Clip Applier Patents (Class 606/142)
  • Patent number: 9066710
    Abstract: A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube, a capture tool moveable in the tube between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support located within a distal portion of the tube, and a clamping member pivotable in the tube between an open position spaced from the tissue support and a closed position adjacent the tissue support. The clamping member may have a flattened clamping portion and a C-shaped portion that defines a pocket therein. An open side of the C-shaped portion may face the tissue support. The capture tool and the clamping member may be operable to gather and clamp tissue between the tissue support and the clamping member, such that the clamped tissue has a gathered configuration. The device may also include a releasable clip adapted to hold the clamped tissue in the gathered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Paul Dale, Richard J. Olson, Benjamin E. Morris, John Miser, Aleksandr I. Nadein
  • Patent number: 9060779
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least one clip device. In a first embodiment, the system comprises a first clip device having first and second arms. The first clip device and an associated sliding ring are configured to be selectively advanced through a lumen of an inner catheter. Selective positioning of an outer catheter over a distal region of the inner catheter causes a distal region of the inner catheter to bow radially inward to form a constriction that securely engages the sliding ring of the first clip device, thereby allowing for partial closure and repositioning of the first clip device. In an alternative embodiment, a delivery system includes a single catheter having a tapered distal region, such that upon ejection of the sliding ring from the distal end of the catheter, the sliding ring is dimensioned to abut the distal end of the catheter. In any of the embodiments, multiple clips may be sequentially loaded and deployed using the delivery systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Michelle D. Martinez
  • Patent number: 9050087
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: INTEGRATED VASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard S. Ginn, W. Martin Belef
  • Patent number: 9039716
    Abstract: A material-fastening device and related fastener and methods for use, and more particularly, a device with segments of the fastener capable of being independently exposed from a holding mechanism and independently attached to or placed in proximity to the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Boris Reydel, Yuri Berengolts
  • Publication number: 20150133966
    Abstract: A deployment device and an associated surgical fastener as well as their methods of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the deployment device includes a restraining mechanism constructed and arranged to temporarily limiting movement of a surgical fastener back span. The surgical fastener includes two legs extending in a distal direction from opposing ends of the back span. The legs are in a first closed position with a first shape. The deployment device also includes a spreader configured and arranged to engage the legs of the surgical fastener in the first closed position. When the spreader is moved in a distal direction relative to the back span, the spreader spreads the legs of the surgical fastener from the first closed position to a second open position as the back span is limited from distally moving by the restraining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Saurav V. Gupta, Kevin J. Ranucci, Alan Bachman, Scott Reed
  • Patent number: 9023065
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods support tissue in a body organ for the purpose of restoring or maintaining native function of the organ. The devices, systems, and methods do not require invasive, open surgical approaches to be implemented, but, instead, lend themselves to catheter-based, intra-vascular and/or percutaneous techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Bolduc, Andrew L. Chiang, Philip R. Houle, Gilbert S. Laroya
  • Patent number: 9017349
    Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp. In addition, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for deploying a biased occlusion clamp using robotics. Moreover, the present disclosure includes devices and methods for reducing the force necessary to open an occlusion clamp without permanently compromising the clamping force of the clamp itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: AtriCure, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Privitera, Matthew Monti, Adam Harp, Kenneth Lance Miller, Jason Iain Glithero, James David Hughett, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9017345
    Abstract: A coil fastener applier including a housing, a flexible elongated tubular member, a flexible drive member, a fastener assembly and a trigger is disclosed. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes a stationary handle affixed thereto. The flexible elongated tubular portion extends distally from the housing. The flexible drive member is rotatably mounted within the flexible elongated tubular portion. The fastener assembly is mounted adjacent a distal portion of the flexible drive member and is configured to releasably mount at least one coil fastener thereon. The trigger is movably mounted on the housing and movement of the trigger rotates the flexible drive member to drive a coil fastener into tissue. The flexible elongated tubular member and the flexible drive member enable off-axis delivery of a coil fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Eric J. Taylor, Peter Hathaway
  • Patent number: 9011468
    Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Ketai, Jacob Greenberg, Daniel Hale, Tanmay Mishra, Gabriel Gonzales, Raghuveer Basude, Michael Hong
  • Patent number: 9011464
