U.S. patent application number 12/254743 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for vascular closure system with splayable staple.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cardica, Inc.. Invention is credited to Theodore M. Bender, Bemard A. Hausen, Bryan D. Knodel, Matthew B. Newell, Zachary Warder-Gabaldon.
Application Number | 20090039138 12/254743 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40073753 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090039138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bender; Theodore M. ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
Vascular Closure System With Splayable Staple
Abstract
A medical device for closing an opening in tissue may include a
staple with a plurality of tines, where the staple is deformable
from an initial configuration to a splayed configuration and then
to a closed configuration; a cradle that includes a distal stop and
a proximal stop proximal to the distal stop extending therefrom,
where the cradle holds a portion of the staple between the proximal
stop and the distal stop, and where the proximal stop and distal
stop are spaced apart from one another a fixed distance
substantially equal to the thickness of the portion of the staple
held therebetween, where that portion of the staple substantially
contacts both stops in the initial configuration; and a housing,
where the cradle is movable relative to that housing.
Inventors: |
Bender; Theodore M.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Warder-Gabaldon; Zachary; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Newell; Matthew B.; (Portola Valley,
CA) ; Hausen; Bemard A.; (Menlo Park, CA) ;
Knodel; Bryan D.; (Flagstaff, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARDICA, INC.
900 SAGINAW DRIVE
REDWOOD CITY
CA
94063
US
|
Assignee: |
Cardica, Inc.
Redwood City
CA
|
Family ID: |
40073753 |
Appl. No.: |
12/254743 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11282177 |
Nov 18, 2005 |
7458978 |
|
|
12254743 |
|
|
|
|
11093003 |
Mar 28, 2005 |
7344544 |
|
|
11282177 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
227/179.1 ;
606/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00672
20130101; A61B 2017/00668 20130101; A61B 17/0644 20130101; A61B
17/10 20130101; A61B 17/0057 20130101; A61B 2017/00637 20130101;
A61B 17/0218 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
227/179.1 ;
606/219 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/068 20060101
A61B017/068; A61B 17/064 20060101 A61B017/064 |
Claims
1. A medical device for closing an opening in tissue, comprising: a
staple including a plurality of tines, wherein said staple is
deformable from an initial configuration to a splayed configuration
and then to a closed configuration; a cradle that includes a distal
stop and a proximal stop proximal to said distal stop extending
therefrom; wherein said cradle holds a portion of said staple
between said proximal stop and said distal stop; and wherein said
proximal stop and said distal stop are spaced apart from one
another a fixed distance substantially equal to the thickness of
said portion of said staple held therebetween, such that said
portion of said staple substantially contacts both said proximal
stop and said distal stop in said initial configuration; and a
housing, wherein said cradle is movable relative to said
housing.
2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein said staple includes a
tab extending therefrom, and wherein at least one of said proximal
stop and said distal stop is shaped to receive said tab.
3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a
guide therein along which said cradle is movable.
4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein said guide is a track
defined in said housing.
5. The medical device of claim 3, wherein said guide is
substantially linear and substantially parallel to the longitudinal
centerline of said housing.
6. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a paddle
assembly movable relative to said housing, wherein said paddle
assembly includes at least one paddle with a splay post extending
therefrom; each said splay post positioned distal to said
staple.
7. The medical device of claim 6, wherein said paddle assembly is
movable by sliding substantially longitudinally.
8. The medical device of claim 6, further comprising a driver
movable relative to said cradle and said paddle assembly.
9. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a seal
attached to the distal end of said housing.
10. The medical device of claim 1, wherein said staple is
plastically deformable.
11. A medical device for closing an opening in tissue, comprising:
a staple including a plurality of tines extending from a base,
wherein said base includes at least two peaks spaced apart from the
longitudinal centerline of said staple, and a trough located
between said peaks, wherein the longitudinal centerline of said
staple passes through said trough; a cradle that holds at least a
part of said staple; a paddle assembly movable relative to said
cradle, said paddle assembly including at least two spaced-apart
paddles; and a driver bifurcated at the distal end thereof into two
spaced-apart branches; wherein said driver is movable relative to
said cradle and said paddle assembly; and wherein said driver is
movable distally such that each said branch contacts and exerts a
distal force on a corresponding said peak of said staple.
12. The medical device of claim 11, further comprising a housing
within which at least part of said staple, said cradle, said paddle
assembly and said driver are located.
13. The medical device of claim 12, wherein at least one stop is
defined in said housing, wherein said stop limits motion of at
least one of the group that includes said staple, said cradle, said
paddle assembly and said driver.
14. The medical device of claim 12, wherein at least one ledge is
defined in said housing; wherein said paddle assembly is movable
distally along a travel length, and wherein each said ledge
supports a corresponding said paddle along less than the entire
said travel length.
15. The medical device of claim 11, further comprising an ejection
post extending upward from at least one said paddle.
16. A medical device for closing an opening in tissue, comprising:
a staple including two tines, wherein said staple is splayable from
an first configuration to a second configuration, and wherein said
staple is then closeable to a third configuration; two ridges
spaced laterally apart from one another, each said ridge configured
to contact a distally-oriented surface of a corresponding said tine
of said staple and restrain said staple against motion in the
distal direction; and a driver configured to contact a
proximally-oriented surface of said staple, wherein relative
longitudinal motion of said ridges and said driver splays said
staple to said second configuration.
17. The medical device of claim 16, further comprising a cradle
that holds said staple, and wherein relative longitudinal motion of
said driver and said cradle closes said staple to said third
configuration.
18. The medical device of claim 17, wherein said ridges are
configured to move out of contact with said staple after said
relative longitudinal motion of said ridges and said driver splays
said staple to said second configuration, and before said relative
longitudinal motion of said driver and said cradle closes said
staple to said third configuration.
19. The medical device of claim 16, further comprising a bifurcated
paddle assembly, wherein each said ridge extends from a bifurcation
of said bifurcated paddle assembly.
20. The medical device of claim 16, wherein said staple is
generally M-shaped, and has two peaks, each said peak oriented in
the proximal direction and located at a proximal-most location of
said staple; wherein said staple includes two valleys, each said
valley located longitudinally opposite a corresponding said peak
and oriented in the distal direction; and wherein each said ridge
contacts said staple at a corresponding said valley.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/282,177, filed Nov. 18, 2005; which in turn
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/093,003, filed Mar. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,344,544; the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a system for
closing an opening in tissue.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Millions of people each year undergo catheterization for
reasons including stent placement, angioplasty, angiography, atrial
ablation, placement of abdominal aortic aneurysm grafts and/or
stents, and other interventional cardiologic and vascular
procedures. In a femoral artery catheterization, an opening is made
in the wall of the femoral artery, and a sheath is placed in that
opening through which a guidewire and one or more tools may be
inserted for performing treatment on the patient.
[0004] After the sheath is removed, the opening in the femoral
artery must be closed. Compression is typically used to do so.
Anticoagulation therapy is stopped, and manual pressure is applied
to the site for up to an hour until clotting seals the access site.
The patient then must remain motionless for up to 24 hours,
generally with a sandbag or other heavy weight on the site to
continue the compression. Many patients find this procedure, and
the resultant bruising and pain, to be more unpleasant than the
actual interventional procedure that was performed.
[0005] Several types of closure devices and techniques have been
developed in an attempt to facilitate closure of the opening in the
femoral artery. However, acceptance of these devices and techniques
has been limited for several reasons, including complexity of use,
complication rates similar to traditional closure, and cost. One
type of device utilizes suture to close the opening. However, such
devices are typically complex mechanically and consequently are
complex to operate. Further, such devices often require an
auxiliary knot-pushing tool to be used, further increasing
complexity. Other devices are ring-shaped or shaped in a convoluted
or tortuous manner, and are complicated and expensive to
manufacture. Another closure technique involves inserting a plug or
slurry of collagen or other chemical composition into the opening
and/or the pathway in the leg between the opening and the skin.
However, compression and lengthy bed rest are generally still
required with chemical closure techniques, just as with traditional
closure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vascular closure system that
includes an end effector, a shaft and a handle.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the end effector having
butterfly members in a first, collapsed configuration.
[0008] FIG. 3a is a cross-section view of a butterfly member of the
end effector along the line A-A in FIG. 2.
[0009] FIG. 3b is a cross-section view of a butterfly member of the
end effector along the line B-B in FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-section view of the end
effector in a first configuration.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of the staple of FIG. 4 in a first
configuration.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of paddles and a finger that are
utilized within the end effector.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of tissue having a
catheterization sheath positioned therein.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end effector having
butterfly members in a second, expanded configuration.
[0015] FIG. 8A is a schematic view of the handle and shaft of the
vascular closure system and their relationship with a sheath.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the end effector after the
butterfly members have been moved proximally.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective cutaway view of the end effector in
a second configuration, as the staple is splayed.
[0018] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the end effector in a
third configuration, after the splayed staple has been shuttled
distally.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the end effector in a
fourth configuration, as the staple is closed.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of a staple.
[0021] FIG. 13A is a side view of the distal end of one exemplary
butterfly member.
[0022] FIG. 13B is a side view of the distal end of a different
exemplary butterfly member.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a side view of a first step in the operation of
the closure system.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a side view of a second step in the operation of
the closure system.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a side view of a third step in the operation of
the closure system.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side view of a fourth step in the operation of
the closure system.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a side view of a fifth step in the operation of
the closure system.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the end effector having
exemplary butterfly members in a second, expanded
configuration.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top view of the end effector of FIG. 19.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a cutaway perspective view of an exemplary end
effector in a first configuration.
[0031] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a cradle utilized in the
end effector of FIG. 21.
[0032] FIG. 22B is a top view of a driver utilized in the end
effector of FIG. 21.
[0033] FIG. 22C is a top view of a paddle assembly utilized in the
end effector of FIG. 21.
[0034] FIG. 22D is a top view of an inner surface of the housing of
the end effector of FIG. 21.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a side cutaway view of the end effector of FIG.
21.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a top cutaway view of the end effector of FIG.
21.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a cutaway perspective view of the end effector of
FIG. 21 in a second configuration.
[0038] FIG. 26 is a top cutaway view of the end effector of FIG.
25.
[0039] FIG. 27 is a side cutaway view of the end effector of FIG.
25.
[0040] FIG. 28 is a cutaway perspective view of the end effector of
FIG. 21 in a third configuration.
[0041] FIG. 29 is top cutaway view of the end effector of FIG.
28.
[0042] FIG. 30 is a side cutaway view of the end effector of FIG.
28.
[0043] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG.
25, showing the butterfly members in a partially-expanded
configuration.
