Hemostatic clamp with retractable capsule compartment

Abstract

A clamping device includes a capsule compartment, the capsule compartment including a longitudinal body and a cover, the cover being mounted on a distal end thereof so that the cover can be moved relative to the longitudinal body from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, in which the cover is moved proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce the length of the capsule compartment. A channel of the cover and a channel of the capsule compartment are substantially aligned relative to each other. At least proximal portions of a pair of clamp arms are received in the channels of the cover and the longitudinal body so that the clamp arms can be moved relative to the capsule compartment between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clamp arms are separated from each other in the open configuration, and in the closed configuration, the distal ends of the clamp arms are pulled toward each other.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 853,303, filed on May 28, 2019; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to endoscopic devices, and in particular to endoscopic gripping devices for treating tissue along the gastrointestinal tract. Background Art

[0004] During endoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, the patient may be at risk for perforation of the wall of the GI tract, or may require closure of the GI tract wall as part of the surgery. Hemostatic clamps can be used, for example, to stop bleeding from mucosal / submucosal defects, bleeding ulcers, arteries, polyps, diverticula, and closure of luminal perforations. Depending on the size of the defect, multiple clamps may be required. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a clamping device, including a capsule compartment, the capsule compartment including a longitudinal body and a cover mounted on a distal end thereof, so that the cover can be moved relative to the longitudinal body from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, in which the cover is moved proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce the length of the capsule compartment. The channel of the cover and the channel of the capsule compartment are substantially aligned relative to each other. The clamping device also includes a pair of clamp arms, at least the proximal portion of which is received in the channel of the cover and the longitudinal body, so that the clamp arms can be moved relative to the capsule compartment between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clamp arms are separated from each other in the open configuration, and in the closed configuration, the distal ends of the clamp arms are pulled toward each other.

[0006] In one embodiment, the distal end of the cap may include a shoulder for abutting the distal end of the longitudinal body to prevent further proximal movement of the cap relative to the longitudinal body.

[0007] In one embodiment, the clamp arms may be biased toward the open configuration such that in the closed configuration the clamp arms are pulled toward each other via contact with an inner surface of one of the cover and the longitudinal body.

[0008] In one embodiment, the proximal portion of the longitudinal body may include a locking window extending through a wall thereof.

[0009] In one embodiment, the proximal end of the clamp arm may include a locking protrusion configured to engage a locking window of the longitudinal body when the capsule capsule is in the deployed configuration.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cover may be coupled to the longitudinal body via shear pins configured to fail when a predetermined force is exerted thereon.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cover can be connected to the longitudinal body via a pin, which extends from the inner surface of the cover and passes through a narrow slot opening, which extends through a wall along the distal portion of the longitudinal body, and the pin can be longitudinally slidable from the distal end of the narrow slot opening to the proximal end of the narrow slot opening in a pre-deployment structure, so as to be in a deployed structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the distal end of the slot opening can be sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin, and the distal end and proximal end of the slot opening are connected via an intermediate portion having a width less than the distal end of the slot opening, so that when a predetermined force is applied to the cover to move the capsule compartment from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, one of the pin and the intermediate portion is deformed to allow the pin to slide proximally along the slot opening.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one of the clamp arms may include an engagement feature configured to engage a portion of the cover such that the capsule capsule moves from the pre-deployment configuration to the deployed configuration when a predetermined proximal force is applied thereto.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to a device for treating target tissue, including a clamp, the clamp including a capsule chamber extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, and including a channel extending therethrough. The proximal end of a pair of clamp arms is slidably received in the channel so that the pair of clamp arms can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the pair of clamp arms are separated from each other, and in the closed configuration, the distal ends of the pair of clamp arms move toward each other. The capsule chamber also includes a cover mounted on the distal end of the longitudinal body so that when a predetermined force is applied to the cover via the engagement feature of the clamp arm, the cover moves from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, wherein the cover moves proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce the length of the capsule chamber. The proximal portion of the device is configured to allow the clamp to be inserted through a working channel of an endoscope. The proximal portion includes a flexible shaft extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and the distal end is configured to be releasably connected to the proximal end of the capsule chamber. A control member extends through the flexible shaft to a distal end that is releasably coupled to the proximal end of the clamp arm such that moving the control member longitudinally relative to the flexible shaft moves the clamp arm between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0015] In one embodiment, the distal end of the cap may include a shoulder for abutting the distal end of the longitudinal body to prevent further proximal movement of the cap relative to the longitudinal body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the clamp arm may be biased toward the open configuration such that the clamp arm is constrained toward the closed configuration via an inner surface of one of the cover and the longitudinal body.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cover may be coupled to the longitudinal body via shear pins configured to fail when a predetermined force is exerted thereon.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cover can be connected to the longitudinal body via a pin, which extends from its inner surface and passes through a narrow slot opening, which extends through a wall along the distal portion of the longitudinal body, and the pin can be longitudinally slidable from the distal end of the narrow slot opening to the proximal end of the narrow slot opening in a pre-deployment structure so as to be in a deployed structure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the distal end of the slot opening can be sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin, and the distal end and proximal end of the slot opening are connected via an intermediate portion having a width less than the distal end of the slot opening, so that when a predetermined force is applied to the cover to move the capsule compartment from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, one of the pin and the intermediate portion is deformed to allow the pin to slide proximally along the slot opening.

