Importance

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Abstract

A two-piece graft connector having a tubular band section with its proximal end configured to attach to a tubular graft and retention loops extending from its distal end, and a tubular anchor structure configured to be placed in the patient's tubular body tissue structure is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal end of the tubular band section is attached to a tubular graft. The retention loops extend from the distal end of the tubular band section of the connector, through an aperture in the side wall of a patient's tubular body tissue structure. The tubular anchor structure is placed in the patient's tubular body tissue structure, within the retention loops. Then, the tubular anchor structure is circumferentially expanded, firmly retaining the retention loops, and forming a seal between the tubular band section and the side wall of the tubular body tissue structure. Alternatively, the retention loops may be replaced by retention fingers, which form arcs. When deployed, the retention fingers extend only partially around the tubular body structure, but perform substantially the same function as the retention loops. The tubular band section may be replaced as well by a tubular graft with a wire frame allowing the retention loops, or fingers, to be affixed to the wire frame.

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First Claim