Devices and methods for occluding a flexible tube

摘要

A device and method to constrict or occlude the lumen of a flexible tube may include an occluder under the influence of an elastic force, such as a spring force, that can compress a portion of the wall of the flexible tube. The occluder can be under the influence of the elastic force, but prevented from occluding the tube by a stop. The stop can be connected to a tube gripping feature, so that a pulling force on the tube near the gripping feature can disengage the stop from the occluder, releasing the occluder to compress the tube. In some embodiments, the pulling force applied to the tube causes movement of the gripping feature by taking up slack in a portion of the tube held in the device. In other embodiments, the pulling force applied to the tube causes the tube to stretch elastically near the gripping feature, causing the gripping feature to move, and disengaging the stop from the occluder.

主权项

1. A device for constricting the lumen of a flexible tube comprising:
an occluding assembly for mounting the flexible tube; a frame having a first end and a second end, the first end of the frame connected to or comprising a first gripping element to hold the flexible tube at a first end of the occluding assembly; a base unit having a first end and a second end, the first end of the base unit slidably mounted to the second end of the frame, the second end of the base unit connected to or comprising a second gripping element to hold the flexible tube at a second end of the occluding assembly; at least one occluder comprising an arm having an occluding end and a connecting end, the connecting end pivotally mounted to the first end of the base unit, the occluding end of the occluder being under an elastic or spring force configured to urge the occluder to an occluding position that compresses a segment of the flexible tube; and at least one occluder stop connected to or comprising the first gripping element and configured to engage and block the occluding end of the occluder from moving to the occluding position; wherein the occluding assembly is configured through relative movement between the frame and base unit to permit disengagement of the occluder from the occluder stop upon application of a pre-determined amount of tension on the flexible tube while mounted on the occluding assembly, such that the distance between the first gripping element and the occluder is increased, and the occluder is released to compress the segment of tube.