[0020] The present disclosure also relates to a method for treating a target tissue, comprising inserting a clamp device into a target site in a body through a working channel of an endoscope until the clamp device extends distally beyond the distal end of the working channel. The clamp device includes a capsule compartment and a pair of clamp arms, and the pair of clamp arms are slidably received in the capsule compartment. The capsule compartment also includes a cover mounted on the distal end of the longitudinal body. The clamp device moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clamp arms are separated from each other, and in the closed configuration, the distal ends of the clamp arms are pulled toward each other until the target tissue is received between the distal ends as expected. The clamp arms are pulled proximally into the capsule compartment to move the clamp toward the closed configuration, thereby clamping the target tissue between the clamp arms. The clamp moves from the pre-deployment configuration to the deployment configuration, which reduces the length of the capsule compartment by relatively further moving the clamp arms proximally, so that the engagement features of the clamp arms engage the cover and exert a predetermined proximal force thereon to move the cover proximally relative to the longitudinal body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 shows the pre-deployment configuration Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device;

[0022] Figure 2 Shown in deployment configuration Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal side view of a device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4 shows the pre-deployment configuration Figure 1A longitudinal side view of a capsule compartment of the device;

[0025] Figure 5 Shows the deployed configuration Figure 1 A longitudinal side view of a capsule compartment of the device;

[0026] Figure 6 shows the pre-deployment configuration Figure 1 An enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of a capsule compartment of the device;

[0027] Figure 7 Shows the deployed configuration Figure 1 An enlarged partial perspective view of a capsule compartment of the device;

[0028] Figure 8 an enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of a capsule compartment of an apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure in a pre-deployed configuration; and

[0029] Fig. 9 Shows the deployed configuration Figure 8 An enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of a capsule cabin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure may be further understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which like elements are indicated by like reference numerals. The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic clamping device for treating tissue perforations, defects and / or bleeding. In some cases, a shorter deployment clamp may be preferred to improve visualization of the target site and allow better operability when placing multiple clamps. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure describes a clamp comprising a clamp arm, the proximal end of which is slidably received in a capsule compartment to move the clamp between an open configuration and a closed configuration as intended, thereby clamping the target tissue. When the clamp is deployed on the target tissue in a closed configuration, the capsule compartment contracts to reduce the length of the deployed clamp, improve visibility of the target site and operability when placing multiple clamps. It should be noted that the terms proximal and distal as used herein refer to the direction toward (proximal) and away from (distal) the user of the device.

