Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/241,301 entitled “ANASTOMOSIS INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SAME” filed on Oct. 18, 2000 by Keith Milliman et al. which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/410,817, entitled “ANASTOMOSIS INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING SAME” which was filed on Oct. 9, 1999 by Keith Milliman et al., which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/256,260, entitled “ANASTOMOSIS INSTRUMENT AND METHOD” which was filed on Feb. 23, 1999 by Nicholas et al., which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/877,701, entitled “SINGLESHOT ANASTOMOSIS INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE LOADING UNIT AND METHOD”, which was filed Jun. 17, 1997 by Manzo et al., which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/685,385, entitled “ANASTOMOSIS INSTRUMENT AND METHOD”, filed Jul. 23, 1996 by Hinchliffe et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,380, the entire contents of all of these disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument and method for performing anastomosis of tubular body structures, and more particularly to an instrument for joining vascular tissues, for example, during coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

[0004] 2. Background of Related Art

[0005] Coronary artery disease is often characterized by lesions or occlusions in the coronary arteries which may result in inadequate blood flow to the myocardium, or myocardial ischemia, which is typically responsible for such complications as angina pectoris, necrosis of cardiac tissue (myocardial infarction), and sudden death. In some cases, coronary artery disease may be treated by the use of drugs and/or by modifications in behavior and diet. In other cases, dilatation of coronary arteries may be achieved by such procedures as angioplasty, laser ablation, atherectomy, catheterization, and intravascular stents.

[0006] For certain patients, a coronary artery bypass graft (“CABG”) is the preferred form of treatment to relieve symptoms and the graft often increases life expectancy. A CABG procedure consists of direct anastomosis of a vessel segment to one or more of the coronary arteries. For example, a reversed segment of the saphenous vein may be grafted at one end to the ascending aorta as an arterial blood source and at the other end to a coronary artery at a point beyond the arterial occlusion. Alternatively, the internal mammary artery located in the thoracic cavity adjacent the sternum is likewise suitable for grafting to a coronary artery, such as the left anterior descending artery (“LAD”).

[0007] The performance of a CABG procedure typically requires access to the heart, blood vessels and associated tissue. Access to the patient's thoracic cavity may be achieved in an open procedure by making a large longitudinal incision in the chest. This procedure, referred to as a median sternotomy, requires a saw or other cutting instrument to cut the sternum to allow the two opposing halves of the rib cages to be spread apart to expose the internal organs of the thoracic cavity.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,779 to Bugge discloses a retractor which is designed to grip opposite sternum halves and spread the thoracic cavity apart. The large opening which is created by this technique enables the surgeon to directly visualize the surgical site and perform procedures On the affected organs. However, such procedures that involve large incisions and substantial displacement of the rib cage are often traumatic to the patient with significant attendant risks. The recovery period may be extensive and is often painful. Furthermore, patients for whom coronary surgery is indicated may need to forego such surgery due to the risks involved with gaining access to the heart.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,617 to Jako discloses a retractor configured to be held by the surgeon for use in vascular or cardiac surgery to retract and hold ribs apart to allow access to the heart or a lung through an operating “window”. The retractor includes a rigid frame and a translation frame slideably connected to the rigid frame. Lower and upper blades are rotatably mounted to the rigid frame and the translation frame respectively. The “window” approach enables the surgeon to gain access through a smaller incision and with less displacement of the ribs, and consequently, less trauma to the patient.

[0010] Once access to the thoracic cavity has been achieved, surgery on the heart may be performed. Such procedures typically require that the heartbeat be arrested while maintaining circulation throughout the rest of the body. Cardioplegic fluid, such as potassium chloride (KCI) is delivered to the blood vessels of the heart to paralyze the myocardium. As disclosed in WO 95/15715 to Sterman et al. for example, cardioplegic fluid is infused into the myocardium through the coronary arteries by a catheter inserted into the ascending aorta.

[0011] Alternatively, cardioplegic fluid is infused through the coronary veins in a retrograde manner by a catheter positioned in the interior jugular vein accessed at the patient's neck. Such procedures require the introduction of multiple catheters into the blood vessels adjacent the heart, which is a complicated procedure requiring that the desired vessels be properly located and accessed. The progression of the guide wires and catheters must be closely monitored to determine proper placement. Furthermore, the introduction of catheters form punctures in the blood vessels that must be subsequently closed, and there is an increased risk of trauma to the interior walls of the vessels in which the catheters must pass.

[0012] Alternatively, the CABG procedure may be performed while the heart is permitted to beat. Such a procedure is now commonly referred to as minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) when performed through a thoracotomy (when performed through a sternotomy, the procedure is commonly called open coronary artery bypass (OP-CAB). A surgical instrument is used to stabilize the heart and restrict blood flow through the coronary artery during the graft procedure. Special care must be given to procedures performed on a beating heart, e.g. synchronizing procedures to occur at certain stages in the cardiac cycle, such as between heartbeats.

[0013] To perform a CABG procedure, the harvested vessel segment, such as the saphenous vein, is grafted to the coronary artery by end-to-side anastomosis. Typically, sutures are used to graft the vessel segments. However, conventional suturing is complicated by the use of minimally invasive procedures, such as the window approach, e.g., limited access and reduced visibility to the surgical site may impede the surgeon's ability to manually apply sutures to a graft. Additionally, it is difficult and time consuming to manually suture if the CABG procedure is being performed while the heart is beating as the suturing must be synchronized with the heart beat.

[0014] As can be appreciated, the process of manually suturing the harvested vessel segment to a coronary artery is time consuming and requires a great deal of skill on the part of the surgeon. The resulting sutured anastomosis will also be dependent on the skills of the surgeon. In minimally invasive procedures such as in MIDCAB, the ability to suture is even more complicated due to limited maneuverability and reduced visibility. U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,380 to Hinchliffe et al., the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, discloses an apparatus and a procedure that enable remote anastomosis without piercing of vessels during both conventional and minimally invasive procedures. A continuing need exists, however, for improved surgical instruments and methods for performing remote anastomoses during both conventional and minimally invasive procedures.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a tissue retaining ring for use with a plurality of surgical fasteners which are mounted within the disposable loading unit (DLU) or single use loading unit (SULU) used during a vascular anastomosis. The tissue ring includes a generally circular, semi-pliable material having a series of alternating loops and arcuate portions. Preferably, each of the loops defines an aperture therein which is dimensioned to receive a distal end of one of the plurality of surgical fasteners. The arcuate portions are positioned between adjacent surgical fasteners and each loop is dimensioned to engage a corresponding distal end of one of the surgical fasteners in a friction-fit manner. The friction-fit engagement of the ring atop the distal end of the surgical fastener secures the ring during manipulation and handling of the DLU (or SULU).

