Repositionable Clip with Extension - Patent application

Abstract

The clipping system includes an adapter attached to the insertion device and a clip including first and second jaws connected via a hinge such that the first and second jaws are movable between an insertion configuration and an initial deployed configuration. A deployment member is configured to move the clip distally on the adapter and disengage such that the clip moves from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration as the clip leaves the adapter. An extension member is releasably coupled to the clip and movably coupled to the adapter. The extension member is configured to allow the adapter to be withdrawn away from the clip, and the system can be placed in an inspection configuration while the extension member remains coupled to the clip. The extension member is operable to retract the clip on the adapter and release the clip from the clipped tissue.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to endoscopic devices, and more particularly to endoscopic clipping devices for treating tissue. [Background technology]

[0002] Physicians are becoming more willing to perform aggressive interventional and therapeutic endoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) procedures, which may increase the risk of perforating the wall of the GI tract or may require closure of the GI tract wall as part of the procedure. Such procedures may include, for example, removal of large lesions, tunneling under the mucosal layer of the GI tract to treat submucosal ulcers, full-thickness removal of tissue, treatment of ulcers on other organs by passing outside the GI tract, and endoscopic treatment / repair of post-surgical problems (e.g., post-surgical leaks, surgical staple line degradation, and anastomotic leaks).

[0003] Currently, tissue can be treated through endoscopic closure devices, including through-the-scope clips and over-the-scope clips. Over-the-scope clips can be particularly useful for achieving closure of larger tissue defects. These endoscopic closure devices can save hospitals money and provide benefits to patients. However, in some cases, current endoscopic closure devices can be difficult to use, time-consuming to position, or inadequate for certain perforations, conditions, or anatomical shapes. For example, current over-the-scope clips generally require delivery from a position where the clip itself is not visible to the operator. That is, prior to clipping, the operator visualizes the target tissue to be clipped and, based on this visualization of the target tissue, can determine that the distal end of the device and the clip are in the desired position relative to the target tissue. Then, based on observation of the target tissue, the operator deploys the clip without being able to see the clip itself until deployment. Once deployed, such current over-the-scope clips generally cannot be repositioned. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This embodiment is directed to a clipping system including an adapter extending from a proximal end to a distal end configured to attach to an insertion device, the adapter including a clip including a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are coupled via a first hinge and a second hinge, such that the first jaw and the second jaw are movable between an insertion configuration and an initial deployed configuration. In the insertion configuration, the first jaw and the second jaw are spaced apart from each other. In the initial deployed configuration, the first jaw and the second jaw are drawn toward each other. The first jaw and the second jaw are biased toward the initial deployed configuration. A deployment member is configured to move the clip distally on the adapter to disengage, such that the clip moves from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration when the clip leaves the adapter. The extension member is releasably coupled to the clip and movably coupled to the adapter and configured to allow the adapter to be withdrawn proximally from the clip while the extension member remains coupled to the clip to place the system in an inspection configuration in which the clip is spaced from the adapter for enhanced visual observation of the clip. The extension member is operable to retract the clip proximally on the adapter, forcing the clip open as the clip is retracted on the adapter, releasing the clip that was previously clipped.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first extension member can be releasably coupled to the first hinge such that when the clip is observed to be in a desired position, the clip can be finally deployed from the system by moving the first extension member away from the clip.

[0006] In one embodiment, the system further includes a second extension member releasably coupled to the second hinge of the clip and movably coupled to the adapter, the second extension member configured to remain coupled to the clip while the system is moved to the inspection configuration, and the second extension member operable in cooperation with the first extension member to proximally retract the clip on the adapter from one of the inspection configuration and the initial deployment configuration.

[0007] In one embodiment, the distal end of the first extension member can include a loop configured to lock onto the first hinge. In one embodiment, the distal end of the first extension member can be biased radially away from the longitudinal axis of the adapter, and when the loop of the first extension member is released from the first hinge, the distal end of the first extension member springs laterally outward and disengages from the clip.

[0008] In one embodiment, the loop of the first extension member can be configured to engage the clip, such that a distal force applied to the first extension member is transferred to the clip to move the clip distally on the adapter and disengage, and such that when the clip applies at least one predetermined magnitude of proximal force to the first extension member, the loop of the first extension member slides off the first hinge to disengage the clip from the first extension member.

[0009] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a user interface coupled to a proximal end of the deployment element and a proximal end of the first extension member for controlling movement of the clip between the open insertion configuration, the initial deployment configuration, and the inspection configuration.

[0010] In one embodiment, the user interface can include a first knob coupled to a proximal end of the deployment element and a second knob coupled to a proximal end of the first extension member. In one embodiment, the system may further include a first lumen extending proximally from the adapter to the user interface, the first extension member extending through the first lumen such that the first extension member is longitudinally movable relative to the first lumen.

[0011] In one embodiment, the distal portion of the adapter to which the clip is configured to attach may include flats extending along its outer surface to reduce friction between the clip and the adapter as the clip slides distally along the adapter toward the final deployed configuration.

[0012] This embodiment is also directed to a clipping system for treating tissue, including an endoscope including a shaft extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, an adapter including a proximal portion mounted on the distal end of the shaft of the endoscope and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion, and a clip including a pair of jaws. Each of the pair of jaws extends along a curve from a first end to a second end, and the first ends of the pair of jaws are coupled to each other via a first hinge and the second ends of the pair of jaws are coupled to each other via a second hinge such that the pair of jaws are movable between an open insertion configuration in which the pair of jaws are spaced apart from each other and a closed configuration in which the pair of jaws are moved toward each other. The clip is configured to be mounted on the distal portion of the adapter in the open insertion configuration. A deployment member is configured to move the clip distally relative to the adapter from the open insertion configuration to an initial deployed configuration by moving the clip distally and disengaging it from the adapter so that the clip is moved toward the closed configuration. The first and second extension members extend from proximal ends accessible to a user via a user interface at the proximal end of the shaft to distal ends releasably coupled to the clip, and distal movement of the extension members relative to the endoscope moves the clip distally away from the distal end of the adapter a selected distance from an initial deployment configuration to an inspection configuration such that the clip is visible through the endoscope.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first extension member may be releasably coupled to a first hinge of the clip and the second extension member is releasably coupled to a second hinge of the clip. In one embodiment, the distal end of each of the first and second extension members can be biased radially away from the longitudinal axis of the adapter, such that when the first and second extension members are coupled to the first and second hinges, the distal ends of the first and second extension members are constrained toward the engaged configuration, and when the distal ends of the first and second extension members are disengaged from the first and second hinges, the distal ends of the first and second extension members return to the biased configuration to release the clip therefrom in the final deployed configuration.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pair of jaws may be biased toward a closed configuration such that when the clip is mounted onto the adapter, the outer surface of the adapter holds the pair of jaws toward the open configuration, and when the clip is moved toward the initial deployed configuration, the pair of jaws are allowed to return to the biased closed configuration.

[0015] In one embodiment, the system may further include a first lumen and a second lumen extending proximally from the adapter to the user interface, wherein each of the first and second extension members extends through a corresponding one of the first and second lumens such that the extension member is longitudinally movable relative to the lumens, and the first and second lumens extend along opposite sides of the shaft of the endoscope.

[0016] The present embodiments are also directed to a method for treating tissue. A clip is inserted into a target area within a body lumen via an endoscope, and the clip is mounted onto the distal end of the endoscope shaft via an adapter in an open insertion configuration in which the jaws of the clip are spaced apart. Suction is applied through the working channel of the endoscope to draw tissue into the channel of the adapter and between the jaws of the clip. In the closed configuration, the jaws extend toward each other to grasp tissue received between the jaws, and the clip is moved from the open insertion configuration to an initial deployed configuration by pushing the clip distally away from the adapter so that the jaws return to the biased closed configuration. To an inspection configuration in which the clip is visible through the endoscope, the clip deploys distally from the distal end of the adapter, and an extension member, the distal end of which is releasably coupled to the clip, moves distally relative to the endoscope shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the distal portion of the system of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal side view of the distal portion of the system of FIG. 1 in an insertion configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows another longitudinal side view of the distal portion of the system of FIG. 1 in an initial deployed configuration. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows another longitudinal side view of the distal portion of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the distal portion of the system of FIG. 1 in an inspection configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the distal portion of the system of FIG. 1 in the final deployed configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter according to the exemplary system of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a top view of the adapter of FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 illustrates a housing for a lumen according to the exemplary system of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a user interface according to the exemplary system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present disclosure can be further understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. The present disclosure relates to a clipping system. In particular, to an over-the-scope endoscopic clipping system in which the initial placement of a clip can be viewed and adjusted prior to its final deployment. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the clip is mountable onto the distal end of an endoscope via an adapter and releasably coupled to an extension member, whereby the clip can be moved between an insertion configuration, an initial deployment state, and an inspection configuration in which the clip is visible before final deployment.

[0019] In the insertion configuration, the clip is mounted on the adapter in a proximal position that is maintained in the insertion configuration, such that the clip is ready to receive tissue between the jaws of the clip while minimizing obstruction of the field of view of the endoscopic vision system. The insertion configuration is configured to facilitate insertion of an endoscope into a target site adjacent the tissue to be clipped. Simultaneously, the system allows the clip to be positioned in the initial deployment configuration and clipped over tissue. While the clip remains coupled to the device in the inspection configuration, the device allows the endoscope to be withdrawn proximally away from the clip and the clipped tissue. As the endoscope is withdrawn proximally while the clip remains in place on the target tissue, the field of view of the endoscope's vision system expands to show the clip and the tissue clipped by the clip, allowing the operator to determine whether the clip position is desired or whether adjustment is needed.

[0020] When the operator determines that the clip is positioned as desired, it is deployed and left in place to clip on the target tissue. If the operator determines that the clip's position needs to be adjusted, the endoscope and its coupled adapter are moved distally to a position adjacent the clip. The clip is then retracted proximally onto the adapter, reopening it. As the clip returns to the insertion configuration by sliding proximally back onto the adapter, the clip is forced open against its inherent bias, and the clip is retracted proximally over the distal end of the adapter. After the clip is removed from the tissue and returned to the insertion configuration, the operator can reposition the endoscope and device as desired, retract the target tissue into the adapter (e.g., under suction or a grasper applied through the working channel of the endoscope), and redeploy the clip from the adapter onto the target tissue in the initial deployment position.

[0021] The endoscope is then again withdrawn proximally, with the clip still coupled to the device, and the device is again moved to the inspection configuration. The position of the clip and clipped tissue is again observed, and this process may be repeated until the clip is positioned as desired. When the operator confirms that the tissue over which the clip will be closed is the desired portion of tissue, the clip may be deployed and released from the device and endoscope, as described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as used herein, the terms proximal and distal are intended to refer to directions toward and away from the user of the device, respectively.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1-11 , a clipping system 100 for treating tissue defects and / or perforations according to an exemplary embodiment includes a clip 102 configured to be attached to an endoscope 104 via an adapter 108. The adapter 108 is attached onto a distal end 106 of an endoscope shaft 124 of the endoscope 104, thereby allowing the clip 102 to be moved between an insertion configuration ( FIG. 3 ) and an initial deployed configuration ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In the insertion configuration ( FIG. 3 ), the clip 102 is attached onto the adapter 108 with the jaws of the clip 102 spaced apart to receive tissue therebetween. In the initial deployed configuration ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), the clip 102 is moved distally relative to the adapter 108, thereby closing the jaws to grasp tissue drawn into the adapter 108.

[0023] The clip 102 is releasably coupled to an extension member 110, which facilitates movement of the clip 102 between an initial deployment configuration and an inspection configuration ( FIG. 6 ). In the inspection configuration, the endoscope is withdrawn proximally as the extension member 110 extends distally away from the endoscope, and the clip 102 remains tethered to the device when the distal end 106 of the endoscope 104 is withdrawn proximally. This widens the field of view of the endoscopic vision system relative to the clip and target tissue, allowing for some movement of the endoscope 104 relative to the clip, allowing for a broader view of the placement and / or position of the clip 102 relative to the target tissue. As described below, if the user determines that the clip position is incorrect or not optimal, the user can move the endoscope 104 distally to a position adjacent the clip 102 and then retract the clip 102 proximally by retracting the extension member 110 proximally relative to the adapter 108. This causes clip 102 to slide back proximally over adapter 108, and as clip 102 returns to the insertion configuration, clip 102 is pulled back over the distal end of adapter 108, forcing clip 102 to spread.

[0024] The user may then reposition the endoscope 104 and the clip 102 and repeat these steps to adjust the placement and / or location of the clip 102 relative to the target tissue before final deployment of the clip 102, as shown in FIG. 7 . That is, if the operator determines that the clip 102 is not positioned as desired in the inspection configuration, the clip 102 can be reopened and removed from the tissue, thereby repositioning the device until the clip 102 is closed on the desired portion of tissue. As described in more detail below, movement of the clip 102 between the insertion configuration, the initial deployment configuration, the inspection configuration, and the final deployment configuration may be controlled via the user interface 112. In one embodiment, the user interface 112 is coupled to a handle portion 114 at the proximal end 116 of the endoscope shaft 124 of the endoscope 104.

[0025] The clip 102 includes a pair of jaws 118, each of which includes gripping features 120, such as teeth, for grasping target tissue therebetween. The jaws 118 in this embodiment are coupled to one another via hinges 122. In one embodiment, each of the jaws 118 extends along a curve from a first end 125 to a second end 127, such that a first one of the hinges 122 couples the first ends 125 of each of the jaws 118 to one another and a second one of the hinges 122 couples the second ends 127 of each of the jaws 118 to one another. According to one exemplary embodiment, each hinge 122 is a substantially C-shaped living hinge, with the C-shaped curve extending toward and between the jaws 118.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hinge 122 is a biasing spring that biases the jaws 118 toward an initial deployed configuration in which the gripping features 120 of one of the jaws 118 contact the gripping features of the other jaw 118. In the initial deployed configuration, the jaws 118 extend toward each other so that target tissue can be grasped between the jaws 118, for example, via the gripping features 120. However, when the clip 102 is mounted on the adapter 108 in the insertion configuration, the jaws 118 extend around opposing portions of the adapter 108 so that the outer surface 136 of the adapter 108 maintains the clip 102 open with the jaws 118 spaced apart from each other so that the target tissue can be received between the jaws. When the clip 102 is moved distally and disengaged from the adapter 108, the clip 102 is free to close due to the inherent bias of the hinge 122. As described above, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the hinge 122 and / or jaws 118 of the clip 102 may be formed from any of a variety of materials, so long as the hinge 122 biases the jaws 118 toward the initial deployed configuration, and the bias is strong enough to maintain the clip 102 in a clipped position on the target tissue after the clip 102 is finally deployed. In one embodiment, a portion of the clip 102 (e.g., the hinge 122) is formed from a shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol, to provide and / or add a bias toward the closed configuration.

[0027] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the clip 102 is attached to the endoscope 104 via the adapter 108. In this embodiment, the adapter 108 is sized and shaped to fit onto the distal end 106 of the endoscope shaft 124 of a standard endoscope 104, although as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the adapter 108 may be sized and shaped to fit onto the distal end of any insertion device (flexible or rigid) suitable for accessing a target site within the body where the tissue to be clipped is located. The proximal end 116 of the endoscope shaft 124 in this embodiment includes a handle portion 114. The handle portion 114 may be used by a physician or other user to guide the flexible endoscope, for example, through a body lumen (e.g., the gastrointestinal tract) to a target site adjacent the target tissue to be clipped. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the endoscope shaft 124 in this embodiment is sufficiently flexible to be inserted through the tortuous path of a body lumen, and therefore all of the components of the system that extend through or along the endoscope to the clip 102 are also sufficiently flexible to allow this insertion to the target site.

[0028] The adapter 108 in this embodiment is a substantially tubular structure sized and shaped to fit onto the distal end of an endoscope. The adapter 108 extends from the proximal end 126 to the distal end 128 and includes a channel 130 extending therethrough, such that when the adapter 108 is attached to the endoscope, the channel 130 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. This allows the channel 130 to extend away from the distal end of the endoscope when the adapter 108 is attached to the distal end of the endoscope, minimizing obstruction of the field of view of the endoscope's optical system. In one embodiment, the adapter 108 is substantially circular in cross-section to match the similar shape of the endoscope. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, if the endoscope is non-circular (e.g., oval), the adapter can be sized and shaped accordingly, for example, to provide a friction fit with the distal end of the endoscope.

[0029] The proximal portion 132 of the adapter 108 is configured to mount onto the distal end 106 of the endoscope shaft 124, while the distal portion 134 of the adapter 108 is configured to receive the clip 102 thereon and, as described above, has sufficient radial stiffness to maintain the clip 102 in an open configuration against the bias of the hinge 122. In particular, the jaws 118 of the clip 102 extend along a curve such that the clip 102 is mountable onto the distal portion 134 such that each of the jaws 118 extends over diametrically opposed portions of the adapter 108, with the jaws 118 held in an open configuration by the outer surface 136 of the adapter 108.

[0030] 8 and 9 , the outer surface 136 along the distal portion 134 of the adapter 108 in this embodiment includes a plurality of flats 152, each extending along all or a portion of the length of the distal portion 134 and around a portion of the circumference (e.g., circumference) of the distal portion 134. In one embodiment, the outer surface 136 includes four flats 152 extending along the distal portion 134, each of which is equal in size and spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the distal portion 134. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these flats 152 are configured to reduce friction between the clip 102 and the adapter 108 and facilitate distal movement of the clip 102 along the adapter 108, thereby allowing the clip 102 to be pulled distally over the adapter to deploy the clip 102 as desired, and then pulled proximally to reopen the clip 102 if necessary to reposition the clip 102, as described in more detail below. Although the adapter 108 is illustrated and described as including four flats 152 evenly spaced along the outer surface 136 of the distal portion 134, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the adapter 108 can include any number of flats 152 along the distal portion 134 in any of a variety of configurations, so long as the flats 152 facilitate movement of the clip 102 proximally and distally along the distal portion 134 of the adapter 108.

[0031] The adapter 108 of this embodiment also includes a tab 138 extending from the outer surface 136 of the adapter 108 toward its distal end 128, with a groove 140 formed along the distal portion 134 between the tab 138 and the outer surface 136. In the insertion configuration, the clip 102 of this embodiment is mounted on the distal portion 134 with one of the jaws 118 received in the groove 140. The tab 138 also includes a hole 142 extending therethrough that is configured to receive a deployment element 144, such as a thread, strand, filament, or other similar flexible longitudinal element, used to move the clip 102 from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration.

[0032] A first end of the deployment element 144 is releasably anchored (e.g., tied) to the tab 138 via the aperture 142, and the deployment element 144 extends from the tab 138, through the channel 130 of the adapter 108, across the groove 140, through the working channel of the endoscope 104, and to a second end coupled to the user interface 112. In one embodiment, the deployment element 144 extends into the channel 130 through an opening of the channel 130 in the distal end 128 of the adapter 108. In another embodiment, the deployment element 144 extends into the channel 130 through a corresponding aperture 174 extending through the wall of the distal portion 134 of the adapter 108. The corresponding aperture 139 in this embodiment is coaxially aligned with the aperture 142 extending through the tab 138 and communicates with the channel 130.

[0033] In the insertion configuration, the deployment element 144 is loosened and extends across the groove 140 from the tab 138 to the working channel of the endoscope 104 proximal to the jaws 118. When it is desired to move the clip 102 from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration, the user tensions the deployment element 144, causing the tensioned deployment element 144 to pull the clip 102 distally, withdrawing the clip 102 distally from the adapter 108 to the initial deployed configuration. In the initial deployed configuration, the jaws of the clip 102 are closed and the clip 102 is positioned just distal to the distal end 128 of the adapter 108.

[0034] Movement of the clip 102 from the initial deployment configuration to the inspection configuration is accomplished via the extension members 110. As described in further detail below, the extension members 110 also facilitate movement of the clip 102 from the inspection configuration back to the insertion configuration when it is desired to adjust the placement and / or position of the clip 102 relative to the target tissue when considering the position of the clip 102 in the initial deployment configuration. The extension members 110 extend from a distal end 148 that is releasably coupled to the clip 102 to a proximal end (not shown) that is coupled to the user interface 112. Each extension member 110 in this embodiment extends through a lumen 150 that extends, for example, from the adapter 108 along the length of the endoscope shaft 124 to the user interface 112, thereby allowing the extension members 110 to move longitudinally relative to the lumen 150, and thus longitudinally relative to the endoscope shaft 124, to control the movement of the clip 102 relative to the extension members 110.

[0035] In one embodiment, system 100 includes two lumens 150 and two extension members 110, each sized, shaped, and configured to slidably receive a corresponding one of extension members 110 therein. The lumens 150 in this embodiment extend along opposite longitudinal sides of endoscope shaft 124, and when clip 102 is mounted on adapter 108 in the insertion configuration, the positions of lumens 150 are substantially aligned with hinge 122. However, one skilled in the art will understand that any arrangement of lumens 150 may be employed so long as extension member 110 can be slidably received therein and delivered to the desired location on clip 102 as described above.

[0036] Each of the extension members 110 extends from the user interface 112 through a corresponding one of the lumens 150, with its distal end 148 engaging the clip 102 at a selected location. In an exemplary embodiment, the extension members 110 are formed as a flexible strand, filament, or coil, for example, made of a metal or a polymer. In one exemplary embodiment, each extension member 110 is comprised of a flexible strand, filament, or coil configured to form a loop 146 at its distal end 148 for engaging a C-shaped hinge 122 of the clip 102. In this embodiment, each loop 146 is locked into the C-shaped portion of a corresponding one of the hinges 122 and engages the corresponding hinge 122 (e.g., via a friction fit). As a result, when the extension member 110 is extended distally relative to the adapter 108, the extension member 110 pushes the clip 102 distally onto the adapter 108. In one embodiment, distal ends 148 of extension members 110 are biased to tilt away from each other and away from the longitudinal axis of adapter 108 and endoscope 104 toward the released configuration.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the loop of the extension member 110 is configured to engage the clip 102, such that when the endoscope 104 and adapter 108 are moved proximally away from the clip 102 clipped to tissue, the clip 102 remains coupled to the device due to the coupling of the loop on the hinge of the clip 102. The loop of the extension member 110 may be maintained in position on the clip 102, for example, via a friction fit. The loop of the extension member 110 is configured such that when the clip 102 applies at least a predetermined amount of proximally directed force to the extension member 110 (e.g., when the extension member 110 is urged distally relative to the clip 102 while further distal movement of the clip 102 is prevented by the clipped tissue), the loop of the extension member 110 slides distally over and disengages the hinge of the clip 102, disengaging the clip 102 from the extension member. This completely releases the clip 102 from the system, allowing the adapter 108, extension member 110, and endoscope 104 to be withdrawn from the body as the clip 102 is clipped onto the target tissue and left in place.

[0038] However, when loop 146 is locked into C-shaped hinge 122, distal end 148 is constrained and pushed toward their longitudinal axis by C-shaped hinge 122 in the engaged configuration. After clip 102 is clipped onto target tissue and adapter 108 and clip 102 are moved to the inspection configuration, the user can visually observe the position of clip 102 on the tissue to determine whether clip 102 is in the desired position. When the user determines that clip 102 is positioned as desired on the target tissue, the operator pushes extension member 110, which is pushing clip 102 distally, into the target tissue. When tissue provides resistance to further distal movement of clip 102, loop 146 is urged distally past C-shaped hinge 122 until the distal end of loop 146 passes the distal end of hinge 122. At this point, the loops 146 are released and spring radially outward away from the clip 102, separating the clip 102 from the extension member 110 and the device 100. That is, in the released configuration shown in FIG. 7 , the distance between the distal ends 148 is greater than when the extension member 110 is constrained by the hinge 122 in the engaged configuration, as the distal ends spring radially outward from the clip 102.

[0039] The lumen 150 is fixed relative to the endoscope shaft 124, such that when the extension member 110 is translated longitudinally relative to the lumen 150, the extension member 110 moves the clip 102 relative to the endoscope 104. In particular, the extension member 110 is formed from a material with sufficient longitudinal stiffness so that when the extension member 110 is moved distally relative to the lumen 150, the clip 102 is pushed distally onto the adapter 108, and when the extension member 110 is moved proximally relative to the lumen 150, the clip 102 is retracted proximally onto the adapter 108 relative to the endoscope 104. In one embodiment, each of the lumens 150 includes a multi-lumen Bowden housing through which, for example, the strands of the respective extension member 110 are threaded to form loops 146 at the distal end 148.

[0040] 10 , the Bowden housing includes an outer plastic insulator 154, an inner braid 156, a flexible coil 158 therein, and a dual channel tube 160 extending longitudinally therethrough to accommodate a portion of the extension member 110 and form the loop 146 at the distal end 148 of the extension member 110. The Bowden housing of the lumen 150 facilitates translational movement of the extension member 110 relative thereto while also preventing twisting of the extension member 110. Thus, to move the clip 102 from the initial deployed configuration to the inspection configuration, the extension member 110 is moved distally relative to the lumen 150, so that the endoscope 104 and adapter 108 can be withdrawn proximally while the clip 102 remains coupled to the device and is positioned further distally from the distal end 127 of the adapter 108 and the distal end 106 of the endoscope shaft 124. In this position, the clip 102 is more easily visible through the optical system of the endoscope 104. If, during review, it is desired to adjust the position / placement of the clip 102, the extension member 110 can be moved proximally relative to the lumen 150 until the clip 102 is pulled proximally on the adapter 108 toward the insertion configuration.

[0041] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, as the clip 102 is retracted proximally, the distally directed force exerted by the distal end 128 of the adapter 108 on the jaws 118 forces the jaws 118 apart against their inherent bias. That is, as the clip 102 is retracted proximally onto the adapter 108, the jaws 118 are pushed diametrically apart so that they slide over diametrically opposed portions of the adapter 108 as the clip 102 returns to the insertion configuration. The endoscope 104 and adapter 108 may then be repositioned, and when the user feels that the device is positioned as desired relative to the target tissue to be clipped, the clip 102 may again be moved to the initial deployment configuration and then to the inspection configuration, as described above, to confirm that the clip 102 was positioned in the desired position relative to the target tissue.

[0042] According to one embodiment, when it is desired to release the clip 102 from the extension member 110 in the final deployed configuration, the extension member 110 can be moved distally relative to the clip 102 until the loop 146 moves distally and disengages from the hinge 122. In this embodiment, once the loop 146 moves distally of the C-shaped hinge 122 and disengages therefrom, the distal ends 148 of the extension member 110 are released from the hinge 122, allowing the distal ends 148 to return to the biased configuration in which they move radially away from each other. At this point, as shown in FIG. 7 , the distal ends 148 extend radially away from each other and no longer engage the clip 102, so that the clip 102 is fully spaced from the device and the extension member 110 can be moved proximally away from the clip 102 without re-engaging the clip 102. Thus, the clip 102 may be left within the body clipped to the target tissue while the endoscope 104 and adapter 108, including the extension member 110, are withdrawn from the body.

[0043] Although clip 102 is described and shown as having a C-shaped hinge 122, those skilled in the art will understand that hinge 122 can have any of a variety of shapes and configurations, so long as hinge 122 is configured to bias jaws 118 of clip 102 toward the closed configuration, as described above, and so long as hinge 122 is capable of being releasably engaged by extension member 110. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that distal end 148 of extension member 110 can have any of a variety of shapes and configurations, so long as distal end 148 is configured to be releasably engaged with hinge 122, as described above.

[0044] As described above, the user interface 112 can be used to actuate the deployment element 144 and the extension member 110. As shown in FIG. 11 , the user interface 112 can be coupled to the handle portion 114 of the endoscope 102 via any of several coupling mechanisms, including, for example, a snap interface 172. In one embodiment, the user interface 112 includes two actuation elements, for example, a first knob 162 for controlling the deployment element 144 and a second knob 164 for controlling the extension member 110. The first knob 162 and the second knob 164 are configured, for example, as thumb wheels, so that a user of the system 100 can easily control the movement of the deployment element 144 and the extension member 110 while holding the endoscope 104 via the handle portion 114.

[0045] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the proximal end of the deployment element 144 may extend proximally from the working channel of the endoscope shaft 124 and be wrapped around a first rotating wheel 166 coupled to the first knob 162. As such, rotation of the first knob 162 correspondingly rotates the first rotating wheel 166, thereby moving the deployment element 144 as desired. For example, when the clip 102 is mounted onto the adapter 108 toward the insertion configuration, rotating the first knob 162 in, for example, a first direction may loosen the deployment element 144. Rotating the first knob 162 in a second direction opposite the first direction may apply tension to the deployment element 144, for example, when it is desired to move the clip 102 from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration.

[0046] Similarly, the second knob 164 may be coupled to a second rotating wheel 168 around which the proximal end of the extension member 110 wraps, such that rotation of the second knob 164 controls movement of the extension member 110 and, therefore, the clip 102. For example, the proximal end 170 of the lumen 150 may be coupled to the user interface 112, such that the proximal end of the extension member 110 extends from the proximal end 170 of the lumen 150 and wraps around the second rotating wheel 168. Thus, rotation of the second knob 164 in a first direction may translate the extension member 110 distally relative to the lumen 150 and the endoscope shaft 124, thereby moving the clip 102 from the initial deployed configuration to the inspection configuration. Rotating the second knob 164 in a second direction opposite to the first direction translates the extension member 110 proximally relative to the lumen 150 and the endoscope shaft 124, thereby allowing the clip 102 to be retracted proximally from the inspection configuration toward the insertion configuration, for example, to reposition the clip 102.

[0047] According to an exemplary method for tissue closure utilizing the clipping system 100, the clip 102 may be inserted through a body lumen, such as the GI tract, via an endoscope 104 to a target area within the body lumen. As described above, in the insertion configuration, as shown in FIG. 3 , the clip 102 is attached to the distal end 106 of the endoscope shaft 124 via an adapter 108, such that the jaws 118 are spaced apart toward an open configuration. The clip 102 is guided to the target area via the endoscope 104 and positioned on the target tissue. Suction may be applied through the working channel of the endoscope 104, thereby drawing the target tissue into the channel 130 of the adapter 108. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , when the clip 102 is moved toward an initial deployed configuration, for example, via the first knob 162, the jaws 118 of the clip 102 are allowed to return to their biased closed configuration, such that tissue drawn into the channel 130 is grasped by the jaws 118 of the clip 102. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the clip 102 can be moved toward the initial deployed configuration by applying tension to the deployment element 144, which causes the deployment element 144 to push the clip 102 distally, thereby pushing the clip 102 distally away from the adapter 108 and allowing it to return to its biased closed configuration.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that suction and / or gripping of tissue in this initial deployed configuration may obstruct the imaging / optical lenses of the endoscope 104, thereby preventing a user from visualizing and / or verifying whether the desired target tissue has been properly clipped. However, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the clip 102 is moved toward the inspection configuration, the extension member 110 is moved distally relative to the endoscope shaft 124, thereby moving the clip 102 away from the distal end 106 of the endoscope shaft 124. In particular, extending the extension member 110 distally relative to the endoscope shaft 124, e.g., via the second knob 164, allows the endoscope 104 to be retracted proximally away from the clip 102 while the distal portion 134 of the adapter 108 extends distally from the proximal portion of the adapter 108 while the clip 102 remains clipped onto the tissue. This creates a distance between the selected clip 102 and the distal end 106 of the endoscope shaft 124 such that the clip 102 can be visualized through the optical system of the endoscope 104 .

[0049] If, upon visualization, the user determines that the clip 102 requires adjustment and / or repositioning relative to the target tissue, the extension member 110 may be translated proximally relative to the endoscope 104 until the clip 102 is moved proximally over the distal portion 134 of the adapter 108 toward the open configuration, as described above. The clip 102 may then be repositioned on the target tissue as desired, and the clip 102 may again be moved toward the initial deployment configuration and then toward the inspection configuration. If necessary, this procedure may be repeated until the user can visualize that the clip 102 has clipped onto the target tissue as desired.

[0050] Once the user has confirmed that the target tissue has been clipped, the clip 102 may be moved from the inspection configuration to the final deployed configuration, as desired, by releasing the clip 102 from the extension member 110, as shown in FIG. 7 . As described above, to release the clip 102, the extension member 110 is moved further distally relative to the endoscope shaft 124. In the inspection configuration, as the clip 102 clips onto the target tissue and thereby abuts the tissue surface, moving the extension member 110 further distally also moves the extension member 110 distally relative to the clip 102. The extension member 110 is moved distally relative to the clip 102 until the distal end 148 of the extension member 110 disengages from the hinge 122 of the clip 102. According to one embodiment, the extension member 110 may be moved distally relative to the clip 102 until the loop 146 at the distal end 148 disengages from the hinge 122. Once the loops 146 are released, for example from the C-hinge 122, the distal ends 148 are allowed to return to their biased configuration and move radially away from one another. Thus, the extension member 110 and endoscope 104 can be withdrawn from the body, leaving only the clip 102 clipped onto the target tissue.

[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the features of any of the various embodiments can be combined in any manner not inconsistent with the description and / or functionality of the embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A clipping system for treating tissue, comprising: an adapter extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end configured to be mounted onto the distal end of the insertion device; a clip including a first jaw and a second jaw, a first end of the first jaw coupled to a first end of the second jaw via a first hinge and a second end of the first jaw coupled to a second end of the second jaw via a second hinge, whereby the first and second jaws are movable between an insertion configuration and an initial deployed configuration, wherein in the insertion configuration the first and second jaws are spaced apart to receive tissue therebetween and in the initial deployed configuration the first and second jaws are drawn together to grasp tissue therebetween, and at least one of the first and second hinges is biased to retract the clip into the initial deployed configuration; a deployment member configured to move the clip distally on the adapter to release it, whereby the clip moves from the insertion configuration to the initial deployed configuration as it leaves the adapter; and a first extension member releasably coupled to the clip and movably coupled to the adapter, the first extension member configured to allow the adapter to be withdrawn proximally from the clip while remaining coupled to the clip to place the system in an inspection configuration in which the clip is physically spaced from the adapter for enhanced visual observation of the clip; the first extension member is operable to retract the clip proximally on the adapter, the first extension member forcing the clip open as the clip is retracted on the adapter, releasing the clip from the tissue to which it was clipped; A clipping system, wherein the first extension member is releasably coupled to the first hinge such that when the clip is observed to be in a desired position, the clip can be finally deployed from the system by separating the first extension member from the clip.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second extension member releasably coupled to the second hinge of the clip and movably coupled to the adapter, the second extension member configured to remain coupled to the clip while the system is moved to the inspection configuration, and the second extension member operable in cooperation with the first extension member to proximally retract the clip on the adapter from one of the inspection configuration and the initial deployment configuration.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a distal end of the first extension member includes a loop configured to be locked to the first hinge.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the distal end of the first extension member is biased radially away from the longitudinal axis of the adapter, and when the loop of the first extension member is released from the first hinge, the distal end of the first extension member springs laterally outward and disengages from the clip.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the loop of the first extension member is configured to engage the clip such that a distal force applied to the first extension member is transferred to the clip to move the clip distally on the adapter and disengage from the adapter, and wherein the loop of the first extension member is configured such that when the clip applies a proximal force of at least a predetermined amount to the first extension member, the loop of the first extension member slides off the first hinge to disengage the clip from the first extension member.

6. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface coupled to a proximal end of the deployment member and a proximal end of the first extension member for controlling movement of the clip between the insertion configuration, the initial deployment configuration, and the inspection configuration.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the user interface includes a first knob coupled to the proximal end of the deployment member and a second knob coupled to the proximal end of the first extension member.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a first lumen extending proximally from the adapter to the user interface, the first extension member extending through the first lumen such that the first extension member is longitudinally movable relative to the first lumen.

9. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein a distal portion of the adapter to which the clip is configured to attach includes flats extending along its outer surface to reduce friction between the clip and the adapter as the clip slides distally along the adapter toward its final deployed configuration.

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