[0031] like Figure 1-7As shown, a clamping device 100 for treating tissue defects includes a clamp 102, which includes a pair of clamp arms 104, and the proximal ends 108 of the clamp arms are slidably received in a capsule compartment 106, so that the clamp 102 can move between an open structure and a closed structure, in which the distal ends 110 of the clamp arms 102 are separated from each other, and in the closed structure, the distal ends 110 are pulled toward each other. The capsule compartment 106 also includes a longitudinal body 112 and a cover 114, which are connected to each other and can be moved from a pre-deployment structure to a deployment structure relative to each other. In one embodiment, the cover 114 can be connected to the longitudinal body 112 via, for example, a shear pin 132, which breaks or separates to move the capsule compartment from the pre-deployment structure to the deployment structure. When the capsule compartment 106 moves from the pre-deployment structure to the deployment structure, the cover 114 moves relative to the longitudinal body 112 to reduce the length of the capsule compartment 106 when deployed. The device 100 is releasably coupled to a proximal portion 116 that facilitates insertion of the device 100 into a target site, thereby connecting the clamp 102 to a user-accessible actuator (i.e., outside the body) to allow the user to control movement of the device 100 between an open configuration and a closed configuration and deploy the device clamp 102 onto the target tissue. The proximal portion 116 may include, for example, a flexible shaft 118 extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end being connected to a handle member (not shown) retained outside the body, the handle including a control member for moving and deploying the device 100, the distal end being releasably coupled to a proximal end 122 of the capsule compartment 106. The proximal portion 116 also includes a control member 124 that extends from a proximal end of the control member connected to the handle member to a distal end 126 connected to the proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 102.

[0032] As described above, the capsule compartment 106 includes a longitudinal body 112 and a cover 114. The longitudinal body 112 extends from a proximal end 122 to a distal end 128 and includes a channel 130 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the proximal end 122 is configured to be releasably coupled to the distal end 120 of the flexible shaft 118. For example, the proximal end 122 may include a protrusion 134 that is curled radially inward to engage a corresponding portion of a bushing at the distal end 120 of the flexible shaft 118. The longitudinal body 112 may also include a locking window 136 that extends laterally through its wall or other structure to engage a locking protrusion 150 of the clamp arm 104, which will be described in further detail below.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cover 114 is mounted on the distal end 128 so that the cover 114 can be moved from the pre-deployment structure to the deployment structure relative to the longitudinal body 112. The cover 114 also extends longitudinally from the proximal end 138 to the distal end 140, and the channel 142 extends longitudinally through it so that the cover 114 and the channels 142, 130 of the longitudinal body 112 are aligned to allow the clamp arm 104 to slide longitudinally therein. In the pre-deployment structure, the cover 114 is in the most distal position relative to the longitudinal body 112. When the capsule compartment 106 moves from the pre-deployment structure to the deployment structure, the cover 114 moves proximally relative to the longitudinal body 112 so that the length of the capsule compartment 106 in the deployment structure is shorter than the length of the capsule compartment 106 in the pre-deployment structure. In one embodiment, the distal end 140 of the cover 114 includes a shoulder 148, which is configured to engage the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 to prevent the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 from moving distally beyond the shoulder. In other words, when the shoulder 148 engages the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 , the cover 114 is in a proximal-most position relative to the longitudinal body 112 and defines a minimum length of the capsule bay 106 .

[0034] The cap 114 can be coupled to the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 in any of a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the cap 114 can be overmolded onto the longitudinal body 112. In one example, as shown in FIG. Figure 6-7 As shown, in the pre-deployed configuration, the cap 114 is overmolded to the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 via shear pins 132. The shear pins 132 are configured to break and / or separate when a predetermined force is applied thereto.

[0035] In one embodiment, when the clamp arm 104 is pulled proximally relative to the capsule compartment 106 to lock and deploy the clamp 102, as will be described in further detail below, a portion of one or both clamp arms 104 engages the distal end 140 of the cover 114 so that a proximal force is applied thereto. The proximal force applied to the cover 114 breaks the shear pin 132, allowing the cover 114 to freely move proximally relative to the longitudinal body 112, from the pre-deployment configuration to the deployment configuration.

[0036] Each of the clamp arms 104 extends from a proximal end 108 to a distal end 110. As described above, the proximal portion of the clamp arm 104 is slidably received in the longitudinal body 112 of the capsule compartment 106 and the channels 130, 142 of the cover 114. In some embodiments, the proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 104 is slidably received in the longitudinal body 112 to move the clamp 102 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, as described above, the proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 104 can be (directly or indirectly) coupled to the control member 124 so that the clamp arm 104 can be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration via manipulation of the control member 124. In one embodiment, the clamp arm 104 is biased toward the open configuration so that in the closed configuration, the clamp arm 104 is constrained toward each other via the inner surface of the cover 114 and / or the longitudinal body 112. As the clamp arms 104 move distally to further extend the capsule bay 106 , the clamp arms 114 return to their biased open configuration.

[0037] Each of the clamp arms 104 also includes an engagement feature 144 that is configured to engage a portion of the cover 114 to exert a proximal force thereon when the clamp arm 104 is pulled proximally relative to the capsule compartment 106. Figure 3 As shown, the engagement feature 144 extends from a portion of the clamp arm 104 so that when the clamp arm 104 is pulled proximally relative to the capsule compartment 106, the engagement feature 144 abuts a portion of the distal side 146 of the cover 114. The engagement feature 144 is positioned along the clamp arm 104 so that when the engagement feature 144 engages the cover 114, the clamp arm 104 is pulled toward the closed configuration. In one example, the engagement feature 144 is configured as a wing extending from a longitudinal edge of the clamp arm 104.

[0038] The proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 104 also includes a locking protrusion 150 extending therefrom. In this embodiment, the proximal end 108 is biased outwardly away from the centerline of the capsule compartment 106, but is constrained by the distal end 126 of the control member 124 until the clamp 102 is deployed. As will be described in further detail below, when it is desired to lock the clamp 102 in a closed configuration, the clamp arm 104 is moved proximally relative to the capsule compartment 106 until the proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 104 is released from the control member 124 and the locking protrusion 150 is allowed to spring outwardly and engage the locking window 136 of the longitudinal body 112.

[0039] According to an exemplary method utilizing device 100, clamp 102 is inserted into a target site in the body through a working channel of, for example, an endoscope, while a handle member is retained outside the body. Clamp 102 is inserted through the working channel in a closed configuration. Once clamp 102 has reached the target site, clamp arms 104 extend capsule compartment 106 distally and move toward an open configuration under their natural bias so that the target tissue can be received between clamp arms 104. Clamp 102 can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration by extending control member 124 distally or withdrawing the control member proximally until the desired portion of the target tissue is positioned between clamp arms 104 as expected. At this point, clamp 102 is pulled into a closed configuration to clamp this portion of the target tissue between the distal ends 110 of clamp arms 104 as expected. The clamp 102 can be moved toward the locked configuration by, for example, pulling the control member 124 further toward the proximal end relative to the capsule compartment 106 until the engagement feature 144 engages the cover 114, as described above, exerting a proximal force on the cover 114 to break, separate, or otherwise cause the shear pin 132 to fail. When the shear pin 132 breaks / separates, the cover 114 moves proximally relative to the longitudinal body 112 from the pre-deployment configuration to the deployed configuration, thereby contracting the capsule compartment 106 and reducing the length of the capsule compartment 106.

[0040] The clamp 102 is locked and deployed when the shoulder 148 of the cover 114 contacts the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 and prevents the cover 114 from further proximal movement relative to the longitudinal body 112. According to one example, when the shoulder 148 engages the longitudinal body 112, the proximal force on the control member 124 causes the control member 124 to be released from the proximal ends 108 of the clamp arms 104, thereby allowing the proximal ends 108 to return to their biased configuration, causing the locking protrusions 150 to engage the locking windows 136, thereby locking the clamp 102 in the retracted closed configuration. The control member 124 is pulled proximally until the enlarged portion 152 at the distal end 126 of the control member 124 is positioned within the proximal end 122 of the longitudinal body 112 of the capsule compartment 106 to move the inwardly curled protrusion 134 outward (i.e., away from the centerline of the capsule compartment 106) to disengage, for example, a bushing at the distal end 120 of the flexible shaft 118. Further proximal movement of the control member 124 separates the control member 124 from the clamp 102, thereby releasing the clamp 102 from the proximal portion of the device 100 and releasing it to remain in the body when the remainder of the device 100 is removed from the body.