[0044] The use of the same reference symbols in different figures
indicates similar or identical items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Closure System
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a closure system 2 includes an end
effector 4 connected to a shaft 6, which in turn is connected to a
handle 8. The end effector 4 may be one or more separate components
that are connected to the shaft 6, or may be fabricated integrally
with the distal end of the shaft 6. Referring also to FIG. 7, the
end effector 4 is sized to pass through a standard sheath 48 placed
in a passage 53 in tissue 52 for a standard catheterization
procedure. The end effector 4 may include a housing 22. The housing
22 may be split into multiple parts, such as a top half and a
bottom half. Referring to FIGS. 2, 21 and 24, for example, a bottom
half of the housing 22 is shown. The housing 22 may include
internal functional features such as stops, grooves and rails that
are described in greater detail below. Alternately, the housing 22
may include left and right halves rather than top and bottom
halves. Alternately, the housing 22 may be configured in any other
suitable manner.
[0046] Referring also to FIG. 2, the end effector 4 includes at
least one butterfly member 10. Each butterfly member 10 acts to
register tissue such as the wall of a blood vessel to the end
effector 4, as described in greater detail below. At least one
butterfly member 10 may extend substantially distally from a
housing 22 or other component of the end effector 4. Alternately,
at least one butterfly member 10 extends at least partially in a
different direction. Each butterfly member 10 may be configured in
any manner that allows it to move from a first, collapsed
configuration to a second, expanded configuration, and back to the
collapsed configuration. As one example, at least one butterfly
member 10 includes a first element 12, and a second element 14
connected to the distal end of the first element 12. The first
element 12 is not substantially deformable, and at least part of
the second element 14 is deformable to an expanded configuration.
Alternately, either or both of the elements 12, 14 is deformable to
an expanded configuration. The elements 12, 14 may be shaped and
configured in any suitable manner. As one example, referring also
to FIGS. 3a-3b, the first element 12 may have a semicircular
cross-section or other curved cross-section along at least part of
its length. Such a cross section increases the moment of inertia of
the first element 12 and thereby increases its stiffness. At least
part of the first element 12 may be partially tubular, hollow, or
otherwise include an area configured to receive a portion of the
second element 14, or vice versa. At least part of the first
element 12 may be substantially coaxial with the second element 14.
The distal end 16 of at least one butterfly member 10 may be blunt
in order to prevent or minimize any disturbance to the tissue
structure into which the butterfly member 10 is inserted. For
example, the distal end of at least one butterfly member 10 may be
curved at the junction between the elements 12, 14. At least one
butterfly member 10 may have a longitudinal axis in the collapsed
configuration that is offset from and substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the end effector 4 and/or the shaft 6. The use
of the term "axis" in this document is not limited to use with
respect to structures that are cylindrical or radially symmetrical,
and the use of the term "axis" in conjunction with a structure does
not and cannot limit the shape of that structure. Alternately, at
least one butterfly member 10 is oriented differently relative to
the longitudinal axis of the end effector 4 and/or the shaft 6.
[0047] The second element 14 may include two substantially planar
segments 18 longitudinally spaced from one another and connected to
one another by a hinge element 20 between them, such that one
segment 18 is positioned distal to the other segment. The segments
18 need not be planar. For example, at least one segment 18 may be
curved. At least one segment 18 may have a radius of curvature
substantially the same as a remainder of the second element 14. The
hinge element 20 may be a living hinge, such as a narrower area
between the two segments 18 that bends to allow movement between
the segments 18. Alternately, the hinge element 20 may be any
structure or mechanism that allows for relative movement between
the segments 18. At least one of the segments 18 may be curved or
otherwise non-planar. One of the planar segments 18 may extend to a
location at or in proximity to the distal end 16 of the
corresponding butterfly member 10. The segments 18 may be angled
relative to one another when the butterfly member 10 is in the
first, collapsed configuration. For example, the most-distal
segment 18 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the
corresponding butterfly member 10 such that the distal end of that
segment 18 is closer to that longitudinal axis than the proximal
end of that segment 18, and the most-proximal segment 18 may be
angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding
butterfly member 10 such that the proximal end of that segment 18
is closer to that longitudinal axis than the distal end of that
segment 18. Alternately, the segments 18 may be angled differently
relative to one another. The angle between the segments 18 allows
the hinge 20 to deform or otherwise move upon application of force
to the second element 14, as described in greater detail below. The
segments 18 may be angled relative to one another a greater amount
when the butterfly member 10 is in the second, expanded
configuration than in the first, collapsed configuration.
Alternately, the segments 18 may be substantially parallel to one
another and/or lie in substantially the same plane as one another.
Referring to FIG. 13A, the segments 18 each may be substantially
the same length, such that they form a symmetrical shape upon
actuation of the butterfly member 10. Alternately, referring to
FIG. 13B, the segments 18 may differ in length, such that they form
a non-symmetrical shape upon actuation of the butterfly member 10.
Thus, in the expanded configuration, the distal end of at least one
butterfly member 10 may have a single expanded feature formed by
the connected segments 18.
[0048] Alternately, referring to FIGS. 19-20, in the expanded
configuration, the distal end of at least one butterfly member 10
may have more than one expanded feature formed by connected
segments 18. That is, at or near the distal end of the second
element 14 of at least one butterfly member 10, two or more sets of
segments 18 may be provided. Each set of segments 18 may include
two segments 18 connected by a hinge 20 that may include two or
more separate elements. Alternately, the segments may be connected
differently. As shown in FIGS. 19-20, two sets of segments 18 are
provided on each butterfly member 10, spaced opposite one another
near the distal end of the corresponding butterfly member 10.
However, the two sets of segments 18 may be oriented differently
relative to one another. Further, more than two sets of segments 18
may be provided on at least one butterfly member 10. The sets of
segments 18 need not be arranged radially symmetrically or in any
other particular arrangement relative to the remainder of the
corresponding butterfly member 10. Each segment 18 in a set may be
substantially the same length and/or shape as the other, or may
differ in length and/or shape from the other.
[0049] Referring also to FIG. 2, the first element 12 may extend
into the housing 22 of the end effector 4 through a notch, aperture
or other opening. The first element 12 may instead extend along a
groove or other receiving area of the housing 22, rather than or in
addition to extending into the housing 22. The first element 12 is
movable relative to the housing 22. Alternately, the first element
12 is fixed substantially to the housing 22. The first element 12
may extend through the shaft 6 to the handle 8. The proximal end of
the first element 12 extends substantially proximally from the
housing 22 in any suitable amount.
[0050] A proximal portion of the second element 14 may extend into
a center area 26 of a proximal portion of the first element 12.
That center area 26 of the first element 12 may be referred to as
the lumen of the first element 12 for convenience, even though the
first element 12 may be open along part of its perimeter, or may
have a cross-section other than circular, at any portion of its
length. The longitudinal axis of the lumen 26 may be substantially
coincident with the longitudinal axis of the first element 12, or
may be offset from or otherwise aligned relative to the
longitudinal axis of the first element 12. The second element 14
may be movable relative to that lumen 26, such as by sliding
substantially along or substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the lumen 26. Alternately, the second element 14 does not
extend into the lumen 26 of the first element 12. Alternately, the
second element 14 does not include a lumen 26. For example, both
the first element 12 and the second element 14 may be substantially
flat, or gently curved. The elements 12, 14 may be adjacent to one
another, or spaced apart from one another, along at least part of
their length, particularly where neither element 12, 14 includes a
lumen 26. At least one of the elements 12, 14 may be configured to
move, such as by sliding, relative to at least part of the other
element 12, 14. Alternately, at least part of the second element 14
includes a lumen 26 therein, and a portion of the first element 12
may extend into that lumen 26.
[0051] The first element 12 and the second element 14 may both be
parts of an integral whole, shaped to constitute the butterfly
member 10. For example, the butterfly member 10 may be stamped from
a sheet of metal, such as stainless steel. The butterfly member 10
may then be folded, where the first element 12 is on one side of
the fold and the second element 14 is on the other side of the
fold. At least a portion of each member 12, 14 may be folded into a
semicircular or other shape as viewed longitudinally, before or
after the folding. Each butterfly member 10 may be fabricated from
any suitable material. As one example, at least one butterfly
member 10 may be fabricated from any material, such as
nickel-titanium alloy, that is elastically or superelastically
deformable between the first configuration and the second
configuration. As another example, at least one butterfly member 10
may be fabricated from any material, such as stainless steel or
plastic, that is plastically deformable between the first
configuration and the second configuration. At least part of at
least one butterfly member 10 may be plastically deformable between
the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. At
least part of the butterfly member 10 may be annealed, such that it
can be plastically deformed without fracturing. Both of the
elements 12, 14 may be substantially rigid, such that they are
capable of transmitting both compressive and tensile force.
[0052] Referring also to FIG. 4, a staple 24 is initially
positioned within a space inside the end effector 4. Alternately,
the staple 24 is positioned differently within the end effector 4,
or is positioned at the end of the end effector 4 rather than
within it. The staple 24 may be sized and shaped in any suitable
manner. As one example, referring also to FIG. 5, the staple 24 may
have a curved M-shape. However, the staple 24 may have any other
suitable shape. The staple 24 may have two tines 26, each extending
at least partially in the distal direction. The tines 26 may be
curved, and may each have a shape and radius of curvature such that
the tines 26 are generally not parallel to one another. The radius
of curvature may be substantially coincident with the path of
travel of the tines 26 during closure of the staple 24. The staple
24 may be substantially bilaterally symmetrical, although it may be
asymmetrical if desired. The staple 24 may be a substantially
continuous solid. As used in this document, the term "solid" means
that a structure has no slots, holes, apertures or other enclosed
or bounded openings defined therein.
[0053] The distal end of each tine 26 may have a substantially
pointed or sharpened distal end. However, the distal ends of the
tines 26 need not be pointed or sharpened, particularly if the
cross-sectional area of each tine 26 is small. Advantageously, each
tine 26 has a single distal end that is not bifurcated or otherwise
forked or split. The body of the staple 24 extends proximally from
the distal end of one tine 26 and curves or angles toward the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. This curve may extend
outward from the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24, then
toward the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. Alternately,
the tine 26 may curve differently. The body of the staple 24
reaches a peak 28, then extends distally and toward the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. The body of the staple 24
then reaches a trough 30, then extends proximally and away from the
longitudinal centerline of the staple to a second peak 28. The body
of the staple 24 continues distally to form the second tine 26, and
ends at the distal end of the second tine 26. Alternately, the
staple 24 may be shaped differently. For example, the staple 24 may
have more than two tines 26. A valley 29 is the area on the staple
24 on the other side of the staple 24 from a peak 28. For example,
where a peak 28 of the staple 24 includes a convex curve oriented
proximally, the corresponding valley 29 is a concave curve opening
distally. Advantageously, the staple 24 is substantially solid. The
peaks 28 and the trough 30 may be referred to collectively as the
base of the staple 24. More generally, the part of the staple 24
connecting the tines 26 together is the base of the staple 24,
regardless of its particular shape.
[0054] The staple 24 may include at least one tab 32 extending
therefrom in any suitable direction, such as substantially
perpendicular to the body of the staple 24. Advantageously, the tab
32 extends from the trough 30 of the staple 24 or from a location
in proximity to the trough 30. The staple 24 may include any
suitable number of tabs 32. Each tab 32 is sized and positioned to
engage a corresponding substantially-longitudinal groove (not
shown) in the housing 22. Thus, the tab 32 registers the staple 24
to the housing 22. Alternately, instead of or in addition to a tab
32, the staple 24 may include at least one slot (not shown) that is
sized and positioned to engage a corresponding
substantially-longitudinal rib (not shown) defined on the housing
22. Alternately, any other structure or mechanism may be used to
register the staple 24 to the housing 22.
[0055] The staple 24 may lie substantially in a single plane. That
is, the staple 24 is shaped such that a single plane extends
through and substantially bisects the entire staple 24.
Alternately, the staple 24 does not lie substantially in a single
plane. The longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the staple 24
overall may both be substantially larger than the height of the
staple 24. Alternately, the staple 24 may be sized differently.
Referring also to FIG. 12, the proximal surface 62 of the staple 24
optionally may be curved relative to a plane perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the staple 24. For example, the proximal
surface 62 of the staple 24 may take the shape of a twisted plane.
The proximal surface 62 of the staple 24 may be twisted such that a
line perpendicular to that proximal surface 62 on one side of the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24 is skewed relative to a
line perpendicular to that proximal surface 62 on the other side of
the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24, and both such lines
are skewed relative to the longitudinal centerline of the staple
24.
[0056] The staple 24 may be plastically deformable. If so, the
staple 24 may be fabricated from stainless steel, titanium or any
other suitable plastically-deformable material. Alternately, the
staple 24 may be elastically deformable. If so, the staple 24 may
be fabricated from nickel-titanium alloy or any other suitable
elastic or superelastic material. The staple 24 may be fabricated
from a single wire or other piece of material, having a
rectangular, circular or other cross-section. The cross-section of
the staple 24 may be substantially constant along the entire staple
24, or may vary at different locations along the staple 24. For
example, the cross-sectional area of the staple 24 at certain
locations may be less than at other locations, in order to promote
bending in those locations having a lesser cross-sectional
area.
[0057] Referring also to FIG. 10, a driver 34 is located proximally
to the staple 24, and is movable relative to the staple 24 such as
by sliding. At least a portion of the driver 34 may be positioned
within the housing 22. The housing 22 may be at least partially
hollow in order to accommodate the driver 34. Advantageously, the
housing 22 includes a passage 36 therein along which at least part
of the driver 34 may slide or otherwise move. At least part of the
passage 36 may guide the driver 34 during at least part of its
motion. The driver 34 may be configured in any suitable manner. As
one example, the driver 34 is an elongated member having a
bifurcated distal end, where each bifurcation is configured to
engage a corresponding peak 28 of the staple 24. Alternately, the
distal end of the driver 34 is shaped differently. The driver 34
may be substantially flat, and may have a thickness substantially
equal to that of the staple 24. Alternately, the driver 34 is
shaped and/or configured differently, in any suitable manner.
Optionally, the staple 24 may be fabricated integrally with the
driver 34. If so, the staple 24 is frangible from the driver 34,
such that the staple 24 separates from the driver 34 at a suitable
time during or after deployment. Fabrication of the staple 24
integrally with the driver 34 may facilitate manufacturing.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, a paddle assembly 38 may be
located at least partially within the passage 36, at or near the
distal end thereof. The paddle assembly 38 may include one or more
paddles 40 and/or one or more fingers 42. As one example, two
paddles 40 are utilized, and a finger 42 is positioned between the
paddles 40, where the paddles 40 and the finger 42 are cantilevered
from a base 44 of the paddle assembly 38. At least one paddle 40
may include a ridge 41 raised relative to a remainder of the paddle
40. The ridge 41 may be substantially linear, and may be
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the paddle
40. The ridge 41 may be shaped as a ramp, with greater thickness at
its proximal edge than at its distal edge. The surface of the ramp
may be straight, curved or complex. Alternately, the ridge 41 may
be a bump, shaped such as a section of a cylinder. Alternately, the
ridge 41 may be shaped and/or oriented in any other suitable
manner. At least one paddle 40 may include a post 43 at or near its
distal end. Each post 43 may be substantially cylindrical, or may
be shaped in any other suitable manner. Each post 43 extends from a
remainder of the paddle 40, and may be oriented substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the paddle 40. The finger
42 may be substantially linear, and extend substantially along a
plane defined by the base 44 of the paddle assembly 38. The distal
end of the finger 42 may extend substantially as far distally as
the distal ends of the paddles 40, or may extend distally any other
suitable distance. A projection 46 extends from a location at or
near the distal end of the finger 42 substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the finger 42. Alternately, the projection
46 extends in a different direction. When the end effector 4 is in
an initial position, the distal end of the driver 34 may be in
contact with, or in proximity to, the base 44 of the paddle
assembly 38. The projection 46 may include a concave depression or
other surface configured to slide along a post 45 extending from
the housing 22. The post 45 may guide and/or stabilize the
projection 46.
[0059] Alternately, the paddle or paddles 40 may be angled or
curved relative to the driver 34 such that the driver 34 would
contact at least one paddle 40 if the driver 34 moved distally. At
least one paddle 40 may be angled or curved toward the staple 24,
such that the outer edge of that paddle 40 contacts an inner
surface 27 of a tine 26 of the staple 24. That is, the paddle 40
may be angled, curved or otherwise shaped such that at least part
of the paddle 40 is positioned between the tines 26 of the staple
24 and is distal to at least part of the staple 24 when the staple
24 is in an initial position. As a result, the paddle or paddles 40
may act both to restrain the staple 24 against distal motion and to
hold the staple 24 in its initial configuration.
[0060] When the end effector 4 is in the initial position, the
staple 24 is also in an initial position. In the initial position,
each ridge 41 of each paddle 40 may be positioned distal to a
corresponding valley 29 of the staple 24. Further, when the end
effector 4 is in the initial position, the distal end of the driver
34 may be positioned against or in proximity the peaks 28 of the
staple 24, thereby substantially restraining the staple 24 against
motion in the proximal direction. The staple 24 may be held
substantially in place while the end effector 4 is in the initial
position in any suitable manner. For example, the staple 24 may be
gently friction-fit against a portion of the housing 22.
[0061] Referring also to FIG. 1, the shaft 6 extends proximally
from the end effector 4. The shaft 6 may be flexible or rigid. The
shaft 6 may be articulated in at least one location, if desired.
Referring also to FIG. 7, the shaft 6 and the end effector 4 are
both sized to pass through a standard sheath 48 used in a
catheterization procedure. One or more blood leakage indicators 50
may be defined in the shaft 6. At least one blood leakage indicator
50 may be a groove or depression extending along at least part of
the length of the shaft 6, and extending distally far enough that
the distal end of the blood leakage indicator 50 is distal to the
distal end of the sheath 48 when the closure system 2 is in use.
Optionally, the shaft 6 may include a cutaway, trough or other
feature (not shown) to allow the guidewire (if any) used in the
catheterization procedure to remain in place during actuation of
the closure system 2. Alternately, the closure system 2 may include
or be configured to follow a second guidewire separate from the one
utilized to perform a medical procedure.
[0062] The handle 8 is connected to the shaft 6, such as to the
proximal end of the shaft 6. The shaft 6 may be fabricated such
that the handle 8 is simply the proximal end of the shaft 6.
Alternately, the shaft 6 and the handle 8 may be two separate items
that are connected together in any suitable manner. The handle 8
may include any mechanism, mechanisms, structure or structures
configured to actuate the end effector 4. For example, as described
later in this document, the handle 8 may be configured to actuate
the butterfly members 10 and the driver 34. Thus, any suitable
mechanism or mechanisms that are configured to actuate the
butterfly members 10 and the driver 34 may be used. A rod (not
shown) may be attached to the driver 34, extending through the
shaft 6 to the handle 8. The rod may be rigid enough to transmit
force distally, and may be flexible enough to move along the shaft
6 where the shaft 6 is flexible. Alternately, a cable may be
connected to the driver 34, and that cable may be directed around
an axle, nose or other feature (not shown) of the end effector 4 in
order to convert proximal motion of the cable to distal motion of
the driver 34. Alternately, the driver 34, and/or any other
suitable component of the end effector 4, may extend through the
shaft 6 to the handle 8, in order to be actuated directly by the
handle 8, and may connect directly to a mechanism, mechanisms,
structure or structures in the handle 8 configured to actuate the
end effector 4. Alternately, a butterfly cable (not shown) may be
connected to the proximal end of each butterfly member 10. Each
butterfly member 10 may be connected to an individual butterfly
cable, or at least two butterfly members 10 may be connected to the
same butterfly cable. Each butterfly cable may be connected to
either element 12, 14 of at least one corresponding butterfly
member 10. Motion of the butterfly cable results in motion of the
corresponding element 12, 14.
[0063] The handle 8 may also include a source of stored energy for
actuating the end effector 4. The source of stored energy may be
mechanical (such as a spring), electrical (such as a battery),
pneumatic (such as a cylinder of pressurized gas) or any other
suitable source of stored energy. The source of stored energy, its
regulation, and its use in actuating the end effector 4 may be as
described in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/054,265, filed
on Feb. 9, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. The handle 8 may instead, or also, include a connector or
connectors suitable for receiving stored energy from an external
source, such as a hose connected to a hospital utility source of
pressurized gas or of vacuum, or an electrical cord connectable to
a power source.
[0064] Alternately, the closure system 2 may include at least two
separate components: a butterfly deployment tool connected to and
configured to place the butterfly members 10, and a staple
placement tool which is connected to the end effector 4 and
configured to place the staple 24. In this embodiment, the closure
system 2 includes two or more separate tools, in contrast to the
closure system 2 disclosed above that is a single integrated tool.
The staple placement tool may be slidable relative to the butterfly
deployment tool, or vice versa. As one example, at least a portion
of the butterfly deployment tool may be tubular, and at least a
portion of the staple placement tool may be configured to slide
within the lumen of the tubular portion of the butterfly deployment
tool. As another example, the butterfly deployment tool and/or the
staple placement tool may include a groove defined therein, where
the other tool includes a rail, rib or other structure configured
to slide along that groove. Separating the functions of butterfly
deployment and staple placement may facilitate the deployment of
multiple staples 24, as described in greater detail below.
[0065] Operation
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 14, in the course of a standard
catheterization procedure, a sheath 48 is inserted through a
passage 53 in tissue 52 such that one end of the sheath 48 enters
an opening 54 in a blood vessel 56. The passage 53 extends between
the epidermis 55 of the patient and the opening 54 in the blood
vessel 56. The sheath 48 may be advanced any suitable distance into
the blood vessel 56, as determined by the physician performing the
procedure. When the sheath 48 is in place, at least one blood
leakage indicator 50 is exposed to blood within the blood vessel
56, allowing blood to flow outward therethrough. As an example of a
catheterization procedure, the blood vessel 56 may be a femoral
artery, and the tissue 52 may be the tissue of the leg between the
surface of the leg and the femoral artery. However, the blood
vessel 56 may be a different blood vessel, and the tissue 52 may be
different tissue in the vicinity of that different blood vessel.
During the catheterization procedure, any suitable tools are
utilized to perform the desired treatment on the patient, such as
the placement of one or more stents in the coronary arteries or
peripheral vessels of the patient. After the treatment has been
performed, the tools utilized to perform that treatment are removed
from the patient via the sheath 48, and the sheath 48 is left in
place.
[0067] Referring also to FIG. 2, the end effector 4 of the closure
system 2 is inserted into the sheath 48. The end effector 4 may be
advanced along the sheath 48 in any suitable manner. As one
example, the end effector 4 is manually pushed along the sheath 48
by the physician or other user by applying a force to the shaft 6
and/or the handle 8 after the end effector 4 has entered the sheath
48. Each butterfly member 10 initially may be in its first,
collapsed configuration as the end effector 4 is advanced along the
sheath 48. The end effector 4 continues to advance distally into
the sheath 48 until at least the distal end 16 of at least one
butterfly member 10 is distal to the distal end of the sheath 48.
That is, the end effector 4 is advanced along the sheath 48 until
at least the distal end 16 of at least one butterfly member 10 is
outside of the lumen of the sheath 48. This position of the end
effector 4 relative to the sheath 48 may be referred to as the
standby position. The sheath 48 has a known length, and at least
part of the end effector 4 is advanced along the lumen of the
sheath 48 a distance greater than the length of the sheath 48.
Thus, the particular position of the distal end of the sheath 48 in
the lumen of the blood vessel 56 need not be known in order for the
end effector 4 to be advanced to the standby position. Optionally,
one or more markings may be placed on the shaft 6, such that when
those one or more markings enter the lumen of the sheath 48, the
end effector 4 has been advanced to the standby position. The
marking or markings on the shaft 6 are placed at a distance from
the distal end of the end effector 4 that is greater than the
length of the sheath 48.
[0068] Optionally, a guidewire (not shown) utilized in the
catheterization procedure may remain in the lumen of the sheath 48,
and the end effector 4 and shaft 6 may follow that guidewire in any
suitable manner. As one example, where a cutaway, groove or other
feature is defined in the end effector 4 and/or shaft 6, that
feature may slide along the guidewire. Optionally, the guidewire
used in the catheterization procedure is removed from the lumen of
the sheath 48 prior to the introduction of the end effector 4 into
the sheath 48, and a second, thinner guidewire configured for use
with the closure system 2 is inserted through the lumen of the
sheath 48 and into the lumen of the blood vessel 56. The original
guidewire may be removed before or after the placement of the
second guidewire. The second, thinner guidewire, if used, may be
more convenient to remove from the opening 54 in the blood vessel
56 after the staple 24 has been closed.
[0069] After the end effector 4 is in the standby position, at
least one butterfly member 10 is actuated to move from its first,
collapsed configuration to its second, expanded configuration. This
actuation may be performed in any suitable manner. Referring also
to FIG. 8, as one example, the second element 14 of each butterfly
member 10 is held substantially in place, and the first element 12
of each butterfly member 10 is pulled proximally in any suitable
manner. As one example, the elements 12, 14 each extend through the
shaft 6 to the handle 8, and a mechanism or mechanisms in the
handle 8 push or otherwise move the first element 12 proximally. As
another example, the first element 12 is connected to a cable or
other force transmission member, and the handle 8 exerts a proximal
force on that cable, which in turn moves the first element 12
proximally.
[0070] Proximal motion of the first element 12 relative to the
second element 14 exerts a compressive force on the segments 18,
substantially in the longitudinal direction. Because at least one
segment 18 is angled, curved or otherwise offset from the
longitudinal direction, that longitudinal force results in a moment
that acts on at least part of at least one segment 18. As a result
of that moment, each segment 18 rotates outward from the
longitudinal centerline of the first element 12 about the hinge
member 20 as well as about the point of connection between each
segment 18 and a remainder of the first element 12. The hinge
member 20 allows the segments 18 to rotate relative to one another
at a defined point, by providing a weakened area or other feature
that is configured to bend upon the application of a force that is
less than the amount of force needed to bend the segments 18
themselves. The deflection of the segments 18 as a result of the
application of moments thereto may be plastic deformation.
Alternately, that deflection may be elastic deformation. After the
segments 18 of a butterfly member 10 complete their deflection,
that butterfly member 10 is in the second, expanded configuration.
Alternately, the segments 18 are bendable, rather than deformable.
Alternately, a single segment 18, rather than two separate
segments, is provided. As another example, the first element 12 of
each butterfly member 10 is held substantially in place, and the
second element 14 of each butterfly member 10 is pushed distally,
such as by a rod or other rigid linkage attached to the end of each
second element 14. This motion of the second element 14 relative to
the first element 12 exerts a compressive force on the segments 18,
which then deform to the second, expanded configuration
substantially as described above.
[0071] The sheath 48 may be removed from the tissue 52 of the
patient prior to the expansion of at least one butterfly member 10.
Referring also to FIG. 16, the closure system 2 may be configured
such that removal of the sheath 48 from the tissue of the patient
causes or allows expansion of at least one butterfly member 10. For
example, referring also to FIG. 8A, the sheath 48 may include or be
connected to a ring 58 or other structure at its proximal end. The
handle 8 may include a button 60 at its distal end. The shaft 6 is
positioned within the lumen of the sheath 48. As the sheath 48 is
slid proximally out of the tissue 52 of the patient along the shaft
6, the ring 58 contacts the button 60, moving it from a first
position to a second position. This motion of the button 60 may
actuate a mechanism or mechanisms within the handle 8 to allow at
least one butterfly member 10 to move to an expanded configuration
and/or to cause at least one butterfly member 10 to move to an
expanded configuration. Each butterfly member 10 in the expanded
configuration is located within the lumen of the blood vessel 56.
Alternately, the sheath 48 remains in place as at least one
butterfly member 10 moves to the expanded configuration.
Alternately, the actuation of at least one butterfly member 10 to
move to the expanded configuration may be completely independent of
the position of the sheath 48 relative to the handle 8 or any other
component of the closure system 2.
[0072] Next, referring also to FIG. 17, the closure system 2 is
moved proximally until the expanded butterfly member or members 10
contact the inner wall of the blood vessel 56, in proximity to the
opening 54. The butterfly members 10 are held substantially
stationary relative to the housing 22 as the closure system 2 is
moved proximally. The closure system 2 may be moved proximally in
any suitable manner. As one example, the handle 8 is manually moved
proximally, causing the expanded butterfly member or members 10 to
contact the inner wall of the blood vessel 56. When the closure
system 2 reaches the position in which a segment 18 of each
expanded butterfly member 10 contacts the inner wall of the blood
vessel 56, the blood leakage indicator or indicators 50 have moved
out of the lumen of the blood vessel 56 through the opening 54, and
into the passage 53 in the tissue 52. As a result, the flow of
blood through the blood leakage indicator or indicators 50
decreases or stops, indicating to the operator that the butterfly
member or members 10 are positioned against the inner surface of
the wall of the blood vessel 56.
[0073] Referring also to FIGS. 9 and 18, each butterfly member 10
is then moved proximally while the housing 22 is held in a
substantially constant position. The butterfly members 10 are moved
such that each butterfly member 10 is maintained in an expanded
configuration as it moves proximally. As a result, the expanded
portion of each butterfly member 10 pulls the wall of the blood
vessel 56 toward the distal end of the housing 22, capturing the
wall of the blood vessel 56 and registering the opening 54 in the
blood vessel 56 to the distal end of the housing 22. The expanded
portion of each butterfly member 10 may be wider than the opening
54 to facilitate this motion of the wall of the blood vessel 56.
Advantageously, the expanded portion of each butterfly member 10
may be moved within one-half millimeter of the distal end of the
housing 22. However, the distance that the expanded portion of each
butterfly member 10 is moved may be more or less. Alternately, at
least one butterfly member 10 is moved relative to a force, rather
than a distance. That is, a particular force is exerted proximally
on the butterfly member 10, causing it to move proximally until the
force exerted on the butterfly member 10 by the wall of the blood
vessel 56 in the distal direction is substantially equal to the
force exerted on the butterfly member 10 in the proximal direction.
Thus, the wall of the blood vessel 56 is moved into position in
preparation for stapling. The wall of the blood vessel 56 is held
in position against the distal end of the housing by compressive
force exerted against the housing 22 by the expanded portion of
each butterfly member 10. The movement of each butterfly member 10
may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, at least
one element 12, 14 of at least one butterfly member 10 extends to
the handle 8, and at least one of those elements 12, 14 is actuated
directly by a mechanism or mechanisms associated with the handle 8.
As another example, both the first and the second elements 12, 14
of at least one butterfly member 10 may be moved proximally by a
cable or cables attached to the elements 12, 14. Alternately, the
expanded portion of each butterfly member 10 is held substantially
stationary, and the housing 22 is advanced distally. Such motion of
the housing 22 may be accomplished in a manner similar to that
described above with regard to the motion of the butterfly members
10. For example, each butterfly member 10 may be held substantially
stationary relative to the handle 8, which in turn is held
substantially stationary relative to the blood vessel 56. A force
in the proximal direction is then exerted on the housing 22, such
as via a member capable of transmitting compressive force, where
that member extends through the shaft 6 to the handle 8.
[0074] Next, referring also to FIG. 10, the driver 34 advances
distally. The driver 34 may be actuated to advance distally in any
suitable manner. As one example, the driver 34 is urged distally
when the handle 8 exerts a distal force on a member (not shown) or
other structure or mechanism connected to the driver 34. The handle
8 may exert such a force in any suitable manner, as described
above. As another example, the driver 34 extends through the shaft
6 to the handle 8, and the driver 34 is actuated directly by a
mechanism or mechanisms associated with the handle 8. As another
example, a cable is connected to the driver 34, and that cable is
directed around a nose, axle or other feature (not shown) of the
end effector 4 distal to the driver 34 in order to convert proximal
motion of the cable to distal motion of the driver 34.
[0075] As the driver 34 advances distally, the driver 34 exerts a
force in the distal direction on the staple 24. Each ridge 41
restrains the corresponding valley 29 of the staple 24
substantially against distal motion, such that the longitudinal
position of the peaks 28 and the trough 30 of the staple are
substantially unchanged as the driver 34 begins to exert a distal
force on the staple 24. However, the tines 26 are not substantially
restrained against motion resulting from application of force in
the distal direction. The distal force exerted on at least one peak
28 of the staple 24 by the driver 34 urges each valley 29 of the
staple 24 against the corresponding ridge 41 of the paddle 40. Each
ridge 41 is positioned sufficiently far from the longitudinal
centerline of the staple 24 such that a moment is generated about
that ridge 41 that is applied to the corresponding peak 28 of the
staple 24. This moment causes the corresponding tine 26 of the
staple 24 to move outward from the longitudinal centerline of the
staple 24. Each ridge 41 may be shaped, sized, positioned or
otherwise configured in any manner that results in such a moment
and the resultant motion of the tines 26 of the staple 24.
[0076] Thus, as the driver 34 exerts a force on the staple 24, the
distal ends of the tines 26 of the staple 24 move apart from one
another, each in a direction away from the longitudinal centerline
of the staple 24. This deformation of the staple may be referred to
as "splaying." During splaying of the staple 24, the tines 26
themselves may remain substantially undeformed; rather, a portion
of the staple 24 in proximity to each peak 28 and/or the trough 30
may deform. Alternately, at least one tine 26 may deform during
splaying of the staple 24. Further, as the distal ends of the tines
26 move away from the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24, at
least part of each tine 26 may move outside the distal end of the
housing 22 through a slot 23 or other opening in the housing 22. As
a result, the tines 26 of the staple 24 may move apart from one
another a distance greater than the diameter of the housing 22.
Where the staple 24 is made from a plastically-deformable material
such as stainless steel, the staple 24 deforms plastically as it
splays from its initial configuration to the splayed configuration.
Plastic deformation is deformation that remains after the load that
caused it is removed, or that would remain if the load were
removed. Alternately, the staple 24 is elastically-deformable from
its initial configuration to the splayed configuration. The staple
24 may be spring-loaded inwards to the initial configuration, such
that the staple 24 springs outward and returns to the splayed
configuration upon application of force or upon movement to a
position relative to the housing 22 such that the staple 24 is free
to spring outward. Alternately, the staple 24 does not deform or
move to a splayed configuration at all; rather, it transitions
directly from the initial configuration to a closed configuration
as described below. If the staple 24 does not deform or move to a
splayed configuration, then the tines 26 may be spaced apart as far
as possible within the housing 22 when the staple 24 is in the
initial configuration, such that the tines 26 are farther apart
from one another than shown in FIG. 5.
[0077] Alternately, where at least one paddle 40 is angled or
curved relative to the driver 34 as described above, as each tine
26 moves its inner surface 27 contacts an outer edge of the paddle
40. Such contact between each tine 26 and the corresponding paddle
40 causes the staple 24 to splay. That is, at least one tine 26 of
the staple 24 moves away from the longitudinal centerline of the
staple 24.
[0078] After the staple 24 has deformed to a splayed configuration,
as shown in FIG. 10, the driver 34 continues to apply a force in
the distal direction on the staple 24. This force pushes the
splayed staple 24 at least partially onto each ridge 41, in turn
causing the paddle 40 associated with each ridge 41 to deflect away
from the longitudinal centerline of the driver 34, which at this
point in the operation of the closure system 2 is substantially
coaxial with the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. The
staple 24 then moves distal to the ridge or ridges 41. As the
staple 24 moves distally, the driver 34 encounters each ridge 41.
Contact between the driver 34 and each ridge 41 holds each paddle
40 in a position deflected away from the longitudinal centerline of
the driver 34. After the staple 24 has moved distally to the ridge
or ridges 41, it may advance rapidly toward the distal end of the
housing 22, as the portion of the paddle 40 distal to each ridge 41
is out of the path of travel of the staple 24. Further, as the
staple 24 advances, the tab 32 in the staple 24 slides along a
substantially longitudinal groove 47 defined in the finger 42. The
groove 47 may extend completely through the finger 42, or may be a
depression defined in the finger 42. The tab 32 may extend into the
groove 47 of the finger 42. Interaction between the tab 32 of the
staple 24 and the groove 47 may maintain the staple 24 in a desired
orientation during its splaying, shuttling forward, closing and/or
ejecting. Alternately, the tab 32 and/or a different registration
element of the staple 24 rides along a corresponding registration
element defined in the housing 22. The motion of the staple 24
between its splaying and the entry of the tines 26 into tissue 56
may be referred to as "shuttling." During shuttling, the
compressive force that deformed the staple 24 into the splayed
configuration is substantially removed from the staple 24, because
the staple 24 is free to move forward; the force exerted by the
driver 34 on the staple 24 moves it distally rather than further
deforming it.
[0079] Referring also to FIGS. 7 and 10A, as the driver 34
continues to move distally, it pushes the distal ends of the tines
26 out of the distal end of the housing 22, and the distal ends of
the tines 26 then penetrate the wall of the blood vessel 56. The
speed of the shuttling of the staple 24 may be controlled to
facilitate penetration of the wall of the blood vessel 56. The
staple 24 is in the splayed configuration as the distal ends of the
tines 26 penetrate the wall of the blood vessel 56. The distal ends
of the tines 26 are positioned further apart from one another when
the staple 24 is in the splayed configuration than when the staple
24 is in the initial configuration, thereby allowing capture of
tissue across a width greater than that of the housing 22 between
the tines 26 as they enter and penetrate tissue 56. The staple 24
in the splayed configuration penetrates tissue 56 on opposite sides
of the opening 54. The staple 24 may be positioned substantially
across the center of the opening 54. Alternately, more than one
staple 24 is deployed to close the opening 54. Optionally, when
each butterfly member 10 is moved proximally, such that the
expanded feature formed by each set of segments of that butterfly
member 10 is moved proximally into contact with the wall of the
blood vessel 56, a portion of the wall of the blood vessel 56 may
be tented. That is, a portion of the wall of the blood vessel 56
may be pulled or stretched in a proximal direction. As a result,
the splayed staple 24 may capture a greater amount of tissue
between the distal ends of the tines 26 than if the wall of the
blood vessel 56 was not tented.
[0080] As the driver 34 continues to move distally, it continues to
move the staple 24 distally. As the staple 24 moves distally, the
trough 30 of the staple encounters the projection 46 that extends
from the finger 42. The projection 46 is positioned in the path of
the staple 24 in order to contact the trough 30 of the staple 24 as
it moves distally. That contact causes distal motion of the staple
24 to substantially stop. However, the driver 34 continues to exert
a force in the distal direction on the staple 24, such as on the
peaks 28 of the staple 24.
[0081] After the staple 24 substantially ceases its distal motion,
the driver 34 continues to apply a distal force to the staple 24.
Each peak 28 of the staple 24 is offset from the longitudinal
centerline of the staple 24. Further, the longitudinal centerline
of the staple 24 substantially intersects or approaches close to
intersection with the projection 46. As a result, each peak 28 of
the staple 24 is offset from the projection. The force exerted by
the driver 34 distally on each peak 28 of the staple 24, which is
offset from the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24, results
in a moment about the projection 46, which acts as an anvil. Each
tine 26 of the staple 24 that experiences that moment moves toward
the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. In the course of this
motion, the distal ends of the tines 26 may first move toward the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24 and toward one another,
cross each other, then move away from the longitudinal centerline
of the staple 24 and away from one another. The tines 26 need not
substantially change shape as they move; rather, they may rotate
about a pivot point located at or near the trough 30. Alternately,
one or both of the tines 26 may deform as they move. The radius of
curvature of each tine 26 may be substantially coincident with its
path of travel during closure of the staple 24. Deformation of the
staple 24 as a result of contact between the staple 24 and the
projection 46 may be referred to as "closing" the staple 24.
[0082] Referring also to FIG. 11, as the driver 34 continues to
move distally, the staple 24 continues to deform against the
projection 46. This deformation may be plastic deformation from the
splayed configuration to a final, closed configuration. The staple
24 and/or any other component of the end effector 4 may be shaped
or otherwise configured such that the tines 26 swipe past one
another as the staple 24 moves to the closed configuration.
Referring also to FIG. 12, as one example, the staple 24 is shaped
such that the application of force longitudinally thereto causes
the tines 26 to move in a direction that has a component of motion
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, thereby moving the
tines 26 such that they swipe past each other. The staple 24 may be
curved in any manner to allow for such motion of the tines 26. For
example, the proximal surface 62 of the staple 24 may take the
shape of a twisted plane, as described above. Contact between the
driver 34 and the proximal surface 62 of the staple thus causes the
tines 26 to move apart from one another in a direction
perpendicular to the direction in which the legs move toward one
another as the staple 24 moves to a closed configuration, such that
the tines 26 swipe past one another as the staple 24 closes. That
is, because the force applied to the proximal surface 62 of the
staple 24 is substantially in the longitudinal direction, and the
proximal surface 62 of the staple 24 is twisted such that lines
perpendicular to that proximal surface 62 on opposite lateral sides
of the staple 24 are skewed in opposite directions relative to the
longitudinal direction, the force applied to the staple 24 tilts
the tines 26 in opposite directions. Thus, when the staple 24 is
closed, the tines 26 may be both offset from and substantially
adjacent to one another. Alternately, at least two tines 26 of the
staple 24 are configured to interfere with or otherwise engage one
another when the staple 24 is in the closed position. Alternately,
at least two tines 26 may be substantially parallel to one another
and spaced apart from one another when the staple 24 is in the
closed position.
[0083] Alternately, the distal ends of the tines 26 of the staple
24 are shaped substantially conically. As the staple 24 closes, the
conical tips of the tines 26 come into contact with one another. As
a result of the angle of the side of each conical tip, this contact
causes the tines 26 to slide adjacent to one another instead of
interfering with one another. Alternately, the distal end of each
tine 26 is substantially planar, where each plane is oriented in a
different direction. As a result, when the distal ends of the tines
26 encounter one another, contact between the differently-oriented
planes at the distal ends of the tines pushes the tines 26 out of
plane relative to one another. Alternately, the tines 26 of the
staple 24 are fabricated such that they are out of plane with one
another when the staple 24 is in the initial configuration, such
that the tines 26 do not substantially interfere with one another
during deployment. Alternately, the tines 26 of the staple 24 are
plastically deformed out of plane with one another by contact with
the paddle 40 while the staple 24 is splayed open and/or being
closed. Alternately, the staple 24 and/or the end effector 4 are
configured to prevent the tines 26 from interfering with one
another as the staple 24 closes.
[0084] When deformation of the tines 26 of the staple is complete,
the staple 24 is in the closed configuration. In that closed
configuration, at least part of each tine 26 of the staple is
located within the lumen of the blood vessel 56. The tines 26 may
be positioned such that a part of each tine 26 is positioned
against an inner surface of the blood vessel 56. Alternately, the
tines 26 may be positioned differently relative to the wall of the
blood vessel 56. In the closed configuration, the staple 24 holds
opposite sides of the opening 54 together, substantially closing
the opening 54. Where the staple 24 is frangibly connected to the
driver 34, force is exerted on the staple 24 when the staple 24
approaches or reaches the closed configuration, in order to
separate the staple 24 from the driver 34 such as by fracturing.
The force on the staple 24 may be provided in any suitable manner.
As one example, the connection between the staple 24 and the driver
34 may be shaped and sized such that the forces exerted on the
staple 24 to deform it to the closed configuration also cause the
staple 24 to separate from the driver 34. Alternately, the staple
24 is not separated from the driver 34 until the staple 24 is
ejected from the housing 22. Alternately, the staple 24 is
separated from the driver 34 at any other suitable time during the
deployment process.
[0085] In the course of deflecting the staple 24 to the closed
configuration, the driver 34 moves to a distalmost position. The
distalmost position of the driver 34 may be controlled in any
suitable manner. As one example, the distalmost position of the
driver 34 is controlled by the handle 8. As another example,
contact between the distal end of the driver 34 and at least one
post 43 extending from a corresponding paddle 40 prevents the
driver 34 from moving further in the distal direction, thereby
defining the distalmost position of the driver 34.
[0086] After the staple 24 has been closed, the driver 34 is moved
proximally. As the driver 34 moves proximally, it continues to
engage at least one ridge 41 extending from each paddle 40, such
that the paddles 40 continue to be deflected away from their
original, rest position. As the driver 34 continues to move
proximally, the distal end of the driver 34 moves over and then
proximal to each ridge 41. After the distal end of the driver 34
has moved proximal to each ridge 41, the driver 34 no longer pushes
the corresponding paddle 40 from its original position.
Consequently, each paddle 40 moves back toward its original
position. Advantageously, the deflection of each paddle 40 away
from its original position is substantially elastic, such that in
the deflected position each paddle 40 is biased toward its initial
position. Alternately, at least one paddle 40 is plastically
deformed away from its original position as the driver 34 moves
distally, and each such paddle 40 does not return to its original
position when the distal end of the driver 34 moves proximal to the
corresponding ridge 41. If so, when the driver 34 retracts
proximally, a feature on the driver 34 and/or a separate member
(not shown) plastically deform the paddle 40 back toward its
initial position in order to eject the staple, as described below.
Alternately, at least one paddle 40 is not deflectable from a
cantilevered base, but instead is movable relative to the housing
22 in any suitable direction.
[0087] As each paddle 40 moves back toward its original position,
it exerts a force on the closed staple 24 along the projection 46,
urging the staple 24 along the projection 46 away from the finger
42 and toward the free end of the projection 46. When each paddle
40 moves close to or completely into its initial position, it has
moved far enough to push the closed staple 24 off the free end of
the projection 46. The closed staple 24 is then free to exit the
housing 22 of the end effector 4.
[0088] Next, each butterfly member 10 is deformed from the expanded
configuration back to the collapsed configuration. This deformation
may be performed by reversing the steps described above for
deforming the butterfly member 10 from the collapsed configuration
to the expanded configuration. Where at least one butterfly member
10 elastically deformed from the collapsed configuration to the
expanded configuration, force exerted on that butterfly member 10
to maintain the butterfly member in the expanded configuration is
simply released, allowing the butterfly member 10 to return to the
collapsed configuration.
[0089] After each butterfly member 10 returns to the collapsed
position, the end effector 4 is moved proximally, and the butterfly
members 10 then exit from the opening 54. Advantageously, where two
butterfly members 10 are used, one butterfly member 10 is located
on each side of the closed staple 24. As the end effector 4 is
moved away from the opening 54, the staple 24 exits the distal end
of the housing 22, as it grasps the tissue 56 with greater force
than any remaining frictional forces or other incidental forces
holding it to the housing 22. The guidewire, if used, is then
removed from the blood vessel 56. Alternately, the guidewire is
removed at a different time. The guidewire is pulled out of the
blood vessel 56 adjacent to the closed staple 24 and between the
edges of what had been the opening 54 in the blood vessel 56. Thus,
a smaller-diameter guidewire may be advantageous, as it may leave a
smaller gap in tissue between the edges of what had been the
opening 54 in the blood vessel, such that the wall of the blood
vessel can rebound more quickly to close that gap. After the end
effector 4 is removed from the patient, the sheath 48 is removed if
it is still present in the patient. The procedure is complete, and
the opening 54 is substantially closed.
[0090] Where the closure system 2 includes a separate butterfly
deployment tool connected to and configured to place the butterfly
members 10, and a separate staple placement tool which is connected
to the end effector 4 and configured to place the staple 24, each
of the two separate components is substantially as described above
with regard to the single, integrated tool, with minor variations.
First, the butterfly deployment tool is inserted through the
opening 54 in the blood vessel 56 and actuated such that a part of
each butterfly member 10 is in the expanded configuration and
seated against the inner surface of the wall of the blood vessel
56. Then, the staple placement tool is slid along the butterfly
deployment tool toward the opening 54 in any suitable manner, and
actuated substantially as described above. The staple placement
tool is then withdrawn. Optionally, a second staple placement tool
then may be advanced toward the opening 56 and actuated. The second
staple placement tool may be used in the event that the first
staple placement tool did not close the opening 56 to the
satisfaction of the physician, in order to place a second staple
for additional security, or for any other reason. After the staple
placement tool is withdrawn, the butterfly deployment tool is
withdrawn, the opening 56 is substantially closed, and the
procedure is complete.
Operation
Alternate Embodiment
[0091] Alternately, the closure system 2 is configured to hold the
staple 24 substantially in the same longitudinal position while it
is splayed, and advance the staple 24 distally after splaying is
complete. Such a closure system 2 operates generally as described
above. For clarity and brevity, this section of the document
describes the significant differences in structure and operation
between the different embodiments of the closure system 2.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 21-24, the staple 24 may be held
substantially in the same longitudinal position both before and
during its splaying. Any suitable structure, mechanism or
combination thereof may be used to hold the staple 24 in position.
As one example, referring particularly to FIG. 22A, a cradle 70 may
be provided. Advantageously, the cradle 70 is fabricated as a
single part, such as by molding or machining. However, the cradle
70 may be assembled from two or more discrete parts. The cradle 70
may have any suitable shape. As one example, the cradle 70 may
include a relatively flat and thin base 72. The proximal end 74 of
the cradle 70 may be wider than the base 72, such that the base 72
and the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 form a shape like the
capital letter T. Alternately, the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70
may have substantially the same width as the base 72, or the
proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 may be narrower than the base 72.
A distal stop 76 may project upward from the base 72. That is, the
distal stop 76 may project from the base 72 in a direction that
extends away from the longitudinal centerline of the base 72, where
that direction need not be perpendicular. A proximal stop 78 may
project upward from the base 72 at a location proximal to and
spaced apart from the distal stop 76. The proximal stop 78 may
project from the base 72 in a direction that extends away from the
longitudinal centerline of the base 72, where that direction need
not be perpendicular.
[0093] The stops 76, 78 are shaped, and spaced apart from one
another, in a manner that allows a portion of the staple 24 to be
held therebetween. As one example, the proximal stop 78 may be
configured to receive the tab 32 of the staple 24, such as within a
notch defined in the proximal stop 78. As another example, the
distal stop 76 may be configured to receive the tab 32 of the
staple 24, such as within a notch defined in the distal stop 76.
Where the staple 24 includes multiple tabs 32, each tab 32 may be
received by a different stop 76, 78. Alternately, at least one stop
76, 78 may include a tab (not shown) which is received by the
staple 24. The distal end of the proximal stop 78 may be spaced
apart from the proximal end of the distal stop 76 a distance
substantially equal to, or a distance greater than, the thickness
of the staple 24 at a location on the staple 24 near the tab
32.
[0094] The staple 24 may be constrained laterally as well, both
before and during its splaying. Referring to FIGS. 22C and 24, a
splay post 39 may extend from each paddle 40, positioned distal to
and against a corresponding valley 29 of the staple 24. The staple
24 may be shaped such that at least one valley 29 of the staple 24
includes at least one bump 31 that is positioned lateral to the
corresponding splay post 39, when the staple 24 is in the initial
position. In this way, contact between each splay post 39 and the
staple 24 substantially prevents motion of the staple 24 in the
lateral direction. Alternately, the staple 24 may be allowed to
move in the lateral direction. The upper surface of the splay post
39 may be sloped upwardly in the distal direction. Alternately, the
upper surface of the splay post 39 may be substantially flat, or
shaped or oriented in any other suitable manner.
[0095] Referring also to FIGS. 21 and 23-24, the staple 24 may be
constrained against upward and/or downward motion as well, both
before and during its splaying. Contact between the staple 24 and
the paddles 40 may constrain the staple 24 against downward motion
toward the paddles 40. Contact between the staple 24 and the
housing 22 and/or a component within the housing 22 may constrain
the staple 24 against motion upward away from the paddles 40.
Alternately, the staple 24 may be allowed to move upward or
downward. As used in this document, the terms "up" or "upper" refer
to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the
housing 22 and perpendicular to the plane in which the paddle
assembly 38 substantially resides, in the direction away from the
paddle assembly 38 toward the driver 34, as shown in FIG. 23. The
terms "down" or "downward" refer to the opposite direction. These
terms are used solely for convenience in describing the components
and operation of the closure system 2, and do not limit the
construction of the closure system 2 or its orientation in use.
[0096] At least one paddle 40 may be configured differently than
described above. The paddle assembly 38 may be slidable in a
direction substantially along or substantially parallel to the
longitudinal centerline of the housing 22. Alternately, the paddle
assembly 38 may be slidable in one or more directions instead of or
in addition to the direction substantially along or substantially
parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the housing 22. The
housing 22 may include a cavity 82 defined therein, where that
cavity 82 includes a proximal wall 84. The cavity 82 advantageously
is open at its distal end, in order to allow the staple 24 to be
ejected from it. The base 44 of the paddle assembly 38 may be in
contact with the proximal wall 84 of the housing 22 before and
during the splaying of the staple 24. In this way, the proximal
wall 84 of the cavity 82 acts as a hard stop to ensure that the
paddle assembly 38 is in a known location before and during the
splaying of the staple 24. Alternately, the base 44 of the paddle
assembly 38 may be positioned differently relative to the proximal
wall 84 of the cavity 82 before and/or during the splaying of the
staple 24. Optionally, the paddle assembly 38 may include two or
more separate, spaced-apart paddles 40 that are not directly
connected to one another. Optionally, the housing 22 itself may be
omitted, and a frame or other open structure may be utilized in its
place.
[0097] A guide 86, such as a track, rail or other suitable
structure or mechanism, may extend along at least part of the
cavity 82 within the housing 22. The guide 86 may be straight, and
may be aligned substantially along or substantially parallel to the
longitudinal centerline of the housing 22. Alternately, the guide
86 may be shaped and/or aligned differently. The guide 86 may
include two walls 88 spaced apart from one another that define a
trough 90 between them. Alternately, the guide 86 may be configured
differently. The trough 90 is sized and shaped to receive at least
a portion of the cradle 70 therein and allow it to slide along the
trough 90. Alternately, the guide 86 may be omitted, and the cradle
70 may move relative to the housing 22 in a different manner. One
or more ledges 92 may be positioned against the outer surface of at
least one wall 88. The outer surface of a wall 88 is the lateral
surface of that wall 88 that is not facing the trough 90.
Alternately, at least part of at least one ledge 92 is spaced apart
from the corresponding wall 88. Each ledge 92 may have a
substantially flat upper surface, or may have an upper surface
shaped in any other suitable shape or manner. Each ledge 92 may
extend substantially along the corresponding wall 88 to a location
spaced apart from the distal end of that wall 88, or to any other
suitable location.
[0098] The housing 22 may have at least one slot 23 defined
therein, as described above. As viewed from the side, referring to
FIG. 23, the slot 23 may be shaped to include a substantially flat
first surface 93 defined in the housing 22, and a slot ramp 94
defined in the housing 22 that slopes downward in the distal
direction from the first surface 93. The slot 23 may also include a
substantially flat second surface 95 defined in the housing 22 that
extends distally from the distal end of the slot ramp 94.
Advantageously, two slots 23 may be provided, spaced laterally from
one another in the housing 22, where each slot 23 may include the
first surface 93, slot ramp 94, and second surface 95. At least one
slot 23 may be bilaterally symmetrical, such that the upper portion
of the slot 23 includes a slot ramp (not shown) that slopes upward
in the distal direction. A thin seal (not shown) may be provided on
the distal portion of the housing 22, to prevent or minimize blood
leakage prior to splaying and deployment of the staple 24. Such a
seal may be a thin cylindrical polyimide film that fits snugly over
the distal portion of the housing 22, or may take a different
form.
[0099] At least a portion of the driver 34 may be positioned within
the housing 22. The driver 34 is configured to engage the paddle
assembly 38 and the staple 24. The driver 34 may include at least
one rear flange 98 that is positioned distal to a corresponding
first stop 100 defined on a paddle 38 in the initial configuration
of the closure system 2. The first stop 100 may be a surface of a
boss, or any other suitable structure. Initially, each rear flange
98 may be in contact with the corresponding first stop 100, but
need not be.
[0100] The distal end of the driver 34 may be bifurcated as shown
in FIGS. 10 and 24, for example, such that each bifurcation 96 is
positioned to contact a corresponding peak 28 of the staple 24 upon
advancement of the driver 34, as described in greater detail below.
The space between the bifurcations 96 may define an opening 102
that is at least as wide as the proximal stop 78 of the cradle 70.
Alternately, that opening 102 is narrower than the proximal stop 78
of the cradle 70. The proximal end of the opening 102 may be
referred to as the driver stop 101. In other respects, the driver
34 may be configured in at least some aspects as described above,
or in any other suitable manner.
[0101] Referring also to FIG. 22D, a hard stop 104 may be defined
in the housing 22 proximal to the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70.
In the initial configuration, the proximal end of the cradle 70 may
be positioned against the hard stop 104. Contact between the
proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 and the hard stop 104 in the
housing 22 prevents the cradle 70 from moving proximally beyond the
hard stop 104. Contact between the staple 24, the stops 76, 78, and
the splay post or posts 39 holds the cradle 70 substantially in
place in the initial configuration, and prevents the cradle 70 from
sliding out of the distal end of the housing 22. Alternately, the
cradle 70 may be held in place initially in any other suitable
manner.
[0102] The operation of the closure system 2 described in this
section is generally as described above, with the major differences
set forth below. The end effector 4 of the closure system 2 is
inserted into the sheath 48. Referring to FIG. 31, at least one
butterfly member 10 is in a first, partially-expanded configuration
when it is inserted into the sheath 48. In the partially-expanded
configuration, the width of the expanded portion of the butterfly
member 10 is less than the diameter of the lumen of the sheath 48,
such that it can be inserted into and moved along the sheath 48. At
least one butterfly member 10 is advanced into the lumen of the
blood vessel 56. Then, at least one butterfly member 10 is actuated
to move from its first, partially-expanded configuration to its
second, fully-expanded configuration. Next, substantially as
described above, the closure system 2 is moved proximally until the
fully-expanded butterfly member or members 10 contact the inner
wall of the blood vessel 56, in proximity to the opening 54. In
this position, the housing 22 may at least partially plug the
opening 54 in the blood vessel 56. The wall of the blood vessel 56
is pulled proximally as a result of the proximal motion of the
fully-expanded butterfly member or member 10, such that the wall of
the blood vessel 56 is in tension. The butterfly member or members
10 are then moved distally relative to the housing 22. In this way,
the wall of the blood vessel 56 moves back into position as tension
is released. Alternately, the butterfly member or members 10 may be
moved in any other suitable sequence relative to the wall of the
blood vessel 56.
[0103] Next, the staple 24 is splayed. Alternately, the staple 24
may be splayed at any other suitable time during the actuation of
the closure system 2. The trough 30 and/or tab 32 of the staple 24
may be held in substantially the same position during splaying of
the staple 24. Alternately, the trough 30 and/or tab 32 of the
staple 24 may be held in substantially the same longitudinal
position during splaying of the staple 24, and may be allowed to
move at least partially in a different direction. Alternately,
additional or different parts of the staple 24 may be held in
substantially the same position, or allowed to move in at least one
dimension, during splaying. As one example, the trough 30 of the
staple 24 is held between the posts 76, 78 of the cradle 70. The
tab 32 of the staple 24 may be received in the notch 80 of the
proximal post 78 of the cradle. The driver 34 is moved proximally
in any suitable manner, as described above, while the cradle 70
remains in substantially the same longitudinal position relative to
the housing 22. The cradle 70 is held substantially in the same
longitudinal position in any suitable manner. As one example,
contact between the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 and the hard
stop 104 in the housing 22 prevents the cradle 70 from moving
proximally as a result of friction against the driver 30 or any
other force. Contact between the staple 24, the stops 76, 78, and
the splay post or posts 39 may prevent the cradle 70 from moving
distally.
[0104] As the driver 30 moves proximally, at least one rear flange
98 of the driver 30 contacts a corresponding first stop 100 on the
paddle assembly 38, where the first stop 100 is located proximal to
the rear flange 98. This contact transmits proximal force from the
driver 30 to the paddle assembly 38, causing the paddle assembly 38
to move proximally. As the paddle assembly 38 moves proximally, the
splay post or posts 39 move proximally as well. Referring also to
FIGS. 5 and 24, each splay post 39 is positioned distal to a
corresponding valley 29 of the staple 24. Each such splay post 39
may be positioned initially in contact with the corresponding
valley 29 of the staple 24, or spaced apart from that valley 29. As
the splay post 39 moves proximally, it comes into contact with the
corresponding bump 31 in the valley 29 of the staple 24 if it is
not already in contact with that bump 31, and then applies a force
in the proximal direction to that bump 31. Contact between the
trough 30 and/or tab 32 of the staple 24 and the proximal stop 78
restrains that trough 30 and/or tab 32 substantially against
proximal motion. However, the tines 26 are not substantially
restrained against force resulting from the motion of the paddle
assembly 38. As the splay post or posts 39 apply proximal force to
the staple 24, the staple 24 transmits that proximally-directed
force to the proximal stop 78 of the cradle 70. However, as a
result of contact between the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 and
the hard stop 104, the cradle 70 is prevented from moving
proximally due to that force. Each splay post 39 exerts a proximal
force on and/or adjacent to the corresponding bump 31 of the staple
24. This proximal force is offset from the longitudinal centerline
of the staple 24, along which the proximal stop 78 is positioned.
Thus, the proximal force exerted on and/or adjacent to the
corresponding bump 31 of the staple 24 generates a moment about the
proximal stop 78. This moment causes the corresponding tine 26 of
the staple 24 to bend outward from the longitudinal centerline of
the staple 24. Alternately, at least one bump 31 of the staple 24
is omitted, and the corresponding splay post 39 simply exerts a
force on the valley 29 of the staples 24. Alternately, the staple
24 is configured in any other suitable manner, and each splay post
39 delivers a proximal force to a suitable location on the staple
24 to cause splaying.
[0105] As a result of that moment or moments, the distal ends of
the tines 26 of the staple 24 move apart from one another, each in
a direction away from the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24.
This deformation of the staple may be referred to as "splaying."
Referring to FIGS. 21 and 24, the staple 24 is shown in the splayed
configuration. When splaying is complete, the proximal end of the
paddle assembly 38 may contact the proximal wall 84 of the cavity
82 within the housing 22. As a result, the paddle assembly 38 is
restrained against motion further in the proximal direction, and
thus further splaying of the staple 24 is constrained as well. That
is, the degree to which the staple 24 is splayed may be controlled
by controlling the distance along which the paddle assembly 38 is
moved proximally. Alternately, splaying of the staple 24 to a
particular splaying configuration and/or the proximal motion of the
paddle assembly 38 may be controlled in any other suitable manner.
During splaying of the staple 24, the tines 26 themselves may
remain substantially undeformed; rather, a portion of the staple 24
in proximity to each peak 28 and/or the trough 30 may deform.
Alternately, at least one tine 26 may deform during splaying of the
staple 24. Further, as the distal ends of the tines 26 move away
from the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24, at least part of
each tine 26 may move laterally outside of the housing 22 through a
slot 23 or other opening in the housing 22. As a result, the tines
26 of the staple 24 may move apart from one another a distance
greater than the diameter of the housing 22. Where the staple 24 is
made from a plastically-deformable material such as stainless
steel, the staple 24 deforms plastically as it splays from its
initial configuration to the splayed configuration. Plastic
deformation is deformation that substantially remains after the
load that caused it is removed, or that would substantially remain
if the load were removed. Alternately, the staple 24 is elastically
deformable or superelastically deformable from its initial
configuration to the splayed configuration. Alternately, the staple
24 may be spring-loaded inwards to the initial configuration, such
that the staple 24 springs outward and returns to the splayed
configuration upon application of force or upon movement to a
position relative to the housing 22 such that the staple 24 is free
to spring outward. Alternately, the staple 24 does not deform or
move to a splayed configuration at all; rather, it transitions
directly from the initial configuration to a closed configuration
as described below. If the staple 24 does not deform or move to a
splayed configuration, then the tines 26 may be spaced apart as far
as possible within the housing 22 when the staple 24 is in the
initial configuration, such that the tines 26 are farther apart
from one another than shown in FIG. 5. Splaying of the staple 24
may be performed at a location spaced apart from the distal end of
the housing 22.
[0106] Next, referring also to FIGS. 25-26, the paddle assembly 38
is advanced distally in any suitable manner, such as by advancing a
rod or other member 106 that is connected to or part of the driver
30. As the driver 30 advances distally, the distal end of at least
one bifurcation 96 encounters the ridge 41 defined in the
corresponding paddle 40. As described above, each paddle 40 may be
deflectable in a direction away from the longitudinal centerline of
the driver 30. As at least one bifurcation 96 contacts the
corresponding ridge 41, the paddle 40 from which that ridge 41
extends may be restrained against deflection in a direction away
from the longitudinal centerline of the driver 30. As a result, the
bifurcation 96 is able to exert a distal force on the ridge 41
without the ridge 41 deflecting out of contact with it. The paddle
40 may be restrained against deflection in any suitable manner. As
one example, contact between the paddle assembly 38 and at least
one ledge 92 prevents at least part of the paddle assembly 38 from
deflecting out of plane when the driver 30 contacts at least one
ridge 41. That is, the driver 30 is positioned on one side of the
paddle assembly 38, with at least one ledge 92 positioned on the
other side of the paddle assembly 38. Contact between the driver 30
and the paddle assembly 38 prevents at least part of the paddle
assembly 38 from moving toward the driver 30, and contact between
the paddle assembly 38 and at least one ledge 92 prevents at least
part of the paddle assembly 38 from moving away from the driver,
such that the paddle assembly 38 as a whole advances distally.
