Apparatus and method for delivering fasteners during valve replacement
First Claim
1. A fastener delivery tool, comprising:
- a loading chamber for receiving a fastener including a plurality of tines overlapping one another to define a loop in a relaxed state;
a releasable retaining member receivable in the loop for limiting movement of the fastener within the loading chamber;
an ejection track communicating with the loading chamber;
a handle including an actuator; and
a tongue and a pusher member coupled to the actuator,wherein activation of the actuator advances the tongue for engaging the tines for transforming the fastener from the relaxed state to a constrained state and advances the pusher member for advancing the fastener from the loading chamber down the ejection track, andwherein the tongue comprises one or more teeth configured to drop within the loop when the actuator is activated, the tongue configured to advance distally along inner surfaces of the tines for parting the tines with the one or more teeth.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fastener delivery tool includes a loading chamber for receiving a fastener having a pair of tines overlapping one another to define a loop in a parent or relaxed state. A retaining member retains the fastener in the loading chamber. The fastener delivery tool also includes a tongue, pusher member, and an ejection track communicating with the loading chamber. An actuator causes the tongue to move to engage the tines of the fastener to transform the fastener from the relaxed state to a constrained state defining a U-shape. The actuator also causes the pusher member to release the retaining member and advance the fastener down the ejection track in the constrained state. The tool also includes a trigger for ejecting the fastener completely from the ejection track. The fastener may be used to secure a prosthetic heart valve or components thereof into surrounding tissue, e.g., within a tissue annulus.
32 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fastener delivery tool, comprising:
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a loading chamber for receiving a fastener including a plurality of tines overlapping one another to define a loop in a relaxed state; a releasable retaining member receivable in the loop for limiting movement of the fastener within the loading chamber; an ejection track communicating with the loading chamber; a handle including an actuator; and a tongue and a pusher member coupled to the actuator, wherein activation of the actuator advances the tongue for engaging the tines for transforming the fastener from the relaxed state to a constrained state and advances the pusher member for advancing the fastener from the loading chamber down the ejection track, and wherein the tongue comprises one or more teeth configured to drop within the loop when the actuator is activated, the tongue configured to advance distally along inner surfaces of the tines for parting the tines with the one or more teeth. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A fastener delivery tool, comprising:
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a loading chamber for receiving at least one fastener having a pair of tines overlapping one another to define a loop in a relaxed state, the loading chamber including a release pin for loading said at least one fastener so that the pin is receivable in the loop; an ejection track communicating with the loading chamber; and an actuator coupled to a tongue and a pusher member, wherein activation of the actuator advances the tongue for engaging the pair of tines for transforming the fastener from the relaxed state to a constrained state and advances the pusher member for advancing the at least one fastener in the constrained state from the loading chamber down the ejection track, and wherein the tongue comprises one or more teeth configured to drop within the loop when the actuator is activated, the tongue configured to advance distally along inner surfaces of the tines for parting the tines with the one or more teeth. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification