초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for reducing the circumference of a vascular structure comprising the steps of providing a plurality of sutures and a plurality of discrete suture support segments of a biocompatible, inert material, each suture support segment having at least two suture holes spaced a predet

An apparatus and method for reducing the circumference of a vascular structure comprising the steps of providing a plurality of sutures and a plurality of discrete suture support segments of a biocompatible, inert material, each suture support segment having at least two suture holes spaced a predetermined distance (D) apart; individually suturing each discrete suture support segment to the vascular structure with one of the plurality of sutures by effecting a horizontal mattress (U-shaped) suture along the vascular structure through a length of tissue of the vascular structure such that the length (D′) of tissue sutured is greater than distance (D); and tightening and tying off the suture, whereby each sutured suture support segment creates an imbrication in the vascular structure, thereby reducing the circumference thereof. A biocompatible, inert stabilizing material may optionally be affixed over the suture support segments and the vascular structure after prior to tying off the suture to stabilize the interval between the suture support segments and eliminate direct exposure of the segmented apparatus to blood.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of reducing the circumference of a vascular structure having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper and lower portions of the vascular structure defining an upper circumference and a lower circumference of said vascular structure, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing

A method of reducing the circumference of a vascular structure having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper and lower portions of the vascular structure defining an upper circumference and a lower circumference of said vascular structure, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a plurality of discrete suture support segments of a non-deformable biocompatible inert material, each suture support segment further comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, opposite sides, a proximal end, a distal end and two suture holes extending from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof and being spaced a predetermined distance (D) apart, each suture support segment further being rigid or semi-rigid in a longitudinal dimension defined by said opposite sides; b) providing a plurality of sutures with a first end and a second end and at least one surgical needle attached to an end thereof; c) individually suturing each said suture support segment to the vascular structure whose circumference is to be reduced by using one of the plurality of sutures to effect a horizontal mattress (U-shaped) suture along a length of tissue of the vascular structure defined by an entry point and an exit point of said suture in the vascular structure such that the length (D′) of tissue sutured is greater than distance (D); d) tightening the mattress suture; and e) tying off the suture such that a suture knot is formed which sits on the upper surface of the suture support segment between two suture holes, whereby each sutured suture support segment creates an imbrication in the vascular structure thereby reducing the circumference thereof by an amount corresponding to (D′)-(D).