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips to tissue includes a handle assembly having a trigger and a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes at least one surgical clip therein. Each clip includes a pair of legs connected by a crossbar. Each of the pair of legs has an inwardly and an outwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface having a raised profile protruding therefrom and extending longitudinally therealong. A jaw assembly is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second opposed jaws moveable between a spaced apart and an approximated position. Each jaw defines a recess extending longitudinally along opposing inner surfaces thereof. Each recess defines a longitudinally extending groove having a profile substantially complementary to the raised profile of the legs of the clips. The legs of each clip are positionable at least partially within respective grooves of the recesses of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Tom Zammataro
  • Patent number: 9005219
    Abstract: A device includes a clip including first and second arms distal ends of which are biased apart and a core member including first and second portions connected to one another via a frangible link. The first portion includes a first protrusion for engaging a cut-out in the first arm. The frangible link is fractured when subjected to a load of at least a predetermined level deploying the clip. The device also includes a capsule slidably housing the core member and a proximal portion of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, Benjamin E. Morris, John Miser, Gregory R. Furnish, Gary A. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20150100070
    Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Michelle D. Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, Tyler Evans McLawhorn
  • Patent number: 8998948
    Abstract: Provided is a manipulator including a first forceps piece and a second forceps piece, which are connected by a pivotal axle and have a gripping part opened or closed on a leading end side thereof. The manipulator includes a manipulation member that is connected to a base end side of the pair of forceps pieces, and moves forward or backward in an axial direction to open or close the gripping part, a first buffer part that has a first spring constant, and undergoes elastic deformation to change a grasping force generated at the gripping part on the basis of the first spring constant and a pulling amount of the manipulation member, and a stopper that regulates the elastic deformation of the first buffer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Hyodo
  • Patent number: 8998933
    Abstract: A surgical fastener clip for proximating tissue, the clip providing an undeflected state in which the clip comprises a center portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The center portion has a perimeter defining a circle-like shape. The legs project outwardly relative to the perimeter from a point of departure to a tip. Extension of each of the legs relative to the perimeter defines an identical wind direction that is either clockwise or counterclockwise. The clip optionally includes a linear cross-member extending across the perimeter. The surgical clip can be formed by a wire that is partially wound onto itself in a spiral-like fashion, with the center portion and the legs being co-planar in the undeflected state. During use, the clip is rotated, drawing tissue into the center portion. Systems incorporating the clip are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Rothstein, Cynthia T. Clague, Michael M. Green, Damian A. Jelich, Eric A. Meyer, Mark T. Stewart, Chris M. Coppin, Rany Huynh, Mark W. Torrianni, Asha S. Nayak, John R. Liddicoat, Timothy G. Laske
  • Patent number: 8985429
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, and a deck disposed over the plurality of staples. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The cartridge further includes an agent. The firing bar is operable to assist with releasing the agent onto a severed line of tissue when the firing bar is advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Balek, Chad P. Boudreaux, Matthew D. Holcomb, Thomas W. Lytle, IV, Matthew C. Miller, Charles J. Scheib, Bret W. Smith, Yi-Lan Wang, Donald F. Wilson, Jr., Edward A. Rhad, Kreena R. Modi, Joseph Zavatsky, Aron O. Zingman
  • Patent number: 8986326
    Abstract: Provided is a grasper including an introduction tube that is capable of being inserted into a body cavity; an operational elongate body that is inserted into the introduction tube so as to advance and retract; and a clip that is attached to a distal end portion of the introduction tube and is operated by the relative movement between the operational elongate body and the introduction tube so as to grasp a body tissue, then is indwelled in a body. The clip has a plurality of grasping arms which are operated to be moved by the operational elongate body or the introduction tube, at least in a direction where the grasping arms are closed, so as to grasp the body tissue; and a retracting portion which retracts a portion of the body tissue between the plurality of grasping arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Motoi Satake, Atsushi Ban, Yoshihisa Kaneko, Koh Kimura, Kazuya Sato, Junichi Kogiso
  • Patent number: 8986328
    Abstract: In a background-art medical gripping device, when a wall surface of an in vivo tissue has a large tear, a side portion of the tear can be gripped by the gripping device, but the other side portion opposed to the side portion cannot be gripped simultaneously. Therefore, to close the tear, complicated operation is required to be performed using plural gripping devices. A medical gripping device according to the present invention includes a fixed clip, a pair of movable clips made from an elastic material and provided to face the fixed clip, the movable clips having lower ends fixed to the fixed clip and the other ends opened, and a control mechanism which shifts from each other a timing at which a gripping target is gripped between one of the movable clips and the fixed clip and a timing at which the target is gripped between the other movable clip and the fixed clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Piolax Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Mizumoto, Tsuyoshi Nakakubo
  • Patent number: 8979891
    Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, first and second links attached to both the jaws and the housing, and a driver. The housing, first and second jaws, and first and second links form a linkage mechanism that allows the jaws to engage tissue and be left in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Evans McLawhorn, Michelle D. Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, John Crowder Sigmon, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150073439
    Abstract: An instrument for clamping a surgical clip has a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The handle assembly has a trigger and an articulation knob. The shaft assembly has an outer ground tube, a middle articulation tube, and a push/pull tube disposed within the middle articulation tube. The trigger is operable to cause longitudinal translation of the push/pull tube. The outer ground tube and the middle articulation tube present mating angled faces sloped in opposing directions. Rotation of the articulation knob causes rotation of the middle articulation tube. Rotation of the middle articulation tube changes the orientation of the angled faces and thus causes articulation of the middle articulation tube and the push/pull tube. The end effector has a pair of jaws configured to apply a surgical clip to a vessel. Longitudinal translation of the push/pull tube causes closure of the pair of jaws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: William D. Dannaher
  • Patent number: 8974371
    Abstract: Apparatus includes Flexible Sheath extending from a proximal end which extends into living body; Capsule extending from a proximal to a distal end and having an opening formed in a proximal end thereof; Clip Assembly provided in Capsule and configured to be operably movable between a closed configuration in which first and second arms of Clip Assembly are drawn toward one another and an expanded configuration in which the first and second arms are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween; Bushing extending between a proximal end coupled to Sheath and a distal end releasably coupled to Capsule via a tab on the distal end of Bushing engaging the opening of Capsule; and Control Member a distal end of which is releasably coupled to Clip Assembly to transmit to Clip Assembly forces applied thereto to move Clip Assembly between the insertion and expanded configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell F. Durgin, William C. Mers Kelly, Lance Alan Wolf, Brian Keith Wells, Vasily P. Abramov, Gregory R. Furnish
  • Patent number: 8974475
    Abstract: A delivery system for percutaneously guiding a repair or replacement device into a desired position relative to a valve within a patient. The delivery system includes a longitudinal support tube having a distal end, a deformable centering loop extending from the distal end of the support tube, at least one stop positioned on the centering loop and spaced from the distal end of the support tube, at least one clip delivery system slideably attached to the centering loop, and a sheath that is longitudinally slideable relative to the support tube, the centering loop, and the at least one clip delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Rothstein, Jason Quill
  • Patent number: 8968337
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a housing, a drive assembly, a trigger, and a shaft assembly. The trigger is operatively connected with the drive assembly. The drive assembly is at least partially positioned within the housing. The shaft assembly extends distally from the housing and has a first tubular member pivotally connected with a second tubular member located distally from the first tubular member. An articulation mechanism is operatively connected between the first and second tubular members, and includes a gear rack, at least one gear, and a gear segment, respectfully connected with each other to pivot the second tubular member about the pivot axis. The gear rack and at least one gear are located within the first tubular member. The gear segment extends proximally from the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Kenneth Whitfield, Csaba L. Rethy
  • Patent number: 8968336
    Abstract: A device and method for deploying self-cinching surgical clips. The device accesses at least two layers of tissue or material from only one side of the tissue or material and punctures through the two layers of tissue or material. The various configurations of clips disclosed herein are made of a superelastic material such as Nitinol, and have a constrained and a relaxed state, and no sharp edges or tips so as to reduce tissue irritation following deployment. The clip is disposed within the housing of the delivery device and held in a constrained state by a tube assembly until deployment wherein the clip assumes its relaxed state, where the ends of the clip are brought into close approximation, thereby securing the layers of tissue or material together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Brian S. Conklin, James A. Davidson, Ralph Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150057681
    Abstract: A system may include an introducer sheath including a retention member configured to anchor the introducer sheath in a natural body lumen having a wall. The system may also have an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis through a working channel of the introducer sheath. Additionally, the system may have a manipulating portion coupled to a distal end of the elongate member. The manipulating portion may include at least one selectively actuatable member configured to transition between an undeployed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the undeployed configuration, the at least one actuatable member may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in at least one position in the deployed configuration, the at least one actuatable member may extend radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Jason WEINER, Paul SMITH, Robert B. DEVRIES
  • Patent number: 8961541
    Abstract: A tissue closure system can include a deployment instrument and a sealing element. The deployment instrument can be slidably mounted to and guided by a tubular medical device. The deployment instrument can be advanced over the tubular medical device to the desired location. The sealing element can then be advanced off of the end of the tool. The sealing element can include tissue engaging elements that are configured to automatically close upon deployment to bring together tissue. A slidably attached guided skin (or other tissue) cutter can also be used if desired to facilitate entry of the deployment instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cardio Vascular Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Houser
  • Patent number: 8956388
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Integrated Vascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Ginn, W. Martin Belef
  • Publication number: 20150045815
    Abstract: A device (10) for repair of a heart valve leaflet includes an elongated body (12) having a lumen (16) extending therethrough in a longitudinal direction, a proximal end, an open distal end (19). A core (11) is disposed within the lumen, and is operable to spin about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The spinning of the core draws a portion of the heart valve leaflet into the lumen through the open distal end of the body and secures the portion of the heart valve leaflet to the core in a gathered configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL, CARDIOLOGY DIVISION, INC.
    Inventor: Tracee Eidenschink
  • Publication number: 20150045816
    Abstract: A clip applying apparatus is provided which includes a jaw mechanism having a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is supported on or formed integrally with the distal end of a crimping member which is movably supported within a body portion of the apparatus. The stationary jaw defines a longitudinal axis which forms an angle ? of between about 15 degrees and about 15 degrees and about 75 degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis of the body portion. In another embodiment, the stationary jaw includes a clip receiving channel which is configured to at least partially receive a surgical clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Kenneth H. Whitfield
  • Publication number: 20150038987
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical apparatuses and methods and more particularly to devices and methods for positioning and anchoring a lining to a hollow body organ, such as a stomach, intestine or gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Jason Harris, Alessandro Pastorelli, Michele D'Arcangelo, Mark S. Ortiz, Mark Steven Zeiner
  • Publication number: 20150038988
    Abstract: A device 10 for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet 2 may include an outer tube 16 extending in an elongation direction, a capture tool 22 moveable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, and a tissue securing component 32 disposed at a distal end 17 of the outer tube and adapted to be applied to tissue 8 captured by the capture tool to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. The capture tool may include a first element 20 and a second element 22 that are moveable relative to one another in the elongation direction. The first and second elements 20, 22 may be operable to capture tissue 8 of the heart valve leaflet 2 therebetween and to draw the captured tissue into the outer tube 16 in the gathered configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Zachary J. Tegels, John W. Ibeling
  • Patent number: 8945163
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for cutting and fastening tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical device can be used to at least partially transect a stomach by not cutting and/or not fastening a portion of tissue engaged in an end effector located at the device's distal end. A portion of the stomach can be engaged by the end effector, and the end effector can be actuated to cut and/or to apply one or more fasteners to tissue engaged in a distal portion of the end effector but not to cut and/or apply fasteners to tissue engaged in a proximal portion of the end effector. In a similar way, the surgical device can be used in any surgical procedure in which it is desired to cut and/or fasten a distal portion of tissue engaged by the end effector but not a proximal portion of tissue engaged by the end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Voegele, William B. Weisenburgh, II, Christopher J. Hess, Michael A. Murray, Robert P. Gill, Darrel M. Powell
  • Patent number: 8945153
    Abstract: A hemostatic clip delivery system cooperable with an elevator of an endoscope and a method of treating a target with the system are disclosed. The system comprises a delivery apparatus comprising an operating wire, an outer sheath and a handle. The operating wire is cooperable with the elevator of the endoscope and slidably disposed within the outer sheath. The system further comprises a hemostatic clip cooperable with the delivery apparatus. The clip comprises a first retainer, a plurality of arms extending distally from the first retainer, and a sliding ring disposed about the plurality of arms. The arms are shaped so that the arms tend to be spaced apart from each other. The sliding ring is configured to close the arms together as the elevator engages and moves the sliding ring toward the arms by retraction of the operating wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Vihar C. Surti
  • Patent number: 8945157
    Abstract: Devices for approximating multiple tissue edges internal to a body are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Lindsay Gordon, Sylvie Boiteau, Johannah Itescu, Anita Kaira, Eamon Doyle, David Wurtz
  • Patent number: 8945154
    Abstract: A tissue closing device includes an elongate arrangement device of which a distal end portion can penetrate an opening penetrating an living tissue membrane and which has a handling portion on the proximal side, and a clip which is detachably retained at a distal end portion of the arrangement device and which closes the opening. The arrangement device includes a retaining member for detachably retaining the clip and pulling the clip in the proximal direction, a cover tube, and a fixed tube. The handling portion has a first elastic member. When a restriction for maintaining the coil spring in a deformed state is canceled, the thread is moved to the proximal direction by the restoring force of the coil spring in the condition where the clip is locked to a distal end portion of the fixed tube, and the clip is pulled in the axial direction by the thread, whereby a deformation portion is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoji Maruyama, Masakatsu Kawaura, Ryou Nakamoto
  • Publication number: 20150032132
    Abstract: Surgical methods for closing a gastrotomy. The surgical method for closing an opening in an organ wall comprises positioning a distal end portion of a steerable overtube adjacent a portion of the organ wall through which the opening extends. The surgical method further comprises inserting a flexible clip magazine into the steerable overtube. The surgical method comprises grasping tissue through which the opening extends and drawing a portion of the grasped tissue into a clamping position between upper and lower clip arms of a distal-most tissue apposition clip supported within a distal end of the clip magazine. The surgical method further comprises advancing the distal-most tissue apposition clip onto the portion of grasped tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, James T. Spivey
  • Patent number: 8939997
    Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michelle D. Martinez, Vihar C. Surti, Tyler Evans McLawhorn
  • Publication number: 20150018848
    Abstract: A device for clipping tissue includes a clip including first and second arms, a pusher member received over a proximal end of the clip, an outer sleeve distal of the pusher member and received over the first and second arms and being pushed distally over the clip by the pusher member from a first position in which the first and second arms are unconstrained by the outer sleeve in a tissue receiving configuration to a second position in which the first and second arms move to a closed tissue gripping configuration. A clip holder has first and second fingers which are held by the pusher member against corresponding cuts on a proximal end of the clip to couple the clip to the device. When the pusher member is moved distally to the second position, the first and second fingers move radially outward releasing the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gary Kappel, Peter Crowley
  • Patent number: 8932305
    Abstract: A tissue fastening apparatus related to the present invention includes; a tissue fastening tool formed of a wire wound into a coil shape provided with a first tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a first biological tissue and a second tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a second biological tissue; a tubular puncturing tool which extends a tissue fastening tool and accommodates the stretched tissue fastening tool inside of the puncturing tool; a fastening tool pusher in which the distal end thereof is inserted into the puncturing tool and dispenses the tissue fastening tool inserted into the puncturing tool from a distal end of the puncturing tool when the fastening tool pusher advances; and a rotating mechanism to rotate the puncturing tool when the fastening tool pusher advances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Shinji Takahashi, Masatoshi Sato, Kazushi Murakami, Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8926637
    Abstract: An absorbable surgical screw fastener is provided which includes a head and a tapered shaft extending distally of the head. Buttress threads are provided about the tapered shaft to secure the fastener in tissue. The fastener includes slots formed in the head and buttress threads. A gap is provided between the buttress threads in the head to secure a prosthetic. There is also provided a surgical instrument having novel lockout structure to prevent inadvertent actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Earl M. Zergiebel
  • Patent number: 8926656
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element into an opening formed in a blood vessel or other body lumen and methods for manufacturing and using same. The apparatus is configured to retain the closure element such that the closure element is disposed substantially within the apparatus. The apparatus also can engage, and position the closure element substantially adjacent to, the blood vessel wall adjacent to the opening. During deployment of the closure element, the apparatus expands the closure element beyond a natural cross-section of the closure element such that the closure element, when deployed, is configured to engage a significant amount of the blood vessel wall and/or tissue. Engaging the blood vessel wall and/or tissue, the closure element is further configured to return to the natural cross-section, thereby drawing the engaged blood vessel wall and/or tissue substantially closed and/or sealed, such that hemostasis within the opening is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Integated Vascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J Palermo, William M Belef, Michael T Carley, Richard S Ginn, Ronald J Jabba, Anthony Pantages
  • Patent number: 8926633
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering and deploying a closure element to an opening formed in a body lumen, including a delivery assembly positionable through the tissue and into the opening. The delivery assembly includes a distal locator portion and a carrier portion oriented proximal to the distal locator portion. The distal locator portion is configured to selectably engage the body lumen adjacent to the opening, and the carrier portion is configured to carry and support the closure element in a substantially tubular configuration. The carrier portion is further configured to urge the closure element toward an expanded cross-sectional dimension for deployment thereof, such that the closure element is oriented to engage the tissue when deployed and, when released, to return to the natural, substantially planar configuration and the natural cross-section dimension wherein the engaged tissue is drawn substantially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Michael T. Carly
  • Patent number: 8920444
    Abstract: Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Umesh Patel, Bhavin Shah, Chad S. McAlexander
  • Patent number: 8920438
    Abstract: A clip applying apparatus is described for applying clips seriatim to tissue. The apparatus includes a lockout member for limiting distal movement of the camming member after the proximal-most clip has been applied to tissue. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a jaw locking member for preventing approximation of the jaw members of the apparatus. In one embodiment, a latch assembly is provided to releasably engage a clip pusher of the apparatus to the camming member of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ernest Aranyi, Kenneth H. Whitfield, Greg Sorrentino
  • Patent number: 8920439
    Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a housing and a curved shaft. Surgical fasteners are disposed within the curved shaft for being dispensed from the distal end of the curved shaft. An advancer is disposed inside the curved shaft for shifting the surgical fasteners one position closer to the distal end of the curved shaft each time the advancer moves distally. A firing element is disposed inside the curved shaft and is movable between the proximal and distal ends of the curved shaft for dispensing the surgical fasteners from the distal end of the curved shaft. A staging assembly is adapted to receive a leading one of the surgical fasteners from the advancer as the advancer moves distally to shift the leading surgical fastener into substantial alignment with the firing element when the advancer moves proximally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cardinale, Simon Cohn
  • Patent number: 8920447
    Abstract: Intragastric implant devices for obesity treatment are disclosed. The device is passive and does not autonomously change shape, but instead reacts to movement of the stomach to induce satiety. The device includes a series of connected, articulated clips that plicate the stomach wall nondestructively (no puncturing through the gastric wall) such that the overall volume of the stomach is reduced. Cam-shaped clamping surfaces prevent slippage of the stomach tissue from within the clips. Methods of implant are disclosed including delivering the device through a transoral delivery tube and advancing the device through the esophagus to be deployed within the stomach. Removal of the device occurs in the reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary Dominguez
  • Patent number: 8920443
    Abstract: Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Biotech Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Hiles, Umesh H. Patel, Bhavin Shah, Chad S. McAlexander
  • Publication number: 20140379002
    Abstract: A method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet 2 may include inserting an elongated catheter assembly 12 to a position adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the catheter assembly including a capture tool 22 and a tissue support member 30. The capture tool 22 and the tissue support member 30 may each be independently moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. Partially retracting the capture tool 22 with the tissue support member 30 in the extended position gathers tissue 15 of the heart valve leaflet 2 between the capture tool and the tissue support member. A clip 55 may then be applied from the catheter assembly 12 to the gathered tissue 15 to hold the tissue substantially in a gathered configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Morris, John Miser, Gregory R. Furnish, Wayne A. Johnson, Mark Griffin
  • Patent number: 8915931
    Abstract: A surgical clip is provided for ligating or transecting tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like and a surgical clip applier device for delivering and applying the surgical clip to the tissue. The surgical clip can include a spine and opposed arms extending from the spine where the arms can define a clamping length. In a resting state, the clip can be biased to a closed position such that the ends of each opposed arm are disposed in proximity to each other. With such biasing, when applied to a tissue, such as with a surgical clip applier, the clip can exert a positive clamping pressure to the tissue along the clamping length to seal the tissue and limit passage of fluids, such as blood, from the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Paul Boudreaux, Mark S. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8915837
    Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasily P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly, Russell F. Durgin
  • Patent number: 8915930
    Abstract: A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Huitema, Brian D. Bertke, Robert L. Koch, Jr., Dario Vitali, Nicholas G. Molitor