| abstract |
An improved method and apparatus for occluding a blood vessel is shown and described. A cannula adapted for insertion through a wall of a blood vessel is provided with an expandable member on a distal end which when expanded, substantially fills a cross-sectional annular area of the lumen of the blood vessel. An external clamp is coupled to the cannula and aligned with the expandable member, such that when the clamp is engaged, it moves the annular region of the blood vessel into contact with the inflatable member, the inflatable member and clamp thereby working in cooperation to occlude the blood vessel. The cannula may further be provided with a plurality of lumens extending through the cannula to corresponding openings in a distal end of the cannula, thereby allowing the perfusion of different fluids into the lumen of the blood vessel, both upstream and downstream of the internal occluding member, as well as the venting of fluid from the lumen of the blood vessel. A suture tourniquet may also be coupled to the cannula. Multiple functions are therefore performed by a compact, efficient device that is simple to use. In addition, occlusion is achieved with minimal deformation to the blood vessel, reducing the risk of trauma to the blood vessel and the creation of emboli. The intraluminal occlusion device is also securely held in a selected position, thereby reducing risk of harm to the patient from emboli and undesirable blocking of perfusion of blood to the rest of the patient's body. |