surgeon.
• Other means for permanent engagement and juncture of the thermally deformable cuff to the vascular wall of the excised segment also are commonly available. These include surgical staples; biocompatible adhesives; encircling ligatures; and a wide range of surgical fasteners and closures. Any and all of these alternatives may be employed alone or in combination to achieve a reliable engagement and juncture.
• the open meshwork sidewall 306 of the cuff 300 can be covered with synthetic materials to facilitate the suturing, stapling or other means for attaching the prosthetic channel section or vascular segment to the cuff.
• synthetic materials can be applied in one or more layers or coatings to the cuff; and serve as an overlay for a portion or the entirety of the cuff sidewall.
• another optional variation of the introducer system allows the sidewall of the cuff to be positioned within the lumen of the prosthetic channel section or excised vascular segment.
• the meshwork sidewall of the cuff is incorporated within the interior of the prosthetic conduit or vascular bypass segment in order to eliminate the need for direct sewing of the bypass conduit to the cuff.
• This variant thus offers a simplified procedure for locking the cuff to the bypass conduit in a permanent fashion.
• the size of the puncturing headpiece 122 should be adjusted in shape and girth such that the diameter of the base plate 124 of the puncturing headpiece 122 preferably is equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the open cuff end 302. This manipulation is also illustrated by Fig. 43 where the size of the base plate 126 is coextensive in diameter with the diameter of the open end 302 of the deformable cuff. In this preferred manner, the entirety of the puncturing headpiece 122 serves as a front section or first stage for the introducer system as a whole. - 58 -
• FIG. 44 The complete introducer system is illustrated by Fig. 44 in which the fully prepared obturator carrying the previously excised vascular segment to be used as a bypass conduit and the thermally deformable cuff have been positioned in advance; and the prepared obturator with positioned inflatable balloon has been placed within the internal lumen of a catheter.
• an introducer catheter 80 as shown in Fig. 8 previously appears in an exposed, cross-sectional view and shows the hollow tube 82 of fixed axial length having a discrete proximal end 94, a discrete distal end 88 and an internal lumen 86 of pre-determined diameter sufficient to house the entirety of the prepared obturator (illustrated by Fig. 43).
• the distal end tip 90 and central distal portal 92 of the catheter is adapted for direct delivery of the introducer catheter in-vivo to a chosen site where an unobstructed artery or vein is in anatomic proximity to an obstruction lying within another blood vessel; and the prepared obturator of Fig. 43 (comprising the previously excised blood vessel segment and the deformable cuff) lies within the internal lumen 86 of the introducer catheter.
• the introducer system shown by Fig. 44 is complete; and the surgeon may now begin the first steps for surgically delivering the introducer system into the thoracic cavity or other appropriate body region in order to create the bypass graft.
• the preferred means for cooling and maintaining the temperature of the internal lumen in a guiding catheter comprising the introducer system at less than about 25-35 °C during the creation of a bypass graft in-vivo is via the use of cold physiological-strength (0.85-0.9%) saline.
• a sterile saline pack is refrigerated in advance of the repair surgery and cooled to a temperature between 40-50°F (5-10°C).
• the cooled saline is then infused by the surgeon into the internal lumen of the catheter in order to cool the thermally deformable cuff both initially and periodically during the surgery.
• the sterile saline is compatible with the living tissue of the patient; and multiple applications of saline can be introduced into the internal lumen volume of the catheter as often as deemed necessary without meaningful risk to either the introducer system or the patient.
• any other suitable means for cooling such as gaseous carbon dioxide
• gaseous carbon dioxide may also be employed as a less preferred practice for maintaining the environmental temperature of the internal lumen volume of a catheter at less than about 25-35°C.
• Such alternative procedures are often less desirable due to the effects of potential direct contact and possible biological reaction when intentionally or inadvertently released into the bloodstream or other highly vulnerable organs and tissues of the body.
