Abstract: A tissue grasping device is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end and a central axis extending from end to end. Three tissue engaging tines are located at the distal end, two of which are rotatable, and one of which is spaced from the other two and slidable lengthwise of the plicator. The tines are parallel to one another and to the main axis of the plicator. Actuating mechanism in the form of rack and pinion mechanisms rotate the rotatable tines relative to one another, to grip a portion of the tissue. The non-rotatable times space the portion of the tissue being operated on from the rotatable tine. A push-pull knob mechanism or a thumb-operated lever is employed at the proximal end of the plicator to slide the non-rotatable tine lengthwise of the device to position it in and out of its operating position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 1, 1997
Date of Patent:
July 27, 1999
Assignee:
Sugar Surgical Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
David J. Sugarbaker, Andy H. Levine, Nicholas F. Warner, Eric E. May, Lawrence Crainich
Abstract: A tissue grasping device is disclosed having a distal end and a proximal end and a central axis extending from end to end. Three tissue engaging tines are located at the distal end, two of which are rotatable, and one of which is spaced from the other two and slidable lengthwise of the plicator. The tines are parallel to one another and to the main axis of the plicator. An actuating mechanism in the form of a rack and pinion mechanism rotate the rotatable tines relative to one another, to grip a portion of the tissue. The non-rotatable tines space the portion of the tissue being operated on from the rotatable tine. A knob mechanism is employed at the proximal end of the plicator to slide the non-rotatable tine lengthwise of the device to position it in and out of its operating position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 13, 1995
Date of Patent:
March 3, 1998
Assignee:
Sugar Surgical Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
David J. Sugarbaker, Andy H. Levine, Nicholas F. Warner, Eric E. May, Lawrence Crainich