US6913607B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-closing surgical clip for tissue
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
•
Filing: 2001-05-02
•
Granted: 2005-07-05
•
Expires: 2021-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A self-closing fastener is described that comprises a clip passable through a tissue opening. The fastener is adapted for holding by a mechanism in an open configuration for passing through the tissue, followed by releasing the fastener from the holding mechanism, allowing the clip to remain in the tissue in a shape that can clip two or more locations on the tissue. The fastener and delivery devices are particularly useful for tissue approximation, such as anastomosis. When used for anastomosis, the inventive clips provide intima-to-intima contact with a minimal amount of intraluminal exposure.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen Ainsworth
- 👤 Jianhua Yang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 07:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/064; A61B17/04; A61B17/0469; A61B17/11; A61B17/12; A61B17/122; A61B17/1227; A61B17/128; A61B17/1285; A61B2017/1107; A61B2017/1135
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 77
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for fastening tissue comprising a fastener having a stopper, where said stopper includes one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where said fastener has a fastened configuration in which said plurality of proximal members oppose at least a portion of said stopper, and an open configuration where said fastener is openly restrained from said fastened configuration to accept tissue, such that tissue positioned within said open configuration is compressed when said fastener is unrestrained, wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally oriented end, and wherein said distally oriented end of said fastened configuration opposes at least a portion of said stopper, further including a piercing member having a tip and a hollow end for accepting at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for fastening tissue comprising a fastener having a stopper, where said stopper includes one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where said fastener has a fastened configuration in which said plurality of proximal members oppose at least a portion of said stopper, and an open configuration where said fastener is openly restrained from said fastened configuration to accept tissue, such that tissue positioned within said open configuration is compressed when said fastener is unrestrained, wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally oriented end, and wherein said distally oriented end of said fastened configuration opposes at least a portion of said stopper, further including a piercing member having a tip and a hollow end for accepting at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said fastener is nitinol.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for fastening tissue comprising: a fastener having a stopper, where said stopper includes one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, said fastener having a fastened configuration where at least one of said plurality of proximal members opposes at least a portion of said stopper; and a restraint mechanism to releasably restrain said plurality of proximal members of said fastener in an open configuration away from said fastened configuration without restraining said one or more distal members, such that tissue is placeable within said releasably restrained fastener, and where that upon releasing said fastener from said restraint mechanism, said plurality of proximal members return toward said fastened configuration to compress said tissue, further including a piercing member having a tip and a hollow end for accepting at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
145 words
Apparatus for fastening tissue comprising: a fastener having a stopper, where said stopper includes one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, said fastener having a fastened configuration where at least one of said plurality of proximal members opposes at least a portion of said stopper; and a restraint mechanism to releasably restrain said plurality of proximal members of said fastener in an open configuration away from said fastened configuration without restraining said one or more distal members, such that tissue is placeable within said releasably restrained fastener, and where that upon releasing said fastener from said restraint mechanism, said plurality of proximal members return toward said fastened configuration to compress said tissue, further including a piercing member having a tip and a hollow end for accepting at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said fastener is nitinol.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
109 words
A tissue connector assembly for fastening tissue or layers of tissues having an external distal surface and an external proximal surface, comprising: a fastener having a stopper, where said stopper includes one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where at least one of said plurality of proximal members has a fastened configuration opposing at least a portion of said stopper; and a piercing member for piercing tissue and having an elongated member and a holder mechanism that is releasably holding said plurality of proximal members in an open configuration, and where said stopper extends transversely away from said elongated member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
109 words
A tissue connector assembly for fastening tissue or layers of tissues having an external distal surface and an external proximal surface, comprising: a fastener having a stopper, where said stopper includes one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where at least one of said plurality of proximal members has a fastened configuration opposing at least a portion of said stopper; and a piercing member for piercing tissue and having an elongated member and a holder mechanism that is releasably holding said plurality of proximal members in an open configuration, and where said stopper extends transversely away from said elongated member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said fastener includes two proximal members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said fastener comprises nitinol.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said fastener is of unitary construction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said plurality of proximal members are elongated members.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said one or more distal members each comprise a disk-shaped member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the number of proximal members is equal to the number of distal members.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 11 , wherein said fastener has a longitudinal orientation having a centerline, and wherein said proximal members and said distal members are approximately symmetric about said centerline.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein a portion of said stopper has a proximally oriented surface, wherein said stopper is a spring, and wherein said stopper is distally deformable for application of force to said tissue.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally oriented end, and wherein said distally oriented end of said fastened configuration opposes at least a portion of said stopper.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of said stopper has proximally oriented ends and wherein at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration oppose at least one of said proximally oriented ends.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
58 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally facing surface, wherein at least a portion of said stopper has a proximally facing surface, and wherein at least a portion of said distally facing surface of said fastened configuration opposes said proximally facing surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said piercing member has a tubular portion that forms said mechanism.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 17 , wherein said mechanism has an inner surface for restraining said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 18 , wherein said mechanism releases said fastener when said fastener is pulled from said mechanism.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
The assembly of claim 18 , wherein said mechanism releases said fastener when said mechanism is squeezed.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said piercing member is flexible.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 5 , wherein said piercing member is nitinol.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
125 words
A tissue connector assembly for fastening a tissue or layer of tissues having an external distal surface and an external proximal surface, comprising: a piercing member; a flexible member having a first end attached to said piercing member, and a second end; and a fastener releasably attached to said second end, said fastener having a stopper including one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where at least one of said plurality of proximal members has a fastened configuration opposing at least a portion of said stopper, where said fastener is releasably attached to said flexible member with said plurality of proximal members in an open configuration having said stopper extending transversely away from said piercing member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
125 words
A tissue connector assembly for fastening a tissue or layer of tissues having an external distal surface and an external proximal surface, comprising: a piercing member; a flexible member having a first end attached to said piercing member, and a second end; and a fastener releasably attached to said second end, said fastener having a stopper including one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where at least one of said plurality of proximal members has a fastened configuration opposing at least a portion of said stopper, where said fastener is releasably attached to said flexible member with said plurality of proximal members in an open configuration having said stopper extending transversely away from said piercing member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein fastener includes two proximal members.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said piercing member is flexible.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said piercing member is nitinol.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said flexible member is a suture.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said flexible member is nitinol.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said open configuration includes openly restraining said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
11 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said fastener is nitinol.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said fastener is of unitary construction.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said plurality of proximal members are elongated members.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein said one or more distal members each comprise a disk-shaped member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein the number of proximal members is equal to the number of distal members.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 34 , wherein said fastener has a longitudinal orientation having a centerline, and wherein said proximal members and said distal members are approximately symmetric about said centerline.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein a portion of said stopper has a proximally oriented surface, wherein said stopper is a spring, and wherein said stopper is distally deformable for application of force to said tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally oriented end, and wherein said distally oriented end of said fastened configuration opposes at least a portion of said stopper.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein at least a portion of said stopper has proximally oriented ends and wherein at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration oppose at least one of said proximally oriented ends.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
58 words
The assembly of claim 23 , wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally facing surface, wherein at least a portion of said stopper has a proximally facing surface, and wherein at least a portion of said distally facing surface of said fastened configuration opposes said proximally facing surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 23 , further including a holder that is attached to said flexible member second end and that is releasably holding said fastener.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 40 , wherein said holder is a suture.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 40 , wherein said holder is a restraint clip.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
29 words
The assembly of claim 40 , wherein said holder is a generally cylindrical tube having an opening for accepting at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 43 , wherein said holder has an inner surface for restraining said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 40 , wherein said holder releases said fastener when said fastener is pulled from said holder.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The assembly of claim 40 , wherein said holder releases said fastener when said holder is squeezed.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
131 words
A tissue connector assembly for fastening a tissue or layer of tissues having an external distal surface and an external proximal surface, comprising: a piercing member; a flexible member having a first end attached to said piercing member, and a second end; a restraint mechanism attached to said second end; and a fastener releasably attached to said restraint mechanism, said fastener having a stopper including one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where at least one of said plurality of proximal members has a fastened configuration opposing at least a portion of said stopper, where said restraint mechanism releasably holds said plurality of proximal members of said fastener in an open configuration with said stopper extending transversely away from said piercing member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
131 words
A tissue connector assembly for fastening a tissue or layer of tissues having an external distal surface and an external proximal surface, comprising: a piercing member; a flexible member having a first end attached to said piercing member, and a second end; a restraint mechanism attached to said second end; and a fastener releasably attached to said restraint mechanism, said fastener having a stopper including one or more distal members, and a plurality of proximal members flexibly attached to said stopper, where at least one of said plurality of proximal members has a fastened configuration opposing at least a portion of said stopper, where said restraint mechanism releasably holds said plurality of proximal members of said fastener in an open configuration with said stopper extending transversely away from said piercing member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said fastener includes two proximal members.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said piercing member is flexible.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said piercing member is nitinol.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said flexible member is a suture.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said flexible member is nitinol.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
11 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said fastener is nitinol.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said fastener is of unitary construction.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said plurality of proximal members are elongated members.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said one or more distal members each comprise a disk-shaped member.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
20 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein the number of proximal members is equal to the number of distal members.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said fastener has a longitudinal orientation having a centerline, and wherein said proximal members and said distal members are approximately symmetric about said centerline.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
37 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein a portion of said stopper has a proximally oriented surface, wherein said stopper is a spring, and wherein said stopper is distally deformable for application of force to said tissue.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally oriented end, and wherein said distally oriented end of said fastened configuration opposes at least a portion of said stopper.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein at least a portion of said stopper has proximally oriented ends and wherein at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration oppose at least one of said proximally oriented ends.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
58 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein at least one of said plurality of proximal members of said fastened configuration has a distally facing surface, wherein at least a portion of said stopper has a proximally facing surface, and wherein at least a portion of said distally facing surface of said fastened configuration opposes said proximally facing surface.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said restraint mechanism is a suture.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said restraint mechanism is a restraint clip.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
30 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said restraint mechanism is a generally cylindrical tube having an opening for accepting at least a portion of said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assembly of claim 65 , wherein said restraint mechanism has an inner surface for restraining said plurality of proximal members.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said restraint mechanism releases said fastener when said fastener is pulled from said restraint mechanism.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 47 , wherein said restraint mechanism releases said fastener when said restraint mechanism is squeezed.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for fastening a first tissue and a second tissue with a fastener delivered to said first and second tissues in a holder, said method comprising: piercing the first tissue; piercing the second tissue; passing said holder through said piercings of said first and second tissues, where said fastener is releasably coupled to said holder, where said fastener has a stopper and a plurality of terminator arms, where said fastener has a coupled configuration releasably restraining said at least two terminator arms in said holder with said stopper extending approximately perpendicular from said holder, and where said fastener has a decoupled configuration where said plurality of terminator arms and said stopper are opposable across said first and second tissues; seating said stopper of said coupled fastener against said first tissue; and decoupling said fastener, such that at least one of said terminator arms return towards said decoupled configuration and opposes said stopper across said first and second tissues.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for fastening a first tissue and a second tissue with a fastener delivered to said first and second tissues in a holder, said method comprising: piercing the first tissue; piercing the second tissue; passing said holder through said piercings of said first and second tissues, where said fastener is releasably coupled to said holder, where said fastener has a stopper and a plurality of terminator arms, where said fastener has a coupled configuration releasably restraining said at least two terminator arms in said holder with said stopper extending approximately perpendicular from said holder, and where said fastener has a decoupled configuration where said plurality of terminator arms and said stopper are opposable across said first and second tissues; seating said stopper of said coupled fastener against said first tissue; and decoupling said fastener, such that at least one of said terminator arms return towards said decoupled configuration and opposes said stopper across said first and second tissues.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
202 words
A method for creating an intima-to-intima tissue contact between a first tissue and a second tissue each having an adventitia and an intima with a fastener delivered to said first and second tissues in a holder, said method comprising: piercing the adventitia of a first tissue; piercing the intima of a second tissue passing said holder through said piercings of the first and second tissues, where said fastener is releasably coupled to said holder, where said fastener has a stopper and at least two terminator arms, where said fastener has a coupled configuration releasably restraining said at least two terminator arms in said holder with said stopper extending approximately perpendicular from said holder, and where said fastener has a decoupled configuration where said at least two terminator arms and said stopper are opposable across said tissue at more than one location; seating said stopper of said coupled fastener against said adventitia of the first tissue; and decoupling said fastener, such that at least one of said terminator arms returns toward said decoupled configuration and opposes said stopper across said first and second tissues, and such that the intima of the first tissue is in contact with the intima of the second tissue.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
202 words
A method for creating an intima-to-intima tissue contact between a first tissue and a second tissue each having an adventitia and an intima with a fastener delivered to said first and second tissues in a holder, said method comprising: piercing the adventitia of a first tissue; piercing the intima of a second tissue passing said holder through said piercings of the first and second tissues, where said fastener is releasably coupled to said holder, where said fastener has a stopper and at least two terminator arms, where said fastener has a coupled configuration releasably restraining said at least two terminator arms in said holder with said stopper extending approximately perpendicular from said holder, and where said fastener has a decoupled configuration where said at least two terminator arms and said stopper are opposable across said tissue at more than one location; seating said stopper of said coupled fastener against said adventitia of the first tissue; and decoupling said fastener, such that at least one of said terminator arms returns toward said decoupled configuration and opposes said stopper across said first and second tissues, and such that the intima of the first tissue is in contact with the intima of the second tissue.
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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) | 2008-07-04 | 2009-01-03 | 2009-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-07-04 | 2013-01-03 | 2013-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-07-04 | 2017-01-03 | 2017-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |