Stapling apparatus and method for heart valve replacement

Patent 6676671 Issued on January 13, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date:

March 2, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

United States Surgical

Application

No. 09/798827 filed on 03/02/2001

US Classes:

606/139, Suture, ligature, elastic band or clip applier227/175.1, SURGICAL STAPLER227/181.1, With means to position a mating-member in alignment with driver606/153Connector for hollow body organs

Examiners

Primary: Nerbun, Peter

International Classes

A61F 2/24 (20060101)
A61B 17/068 (20060101)

Abstract

A surgical stapler for securing a prosthetic heart valve within a patient is disclosed and generally includes a first cylindrical portion for carrying a staple assembly on a distal end thereof, a second cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the first cylindrical portion and having a camming arm on a distal end thereof and a third cylindrical portion positioned concentrically about the second cylindrical portion and having an anvil flange on a distal end thereof, the camming arm configured to cam the staple assembly radially outward and drive the staple assembly distally such that a first leg of the staple assembly penetrates a cuff of the prosthetic heart valve and a second leg of the staple assembly pierces a portion of heart tissue surrounding the prosthetic heart valve to secure the valve. A method of installing a heart valve within a patient utilizing the surgical stapler is also disclosed.