[0016] In one embodiment, the inner peripheries of the loops are coated with a friction-like material to reduce slippage of the tissue retaining ring relative to the surgical fastener after deformation of the surgical fastener. In another embodiment, a slit may be disposed within the inner periphery to reduce the slippage of the retaining ring relative to the surgical fastener after deformation. Alternatively, the surgical fasteners may include a protuberance or a coined section which is dimensioned to prevent the tissue retaining ring from sliding relative to the surgical fastener after deformation of the surgical fastener.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a disposable loading unit (DLU) or single use loading unit (SULU) having a fastener support member which releasably supports a plurality of surgical fasteners. The DLU also includes a tissue retaining ring having a series of alternating loops and arcuate portions. Each of the loops defines an aperture dimensioned to receive a distal end of one of the plurality of surgical fasteners. The DLU also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of thereof which is movable relative to the fastener support member to simultaneously deform each surgical fastener through a corresponding loop of the tissue retaining ring.

[0018] In one embodiment, the arcuate portions extend beyond the diameter of the loops of the retaining ring and are deformable to a substantially straightened configuration upon deformation of the surgical fasteners. The surgical fasteners are preferably mounted within the DLU (or SULU) in an offset manner such that upon retraction of the anvil, the distal end of the fasteners deform at an angle a relative to the proximal end thereof which, in turn, forcibly expands the tissue ring outwardly and deforms the arcuate portions to a substantially straightened configuration. As a result, the tissue ring is held in slight tensile engagement atop the array of surgical fasteners which reduces the possibility of slippage after deformation of the surgical fasteners.

[0077] Preferred embodiments of the surgical instrument and method disclosed herein will be described in terms of a coronary artery bypass procedure wherein a vascular anastomosis is created by joining a section of a harvested vessel, e.g., the saphenous vein, to bypass an occlusion in a coronary artery, e.g., the left anterior descending artery (“LAD”). Alternatively, the presently disclosed surgical instrument may also be utilized in performing anastomosis of other tubular luminal body structures.

[0078] In the drawings and in the description which follows, the term “proximal”, as is traditional, will refer to the end of the apparatus which is closer to the user, while the term “distal” will refer to the end which is further from the user.

[0079] Referring now in detail to the drawing figures in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements, one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated generally in FIG. 1 and is designated therein as surgical instrument 10. Surgical instrument 10 includes two principal components, namely, an actuator assembly 20 and a disposable loading unit (“DLU”) or a single use loading unit (“SULU”) 100, which along with their internal working components, mechanically cooperate to deform a surgical fastener 260 to complete an anastomosis between two vessels, e.g., an saphenous vein 320 and an aorta 310 (FIG. 21B).

[0080] The particular surgical instrument 10 shown in the various figures is preferably designed to deform an array of surgical fasteners similar to fastener 260 shown in FIG. 3 which is generally L-shaped and includes a base leg 264 and an upwardly extending support leg 262. Preferably, base leg 264 includes a distal end 269 which is sufficiently shaped to penetrate the saphenous vein 320 and aorta 310 upon deformation of the surgical fastener 260. The upwardly extending support leg 262 is attached to base leg 264 at a pivot point 265 and includes an inwardly extending prong 267 disposed at its free end designed to penetrate the aorta 310 and secure surgical fastener 260 in position after anastomosis. It is envisioned that pivot point 265 may also be dimensioned to include a relief or coined section 261 which may facilitate formation of the surgical fastener 260 which will be explained in more detail below with respect to the operation of the surgical instrument 10 (See FIGS. 7N and 7S).

[0081] Turning back in detail to FIG. 3, a convexity 263 projects inwardly between the base leg 264 and the support leg 262 and is preferably sufficiently dimensioned to cooperate with the base leg 264 to retain the saphenous vein 320 against aorta 310 in fluid communication after anastomosis as will be explained in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 21B and 24. It is envisioned that the surgical fastener 260 can be arranged on the SULU in different patterns/arrays depending upon a particular purpose.

[0082] As best seen in FIGS. 1, 4, 10 and 11, actuator assembly 20 includes a proximal end 24, a distal end 22 and a housing 26 defined therebetween for storing the internal working components of the actuator assembly 20. Preferably, a plate 90 covers the internal components of the actuator assembly 20 when assembled. More particularly, housing 26 includes at least one mechanical interface 23a which reciprocates with a corresponding mechanical interface 23b (FIG. 10) disposed on cover plate 90 to matingly engage the two components 26 and 90.

[0083] Actuator assembly 20 also includes a handle 12 which initiates firing of the surgical instrument 10 and a spring-loaded thumb tab 30 for loading the SULU 100 onto the actuator assembly 20 both of which will be explained in greater detail below. Preferably, handle 12 is provided with an ergonomic surface which is contoured and configured to be comfortably gripped by the hand of the user during operation of the instrument.

[0084] Turning now to FIG. 11 which illustrates in detail the internal working components of the actuating assembly 20 which are preferably assembled and stored within housing 26. More particularly, the actuating assembly 20 includes a torsion spring 70 which mounts about post 21 which protrudes from housing 26. Spring 70 includes a lower arm 74 which is biased against a lower portion of the housing and an upper arm 72 which is biased against a rotating two-stage cam 60.

[0085] Handle 12 includes a bushing 19 which protrudes laterally from the proximal end of the handle 12 and pivotally engages a corresponding recess 29 disposed within the proximal end 24 of housing 26 to allow pivotal movement of the handle 12 with respect to housing 26. Handle 12 also includes a vertically extending slot 27 disposed at its proximal end 24 which receives the proximal end of a lever 16 which moves in conjunction with the handle 12. A pair of flanges 14a and 14b downwardly extend from the handle 12 and receive lever 16 therebetween. A mechanical interface 11a disposed on handle 12 engages a corresponding mechanical interface 11b disposed on lever 16 to secure the lever 16 to the handle 12. Preferably, lever 16 has a first recess 17 shaped to engage and control the movement of the cam 60 during downward movement of the handle 12, the purpose of which will be explained in more detail with respect to FIG. 21A. Lever 16 also includes a second recess 15 which helps to limit lateral movement of the spring 70 within housing 26.

[0086] As mentioned above, actuating assembly 20 also includes a spring-loaded thumb tab 30 which rests atop housing 26 within a longitudinally extending slot 28 disposed near the distal end 22 thereof. As best seen in FIG. 10, slot 28 is formed by notches 18a and 18b of the housing 26 and cover plate 90, respectively. Tab 30 includes a thumb guide 35 which cooperates with a sliding sleeve 32 to facilitate proximal movement of the tab 30 for loading the SULU. A downwardly depending flange 34 disposed on tab 30 engages a corresponding slot 33 located in a mount 31 disposed atop the sliding sleeve 32. Preferably, sliding sleeve 32 includes a post 36 which is dimensioned to receive a tension spring 38 thereon. Spring 38 is biased between a block 47 disposed within housing 26 and a proximal edge 37 of sliding sleeve 32 such that spring 38 biases sliding sleeve 32 to a distal-most position proximate distal end 22. Preferably, a distal end 39 of sleeve 32 is arcuate or semi-circular and is dimensioned to slidingly engage a corresponding end 82 of a first retractor 80 to lock the SULU 100 within the actuator assembly 20 after the SULU 100 is loaded as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0087] Actuator assembly 20 also includes first retractor 80 and a second retractor 50 which each move by way of movement of the handle 12 which, in turn, imparts movement to the two-stage cam 60. First retractor 80 includes distal and proximal ends 82 and 84, respectively, and is generally tubular in dimension with the exception of an elongated furrow 83 extending proximally from distal end 82 for slidingly supporting sleeve 32. Retractor 80 also includes a slot 85 for receiving a pin 54 for affixing the retractor 80 to the cam 60 and another pair of slots 87 and 89 located near the proximal end 84 for receiving two cam followers 51a and 51b, respectively. Preferably, the proximal end 84 is bifurcated to facilitate insertion of the second retractor 50 therein.

[0088] As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 16, a guide 81 engages an elongated rib 25a in housing 26 and an elongated rib 25b in cover plate 90 to slidingly mount the retractor 80 to housing 26. Guide 81 is dimensioned slightly longer than rib 25a to permit proximal movement of the first retractor 80 relative to the housing 26 upon activation of the handle 12. Preferably, a protective tube 95 is telescopically disposed about the first retractor 80 and moves in conjunction with the sliding sleeve 32 by way of slot 96 which secures mount 31 of the sliding sleeve 32 therein. It is anticipated that protective tube 95 also helps to restrict lateral movement of the first retractor 80 during retraction. Tube 95 also includes an elongated channel 97 which generally aligns with guide 81 located in the first retractor 80 to mount both components to ribs 25a and 25b.

[0089] It is contemplated that proximal movement of tab 30 will impart reciprocating proximal movement to the sliding sleeve 32 to expose carriages 86 and 88 disposed within the first retractor 80 which are designed to receive a pair of first and second retracting sleeves 110 and 120 (FIGS. 7–9) of the SULU 100. More particularly, and as best seen in FIG. 5, carriage 86 is generally circular in shape and is designed to receive an outer lip 122 formed by the union of end 122a and 122b of second retracting sleeve 120 of the SULU 100. Preferably, carriage 86 is dimensioned larger that the lip 122 so as to permit proximal movement of the second retracting sleeve 120 relative to the first retracting sleeve 110 as will be explained in more detail with respect to FIG. 22A. Carriage 88 is likewise circular in shape and receives outer lip 112 of the first retracting sleeve 110.

[0090] Actuator assembly 20 also includes a handle lock 40 which rests atop the first retractor 80 and extends laterally between the housing 26 and the cover plate 90. More particularly, handle lock 40 is mounted within slots 93a and 93b as best seen in FIG. 10. Handle lock 40 includes a post 43 which receives a spring 45 for biasing handle lock 40 against a ledge 49 of the housing 26 (FIG. 12). Handle lock 40 also includes a pair of flanges 42a and 42b which align with flanges 14a and 14b disposed on handle 12. As shown best in FIGS. 21 and 22, downward movement of the handle 12 forces the handle lock 40 initially distally against spring 45 until flanges 14a and 14b clear flanges 42a and 42b at which point spring 45 forces handle lock 40 proximally to lock flanges 42a and 42b atop flanges 14a and 14b and to lock handle 12 in a downwardly disposed position. Preferably, flanges 42a and 42b define a slot 41 for receiving lever 16 therebetween.

[0091] Actuator assembly 20 also includes a second retractor 50 which includes an elongated arm 52 having a key-like distal end 53 and a T-shaped heel section 56. Preferably, T-shaped heel section 56 attaches to a tension spring 55 disposed proximally thereof. Second retractor 50 is preferably bifurcated at its proximal end forming two longitudinally extending fins 58a and 58b each having a slot 57 and aperture 59 for receiving cam followers 51 and 51b, respectively. It is contemplated that spring 55 is biased against an elongated stop 65 which rests atop arm 52 and biases heel section 56 proximally when the second retractor 50 is retracted which will be explained in more detail below with respect to the operation of the surgical instrument 10.

[0092] As mentioned above, the first retractor 80 is affixed to two-stage cam 60 by pin 54. More particularly, cam 60 includes an aperture 61 located near the distal end thereof for receiving pin 54 which affixes the cam 60 to the first retractor 80. Cam 60 also includes a pair of generally vertical arcuately-shaped slots 62 and 64 which each include two discrete stages, namely 62a, 62b and 64a, 64b, respectively, for imparting movement to corresponding followers 51a and 51b. A nub 66 is located near the uppermost portion of the cam 60 and is dimensioned to slideably engage recess 17 located in lever 16 as best illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0093] It is contemplated that during downward movement of handle 12, lever 16 will bias nub 66 downwardly such that nub 66 rides proximally along recess 17 and causes cam 60 to pivot downwardly about pin 54 as shown best in FIGS. 21A and 22. In turn, followers 51a and 51b will ride along slots 64 and 62 and cause the first and second retractors 80 and 50 to move in a proximal direction which will be explained in more detail below. Preferably, recess 17, nub 66 and slots 64 and 62 can be dimensioned to control the movement and timing of the cam followers 51a and 51b. For example, it is envisioned that the stages 64a, 64b and 62a and 62b can be dimensioned to control the timing and movement of the first and second retractors which, in turn, can effect the efficiency of the anastomosis.

[0094] Elongated stop 65 is preferably affixed to the distal end of cam 60 and rests atop the second retractor 50. Elongated stop 65 includes a distal end 69 and a proximal end 67 which includes two extending portions 67a and 67b each having an aperture 63a and 63b, respectively, disposed therethrough. Preferably, end 69 of stop 65 is sufficiently dimensioned such that it engages a corresponding biasing post 102 located within the SULU 100.

[0095] Preferably, the second retractor 50, the cam 60 and the elongated stop 65 are pre-assembled prior to insertion into the first retractor 80. More particularly and as best illustrated in FIGS. 10–12, elongated stop 65 is positioned atop arm 52 of the second retractor 50 between T-shaped heel section 56 and end 53. Apertures 63a and 63b of stop 65 align with aperture 61 of cam 60 such that once the cam 60 and the elongated stop 65 are inserted within slot 91 of the first retractor 80, pin 54 locks the two components 65 and 60 together through slot 85.

[0096] Cam 60 is positioned between the extending fins 58a and 58b of the second retractor 50 such that, when the retractor 50 and cam 60 are inserted within slot 91 of the first retractor, followers 51a and 51b are inserted through slot 87 and slot 89, respectively, and slideably couple the two components 50 and 60 within the first retractor 80. Handle lock 40 is then positioned atop the first retractor 80 as described above. First retractor 80 is then mounted on ribs 25a and 25b of housing 26 and cover plate 90, respectively and tab 30 along with sliding sleeve 32 are engaged thereon. Handle 12 and lever 16 are then assembled as described above and pivotably mounted about post 21. Spring 70 is then positioned accordingly so as to bias handle 12 against housing 26.

[0097] Turning now to FIGS. 7–9 which show an exploded view of the internal working components of the SULU 100 which as mentioned above includes first retracting sleeve 110 and second retracting sleeve 120 which cooperate to deform fasteners 260 and securely fasten the saphenous vein 320 to the aorta 310 in fluid communication as shown in FIG. 24.

[0098] More particularly and as best seen in FIGS. 7–7D, first retracting sleeve 110 includes a tube-like base 110a and an arcuate sleeve cap 110b which together define the first retracting sleeve 110. Base 110a includes a circular lip 112 located at its proximal end and a semi-circular anvil 118a located at the opposite end. A locking tab 116a having an elongated slit 182a located therein is disposed between lip 112 and anvil 118a. A longitudinally-extending slot 114a is disposed between the lip 112 and the locking tab 116a. At least one interface 117a downwardly depends from base 110a to mechanically engage a corresponding mechanical interface 117b disposed on sleeve cap 110b (FIG. 7). A flange 113a is preferably disposed beneath slot 114a and is sufficiently dimensioned to engage corresponding flanges 113b₁ and 113b₂ located on sleeve cap 110b. Slot 114a is sufficiently dimensioned to receive a tab 138a (FIG. 13) which projects from an upper surgical fastener support 130a which is explained in more detail below.

[0099] Sleeve cap 110b includes a semi-circular anvil 118b and a bifurcated proximal end 113 composed of flanges 113b₁ and 113b₂ which together define a slot 114b for receiving a tab 138b which projects from a lower surgical fastener support 130b which is explained in more detail below. Sleeve cap 110b also includes mechanical interfaces 117b which couples with corresponding mechanical interfaces 117a disposed on base 110a to engage sleeve cap 110b with base 110a. A locking tab 116b having an elongated slit 182b located therein is disposed between proximal end 113 and anvil 118b. A longitudinally-extending opening 111b is preferably disposed proximate locking tab 116b and aligns with a corresponding opening 111a in base 110a (FIG. 7C) such that the saphenous vein 320 can be received therethrough as seen best in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0100] FIGS. 2A and 7D show a greatly enlarged view of anvil 118a which includes a semi-annular array of fastener support channels or cradles 119a each configured and dimensioned to support a surgical fastener 260 therein. Sleeve cap 110b also includes fastener support channels 119b which, when base 110a and sleeve cap 110b are assembled, align to form a circular array about the internal surfaces of anvil 118a and 118b. It is envisioned that anvils 118a and 118b can be designed to support different arrays of surgical fasteners 260 depending upon a particular purpose. Each channel 119a and 119b is preferably separated by an anchor 187a and 187b (FIG. 7) which releasably retains a projecting finger 124a, 124b of second retracting sleeve 120 (FIG. 2A).

[0101] Support channels 119a and 119b each include proximal ends 186a and 186b and distal ends 184a and 184b which are radially offset from one another to seat surgical fastener 260 within channels 119a and 119b in a radially offset manner the purpose of which will be explained below with respect to the operation of the surgical instrument 10. The distal end 184a of each channel 119a is preferably arched so as to correspond to the arcuate shape of the end of the surgical fastener 260 as best seen in FIG. 13A. It is anticipated that arching the distal end 184a will cause the surgical fastener 260 to deform upwardly and proximally upon retraction of the first retracting sleeve 110 by the first retractor 80 as explained below with reference to FIGS. 21–22.

[0102] FIGS. 7–7D also show second retracting sleeve 120 which includes an upper cuff 120a, a lower cuff 120b and an outer cap 128 which together define the second retracting sleeve 120. More particularly, upper cuff 120a includes a semi-annular lip 122a at one end and a plurality of retention fingers 124a at the opposite end. Upper cuff 120a also includes a first slot 101 which preferably aligns with slot 114a of the first retracting sleeve 110a to receive tab 138a of upper fastener support 130b therethrough (FIG. 20). A second slot 126a receives locking tab 116a when cuff 120a is slideably mounted atop base 110a. Interfaces 129a mechanically engage corresponding interfaces 129b located on lower cuff 120b.

[0103] Lower cuff 120b includes a bifurcated proximal end 107 which comprises flanges 107b₁ and 107b₂ which define a slot 108 for receiving tab 138b of lower fastener support 130b therethrough and a plurality of retention fingers 124b which extend from the opposite end thereof. A slot 126b is disposed between the flanges 107b₁, 107b₂ and the fingers 124b for receiving locking tab 116b of the sleeve cap 110b when cuff 120b is slideably mounted thereon. A longitudinally-extending opening 121b is disposed proximate slot 126b and aligns with a corresponding opening 121a in upper cuff 120a and also aligns with openings 111a and 111b of the first retracting sleeve 110 such that the saphenous vein 320 can be received therethrough as seen best in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0104] A semi-circular cuff cap 128 is disposed atop lower cuff 120b and mechanically interfaces with upper cuff 120a such that semi-circular lips 122a and 122b for circular lip 122. More particularly, cuff cap 128 includes a plurality of detents 123b which mechanically engage a corresponding plurality of notches 123a located in upper cuff 120a such that the cuff cap 128, upper cuff 120a and lower cuff 120b all move in unison upon retraction of the second retracting sleeve 120. Sleeve cap 128 is preferably bifurcated at its distal end forming slot 109 which is dimensioned to receive tab 138b.

[0105] As can be appreciated, fingers 124a and 124b move upon retraction of the second retracting sleeve 120 to release the surgical fasteners 260 after firing. More particularly and as best seen in FIGS. 2A and 7A, the distal end of each finger 124a is forked and includes a first prong 127a which retains a surgical fastener 260 within the fastener support channels 119a and a second prong 125a which interlocks with anchor 187a to releasably lock the finger 124a to the first retracting sleeve 110 until released by the second retractor 50 (FIGS. 22A and 22B) which will be explained in more detail with respect to the operation of the surgical instrument 10. Likewise, each finger 124b of lower cuff 120b includes prongs 127b and 125b which operates in the same manner.

[0106] As mentioned previously, the SULU 100 also includes fastener support 130 which has an upper support 130a and a lower support 130b which, when assembled, internally house the first and second retracting sleeves 110 and 120, respectively, along with their individual working components. Upper support 130a and lower support 130b each include a distal end 135a and 135b each having an array of braces 137a and 137b, respectively, which project radially from distal ends 135a and 135b. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, each brace 137a and 137b supports an upwardly extending support leg 262 of a surgical fastener 260 disposed within one of the channels 119a or 119b. A plurality of radially extending slots 139a and 139b are disposed between each support brace 137a, 137b for retaining a surgical fastener 260 therein and for restricting unwanted lateral movement of each fastener 260. It is anticipated that each surgical fastener 260 is positioned within a slot 139a, 139b such that convexity 263 projects outwardly from brace 137a, 137b and, after anastomosis, cooperates with the base leg 264 to retain the saphenous vein 320 against LAD and/or aorta 310 (FIGS. 21B and 24).

[0107] Upper support and lower support 130a and 130b, respectively, also include hinges 136a and 136b which, when the SULU 100 is assembled, matingly engage one another to allow pivotable movement between the supports 130a and 130b from an open position (FIG. 23) to a closed position (FIG. 2). Preferably, a pin 180 secures the two hinges 136a and 136b together (FIG. 6). Upper and lower supports 130a and 130b each include a longitudinally-extending opening 133a (FIG. 23) and 133b which aligns with openings 121a, 121b, 111a and 111b described above to receive saphenous vein 320 therethrough as seen best in FIGS. 17 and 18. Longitudinally oriented slots 131a and 131b are disposed adjacent openings 133a and 133b on the upper and lower support members 130a and 130b, respectively, for receiving locking tabs 116a and 116b in much the same manner as described above with respect to slots 126a and 126b of the second retracting sleeve 120.

