Vessel Caliper

Abstract

An exemplary vessel caliper according to the present disclosure includes a scale having a first clamp and a slider movable relative to the scale to determine a length measurement, the slider having a second clamp. Each of the first clamp and the second clamp has a spring-loaded jaw configured to capture a catheter assembly therebetween. A method of using the exemplary vessel caliper is also disclosed.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 106,811, filed November 30, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 972,910, filed February 11, 2020. Both U.S. applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] Some medical procedures would benefit from the ability to make intravascular length measurements. For example, catheter procedures that address or treat intravascular artifacts, such as occlusions, could benefit from the ability to measure these artifacts. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] An exemplary vessel caliper according to the present disclosure includes a scale having a first clamp and a slider movable relative to the scale to determine a length measurement, the slider having a second clamp, each of the first clamp and the second clamp having a spring-loaded jaw configured to capture a catheter assembly therebetween.

[0004] An exemplary method of using a vessel caliper according to the present disclosure includes inserting a catheter assembly into a patient's blood vessel through an access point; positioning the vessel caliper near the patient's access point, the vessel caliper including a slider moveable relative to a scale, the slider and scale each having a clamp with a spring-loaded jaw; opening the spring-loaded jaw; inserting the catheter assembly into the spring-loaded jaw; closing the spring-loaded jaw to capture the catheter assembly in the spring-loaded jaw; and moving the slider relative to the scale to take a length measurement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary vessel caliper with an exemplary clamp. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary vessel caliper with an exemplary clamp.

[0006] [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates another example vessel caliper having another example clamp. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates another example vessel caliper having another example clamp.

[0007] [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed view of an example zero position lock of an example vessel caliper.

[0008] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of an example adjuster of an example vessel caliper.

[0009] [Figure 7] 3 illustrates the exemplary vessel caliper of FIGS. 1-2 with an insert.

[0010] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary catheter assembly for use with the exemplary vessel caliper of FIGS. 1-2 or 3-4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary vessel caliper 10. The vessel caliper 10 is configured to perform intravascular measurements during certain medical procedures, such as catheterization procedures, which will be described in more detail below. The vessel caliper 10 generally includes a scale 12 and a slider 14. The slider 14 is movable relative to the scale 12.

[0012] The scale 12 and slider 14 may be made of any known polymeric material. In one example, the material of the scale 12 and / or slider 14 includes a reflective or fluorescent material to enhance visibility in low light conditions.

[0013] The scale 12 includes a rod 16 and a clamp 18. The rod 16 includes a ruler or other marking 19 from which a length measurement can be identified. The markings may be printed, molded, or otherwise included on the rod 16. The clamp 18 is located at a distal end of the rod 16. The clamp 18 is configured to capture one or more medical instruments, such as a catheter assembly (described in more detail below). Various medical procedures may benefit from the ability to make intravascular length measurements as the medical instrument is advanced within a patient's body.

[0014] The clamp 18 may be any type of clamp, but typically includes spring-loaded jaws. In one example shown in FIG. 1, the clamp 18 includes one or more fingers 20 that together provide a spring. The fingers 20 each include a compression point 22, and the compression points 22 of each finger 20 are aligned with one another so that they can be compressed simultaneously. The compression points 22 may be, for example, rounded portions of the fingers 20, as in the example of FIG. 1, but other shapes are also contemplated as long as compression is possible. Generally, the compression points 22 extend away from the longitudinal axis L of the fingers 20. The fingers 20 are flexibly connected at their proximal ends to the rod 16 so that the fingers 20 can bend relative to the rod 16 upon compression as described above. In one example, the fingers 20 are integrally formed with the rod 16.

[0015] Each flexible finger 20 also includes a jaw 24 at its distal end. In the example of FIG. 1, jaw 24 includes an angled portion configured to capture a medical instrument, such as a catheter assembly. In other examples, jaw 24 can have a different geometry, so long as the geometry enables the jaw to capture the medical instrument. For example, the geometry of the jaw can correspond to the geometry of the medical instrument.

[0016] The flexible fingers 20 are oriented in an alternating pattern. In the example of FIG. 1, the central finger 20 of the three flexible fingers 20 is inverted relative to the outer fingers 20. That is, the central finger 20 has jaws 24 that open in an opposite direction to the jaws 24 of the outer fingers 20, and compression points 22 that are compressible in an opposite direction to the compression points 22 of the outer fingers 20. In this manner, simultaneous compression of the compression points 22 by a pinching action moves the jaws 24 away from the central axis A shown in FIG. 1. Release of the compression points 22 moves the jaws 24 toward the central axis A, capturing the medical device with the jaws 24. This allows the medical device to be inserted or removed from the clamp 18.

[0017] Additionally, the alternating orientation of the jaws 24 enhances capture of the medical instrument in the clamp 18 by securing the medical instrument from two opposing directions. In one example, the medical instrument is captured in the clamp 18 such that the medical instrument is still slidable relative to the clamp 18. However, in another example, the medical instrument is captured in the clamp 18 such that the medical instrument cannot slide relative to the clamp 18. In the latter case, the clamp 18 is configured to provide only enough pressure to capture and secure the medical instrument but prevent damaging or collapsing the medical instrument. Additionally, in some examples, the jaws 24 have an inner surface that is a slip-reducing surface, such as a rubberized, sticky, or textured surface, to prevent the medical instrument from slipping / moving relative to the notch jaws 24.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, there are three fingers 20, however, in other examples, more or fewer fingers 20 may be used, so long as they are oriented for compression and capture of the medical implement as described above.

[0019] The slider 14 is slidable relative to the rod 16. In the example of FIG. 1, the slider 14 includes an opening 26 that receives the rod 16 therein to allow the slider 14 to slide along the rod 16, although other arrangements are contemplated. The slider 14 may include a window 27 through which the markings 19 on the rod can be viewed, best shown in FIG. 2. In one example, the window 27 includes a magnifying element to aid in viewing the markings 19. The slider 14 also includes a clamp 28. In one example, the clamp 28 is integrally molded relative to the slider 14. The clamp 28 may be similar or the same as the clamp 18. As with the clamp 18, the clamp 28 may capture the medical device such that it is slidable or non-slidable relative to the clamp 28. In the latter case, the clamp 28 is configured to provide only enough pressure on the medical device to secure the medical device but prevent it from damaging or collapsing.

[0020] To that end, one exemplary clamp 28 shown in FIG. 1 includes three fingers 20 having compression points 22 similar to clamp 18. Exemplary clamp 28 includes a jaw 124 that is different from jaw 24 of clamp 18. Jaw 124 includes an outer portion 124a extending from and connecting inner and outer fingers 20 and an inner portion 124b extending from central finger 20. Inner portion 124b generally follows the shape of outer portion 124a and fits inner portion 124a when compression points 22 are uncompressed. Compression of compression points 22 causes inner and outer portions 124a, 124b to move in opposite directions away from central axis A to receive at least one catheter between inner and outer portions 124a, 124b. Release of compression point 22 causes portions 124a, 124b to move toward one another to capture the medical device between portions 124a, 124b. It should be understood that the circular shape of inner and outer portions 124a, 124b in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary and other shapes may be used. In one example, the circular shape serves as a finger loop to facilitate movement of slider 14.

[0021] In one example, portions 124a, 124b include a notch 125 for receiving a medical instrument, which may help prevent the medical instrument from being damaged or crushed as it is captured in jaws 124. Nevertheless, the medical instrument will generally be secured in jaws 124 as described above even without notch 125.

[0022] In one example, the notch 125 includes a slip-reducing surface, such as a rubberized, sticky, or textured surface, to prevent the medical instrument from slipping against the notch 125 .

[0023] 2 illustrates vessel caliper 10 with another exemplary clamp 228 for slider 14. Clamp 228 is similar to clamp 18. However, in this example, clamp 228 includes four fingers 20 having compression points 22. As noted above, fingers 20 have alternating orientations. Also, as noted above, fingers 20 each include a jaw 224. Jaws 224 each include a protrusion 225a having a notch 225b configured to receive a medical instrument similar to notch 125 described above. In this example, protrusions 225a are triangular, although other shapes are contemplated.

[0024] In one example, one or both of the clamps 18 and 28 / 228 include a lock 30, shown generally in FIG. 1. The lock 30 is configured to prevent compression of the compression points 22 in certain circumstances. For example, after insertion of a medical instrument into the clamps 18 / 28 / 228, the lock 30 can be engaged to prevent accidental compression of the compression points 22 and accidental relaxation of the clamps 18 / 28 / 228 during the medical procedure. The lock 30 can include any known locking mechanism, such as opposing surfaces with interlocking serrated edges, a clip, a key / tab mechanism, or the like.

[0025] In one example, at least one of the slider 14 / rod 16 includes a zero position lock 32, shown generally in Figure 1. The zero position lock 32 is configured to hold the slider 14 in a zero position on the rod 16, for example, while the clamp 28 / 228 of the slider 14 captures a medical instrument. The zero position lock 32 can be, for example, a "see-saw" toggle or cantilever switch that itself prevents movement of the slider 14 when engaged, or that engages a tab or other structure to prevent movement of the slider 14 when engaged.

[0026] In one example, the vessel caliper 10 includes a thumbwheel 34, shown generally in FIG. 1, operable to move the slider 14 along the rod 16. The thumbwheel 34 may include a tactile or audible "click" feature that may correspond to a particular length measurement. For example, each tactile or audible click may correspond to a length of 5 mm.

[0027] In one example, the vessel caliper 10 can include electronics configured to display the length measurement.

[0028] 3 illustrates another exemplary vessel caliper 510. It should be understood that the features described with respect to vessel caliper 10 can also be used with vessel caliper 510, and vice versa. Similar to vessel caliper 10, vessel caliper 510 generally includes a scale 512 and a slider 514. Slider 514 is movable relative to scale 512. Slider 514 can include a grip 515, which can have indentations that provide a surface that reduces slippage.

[0029] The scale 512 and slider 514 may be made of any known polymeric material. In one example, the material of the scale 512 and / or slider 514 includes a reflective or fluorescent material to enhance visibility in low light conditions.

[0030] Scale 512 includes a rod 516. Rod 516 includes a ruler or other markings 519 from which a length measurement can be identified. Markings 519 may be printed, molded, or otherwise included on rod 516.

[0031] The vessel caliper 510 includes at least one clamp 518. The clamp 518 is configured to capture a medical instrument.

[0032] In this example, there are two clamps 518a / 518b, although more or fewer clamps 518 may be used in other examples. More specifically, in this example, one clamp 518a is attached to or is integral with the slider 514 and the other clamp 518b is attached to or is integral with the scale 512. Thus, one clamp 518a may be movable relative to the other clamp 518b by movement of the slider 514 as described above. In this particular example, a first clamp 518a is located at a proximal end of the slider 514 and a second clamp 518b is located at a distal end of the scale 512.

[0033] Clamps 518a / 518b can be any type of clamp, but in this example are generally spring-actuated clamps. More specifically, in this example, clamps 518a / 518b include a base 522 to which a spring 523 is attached. A housing 524 is disposed on base 522 and is also connected to spring 523. Housing 524 / base 522 can be cylindrical or have another shape.

[0034] The clamp 518a / 518b also includes a jaw 526 opposite the base 522. The jaw 526 includes a proximal portion 528a and a distal portion 528b opposite the proximal portion 528a. The proximal portion 528a is connected to the housing or is integral with the housing 524. The distal portion 528b is supported by a support 529 that extends at least to or beyond the base 522. The support 529 can be connected to the base 522 or to the slider 514 / scale 512 at a location near the base 522.

[0035] A medical instrument is receivable between the distal portion 528b and the proximal portion 528a. The spring 523 biases the proximal portion 528a towards the distal portion 528b to hold the clamps 518a / 518b in a closed position, thereby capturing the medical instrument between the distal portion 528b and the proximal portion 528a.

[0036] The clamps 518a / 518b also include one or more levers 530. In the example shown, there are two levers 530, one on each side of the base 522. The levers 530 can be pushed down towards the slider 514 / scale 512 to overcome the spring force of the spring 523, thereby opening the clamps 518a / 518b and allowing the medical instrument to be removed from or repositioned in the clamps 518a / 518b. In some examples, the levers 530 can have a curved shape to improve grip by the user.

[0037] In some examples, one or both of the distal portion 528b and the proximal portion 528a can have a curved shape. In certain examples, the second clamp 518b has a distal portion 528b and a proximal portion 528a that have a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of a medical instrument configured to be held therein.

[0038] In one example, one or both of the clamps 518a / 518b include a lock 536. The lock 536 is operable to hold the clamps 518a / 518b in an open position. For example, the lock 536 can include a tongue structure 538a on the housing 524 that is receivable into a groove structure 538b on the scale 512 or slider 514 near the base 522. The housing 524 can be rotatable relative to the base 522 such that the lock 536 can be engaged / disengaged.

[0039] In one example, one or both of the distal portion 528b and the proximal portion 528a include a slip-reducing surface, such as a rubberized, sticky, or textured surface, to prevent the medical device from slipping relative to the distal portion 528b and the proximal portion 528a.

[0040] The slider 514 is slidable relative to the rod 516. In the example of FIGS. 3-4, the slider 514 includes an opening 532 that receives the rod 516 therein to allow the slider 514 to slide along the rod 516, although other arrangements are contemplated. The slider 514 can include a window 534 through which the markings 519 on the rod 516 can be viewed. In one example, the window 534 includes a magnifying element to aid in viewing the markings 519. The slider 514 can also include a pointer or arrow 525 that can, in some examples, point to the markings 519 that correspond to the measurement.

[0041] The vessel caliper 510 may also include at least one marker 540, best shown in FIG. 4. The marker 540 is attached to and slidable relative to the rod 516. The marker 540 may have a marker lock 542. The marker lock 542 is configured to lock the marker 540 to the rod 516 at a particular location of the marking 519. The marker lock 542 may be in the form of a set screw that is turned to activate and deactivate the marker lock 542. This is just one example of the marker lock 542, and other designs are contemplated as long as the marker lock 542 holds the marker 540 relative to the rod 516. The marker 540 also includes a pointer or arrow 544 that can be used to indicate the marking 519 that corresponds to the measurement. In one example, the marker 540 may slide on the rod 516 such that the pointer or arrow 544 may be positioned behind the pointer or arrow 525 of the slider 514, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, marker 540 allows for marking of another measurement independent of the measurement marked by slider 514 as described above.

[0042] The vessel caliper 510 may also include a zero position lock 546 in some examples. The zero position lock 546 is best shown in FIG. 5 and includes a tongue and groove locking structure, although other types of locks 546 are contemplated. In this example, the grip 515 includes a tab 548. The support 529 includes a grip 550 that corresponds to the grip 515 such that the rod 516 is sandwiched between the grip 515 and the grip 550. The grip 550 includes an opening 552 configured to receive the tab 548, thereby locking the slider 514 on the rod 516 at a desired position. Alternatively, the rod 516 includes an opening 552 configured to receive the tab 548, thereby locking the slider 514 on the scale 512 at a desired position. For example, the lock 546 may be used while capturing a medical instrument with the clamps 518a / 518b of the slider 514. In another example, the zero position lock 546 can be, for example, a "see-saw" toggle or cantilever switch that itself prevents movement of the slider 514 when engaged or engages a tab or other structure to prevent movement of the slider 514 when toggled. In a further example, the zero position lock 546 can have a design such that the zero position lock 546 is automatically released when the operator squeezes the slider 514 at the start of a measurement. Squeezing the grip 515 and grip 550 simultaneously is one possible way to automatically release the zero position lock 546. Other methods, such as manually releasing the zero position lock 546, are also contemplated. The zero position lock 546 is then in the unlocked position while the measurement is being taken. Furthermore, the zero position lock 546 can be designed such that when the operator returns the slider 514 to the zero position on the scale 512, the zero position lock 546 automatically actuates the slider 514 to lock it to the scale 512, for example by engaging the tab 548 with the opening 552.

[0043] In one example, the vessel caliper 510 includes a thumbwheel 554 as shown in FIG. 4. The thumbwheel 554 can be associated with the grip 515 as shown in the example of FIG. 4, but can also be associated with other portions of the slider 514. The thumbwheel 554 is operable to move the slider 514 along the rod 516. The thumbwheel 554 can include a tactile or audible "click" feature that can correspond to a particular length measurement. For example, each tactile or audible click can correspond to a length of 5 mm.

[0044] In one example, the vessel caliper 510 can include electronics configured to display the length measurement.

[0045] The vessel caliper 510 can include an adjuster 560. The adjuster 560 is configured to controllably move the slider 514 along the scale 512. The adjuster 560 includes components that are integral with or attached to both the scale 512 and the slider 514 to control their relative movement. As an example, the adjuster 560 can have a rack and pinion gear design. In this example, the rack portion 561 of the adjuster 560 is integral with or attached to the scale 512, such as via a rod 516, and the pinion gear 562 is integral with or attached to the slider 514, although the opposite configuration can also be used. The rack 561 / pinion gear 562 interact to allow for controlled movement and positioning of the slider 514 along the scale 512. For example, each tooth of the rack 561 / pinion gear 562 can correspond to a specific amount of movement, such as 5 mm. In another example, the adjuster 560 includes interacting thread components. One thread form, such as a male thread form, can be integral with the scale 512, and the other interacting thread form, such as a female thread form, can be integral with the slider 514. The assembly of the scale 512 and slider 514 engages the interacting threads. A dial, similar to a rotating knob, can be integral with either of the interacting thread forms. Turning the dial actuates the movement of the interacting threads, which can cause controlled movement of the slider 514 along the scale 512.

[0046] The adjuster 560 may have a movement indicator feature that can provide real-time feedback to the operator that the slider 514 is moving along the scale 512. The movement indicator may provide feedback at specified intervals. For example, the movement indicator feature may provide feedback every 5 mm of movement. The movement indicator feedback may be in the form of haptic feedback for the perception of touch, audio feedback for the perception of sound, or both.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a vessel caliper 510 including an insert 564a / 564b in each jaw 526 of each clamp 518a / 518b, respectively. In this example, the insert 564a / 564b has a geometry / dimension configured to interact with a portion of the medical instrument configured to be captured by the clamp 518a / 518b. The insert is located between the proximal / distal portions 528a / 528b of the jaw 526 and may be connected to or integral with one of the proximal / distal portions 528a / 528b of the jaw 526. Additionally, while the insert 564a / 564b aids in the capture of the medical instrument in the clamp 518a / 518b, the jaw 526 still participates in the capture by providing additional pressure / security to the object via the spring loaded nature of the jaw 526, as described above. The inserts 564a / 564b may be the same or different from one another. In the example of FIG. 7, inserts 564a / 546b differ from one another and are each configured to capture a portion of catheter assembly 600, as shown in FIG. 8 and described in more detail below.

[0048] One exemplary medical device that can be captured by the vessel caliper 10 / 510 is a catheter assembly 600 as shown in FIG. 8 (showing an exploded view of the catheter assembly 600). The catheter assembly 600 includes a guidewire 602, a working catheter 604 (which in this example is a balloon catheter, although other catheters such as a stent catheter can be used), a guide catheter 606, and a Y-connector 608. The Y-connector 608 is configured to mate with a distal end of the guide catheter 606. In operation, the Y-connector 608 is connected to a proximal end of the guide catheter 606. The guidewire 602 and working catheter 604 are received within the combined guide catheter 606 and Y-connector 608.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 7, in the illustrated example, insert 564a associated with clamp 518b of the scale is configured to interface with Y-connector 608. In this example, insert 564a has a "c" shape with a geometry and dimensions configured to latch onto barrel portion 610 of Y-connector 608. Insert 564b associated with clamp 518a of the slide is configured to interface with guidewire 602 and working catheter 604. Guidewire 602 and working catheter 604 each have a diameter significantly smaller than barrel portion 610 of Y-connector 608. Thus, inserts with a geometry / dimensions corresponding to the geometry / dimensions of guidewire 602 / working catheter 604 may be difficult to manufacture. In this example, insert 564b includes a malleable disk 566 configured to sandwich guidewire 602 and working catheter 604 therebetween. The malleable disk may be, for example, a foam disk. The malleable disc 566 can include a non-slip surface, such as a rubberized surface, that interacts with the guidewire 602 / working catheter 604 .

[0050] In operation, the catheter assembly 600 is inserted into the patient's blood vessel through the access point. Typically, the guide catheter 606, already connected to the Y-connector 608, is inserted first, followed by the guidewire 602 and the working catheter 604. The catheters are monitored by any imaging technique known in the art. The vessel caliper 10 / 510 is placed near the access point and the slider 14 / 514 is positioned to indicate a "zero" measurement relative to the scale 12 / 512. The clamps 18 / 28 / 228 / 518a / 518b are then opened by depressing the lever 530 or compressing the compression point 22 as described above. In some examples, the clamps 18 / 28 / 218 / 518a / 518b can be locked in the open position using the lock 536. Next, the Y connector 608 is inserted into the clamp 18 / 518b, the clamp 18 / 518b is closed, the guidewire 602 / working catheter 604 is inserted into the clamp 28 / 228 / 518a, and the clamp 28 / 228 / 518a is closed. At this stage, the slider 14 / 514 remains at "zero", i.e., the first position. Using imaging techniques, the working catheter 604 / guidewire 602 and the slider 14 / 514 are moved to a desired position in the blood vessel, i.e., the second position, relative to the scale 12 / 512, which remains stationary. Thus, an intravascular measurement can be made using the markings 19 / 519 to identify how far the slider 14 / 514 / working catheter 604 has moved relative to the scale 12 / 512.

[0051] In a particular example, the Bessel caliper 10 / 510 can be used for intravascular measurements during angioplasty. Angioplasty is used to repair blockages in blood vessels. Angioplasty typically requires a balloon catheter as the working catheter 604 (balloons are used to repair blockages in various ways, as known in the art). The balloon catheter can include a radiopaque marker at its distal end, which can be seen based on the imaging technique used to monitor the procedure. During the procedure, a guidewire 602 is inserted into the blood vessel through the access point and advanced toward the blockage. Next, a balloon catheter 604 is inserted over the guidewire 602 and advanced toward the blockage. The balloon catheter 604 is advanced past the blockage and then aligned so that the radiopaque marker is located at the distal end of the blockage. This alignment can be considered the first position of the measurement, i.e., the zero position of the measurement. This alignment corresponds to the zero position of the Bessel caliper 10 / 510, which can be fixed by the zero position lock 546. Next, a vessel caliper 510 is positioned adjacent the access point and captures the catheter assembly 600 as described above. The balloon catheter 604 is then pulled to the proximal end of the occlusion by monitoring the location of the radiopaque marker using imaging techniques. The pulling causes the slider 14 / 514, which is securely attached to the balloon catheter 604 by the clamp 18 / 518a as described above, to slide against the scale 12 / 512, which remains stationary. When the radiopaque marker of the balloon catheter is at the proximal end of the occlusion, the slider 14 / 514 is in a second position. The markings 19 / 519 can then be used to identify how far the slider 14 / 514 has moved between the first and second positions, which corresponds to a length measurement of the occlusion. Additionally, during the measurement, the user can temporarily stop moving the slider 514 along the scale 512 at a position anywhere between the first and second positions. The pause location can be a position of interest to the user.The marker 540 can then be moved along the rod 516 portion of the scale 512 until it abuts the slider 514 to mark the location of interest. The marker 540 can be locked in place using the marker lock 542. The user can then resume the measurement by continuing to move the slider 514 along the scale 512. The marker 540 will remain in place, locked in place at the location of interest.

[0052] Although one embodiment of the disclosure has been described, a worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vessel caliper, a scale having a first clamp; a slider movable relative to the scale so that a length measurement can be determined, the slider having a second clamp; Including, each of the first clamp and the second clamp having a spring-loaded jaw configured to capture a catheter assembly therebetween; Each of the first clamp and the second clamp has an opposing base of the spring-loaded jaw; a housing overlying the base; a spring connected to the base and the housing for biasing the housing toward the jaws, the spring providing a spring action; Including, Bessel caliper.

2. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes at least one lever, the at least one lever operable to be depressed to open the clamp.

3. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , wherein each jaw of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to capture a medical instrument therebetween.

4. The vessel caliper of claim 3 further comprising a support supporting said distal portion, said support extending from said distal portion to said base.

5. The vessel caliper of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion has a curvilinear shape corresponding to a shape of the medical instrument.

6. The vessel caliper of claim 3 , wherein at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion includes a reduced slip surface.

7. The vessel caliper of claim 3 , further comprising an insert inside at least one of the jaws of the first clamp and the second clamp, the insert configured to interact with a portion of the medical instrument.

8. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first clamp and the second clamp includes a clamp lock configured to lock the clamp in an open position.

9. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , further comprising an adjuster configured to control movement of the slider relative to the scale.

10. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , further comprising a thumbwheel configured to move the slider relative to the scale.

11. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , further comprising a zero position lock configured to hold the slider at a zero position relative to the scale.

12. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , further comprising a marker configured to slide relative to the scale, the marker comprising a pointer configured to point to a marking on the scale that corresponds to a measurement value.

13. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , further comprising a zero position lock configured to lock the slider at a zero position relative to the scale.

14. The vessel caliper of claim 1 , wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are configured to capture a catheter assembly.

Images