• the use of alternative means to reduce the environmental temperature of the internal lumen volume of a catheter to less than about 25-35 °C can be safely and properly performed in many different medical circumstances using the present invention.
• Catheterization involves a great deal of technical skill, some instrumentation and mature judgment in order to choose among the appropriate procedures and the various techniques which are now conventionally known and available for use.
• the physician or surgeon must be very familiar with the available anatomical alternatives in order to select the best routing for introducing the catheter, the best technique in order to access the thoracic cavity of the body where the obstructed artery and aorta exist, and to carefully select the timing and other operative conditions in order to achieve best results.
• catheterization can be performed using any duct, tube, channel, or passageway occurring naturally or surgically created for the specific purpose.
• the naturally occurring passageways in the body are the anus; the alimentary canal; the mouth, ear, nose, or throat; a bronchus of the lung; the urethra; the vaginal canal and/or cervix; and any blood vessel of sufficient size of the central circulation in the body. Any of these routings are envisioned and expected to be used when and if appropriate.
• clearly a commonly used - 60 - and the critical route of access is the introduction of catheters into the thoracic cavity and the arterial blood circulation adjacent to the heart.
• Fig. 45A shows a blood vessel being punctured with a small gauge needle.
• a flexible guidewire is placed into the blood vessel via the needle as shown by Fig. 45B.
• the needle is then removed from the blood vessel, the guidewire is left in place, and the hole in the skin around the guidewire is enlarged with a scalpel as shown by Fig. 45C.
• a sheath and a dilator is placed over the guidewire as shown by Fig. 45D.
• the sheath and dilator is advanced over the guidewire and directly into the blood vessel as shown by Fig. 45E.
• the dilator and guidewire is removed while the sheath remains in the blood vessel as illustrated by Fig. 45F.
• the catheter is then inserted through the sheath and fed through to reach the desired location.
• any and all conventionally known general catheterization procedures and techniques which are conventionally known and in accordance with good medical practice are explicitly intended to be utilized as necessary in their original format or in a modified form. All of these general catheterization routing and use techniques are thus envisioned and are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
• An axiomatic or general set of rules by which a surgeon or radiologist can chose a proper or appropriate site of entry for introducing the guiding catheter into the body of a patient for purposes of creating a vascular bypass in-vivo is as follows: (a) always pick the shortest and straightest pathway possible or available; (b) identify the chosen entry site on an existing and accessible unobstructed artery or vein, the larger the diameter of the unobstructed artery or vein the better; and (c) identify the location and orientation of the obstruction in the obstructed artery or vein and chose an entry site distal to the obstruction.
• the introducer system is then positioned at the chosen site on the ascending thoracic aorta.
• the penetration can be monitored by an ultrasound apparatus placed in the esophagus. - 62 -
• the method of the present invention utilizes the introducer system via the catheterization technique to create a bypass graft conduit between a major unobstructed blood vessel such as the aorta and an obstructed blood vessel in-vivo using a previously excised vascular segment as a conduit.
• This procedure is illustrated by Figs. 46-54 collectively. It will be recognized and appreciated, however, that while Figs. 46-54 exemplify and illustrate the manipulations of the surgeon and the events in sequence leading to the creation of a vascular bypass, this description and the figures themselves present a greatly simplified presentation and explanation of the medical procedure, the technical skills required, and the safety measures taken for the patient's benefit medically.
• the use of synthetic conduits and fixed-size obturators, although not described, is also within the scope of the present methodology.
• Fig. 46 After the introducer system catheter has been routed and surgically delivered into the body of the living human in the manner described previously herein, the first stage for the process is reached as shown by Fig. 46.
• the illustration of Fig. 46 (as well as Figs. 47-54 respectively) are shown as partially exposed views in order to show more easily the detailed placement and orientation of the introducer system comprising an obturator with positioned balloon carrying the improved deformable cuff and previously excised vascular segment in combination.
• a major artery such as the aorta 500 is shown in partial cross-sectional exposed view to reveal the thickness of the arterial wall 502 and the internal lumen 504.
