Independent gripper

摘要

The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.

主权项

1. A fixation system for engaging tissue comprising:
an implantable fixation device comprising a pair of fixation elements comprising a first fixation element and a second fixation element, each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being movably coupled together such that the fixation elements are moveable between a closed position wherein the engagement surfaces face each other to a first open position wherein the engagement surfaces are positioned away from each other; an actuation mechanism coupled to the fixation elements adapted to move the fixation elements between the closed position and the first open position; and a pair of gripping elements comprising a first gripping element and a second gripping element, each of the gripping elements moveable with respect to one of the fixation elements and configured to be moved in opposition to one of the engagement surfaces so as to capture tissue therebetween; a first gripper actuator releasably coupled to the implantable fixation device and configured to actuate the first gripping element, the first gripper actuator having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein actuating the first gripper actuator between the first configuration and the second configuration moves the first gripping element with respect to the first fixation element; a second gripper actuator releasably coupled to the implantable fixation device and configured to actuate the second gripping element, the second gripper actuator having a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein actuating the second gripper actuator between the first configuration and the second configuration moves the second gripping element with respect to the second fixation element; an elongate delivery shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the elongate delivery shaft is releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the fixation device; and a gripper pusher releasably coupled to the implantable fixation device adjacent the pair of gripping elements, the gripper pusher having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein in the expanded configuration the gripper pusher engages the pair of gripping elements and advances the pair of gripping elements toward the engagement surfaces of the fixation elements, the gripper pusher having two spring arms on opposite side of the elongate delivery shaft and along the longitudinal axis of the elongate delivery shaft, each of the arms including a smaller proximal bowed region and a larger distal bowed region, wherein each of the larger bowed regions flares outwardly to engage and push a corresponding gripping element in the expanding configuration; and wherein each of the smaller proximal bowed regions expands radially outward when each of the distal bowed regions relaxes and collapses away from the corresponding gripping element, wherein the first gripper actuator comprises a first gripper line having a proximal end and a distal end, and the second gripper actuator comprises a second gripper line having a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein distal portions of the first gripper line and the second gripper line are releasably coupled to at least one of the proximal portion of the implantable fixation device or the distal portion of the elongate delivery shaft.