Tissue connector apparatus and methods
First Claim
1. A tissue connector assembly comprising a self-closing clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said clip having a generally U-shaped configuration when in said open configuration, and a mechanical restraining device coupled to said clip for restraining said clip in said open configuration, wherein said restraining device is coupled to said clip such that in at least one state of said restraining device, an entirety of said restraining device moves with movement of said clip in response to a movement force applied to said clip, and further wherein said clip assumes a spiral configuration in said closed configuration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a mechanical restraining device attached to the clip for restraining the clip in its open configuration. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. A method for connecting tissues is also disclosed. The method includes inserting a clip through tissue with the clip being biased in an open position by a restraining device secured to the clip, and removing the restraining device from the clip.
571 Citations
43 Claims
- 1. A tissue connector assembly comprising a self-closing clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said clip having a generally U-shaped configuration when in said open configuration, and a mechanical restraining device coupled to said clip for restraining said clip in said open configuration, wherein said restraining device is coupled to said clip such that in at least one state of said restraining device, an entirety of said restraining device moves with movement of said clip in response to a movement force applied to said clip, and further wherein said clip assumes a spiral configuration in said closed configuration.
- 14. A tissue connector assembly comprising a self-closing clip having an open configuration and a closed configuration and a coil wound about said clip, wherein said coil is adapted to provide a biasing force to bias said clip in said open configuration, and further wherein a relationship of a longitudinal length of said coil relative to a longitudinal length of said clip differs between said open configuration and said closed configuration.
- 19. A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip having an open configuration and a closed configuration and a restraint coupled to said clip when in said open configuration, wherein said clip assumes a spiral configuration in said closed configuration, wherein said restraint comprises an elongated member removably insertable into said clip, said clip and said elongated member configured such that said clip assumes said open configuration when said elongated member is inserted into said clip, and said clip transitions to said spiral configuration with removal of said elongated member from said clip.
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23. A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip having an open configuration and a closed configuration and a restraint coupled to said clip when in said open configuration, wherein said clip assumes a spiral configuration in said closed configuration, wherein said clip has a generally U-shaped configuration defined by a continuous, single bend direction along an entire length of said clip when in said open configuration.
- 24. A tissue connector assembly comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said clip having a spiral shaped configuration when in said closed configuration, and an open configuration in which said clip is configured to form less than a full 360 degree turn in extension between opposing terminal ends, wherein said clip has a generally U-shaped configuration when in said open configuration.
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28. A tissue connector assembly comprising:
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a surgical clip having a relaxed state; a needle having a sharp distal point; a connector releasably coupling said needle to said clip; and a biasing member associated with said surgical clip; wherein said connector, when coupling said needle to said clip, urges said biasing member to bias said clip away from said relaxed state. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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- 31. A tissue connector assembly comprising a needle, a clip, and a locking device releasably connecting said needle to said clip, said locking device being movable between an open position for insertion and removal of said needle and a closed position for coupling said needle to said clip and biasing said clip in an open configuration.
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35. A method for connecting multiple portions of material, at least one of which comprises tissue, comprising:
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inserting a clip formed of a wire having opposing first and second terminal tips, which is spring biased away from a closed configuration to an open configuration, through said multiple portions of material, at least one of which comprises tissue, including initially inserting said first tip into said multiple portions of material before any other segment of said clip; mechanically maintaining said clip in said open configuration while inserting said clip through said materials; and allowing said clip to return to said closed configuration and secure a portion of said material therein. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A method for connecting multiple portions of material, at least one of which comprises tissue, said method comprising:
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inserting a needle having a clip attached thereto through said multiple portions with a needle holder, wherein said needle is initially inserted into said multiple portions followed by said clip, including pulling said needle through said multiple portions with said needle holder; and removing said needle from said clip with said needle holder, including removing a locking device holding said clip in an open position. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43)
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Specification