[0108] Lower support 130b includes a pair of shoulders 132a and 132b disposed on opposite sides of opening 133b for slideably receiving a corresponding pair of flanges 144a and 144b associated with an upper locking sleeve 140a. More particularly, each flange 144a and 144b extends distally from the upper locking sleeve 140a to define a notch 149a and 149b, respectively, therein for receiving shoulders 132a and 132b of lower support 130b.

[0109] Upper locking sleeve 140a includes a C-shaped clip 146a (FIG. 8) disposed therein which has pair of opposing hooks 147a for snap-lockingly engaging slit 182a of locking tab 116a of first retracting sleeve 110. A lower locking sleeve 140b operates in a similar manner and includes a pair of opposing hooks 147b for snap-lockingly engaging slit 182b of locking tab 116b of first retracting sleeve 110. Upper locking sleeve 140a also includes an opening 141a which aligns with openings 133a, 133b, 121a, 121b, 111a and 111b described above to receive saphenous vein 320 therethrough as seen best in FIGS. 17 and 18. It is envisioned that upon retraction of the second retracting sleeve 120, upper locking sleeve 140a will move proximally relative to shoulders 132b and 134b and disengage shoulders 132a, 132b which, in turn, will allow the upper and lower supports 130a and 130b to pivot about pin 180 and release the saphenous vein 320 (FIGS. 21E and 23). This will be explained in greater detail with respect to the operation of the instrument as described below.

[0110] SULU 100 also includes a biasing post 102 which mechanically aligns upper and lower supports 130a and 130b in fixed relation relative to one another. More particularly, biasing post 102 includes a proximal end 103 and a distal end 105 and has a vertically oriented cavity 106 disposed therethrough for receiving tabs 138a and 138b of the upper and lower supports 130a and 130b, respectively. As mentioned above, tabs 138a and 138b pass through slots 114a, 114b of the first retracting sleeve 110 and through slots 101, 108 and 109 of the second retracting sleeve 120 and mechanically align with one another within cavity 106 as best seen in FIG. 21B.

[0111] Biasing post 102 also includes a tapered spacer 104 disposed along the outer periphery thereof for frictionally locking the first retracting sleeve 110 in a retracted position after the first retracting sleeve 110 is withdrawn by the first retractor 80. More particularly, when the SULU 100 is assembled and prior to firing the surgical instrument 10, biasing post 102 is disposed relative to the first retracting sleeve 110 such that spacer 104 is proximal to lip 112 (FIG. 13). During retraction of the first retracting sleeve 110, lip 112 is forced over spacer 104 and the first retracting sleeve 110 is locked into retracted position and prevented from recoiling. As explained in greater detail below, locking the first retracting sleeve 110 in a retracted position also pre-disposes the second retracting sleeve 120 for retraction relative to the first retracting sleeve (FIG. 22A).

[0112] FIGS. 7E–7I show one embodiment of a retaining ring or strap 500 which is designed for use in connection with the SULU 100. It is envisioned that the retaining ring 500 will maintain a consistent anastomosis between the two luminal vessels 310 and 320 after the SULU 100 is fired and the surgical fasteners 260 are released.

[0113] More particularly and as best shown in FIG. 7E, the retaining ring 500 is preferably constructed from a thin sheet-like, semi-pliable material which is biologically compatible with the various luminal vessels. Retaining ring 500 is generally circular in shape but may be dimensioned in other shapes depending upon the particular configuration of the surgical fasteners 260 when positioned in the SULU 100, e.g., ovoid. Retaining ring 500 includes a series of alternating loops 510 and arcuate portions 520 which are formed radially about an axis “A” extending through ring 500. Each loop 510 defines an aperture 512 therein which is dimensioned to receive the distal end 269 of a surgical fastener 260.

[0114] It is envisioned that the overall width “W” of the retaining ring 500 is dependent upon both the radial dimensions of a major diameter “D” of the loops 510 and the distance “E” which the arcuate portions 520 extend beyond the diameter of the loops 510. It is envisioned that either of these dimensions “D” and/or “E” may be varied to alter the overall width “W” of the ring 500 depending upon a specific purpose.

[0115] As best shown in FIG. 7F, retaining ring 500 is positioned over the anvils 118a, 118b of SULU 100 such that the distal end 269 of each surgical fastener 260 is positioned through a respective aperture 512 of loop 510 and an arcuate portion 520 is positioned between each surgical fastener 260. It is envisioned that the ring 500 is held in light friction fit or tensile engagement with the surgical fasteners 260 to prevent inadvertent slippage prior to firing of the SULU 100.

[0116] FIGS. 7G and 7H show the position of the ring and the surgical fasteners after firing the SULU 100. As can be appreciated and as explained in more detail below (i.e., with respect to loading the instrument 10, the everting of vein 320 over the anvils 118a, 118b and the firing of the instrument 10), when fired, the distal ends 269 of the surgical fasteners 260 are forced rearward towards the proximal end of the SULU 100. Simultaneously during deformation, the distal ends 269 are forced through the apertures 512 such that the distal ends 269 pierce vein 320 thereby securing the vein 320 between the ring 500 and the distal end 269 of the surgical fastener 260 (See FIG. 7H). It is envisioned that the pivot point 265 may also be dimensioned to include a relief or coined section 261 which may facilitate formation of the surgical fastener 260 (See FIGS. 7N and 7S).

[0117] As can be appreciated, the ring 500 prevents the vein 320 from slipping along the base leg 264 of the fastener 260. More particularly and as best seen in FIG. 7H, the arcuate portions 520 which, as mentioned above, extend beyond the loops 510, abut the outer surface of the vein 320 and prevent the ring 500 from moving along base leg 264 of fastener 260. The inner periphery of the aperture 512 may also be coated with a friction-like material which also limits slippage of the rings 500 against the base leg 264 which, as a result, also prevents the vein 320 from sliding. As best illustrated in FIGS. 7N–7S, it is also envisioned that fastener 260 may be manufactured to include a protuberance 268 which extends beyond the outer surface of base leg 264. Preferably, protuberance 268 is dimensioned to engage and/or abut against the ring 500 to prevent the ring 500 from sliding along the base leg 264 of fastener 260. Alternatively, the fastener 260 may be dimensioned to include a coined surface (not shown) along base leg 264 which will also prevent the ring 500 from sliding.

[0118] As can be appreciated, preventing the slippage of the vein 320 along fastener 260 will maintain a reliable and consistent anastomosis between the luminal vessels 310 and 320 as best shown by the internal view of FIG. 7I.

[0119] FIGS. 7J and 7K show an alternate embodiment of a retainer ring 600 in accordance with the present disclosure. More particularly, retaining ring 600 includes many of the features of retaining ring 500, i.e., alternating loops 610 and arcuate portions 620 and apertures 612 associated with each loop 610, with the exception that ring 600 includes a slit 614 disposed along the inner periphery of aperture 612. It is envisioned that slit 614 will permit the ring 600 to wedge against the base leg 264 of surgical fastener 260 after firing of the SULU 100. As can be appreciated, this will also prevent the vein 320 from sliding.

