Hemostatic clip two-stage placement mechanism for eliminating falling-off component

Abstract

The clamping device includes a clamp including a bladder and a pair of clamp arms, proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms being slidably received within the channel to move the clamp arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each clip arm of the pair of clip arms includes an elongated opening extending through their proximal end. The connecting piece comprises a central part and a pin; the central part is accommodated between the near ends of the clamping arms; the pin extends from the central part and can be accommodated in the opening of each clamping arm; the connector is movable from an unlocked configuration in which the pin is received inside a distal portion of the elongate opening to a configuration in which the pin is received inside a proximal portion of the elongate opening when a predetermined force is applied to the connector.

Description

(202080051094.9 sub-case) Priority claim

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 877,873, filed on July 24, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to endoscopic devices, and in particular, to endoscopic gripping devices for treating tissue along the gastrointestinal tract. Background Art

[0003] During endoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, the patient may be at risk for perforation of the GI wall or may require closure of the GI wall as part of the surgery. Hemostatic clips can be used, for example, to stop bleeding from mucosal / submucosal defects, bleeding ulcers, arteries, polyps, diverticula, and to close luminal perforations. A variety of clips can be used, depending on the size of the defect. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a clamping device including a clamp, the clamp including a capsule and a pair of clamp arms, the capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms being slidably received within the channel to move the clamp arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each clamp arm of the pair of clamp arms includes an elongated opening extending through their proximal ends. A connector includes: a central portion that can be received between the proximal ends of the clamp arms, and a pin extending from the central portion that can be received within the opening of each clamp arm. The connector is movable from an unlocked configuration (wherein the pin is received within the distal portion of the elongated opening) to a locked configuration (wherein the pin is received within the proximal portion of the elongated opening when a predetermined force is applied to the pin). A control member extends from the proximal end to the distal end through the proximal portion of the clamping device, the distal end being releasably coupled to the connector, so that when the connector is in the unlocked configuration, longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule causes the clamp to move between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0005] In one embodiment, the capsule may include a locking tab that is biased to extend radially into the channel so that when the pin is moved from the distal portion of the slender opening to the proximal portion of the slender opening, the pin is moved proximally past the locking tab until the pin engages the locking tab to lock the clamp in a closed configuration.

[0006] In one embodiment, the distal and proximal portions of the elongated opening may be connected via a middle portion having a width less than the width of the distal and proximal portions such that one of the stud and a portion of the clamp arm deforms to allow the stud to move from the distal portion to the proximal portion.

[0007] In one embodiment, each clamp arm may include a slot extending from a proximal-most end of the clamp arm to the elongated opening to define a pair of fingers that deform by spreading relative to each other to allow the stud to move proximally beyond the mid-portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connector may include a depending extension extending from the stud to engage an outer surface of each clamp arm.

[0009] In one embodiment, the central portion of the connector can be sized and shaped so that when the connector is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the central portion moves the inwardly curled tabs at the proximal end of the capsule radially outward, thereby releasing the clamp from the proximal portion of the clamping device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connector can be connected to the control member by means of one of a weld, a crimped portion, and a spherical top of the control member, which is configured to separate when a predetermined force greater than the predetermined force for moving the connector from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration is applied thereto.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a clamping device including a clamp, the clamp including a capsule and a pair of clamp arms, the capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms being slidably received within the channel to allow the clamp arms to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each clamp arm of the pair of clamp arms includes an opening extending through their proximal ends. A connector includes a central portion that can be received between the proximal ends of the clamp arms, and a pin extending from the central portion that can be received in the opening of each clamp arm. At least a portion of the central portion is configured to move relative to the pin and the clamp arms from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration when a predetermined force is applied thereto. A control member extends from the proximal end through a proximal portion of the clamping device to a distal end that is releasably coupled to the connector, such that longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule causes the clamp to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration when the connector is in an unlocked configuration.

[0012] In one embodiment, the capsule may include a locking tab that is biased to extend radially into the channel so that when the center portion is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, a portion of the center portion engages the locking tab to lock the clamp in the closed configuration.

[0013] In one embodiment, the central portion may include an elongated opening extending therethrough, the pin being received within the elongated opening and movable relative to the central portion from a proximal portion of the elongated opening of the central portion in an unlocked configuration to a distal portion of the elongated opening of the central portion in a locked configuration.

[0014] In one embodiment, the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening may be interconnected via a middle portion having a width less than the width of the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening such that the deformed stud allows movement from the proximal portion of the elongated opening to the distal portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the center portion may include an inner member from which a pin extends; and a sliding member connected to the inner member via shear tabs that are configured to be sheared off when subjected to a predetermined force to move the sliding member from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sliding member may include a pair of sliding arms extending along opposite sides of the inner member, inwardly extending fingers at distal ends of the sliding arms engaging shear tabs at the distal end of the inner member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the stud may be engaged with the opening of each clamp arm by one of a friction fit, welding, adhesive, and a cantilevered portion extending from the stud.

[0018] In one embodiment, the size and shape of the central portion of the connector can be designed so that when the connector is moved from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, the central portion engages with an inwardly curled tab at the proximal end of the capsule to move the curled tab radially outward, thereby releasing the clamp from the proximal portion of the clamping device.

[0019] The present disclosure also relates to a method for clamping tissue. A clamping device is inserted through a working channel of an endoscope into a target site within a body until the clamp of the clamping device extends distally beyond the distal end of the working channel. The clamping device includes a capsule and a pair of clamp arms slidably received therein. The clamping device is moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration using a control line connected to the clamp arms until the target tissue is received between the distal ends of the clamp arms as desired. The distal end of the control line is connected to the proximal ends of the clamp arms via a connector, the connector including a central portion that is received between the proximal ends of the clamp arms; and a pin that extends from the connector and can be received within an elongated opening extending through the proximal end of each clamp arm.

[0020] The clamp arms are pulled proximally into the balloon to move the clamp toward the closed configuration to clamp the target tissue between the clamp arms. The clamp is locked in the closed configuration by pulling the control member proximally relative to the balloon until a predetermined force is applied to the connector, thereby moving the pin from the distal portion of the elongated opening to the proximal portion of the elongated opening so that the pin engages a locking tab that is radially biased into the balloon passage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1Ashows a longitudinal side view of a clamping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 1B Shown according to Figure 1A A partially transparent longitudinal side view of a clamp of the device;

[0023] Figure 2 Shown in a closed, undeployed configuration Figure 1A An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clamping device;

[0024] Figure 3 Shown in locked and placed configuration Figure 1A An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clamping device;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a connector connected to a clamping device clamp arm according to an alternative embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 Shown according to Figure 1A A perspective view of a control member and a connecting member of a clamping device;

[0027] Figure 6 shows a longitudinal side view of a control member and a connection according to an alternative embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a control member and a connection according to another alternative embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clamping device in a closed, undeployed configuration according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 9 showing an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clamping device in a locked configuration;

[0031] Fig.10 shows a side view of a portion of the clamping device in a locked and deployed configuration;

[0032] Fig.11 Shown according to Figure 8 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamping device and a connecting member;

[0033] Fig.12 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clamping device in a closed, undeployed configuration according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig.13 Shown in locked and placed configuration Fig.11An enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clamping device;

[0035] Fig.14 Shown according to Fig.11 a perspective view of a portion of a connecting member of a clamping device; and

[0036] Fig.15 Shown according to Fig.11 A perspective view of a portion of a connecting piece of a clamping device with the shear tab sheared off. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure may be further understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, in which like elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic clamping device for treating internal tissue perforations, defects and / or hemorrhages. In some cases, shorter placement clamps may be preferred to improve visualization of the target site and allow for better maneuverability when multiple clamps are placed. Additionally, although the fall-out component will naturally pass through the body under normal circumstances, the fall-out component may become trapped in a larger defect after closure.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure describe a clamping device including a clamp including clamp arms that can slide inside a capsule to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration as needed to clamp tissue. Specifically, the clamp arms can be moved relative to the capsule using a control member that includes a connector at its distal end for connecting the control member to the clamp arms. The connector is coupled to the proximal end of the clamp arm so that once the clamp is clamped above the target tissue as needed, at least a portion of the connector slides proximally relative to the clamp arm to lock the clamp relative to the capsule and facilitate placement of the clamp from the proximal portion of the device. The sliding connector remains attached to the clamp arm during placement. The sliding connector (including its locking mechanism) reduces the potential length of the clamp arm and / or the dislodged parts of the clamp in the body. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms "proximal" and "distal" as used herein are intended to refer to directions toward and away from the user of the device, respectively.

[0039] like Figure 1A-Figure 7As shown in , the clamping device 100 includes a clamp 102, which includes a pair of clamp arms 104, the proximal ends 108 of which are slidably received within a capsule 106, so that the clamp arms can be moved between an open configuration (in which the distal ends 110 of the clamp arms 104 are separated from each other) and a closed configuration (in which the distal ends 110 are pulled toward each other). The clamp arms 104 are moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration by means of proximal and distal movement of a control member 112, which is coupled to the clamp arms 104 via a connector 114. The connector 114 is used to maintain alignment between the clamp arms 104, to lock the clamp arms 104 relative to the capsule 106 once the target tissue has been clamped, and to facilitate the placement of the clamp from a proximal portion 116 of the clamping device 100, which facilitates insertion of the clamp 102 into the target site.

[0040] In some embodiments, once the clamp 102 has been clamped over the target tissue, the control member 112 is pulled proximally relative to the balloon 106 until at least a portion of the connector 114 slides proximally relative to the clamp arm 104 (as described in more detail below) to lock the clamp 102 in the closed configuration and facilitate placement of the clamp 102 from the proximal portion 116. For example, the proximal portion 116 can include a flexible, elongated member 117 that houses the control member 112 and connects the clamp 102 to a handle 119 and / or actuator that remains external to the body during use so as to be accessible to the user, thereby allowing the user to control the operation and movement of the device 100 between the open and closed configurations and place the clamp 102 over the target tissue. The flexible, elongated member can be releasably coupled to the clamp 102 via a sleeve 118 at the distal end of the flexible, elongated member. The control member 112 extends through an elongated member from a proximal end connected to a portion of the handle member to a distal end 120 connected to the connector 114 .

[0041] The balloon 106 extends from a proximal end 122 to a distal end 124 and includes a passage 126 extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the proximal end 122 is configured to be releasably coupled to the sleeve 118, for example, via a tab 128 that is curled radially inward to engage with a corresponding portion of the sleeve 118. The proximal portion of the balloon 106 also includes a locking tab 130 that extends into the passage 126. In one example, the locking tab 130 is defined by a cutout of a wall 132 of the balloon 106 that is angled or curved into the passage 126 such that a proximal end 134 of the locking tab 130 is biased toward a centerline of the balloon 106.

[0042] Each clamp arm 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 within the channel 126 of the capsule 106. Specifically, the proximal end 108 of each clamp arm 104 is slidably received within the channel 126, thereby allowing the clamp 102 to move between the open configuration and the closed configuration by means of manipulation of the control member 112. In one embodiment, the clamp arms 104 are biased toward the open configuration so that when the clamp arms 104 are advanced distally from the capsule 106, the clamp arms 104 move into the open configuration in a manner separated from each other under their natural bias. When the clamp arms 104 are pulled proximally into the capsule 106, the clamp arms 104 are constrained by the wall 132 of the capsule 106 and are collectively pulled toward a closed position (in which the distal ends 110 are adjacent to each other). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of other mechanisms for opening and closing the clamp arms 104 may be used.

[0043] The clamp arms 104 of the present embodiment also include engagement features 136 that extend from the clamp arms and are configured to engage a portion of the capsule 106 such that when the engagement features 136 engage the capsule 106, the clamp arms 104 are prevented from further proximal movement into the capsule 106. In one embodiment, the engagement features 136 extend laterally outwardly to have a width greater than the proximal portions of the clamp arms 104, which are sized to allow them to be pulled proximally into the capsule 106. Thus, when the clamp arms 104 are pulled proximally into the capsule 106, the engagement features 136 abut the distal ends 124 of the capsule 106. The engagement features 136 are positioned along the clamp arms 104 such that, at the point at which the engagement features 136 have engaged the capsule 106, the clamp arms 104 have been sufficiently pulled proximally into the capsule 106 to pull the pair of clamp arms 104 together into a closed configuration. In one example, the engagement features 136 are configured as wings that extend laterally from the longitudinal edges of the clip arms 104 .

[0044] The proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 104 includes an elongated opening 138 extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the connector 114 therein. The elongated opening 138 includes a proximal portion 140 and a distal portion 142 connected to each other via a middle portion 144 having a width that is less than the width (e.g., diameter) of each of the proximal portion 140 and the distal portion 142. Each of the proximal portion 140 and the distal portion 142 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the connector 114 (e.g., a stud 146) therein.

[0045] In the unlocked configuration (wherein the clamp arm 104 is movable relative to the capsule 106), the pin 146 is received within the distal portion 142 of the elongated opening 138 (see, e.g., Figure 2In the locked configuration (wherein the clamp arm 104 is locked in a closed configuration relative to the capsule 106), the pin 146 is received within the proximal portion 140 of the elongated opening 138 (see, e.g. Figure 3 ). The width of the middle portion 144 is less than the width of the proximal portion 140 and the distal portion 142 to prevent the pin 146 from accidentally sliding from the distal portion 142 to the proximal portion 140 until it is desired to lock the clamp 102 in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the pin 146 is configured to move from the distal portion 142 to the proximal portion 140 when a predetermined force is applied thereto using the control member 112.

[0046] As described above, the control member 112 is connected to the clamp arm 104 via the connection 114 so that movement of the control member 112 controls movement of the clamp 102 and specifically movement of the clamp arm 104 relative to the capsule 106. Figure 5 , the connector 114 is releasably attached to the distal end 120 of the control member 112 and includes a central portion 150 sized and shaped to be received between the proximal end 108 of the clamp arm 104 and a stud 146 extending from opposite sides of the central body 150 to be received within the elongated opening 138. The central portion 150 extends from a proximal end 152 connected to the control member 112 to a distal end 154.

[0047] In one embodiment, the central portion is defined by two opposing surfaces 156 and lateral surfaces 158 connecting longitudinal edges 160 of the opposing surfaces 156, each of which contacts a corresponding one of the clamp arms 104. The distance between the lateral surfaces 158 is selected so that when the connector 114 is slid proximally relative to the clamp arms 104 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the lateral surfaces 158 engage the inwardly curled tabs 128 at the proximal end 122 of the balloon 106, thereby moving the tabs 128 radially outward out of engagement with the sleeve 118 of the proximal portion 116 of the device 100 to place the clamp 102. In one embodiment, the distance between the lateral surfaces 158 generally corresponds to the width (e.g., diameter) of the channel 126 of the balloon 106 so that the connector 114 can slide longitudinally within the channel 126.

[0047] The stud 146 includes a protrusion 162 extending from each of the opposing surfaces 156 to be received within the elongated opening 138 of a corresponding one of the clamp arms 104. In one embodiment, the stud 146 may include an overhang 164 extending laterally from each protrusion 162 such that when each protrusion 162 is received within the elongated opening 138 of the corresponding arm 104, the overhang 164 engages an outer surface 166 of the clamp arm 104 (e.g., a surface of the clamp arm 104 facing away from the centerline of the capsule 106) to space the clamp arm 104 from the channel 106, thereby inhibiting any friction that would otherwise be generated by the outer surface 166 of the clamp arm 104 sliding against the channel 126 surface.

[0048] As described above, the stud 146 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the engagement feature 136 of the clamp arm 104 engages the distal end 124 of the capsule 106 to prevent further proximal movement of the clamp arm 104 relative to the capsule 106. Therefore, when the control member 112 is further moved proximally relative to the capsule 106 to apply a predetermined force to the connector 114, the stud 146 moves from the distal portion 142 of the elongated opening 138 to the proximal portion 140 of the elongated opening 138 of the clamp arm 104 through the middle portion 144, which has a width smaller than the proximal and distal portions 140, 142 and the stud 146. In one example, one of the protrusions 162 of the stud 146 and / or the portion of the clamp arm 104 extending along either side of the middle portion 144 is deformed to allow the stud 146 to move proximally.

[0049] In another example, if Figure 4 As shown in , the proximal end 108' of the clamp arm 104' includes a slot 168' from the proximal-most end 169' of the clamp arm 104' to the elongated opening 138' to define a pair of fingers 170'. When a predetermined force is applied to the connector 114 (which is generally similar to the connector 114' described above) to move the connector 114' from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the pair of fingers 170' flex or diverge from each other to facilitate the movement of the pin 146' of the connector 114' from the distal portion 142' of the elongated opening 138' through the middle portion 144' to the proximal portion 140' of the elongated opening 138', the middle portion 144' having a width less than the proximal portion 140' and the distal portion 142'. However, once the stud 146' is received within the proximal portion 140' of the elongated opening 138', the fingers 170' return to their original configuration such that the stud 146' is retained within the proximal portion 140' and the clamp arm 104' is locked relative to the capsule 106 using the locking tab 130 as described above.

[0050] like Figure 3, the stud 146 extends across the width (e.g., diameter) of the passage 126 of the capsule 106 such that the length of the stud 146 generally corresponds to the width. Thus, when moving the connector 114 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the stud 146 slides along the locking tab 130 such that the locking tab 130 moves radially outward as it moves proximally past the locking tab. However, once the stud 146 has slid proximally past the locking tab 130, the locking tab 130 is allowed to return to its inclined / bent configuration such that its proximal end 134 extends toward the centerline of the capsule 106. In the locked configuration, the stud 146 is proximal to the proximal end 134 of the locking tab 130 such that the stud 146 engages the locking tab 130 and is prevented from moving distally past the locking tab, thereby locking the clamp arm 104 in the closed configuration relative to the stud 146.

[0051] As described above, the connector 114 is releasably coupled to the distal end 120 of the control member 112. Thus, once the connector 114 has been moved to the locked configuration so that the central portion 150 has moved the curled tab 128 out of engagement with the sleeve 118 and the pin 146 is located within the proximal portion 140 of the opening 138, the control member 112 is moved even further proximally relative to the capsule 106 until a predetermined force is applied thereto, thereby releasing the control member 112 from the connector 114 or separating the control member 112 from the connector 114. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the predetermined force required to separate the control member 112 from the connector 114 is greater than the predetermined force required to move the connector 114 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Separation of the control member 112 from the connector 114 allows the proximal portion 116 to be removed from the body while leaving the clamp 102 in a state of being clamped on the target tissue inside the body.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the control member 112 may be releasably coupled to the connector 114 in any of a variety of ways. Figure 5 As shown in , for example, the distal end 120 of the control member 112 can be welded to the proximal end 152 of the central portion 150 and configured to rupture or separate when a predetermined force is applied thereto. Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the connector 114' may include a sleeve 172' extending proximally from the proximal end 152' of the central portion 150' to be crimped on the distal portion of the control member 112'. Distal to the crimped portion 173' of the sleeve 172', the sleeve 172' includes a constricted portion 174' configured to break or rupture when a predetermined force is applied thereto.

[0053] According to another example, Figure 7As shown in the figure, the control member 112" may include a spherical tip 172", which is releasably connected to the distal end 120" of the control member 112". Specifically, the distal portion of the control member 112" extends through the central portion 150" of the connector 114", so that the spherical tip 172' is distal to the distal end 154" of the central portion 150". Immediately proximal to the central portion 150" of the connector 114", a hypotube 113" can be crimped or welded above the control member 112" to prevent the control member 112" from sliding distally through the central portion 150" during opening of the clamp 102. When a predetermined force is applied thereto, the spherical tip 172' separates from the remainder of the control member 112", so that the control member 112" can be moved proximally from the central portion 150".

[0054] although Figure 7 While the hypotube 113'' is specifically shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the control member 112'' may include other elements or mechanisms for preventing the control member 112'' from moving distally relative to the connector 114''. For example, the control member 112'' may alternatively include an enlarged diameter portion immediately distal to the center portion 150''. Although specific examples are illustrated and described above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the control member 112'' may be releasably coupled to the connector 114'' in any of a variety of ways, as long as the control member 112'' can be released from the connector 114 when subjected to a predetermined force.

[0055] According to one exemplary method of using the clamping device 100, the clamp 102 is inserted through a working channel of, for example, an endoscope to a target site inside the body, while the handle member remains outside the body. The clamp 102 is inserted through the working channel in a closed configuration. Once the clamp 102 has reached the target site, the user advances the control member 112 distally to advance the clamp arms 104 distally out of the capsule 106, thereby releasing the clamp arms 104 to move toward the open configuration under their natural bias so that the target tissue can be received between the clamp arms 104. The user can then operate the control member 112 as needed to move the clamp 102 between the open configuration and the closed configuration until the target portion of the tissue is located between the clamp arms 104 as needed.

[0056] As described above, the clamp arms 104 can be moved between the open position and the closed position while the control link 114 is in an unlocked configuration relative to the clamp arms 104. Specifically, the link 114 of the stud 146 is received within the distal portion 142 extending through the elongated opening 138 at the proximal end of the clamp arms 104. Once the target tissue has been clamped, the user pulls the control member 112 proximally (or advances the proximal portion 116 distally over the control member 112) as desired, so that the clamp arms 104 are pulled toward each other to clamp the target tissue between the distal ends 110 of the clamp arms 104 while the clamp arms 104 are pulled into the capsule 106.

[0057] When the clamp 102 is in a desired state for clamping the target tissue, the user applies an increasing proximally directed force to the control member 112 after the engagement feature 136 has engaged the capsule 106, as described above, until the stud 146 of the connector 114 moves proximally from its distal portion 142 through the middle portion 144 to the proximal portion 140 within the elongated opening 138. As described above, either the clamp 104 and / or the stud 146 may be deformed to allow the stud 146 to move proximally through the middle portion 144, which has a width that is less than the proximal portion 140 and the distal portion 142.

[0058] When the connector 114 is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, the pin 146 moves distally beyond the proximal end 134 of the locking tab 130 of the capsule 106 to lock the clamp arm 104 in the closed configuration relative to the capsule, while also moving the inwardly curled tabs 128 at the proximal end 122 of the capsule 106 radially outward using the lateral surface 158 of the central portion 150 to separate the capsule 106 from the cannula 118. Once the connector 114 has been moved to the locked configuration, the proximally directed force applied to the control member 112 can be increased until the control member 112 separates from the connector 114, thereby releasing the clamp 102 from the proximal portion 116 of the device 100 and placing the clamp 102 in a state of coupling to the target tissue. The proximal portion 116 (including the control member 112) can then be removed from the body.

[0059] like Figure 8-Figure 10As shown in , a clamping device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment is generally similar to the clamping device 100 described above and includes a clamp 202, which includes a pair of clamp arms 204, the proximal ends 208 of which are slidably received within a capsule 206, so that the clamp 202 can be moved between an open configuration (in which the distal ends of the clamp arms 204 are separated from each other) and a closed configuration (in which the distal ends are pulled toward each other). The clamp arms 204 are moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration using distal and proximal movement of a control member 212, which is coupled to the clamp arms 204 via a connector 214. Generally similar to the connector 114, the connector 214 includes a central portion 250 and a pin 246. However, instead of moving the entire connector 214 proximally relative to the clamp arm 204 to move the clamp 202 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the stud 246 is maintained in a fixed position relative to the clamp arm 204 so that the central portion 250 slides proximally relative to the stud 246 and the clamp arm 204 to move the clamp 202 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, as will be described in more detail below.

[0060] Similar to the device 100, the connector 214 is releasably coupled to the control member 212 and includes a central portion 250 and a stud 246. The stud 246 extends from two opposing surfaces of the central portion 250 to be received within an opening 238 extending through the proximal end 208 of the clamp arm 204. However, the opening 238 is not elongated, but rather, is specifically sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the stud 246, and the stud 246 is received in the opening 238 so that the stud 246 stays in a fixed position relative to the clamp arm 204. In one embodiment, the stud 246 can be secured to the opening 238 using a friction fit. In another embodiment, the stud 246 can be secured to the opening 238 using, for example, welding or adhesives. Alternatively, the stud 246 can include overhangs that are generally similar to the overhangs 164 described with respect to the clamp device 100, which are used to engage the clamp arm 204. Except as described above, the clamp arm 204 is generally similar to the clamp arm 104 in other respects.

[0061] The central portion 250 extends from the proximal end 252 to the distal end 254 and is defined by opposing surfaces 256 similar to the central portion 150, each opposing surface 256 contacts the inner surface of a corresponding one of the clamp arms 204, and lateral surfaces 258 connect the longitudinal edges 260 of the opposing surfaces from the proximal end 252 to the distal end 254. However, the central portion 250 additionally includes an elongated opening 276 extending from a first opposing surface 256 through the central portion 250 to a second opposing surface 256 of the opposing surfaces 256. The elongated opening 276 can be configured generally similar to the elongated opening 138 extending through the clamp arms 104 of the clamp device 100. Specifically, the elongated opening 276 can include a proximal portion 240 and a distal portion 242 connected to each other via a middle portion having a width less than the proximal portion 240 and the distal portion 242. The pin 246, which will be described in more detail below, extends through the elongated opening 276. Figure 8 ), the pin 246 is received within the proximal portion 240 and is in a locked configuration (see Fig. 9 ) in which the pin is moved into the distal portion 242.

[0062] Similar to the central portion 150, the distance between the lateral surfaces 258 of the central portion 250 is selected so that when the connector 214 is slid proximally relative to the pin 246 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the lateral surfaces 258 engage the inwardly curled tabs 228 at the proximal end 222 of the capsule 206, thereby moving the tabs 228 radially outward from engagement with the sleeve 218 of the proximal portion 216 of the device 200 to place the clamp 202. However, the lateral surfaces 258 also include shoulders 278 that are used to engage the locking tabs 230 of the capsule 206 in the locked configuration. Similar to the locking tabs 130, the locking tabs 230 can extend from the wall 232 of the capsule 206 to be inclined or curved into the channel 226 of the capsule 206 so that the proximal end 234 of the locking tabs 230 is biased toward the centerline of the capsule 206.

[0063] However, because the pin 246 of the connector 214 is still fixed relative to the clamp arm 204, the locking tab 230 engages the shoulder 278 of the center portion 250 when the center portion 250 is moved toward the locked configuration. Figure 8 As shown in , when the connector 214 is in the unlocked configuration, the central portion 250 is positioned between the locking tabs 230 so that the locking tabs 230 are deformed radially outward. However, when the central portion 250 is moved proximally relative to the pin 246 so that the pin 246 is received within the distal portion 242 of the elongated opening 276, the shoulder 278 is moved proximally beyond the locking tabs 230, thereby allowing the locking tabs 230 to return to their inwardly biased configuration, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Thus, the locking tab 230 engages the shoulder 278 so that the central portion 250 can no longer move distally relative to the capsule 206, thereby locking the clip arm 204 relative to the capsule 206 in the closed configuration.

[0064] The stud 246 extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the capsule from a first end 280 to a second end 282 such that the first end 280 is received within the opening 238 of a first one of the clamp arms 204 and the second end 282 is received within the opening 238 of a second one of the clamp arms 204. As described above, the stud 246 is received within the opening 276 of the elongated central portion 250 and can be moved from the proximal portion 240 to the distal portion 242 when the clamp 202 is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similar to the stud 146, the stud 246 can be deformed when subjected to a predetermined force to pass through the middle portion 244, which has a width less than the proximal portion 240 and the distal portion 242.

[0065] According to an alternative embodiment, Fig.11 As shown in , the central portion 250' of the connector 214' may similarly include an elongated opening 276' through which a pin (generally similar to the pin 246) may be received. Similar to the connector 214, the elongated opening 276' includes a proximal portion 240' and a distal portion 242' connected to each other via a middle portion 244', the middle portion 244' having a width less than the proximal portion 242' and the distal portion 242'. However, the central portion 250' also includes a slot 243' extending from the distal portion 242' through the central portion 250' to the distal end 254' so that the pin does not need to be deformed when passing through the middle portion 244'. Specifically, when a predetermined load is applied to the connector 214', the opposing portions 255' of the central portion 250' defined by the slot 243' diverge from each other to allow the pin to move from the proximal portion 240' to the distal portion 242'. Once the stud is received within the distal portion 242', the central portion 250' returns to its original configuration to retain the stud within the proximal portion 242'.

[0066] Except as described above, elements of the clamping device 200 may be substantially similar to corresponding elements of the clamping device 100 , such that the clamping device 200 may be used in a substantially similar manner to the clamping device 100 , as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0067] like Figure 12-Figure 15As shown in FIG. 1 , a clamping device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is generally similar to the clamping devices 100 and 200 except as described below. Similar to the clamping devices 100 and 200, the clamping device 300 includes a clamp 302 including a pair of clamp arms 304, the proximal ends 308 of which are slidably received within a capsule 306 so that the clamp 302 can be moved between an open configuration (where the distal ends of the clamp arms 304 are separated from each other) and a closed configuration (where the distal ends are pulled toward each other). The clamp arms 304 are moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration by means of distal and proximal movement of a control member 312, which is coupled to the clamp arms 304 via a connector 314.

[0068] The connector 314 can be substantially similar to the connector 214 and include a central portion 350 that is configured to lock the clamp 302 when the clamp 302 is in an unlocked configuration (eg, Fig.12 ) to a locked configuration (as shown in Fig.13 346). However, the center portion 350 also includes a sliding member 384 that extends around the inner member 386 so that, as will be described in more detail below, when the clamp 302 is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, only the sliding member 384 moves relative to the stud 346.

[0069] The inner member 386 is sized and shaped to be received between the proximal ends 308 of the clamp arms 304 and includes a stud 346 extending therefrom. Similar to the stud 146, the stud 346 includes a pair of protrusions 362, each of which extends from an opposing surface 356 of the inner member 386 to be received within an opening 338 extending through a corresponding one of the clamp arms 304. Similar to the clamp 202, specifically the opening 338 of the clamp 302 is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the stud 346 received therein, such that the stud 346 is in a fixed position relative to the opening 338. The opposing surfaces 356 each contact an inner surface along the proximal end 308 of a corresponding one of the clamp arms 304.

[0070] like Fig.14As shown in , the inner member 386 also includes a shear tab 388 extending laterally from its distal end 354 and a stop shoulder 390 extending from its proximal end 352. The shear tab 388 is configured to be sheared off by a portion of the sliding member 384 when the clamp 302 is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration. The stop shoulder 390 is configured to abut a portion of the sliding member 384 to prevent the sliding member 384 from moving further proximally relative to the stop shoulder 390 and thereby prevent the sliding member 384 from becoming separated from the inner member 386. When the sliding member 384 abuts the stop shoulder 390, the clamp 302 is in the locked configuration.

[0071] The sliding member 384 includes a proximal end 391 that is releasably coupled to the control member 312 and a pair of sliding arms 392 that extend distally from the proximal end 391 to be mounted on the inner member 386 such that the pair of sliding arms 392 extend along the side 358 of the inner member 386. Each sliding arm of the pair of sliding arms 392 includes a radially inwardly extending finger 394 at its distal end 398 that engages the shear tab 388 by extending distally of the shear tab 388 in an unlocked configuration. In one embodiment, each finger 394 may include a cut edge 396 so that when the clamp 302 has been clamped on the target tissue as desired, a predetermined proximally directed force may be applied to the sliding member 384 using the control member 312. Once the predetermined proximally directed force has been applied, the cutting edge 396 cuts / shears the shear tab 388 away from the remainder of the inner member 386, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 Once the shear tab 388 is sheared, the slide member 384 is allowed to slide proximally relative to the inner member 386 and thus the clamp arm 304 and capsule 306 until the finger 394 abuts the stop shoulder 390, thereby preventing further proximal movement of the slide member 384 relative to the inner member 386. Although the shearing of the shear tab 388 causes the parts to fall out, any fallen out parts will still be trapped in the deployed clamp 302.

[0072] In the unlocked configuration, a pair of slide arms 394 are located between the locking tabs 330 of the capsule 306, causing the inwardly biased locking tabs to deform radially outward. However, in the locked configuration (where the fingers 394 abut the stop shoulders 390), the distal ends 398 of the slide arms are moved proximally beyond the locking tabs 330 so that the locking tabs 330 return to their inwardly biased configuration. Thus, the locking tabs 330 engage the distal ends 398 of the slide arms 394 to prevent the slide member 384 from being allowed to move distally relative to the inner member 386 and, therefore, the clamp arm 304 and capsule 306 to lock the clamp 302 in the closed configuration. In this locked configuration, the slide arms 392 also engage the inwardly curled tabs 328 at the proximal end 322 of the capsule 306 to move the tabs 328 radially outward from engagement with the proximal portion 316 of the device 300 to place the clamp 302. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the clamping device 30 may be used in a substantially similar manner to the clamping devices 100 , 200 to clamp the clamp 302 to the target tissue and subsequently lock and deploy the clamp 302 as described above with respect to the devices 100 , 200 .

[0070] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A clamping device, comprising: a clamp comprising a capsule and a pair of clamp arms, the proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms being slidably received in the capsule so that the clamp arms move between an open configuration and a closed configuration as the clamp arms move proximally to and extend distally from a distal opening of the capsule, each clamp arm of the pair of clamp arms including an opening extending through a proximal end thereof; a control member extending from a proximal end to a distal end through a proximal portion of the clamping device; as well as A connector comprising a pin extending through the opening of each clamp arm, the connector being releasably coupled to the distal end of the control member so that when the connector is in an unlocked configuration, longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the clamp between the open configuration and the closed configuration, the pin being configured so that when a first predetermined force is applied to the connector by the control member, the pin moves from the unlocked configuration, in which the pin is received within a first portion of the opening, to a locked configuration, in which the pin is received within a second portion of the opening.

2. A clamping device as described in claim 1, wherein the capsule includes a locking tab that is biased to extend radially into a channel of the capsule so that when the pin is moved from the first portion of the opening to the second portion of the opening, the pin moves through the locking tab and engages with the locking tab to lock the clamp in the closed configuration.

3. The clamping device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions of the opening are connected via a middle portion, the width of the middle portion being smaller than the width of the first and second portions, so that one of the pin and a portion of the clamp arm surrounding the middle portion is deformed when the first predetermined force is applied to allow the pin to move from the first portion to the second portion.

4. The clamping device of claim 3, wherein each of the clamp arms includes a slot extending from a proximal end of the clamp arm to the opening to define a pair of fingers that deform by diverging relative to each other upon application of the first predetermined force to allow the pin to move past the middle portion.

5. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the stud includes an overhang extending laterally outwardly from the stud to cover an outer surface of a first one of the clamp arms.

6. A clamping device as described in claim 1, wherein the size and shape of the connecting member are designed so that when the connecting member is moved from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, the connecting member causes the inwardly curled tab at the proximal end of the capsule to move radially outward, thereby releasing the clamp from the proximal portion of the clamping device.

7. A clamping device as described in claim 1, wherein the connecting piece is connected to the control member by means of one of a welding curl portion and a spherical top of the control member, and is configured to separate one of the welding curl portion and the spherical top from the proximal portion of the control member when a second predetermined force greater than the first predetermined force is applied thereto.

8. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a central portion receivable between the proximal ends of the clamping arms.

9. A clamping device, comprising: a clamp comprising a capsule and a pair of clamp arms, the proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms being slidably received in the capsule to move the clamp arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration, each clamp arm of the pair of clamp arms comprising an opening extending through a proximal end thereof; a control member extending from a proximal end to a distal end through a proximal portion of the clamping device; as well as A connector comprising a pin extending through the opening of each clamp arm, the connector being releasably coupled to the distal end of the control member so that when the connector is in an unlocked configuration, longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the clamp between the open and closed configurations, and when a first predetermined force is applied to the connector by the control member, at least a portion of the connector is movable relative to the pin and the clamp arm from the unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in which the pin is received in a first portion of the opening and in which the pin is received in a second portion of the opening.

10. A clamping device as described in claim 9, wherein the capsule includes a locking tab, which is biased to extend radially into the capsule, and when the connecting member moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, a portion of the connecting member engages with the locking tab to lock the clamp in the closed configuration.

11. The clamping device of claim 9, wherein the connector includes an elongated opening extending therethrough, the pin being received within the elongated opening and movable relative to the connector from a proximal portion of the elongated opening in the unlocked configuration to a distal portion of the elongated opening in the locked configuration.

12. The clamping device of claim 11 , wherein the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening are connected to each other via a middle portion, the width of the middle portion being smaller than the width of the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening, so that when the first predetermined force is applied, the pin is deformed to allow movement from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the elongated opening.

13. A clamping device as described in claim 9, wherein the connecting member includes an internal component from which the pin extends and a sliding component connected to the internal component via a shear tab, and the shear tab is configured to be sheared off when subjected to the predetermined force to enable the sliding component to move from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

14. The clamping device of claim 13, wherein the sliding member comprises a pair of sliding arms extending along opposite sides of the inner member, inwardly extending fingers at distal ends of the sliding arms engaging shear tabs at the distal end of the inner member.

15. The clamping device of claim 9, wherein the stud is engaged with the opening of each clamp arm by one of a friction fit, welding, adhesive, and a cantilevered portion extending from the stud.

16. A clamping device as described in claim 9, wherein the size and shape of the connecting member are designed so that when the connecting member is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the connecting member engages with the inwardly curled tab at the proximal end of the capsule to cause the curled tab to move radially outward, thereby releasing the clamp from the proximal portion of the clamping device.

17. A clamping device comprising: a clamp comprising a capsule and a pair of clamp arms, the capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a passage extending therethrough, the proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms being slidably received within the passage to move the clamp arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration, each clamp arm of the pair of clamp arms including an opening extending through its proximal end; a connector including a central portion and a stud, the central portion being receivable between the proximal ends of the pair of clamp arms, the stud extending from the central portion and receivable within the opening of each clamp arm, at least a portion of the central portion being configured to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration relative to the stud and the clamp arms when a predetermined force is applied thereto; as well as A control member extends from the proximal end through the proximal portion of the clamping device to a distal end that is releasably coupled to the connector such that longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the clamp between the open and closed configurations when the connector is in an unlocked configuration.

18. A clamping device as described in claim 17, wherein the capsule includes a locking tab, which is biased to extend radially into the channel, and when the center portion moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, a portion of the center portion engages with the locking tab to lock the clamp in the closed configuration.

19. The clamping device of claim 17, wherein the central portion includes an elongated opening extending therethrough, the pin being received within the elongated opening and movable relative to the central portion from a proximal portion of the elongated opening in the unlocked configuration to a distal portion of the elongated opening in the locked configuration.

20. The clamping device of claim 19, wherein the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening are interconnected via a middle portion, the width of the middle portion being smaller than the width of the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening, such that the pin can be deformed to allow movement from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the elongated opening.

21. A clamping device as described in claim 17, wherein the central portion includes an internal member from which the pin extends and a sliding member connected to the internal member via a shear tab, and the shear tab is configured to be sheared off when subjected to the predetermined force to move the sliding member from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

22. The clamping device of claim 21, wherein the sliding member comprises a pair of sliding arms extending along opposite sides of the inner member, inwardly extending fingers at distal ends of the sliding arms engaging shear tabs at the distal end of the inner member.

23. The clamping device of claim 17, wherein the stud engages the opening of each clamp arm by one of a friction fit, welding, adhesive, and a cantilevered portion extending from the stud.

24. A clamping device as described in claim 17, wherein the size and shape of the center portion are designed so that when the center portion is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the center portion engages with the inward curled tab at the proximal end of the capsule to cause the curled tab to move radially outward, thereby releasing the clamp from the proximal portion of the clamping device.

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