US Patent 6979338 Low profile anastomosis connector

An anastomosis connector comprises a plurality of ring segments (106), together defining a radially expandable ring-like shape (106) having a lumen; at least one pivot bar (114) coupled to at least one of said ring segments (106); at least one spike (109) mounted on said pivot bar (114) and rotatable around said pivot bar (114), wherein radial deformation of said ring-like shape (106) does not substantially directly affect said spike (109) rotational position.