• the catheter and the prepared obturator comprising the introducer system are as described in detail previously herein and illustrated by Fig. 43. It will be noted that the puncturing headpiece 122 of the obturator 120 is positioned within the lumen of the catheter such that the perforating end tip 130 is in direct contact with the arterial wall 502 at the chosen anatomic site.
• the puncturing headpiece 122 is of sufficient size such that the entirety of the thermally deformable cuff 300 and the joined vascular segment 460 lie directly behind and - 63 - are in axial alignment with the puncturing headpiece 122 and the elongated shaft 134.
• the prepared obturator When positioned as shown by Fig. 46, the prepared obturator has been cooled to a temperature less than about 25 °C (using cold saline or gaseous carbon dioxide), and is properly placed for piercing and penetrating the arterial wall on- demand.
• Fig. 47 When the surgeon extends the prepared obturator within the cooled and temperature controlled internal lumen of the catheter, the result is illustrated by Fig. 47.
• the perforating end tip 130 has punctured and pierced through the arterial wall 502; and been advanced into the arterial lumen 504.
• the initial pierced hole in the arterial wall 502 made by the perforating end tip 130 is widened into a passageway as a consequence of the entire puncturing headpiece 122 following the entry path created by the perforating end tip.
• the size of the puncture in the arterial wall becomes widened and enlarged to conform to and accommodate the configuration and the girth of the puncturing headpiece in its entirety.
• the configuration and overall size of the puncturing headpiece 122 thus serves as the means for enlarging the initial puncture made by the perforating end tip 130 such that the entire girth and overall diameter of the obturator (complete with thermally deformable cuff and excised blood vessel segment in combination) can subsequently pass through the enlarged hole in the arterial wall.
• the penetrating headpiece 122 is desirably extended farther into the arterial lumen 504 until at least the upper sidewall portion 308 of the thermally deformable cuff 300 also has been advanced far enough to lie within the internal lumen of the blood vessel.
• This sequence of events and result is illustrated by Fig. 48.
• the balloon 421 is also inflated at this stage of events to hold the cuff 300 and engaged graft segment 460 in position.
• the surgeon slowly and carefully withdraws the catheter 82 from the passageway in the arterial wall 502 while maintaining the inflated balloon 421 , the cuff 300 and graft 460 of the prepared obturator in a stationary position.
• Fig. 49 shows the partial and sequential beginning of thermal deformation for the cuff in-situ within the arterial lumen.
• Fig. 49 also shows that the puncturing headpiece 122 has been reduced in overall size and shows a diminished diameter or girth in comparison to its initial size as shown previously via Figs. 42-43 respectively.
• the reduced overall size and altered configuration of the puncturing headpiece 122 lying disposed within the arterial lumen in-vivo is a preferred manipulation of the methodology provided by the use of variable-size obturators.
• the puncturing headpiece 122 may be fixed in both size and shape; and the thermally deforming sidewall of the cuff 300 will be made to expand outwardly along its length in order to allow the fixed-size puncturing headpiece to pass through the outwardly expanded cuff diameter. Also, the outward expansion by the deformed cuff can improve and enhance watertightness between the cuff 300 and the arterial wall 502.
• the overall diameter of the contracted puncturing headpiece 122 is smaller in overall size than the diameter of the partially deformed cuff disposed directly behind the headpiece. Due to the reduced size of the puncturing headpiece 122, the partially deformed cuff and engaged vascular segment carried upon the elongated shaft 134 of the obturator may later be withdrawn from the distal end 88 of the catheter.
• thermoelastic cuff 300 has been released out of the catheter lumen into the arterial lumen 504 as illustrated by Fig. 50.
• two - 65 - consequential events also occur: (a) the engaged and joined vascular segment 460 is concurrently placed and fitted into the enlarged puncture or hole in the arterial wall 502 at the chosen site; and (b) the upper sidewall portion 308 of the cuff, as it is freed from the confinement of the internal lumen of the catheter and placed in a warm temperature environment above 35 °C, begins to deform thermally into the memory-shaped second configuration.
