Connector system and methods for cutting and joining hollow anatomical structures

摘要

The new connector system comprises a novel cutting instrument and a novel type of connectors for hollow anatomical structures. The cutting instrument comprises a barbed pointed end and a surrounding cutting edge. The barbed pointed end pierces the wall of a hollow anatomical structure. The cutting edge cuts an annular opening in the wall of a hollow anatomical structure. The annular opening surrounds the piercing pointed end that retains the cutout portion of the wall. The cut opening is predefined to correspond to an opening of another hollow structure. Two hollow structures with corresponding openings are joined by an annular connector holding together their approximated walls.