摘要 |
A surgical coupler with two short tubular components that snap together. Each component has semi-flexible barbed spokes radiating from the exterior surface at one end of the tube. The spokes are held temporarily against the exterior of each component by a removable sleeve. Each component and sleeve is inserted into one of two respective organic tubular openings to be joined. The sleeve is removed, and the component is turned in a given angular direction and amount. The spokes expand radially into the tissue of each organ, fixing the component in the opening. The couplers are then pressed together using a hollow catheter and a tractor catheter, connecting them. They hold the tissue openings in alignment and abutment for healing, and provide a fluid communication channel with a liquid-tight seal while the couplers are bio-absorbed.
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