Locking mechanisms for fixation devices and methods of engaging tissue
First Claim
1. A fixation device for engaging tissue 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; and
a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are provided for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. In particular, fixation devices are provided 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 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 also include a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place. 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.
445 Citations
60 Claims
-
1. A fixation device for engaging tissue 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; and
a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
22. A fixation device for engaging tissue 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 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; and
a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place along a continuum of positions between the open position and the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 48, 59)
-
-
34. A fixation device for engaging tissue comprising:
-
a pair of elements each having a first end and a free end opposite the first end, the first ends being moveable within a range between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together; and
a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in a position which allows movement of the elements within a sub-range of the range. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
-
-
41. A locking mechanism comprising:
-
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;
at least one element configured to engage the stud to restrict movement of the stud which locks the device in the desired position; and
an unlocking mechanism configured to disengage the at least one element from the stud which allows movement of the stud. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54)
-
-
55. A lockable system comprising:
-
a device having a portion which is moveable to a desired position; and
a locking mechanism coupled to the device comprising a moveable stud configured so that movement of the stud actuates movement of the portion of the device to the desired position, at least one element configured to engage the stud to restrict movement of the stud which locks the device in the desired position, and an unlocking mechanism configured to disengage the at least one element from the stud which allows movement of the stud. - View Dependent Claims (56, 57, 58, 60)
-
Specification