Patent US5626607A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5626607A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Clamp assembly and method of use
Assignee: Heartport Inc
•
Filing: 1996-02-01
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Granted: 1997-05-06
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Expires: 2016-02-01
Abstract
Abstract A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient. The clamp includes a flexible cable housed within a sheath. The cable and sheath extend between a clamp and a handle. The cable actuator. The cable extends through a sheath which is anchored at the clamp and the actuator for actuating jaws from a proximal end of the clamp. A malleable positioner is provided for positioning the clamp about the body structure.
Inventors
- 👤 William W. Malecki
- 👤 Wesley D. Sterman
- 👤 Hanson S. Gifford, III
- 👤 Scott H. Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:27
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B17/00234; A61B17/12; A61B17/12009; A61B17/12013; A61B17/122; A61B17/34; A61B17/064; A61B17/1227; A61B17/128; A61B17/1285; A61B17/2909; A61B17/295; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/00353; A61B2017/00535; A61B2017/00544; A61B2017/2901; A61B2017/2905; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2932; A61B2017/2933; A61B2017/2943; A61B2017/2945; A61B2017/2946; A61B17/3417; A61B17/3421; A61B2017/3445; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/1432; A61M; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/33; A61M2205/3331; A61M2205/3344; A61M2205/3355
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
290 words
A method of clamping a structure in a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a clamp, a cable puller, a flexible sheath, and a flexible cable, the handle having a first sheath holder and the clamp having a second sheath holder, the sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders, the cable being at least partially housed within the sheath and generally conforming to a shape of the sheath, the cable also being coupled to the cable puller and the cable puller being adapted to displace the cable relative to the sheath, the clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw being coupled to the cable so that the first jaw moves between the open and closed positions when the cable is moved by the cable puller, the first and second jaws having atraumatic contact surfaces, the flexible sheath and flexible cable being deformable so that the cable puller can move the cable relative to the sheath when the flexible sheath is curved; introducing the clamp into a patient; moving the cable puller thereby displacing the cable relative to the sheath and moving the first jaw to the open position; positioning the body structure of a patient between the first and second jaws after the moving step; clamping the body structure by moving the cable puller thereby closing the jaws around the body structure; and moving the first and second jaws to the open position and unclamping the body structure, the atraumatic contact surfaces of the first and second jaws being configured to minimize damage to the body structure thereby leaving the body structure substantially in tact.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
290 words
A method of clamping a structure in a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a clamp, a cable puller, a flexible sheath, and a flexible cable, the handle having a first sheath holder and the clamp having a second sheath holder, the sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders, the cable being at least partially housed within the sheath and generally conforming to a shape of the sheath, the cable also being coupled to the cable puller and the cable puller being adapted to displace the cable relative to the sheath, the clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw being coupled to the cable so that the first jaw moves between the open and closed positions when the cable is moved by the cable puller, the first and second jaws having atraumatic contact surfaces, the flexible sheath and flexible cable being deformable so that the cable puller can move the cable relative to the sheath when the flexible sheath is curved; introducing the clamp into a patient; moving the cable puller thereby displacing the cable relative to the sheath and moving the first jaw to the open position; positioning the body structure of a patient between the first and second jaws after the moving step; clamping the body structure by moving the cable puller thereby closing the jaws around the body structure; and moving the first and second jaws to the open position and unclamping the body structure, the atraumatic contact surfaces of the first and second jaws being configured to minimize damage to the body structure thereby leaving the body structure substantially in tact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein: the providing step is carried out with an introducer releasably coupled to the clamp; and the positioning step is carried out by manipulating the introducer so that the first and second jaws are positioned around the body structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: disengaging the introducer from the clamp after the positioning step.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein: the providing step is carried out with both the first and second jaws being movable between the open and closed positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: adjusting a force biasing the first and second jaws toward the closed position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1, wherein: the providing step is carried out so that the first and second jaws move substantially parallel to one another when moving from the open position to the closed position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein: the providing step is carried out with the contact surfaces comprising an elastomeric material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: holding the clamp with an introduction device during the positioning step; and releasing the clamp from the introduction device after the clamping step.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
245 words
A method of clamping a structure in a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a clamp, a cable puller, a flexible sheath, and a flexible cable, the handle having a first sheath holder and the clamp having a second sheath holder, the sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders, the cable being at least partially housed within the sheath and being coupled to the cable puller, the cable puller being adapted to displace the cable relative to the sheath, the clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw being coupled to the cable so that the first jaw moves between open and closed positions when the cable is moved by the cable puller; introducing the clamp into a patient; moving the cable puller thereby displacing the cable relative to the sheath and moving the first jaw to the open position; and positioning a body structure of a patient between the first and second jaws after the moving step; and closing the jaws around the body structure by moving the cable puller; the providing step being carried out with both the first and second jaws being movable between the open and closed positions; the moving step being carried out with the first and second jaws having jaw surfaces remaining substantially parallel to one another when moving between the open and closed positions.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
245 words
A method of clamping a structure in a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a clamp, a cable puller, a flexible sheath, and a flexible cable, the handle having a first sheath holder and the clamp having a second sheath holder, the sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders, the cable being at least partially housed within the sheath and being coupled to the cable puller, the cable puller being adapted to displace the cable relative to the sheath, the clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw being coupled to the cable so that the first jaw moves between open and closed positions when the cable is moved by the cable puller; introducing the clamp into a patient; moving the cable puller thereby displacing the cable relative to the sheath and moving the first jaw to the open position; and positioning a body structure of a patient between the first and second jaws after the moving step; and closing the jaws around the body structure by moving the cable puller; the providing step being carried out with both the first and second jaws being movable between the open and closed positions; the moving step being carried out with the first and second jaws having jaw surfaces remaining substantially parallel to one another when moving between the open and closed positions.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of clamping a structure in a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a clamp, a cable puller, a flexible sheath, and a flexible cable, the handle having a first sheath holder and the clamp having a second sheath holder, the sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders, the cable being at least partially housed within the sheath and being coupled to the cable puller, the cable puller being adapted to displace the cable relative to the sheath, the clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw being coupled to the cable so that the first jaw moves between the open and closed positions when the cable is moved by the cable puller; introducing the clamp into a patient; moving the cable puller thereby displacing the cable relative to the sheath and moving the first jaw to the open position; positioning a body structure of a patient between the first and second jaws after the moving step; and closing the jaws around the body structure by moving the cable puller; the positioning step being carried out with the body structure being an internal mammary artery.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of clamping a structure in a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a clamp, a cable puller, a flexible sheath, and a flexible cable, the handle having a first sheath holder and the clamp having a second sheath holder, the sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders, the cable being at least partially housed within the sheath and being coupled to the cable puller, the cable puller being adapted to displace the cable relative to the sheath, the clamp having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, the first jaw being coupled to the cable so that the first jaw moves between the open and closed positions when the cable is moved by the cable puller; introducing the clamp into a patient; moving the cable puller thereby displacing the cable relative to the sheath and moving the first jaw to the open position; positioning a body structure of a patient between the first and second jaws after the moving step; and closing the jaws around the body structure by moving the cable puller; the positioning step being carried out with the body structure being an internal mammary artery.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
155 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath and generally conforming to a shape of the sheath; a spring biasing the cable relative to the sheath, the spring biasing the first and second jaws toward the closed position; and a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath when the flexible sheath is curved.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
155 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath and generally conforming to a shape of the sheath; a spring biasing the cable relative to the sheath, the spring biasing the first and second jaws toward the closed position; and a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath when the flexible sheath is curved.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The clamp of claim 11, wherein: the second jaw is also movable between the open and closed positions relative to the first jaw.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The clamp of claim 12, wherein: the first and second jaws remain substantially parallel to one another when moving between the open and closed positions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The clamp of claim 11, wherein: at least one of the cable and the cable puller extends at least partially through the spring.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The clamp of claim 11, further comprising: a manually operable actuator movably coupled to the cable puller.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The clamp of claim 11, wherein: the cable puller is slidable relative to the handle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
83 words
The clamp of claim 11, further comprising: a first pin; a second pin; the first and second jaws each including a first slot, the first pin passing through the first slot in each of the first and second jaws; the first and second jaws each including a second slot, the second pin passing through the second slot in each of the first and second jaws; the first and second slots of each of the first and second jaws being parallel to one another.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
The clamp of claim 11, wherein: the handle includes first and second finger engaging members positioned on opposite sides of a proximal end of the cable and sheath.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
The clamp of claim 11, wherein: the first and second jaws each include a jaw member having a rounded bumper at a distal tip so that trauma to a patient is minimized during insertion of the clamp.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The clamp of claim 19, wherein: the jaw member includes an atraumatic jaw surface integrally formed with the bumper.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
40 words
The clamp of claim 11, further comprising: a spring force adjusting member contacting the spring and being coupled to the cable puller, the spring force adjusting member being configured to adjust a closing force of the first and second jaws.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 11, wherein: the first and second jaws have atraumatic contact surfaces.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 11, wherein: the first and second jaws remain substantially parallel to one another when moving from the open position to the closed position.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The clamp of claim 11, wherein: the cable puller is linearly slidable relative to the handle; the handle having means for preventing rotation of the cable puller.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
60 words
The clamp of claim 11, further comprising: first and second links coupled to one another at a first pivot, the first and second jaws being coupled to one another at a second pivot; the cable being coupled to at least one of the first and second pivots for moving the first jaw from the open position to the closed position.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
130 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath; and a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath; the cable including an end which is detachable from the clamp.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
130 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath; and a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath; the cable including an end which is detachable from the clamp.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
263 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath; a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath; a spring biasing the cable relative to the sheath, the spring biasing the first and second jaws toward the closed position; a spring force adjusting member contacting the spring and being coupled to the cable puller, the spring force adjusting member being configured to adjust a closing force of the first and second jaws; and an actuator movably coupled to the handle, the actuator being connected to the cable puller and contacting the spring, the actuator being movable relative to the handle between a first position, in which a first clamping force is applied to the actuator by the spring when the jaws are in the closed position, and a second position, in which a second clamping force is applied by the spring when the first and second jaws are in the closed position, the first clamping force being larger than the second clamping force.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
263 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath; a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath; a spring biasing the cable relative to the sheath, the spring biasing the first and second jaws toward the closed position; a spring force adjusting member contacting the spring and being coupled to the cable puller, the spring force adjusting member being configured to adjust a closing force of the first and second jaws; and an actuator movably coupled to the handle, the actuator being connected to the cable puller and contacting the spring, the actuator being movable relative to the handle between a first position, in which a first clamping force is applied to the actuator by the spring when the jaws are in the closed position, and a second position, in which a second clamping force is applied by the spring when the first and second jaws are in the closed position, the first clamping force being larger than the second clamping force.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
93 words
A clamp, comprising: a clamp body having a distal end; and a jaw member coupled to the clamp body, the jaw member having an atraumatic jaw surface and a bumper, the bumper extending substantially around a distal end for reducing trauma when the clamp is inserted into a patient, the bumper being integrally formed with the atraumatic jaw surface; the jaw member including a retention member extending from the atraumatic surface at the distal end of the clamp body, the retention member being integrally formed with the atraumatic jaw surface and the bumper.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
93 words
A clamp, comprising: a clamp body having a distal end; and a jaw member coupled to the clamp body, the jaw member having an atraumatic jaw surface and a bumper, the bumper extending substantially around a distal end for reducing trauma when the clamp is inserted into a patient, the bumper being integrally formed with the atraumatic jaw surface; the jaw member including a retention member extending from the atraumatic surface at the distal end of the clamp body, the retention member being integrally formed with the atraumatic jaw surface and the bumper.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
155 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions, the first and second jaws remaining substantially parallel to one another when moving from the open position to the closed position; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath and generally conforming to a shape of the sheath; and a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath when the flexible sheath is curved.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
155 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions, the first and second jaws remaining substantially parallel to one another when moving from the open position to the closed position; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath and generally conforming to a shape of the sheath; and a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath when the flexible sheath is curved.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 29, wherein: the first and second jaws have atraumatic contact surfaces.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
126 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath; a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath; and an introducer releasably attached to the clamp.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
126 words
A clamp for clamping a body structure in a patient, comprising: a handle having a first sheath holder; a clamp having a second sheath holder, a cable holder, a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw being movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position, at least the first jaw being operably coupled to the cable holder for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions; a flexible sheath extending between the first and second sheath holders; a flexible cable at least partially housed within the sheath; a cable puller movably coupled to the handle, the cable puller being configured to displace the cable relative to the sheath; and an introducer releasably attached to the clamp.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The clamp of claim 31, wherein: the introducer is releasably attached to the handle.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The clamp of claim 31, wherein: the introducer is malleable so that the introducer may be deformed.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-05-05 | 2000-11-04 | 2001-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-05-05 | 2004-11-04 | 2005-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-05-05 | 2008-11-04 | 2009-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |