Locking mechanisms for fixation devices and methods of engaging tissue
First Claim
1. An implantable fixation device for engaging cardiac tissue, said device comprising:
- a pair of elements each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being movable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other, wherein in the closed position the pair of elements is adapted to reduce retrograde blood flow across the engaged tissue;
a moveable stud coupled to the pair of elements wherein movement of the stud moves the elements between the open and the closed positions; and
a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an engagement element engageable with the moveable stud so as to restrict movement of the stud, the engagement element having at least one protrusion which mates with at least one external groove on the stud so as to restrict movement of the stud.
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Abstract
Devices and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair. Fixation devices comprise a pair of elements each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being moveable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other. The fixation devices include a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place. The devices and methods find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions. The invention is particularly useful in 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.
706 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An implantable fixation device for engaging cardiac tissue, said device comprising:
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a pair of elements each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being movable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other, wherein in the closed position the pair of elements is adapted to reduce retrograde blood flow across the engaged tissue; a moveable stud coupled to the pair of elements wherein movement of the stud moves the elements between the open and the closed positions; and a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an engagement element engageable with the moveable stud so as to restrict movement of the stud, the engagement element having at least one protrusion which mates with at least one external groove on the stud so as to restrict movement of the stud. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An implantable locking mechanism for fixing cardiac tissue, said mechanism comprising:
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a moveable stud coupled to a device, wherein movement of the stud actuates movement of a portion of a device to a desired position in a range from a first position to a second position, wherein in the desired position the device is adapted to reduce retrograde blood flow across the fixed cardiac tissue; at least one element configured to engage the stud to restrict movement of the stud which locks the device in the desired position, wherein the at least one element comprises at least one cam, the at least one cam pivotable to frictionally engage the stud to restrict movement thereof; and an unlocking mechanism configured to disengage the at least one element from the stud which allows movement of the stud. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification