Locking trocar endoscope cleaner

Abstract

A device adapted to fit to an open end of a trocar. The device includes a substantially cylindrical attachment tube operable to couple to an open end of a trocar. The device may also include a jaw extending away from the attachment tube and having a substantially conical distal end positioned away from the attachment tube. The jaw has a sidewall corresponding to a portion of the circumference of the tube. The device may also include a sheath extending away from the attachment tube and having a distal end extending toward the substantially conical distal end of the jaw. The sheath has a sidewall corresponding to another portion of the circumference of the tube, and the sidewall of the sheath and the sidewall of the jaw are offset toward each other. The device may include at least one locking mechanism operable to lock the jaw in the closed configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to lens cleaners for endoscopes. In at least one example, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly coupled to a trocar and operable to clean an endoscope. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Embodiments of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A One example of a jaw locking assembly operable to lock the jaws of a trocar to allow passage of an endoscope is shown in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0003] Figure 1B An example of a jaw locking assembly in an open configuration is shown according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2 Another example of a pawl locking assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 3A An example of a pawl and slider spring according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown in a locked or closed configuration.

[0006] Figure 3B An example of a pawl and slider spring according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown in a partially open or released configuration.

[0007] Figure 4 One example of a slider and pawl locking assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0008] Figure 5A and Figure 5B One example of a camera clamp operable to hold a camera in place relative to a trocar during insertion of the trocar into a patient is shown in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 An example of a trocar, camera, and camera clamp during insertion into a patient is shown in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7 One example of a jaw locking assembly and flexible spring attachment according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 8 An assembly providing a mechanism for securing a flexible spring in place is shown in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 9Another example of a jaw locking assembly in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure is shown in a partially extended configuration.

[0013] Fig.10 Another example of a biasing member within a receiving portion according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Fig.11 An attachment device for shipping a device and holding a camera in place relative to the device is shown in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] It will be appreciated that, in order to make the illustrations simple and clear, where appropriate, the reference numerals in different figures are repeated to indicate corresponding or similar elements. In addition, although specific details are listed to provide an understanding of the examples described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the examples described herein may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the relevant features described. In addition, this description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the examples described herein. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the proportions of certain components may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate the details and features of the present disclosure.

[0016] Several definitions that are used throughout this disclosure will now be introduced. The term "coupled" is defined as a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate component, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The term "communicative coupling" is defined as a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate component, which connection is not necessarily limited to a physical connection, but a connection that can transmit data between the components. The connection can be a permanent connection between objects or a releasable connection. The term "external" refers to an area beyond the outermost range of a physical object. The terms "include", "comprises" and "have" can be used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms "includes", "comprises" and "have" refer to including but not necessarily limited to the things described. The term "substantially" is defined as substantially conforming to a specific size, shape or other words that are substantially modified, so the parts do not need to be precise.

[0017] During laparoscopy or other minimally invasive procedures, the surgeon needs a clear view of the surgical site within the patient's abdominal cavity. The view is provided by an endoscope or a laparoscopic cylindrical camera that is passed through a tubular trocar. The trocar is placed in the patient's abdominal wall to provide access to the abdominal cavity from outside the patient. The trocar also provides a channel into which a rotating and maneuverable cylindrical camera can be inserted as needed to view the surgical site.

[0018] The present disclosure can be used for both manual and robotic procedures. Whether robotic or manual, the improved camera cleaning function can reduce downtime, reduce clutter on the operating table, and allow the surgeon to maintain the momentum of achieving rapid surgery because the camera does not need to be removed from the trocar tube.

[0019] The present disclosure provides an improved camera cleaning device. The device of the present disclosure has several improved features compared to existing devices. One of the improvements is the ability to lock the jaws relative to the sheath. The ability to lock the jaws to the sheath allows the device to be inserted into the patient's body and prevents the jaws from separating from the sheath. In addition, the device can be operated by simply inserting the camera into the cannula and through the device. The camera can unlock the device and additionally operate the wiper blade to clean any liquid, film or object from the camera. In addition, the device also has a biasing member that is hidden to prevent tissue from hanging on the biasing member or mounting structure.

[0020] The device includes a substantially cylindrical attachment tube that is operable to be press-fit onto the distal end of the trocar tube. The device can be manufactured in a variety of different sizes and diameters depending on the desired trocar tube. The substantially cylindrical attachment tube can be operably configured for the desired trocar tube. The device can also include a hinge that connects the substantially cylindrical attachment tube to the claw. The claw is operable to swing laterally to provide a path for the camera to pass through. Although the device described in the present disclosure can be mounted to an existing trocar tube, the present technology can be formed as part of the trocar rather than a separate component. In at least one example, the device and / or the trocar can be made of a substantially transparent or translucent material to allow a camera to capture an image therethrough.

[0021] Figure 1AAn example of a jaw locking assembly is shown that is operable to lock a jaw to a sheath of a device operable to allow passage of an endoscope. As shown, the device 100 is adapted to fit to the open end 20 of a trocar tube 10. The device 100 may include a substantially cylindrical attachment tube 110 operable to couple to the open end of the trocar tube 10. The device 100 may also include a jaw 120 extending away from the attachment tube 110 and having a substantially conical distal end 122 positioned away from the attachment tube 110, wherein the jaw 120 has a sidewall 124 corresponding to a portion of the circumference of the attachment tube 110. The device 100 may further include a sheath 130 extending away from the attachment tube 110 and having a distal end 132 extending toward the substantially conical distal end 122 of the jaw 120, wherein the sheath 130 has a sidewall 134 corresponding to another portion of the circumference of the attachment tube 110, and the sidewall 134 of the sheath 130 and the sidewall 124 of the jaw 120 are biased toward each other. The device 100 may further include at least one locking mechanism 140 operable to lock the jaw 120 in the closed configuration 150. The at least one locking mechanism 140 may include a jaw locking tab 136 and a jaw engaging locking portion 126. As shown, the jaw locking tab 136 includes a substantially flat portion operable to slide through a substantially flat portion of the jaw engaging portion 126. The two substantially flat portions prevent the jaw 120 from pivoting relative to the sheath 130. Once the camera contacts the wiper blade and extends the jaw 120 relative to the sheath 130 , the substantially flat portion of the jaw locking tab 136 extends beyond the substantially flat portion of the jaw engaging portion 126 so that the jaw 120 can pivot relative to the sheath 130 .

[0022] Figure 1B The jaw locking assembly of FIG. 1 is shown in an open configuration. As shown, the jaw 120 has been pivoted relative to the sheath 130 such that an angle 123 is formed between the sheath 130 and the jaw 120 .

[0023] Figure 2 Another example of a jaw locking assembly 140 is shown. The locking assembly can move in a locking direction 141 or an unlocking direction 143. The movement of the jaw locking assembly 140 is controlled by the insertion of the camera through the device 100. The device can be configured with a range of travel 142. The range of travel 142 allows the engagement mechanism 144 to move and release the jaw 120.

[0024] 3 shows an example of the device 100, wherein the claw 120 and the slider spring 183 are shown. The slider 180 can sweep across the centerline 302 of the lens of the camera 300. The slider 180 includes a wiper blade 182 that is operable to sweep across the centerline 302 of the lens of the camera in a single continuous motion.

[0025] The slider spring 183 biases the slider 180 toward the camera 300 so that the wiper blade 182 prevents the camera 300 from moving in an axial direction, such as the centerline 302 of the camera as shown. The bottom edge 181 of the wiper blade 182 contacts the camera 300 first. The wiper blade 182 can be a different material than the slider 180. This allows the wiper blade 182 to be a material designed to remove liquids and / or substances from the camera 300. The wiper blade 182 is operable to engage the camera 300 passing through the attachment tube 110, whereby the wiper blade 182 passes through the centerline 302 and allows the camera 300 to pass through the wiper blade 182. The wiper blade 182 can be biased toward the camera 300 by the resilient slider spring 183. The wiper blade 182 has a lower edge 181 that extends away from the claw 120 and extends beyond the centerline 302 relative to the attachment tube 110.

[0026] The slider 180 moves in an axial direction with the wiper blade 182 until the camera contacts the cam 200. The cam 200 is operated to open the claw. The cam 200 can be formed integrally with the claw 120. The cam 200 can face the open end of the cannula tube 10. As shown, the cam 200 is in a linear configuration. This allows smooth opening of the claw 120. Once the camera 300 contacts the cam 200, the claw is operable to move to a release configuration. Once the cam 200 is contacted, the claw 120 slides in a distal direction, thereby releasing the claw locking piece 136 from the claw engagement portion 126. Once the claw locking piece 136 is released, the claw 120 is operable to pivot upward and away from the sheath 130. In other examples, the claw 120 can pivot so that the distal end of the claw pivots radially away from the centerline of the sheath. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, for clarity of illustration, the attachment tube 110 is not coupled to the cannula tube.

[0027] Figure 3B One example of the jaw 120 and slider spring 183 in accordance with at least one example of the present disclosure is shown in a partially open or released configuration. Figure 3BThe position shown is not a fully open configuration because the slider spring 183 is not fully compressed and the camera 300 is not fully extended beyond the claw 120. As shown, the centerline 305 of the claw 120 forms an angle α with the centerline 302 of the camera. In addition, the cam 200 is in contact with the camera 300. The wiper blade 182 has slid across the centerline 302 of the camera 300, thereby wiping the lens of the front of the camera 300. As the camera 300 continues to pass and leave the claw 120, the wiper blade will rise higher and the slider spring 183 will compress further.

[0028] For clarity, Figure 4 One example of a slide block 180 and pawl locking assembly 140 is shown in partial view. Figure 4 It is shown that the sheath 130 can include at least one claw locking piece 136, which is a pair of claw locking pieces having a first claw locking piece 135 and a second claw locking piece 137. The slider 180 is also shown. Further illustrated is a post 188 and a hole 187 formed in the rod 186. The post can include a cap 189, which is designed to be inserted through the hole 187.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 4 As shown, the device 100 may include a claw 120 including at least one claw locking tab 136 extending from the sheath 130 at the distal end 132 of the sheath. The claw 120 may include at least one claw engagement locking portion 126 operable to receive the at least one claw locking tab 136, thereby preventing the claw 120 from opening relative to the sheath 130 in the closed configuration. The at least one claw locking tab 136 includes a first claw locking tab 135 located on the upper side 131 of the sheath 130 and a second claw locking tab 137 located on the opposite upper side 133 of the sheath 130. The camera 300 is operable to move the claw away from the sheath 130 and the attachment tube 110 in an axial direction so that once the claw engagement locking portion 126 extends beyond the at least one claw locking tab 136, the claw is in a released configuration as shown by dashed line 99. When the camera 300 is subsequently moved in the axial direction, the jaws 120 move away from the sheath 130 and pivot the distal ends 122 of the jaws 120 back toward the substantially cylindrical attachment tube 110. The jaws 120 may be released from the closed configuration by sliding in the axial direction.

[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B One example of a camera clamp is shown that is operable to place a camera (not shown, but in the example of FIG. 1 ) during insertion of a trocar into a patient. Figure 6504 is a camera assembly 506 that is configured to hold the camera in place relative to the trocar (further shown in FIG. 5 ). The camera clamp 500 may include a pair of handles 502. The handles 502 may be moved from a closed position 501 to an open position 599. The camera clamp 500 includes a camera engaging portion 508 that forms a through hole 506 in a closed configuration. The camera engaging portion 508 may be soft but strong. In addition, the camera clamp may include a locking portion 504 that is operable to lock the clamp to the camera. The locking portion 504 may be in the form of a ratchet lock. The handles 502 may pivot about a pivot connection 510. The pivot connection 510 may be a rod or an axle.

[0031] Figure 6 An example of a trocar 30, camera 300, and camera clamp 500 during insertion into a patient according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the device 100 can be operable to be inserted into the patient at the end of the trocar 30. The device 100 is coupled to the trocar tube 10. As described above, the camera clamp 500 prevents the camera 300 from opening the device 100. In at least one example, the device 100 can be configured to be see-through so that the operator can see the position of the device 100 in the patient during the insertion process.

[0032] Figure 7An example of a biasing member 410 is shown, which is coupled to the jaw 120 at a first end 412 thereof and coupled to the substantially cylindrical attachment tube 110 at a second end 414 thereof opposite the first end 412. The biasing member 410 is operable to urge the jaw 120 toward the sheath 130. The biasing member 410 has a mounting portion 420 that allows an attachment 424 to pass therethrough and secure the biasing member 410 to the jaw 120 and the substantially cylindrical attachment tube 110. The jaw 120 forms a first biasing member receiving portion 430 that forms a first recess 432 that is configured to receive a portion 416 of the biasing member 410. The substantially cylindrical attachment tube 110 forms a second biasing member receiving portion 440, which forms a second recess 442 for receiving another portion 418 of the biasing member 410. In addition, a set of mounting portions 420 located closest to the attachment tube 110 can be formed as grooves 450. The grooves 450 allow the biasing member 410 to slide relative to the proximal mounting member 452. The proximal mounting member 452 can be further coupled together by a wire 462. The wire 462 provides enhanced security for the proximal mounting member 452. In addition, the wire 462 can also hold the biasing member 410 in place. The grooves 450 allow axial movement in the distal direction and the proximal direction. When the camera extends through the jaws 120, the jaws 120 move in the distal direction. When the distal end 122 penetrates the patient, movement in the proximal direction occurs.

[0033] Figure 8An assembly of a mechanism for fixing a flexible spring in place according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the wall 441 of the second biasing member receiving portion 440 also provides a method of holding the biasing member 410 in place to prevent lateral movement of the biasing member 410. The first recess 432 and the second recess 442 are formed in the wall 441, which extend beyond the height 50 of the biasing member 410 and the attachment member 424. The device 100 may also include an elastic member 470 covering the first biasing member receiving portion 430. In at least one example, the elastic member 470 also covers the second biasing member receiving portion 440. The elastic member 470 is shown as being substantially flush with the wall 441 to provide a smooth transition. In addition, the wall 441 may include a chamfer to provide a smooth transition. In other examples, the elastic member 470 may be located below the wall. When the elastic member 470 is located above the wall, the edge will not be as large as shown because it is a thin-walled member. For illustration purposes, the proportion is larger. In some examples, the height 50 of the biasing member 410 and the attachment member 424 extends beyond the wall, and the elastic member 470 can provide a smooth surface to prevent the protrusions of the biasing member 470 and the attachment member 424 from getting stuck on the tissue. In addition, the elastic member 470 can be implemented in a configuration without a wall. In addition, the elastic member 470 can be configured to have a predetermined amount of compliance.

[0034] Fig. 9 An example of a biasing member 410 is shown, which is coupled to the jaw 120 at its first end 412 and coupled to the substantially cylindrical attachment tube 110 at its second end 414 opposite the first end 412. The first biasing member receiving portion 430 includes a penetration edge 460, which is closest to the distal end 122 of the jaw 120, and the penetration edge 460 includes a chamfered edge to allow tissue to easily pass through the first biasing member receiving portion 430. In this example, other features can be the same as those described above with respect to Figure 7 As shown, the device 100 is shown in a clear view so that the slider spring 183 is visible.

[0035] Fig.10 Another example of a biasing member 410 within a receiving portion is shown. As shown, the biasing member 410 and attachment 424 have a height 50, which is a distance 52 from the upper edge of the wall 441. This allows tissue to pass over the top of the device without getting stuck on the biasing member 410 and attachment member 424.

[0036] Fig.11An attachment device 600 is shown for carrying the device 100 and holding the camera 300 in place relative to the device 100. The attachment device can have a wider end 602 that allows the device 100 to be inserted therein. A narrower end 606 opposite the wider end 602 prevents the device from slipping therethrough and secures the device in place. A trocar receiving tube portion 604 allows the trocar tube to be inserted into the device so that the tip of the device does not contact the operator. In addition, the attachment device 600 allows the device to be more easily coupled to the trocar tube.

[0037] The embodiments shown and described above are examples only. Although many features and advantages of the present technology have been set forth in the above description and in the details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is illustrative only and changes may be made to the details, particularly the shape, size and arrangement of the components, within the scope of the principles of the present disclosure and within the full scope indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the appended claims. Therefore, it is understood that the above embodiments may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

[0038] Illustrative examples of the present disclosure include: Aspect 1. A device suitable for fitting to the open end of a trocar tube, the device comprising: a substantially cylindrical attachment tube, the attachment tube being operable to couple to the open end of the trocar tube; a claw extending away from the attachment tube and having a substantially conical distal end positioned away from the attachment tube, wherein the claw has a side wall corresponding to a portion of the circumference of the tube; a sheath extending away from the attachment tube and having a distal end, the distal end extending toward the substantially conical distal end of the claw, wherein the sheath has a side wall corresponding to another portion of the circumference of the tube, and the side walls of the sheath and the side walls of the claw are biased toward each other; at least one locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being operable to lock the claw in a closed configuration.

[0039] Aspect 2. The device of aspect 1, wherein the jaws are operable to be released from the closed configuration by sliding in an axial direction.

[0040] Aspect 3. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein the jaw comprises a cam facing the open end of the trocar tube.

[0041] Aspect 4. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the cam is integrally formed with the claw, and the claw is operable to move to a release configuration once the camera contacts the cam.

[0042] Aspect 5. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the jaws include at least one jaw locking tab extending from the sheath at the distal end.

[0043] Aspect 6. The device of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the at least one jaw locking tab comprises a first jaw locking tab located on an upper side of the sheath and a second jaw locking tab located on an opposite upper side of the sheath.

[0044] Aspect 7. A device as described in any of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the camera is operable to move the claw away from the sheath and the attachment tube in an axial direction so that the claw is in a released configuration once the claw engagement portion extends beyond the at least one claw locking piece.

[0045] Aspect 8. The device of any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein when the camera is subsequently moved in an axial direction, the jaw is moved away from the sheath and the distal end of the jaw is pivoted radially away from the centerline of the sheath.

[0046] Aspect 9. A device as described in any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the claw includes at least one claw engagement locking portion, which is operable to receive the at least one claw locking piece to prevent the claw from opening relative to the sheath in the closed structure.

[0047] Aspect 10. The apparatus of any one of Aspects 1 to 9, further comprising a slider operable to sweep across a centerline of a lens of the camera.

[0048] Aspect 11. The apparatus of any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the slider comprises a wiper blade operable to sweep across a centerline of a lens of the camera in a single continuous motion.

[0049] Aspect 12. The device as described in any one of Aspects 1 to 11 further includes: a wiping blade coupled to the slider, wherein the wiping blade has a lower edge that extends away from the claw and extends beyond the center line of the attachment tube; wherein the wiping blade is operable to be engaged by a camera passing through the attachment tube, thereby the wiping blade passes through the center line and allows the camera to pass over the wiping blade, and the wiping blade is operable to remove fluid and / or substance from the camera.

[0050] Aspect 13. The device as described in any of Aspects 1 to 12 also includes: a biasing member, which is coupled to the claw at a first end and coupled to a substantially cylindrical attachment tube at a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the biasing member is operable to push the claw toward the sheath.

[0051] Aspect 14. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the biasing member has a mounting portion that allows a mounting member to pass therethrough and secure the biasing member to the jaws and the substantially cylindrical attachment tube.

[0052] Aspect 15. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the claw forms a first biasing member receiving portion, the first biasing member receiving portion forming a first recess, the first recess being configured to receive a portion of the biasing member.

[0053] Aspect 16. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the substantially cylindrical attachment tube forms a second biasing member receiving portion, the second biasing member receiving portion forming a second recess for receiving another portion of the biasing member.

[0054] Aspect 17. The device of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the first recess and the second recess are formed in a wall that extends beyond the height of the biasing member and the additional connector.

[0055] Aspect 18. The device of any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein the first biasing member receiving portion comprises a penetration edge closest to the distal end of the jaw, and the penetration edge comprises a chamfered edge to allow tissue to easily pass over the first biasing member receiving portion.

[0056] Aspect 19. The device of any one of Aspects 1 to 18, further comprising an elastic member covering the first biasing member receiving portion.

[0057] Aspect 20. The device of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the elastic member also covers the second biasing member receiving portion.

Claims

1. A device adapted to fit onto the open end of a trocar tube, the device comprising: a substantially cylindrical attachment tube operably coupled to the open end of the trocar tube; a jaw extending away from the attachment tube and having a substantially conical distal end positioned away from the attachment tube, wherein the jaw has a sidewall corresponding to a portion of the circumference of the tube; a sheath extending away from the attachment tube and having a distal end extending toward the substantially conical distal end of the jaws, wherein the sheath has a sidewall corresponding to another portion of the circumference of the tube and the sidewalls of the sheath and the sidewalls of the jaws are offset toward each other; At least one locking mechanism operable to lock the jaws in a closed configuration.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The jaws are operable to be released from the closed configuration by sliding in an axial direction.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The jaws include a cam facing the open end of the trocar tube.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The cam is integrally formed with the claw, and the claw is operable to move to a release configuration once a camera contacts the cam.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The jaw includes at least one jaw locking tab extending from the sheath at the distal end.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one jaw locking tab includes a first jaw locking tab located on an upper side of the sheath and a second jaw locking tab located on an opposite upper side of the sheath.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The camera is operable to move the jaws in an axial direction away from the sheath and the attachment tube such that the jaws are in a released configuration once the jaw engaging portion extends beyond the at least one jaw locking tab.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: When the camera is subsequently moved in an axial direction, the jaw is moved away from the sheath and the distal end of the jaw is pivoted radially away from the centerline of the sheath.

9. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The jaws include at least one jaw engagement locking portion operable to receive the at least one jaw locking tab to thereby prevent the jaws from opening relative to the sheath in the closed configuration.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a slider operable to sweep across a centerline of a lens of the camera.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein: The slider includes a wiper blade operable to sweep across a centerline of a lens of a camera in a single continuous motion.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a wiper blade coupled to the slider, wherein the wiper blade has a lower edge extending away from the jaws and extending beyond a centerline relative to the attachment tube; Wherein, the wiper blade is operable to engage with a camera passing through the attachment tube, whereby the wiper blade passes through the centerline and allows the camera to pass over the wiper blade, and the wiper blade is operable to remove fluid and / or matter from the camera.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: A biasing member is coupled to the jaws at a first end and to the substantially cylindrical attachment tube at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the biasing member is operable to urge the jaws toward the sheath.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein: The biasing member has a mounting portion that allows a mounting member to pass therethrough and secure the biasing member to the jaws and the substantially cylindrical attachment tube.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein: The claw forms a first biasing member receiving portion that forms a first recess configured to receive a portion of the biasing member.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein: The substantially cylindrical attachment tube forms a second biasing member receiving portion forming a second recess for receiving another portion of the biasing member.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein: The first and second recesses are formed in a wall that extends beyond the height of the biasing member and the attachment member.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein: The first biasing member receiving portion includes a penetration edge closest to the distal end of the jaw, and the penetration edge includes a chamfered edge to allow tissue to easily pass over the first biasing member receiving portion.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising an elastic member covering the first biasing member receiving portion.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein: The elastic member also covers the second biasing member receiving portion.

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