Cannulas, cannula mount assemblies, and clamping methods using such cannulas and cannula mount assemblies
Inventors
Schein, Douglas A. • Wright, David W. • Sirianne, Raymond • Palermo, Philip D. • Kroll, Russell J. • Brassil, John M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8361091-B2
Publication Date
2013-01-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cannula connects an organ with a perfusion system that monitors, treats, sustains and/or restores the viability of the organ and/or that transports and/or stores the organ. At least part of a cannula may be made of a soft elastomer to help avoid damage to the organ. In embodiments, the cannula includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a sealing ring and two compression straps. In embodiments, the cannula includes a top portion and a flexible bottom portion that may be attached to the top portion. In embodiments, part of the cannula is inserted directly into an artery and a suture is used to tie the artery in place. Also, the cannula may include an attachment feature that can be used to connect the cannula to an organ platform or chair. Various features of the cannula may allow a visual check for and venting of air bubbles in the cannula.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to cannula clamp apparatus for organ perfusion that connects an organ to an external fluid flow system using a cannula with first and second portions. A chamber is formed when the first and second portions are brought together, and a first fitting is disposed on one of the portions in fluid communication with the chamber. The second portion includes a hole in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to receive a section of tissue of the organ.
At least one sealing surface secures the section of tissue by pressure applied to the section of secured tissue between the first and second portions when the portions are brought together. Pre-positioning structures are formed on the first and complementary second portions and arranged to engage while permitting relative movement of the first and second portions. This relative movement allows the first and second sealing surfaces to remain parallel when spaced apart and when brought together to secure the tissue.
In embodiments, the cannula architecture provides lateral or substantially perpendicular fluid flow via the fitting and the tissue-receiving hole. A chamber is designed to collect and trap gas separate from a fluid flow through the first fitting, the chamber, and the hole, supporting visual air-bubble checking using translucent or clear material. The document also describes connection features that allow relative linear motion and/or relative rotational motion between the first and second portions to facilitate positioning and sealing.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00022, clm-00047, and clm-00048. Across these, the document focuses on a two-portion cannula that forms a chamber, receives a tissue section through a hole, applies pressure via sealing surfaces, and enables fluid flow from an external fluid flow system into the tissue while controlling relative motion and gas collection.
Pre-positioning engaged portions forming a chamber with parallel sealing surfaces
A cannula with first and second portions having pre-positioning structure and complementary pre-positioning structure that engage while permitting relative movement, so a chamber is formed when the portions are brought together; a first fitting in fluid communication with the chamber and a hole in the second portion in fluid communication with the chamber to receive a section of tissue; at least one sealing surface secures the tissue by pressure between the portions; and the permitted relative movement positions the sealing surfaces to remain parallel when the first and second portions are brought together to secure the tissue.
Gas trapping chamber separate from fluid flow
A cannula with first and second portions that form a chamber when brought together; a first fitting in fluid communication with the chamber; a hole in the second portion in fluid communication with the chamber to receive a section of tissue; at least one sealing surface that secures the tissue by pressure between the portions; and at least one of the first fitting and the hole adapted to allow fluid flow from the external fluid flow system into the section of tissue, wherein the chamber is designed to collect and trap gas separate from a fluid flow through the first fitting, the chamber and the hole.
Connection allowing linear and rotational motion while forming the cannula chamber
A cannula with a first portion and a second portion with a connection that allows both relative linear motion and relative rotational motion between the first portion and the second portion; a chamber formed when the first and second portions are brought together; a first fitting in fluid communication with the chamber; a hole in the second portion in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to receive a section of tissue; at least one sealing surface adapted to secure the section of tissue by pressure between the portions when brought together; and at least one of the first fitting and the hole adapted to allow fluid flow from the external fluid flow system into the section of tissue.
Connection allowing linear motion while forming the cannula chamber
A cannula with a first portion and a second portion and a connection between the first portion and the second portion allowing relative linear motion between the first and second portions; a chamber formed when the first and second portions are brought together; a first fitting in fluid communication with the chamber; a hole in the second portion in fluid communication with the chamber adapted to receive a section of tissue; at least one sealing surface adapted to secure the section of tissue by pressure applied to the section of secured tissue between the first and second portions when the portions are brought together; and at least one of the first fitting and the hole adapted to allow fluid flow from the external fluid flow system into the section of tissue.
Across clm-00001, clm-00022, clm-00047, and clm-00048, the claimed cannula connects an organ to an external fluid flow system by forming a chamber between first and second portions, receiving a tissue section through a hole, and sealing the tissue by pressure between sealing surfaces while enabling fluid flow into the tissue. The claims further distinguish the control of relative motion, including parallel sealing via pre-positioning, linear motion, rotational motion, and the chamber’s design to collect and trap gas separate from fluid flow.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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