• the degree of extension and rate at which the engaged cuff and the vascular segment is controUably released from the catheter lumen lies at the discretion of the surgeon performing this methodology. If the surgeon so chooses, the deformable cuff and the excised vascular segment may be extended through the thickness of the arterial wall but not far or completely into the arterial lumen itself. In the alternative, the surgeon may choose to advance the engaged cuff and vascular segment extensively or completely and thus position the upper sidewall portion of the cuff as far as possible within the internal lumen of the artery itself.
• the degree of entry as well as the rate of release of the deformable cuff and the engaged vascular segment into the warm temperature environment above 35 °C of the arterial lumen thus is the choice and judgment of the surgeon at all times.
• thermoelastic cuff 300 and the engaged vascular segment 460 have been advanced such that each has penetrated the arterial wall 502 and at least a portion of the upper sidewall 308 of the deformable cuff 300 has been released into the arterial lumen, to the surgeon's personal discretion and accommodation, the uppermost region 308 of the deformable cuff 300 will thermally deform in-situ into the memory-shaped second configuration - as shown by Fig. 50.
• the controlled thermal deformation and flairing of the lowermost sidewall 312 of the cuff 300 then occurs in-situ; and the act of controlled deformation is continued as shown by Fig. 51 without substantially diminishing the rate of blood through the lumen of the artery or causing the heart of the patient to stop at any time.
• the intentional and controlled thermal deformation of the cuff along its lower sidewall 312 occurs as it lies disposed against the exterior surface of the artery 500. This causes a permanent flairing of the open meshwork of wires forming the lower sidewall 312.
• the deformed sidewall 312 becomes bent, maneuvered, and flaired in-situ into its memory-shaped configuration merely by warming the cuff to a temperature above 35°C. No tool, article, or mechanical device is needed or utilized in order to cause a controlled deformation of the cuff while disposed within the blood channel of the artery in-vivo. The results is shown by Fig. 51.
• the balloon 420 is intentionally deflated and the puncturing headpiece 122 and the obturator as a whole can be removed.
• the surgeon is confident that the overall diameter of the contracted puncturing headpiece and the deflated balloon are smaller than the diameter of both the cuff and the engaged vascular segment; and therefore, the puncturing headpiece will then be able to enter and pass completely through the fully deformed cuff and the internal lumen of the engaged vascular segment in-situ without meaningfully injuring or altering the internal surface of the blood flow channel itself.
• Fig. 52 serves to isolate the now fully deformed sidewalls 308 and 312 of the cuff 300 secured to the interior surface and to the exterior surface of the arterial wall 502.
• the completely deformed cuff 300 and the engaged vascular segment 460 remain permanently secured and attached to both the interior and the exterior of the major artery in a manner which permits arterial blood to enter through the deformed cuff into the internal lumen of the - 67 - vascular segment without meaningful major alteration of the primary artery and without major destruction of vascular tissues at the site of graft bypass juncture.
• the surgeon then preferably applies a biocompatible adhesive 530 to the exterior surface of the arterial wall 502 at the puncture site.
• the biocompatible adhesive 530 is desirably spread over the sidewall 312 of the cuff 300 at the exterior surface of the arterial puncture site.
• Some surgeons might place some sutures between the outer flare of the cuff and the exterior wall of the aorta instead of or before placement of an adhesive. This act and result is shown by Fig. 53.
• the applied biocompatible adhesive dries quickly; forms a permanent and fluid- tight seal at the puncture site; and will not degrade or cause irritation to either the artery wall or the grafted vascular segment now to be used as a bypass conduit.
• the catheter has desirably been removed prior to the placement of the biocompatible adhesive at the puncture site on the arterial wall and the cuff. This catheter removal step is preferred in order to have better access to the thermally deformed cuff at the point of juncture.
• biocompatible adhesives may be employed to seal permanently the puncture site in the manner shown by Fig. 53.
• a representative but non-exhaustive listing of such biocompatible adhesives is provided by Table 6 below.
• Epoxy resins Polyurethane adhesives
• Fig. 53 The overall result of this procedure is illustrated by Fig. 53 in which the uppermost region 308 of the cuff sidewall has been thermally deformed in-situ and become flaired outwardly into the internal lumen 504 while the lowermost portion 312 has been thermally deformed onto the exterior surface of the artery 500.
• the open meshwork of wires has aided and assisted the ease and speed by which the deformed sidewalls 308 and 312 have bent, become extended and become secured in-situ to the interior and exterior surfaces concurrently of the arterial wall 502.
• the placement of the biocompatible adhesive 530 at the puncture and graft juncture site places the bypass conduit in a fluid-tight setting permanently such that the engaged vascular segment 460 is attached to and is in blood flow communication with the arterial blood in an unobstructed manner.
• the placement and securing of the vascular bypass conduit to the major unobstructed artery is thus complete in all respects.
• the other end of the excised vascular segment 400 typically is then conventionally attached to the obstructed blood vessel at a chosen site distal to the obstruction itself as illustrated by Fig. 54.
• the manner of joining the second open end of the grafted vascular segment to the obstructed artery or vein may be achieved conventionally by anastomosis; with or without sutures; and with or without use of tissue adhesives by the surgeon. It will be noted and appreciated also, that the surgeon, at his option, may in fact intentionally create an aperture in the wall of the grafted vascular segment; introduce the obturator into the internal lumen of the vascular segment; place a second deformable cuff in proper position; and then engage the cuff to the second open end of the vascular segment in the manner described previously.
• Fig. 54 The entire catheterization methodology for creating a vascular bypass graft or shunt has been shown and described in detail via Figs. 46-54 inclusive. Each essential manipulation or required act has been illustrated in detail and described in - 70 - depth. Nevertheless, to assure a complete and comprehensive presentation of the methodology as a whole, a summary recitation of the preferred surgical procedures using the catheter apparatus, the introducer system, and the methodology is provided hereinafter.
• the catheter apparatus and methodology comprising the present invention provides an approach designed to allow surgeons do multiple bypass using vein bypass grafts in a minimally invasive way.
• This procedure allows a simpler way to place the vein grafts proximally to the aorta and distally to the coronary artery without using a heart-lung machine and without need for stopping the heart.
• Small incisions are first made between the ribs; a video camera and instruments with long handles are inserted; and, under the direct visualization, the aorta is punctured to create a proximal graft to anastomosis (aortotomy) using a specially prepared catheter introducer system which internally carries a deformable cuff and a previously excised vascular segment.
• the thermally deformable cuff is made of nickel-titanium alloy wire mesh with or without a coating of prosthetic material such as PTFE.
• the cuff will become anchored by thermal deformation at a temperature above about 35 °C to both the interior and exterior of the aortic wall and be secured and blood-leak- proven outside the aortic wall by subsequently applying a tissue adhesive.
• This thermally deformed cuff will provide a secure sutureless aortic anastomosis for the bypass vein graft.
• the proximal part of the vein graft is preferably sewn to the cuff.
• bypass graft is then distally anastomosed to the coronary artery, which can be done either by the conventional way with sutures or by applying tissue adhesive between the adjacent outer walls of the bypassable coronary artery and the bypass vein graft without sutures.
• the surgeon After cutting through the muscle and other tissue of the anterior chest, the surgeon separates a rib from the breast bone and cuts a piece of the cartilage at the detached end to provide working space for the aortotomy and placement of the proximal graft anastomosis.
• the bypassing of the vascular blockage increases blood flow to the heart.
• the optimal environment for the vascular anastomosis is a motionless, dry field. In conventional coronary bypass surgery, this environment can be obtained by total cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia techniques to arrest the heart. However, in minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery, it is performed without cardiopulmonary bypass and without stopping the heart. Instead, the heart beat is slowed down with cardiac medications such as calcium channel blockers and beta- blockers, and with hypothermia.
• the ascending aorta is first palpated and examined by transesophogeal ultrasound before creation of the aortotomy to determine the proper location of the aorta for aortotomy and delivery of the introducer system.
• the ascending aorta is preoperatively evaluated by means of CT scan or MRI to exclude the patient with severe atherosclerosis of the aorta, which may interfere with creation of the aorotomy and increase possible associated complications such as dissection and embolization of the plaques.
• the deformable cuff is larger (7 to 10 mm outer diameter) than usual (2 to 6 mm outer diameter) and may be placed in the aorta to prevent narrowing at the proximal anastomosis.
• This technique involves safe and simple placement of the proximal anastomosis of the vein graft without clamping of the aorta and without using - 72 - heart-lung machine.
• the proximal part of the ascending thoracic aorta is first exposed and punctured with an obturator that carries a cuff and a previously excised blood vessel segment within it.
• the cuff is made of a nitinol wire mesh; and will thermally deform into a memory-shaped flared end which will become firmly anchored against the inner wall and the exterior surface of the thoracic aorta.
• the cuff is desirably covered with a prosthetic material (such as Dacron and PTFE, etc.) to prevent any leaking of blood through the mesh cuff although vascular grafts can be sewn directly to the cuff.
• a prosthetic material such as Dacron and PTFE, etc.
• Continuous 5-0 to 7-0 Prolene is used for the anastomosis between the cuff and the grafts when the saphenous vein is the usual size (5 to 6 mm).
• the proximal end of the cuff vein graft is partially thermally deformed as it is released into the arterial lumen.
• the catheter is then slowly retracted and the vein graft is slowly pulled back until the lower sidewall of the cuff is anchored and secured against the exterior wall of the aorta via its deformed lowermost end.
• tissue adhesive glue
• the upper end of the vein graft is clamped to stop blood flow; and drugs are injected into the lower end to prevent it from going into spasm while the surgeon works on the coronary anastomosis.
• the sac covering the heart is cut, the thin coronary artery is under direct view.
• the patient is given calcium channel blockers and a beta blocker intravenously to slow the heart, which facilitate that the surgeons thread the stitches through the artery.
• the coronary artery vessels to be bypassed is identified and exposed after opening either hemithorax. - 73 -
• the surgeons cut into the coronary artery arteriotomy).
• the arteriotomy is then increased to 8 to 12 mm with Pott's or reversed acute angle scissors.
• the internal diameter of the coronary artery is calibrated and the size recorded.
• the distal part of the graft that has been set aside is sewn to the coronary artery with the same fine sutures that are used in standard bypass operations.
• a continuous suture of 6-0 or 7-0 Prolene is begun in the heel of the vein graft with a narrow mattress stitch and continued to the proximal portion of the coronary artery. Approximately 1-mm bites are taken as the suture line is continued around one side to the distal end. At that point the suture line may be interrupted with one or more sutures.
• suture line may be continued without interruption around the distal end.
• the other end of the original stitch is continued on the contralateral side, and the anastomosis is terminated at the midpoint of the arteriotomy.
• Anastomotic patency is checked in both directions. A flush of clear solution through the needle may be of aid during the performance of the distal anastomosis to keep the anastomotic area free of blood.
• the coronary artery and bypass vein grafts can be anastomosed by applying tissue adhesive (glue) between their adjacent outer walls, or by laser welding, or by using staplers, all without using sutures, which facilitates and expedites the coronary anastomosis, when application of tissue adhesive make two structures bonded in a side-to-side fashion, a fenestration in a proper length is made between them by putting an incision extending from the lumen of vein graft to the lumen of the coronary artery with a knife inserted via the distal open end of the graft. After this, the open distal end of the vein graft is sewn as a blind end.
• tissue adhesive glue

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