[0041] Although the exemplary embodiment shows and describes a specific deployment mechanism, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the clamp 102 can be deployed via any of a variety of deployment mechanisms, as long as the capsule compartment 106 is retracted during the deployment process to reduce its length. Specifically, as described above, the capsule compartment 106 is retracted via the proximal movement of the cover 114 relative to the longitudinal body. Although the exemplary embodiment describes and shows that the cover 114 is mounted on the distal end 128 of the longitudinal body 112 in the pre-deployment configuration via the shear pins 132, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the cover 114 can be temporarily fixed relative to the longitudinal body 112 in the pre-deployment configuration and moved to the deployment configuration via any of a variety of mechanisms.

[0042] For example, Figure 8-9 As shown, capsule compartment 206 can be substantially similar to capsule compartment 106 described above, and can be used to replace capsule compartment 106 in device 100. Similar to capsule compartment 106, capsule compartment 206 includes a cover 214, which is mounted on the distal end 228 of longitudinal body 212 and can be moved from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration relative to the longitudinal body. Cover 214 and longitudinal body 212 can be substantially similar to cover 114 and longitudinal body 112 described above with respect to capsule compartment 106. However, cover 214 is connected to longitudinal body 212 via pin 232 and slot 254, rather than being mounted on the longitudinal body in the pre-deployment configuration via shear pins.

[0043] In one embodiment, the distal portion of the longitudinal body 112 includes a slot 254 extending longitudinally through its wall. The pin 232 extends from the inner surface of the cover 214 and through the slot 254 to couple the cover 214 to the longitudinal body 112. In the pre-deployment configuration, the pin 232 extends through the distal portion 256 of the slot 254, while in the deployment configuration, the pin 232 extends through the proximal portion 258 of the slot 254. The distal and proximal portions 256, 258 of the slot 254 are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin 232 received therein. The intermediate portion 260 of the slot 254 connecting the distal and proximal portions 256, 258 has a certain width, which is less than the width of each of the distal portion 256 and the proximal portion 258. In other words, in the case where the pin 232 is cylindrical, the width of the middle portion 260 is smaller than the diameter of the pin 232, so that in order to move from the pre-deployment structure to the deployment structure, a predetermined force must be applied to the pin 232, causing one of the pin 232 and / or the middle portion 260 to elastically deform, thereby allowing the pin 232 to slide along the middle portion 260 from the distal portion 256 to the proximal portion 258.

[0044] The capsule pod 206 can be used in substantially the same manner as the capsule pod 106. For example, as described above, in the pre-deployment configuration, the pin 232 is in the distal portion 256 of the slot 254, such that the cover 214 is in the most distal position relative to the longitudinal body 212. However, once the clamp 102 is clamped to the target tissue as intended, the clamp arm 104 is further pulled proximally relative to the capsule pod 206 until the engagement feature 144 of the clamp arm 104 engages the cover 214, thereby exerting a proximal force on the cover 214, which deforms the pin 232 or the intermediate portion 260 of the slot 254, thereby allowing the pin 232 to slide from the distal portion 256, through the intermediate portion 260 and to the proximal portion 254. When the pin 232 is received in the proximal portion 254, the cover 214 is in the most proximal position relative to the longitudinal body 212, in a retracted configuration. As described above, the clamp 102 may then be locked and deployed in both the collapsed configuration and the closed configuration, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A clamping device, comprising: a capsule compartment, the capsule compartment comprising a longitudinal body and a cover, the cover being mounted on a distal end of the longitudinal body so that the cover is movable relative to the longitudinal body from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, in which the cover is moved proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce the length of the capsule compartment, and a channel of the cover and a channel of the longitudinal body are substantially aligned relative to each other; as well as a pair of clamp arms, at least proximal portions of which are received within the channels of the cover and the longitudinal body, such that the clamp arms are movable relative to the capsule compartment between an open configuration in which distal ends of the clamp arms are separated from each other and a closed configuration in which distal ends of the clamp arms are pulled toward each other, Wherein, at least one of the clamp arms includes an engagement feature configured to engage a portion of the cover such that when a predetermined proximal force is applied to the engagement feature, the capsule compartment moves from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The distal end of the cap includes a shoulder for abutting the distal end of the longitudinal body to prevent further proximal movement of the cap relative to the longitudinal body.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamp arms are biased toward the open configuration such that in the closed configuration the clamp arms are pulled toward each other via contact with an inner surface of one of the cover and the longitudinal body.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The proximal portion of the longitudinal body includes a locking window extending through a wall of the proximal portion of the longitudinal body.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The proximal ends of the clamp arms include locking protrusions configured to engage locking windows of the longitudinal body when the capsule compartment is in the deployed configuration.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover is coupled to the longitudinal body via a shear pin configured to fail when a predetermined proximal force is exerted thereon.

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover is connected to the longitudinal body via a pin, which extends from the inner surface of the cover and passes through a narrow slot opening, which extends through a wall along the distal portion of the longitudinal body. The pin can slide longitudinally from the distal end of the narrow slot opening to the proximal end of the narrow slot opening in the pre-deployment structure so as to be in the deployed structure.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The distal end of the narrow slot opening is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin, and the distal end and proximal end of the narrow slot opening are connected via an intermediate portion, and the intermediate portion has a width smaller than the distal end of the narrow slot opening, so that when a predetermined proximal force is applied to the cover to move the capsule compartment from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, one of the pin and the intermediate portion is deformed to allow the pin to slide proximally along the narrow slot opening.

9. A device for treating a target tissue, comprising: a clamp comprising a capsule compartment extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and comprising a channel extending through the capsule compartment, proximal ends of a pair of clamp arms being slidably received in the channel so that the pair of clamp arms are movable between an open configuration in which the distal ends of the pair of clamp arms are separated from each other and a closed configuration in which the distal ends of the pair of clamp arms are moved toward each other, the capsule compartment further comprising a cover mounted on the distal end of the longitudinal body so that when a predetermined proximal force is applied to the cover via an engagement feature of the clamp arms, the cover moves from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration in which the cover moves proximally relative to the longitudinal body to reduce the length of the capsule compartment; as well as A proximal portion, which is constructed to allow the clamp to be inserted through a working channel of an endoscope, and includes a flexible shaft and a control member, wherein the flexible shaft extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and the distal end is constructed to be releasably connected to the proximal end of the capsule compartment, and the control member extends through the flexible shaft to the distal end, and the distal end is releasably connected to the proximal end of the clamp arm, so that longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the flexible shaft causes the clamp arm to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The distal end of the cap includes a shoulder for abutting the distal end of the longitudinal body to prevent further proximal movement of the cap relative to the longitudinal body.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The clamp arm is biased toward the open configuration such that the clamp arm is restrained toward the closed configuration via an inner surface of one of the cover and the longitudinal body.

12. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The cover is coupled to the longitudinal body via a shear pin configured to fail when a predetermined proximal force is exerted thereon.

13. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The cover is connected to the longitudinal body via a pin, which extends from the inner surface of the cover and passes through a narrow slot opening, which extends through a wall along the distal portion of the longitudinal body. The pin can be longitudinally slid from the distal end of the narrow slot opening to the proximal end of the narrow slot opening in a pre-deployment structure so as to be in a deployed structure.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The distal end of the narrow slot opening is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin, and the distal end and proximal end of the narrow slot opening are connected via an intermediate portion, and the intermediate portion has a width smaller than the distal end of the narrow slot opening, so that when a predetermined proximal force is applied to the cover to move the capsule compartment from a pre-deployment configuration to a deployment configuration, one of the pin and the intermediate portion is deformed to allow the pin to slide proximally along the narrow slot opening.

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