Medical device stabilizing systems

Abstract

To provide various stabilizing systems and devices for holding and maneuvering medical devices.SOLUTION: Some systems and devices include one or more of a base plate, a carriage, and a clamp, or a combination thereof. The base plate may be attached to one or more tables. The carriage may be movably attached to the base plate or may be integrally formed with the base plate. The carriage can receive one or more clamps. The one or more clamps may be movably attached to the carriage or the base and configured to receive one or more medical devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 76

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 073,392, filed September 1, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Native heart valves (i.e., aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid, and mitral valves) perform a critical function in ensuring proper forward flow of blood supply throughout the cardiovascular system. These heart valves can be damaged and therefore less effective due to, for example, congenital malformations, inflammatory processes, infectious conditions, disease, etc. Damage to such valves can result in serious cardiovascular disability or death. Damaged valves can be surgically repaired or replaced during open-heart surgery. However, open-heart surgery is highly invasive and can result in complications. Transvascular techniques can be used to introduce and implant prosthetic devices in a much less invasive manner than open-heart surgery. As an example, a transvascular technique that can be used to access the native mitral and aortic valves is the transseptal technique. The transseptal technique involves advancing a catheter into the right atrium (e.g., threading the catheter into the right femoral vein, ascending the inferior vena cava, and into the right atrium). The septum is then punctured, and the catheter is advanced into the left atrium. When implanting a prosthetic device within the tricuspid valve, a similar transvascular technique can be used, beginning similarly to the transseptal technique, but without puncturing the septum, and directing the delivery catheter toward the tricuspid valve in the right atrium.

[0003] A healthy heart has a generally conical shape that tapers to a lower apex. The heart is divided into four chambers, including the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle. The left and right sides of the heart are separated by a wall commonly referred to as the septum. The native mitral valve in the human heart connects the left atrium to the left ventricle. The mitral valve has a very different biological structure from other native heart valves. The mitral valve includes an annulus, which is a circular portion of native valve tissue surrounding the mitral orifice, and a pair of leaflets or cusps extending downward from the annulus into the left ventricle. The mitral valve annulus can form a "D"-shaped, elliptical, or other cross-sectional shape that is not a perfect circle with major and minor axes. The anterior leaflet is larger than the posterior leaflet, and when they close together, they can form a generally "C"-shaped boundary between the abutting leaflets.

[0004] When functioning properly, the anterior and posterior leaflets function together as a one-way valve, allowing blood to flow only from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins. When the left atrial muscle contracts and the left ventricle expands (also called "ventricular diastole" or "diastole"), oxygenated blood collected in the left atrium flows into the left ventricle. When the left atrial muscle relaxes and the left ventricle muscle contracts (also called "ventricular systole" or "systole"), increased blood pressure in the left ventricle closes the one-way mitral valve by drawing the two leaflets together, preventing blood from flowing back into the left atrium and instead expelling it from the left ventricle through the aortic valve. To prevent the leaflets from prolapsing under pressure and folding back through the mitral annulus toward the left atrium, multiple fibrous cords called chordae tendineae connect the leaflets to the papillary muscles of the left ventricle.

[0005] Valve regurgitation involves a valve improperly allowing some blood to flow in the wrong direction through the valve. For example, mitral regurgitation occurs when the native mitral valve fails to close properly during the systolic phase of cardiac contraction, causing blood to flow from the left ventricle into the left atrium. Mitral regurgitation is one of the most common forms of valvular heart disease. Mitral regurgitation can have many different causes, such as leaflet prolapse, dysfunctional papillary muscles, stretching of the mitral annulus due to left ventricular dilation, or two or more of these. Mitral regurgitation in the central portion of the valve leaflets can be referred to as central-jet mitral regurgitation, while mitral regurgitation closer to one commissure of the leaflets (i.e., where the leaflets meet) can be referred to as eccentric-jet mitral regurgitation. Central-jet regurgitation occurs when the edges of the leaflets do not meet in the middle, thus preventing the valve from closing and resulting in regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitation is similar but can occur on the right side of the heart. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 491,392 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 905,257 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] This Summary is intended to provide some examples and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For example, any features included in the examples of this Summary are not required by the claims unless the claims explicitly recite those features. Also, features, components, steps, concepts, etc. described in the examples of this Summary and elsewhere in this disclosure can be combined in various ways. Various features and steps described elsewhere in this disclosure may be included in the examples summarized herein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In some implementations, stabilization apparatuses, devices, and systems for holding and manipulating medical devices are described. Some apparatuses include one or more of a base plate, a carriage, and a clamp, or a combination of some or all of these. The base plate can be attached to one or more tables. The carriage can be movably attached to the base plate or can be integrally formed with the base plate. The carriage can receive one or more clamps. The one or more clamps can be movably attached to the carriage or base and configured to receive one or more medical devices.

[0009] In some implementations, an exemplary stabilization system or device for holding a medical device includes an integrally formed base plate portion and a carriage portion having a clamp mounting channel. The stabilization system / device includes one or more clamps for receiving the medical device. The one or more clamps are slidably disposable within the clamp mounting channel.

[0010] In some implementations, the clamp includes feet (eg, extensions) configured to engage the channel and lock the position of the clamp within the channel.

[0011] In some implementations, the channel includes a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail.

[0012] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange.

[0013] In some implementations, the fixed and movable mounting flanges can be disposed in recesses in the first and second mounting rails.

[0014] In some implementations, an actuator (eg, a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) is operable to retract the movable mounting flange.

[0015] In some implementations, the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange.

[0016] In some implementations, an actuator (eg, a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) is actuatable to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0017] In some implementations, the clamp includes a cam configured to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0018] In some implementations, the feet are biased to a retracted position.

[0019] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

[0020] In some implementations, the clamp further comprises an actuator (e.g., a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) that can be actuated or moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp.

[0021] In some implementations, an exemplary stabilization system for holding a medical device includes an integrally formed base plate portion and a carriage portion having a clamp mounting channel and at least one clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposable within the clamp mounting channel.

[0022] In some implementations, the clamp includes feet configured to engage the channel to lock the position of the clamp relative to the channel.

[0023] In some implementations, the system includes a table comprising a platform, hi some implementations, the platform comprises side walls for receiving the first and second retention tabs of the base plate portion.

[0024] In some implementations, the table includes one or more legs (eg, multiple legs) for supporting the platform.

[0025] In some implementations, the channel comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail.

[0026] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange.

[0027] In some implementations, the fixed and movable mounting flanges are disposed in recesses in the first and second mounting rails.

[0028] In some implementations, the actuator (eg, a latch button, etc.) is configured to retract the movable mounting flange.

[0029] In some implementations, the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange.

[0030] In some implementations, the locking knob is configured to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0031] In some implementations, the clamp includes a cam configured to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0032] In some implementations, the feet are biased to a retracted position.

[0033] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

[0034] In some implementations, the clamp further comprises a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp.

[0035] In some implementations, an exemplary stabilization apparatus or stabilization device of the one or more medical devices includes a base plate and a clamp, the base plate having a channel, and the clamp is slidably disposable within the channel.

[0036] In some implementations, the clamp includes feet configured to engage the channels to lock the position of the clamp relative to the base plate.

[0037] In some implementations, the channel includes a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail.

[0038] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange.

[0039] In some implementations, the fixed and movable mounting flanges are disposed in recesses in the first and second mounting rails.

[0040] In some implementations, the latch button retracts a movable mounting flange.

[0041] In some implementations, the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange.

[0042] In some implementations, the locking knob is configured to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0043] In some implementations, the cam is configured to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0044] In some implementations, the feet are biased to a retracted position.

[0045] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

[0046] In some implementations, the clamp includes a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp.

[0047] In some implementations, the stabilization device is used in a stabilization system including a table, the table including a platform and a plurality of legs, and in some implementations, the platform can include side walls for receiving the first and second retention tabs of the base plate.

[0048] In some implementations, an exemplary stabilization apparatus, device, or system includes a base plate, a carriage, and at least one clamp for receiving one or more medical devices, and at least one of the base plate and the carriage includes at least one rail.

[0049] In some implementations, the at least one clamp can be attached to the at least one rail such that the at least one clamp can slide along the rail but is prevented from disengaging from the rail.

[0050] In some implementations, the base plate includes at least one rail, and the carriage is movably mounted to the at least one rail of the base plate such that the carriage is prohibited from moving away from the base plate by the at least one rail.

[0051] In some implementations, the at least one rail includes a plurality of locking teeth for engaging at least one latch member of the carriage and the at least one clamp.

[0052] In some implementations, at least one of the release button, knob, and / or lever is operable to allow lateral movement of the carriage and / or at least one clamp along at least one rail.

[0053] In some implementations, the base plate includes two mounting rails, and the carriage includes a fixed retaining lip and a movable retaining lip for securing the carriage between the two mounting rails.

[0054] In some implementations, the carriage includes an adjustment mechanism for laterally moving (e.g., sliding) at least one clamp along the carriage (e.g., along a channel or at least one rail of the carriage).

[0055] In some implementations, actuating a button, knob, and / or lever on the at least one clamp disengages the at least one clamp from the adjustment mechanism of the carriage.

[0056] In some implementations, the adjustment mechanism comprises a worm drive that engages a pin on a traveler to attach the clamp.

[0057] In some implementations, the clamp further comprises at least one of a release button, knob, and / or lever for disengaging the clamp from the adjustment mechanism.

[0058] In some implementations, the channel comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail.

[0059] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange.

[0060] In some implementations, the fixed and movable mounting flanges can be disposed in recesses in the first and second mounting rails.

[0061] In some implementations, an exemplary stabilization apparatus or device for the one or more medical devices includes a base plate, a carriage, and one or more clamps.

[0062] In some implementations, the base plate and the carriage can be separate components that can be attached to each other.

[0063] In some implementations, the base plate and the carriage are integrally formed, hi some implementations, the carriage may be a channel formed in or on the base plate (e.g., the same as or similar to other channels described herein).

[0064] In some implementations, the base plate has at least one rail extending upward, and the carriage can be movably mounted to the at least one rail of the base plate and can be inhibited from moving away from the base plate by the at least one rail.

[0065] The one or more clamps are configured to receive one or more medical devices.

[0066] In some implementations, the one or more clamps can each be movably (e.g., slidably) attached to the carriage. The one or more clamps can be configured to be removable from or attachable to the carriage by an end user.

[0067] In some implementations, at least one rail of the base plate includes a plurality of locking teeth for engaging a latch member of the carriage.

[0068] In some implementations, at least one rail of the base plate is received within a mounting channel of the carriage.

[0069] In some implementations, pressing a release button on the carriage allows the carriage to move laterally along at least one rail.

[0070] In some implementations, pressing a release button on the carriage allows the carriage to be removed from at least one rail.

[0071] In some implementations, the base plate includes two mounting rails, and the carriage includes a fixed retaining lip and a movable retaining lip for securing the carriage between the two mounting rails.

[0072] In some implementations, the carriage further includes an adjustment mechanism for moving the clamp laterally along the carriage.

[0073] In some implementations, pressing a release button on the clamp disengages the clamp from the adjustment mechanism of the carriage.

[0074] In some implementations, the adjustment mechanism includes a worm drive that engages a pin on the traveler to attach the clamp.

[0075] In some implementations, the clamp further includes a release lever for disengaging the clamp from the adjustment mechanism.

[0076] In some implementations, the release lever can be held in the released state.

[0077] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

[0078] In some implementations, the clamp includes a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp.

[0079] In some implementations, the stabilization device is used in a stabilization system.

[0080] In some implementations, the stabilization system includes a table, hi some implementations, the table includes a platform and one or more legs (e.g., multiple legs).

[0081] In some implementations, the platform includes side walls for receiving the first and second retention tabs of the base plate.

[0082] In some implementations, an exemplary stabilization system for holding a medical device includes a clamp mounting channel defined by first and second mounting rails and a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposable (e.g., positionable) within the clamp mounting channel.

[0083] In some implementations, the clamp includes feet that engage the channel to lock the position of the clamp within the channel.

[0084] In some implementations, the channel includes a gripping strip for engaging the locking foot.

[0085] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange.

[0086] In some implementations, the fixed and movable mounting flanges can be disposed in recesses in the first and second mounting rails.

[0087] In some implementations, an actuator (eg, a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) is operable to retract the movable mounting flange.

[0088] In some implementations, the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange.

[0089] In some implementations, an actuator (e.g., a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) can be actuated to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0090] In some implementations, the system includes a cam to move the foot into engagement with the channel, hi some implementations, the foot is biased to a retracted position.

[0091] In some implementations, the clamp includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

[0092] In some implementations, the clamp further comprises an actuator (e.g., a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) that can be actuated or moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp.

[0093] In some implementations, an exemplary clamp for holding a medical device comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, which is opened and closed by pivoting the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw.

[0094] In some implementations, the movable retention flange extends from a first side of the clamp, and in some implementations, the fixed retention flange extends from a second side of the clamp opposite the first side.

[0095] In some implementations, the movable locking foot extends from the bottom of the clamp.

[0096] In some implementations, the movable retention flange includes a beveled edge.

[0097] In some implementations, an actuator (eg, a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) is operable to retract the movable retention flange.

[0098] In some implementations, the movable retention flange is biased away from the fixed retention flange.

[0099] In some implementations, an actuator (eg, a button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) is actuatable to move the foot into engagement with the channel.

[0100] In some implementations, the clamp includes a cam to move the foot into engagement with the channel, hi some implementations, the foot is biased to a retracted position.

[0101] In some implementations, the clamp further comprises an actuator (e.g., a button, knob, latch, or lever) that can be actuated or moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp.

[0102] In some implementations, an exemplary clamp mounting channel of a stabilization system includes a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail configured to receive a clamp for holding a medical device such that the clamp is slidably positionable within the clamp mounting channel between the first and second mounting rails and the feet of the clamp can engage the clamp mounting channel to lock the position of the clamp within the clamp mounting channel.

[0103] In some implementations, the channel includes a gripping strip for engaging the locking foot.

[0104] In some implementations, the channel includes recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail, the recesses configured to receive at least one of the first flange and the second flange of the clamp.

[0105] In some implementations, the recess includes an upper surface configured to engage with the first and second flanges of the clamp when the locking foot presses down on the bottom of the clamp mounting channel to lock the position of the clamp within the clamp mounting channel.

[0106] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be found in the following description and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts bear like reference numerals and in which:

[0107] To further clarify various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a more particular description of certain embodiments will be made by reference to various aspects of the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, while the figures may be to scale for some implementations, the figures are not necessarily to scale for all embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure and other features and advantages will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. [Additional note 1] 1. A stabilizing device for holding a medical device, comprising: a carriage portion having an integrally formed base plate portion and a channel for mounting a clamp; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposable within the channel; a clamp, the clamp including a foot configured to engage the channel to lock the position of the clamp within the channel. [Additional note 2] 10. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail. [Additional note 3] 3. The stabilization device of claim 2, wherein the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange. [Additional note 4] 4. The stabilizing device of claim 3, wherein the fixed mounting flange and the movable mounting flange are disposable in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail. [Additional note 5] 5. The stabilization device of claim 4, further comprising an actuator operable to retract the movable mounting flange. [Additional note 6] 6. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange. [Additional note 7] 7. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising an actuator operable to move the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional note 8] 8. The stabilization device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cam for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional note 9] 8. The stabilizing device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the foot is biased to a retracted position. [Additional Note 10] 10. The stabilization device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw. [Additional Note 11] 11. The stabilization device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the clamp further comprises an actuator that can be actuated or moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional Note 12] 1. A stabilization system for holding a medical device, comprising: an integrally formed base plate portion and a carriage portion having a channel for mounting a clamp; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposable within the channel; a clamp including a foot configured to engage the channel to lock the position of the clamp relative to the channel; A table, a platform having side walls for receiving the first and second retention tabs of the base plate portion; and a table comprising a plurality of legs for supporting the platform. [Additional Note 13] 13. The stabilization system of claim 12, wherein the channel comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail. [Additional Note 14] 14. The stabilization system of claim 13, wherein the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange. [Additional Note 15] 15. The stabilization system of claim 14, wherein the fixed mounting flange and the movable mounting flange are disposable in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail. [Additional Note 16] 16. The stabilization system of claim 15, further comprising a latch button that retracts the movable mounting flange. [Additional Note 17] 17. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange. [Additional Note 18] 18. The stabilization system of any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising a locking knob for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional Note 19] 19. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 12 to 18, further comprising a cam for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional Note 20] 19. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 12 to 18, wherein the foot is biased to a retracted position. [Additional Note 21] 21. The stabilization system of any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw. [Additional note 22] 22. The stabilization system of any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the clamp further comprises a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional Note 23] 1. A stabilization device comprising: A base plate and A carriage; at least one clamp for receiving one or more medical devices; A stabilization device, wherein at least one of the base plate and the carriage includes at least one rail. [Additional note 24] 24. The stabilization device of claim 23, wherein the at least one clamp is attachable to the at least one rail such that the at least one clamp can slide along the rail but is prevented from disengaging from the rail. [Additional note 25] 24. The stabilization device of claim 23, wherein the base plate includes the at least one rail, and the carriage is movably mounted to the at least one rail of the base plate and is prevented from moving away from the base plate by the at least one rail. [Additional note 26] 26. The stabilizing device of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the at least one rail comprises a plurality of locking teeth for engaging with at least one latch member of the carriage and the at least one clamp. [Additional note 27] 26. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 23 to 25, wherein at least one of a release button, knob, and / or lever is operable to allow lateral movement of the carriage and / or the at least one clamp along the at least one rail. [Additional note 28] the base plate includes two mounting rails; 28. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 23 to 27, wherein the carriage comprises a fixed retaining lip and a movable retaining lip for securing the carriage between the two mounting rails. [Additional note 29] 29. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 23 to 28, wherein the carriage comprises an adjustment mechanism for laterally moving the at least one clamp along the carriage. [Additional note 30] 30. The stabilization device of claim 29, wherein actuating a button, knob, and / or lever of the at least one clamp is configured to disengage the at least one clamp from the adjustment mechanism of the carriage. [Additional note 31] 31. The stabilization device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a worm drive that engages with a pin on a traveler for attaching the clamp. [Additional note 32] 32. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 29 to 31, wherein the clamp further comprises at least one of a release button, knob, and / or lever for disengaging the clamp from the adjustment mechanism. [Additional note 33] 33. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 23 to 32, wherein the carriage comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail. [Additional note 34] 34. The stabilization device of claim 33, wherein the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange. [Additional note 35] 35. The stabilizing device of claim 34, wherein the fixed mounting flange and the movable mounting flange are disposable in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail. [Additional note 36] 1. A stabilization system for holding a medical device, comprising: A stabilizer, a base plate including at least one upwardly extending rail and first and second retention tabs; a carriage movably mounted to the at least one rail of the base plate and inhibited from moving away from the base plate by the at least one rail; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being movably mounted to the carriage; and A table, a platform having side walls for receiving the first and second retention tabs of the base plate; and A stabilization system comprising: a table having a plurality of legs for supporting the platform; and a stabilizer. [Additional note 37] 37. The stabilization system of claim 36, wherein the at least one rail of the base plate includes a plurality of locking teeth for engaging with a latch member of the carriage. [Additional note 38] 38. The stabilization system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the at least one rail of the base plate is received within a mounting channel of the carriage. [Additional note 39] 39. The stabilization system of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein depressing a release button on the carriage allows the carriage to move laterally along the at least one rail. [Additional note 40] 40. The stabilization system of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the carriage can be removed from the at least one rail by pressing a release button on the carriage. [Additional note 41] the base plate includes two mounting rails; 41. The stabilizing system of any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the carriage comprises a fixed retaining lip and a movable retaining lip for securing the carriage between the two mounting rails. [Additional note 42] 42. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 36 to 41, wherein the carriage further comprises an adjustment mechanism for moving the clamp laterally along the carriage. [Additional note 43] 43. The stabilization system of claim 42, wherein the clamp is disengaged from the adjustment mechanism of the carriage by depressing a release button on the clamp. [Additional note 44] 44. The stabilization system of claim 42 or 43, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a worm drive that engages with a pin on a traveler for attaching the clamp. [Additional note 45] 45. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 42 to 44, wherein the clamp further comprises a release lever for disengaging the clamp from the adjustment mechanism. [Additional note 46] 46. ​​The stabilization system of claim 45, wherein the release lever can be held in a released state. [Additional note 47] 47. The stabilization system of claim 45 or 46, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw. [Additional note 48] 48. The stabilization system of any one of claims 36 to 47, wherein the clamp further comprises a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional note 49] 49. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 36 to 48, wherein at least one of the first and second side walls of the table includes an alignment gap for receiving an alignment portion of at least one of the first and second retention tabs of the base plate. [Additional Note 50] 50. The stabilization system of any one of claims 36 to 49, wherein the first and second side walls of the table include latch protrusions for retaining shoulders of the first and second retention tabs of the base plate. [Additional note 51] 51. The stabilization system of any one of claims 36 to 50, wherein the base plate is configured to attach to two tables. [Additional note 52] 1. A stabilizing device for holding a medical device, comprising: a base plate having at least one rail extending upwardly therefrom; a carriage movably mounted to the at least one rail of the base plate and inhibited from moving away from the base plate by the at least one rail; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being movably mounted to the carriage. [Additional note 53] 53. The stabilizing device of claim 52, wherein the at least one rail of the base plate includes a plurality of locking teeth for engaging with a latch member of the carriage. [Additional note 54] 54. The stabilizing device of claim 52 or 53, wherein the at least one rail of the base plate is received within a mounting channel of the carriage. [Additional note 55] 55. The stabilizing device of any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein pressing a release button on the carriage allows the carriage to move laterally along the at least one rail. [Additional note 56] 56. The stabilizing device of any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the carriage can be removed from the at least one rail by pressing a release button on the carriage. [Additional note 57] the base plate includes two mounting rails; 57. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 52 to 56, wherein the carriage comprises a fixed retaining lip and a movable retaining lip for securing the carriage between the two mounting rails. [Additional note 58] 58. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 52 to 57, wherein the carriage further comprises an adjustment mechanism for moving the clamp laterally along the carriage. [Additional note 59] 59. The stabilizing device of claim 58, wherein pressing a release button on the clamp disengages the clamp from the adjustment mechanism of the carriage. [Additional note 60] 60. The stabilization device of claim 58 or 59, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a worm drive that engages with a pin on a traveler for attaching the clamp. [Additional note 61] 61. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 58 to 60, wherein the clamp further comprises a release lever for disengaging the clamp from the adjustment mechanism. [Additional note 62] 62. The stabilization device of claim 61, wherein the release lever can be held in a released state. [Additional note 63] 63. The stabilization device of any one of claims 58 to 62, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw. [Additional note 64] 64. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 58 to 63, wherein the clamp further comprises a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional note 65] 1. A stabilizing device for holding a medical device, comprising: a base plate having a channel for mounting a clamp; a clamp for receiving the medical device, slidably disposable within the channel; a clamp, the clamp including a foot that engages the channel to lock the position of the clamp relative to the base plate. [Additional note 66] 66. The stabilizing device of clause 65, wherein the channel comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail. [Additional note 67] 67. The stabilization device of clause 66, wherein the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange. [Additional note 68] 68. The stabilizing device of claim 67, wherein the fixed mounting flange and the movable mounting flange are disposable in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail. [Additional note 69] 69. The stabilization device of claim 68, further comprising an actuator operable to retract the movable mounting flange. [Additional note 70] 70. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 67 to 69, wherein the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange. [Additional note 71] 71. The stabilization device of any one of clauses 65 to 70, further comprising an actuatable actuator that moves the foot to engage the channel. [Additional note 72] 72. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 65 to 71, further comprising a cam for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional note 73] 72. The stabilizing device of any one of clauses 65 to 71, wherein the feet are biased to a retracted position. [Additional note 74] 74. The stabilization device of any one of claims 65 to 73, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw that is biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw. [Additional note 75] 75. The stabilization device of any one of claims 65 to 74, wherein the clamp further comprises an actuator that can be actuated or moved into an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional note 76] 1. A stabilization system for holding a medical device, comprising: a base plate having a channel for mounting a clamp; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposable within the channel; a clamp including feet that engage the channels to lock the position of the clamp relative to the base plate; A table, a platform having side walls for receiving the first and second retention tabs of the base plate; and a table comprising a plurality of legs for supporting the platform. [Additional note 77] 77. The stabilization system of claim 76, wherein the channel comprises a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail. [Additional note 78] 78. The stabilization system of claim 77, wherein the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange. [Additional note 79] 79. The stabilization system of claim 78, wherein the fixed mounting flange and the movable mounting flange are disposed in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail. [Additional note 80] 80. The stabilization system of claim 79, further comprising a latch button that retracts the movable mounting flange. [Additional note 81] 81. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 78 to 80, wherein the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange. [Additional note 82] 82. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 76 to 81, further comprising a locking knob for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional note 83] 83. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 76 to 82, further comprising a cam for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional note 84] 83. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 76 to 82, wherein the foot is biased to a retracted position. [Additional note 85] 85. The stabilization system of any one of claims 76 to 84, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw. [Additional note 86] 86. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 76 to 85, wherein the clamp further comprises a free-rotating lever that can be moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional note 87] 1. A stabilization system for holding a medical device, comprising: a channel defined by first and second mounting rails for mounting a clamp; and a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposed within the channel; a clamp, the clamp including feet that engage the channel to lock the position of the clamp within the channel. [Additional note 88] 88. The stabilization system of clause 87, wherein the channel comprises a gripping strip for engaging the foot. [Additional note 89] 89. The stabilization system of claim 87 or 88, wherein the clamp includes a fixed mounting flange and a movable mounting flange. [Additional Note 90] 90. The stabilization system of claim 89, wherein the fixed mounting flange and the movable mounting flange are disposable in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail. [Additional Note 91] 91. The stabilization system of claim 90, further comprising an actuator operable to retract the movable mounting flange. [Additional note 92] 92. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 89-91, wherein the movable mounting flange is biased away from the fixed mounting flange. [Additional Note 93] 93. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 87 to 92, further comprising an actuator operable to move the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional Note 94] 94. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 87 to 93, further comprising a cam for moving the foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional note 95] 94. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 87 to 93, wherein the foot is biased to a retracted position. [Additional Note 96] A stabilization system according to any one of clauses 87 to 95, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw biased in a closing direction towards the fixed jaw. [Additional note 97] 97. The stabilization system of any one of clauses 87 to 96, wherein the clamp further comprises an actuator that can be actuated or moved to an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional note 98] 1. A clamp for holding a medical device, comprising: a fixed jaw; a movable jaw that is opened and closed by pivoting the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw; a movable retention flange extending from a first side of the clamp; a fixed retention flange extending from a second side of the clamp opposite the first side; a movable locking foot extending from the bottom of the clamp. [Additional Note 99] 99. The clamp of clause 98, wherein the movable retention flange includes a beveled edge. [Additional Note 100] 99. The clamp of clause 98, further comprising an actuator operable to retract the movable retention flange. [Additional Note 101] 101. The clamp of any one of clauses 98 to 100, wherein the movable retention flange is biased away from the fixed retention flange. [Additional Note 102] 102. The clamp of any one of clauses 98 to 101, further comprising an actuator operable to move the locking foot into engagement with the channel. [Additional Note 103] 103. The clamp of any one of claims 98 to 102, further comprising a cam for moving the locking foot to engage with the channel. [Additional Note 104] The clamp according to any one of appended paragraphs 98 to 103, wherein the locking foot is biased to a retracted position. [Additional Note 105] A clamp as described in any one of appended claims 98 to 104, further comprising an actuator that can be actuated or moved into an engaged state in which the clamp is partially open to facilitate rotation of the medical device within the clamp. [Additional Note 106] a clamp mounting channel of the stabilization system, a first mounting rail; a second mounting rail; A clamp mounting channel, wherein the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail are configured to receive a clamp for holding a medical device, such that the clamp can be slidably disposed within the clamp mounting channel between the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail, and the foot of the clamp can engage the clamp mounting channel to lock the position of the clamp within the clamp mounting channel. [Additional Note 107] 107. The clamp mounting channel of claim 106, further comprising a gripping strip for engaging the foot. [Additional Note 108] 108. The clamp mounting channel of claim 106 or 107, further comprising recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail, the recesses configured to receive at least one of the first flange and the second flange of the clamp. [Additional Note 109] A clamp mounting channel as described in appended claim 108, wherein the recess includes an upper surface configured to engage the first flange and the second flange of the clamp when the foot presses down on the bottom of the clamp mounting channel to lock the position of the clamp within the clamp mounting channel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0108] [Figure 1] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 2]10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 3] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 5] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 6] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 7] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 8] 10 illustrates an embodiment of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 9] 9 shows a perspective view of a plurality of stabilizers of FIGS. 1 to 8 connected together. [Figure 10] 1 shows an exemplary table of the stabilizer device disclosed herein. [Figure 11] 1 shows an exemplary table of the stabilizer device disclosed herein. [Figure 12] 1 shows an exemplary table of the stabilizer device disclosed herein. [Figure 13] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 14] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 15] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 16]10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 17] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 18] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 19] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 20] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 21] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 22] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 23] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 24] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 25] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 26] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 27] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 28] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 29] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 30] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 31] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 32] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 33] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 34] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 35] 23 shows a perspective view of a plurality of the stabilizers of FIGS. 13-22 connected together. FIG. [Figure 36] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 37] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 38] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 39] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 40] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 41]10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 42] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 43] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 44] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 45] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 46] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 47] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 48] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 49] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 50] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 51] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 52] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 53] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 54] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 55] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 56] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 57] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 58] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 59] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 60] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 61] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 62] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 63] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 64] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 65] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 66]10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 67] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 68] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 69] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 70] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 71] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 72] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 73] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 74] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 75] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 76] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 77] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 78] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 79] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 80] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 81] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 82] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 83] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 84] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 85] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 86] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 87] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 88] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 89] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 90] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 91]10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 92] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 93] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 94] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 95] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 96] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 97] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 98] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 99] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 100] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 101] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 102] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 103] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 104] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 105] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 106] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 107] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 108] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 109] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 110] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 111] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 112] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 113] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 114] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 115] 10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 116]10A-10C illustrate components of an example stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 117] 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of an integrally formed base plate and carriage of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 118] 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of an integrally formed base plate and carriage of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. [Figure 119] 10A-10C illustrate an embodiment of an integrally formed base plate and carriage of a stabilizer for holding a delivery device used to implant an implantable prosthesis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0109] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Other implementations having different structure and operation do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0110]

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for stabilizing medical devices. It should be noted that various embodiments of medical device stabilization devices are disclosed herein, and that any combination of features of these embodiments may be made unless specifically excluded. In other words, individual components of the disclosed devices and systems may be combined unless mutually exclusive or otherwise physically impossible.

[0111] As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, attached, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct between the components or may be indirect, such as through the use of one or more intermediate components. Also, as described herein, references to a "member," "component," or "portion" are not limited to a single structural member, component, or element, but may include assemblies of components, members, or elements. Also, as described herein, the terms "substantially" and "about" are defined as at least near (and including) (preferably, within 10%, more preferably, within 1%, and most preferably, within 0.1%) of a given value or condition.

[0112] During surgical procedures using a catheter, it is typically beneficial for the operator to have precise control over the catheter's movement, as the catheter must be directed through the patient's vasculature. This includes mechanisms that allow the catheter to bend to assist in navigating the vasculature, as well as mechanisms that control the deployment of prosthetic valves. During the procedure, the operator can control the catheter using a handle, which can provide control for extending, retracting, and bending the catheter, including as it navigates the patient's vasculature to the delivery or repair site.

[0113] Transcatheter procedures can be lengthy, and it can be inconvenient for the operator to manually maintain the position of the catheter handle during the entire procedure. At some points during the procedure, it may be desirable to adjust the location of the catheter handle relative to the patient, while at other times it may be desirable to maintain the position of the catheter handle relative to the patient, such as maintaining the insertion depth of the catheter or the rotational position of the handle.

[0114] The catheter handle can be secured to a table adjacent to the patient using a locking mechanism. Typically, the locking mechanism requires the user to actively engage or disengage the locking device to secure or release the catheter handle from the stand or mount. For example, a clamping mechanism can be advanced, such as by advancing the clamp onto a threaded shaft, to secure the clamp to the catheter handle and secure the catheter handle during a procedure. If it is desired to adjust the position of the catheter handle, the clamp can be released, the position of the catheter handle and / or mount adjusted, and the clamp re-secured. However, these processes can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

[0115] Stabilization systems, devices, and tables for supporting them can be used to hold medical devices, such as catheter delivery systems for implanting implantable prosthetic devices, above a patient during a surgical procedure. The table can also be used as a work surface for holding other tools, instruments, materials, or the like required for a particular procedure. Exemplary stabilization systems / devices support and position a medical device in a desired location so that it does not move without the device operator's direction. The stabilization systems / devices disclosed herein are also easily adjustable so that if an operator desires to reconfigure or move a medical device, such movement can be easily accomplished. The exemplary stabilization systems / devices and tables disclosed herein can also accommodate a sterile barrier, such as a drape, positioned between the stabilization system / device and the table and remain adjustable without removing the sterile barrier. This arrangement offers a significant advantage over prior art methods that secure the stabilization system / device to a table using clamps that must be released and moved to adjust the position of the stabilization system / device relative to the table. To accommodate medical devices of different lengths, the exemplary stabilization systems / devices disclosed herein can span multiple tables, thereby allowing operators to configure work surfaces of different lengths using the same components.

[0116] The stabilization system / device can be configured to be assembled to a table with a sterile barrier provided between the two. The base plate of the stabilization system / device engages the table to securely attach the stabilization system / device to the table. The carriage and clamp of the stabilization system / device remain movable relative to the base plate and table, providing the operator with customizable clamp positioning. Various mechanisms can be employed to connect the clamp, carriage, and base plate to facilitate adjustment of the relative positions of these components and their locking or unlocking. The stabilization methods of various embodiments may vary and are discussed more fully below with respect to each embodiment. Additional information regarding these and other stabilization devices can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,929,999 and 5,929,999, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0117] 1-9, an embodiment of a stabilization apparatus, system, or device 100 is shown. In some implementations, the stabilization system or device 100 includes a table 110, a base plate 120 removably attached to the table 110, a carriage 140 attached to or formed on the base plate 120, and a clamp 160 attached to the carriage 140. The stabilization system / device 100 can incorporate any of the features of the stabilization systems / devices disclosed herein and can be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, metal or plastic. In some implementations, the carriage can be a separate component or can be integrally formed with the base plate.

[0118] Table 110 has legs 112 for elevating platform 114 above a patient undergoing a procedure with a medical device stabilized by stabilization system / device 100. Legs 112 are optionally detachable from platform 114 so that table 110 can be stored or transported in a compact manner. Legs 112 may include feet (not shown) so that fewer than four legs are required to support table 110 in a stable manner (e.g., table 200 shown in FIGS. 10-12). Platform 114 may also include various leg attachment locations for reconfiguring legs 112, for example, to avoid obstacles.

[0119] Base plate 120 is removably attached to the table by any suitable means, such as, for example, threaded fasteners, snaps, spring clamps, hook and loop fasteners, or the like. Base plate 120 can be configured to be fully or partially retained by features of table 110 such that base plate 120 remains attached to table 110 when the table is covered by a sterile barrier (not shown), such as a drape (see, for example, the examples described below). That is, base plate 120 can be attached to table 110 without fasteners or other attachment means that penetrate or puncture a sterile barrier disposed between table 110 and base plate 120. Additionally, base plate 120 can be formed as a single piece or as multiple pieces that can be rearranged to change the size or length of base plate 120.

[0120] In some implementations, the carriage 140 is movably, and optionally, removably, mounted to the base plate 120 such that the carriage 140 can move along the base plate 120 relative to the table 110 while the base plate 120 remains fixed relative to the table 110. For example, as seen in FIGS. 4-6 , the carriage 140 can move to one side of the base plate 120 and can extend beyond the edge of the base plate 120 if permitted by the means used to attach the carriage 140 to the base plate 120. The carriage 140 can be mounted to one or more rails that protrude from the base plate 120 or can include protrusions that are received in one or more grooves or channels formed in the base plate 120. The carriage 140 can move along a predetermined path relative to the base plate 120 and can be locked in place along the path at a desired location. Carriage 140 may be locked in place using a spring-loaded latch (not shown) or any other suitable locking means, such as, for example, a threaded fastener, a set screw, a locking pin, a cam lock, or the like, and the locking means may be configured to hold carriage 140 on base plate 120 such that carriage 140 resists forces that tend to pull carriage 140 away from base plate 120.

[0121] In some implementations, the clamp 160 includes a fixed jaw 162 and a movable jaw 164 that opens and closes by pivoting ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) and / or sliding relative to the fixed jaw 162, although the clamp can be the same as or similar to other clamps described herein. The movable jaw 164 can optionally be biased toward the fixed jaw 162, such as by a spring, so that the clamp 160 remains closed unless opened by the application of an opening force to the movable jaw 164. The opening force can be applied to the movable jaw 164 directly or by an actuating device such as a lever or actuator. The lever or actuator used to open the movable jaw 164 can also be configured to hold the jaw 164 in an open or partially open position to facilitate insertion and / or rotation of a medical device. In some implementations, clamp 160 does not have a fixed jaw 162, but instead has two movable jaws 164 that can optionally be biased toward one another. Jaws 162, 164 of clamp 160 together form an opening 166 for receiving a medical device (not shown) to be stabilized by stabilization device 100.

[0122] Clamp 160 is movably mounted to carriage 140 so that the position of clamp 160 can be adjusted along the length of carriage 140 (shown in FIGS. 4-6 ), thereby providing additional adjustability for the user. Clamp 160 can optionally be rotatably adjusted relative to carriage 140 to accommodate differently shaped medical devices. Adjustment of the position of clamp 160 can be done directly or through an adjustment mechanism. Clamp 160 can also be locked in place by a locking mechanism (not shown) to secure clamp 160 in a desired position. The locking mechanism can be opened or released to allow clamp 160 to move along carriage 140. Optionally, the locking mechanism can be biased in a locking direction so that clamp 160 remains locked in place unless the locking mechanism is actively released. The release mechanism for such a biased locking mechanism can also include a hold position that allows the operator to open the locking mechanism without having to continuously hold it open. In some implementations, the locking and adjustment mechanisms are combined into a single mechanism that serves both the clamp 160 and carriage 140 assemblies. In some implementations, the carriage can include one or more rails (e.g., similar to rails 646 and 648 shown and described later herein) to which the clamps can be slidably mounted.

[0123] 10-12, an exemplary table 200 for use with the stabilizing device disclosed herein is shown. The table 200 includes a platform or tabletop 210 supported by two legs 220. The platform has a sidewall or barrier 212 spaced apart by a gap 216 and extending above the platform 210 to a plurality of latch protrusions 214 configured to engage the base plate of a stabilizing device, such as the stabilizing devices disclosed herein and described in detail below. The platform 210 also includes two pairs of openings 218 for receiving and attaching the legs 220. The openings 218 may be threaded, as shown in FIG. 10, or may include slots or other locking features that sufficiently secure the legs 220 to the platform 210, such as for a quarter-swivel locking feature.

[0124] Leg 220 includes a horizontally extending foot 222 and a vertical support 224 that extends upward from foot 222 toward platform 210. A threaded connection (not shown) at the top of vertical support 224 can be used to connect leg 220 to platform 220. An optional extension 226 can be attached to the top of vertical support 224 to further increase the height of platform 210 of table 200 relative to the bottom of foot 222. Extension 226 includes an internally threaded portion (not shown) for engaging vertical support 224 and an externally threaded portion (not shown) for engaging threaded opening 218 in platform 210. The external threads of extension 226 are the same as the external threads of vertical support 224. In the illustrated embodiment, a threaded connection is used, however, any suitable connection for removably connecting the leg 220 to the platform 210 can be used, such as a slotted connection, a quarter-turn connection, a pinned connection, a spring latch or clamp connection, or the like.

[0125] 13-35, an embodiment of a stabilization device 300 is shown. Stabilization device 300 includes a base plate 320. A carriage 340 can be attached to base plate 320 or can be integrally formed with base plate 320. One or more clamps 360 can be attached to carriage 340 or base plate 320. Stabilization device 300 can incorporate any of the features of the stabilization devices disclosed herein and can be made from any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

[0126] 14-17 , in some implementations, the stabilization device 300 includes a release 342 (e.g., a release button, knob, latch, lever, etc.) (see FIG. 14 ) for releasing the carriage 340 from the base plate 320 for disassembly and / or for lateral movement of the carriage 340 along the base plate 320. In some implementations, a knob 344 (or other actuator, such as a button, latch, lever, etc.) located on the side of the carriage 340 can be actuated (e.g., turned) to move the clamp 360 back and forth along the carriage 340. In other words, the release 342 can operate as a coarse adjustment mechanism for the position of the clamp 360 relative to the base plate 320, and the actuator / knob 344 can operate as a fine adjustment mechanism for the position of the clamp 360 relative to the carriage 340.

[0127] 18 and 19 , an exemplary base plate 320 is shown. In some implementations, the base plate 320 has a rigid tab 322 and a spring or flexible tab 324 for attachment to the table 200. The tabs 322, 324 include an alignment portion 326 that fits into the gap 216 in the side wall 212 of the table 200 and a retention shoulder 328 that fits under the latch protrusions 214 on the side wall 212 of the table 200 (see FIG. 10 ). The base plate 320 is assembled to the table 200 by first inserting the alignment portion 326 of the rigid tab 322 into the gap 216 between the latch protrusions 214 on the side wall 212 such that the shoulder 328 of the rigid tab 322 is retained by the latch protrusions 214. The other side of the base plate 320 is then pressed downward so that the alignment portion 326 and shoulder 328 of the flexible tab 324 fit within the latch protrusion 214 on the opposite side wall 212. The flexible tab 324 may include a ramp or angled portion to provide a smoother engagement with the latch protrusion 214.

[0128] In some implementations, to remove the base plate 320 from the table 200, the upper ends of the flexible tabs 324 are pushed inward until the shoulders 328 are released from beneath the latch protrusions 214, allowing the base plate 320 to be lifted upward and removed from the table 200. Sufficient space is provided between the base plate 320 and the table 200 so that a sterile barrier, such as a drape, can be provided between the two. That is, the sterile barrier can be placed on top of the table 200 before the base plate 320 is snapped into place between the side walls 212 of the table 200. As seen in FIGS. 13 and 35, the base plate 320 of the stabilizing device 300 can be configured to attach the stabilizing device 300 to one or more of the tables 200 shown in FIGS. 10-12 described above.

[0129] 20-30 , various views of an exemplary carriage 340 and its features are shown. In some implementations, the carriage 340 is movably and removably attached to a mounting rail 330 that extends across the base plate 320. In some implementations, the carriage 340 may be a carriage portion or feature of the base plate 320, for example, an integral part of the base plate.

[0130] In some implementations, the mounting rail 330 is received within a guide channel 346 of the carriage 340 and latched in place (see FIGS. 20-24). Referring to FIG. 22, a latch recess 332 on one or both sides of the mounting rail 330 receives a latch 348 of the carriage 340, which is released by a release button 342. Referring to FIG. 24, a locking tooth 334 extending downward from the top surface of the latch recess 332 engages with a similar tooth 335 extending upward from the latch 348. The locking tooth 334 and the tooth of the latch 348 interlock together to prevent longitudinal movement of the carriage 340 when the mounting rail 330 is engaged by the latch 348.

[0131] The top of the mounting rail 330 (see FIG. 18) includes a limiting recess 336 having an end 337 for receiving a limiting tab 356 (FIGS. 29 and 30) on the carriage 340 to prevent the carriage 340 from moving beyond a position on the mounting rail 330 that is not stable enough to support the clamp 360.

[0132] 20-24, an exemplary release portion 342 and latch portion 348 mechanism is shown in more detail. The carriage 340 can be attached or moved to any position on the mounting rail 330 (within the limits defined by the limiting recess 336 and tab 356) by depressing the release portion 342 and retracting the latch 348 out of the latch recess 332 (see FIG. 22). This allows the guide channel 346 to slide over the mounting rail 330 to adjust the position of the carriage 340 on the base plate 320. The latch 348 can optionally be biased to the closed position by a biasing member, such as, for example, a spring, a shape memory material, an elastic member, or the like.

[0133] Latch 348 may also include a beveled bottom edge so that carriage 340 can be attached to base plate 320 by aligning guide channel 346 with mounting rail 330 and pushing carriage 340 down to snap carriage 340 onto mounting rail 330, i.e., releasing latch 348 through application of force against a sloped portion. Once over the top of mounting rail 330, latch 348 springs closed, engaging latch recess and locking tooth 334.

[0134] Once attached, the position of the carriage 340 can be coarsely or coarsely adjusted by depressing the release portion 342 to move the latch 348 out of the latch recess 332, disengaging the teeth of the latch 348 from the locking teeth 334 and allowing the carriage 340 to move freely along the mounting rail 330.

[0135] 25-30 illustrate an exemplary carriage 340. In FIG. 25, the carriage 340 is shown fully assembled and includes a fine adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the clamp 360 relative to the carriage 340. Referring to FIG. 26, a fine adjustment actuator or knob 344 is attached to a set of bevel gears 354 that translates rotation of the knob 344 into rotation of a worm drive or gear 352 that extends through a traveler 350. Other actuators, sometimes referred to as knobs, may also be used. The traveler 350 includes a pin (not shown) that fits into a groove in the worm drive 352, such that rotation of the worm drive 352 translates the traveler 350, and consequently the clamp 360, along the worm drive 352 and thus along the length of the carriage 340.

[0136] 31-34, clamp 360 is shown in a closed position (FIGS. 31 and 32) and an open position (FIGS. 33 and 34). Clamp 360 includes a fixed jaw 362 and a movable jaw 364 that is opened and closed by pivoting movable jaw 364 relative to fixed jaw 362. Movable jaw 364 is biased toward fixed jaw 362 by a spring, such that clamp 360 remains closed unless opened by application of an opening force to movable jaw 364. Jaws 362, 364 of clamp 360 together form an opening 366 for receiving a medical device (not shown), such as a catheter, that is stabilized by stabilization device 300. In the closed position, the fixed jaw and the movable jaw 362, 364 can remain spaced apart so that the closing force of the clamp 360 is applied to the medical device to stabilize it and prevent its rotation.

[0137] The clamp 360 further includes a mounting recess 368 configured to receive and engage a mounting portion of the traveler 350 so that the position of the clamp 360 can be adjusted along the length of the carriage 340 by rotation of the adjustment knob 344.

[0138] Referring to Figure 35, in one embodiment, two tables can be attached together using one or more base plates 320. In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 35, the base plate 320 spans between two tables 200 and attaches them together. The spanning base plate 320 can be attached to the tables 200 in a variety of different ways. In one embodiment, the spanning base plate is attached to two connected tables 200 in the same manner that the base plate 320 is attached to a single table 200.

[0139] 36-58, an embodiment of a stabilization system or stabilization device 400 is shown. Stabilization device 400 may include a base plate 420, a carriage 440 (or a carriage-like feature formed within or as part of the base plate) attached to base plate 420, and one or more clamps 460. One or more clamps 460 may be attached to carriage 440. Stabilization device 400 may incorporate any of the features of the stabilization devices disclosed herein and may be made from any suitable material, such as metal and / or plastic.

[0140] 36-39 , in some implementations, the stabilization device 400 includes a release 442 (e.g., a button, latch, knob, lever, etc.) for releasing the carriage 440 from the base plate 420 for disassembly and / or lateral movement of the carriage 440 along the base plate 420. An actuator or knob 444 located on the side of the carriage 440 can be turned to move the clamp 460 back and forth along the carriage 440 or along a carriage portion / feature of the base plate. In other words, the release 442 can operate as a coarse adjustment mechanism for the position of the clamp 460 relative to the base plate 420, and the actuator / knob 444 can operate as a fine adjustment mechanism for the position of the clamp 460 relative to the carriage 440.

[0141] 40 and 41 , an exemplary base plate 420 is shown. Similar to base plate 320, in some implementations, base plate 420 has rigid tabs 422 and spring or flexible tabs 424 for attachment to table 200. Tabs 422, 424 include alignment portions 426 that fit into gaps 216 in side walls 212 of table 200 and retention shoulders 428 that fit under latch protrusions 214 on side walls 212 of table 200. Base plate 420 is assembled to table 200 by first inserting alignment portions 426 of rigid tabs 422 into gaps 216 between latch protrusions 214 on side walls 212 such that shoulders 428 of rigid tabs 422 are retained by latch protrusions 214. The other side of the base plate 420 is then pressed downward so that the alignment portion 426 and shoulder 428 of the flexible tab 424 fit within the latch protrusion 214 on the opposite side wall 212. The flexible tab 424 may include a ramp or sloped portion to provide a smoother engagement with the latch protrusion 214.

[0142] In some implementations, to remove the base plate 420 from the table 200, the top ends of the flexible tabs 424 are pushed inward until the shoulders 428 are released from underneath the latch protrusions 214, allowing the base plate 420 to be lifted upward and removed from the table 200. Other removal or release mechanisms are also possible.

[0143] In one embodiment, sufficient space is provided between the base plate and the table 200 so that a sterile barrier, such as a drape, can be provided between the two. That is, the sterile barrier can be placed on top of the table 200 before the base plate 420 is snapped into place between the side walls 212 of the table 200. Similar to the base plate 320 shown in Figures 13 and 35, the base plate 420 is configured to attach the stabilization device 400 to one or more of the tables 200 shown in Figures 10-12 described above.

[0144] As seen in FIGS. 45 and 46 , in some implementations, the carriage 440 is movably and removably mounted to and latched in place on the base plate 420 by a first mounting rail 430 and a second mounting rail 432. The first and second mounting rails 430, 432 extend across the base plate 420, are spaced apart by the width of the carriage 440, and each include a recess for receiving a retention feature of the carriage 440: a retention lip 456 that engages the first mounting rail 430, and a latch 448 that engages the second mounting rail 432. The latch 448 is released by a release button or bar 442. The second mounting rail 432 also includes a locking tooth 434 extending downward from the top surface of the recess for engaging and interlocking with a corresponding tooth extending upward from the latch 448 to prohibit longitudinal movement of the carriage 440 when the second mounting rail 432 is engaged by the latch 448.

[0145] 42-58, various views of the carriage 440 and clamp 460 and their mechanisms are shown. In particular, FIGS. 42-46 show the latch mechanism in more detail. The carriage 440 can be attached to or moved to any position on the mounting rails 430, 432 by depressing the release button 442 to retract the latch 448 (see FIGS. 49 and 50) from the recess in the second mounting rail 432. This retraction disengages the teeth of the latch 448 from the teeth 434 (see FIG. 40) of the second mounting rail 432, thereby allowing the carriage 440 to be removed from or moved along the base plate 420.

[0146] The latch 448 may optionally be biased to the closed position by a biasing member, such as, for example, a spring, a shape memory material, or a resilient member. The latch 448 may also include a beveled bottom edge so that the carriage 440 can be attached to the base plate 420 by inserting the retaining lip 456 into a recess in the first mounting rail 430 and then pressing the carriage 440 down to snap the carriage 440 onto the second mounting rail 432, i.e., opening the latch 448 through application of force against a sloped portion. Once past the second mounting rail 432, the latch 448 springs closed and engages the latch recess and locking tooth 434. Once attached, the position of the carriage 440 can be coarsely or coarsely adjusted by depressing the release button 442 to move the latch 448 out of the recess in the second mounting rail 432, disengaging the teeth of the latch 448 from the locking teeth 434 and allowing the carriage 440 to move freely along the mounting rails 430, 432.

[0147] 47-58, carriage 440 is shown fully assembled (FIG. 47) with various components removed to reveal the fine adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of clamp 460 relative to carriage 440. FIGS. 47-58 also show multi-function or selection actuator or lever 468 and release 470 for interacting therewith. Fine adjustment actuator or knob 444 is attached to a set of bevel gears 454 to convert rotation of knob 444 into rotation of worm drive or gear 452. The worm drive or gear extends through traveler 450 and clutch 472 which extends through the center of traveler 450. Traveler 450 extends above carriage 440 so as to be attached to clamp 460. Clutch 472 includes a pin 474 (FIGS. 51 and 52) that fits into a groove in worm drive 452, such that rotation of worm drive 452 causes clutch 472 and traveler 450, and consequently clamp 460, to translate along worm drive 452 and thus along the length of carriage 440. While particular actuators are described, these are merely examples and other actuators, such as buttons, knobs, latches, levers, etc., may be used.

[0148] Clamp 460 includes a fixed jaw 462 and a movable jaw 464 that is opened and closed by pivoting the movable jaw 464 relative to the fixed jaw 462. The movable jaw 464 is biased toward the fixed jaw 462 by a spring, thereby causing clamp 460 to remain in a closed state unless opened by application of an opening force to movable jaw 464. Together, jaws 462, 464 of clamp 460 form an opening 466 for receiving a medical device (not shown) to be stabilized by stabilization device 400. In the closed position, fixed jaw 462 and movable jaw 464 can remain spaced apart such that the closing force of clamp 460 can be applied to the medical device to stabilize it and prevent its rotation. The clamp 460 is configured to receive and engage a mounting portion of the traveler 450 such that the position of the clamp 460 can be adjusted along the length of the carriage 440 by rotation of the adjustment knob 444 .

[0149] The fine adjustment mechanism can be disengaged to facilitate free adjustment of the position of the clamp 460 along the length of the carriage 440 without having to repeatedly turn the fine adjustment knob 444. As seen in FIGS. 49-52, the release button 470 engages the clutch 472. Referring to FIG. 52, depressing the release button 470 also moves the clutch 472 downward, thereby disengaging the clutch pin 474 from the groove in the worm drive 452. While the release button 470 is depressed, the clutch pin 474 remains disengaged from the worm drive 452 to allow the clamp 460 to move along the carriage 440. The release button 470 is biased upward such that removing the actuation force from the release button 470 allows the release button 470 and clutch 472 to move upward, thereby re-engaging the groove in the worm drive 452 with the clutch pin 474 (see FIG. 51). If the clutch pin 474 is not aligned with the groove in the worm drive 452, the clamp 460 can be moved laterally or the fine adjustment knob 444 can be rotated to rotate the worm drive 452 until the clutch pin 474 slides into place.

[0150] 53-58, an exemplary multi-function lever or selector lever 468 is shown in more detail. The selector lever 468 can be moved to three different positions, each corresponding to a different operating state of the clamp 460 and carriage 440 mechanism. The selector lever 468 can include a retention mechanism, such as a ball detent (e.g., FIGS. 57 and 58), to hold the selector lever 468 in each position. Other actuators are also possible.

[0151] 53 and 54 , a cam portion 478 (e.g., a screw head in the illustrated embodiment) engages a protrusion or shelf 479 connected to the release button 470, thereby moving the release button 470 downward. The downward movement of the release button 470 disengages the fine adjustment mechanism, allowing the clamp 460 to move freely along the length of the carriage 444. Thus, once the selector lever 468 is moved to the free sliding position, the lever 468 remains in the free sliding position, and the clutch pin 474 remains disengaged from the worm drive 452 until the selector lever 468 returns to the neutral or “full lock” center position shown in FIGS. 55 and 56 . In one embodiment, the clamp is in a closed position when the selector lever 468 is in the free sliding position.

[0152] In the "full lock" position, the cam portion 478 rotates out of the way to allow the clutch 472 to move upwardly due to the spring, thereby engaging the worm drive 452 with the clutch pin 474 (see FIG. 56). In the "full lock" position, the clutch pin 474 remains engaged with the worm drive 452 unless overridden by actuation of the release button 470. Thus, rotation of the worm drive 452 causes the clamp 460 to translate along the length of the carriage 440. In one embodiment, when the selector lever 468 is in the free-slide position, the clamp is in the closed position. The selector lever 468 can move further upward from the "full lock" position to the "free-swing" position.

[0153] 57 and 58, in the "free spin" position, the cam portion 476 of the selector lever 468 engages the actuation portion 480 of the movable jaw 464. This engagement causes the movable jaw 464 to pivot in an open direction, thereby partially opening the clamp 460. This partial opening allows a medical device, such as a catheter, held within the fastener to freely rotate. The clutch 472 is unaffected by the "free spin" position of the selector lever 468 and remains engaged with the worm drive 452 unless released by actuation of the release button 470.

[0154] 59-75, an embodiment of a stabilization system or device 500 is shown. The stabilization system / device 500 may include one or more of a base plate 520, a carriage 540 attached to the base plate 520 (or a carriage portion / feature formed within or as part of the base plate), and one or more clamps 560. The one or more clamps may be attached to the carriage 540. The stabilization system / device 500 may incorporate any of the features of the stabilization systems or devices disclosed herein and may be made from any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.

[0155] 59-62 , stabilization device 500 includes a release or release button 542 for releasing carriage 540 from base plate 520 for disassembly and / or longitudinal movement of carriage 540 along base plate 520. A release 570 located on the top of clamp 560 can be depressed to allow clamp 560 to move back and forth along carriage 540. In other words, release 542 can operate as a coarse adjustment mechanism for the position of clamp 560 relative to base plate 520, and release 570 can operate as a fine adjustment mechanism for the position of clamp 560 relative to carriage 540.

[0156] The base plate 520 can be the same as or similar to the base plate 420 described above. For example, the base plate 520 can have rigid tabs 522 and spring or flexible tabs 524 for attachment to the table 200 (see FIGS. 10-13). The tabs 522, 524 include alignment portions 526 that fit into the gaps 216 in the side walls 212 of the table 200 and retention shoulders 528 that fit under the latch protrusions 214 on the side walls 212 of the table 200. The base plate 520 is assembled to the table 200 by first inserting the alignment portions 526 of the rigid tabs 522 into the gaps 216 between the latch protrusions 214 on the side walls 212. The shoulders 528 of the rigid tabs 522 are retained by the latch protrusions 214. The other side of the base plate 520 is then pressed downward so that the alignment portion 526 and shoulder 528 of the flexible tab 524 fit within the latch protrusion 214 on the opposite side wall 212. The flexible tab 524 may include a ramp or sloped portion to provide a smoother engagement with the latch protrusion 214.

[0157] To remove the base plate 520 from the table 200, the upper ends of the flexible tabs 524 are pushed inward until the shoulders 528 are released from beneath the latch protrusions 214, allowing the base plate 520 to be lifted upward and removed from the table 200. Sufficient space is provided between the base plate 520 and the table 200 so that a sterile barrier, such as a drape, can be provided between the two. That is, the sterile barrier can be placed on top of the table 200 before the base plate 520 is snapped into place between the side walls 212 of the table 200. Similar to the base plate 320 shown in FIGS. 13 and 35, the base plate 520 can be configured to attach the stabilizing device 500 to one or more of the tables 200 shown in FIGS. 10-12 described above.

[0158] The carriage 540 is movably and removably mounted to the base plate 520 by a first mounting rail 530 and a second mounting rail 532 and latched in place. The first and second mounting rails 530, 532 extend across the base plate 520 and are spaced apart by the width of the carriage 540. Each mounting rail includes a recess for receiving a retention feature of the carriage 540: a retention lip 556 that engages the first mounting rail 530, and a latch 548 that engages the second mounting rail 532.

[0159] Latch 548 is identical to latch 448, and the associated mechanism is disclosed above. Latch 548 is released by release button or bar 542. Second mounting rail 532 also includes a locking tooth 534 extending downwardly from the top surface of the recess for engaging and interlocking with a corresponding tooth extending upwardly from latch 548. When second mounting rail 532 is engaged by latch 548, the engagement of the teeth prevents movement of carriage 540 along base plate 520.

[0160] 63-75, various views of embodiments of the carriage 540, clamp 560, and their mechanisms are shown. In some implementations, the latching mechanism for latching the carriage 540 to the mounting rails 530, 532 of the base plate 520 is the same as or similar to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 42-46 and described in detail above. The carriage 540 can be attached to or moved to any position on the mounting rails 530, 532 by actuating the release 542. Actuating the release 542 retracts the latch 548 from the recess in the second mounting rail 532, disengaging the teeth of the latch 548 from the teeth of the second mounting rail 532. As a result, the carriage 540 can be removed from or moved along the base plate 520.

[0161] Latch 548 may optionally be biased to a closed position by a biasing member, such as, for example, a spring, shape memory material, elastic member, etc. Latch 548 may also include a beveled bottom edge so that carriage 540 can be attached to base plate 520 by inserting retaining lip 556 into a recess in first mounting rail 530 and then pressing carriage 540 down to snap carriage 540 onto second mounting rail 532, i.e., opening latch 548 through application of force against an angled portion. Once past second mounting rail 532, latch 548 springs closed, engaging latch recess and locking tooth 534.

[0162] Once attached, coarse or coarse adjustment of the position of carriage 540 can be made by actuating release 542, which moves latch 548 out of the recess in second mounting rail 532 and disengages the teeth of latch 548 from locking teeth 534. As a result, carriage 540 is free to move along mounting rails 530, 532.

[0163] Optionally, in some implementations, rails 530, 532 are not required, and the carriage can be formed within or as part of the base plate such that the clamps are moved within the carriage. The carriage does not need to be movable relative to the base plate in these implementations.

[0164] 63-71, the carriage 540 is shown fully assembled (FIG. 63) with various components removed to show the mechanism for adjusting the position of the clamp 560 relative to the carriage 540. For example, the position of the clamp 560 relative to the carriage 540 may be adjusted using an actuator or free-sliding lever 576 and / or release 570. While particular examples such as a lever, button, or knob may be described, various types of actuators may be used instead.

[0165] 68 and 69 , in some implementations, a traveler 550 extends above the carriage 540 for attachment to a clamp 560. When attached to the clamp 560, the traveler 550 secures the clamp 560 for movement along the top of the carriage 540. With reference to FIGS. 66 and 67 , a clutch 572 extends through the center of the traveler 550. The clutch is biased upward to engage the interior top surface of the carriage 540. The clutch 572 includes an engagement portion 574 that includes teeth (see FIG. 64 ) that extend upward to engage teeth 544 (see FIG. 70 ) disposed along the interior top surface of the carriage.

[0166] 72-75 , an exemplary clamp 560 includes a fixed jaw 562 and a movable jaw 564 that is opened and closed by pivoting the movable jaw 564 relative to the fixed jaw 562. The movable jaw 564 is biased toward the fixed jaw 562 by a spring, thereby causing the clamp 560 to remain closed unless opened by application of an opening force to the movable jaw 564. The jaws 562, 564 of the clamp 560 together form an opening 566 for receiving a medical device (not shown), such as a catheter, stabilized by the stabilization device 500. In the closed position, the fixed jaw and the movable jaws 562, 564 can remain spaced apart so that the closing force of the clamp 560 can be applied to the medical device to stabilize it and prevent its rotation. Similar clamps and / or features of this clamp 560 can be used with other clamps herein.

[0167] The clamp 560 is configured to receive and engage a mounting portion of the traveler 550 such that the position of the clamp 560 can be adjusted along the length of the carriage 540 by actuating the release button 570 and sliding the clamp 560. As seen in FIGS. 64-71 , the release button 570 engages the clutch 572 such that depressing the release button 570 also moves the clutch 572 downward, thereby disengaging the engagement portion 574 from the teeth 544 of the carriage 540. While the release button 570 is depressed, the engagement portion 574 remains disengaged from the teeth 544 to allow the clamp 560 to move along the carriage 540. The release button 570 is biased upward such that removing the actuation force from the release button 570 allows the release button 570 and clutch 572 to move upward, thereby re-engaging the teeth 544 of the carriage 540 with the engagement portion 574. If the teeth of the engagement portion 574 are not aligned with the teeth 544 of the carriage 540, the clamp 560 can move longitudinally until the engagement portion 574 slides into place.

[0168] 68-71, an embodiment of an actuator configured as a free-sliding or sliding release lever 576 is shown in more detail. The free-sliding lever 576 can move from a disengaged position to a free-sliding position. The lever 576 can include a retention mechanism, such as a ball detent (e.g., FIGS. 72-75), to hold the lever 576 in each position. Moving the lever 576 downward from the disengaged position ( FIGS. 68 and 69 ) into the “free-sliding” position ( FIGS. 70 and 71 ), causes the cam portion 580 to engage the shelf or protrusion 571 on the actuation portion 582 of the release button 570, thereby moving the release button 570 downward. The downward movement of the release button 570 disengages the engagement portion 574, thereby allowing the clamp 560 to move freely along the carriage 540. Thus, once the lever 576 is moved into the free sliding position, the lever 576 remains in the free sliding position and the engagement portion 574 remains disengaged from the teeth 544 until the lever 576 returns to the disengaged position shown in Figures 68 and 69.

[0169] 72-75, an exemplary actuator configured as a free-spin lever 568 is shown in more detail. The free-spin lever 568 is movable from a disengaged position (FIGS. 72 and 73) to a free-spin position (FIGS. 74 and 75). In the "free-spin" position, a cam portion 578 of the lever 568 engages an actuation portion 584 of the movable jaw 564. This engagement causes the movable jaw 564 to pivot in an open direction, thereby partially opening the clamp 560 so that a medical device, such as a catheter, held therein can freely rotate.

[0170] The free-rotating lever 568 and the free-sliding lever 576 can operate independently, and as a result, the free-rotating lever 568 and the free-sliding lever 576 can be configured to allow both free rotation of the medical device in the clamp and free sliding of the clamp on the carriage, to allow free rotation of the medical device in the clamp but secure the clamp on the carriage, to secure the medical device in the clamp but allow free sliding of the clamp on the carriage, or to secure the medical device in the clamp and secure the clamp on the carriage.

[0171] 76-116 , an example of a stabilization system or device 600 is shown. In some implementations, the stabilization system / device 600 can include one or more of a base plate 620, a carriage 640 attached to the base plate 620 (or a carriage portion or feature formed within or as part of the base plate), and one or more clamps 660. The one or more clamps can be attached to the carriage 640. The stabilization system / device 600 can incorporate any of the features of the stabilization systems or devices disclosed elsewhere herein and can be made from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, polymer, fiber, combinations of materials, etc.

[0172] 77-94, an exemplary base plate 620 is shown assembled to the table 200, illustrating the mechanical details of the base plate 620 in greater detail. The base plate 620 can be the same as or similar to the base plates 420, 520 described above. For example, in some implementations, the base plate 620 can include a rigid tab 622 and a spring or flexible tab 624 for attachment to the table 200. The rigid tab 622 fits beneath the latch protrusions 214 on the sidewall 212 of the table 200 and is wide enough to engage multiple latch protrusions 214. The flexible tab 624 includes a retention shoulder 626 that also fits beneath the latch protrusions 214 on the sidewall 212 of the table 200.

[0173] In some implementations, the base plate 620 also includes alignment tabs 628 extending downward from each end of the base plate 620 for aligning the base plate 620 on the table 200. Optionally, the rigid and / or flexible tabs 622, 624 can include alignment portions like the base plates 320, 420, 520 described above.

[0174] 81 and 82 , in some implementations, the base plate 620 is assembled to the table 200 by first inserting the rigid tab 622 under the latch protrusion 214 on one of the side walls 212 and moving the base plate 620 laterally to align the alignment tab 628 over the edge of the table 200. The other side of the base plate 620 is then pressed downward so that the retention shoulder 626 of the flexible tab 624 fits within the latch protrusion 214 on the opposite side wall 212 ( FIGS. 77-80 ). The flexible tab 624 can include a ramp or sloped portion to provide a smooth engagement with the latch protrusion 214.

[0175] In some implementations, to remove the base plate 620 from the table 200, the upper ends of the flexible tabs 624 are pushed inward until the shoulders 626 are released from beneath the latch protrusions 214, allowing the base plate 620 to be lifted upward and removed from the table 200. Sufficient space is provided between the base plate 620 and the table 200 so that a sterile barrier, such as a drape, can be provided between the two. That is, the sterile barrier can be placed on top of the table 200 before the base plate 620 is snapped into place between the side walls 212 of the table 200.

[0176] In some implementations, the base plate 620 is not configured to be assembled with multiple tables 200. Rather, the carriage 640 of the stabilization device 600 is capable of moving laterally along the base plate 620 and is elongated enough to receive two or more clamps 660.

[0177] In some implementations, the base plate 620 can be configured to be assembled or used with more than one table or a variety of table or support surfaces. For example, the base plate can include one or more of a clamp, gripper, latch, keyed portion, interlocking portion, etc. In some implementations, one or more clamps or grippers can be configured to attach to a variety of tables or supports. For example, a clamp or multiple clamps (or other grippers) can be located on the bottom and / or edge of the base plate, which can be configured to slide or adjust to fit and clamp to tables / supports of different shapes and / or sizes.

[0178] In some implementations, the base plate 620 can include a mounting channel 630 for receiving and mounting a carriage 640. In some implementations, a retention tab 631 protrudes into the channel 630 to engage and retain a retention edge or flange 642 of the carriage 640 such that the carriage 640 is constrained against longitudinal movement along the mounting channel 630. The position of the carriage 640 within the mounting channel 630 can be locked in place by a side latch 632 (see FIGS. 85-88 ) and / or a bottom latch 634 (see FIGS. 91-94 ). That is, the side latch 632 and the bottom latch 634 can be opened to allow the carriage 640 to slide relative to the base plate 620 and closed to prevent further movement of the carriage 640 within the mounting channel 630 of the base plate 620. The latches 632, 634 may be biased in a closing direction such that the latches 632, 634 close when the actuating or opening force is removed. Only one of the latches 632, 634 is required to attach the carriage 640 to the base plate 620. Both latches 632, 634 are shown in the illustrated embodiment to demonstrate the engagement of the latches 632, 634 with their respective carriages 640.

[0179] In some implementations, the carriage 640 can be formed within or as part of the base plate 620, for example, such that the carriage is a carriage portion / feature of the base plate.

[0180] 83-94 , exemplary mechanisms for the side latch 632 and bottom latch 634 are shown in more detail. In some implementations, the side latch 632 operates by pushing outward on a cylindrical top portion of the latch 632, which is positioned above and to one side of the mounting channel 630. As seen in FIGS. 83-86 , in the closed position, the latch member 636 of the side latch 632 protrudes into the mounting channel 630. When the side latch 632 is released, the latch member 636 retracts into the base plate 620 and disengages from the mounting channel 630, as shown in FIGS. 87 and 88 .

[0181] 89-94, in some implementations, the bottom latch 634 is operated by pressing downward on an actuator, such as the illustrated triangular portion, located at one end of the base plate 620 and below the mounting channel 630. As seen in FIGS. 89-92, in the closed position, the latch pin 638 of the bottom latch 634 protrudes into the mounting channel 630. As shown in FIGS. 93 and 94, when the bottom latch 634 is opened, the latch pin 638 retracts into the base plate 620 and disengages from the mounting channel 630. Other arrangements are also possible.

[0182] 95, one clamp 660 is shown assembled to the carriage 640 (which may be a separate carriage or a carriage portion / feature of the base plate). In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 97, the first and second mounting rails 646 and 648 extend upwardly and define a clamp mounting channel 654 for retaining and positioning one or more clamps 660.

[0183] In some implementations, the carriage can be configured to act as a base plate (e.g., as an integrated base plate and carriage portion), for example, the base plate can look and be configured similar to that shown in Figures 95 and 96. In some implementations, the carriage can be configured to attach to a separate base plate. Referring to Figure 96, in some implementations, the carriage can include one or more retention edges or flanges 642 on either side for engaging with retention tabs 631 on the base plate 620.

[0184] 95 and 96, in some implementations, optional lateral stops 644 extend below the carriage 640 to prevent movement of the carriage 640 beyond a desired amount.

[0185] 98-102, a carriage 640 is shown in combination with a base plate 620. In some implementations, the carriage is integrally formed within or as part of the base plate, for example, integrally formed. In these implementations, the carriage (which may also be referred to as a carriage portion or carriage feature of the base plate) need not be movable relative to the base plate.

[0186] In some implementations, the carriage is held in place with side and bottom latches 632, 634. In some implementations, a side positioning recess 650 is located along one side of the carriage 640 and is configured to receive a latch member 636 of the side latch 632 of the base plate 620. The side positioning recess 650 and side latch 632 allow an operator to pivot and lock the carriage 640 into a desired position within the mounting channel 630 of the base plate 620. The latch member 636 engages one of the positioning recesses 650, as seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 101 , to inhibit undesired longitudinal movement of the carriage 640 relative to the base plate 620.

[0187] 96 and 102 , in some implementations, bottom positioning recesses 652 are also provided along the bottom of the carriage 640, leading up to the stop 644. The bottom positioning recesses 652 and bottom latches 634 allow an operator to slide and lock the carriage 640 into a desired position within the mounting channel 630 of the base plate 620. In some implementations, a latch pin 638 (or similar element) engages one of the bottom positioning recesses 652, as seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 102 , to inhibit undesired movement of the carriage 640 relative to the base plate 620. Thus, movement of the carriage 640 relative to the base plate 620 is constrained in two places to provide a secure and stable connection for supporting the clamp 660.

[0188] 103-116 , an exemplary clamp 660 and a mechanism for mounting and positioning the clamp 660 on the carriage 640 are shown in more detail. As seen in FIGS. 103 and 104 , in some implementations, the clamp 660 includes a fixed jaw 662 and a movable jaw 664 that is opened and closed by pivoting the movable jaw 664 relative to the fixed jaw 662. The movable jaw 664 is biased toward the fixed jaw 662 by a spring, thereby causing the clamp 660 to remain closed unless opened by application of an opening force to the movable jaw 664. The jaws 662, 664 of the clamp 660 together form an opening 666 for receiving a medical device (not shown), such as a catheter, that is stabilized by the stabilization device 600. In the closed position, the fixed jaw and the movable jaw 662, 664 can remain spaced apart so that the closing force of the clamp 660 is applied to the medical device to stabilize it and prevent its rotation.

[0189] In some implementations, shown in more detail in FIGS. 105-110 , an actuator 668, such as a latch button or bar, on one side of the clamp 660 is operably connected to a movable retention flange 670 that is configured to be received within a recess in the first mounting rail 646. In some implementations, a fixed retention flange 674 extends from the side of the clamp 660 opposite the movable retention flange 670 and is configured to be inserted into a recess in the second mounting rail 648 when the clamp 660 is assembled to the carriage 640.

[0190] 108-110 , in some implementations, actuating the actuator, such as pressing the latch button 668, retracts the movable retention flange 670 so that the bottom of the clamp 660 can be inserted into the clamp mounting channel 654. In some implementations, the actuator or latch button 668 and movable retention flange 670 are biased outward such that release pressure on the latch button moves the movable retention flange 670 outward and into a recess in the first mounting rail 646. The movable retention flange 670 can also include a beveled bottom edge so that the clamp 660 can be attached to the carriage 640 by inserting the fixed retention flange 674 into the second mounting rail 648 and then pressing down on the clamp 660 to snap the clamp 660 onto the first mounting rail 646, i.e., opening the movable retention flange 670 via application of force against a sloped portion. When the clamp is bottomed out within the clamp mounting channel 654 , the movable retention flange 672 snaps outward and engages a recess in the first mounting rail 646 .

[0191] Once inserted into the clamp-mounting channel 654, the clamp 660 can freely move (e.g., slide) along the length of the carriage 640 to a desired position. To hold the clamp 660 in a desired position, a locking knob 672 (or other actuator) can be rotated (or otherwise actuated) from the free-sliding position to a locked position. In some implementations, the locking knob 672 is connected to a rotating cam portion 676 such that rotating the locking knob 672 rotates the rotating cam portion 676. In some implementations, as the rotating cam portion 676 rotates, an oval portion of the rotating cam portion 676 engages a locking foot 678 (the term "foot" can refer to various types of extensions of various sizes and shapes that can function similarly), causing the locking foot 678 to move downward to the extended position ( FIGS. 114-116 ). As the locking knob 672 rotates further or in the opposite direction, the oval portion of the rotating cam portion 676 allows the locking foot 678 to move upward and return to the retracted position ( FIGS. 111-113 ). In some implementations, the locking foot 678 includes a biasing member, such as a spring, so that the locking foot 678 remains in the retracted position until the locking knob 672 is actuated. Other mechanisms for achieving similar results can also be used. For example, in some implementations, the foot 678 can be extended or retracted using one or more of a gear, a worm gear, a pulley, a lever, a motor, or the like.

[0192] When the clamp 660 has been moved to a desired position along the clamp mounting channel 654, the locking knob 672 can be actuated to extend the locking foot 678. In some implementations, the locking foot 678 presses down on the bottom of the clamp mounting channel 654, causing the movable and fixed retention flanges 670, 674 to move upward and engage the top surfaces of the recesses in the first and second mounting rails 646, 648, respectively. Friction between the locking foot 678 and the clamp mounting channel 654, and between the retention flanges 670, 674 and the mounting rails 646, 648, holds the clamp 660 in the desired location. To reposition the clamp 660, the locking knob 672 is rotated to disengage the locking foot 678, thereby allowing the clamp 660 to slide along the channel. If another clamp 660 is in the way, latch button 668 (or another similar actuator) can be pressed (or actuated) to completely remove the clamp from clamp-mounting channel 654 and replace it back into channel 654 at another location. Thus, stabilizer 600 can be easily adjusted or configured for use with a variety of medical devices.

[0193] Any of the components of the stabilization devices described herein can be integrally formed as a single component. For example, stabilization device 700 can include any of the features of any of the base plates disclosed herein integrally formed with any of the features of any of the carriages disclosed herein. For example, as seen in FIGS. 117-119 , an embodiment of stabilization device 700 can be integrally formed and include features of base plate 620 and features of carriage 640. Stabilization device 700 can include features of base plate 620 that facilitate connection and / or adjustment of the stabilization device to a platform, such as platform 210, disclosed herein. Stabilization device 700 can include features of carriage 640 that facilitate connection and / or adjustment of a clamp, such as clamp 660, to the stabilization device. Because base plate 620 and carriage 640 are integrally formed, features that facilitate connection of base plate 620 and carriage 640 are eliminated. Device 700 may alternatively be the same as or similar to device 600, but may have an integrally formed base plate portion 720 and a clamp mounting portion 740 that replaces the features of movable carriage portion 640.

[0194] In some implementations, the base plate need not include portions extending from its sides. For example, the base plate can instead be an integrated base plate and carriage portion that appears similar to that shown in Figures 95 and 96. In some implementations, the carriage shown in Figures 95 and 96 functions as the base plate and can be attached to or placed directly on a table or other support surface (e.g., as described below).

[0195] The system may include a table to which the base plate may be attached or rest upon. In some implementations, the base plate portion 720 is attached to the table 200 in the same manner as the base plate 620 described above. For example, the base plate portion 720 may include a rigid tab 722 and a flexible tab 724 that includes a spring or retention shoulder 726. In some implementations, an alignment tab 728 extends below the base plate portion 720 to engage the edge of the table (not shown) so that the base plate portion 720 is properly positioned on the table and is prohibited from moving laterally on the table.

[0196] Other methods of seating on or attaching to a table or support are also possible and need not include any of tabs 722, 724, 728, or shoulder 726. In some implementations, base plate portion 720 can include one or more different types of attachment means. For example, the base plate portion can include one or more of a clamp, a gripper, a latch, a keyed portion, an interlocking portion, etc. In some implementations, one or more clamps or grippers can be configured to attach to a wide variety of tables and / or support surfaces. For example, a clamp or multiple clamps (or other grippers) can be located on the bottom and / or edge of the base plate, which can be configured to slide or adjust to fit and clamp to table / support surfaces of different shapes and / or sizes. In some implementations, one or more extensions similar to one of the tabs 728 (but which could potentially be one or more of different shapes, sizes, and designs, e.g., longer, wider, contoured to fit the edge of a table, etc.) can be positioned on the bottom of the base plate to act as one or more sides of a clamp or gripper that can be adjusted to grip or attach the base plate to a variety of different tables / supports of different sizes and shapes. In some implementations, one extension from the bottom of the base plate (similar to one of the tabs 728 but configured to interact with the side of a table) can remain stationary relative to the base plate, and another extension from the bottom of the base plate can be movable / slidable relative to the base plate and configured to interact with the side of the table / support, such that the two extensions act as clamps or grippers that adjust to different sized tables / supports and can make tight contact with the side of the table / support to hold the base plate in place on the table / support. The table / support may include one or more legs and may include one or more features of the other tables herein.

[0197] The clamp mounting portion 740 is similar to the carriage 640 and includes a first mounting rail 746 and a second mounting rail 748 that extend upward and define a clamp mounting channel 754 for retaining and positioning one or more clamps 660. In some implementations, the clamp mounting channel 754 includes friction or gripping strips 756 for engaging locking feet 678 of one or more clamps 660.

[0198] Although various inventive aspects, concepts, and features of the present disclosure may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the embodiments herein, these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used individually or in various combinations and subcombinations thereof in many alternative embodiments. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and subcombinations are intended to be within the scope of this application. Furthermore, while various alternative embodiments of the various aspects, concepts, and features of the present disclosure, such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices, and components, alternatives for forming, fitting, and functioning, may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or comprehensive listing of available alternative embodiments, whether currently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily incorporate one or more of the aspects, concepts, or features of the present disclosure into additional embodiments and uses, even if such embodiments are not explicitly disclosed herein.

[0199] Furthermore, although some features, concepts, or aspects of the present disclosure may be described herein as being preferred arrangements or methods, such description is not intended to imply that such features are essential or required unless expressly so stated. Still further, while example or representative values ​​and ranges may be included to aid in the understanding of the present application, such values ​​and ranges should not be construed in a limiting sense, and are intended to be significant values ​​or ranges only when expressly so stated.

[0200] Moreover, while various aspects, features, and concepts may be expressly identified herein as inventive or forming part of the disclosure, such identification is not intended to be exclusive; rather, there may be inventive aspects, concepts, and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a particular disclosure, the disclosure being instead set forth in the appended claims. The description of an exemplary method or process is not limited to the inclusion of every step that is essential in all cases, nor is the order in which steps are presented such that they are construed as essential or required unless expressly stated as such. The terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning and are not limited in any way by the description of the examples herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 100 Stabilizing apparatus, system, or device 110 Tables 112 Legs 114 Platform 120 base plate 140 Carriage 160 Clamp 162 Fixed jaw 164 Movable Jaw 166 Opening

Claims

1. 1. A stabilization system for holding a medical device, comprising: a clamp mounting channel having a first mounting rail and a second mounting rail; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp being slidably disposed in the clamp-mounting channel; The stabilization system comprising: A stabilization system, wherein the clamp includes a foot that engages the clamp mounting channel to lock the position of the clamp relative to the clamp mounting channel.

2. The stabilization system of claim 1 , wherein the clamp mounting channel includes a gripping strip for engaging the foot.

3. The stabilization system of claim 1 , wherein the clamp includes a first mounting flange and a second mounting flange.

4. 4. The stabilization system of claim 3, wherein the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange are disposable in recesses in the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail, respectively.

5. The stabilization system of claim 4 , wherein the stabilization system includes an actuator operable to retract the second mounting flange.

6. 4. The stabilization system of claim 3, wherein said second mounting flange is biased away from said first mounting flange.

7. 4. The stabilization system of claim 3, wherein said first mounting flange is a fixed mounting flange and said second mounting flange is a movable mounting flange.

8. The stabilization system of claim 1 , wherein the stabilization system includes a cam for moving the foot into engagement with the clamp mounting channel.

9. The stabilization system of claim 1 , wherein the feet are biased to a retracted position.

10. 10. The stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

11. The stabilization system of claim 1 , wherein the stabilization system is operable to move the foot into engagement with the clamp mounting channel.

12. 1. A clamp for holding a medical device, comprising: a fixed jaw; a movable jaw that opens and closes by rotating relative to the fixed jaw; a movable retention flange extending from a first side of the clamp; and a fixed retention flange extending from a second side of the clamp opposite the first side; and A clamp characterized by comprising:

13. 13. The clamp of claim 12, wherein the clamp comprises a movable locking foot, the locking foot extending from a bottom of the clamp.

14. 13. The clamp of claim 12, wherein the clamp includes an actuator operable to retract the movable retaining clamp.

15. 1. A stabilization system for holding a medical device, comprising: a clamp mounting channel including a first mounting rail having a first recess and a second recess; a clamp for receiving the medical device, the clamp having a first mounting flange disposed in the first recess and a second mounting flange disposed in the second recess; an actuator operable to retract the second mounting flange from the second recess; A stabilization system comprising:

16. The stabilization system of claim 15, wherein the second mounting flange is biased away from the first mounting flange.

17. 16. The stabilization system of claim 15, wherein the first mounting flange is a fixed mounting flange and the second mounting flange is a movable mounting flange.

18. 16. The stabilization system of claim 15, wherein the clamp comprises a fixed jaw and a movable jaw biased in a closing direction toward the fixed jaw.

Images