[0120] FIGS. 7L and 7M show other alternate embodiments of retaining rings. More particularly, FIG. 7L shows an alternate embodiment of a retaining ring 650 which includes arcuate portions which straighten after the SULU 100 is fired. It is envisioned that straightening the ring 650 expands the overall radial dimensions of the ring 650 and, as such, holds the loops 660 in friction-fit engagement against the base leg 264 of the surgical fasteners 260 after the SULU 100 is fired. FIG. 7M shows another embodiment of the retaining ring 680 fabricated from a thin wire-like material.

[0121] Turning now in detail to the loading of the SULU 100 within actuator assembly 20 as best seen in FIG. 5, thumb tab 30 is moved proximally by way of thumb guide 35 against spring 38 which, in turn, moves sleeve 32 and protective cover 95 proximally to expose carriages 86 and 88. The SULU 100 is then loaded within actuator assembly 20 by placing lip 112 within carriage 88 and lip 122 within carriage 86. As best shown in FIG. 13, lip 122 is positioned near the distal end of carriage 86 which allows lip 122 and, hence, second retracting sleeve 120, to move independently from the first retracting sleeve upon activation of the second retractor 50. In contrast, carriage 88 is dimensioned smaller than carriage 86 such that lip 112 fits snugly within carriage 88. Once the SULU is positioned within carriages 86 and 88, thumb tab 30 is released and spring 38 biases sleeve 32 and protective cover 95 distally over lips 112 and 122 to lock the SULU 100 within the actuator assembly 20.

[0122] In use and as shown in FIGS. 17–24, surgical instrument 10 facilitates the performance of a vascular anastomosis and either eliminates and/or minimizes the need for manual suturing of the vessels. The method and usage described herein will be addressed in terms of vascular anastomosis performed on a beating heart. However, the presently disclosed surgical instrument 10 may also be used in performing anastomoses of other tubular or luminal body structures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, surgical instrument 10 may be used in conventional open CABG procedures using a median sternotomy or other large incision without stopping the heart. Alternatively, the thoracic “window” procedure may be used to achieve access to the heart. The “window” approach involves a smaller incision and less displacement of the ribs, and therefore is less traumatic to the patient. For this approach, conventional surgical techniques are used to determine the location of the incision to access the chest cavity.

[0123] To gain access to the heart, after an incision is made, a surgical retractor assembly may be used to separate the ribs at the site of the incision as shown in FIG. 25. Specifically, a base 410 is placed on the chest of the patient with the central opening defined by the base being positioned over the operative site. Retractor assemblies 430 are mounted to the base 410 at various locations. Each retractor assembly 430 includes a blade having a hook to engage either a rib or the sternum therewith. The retractor assemblies are mounted and used to retract ribs until a sufficiently large opening in the chest cavity is defined to provide direct access to the heart. For example, the sternum and the fourth and fifth ribs can be split apart to create a window. Other configurations of spreading the ribs and/or selectively cutting individual ribs away from the sternum may also be utilized for a particular procedure.

[0124] Once the desired access to the heart is achieved, the graft vessel, e.g., the saphenous vein 320 is dissected and harvested from the leg, and a free end of the vessel is exposed. The occluded coronary artery, e.g., the LAD 310, is then prepared for receiving the saphenous vein 320 graft. The heart is positioned in the desired orientation either by traction sutures passing through the pericardium or by manipulation with heart manipulation instruments which are held by the surgical personnel or clamped in a fixed orientation to a base such as the retractor assembly base. Blood flow through the aorta 310 can be restricted by cardiopulmonary bypass and pericardial cooling. Alternatively, a dampening instrument may be applied directly on the aorta 310 to restrict blood flow and reduce movement of the heart near the aorta 310.

[0125] Alternatively, the present disclosure also provides for a novel method for creating the vascular anastomosis without restricting the blood flow through the luminal structure 310 via a dampening instrument, e.g., cross clamp or partial occluding clamp, as described above. More particularly, two particular clamping techniques are widely known and used. One clamping technique involves fully cross clamping the luminal structure 310 while the heart is stopped to sew the distal anastomosis. The heart is then restarted and the proximal anastomosis is sewn utilizing a partial occluding clamp. This technique is described in The Manual of Cardiac Surgery Second Edition by Harlan, Starr and Harwin and describes in particular left-sided graft. The other technique involves fully cross clamping the aorta while sewing the proximal and distal anastomosis.

[0126] Other commonly known techniques involve performing coronary artery bypass grafting without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. More particularly, this technique involves utilizing either a mechanical and/or vacuum-assisted instruments for distal or proximal anastomosis stabilization, e.g., the Precision-Op™ instrument jointly owned by United States Surgical a division of the Tyco HealthCare Group and Heartport, Inc. These techniques are also described in The Manual of Cardiac Surgery Second Edition.

[0127] In contrast, the present disclosure also relates to a novel method for creating a vascular anastomosis without the utilization of any of the aforementioned dampening instruments. The method is shown in the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 27–30. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for creating a vascular anastomosis including the steps of:

• • [0128] creating an aortotomy in the first luminal structure, e.g., aorta 310;
  • [0129] covering the aortotomy to stop blood flow through the aortotomy;
  • [0130] inserting an anastomotic device having a second luminal structure, e.g., vein 320, associated therewith into the aortotomy; and
  • [0131] actuating the anastomotic device to create an anastomosis between the first and second luminal structures.

[0132] It is envisioned that the user's finger, a surgical instrument or, perhaps, another object may be employed to cover the aortotomy to stop the blood flow. Moreover, the anastomosis can be formed utilizing one of the embodiments described and/or referenced herein. The aortotomy may be made in the first luminal structure 310 with a scalpel, trocar, punching device and/or any other instrument known in the art. For example, one such device known as an aortic punch may be employed for use in creating the aortotomy and is shown in FIGS. 31–32B.

[0133] Aortic punch 800 includes left and right housings 810a and 810b, respectively, which, when mechanically engaged form a complete cavity 813 for housing the internal working components of the aortic punch 800 which are described in further detail below. It is envisioned that the two housings 810a and 810b are engaged by way of mechanical interfaces 840 which are positioned at various locations along each housing 810a, 810b. For example, housing 810a may include a first mechanical interface, e.g., a slot 840a, which engages a corresponding detent or tab 840b on housing 810b. It is envisioned that numerous mechanical interfaces may be employed to join the two housing halves 810a, 810b either permanently for use with a disposable unit or selectively for use with a reusable instrument. Once assembled, the two proximal ends of the housings 810a, 810b form a mutual flange 814 which biases each plunger 812, 822 during activation thereof.

[0134] As best illustrated in FIG. 31 which depicts the assembled instrument, aortic punch 800 includes two plunger-like actuators, 812 and 822, respectively, a cutting assembly 830 and a piercing needle 820. The two plungers 812 and 822, respectively, are independently operable by the user and move the cutting assembly 830 and needle 820 relative to one another to create the aortotomy in an aortic wall, e.g., luminal structure 310.

[0135] More particularly and as best illustrated in FIGS. 32A and 32B, distal movement of plunger 822 relative to flange 814a, 814b by the user exposes the needle 820 along axis “A” and, when inserted by the user, will pierce the aortic wall 310. A return spring 845 is preferably associated with the plunger 822 such that distal movement of the needle 820 along axis “A” relative to flange 814 biases the spring 845 against flange 814. The plunger 822 also includes an elongated sleeve 841 having a spline 843 at the distal end and a proximal end (not shown) which affixes to the plunger 822. It is envisioned that spline 843 facilitates rotational movement of the cutting assembly 830 relative to the needle 820 during movement of plunger 812 as described below.

[0136] Plunger 822 also includes a flange-like proximal end 827 which permits facile activation of the plunger 822 by the user. A cap 848 is affixed to the sleeve 841 and includes a skirt or shoulder portion 849 which biases spring 835 when the plunger 812 is activated as explained in more detail below with respect to the operation of the punch 800.

[0137] Needle 820 preferably includes a barb 823 which is dimensioned to catch the side of the aortic wall 310 upon return of spring 845 such that the needle 820 remains in tension against the aortic wall 310. The purpose of maintaining the barb 823 in tension against the aortic wall 310 is described in more detail below with respect to the operation of the punch 800. It is envisioned that other mechanisms or methods may be employed to hold the needle 820 in tension against the aortic wall 310, e.g., vacuum, hydraulic, magnetic, etc.

[0138] As mentioned above, plunger 812 actuates the cutting assembly 830 which creates the aortotomy in the aortic wall 310. Plunger 812 includes an elongated body 818 having a distal end 815 which mounts a return spring 835 and a flange-like proximal end 816 which is dimensioned to permit facile activation of the plunger 812 by the user. As best seen in FIG. 32B, elongated body 818 defines a cavity 817 therein which houses an elongated rack 855 which meshes with a corresponding pinion gear assembly 831 to convert linear movement of the plunger along axis “A” to rotational movement of the cutting assembly 830. Cutting assembly 830 also includes a circular knife tube 833 having a serrated tip 832 at the distal end thereof and the gear assembly 831 engaged at the proximal end 834 thereof.

[0139] Other configurations of the circular knife 833 are also contemplated, e.g., non-serrated tips and/or angled/beveled tips. The gear assembly 831 includes a pinion gear 842 which is positioned transversally to axis “A” which has a plurality of teeth 839 (FIG. 32B) on one side thereof which mesh and engage the rack 855 and a beveled gear 847 (FIG. 32A) on the opposite side thereof which meshes and engages gear 836 disposed at the proximal end 834 of the cutting tube 833. As can be appreciate, movement of the pinion gear 842 along rack 855 rotates gear 836 which causes knife tube 833 to rotate.

[0140] During assembly, the knife tube 833 is fed through plunger body 818, through return spring 835, through plunger 822, through cap 848 and atop sleeve 841 such that the serrated tip 832 of the knife tube 833 encompasses the spline 843 and needle 820. The proximal end 834 of knife tube 830 and the gear assembly 831 are positioned within cavity 817 such that the gear assembly 831 engages rack 855 (See FIG. 32A. A positioning post 844 may be employed to ensure proper engagement of gear assembly 831 the rack 855. The return spring 835 is positioned between shoulder 849 of spring cap 848 and the distal end 815 of plunger 812 such that forward linear movement of plunger 812 will bias spring 835 against shoulder 849.

[0141] As can be appreciated, linear movement of the plunger 812 along axis “A” moves the rack 855 relative to the flange 814 which, in turn, rotates pinion gear 842 and, therefore, cutting assembly 830 in the direction of arrow “R” about needle 820. As mentioned above this biases spring 835 against shoulder 849 such that a release of the pressure on plunger 812 will return plunger 812 to its initial, pre-activated position. It is contemplated that a release of the pressure on plunger 812 may also reverse the rotation of knife tube 830 depending upon a particular purpose. Alternatively, it is also envisioned that a clutch, neutral gear or other mechanism (not shown) may be employed to limit the rotation of knife tube 830 in a single direction depending upon a particular purpose.

[0142] An aortotomy is created in the luminal structure 310 in the following manner: The instrument is held in the user hand in a syringe-like manner. Plunger 822 is activated, i.e., depressed, which exposes the barb 823 of needle 820 from the interior of knife tube 830 along axis “A”. The user then pierces the tissue 310 with the exposed needle 820 and barb 823. Plunger 822 is then released and the return spring 845 provides tension on the barb 823 to retain the needle 820 in the tissue 310 against serrated tip 832. Plunger 812 is then depressed which moves the rack 855 relative to the flange 814 causing gear assembly 831 to rotate in the manner described above. As the user depresses the plunger 812 distally along axis “A”, the circular knife tube 833 rotates the serrated tip 832 about needle 820 to cut the tissue 310.

[0143] Once the tissue is cored from the surrounding tissue 310, the barb 823 loses tension against the aortic wall 310 and the return spring 845 retracts the needle 820 and the tissue core into a cavity 860 in the circular knife tube 833. The user then releases the plunger 812 to return the punch 800 to the pre-activated configuration for re-use. It is contemplated that the punch 800 can be equipped with a lock-out mechanism (not shown) which prevents the punch 800 from being re-used.

[0144] Turning now in detail to the operation of the surgical instrument 10 and in particular, the operation of the SULU 100 as detailed in FIGS. 17–24, once the saphenous vein 320 has been harvested, the user inserts the free end 322 into opening 133 of the SULU and pull via a surgical hook or graspers the free end 322 towards the distal end of the SULU 100. The user then everts the saphenous vein 320 over the anvils 118a, 118b of the SULU 100 such that the free end 322 of the saphenous vein 320 is retained by end 269 of the surgical fasteners 260. Everting of the saphenous vein 320 may be achieved by any suitable known instruments and/or techniques such as by using graspers.

[0145] The remaining portion of the saphenous vein 320 is preferably positioned away from the instrument 10 to facilitate insertion of the saphenous vein 320 into the aorta 310 as shown in FIG. 18. The user then inserts the end of the SULU 100 into an incision 312 in the aorta such that the distal end 269 of each of the plurality of fasteners 260 and the everted end portions 322 of the saphenous vein 320 are sufficiently inserted into and through incision 312 (FIGS. 19 and 20). As seen best in the enlarged view of FIG. 20, the support leg 262, convexity 263 and prong 267 of each surgical fastener 260 remains outside incision 312. The instrument is now preset for firing.

[0146] FIGS. 21–22 show the firing sequence of instrument 10, i.e., when the handle 12 is depressed by the user. As best shown in FIGS. 21 and 21A, as handle 12 is depressed downwardly in the direction of reference arrow “A”, lever 16 simultaneously imparts movement to both handle lock 40 and cam 60. More particularly, downward movement of handle 12 causes flanges 14a and 14b of lever 16 to urge flanges 42a and 42b of handle lock 40 distally against spring 45 in the direction of reference arrow “B” (FIG. 21). At the same time, handle 12 causes recess 17 of lever 16 to bias nub 66 which, in turn, causes cam 60 to deflect downwardly and proximally as best seen in FIG. 21A. Preferably, recess 17 in lever 16 is dimensioned to control the specific movement of nub 66 within recess 17 which, in turn, controls the overall movement of cam 60. Downward and proximal movement of cam 60 causes cam followers 51a and 51b to move within the first cam stages 64a and 62a of slots 64 and 62, respectively, which, in turn, moves the first retractor 80 and protective cover 95 proximally in the direction of reference arrow B.

[0147] As seen best in FIG. 21, as retractor 80 moves proximally as a result of the movement of cam followers 51a and 51b within slots 64 and 62, slot 85 moves proximally until it abuts pin 54. Preferably, when slot 85 abuts pin 54, cam 60 is forced more downwardly about pin 54 such that cam followers 51a and 51b move more proximally to engage the second stages 64b and 62b of the cam slots 64 and 62, respectively.

[0148] As mentioned above, the first retractor 80 retracts the first retracting sleeve 110 (FIG. 21) which, in turn, causes surgical fasteners 260 to deform as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21D. More particularly and as best shown in FIG. 21B, proximal movement of the first retractor 80 causes both the first retracting sleeve 110 and the second retracting sleeve 120 to move proximally relative to biasing post 102 until biasing post 102 abuts the end 69 of elongated stop 65. As a result, anvils 118a and 118b deform the distal ends 269 of surgical fasteners 260 upwardly and proximally towards braces 137a and 137b, respectively, i.e., arc-like distal ends 184a and 184b cause surgical fasteners 260 to deform upwardly and proximally upon retraction of the first retracting sleeve 110. At the same time, the aorta 310 is forced slightly proximally and extending prongs 267 penetrate to hold the aorta 310 in position as best seen in FIG. 22A.

[0149] It is anticipated that the radially offset orientation of the opposite ends 186a, 186b and 184a, 184b of the support channels 119a and 119b, respectively will cause the opposite ends 267 and 269 of the surgical fasteners 260 to deform at an angle a relative to one another as best shown in FIG. 21D. This allows end 269 to deform proximal to braces 137a and 137b. Preferably, braces 137a and 137b have a tapered cross section to deform end 269 of surgical fastener 260 radially from end 267 during deformation.

[0150] FIG. 21C shows the resulting position of the spacer 104 of the biasing post 102 after the first retractor 80 retracts the first and second retracting sleeves 110 and 120, respectively. More particularly, spacer 104 frictionally locks the first retracting sleeve 110 relative to the second retracting sleeve 120 and prevents the first retracting sleeve 110 from recoiling after firing.

[0151] FIG. 21E shows the proximal movement of the locking sleeve 140a as a result of the movement of the first retracting sleeve 110. More particularly, when the first retracting sleeve 110 is retracted proximally, locking tab 116a retracts within slot 131a of support 130a and biases locking sleeve 140a in a proximal direction as well as seen by reference arrow “C”. Proximal movement of the locking sleeve 140a relative to support 130a disengages flanges 142a and 144a from shoulders 132b and 134b, respectively, of support 130b which, in turn, unlocks supports 130a and 130b from one another thus permitting pivotal movement of the support members 130a, 130b as best seen in FIGS. 21E and 23.

[0152] Continued downward movement of handle 12 results in both proximal movement of the second retractor 50 and engagement of the handle lock 40 with the handle 12. More particularly and as best illustrated in FIG. 22, as the user continues to move the handle 12 in a downward direction, flanges 14a and 14b clear corresponding flanges 42a and 42b and spring 45 biases handle lock 40 proximally in the direction of reference arrow “D” to lock the handle 12 in position. Simultaneously, cam 60 is rotated about pin 54 to a point where the second stages 64a and 62a of the cam slots 64 and 62 effect the movement of the cam followers 51a and 51b. More particularly, as cam 60 is forced downwardly, the second stage 62a of cam slot 62 moves cam follower 51b proximally which, in turn, moves the second retractor 50 proximally. The second stage 64a of cam slot 64 is generally vertically oriented and, as a result, cam follower 51a moves vertically upon continued downward movement of handle 12. Slot 57 of retractor 50 allows the second retractor 50 to slide proximally relative to cam follower 51a.

[0153] As mentioned above, second retractor 50 moves the key-like end 53 of the second retracting sleeve 120 within carriage 86 relative to the first retracting sleeve 110 as illustrated by reference arrow “E” of FIG. 22A. Proximal movement of the second retracting sleeve 120 retracts the prongs 127a and 127b of fingers 124a, 124b, respectively, which releases the surgical fasteners 260 as illustrated by reference arrow “E” of FIG. 22B.

[0154] It is envisioned that the surgical instrument 10 and/or the SULU 100 may need to be manipulated to assure consistent and tactful release of the surgical fasteners 260 from the SULU. For example, it is contemplated that after and/or simultaneously with activation of the handle 12, the presently disclosed methods described herein may include the step of manipulating the surgical instrument 10 or SULU 100 relative to the surgical fasteners 260 to facilitate release thereof, e.g., rotational or off-axis manipulation relative to axis “A” (See FIG. 5), vertical manipulation, horizontal manipulation, pivotal manipulation and/or any simultaneous or sequential combination of these aforedescribed manipulative movements.

[0155] Further, it is contemplated that the surgical instrument 10 or the SULU 100 may be manufactured to include an additional activator, lever, handle, pivot element, linkage or the like (not shown) which upon activation thereof will manipulate the surgical instrument 10 and/or SULU 100 relative to the surgical fasteners 260 in one of the manners described above to facilitate consistent and tactful release of the surgical fasteners 260.

[0156] As mentioned above, after sleeve 110 is retracted, locking sleeve 140a moves proximally to allow the two supports 130a and 130b to pivot away from one another as shown in FIG. 23 to permit the removal of the saphenous vein 320 from within the SULU thereby completing the vascular anastomosis as shown in FIG. 24.

[0157] FIG. 26A shows a schematic diagram of the surgical fastener staple pattern which is formed upon actuation of the instrument described above with respect to FIGS. 1–26. More particularly, the surgical fasteners are supported by the fastener support braces 137a, 137b in a normal manner relative to a longitudinal axis “A” (FIG. 5) extending through the SULU. It is envisioned that other surgical fastener staple patterns, e.g., spiral, tangential or angular relative to axis “A”, may be utilized to achieve hemostasis between vessels, FIG. 26B. For example, it is contemplated that arranging the surgical fasteners 260 in one of the aforedescribed patterns may enable more surgical fasteners 260 to be employed within the same spatial considerations which may achieve a more consistent and/or more reliable hemostasis between vessels.

[0158] It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiment shown herein. For example, the instrument may be sized to perform an anastomosis for other vessels and luminal tissue. Moreover, although the various internal components of the instrument 10 are shown engaged by particular mechanical interfaces it is envisioned that other types of mechanical interfaces can be employed to achieve the same or similar purpose, e.g., snap-fit, tongue and groove, press fit, etc. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.