[0107] As the paddle assembly 38 advances distally, the cradle 70
advances with it, carrying the splayed staple 24 distally as well.
As described above, such distal advancement may be referred to as
"shuttling." The cradle 70 and the splayed staple 24 may be
advanced by continued motion of the driver 30 in the distal
direction, or in any other suitable manner. During shuttling, the
staple 24 may substantially retain the shape to which it was
deformed during splaying. Alternately, the splayed staple 24 may
change shape during shuttling, such as by contact with the housing
22, one or more components in the housing 22, or tissue outside the
housing 22. Shuttling may result from continued motion of the
driver 30 in the distal direction. Optionally, at least one
butterfly member 10 may be moved toward the housing 22 before or
during shuttling, in order to bring the wall of the blood vessel 56
closer to the housing 22. Alternately, the splayed staple 24 is not
shuttled distally; rather, the splayed staple 24 is held
substantially in place, and one or more butterfly members 10 move
toward the housing 22 to bring the wall of the blood vessel to the
splayed staple 24 until that tissue is penetrated by the tines 26
of the staple 24.
[0108] As the paddle assembly 38 moves distally, at least one
paddle 40 moves past the distal end of the corresponding ledge 92.
As a result, at least the distal end of at least one paddle 40 is
no longer substantially constrained against motion in the direction
toward the ledge or ledges 92. The paddle 40 may become
substantially free of that constraint as a consequence of the shape
of the paddle 40 and/or the corresponding ledge 92. As one example,
at least one paddle 40 may be curved such that its distal tip
extends inward a greater distance than a portion of the paddle 40
located immediately proximal to that distal tip, where the distance
that the paddle 40 is curved inward is greater than the width of
the ledge 92. Consequently, when the distal tip of the paddle 40
moves distal to the ledge 92, the distal tip of the paddle 40 moves
out of contact with the ledge 92 and is free to move downward.
Further, a portion of the paddle 40 proximal to the distal tip is
also free to move downward, because that portion does not extend
inward far enough to contact the ledge 92. Thus, as the paddle
assembly 38 moves distally, at least part of at least one paddle 40
becomes deflectable away from the longitudinal axis of the driver
30. Alternately, the paddle assembly 38 engages at least one ledge
92 and/or other structure in a different manner that allows at
least one paddle 40 to deflect away from the longitudinal axis of
the driver 30 at a point during the translation of the paddle
assembly 38. For example, the ledge 92 may be sloped downward.
[0109] The driver 30 continues to advance distally. When the
paddles 40 are freed to become movable in a downward direction, the
continued distal motion of each bifurcation 96 exerts a force
against the surface of the corresponding ridge 41 that pushes that
ridge 41, and hence the corresponding paddle 40, downward.
Alternately, at least one paddle 40 is pushed downward in a
different manner. The downward deflection of the ridge 41 allows
the corresponding bifurcation 96 to slide over it. Optionally, at
least one bifurcation 96 of the driver 34 may encounter the upper
surface of the corresponding splay post 39, as the driver 34
continues to move distally. Contact between at least one
bifurcation 96 and at least one splay post 39 thus may act to hold
and/or move the corresponding paddle 40 downward. Where the upper
surface of the splay post 39 is angled upward in the distal
direction, contact between it and the corresponding driver 34 that
is moving in the distal direction may assist in deflecting the
paddle 40 downward. As the driver 30 slides over the ridge or
ridges 41, friction therebetween may cause the paddle assembly 38
to continued to move distally. Alternately, by the time the driver
30 slides over the ridge or ridges 41, the paddle assembly 38 is
already in its distalmost position such that the paddle assembly 38
does not continue to move in the distal direction.
[0110] As the driver 30 continues to advance distally, the distal
end of the driver 30 contacts the proximal end of the staple 24.
Each bifurcation 96 may contact a different peak 28 of the staple
24. Contact between the driver 30 and the staple 24 exerts a distal
force on the staple 24, which in turn transmits that distal force
to the distal stop 76 of the cradle 70. Because the cradle 70 is
free to translate along the trough 90 in the housing 22, as
described above, and because the trough 90 is oriented
substantially longitudinally, the distal force transmitted to the
cradle 70 via the staple 24 acts to move the cradle 70 distally,
rather than to deform the staple 24. Alternately, the staple 24 may
be deformed at least slightly as the cradle 70 advances distally.
Alternately, the cradle 70 may be advanced in any other suitable
manner.
[0111] The paddle assembly 38 substantially ceases its distal
motion, coming to a stop at a distalmost location. The paddle
assembly 38 may cease distal motion before, during or after the
distal motion of the cradle 70 is completed. The paddle assembly 38
can be controlled to stop at its distalmost location in any
suitable manner. As one example, the paddle assembly may include a
base 44 at or near its proximal end that connects the paddles 40. A
paddle assembly stop 112 may be defined in the housing 22 or
connected to the housing 22 at a location distal to the base 44,
such that contact between the paddle assembly stop 112 and the base
44 prevents further distal motion of the paddle assembly 38. The
position of the paddle assembly stop 112 in the housing 22 thereby
controls the distance that the paddle assembly 38 can travel, and
determines the distalmost position of the paddle assembly 38.
[0112] As the driver 30 continues to move distally, the cradle 70
continues to move distally as well, as does the staple 24, which
remains in the splayed configuration. As the staple 24 moves
distally, at least one tine 26 may encounter and penetrate the wall
of the blood vessel 56. At least one tine 26 may also contact
and/or engage body tissue outside of the blood vessel 56 as well.
The cradle 70 then reaches its distalmost position, and is
controlled to stop its motion in the distal direction, in any
suitable manner. As one example, a cradle stop 113 is defined in
the housing 22 distal to the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70. The
proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 may be wider than the base 72 or
other remainder of the cradle 70, such that the base 72 is able to
slide distally without contacting the cradle stop 113 in the
housing 22. The cradle stop 113 in the housing 22 is positioned
further laterally than the lateral edge of the base 72, such that
the proximal end 74 of the cradle 70 contacts the cradle stop 113
when the cradle 70 reaches its distalmost position. In this way,
distal motion of the cradle 70 is arrested. As another example, a
stop may be located at the distal end of the trough 90 along which
the cradle 70 travels, such that contact between the distal end of
the cradle 70 and that stop substantially halts the distal travel
of the cradle 70.
[0113] With the paddle assembly 38 and the cradle 70 both at their
distalmost positions, the driver 30 continues its advance distally,
and thereby continues to apply a force to the staple 24 in the
distal direction. With the cradle 70 substantially restrained
against distal motion, the distal stop 76 of the cradle 70
substantially prevents the trough 30 of the staple 24 from moving
in the distal direction. Each peak 28 of the staple 24 is offset
from the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. Further, the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24 substantially intersects
the distal stop 76 of the cradle 70. As a result, each peak 28 of
the staple 24 is laterally offset from the distal stop 76 of the
cradle 70. The force exerted by the driver 34 distally on each peak
28 of the staple 24, which is laterally offset from the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24, results in a moment about
the distal stop 76 of the cradle 70, which acts as an anvil. Each
tine 26 of the staple 24 that experiences that moment moves toward
the longitudinal centerline of the staple 24. In the course of this
motion, the distal ends of the tines 26 may first move toward the
longitudinal centerline of the staple 24 and toward one another.
Deformation of the staple 24 as a result of contact between the
staple 24 and the distal stop 76 of the cradle 70 may be referred
to as "closing" the staple 24.
[0114] Referring also to FIGS. 28-29, as the driver 34 continues to
move distally, the staple 24 continues to deform against the distal
stop 76 of the cradle 70. This deformation may be plastic
deformation from the splayed configuration to a final, closed
configuration. The staple 24 and/or any other component of the end
effector 4 may be shaped or otherwise configured such that the
tines 26 swipe past one another as the staple 24 moves to the
closed configuration. As one example, the staple 24 may be
configured as described above with regard to FIG. 12. As another
example, the staple 24 may be configured in any manner such that,
when the staple 24 is closed, the tines 26 are both offset from and
substantially adjacent to one another. As another example, at least
two tines 26 of the staple 24 are configured to interfere with or
otherwise engage one another when the staple 24 is in the closed
position. Alternately, at least two tines 26 may be substantially
parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another when the
staple 24 is in the closed position. The tines 26 need not
substantially change shape as they move; rather, they may rotate
about a pivot point located at or near the trough 30. Alternately,
one or both of the tines 26 may deform as they move. The radius of
curvature of each tine 26 may be substantially coincident with its
path of travel during closure of the staple 24.
[0115] During deformation of the staple 24 from the splayed
configured to the closed configuration, the distal portion of the
paddle assembly 38 is in a position deflected downward away from
the staple 24 as a result of contact between the driver 34 and at
least one ridge 41 of the paddle assembly 38. When the staple 24 is
in the closed configuration, the posts 43 of the paddle assembly 38
are positioned directly underneath at least part of the staple 24.
Alternately, the posts 43 are positioned differently relative to
the closed staple 24. Thus, the posts 43 do not interfere with or
participate in the closing of the staple 24. Alternately, the posts
43 are configured to assist in the closing of the staple 24.
[0116] The driver 34 continues to move distally until formation of
the staple 24 is substantially complete. That is, the formed staple
24 is firmly secured to tissue, and is deformed substantially to
its formed configuration, such that contact between the driver 34
and the staple 24 prevents further distal motion of the driver 34.
Alternately, referring also to FIG. 22B, the driver 34 may continue
to move distally until the driver stop 101 at the proximal end of
the opening 102 between the bifurcations 96 contacts the proximal
stop 78 of the cradle 70. As described above, the cradle 70 is in
its distalmost position and is constrained substantially against
distal motion, and contact between the driver stop 101 and the
proximal stop 78 of the cradle 70 consequently halts the distal
motion of the driver 34 at a distalmost position of the driver 34
Deformation of the staple 24 to the closed configuration may be
completed before the driver 34 reaches its distalmost position, or
may be completed substantially at the point when the driver 34
reaches its distalmost position.
[0117] Before, or when, the driver 34 reaches its distalmost
position, at least one rear flange 98 of the driver 34 may move
distal to a detent 114 on the upper surface of the corresponding
paddle 40. Further, the rear surface 116 of at least one
bifurcation 96 may move distal to a corresponding splay post 39 on
the upper surface of the paddle 40. Additionally, the body 120 of
the driver 34 proximal to the rear flange or flanges 98 may be
narrower than the space between the paddles 40 of the paddle
assembly 38. The ridge 41 may be discontinuous, such that part of
the ridge 41 is located on one paddle 40 and part of the ridge 41
is located on the other paddle 40. Thus, when the driver 34 reaches
its distalmost position, the driver 34 may no longer exert a
downward force on the paddles 40 deflecting them away from the
longitudinal centerline of the driver 34. As a result, the paddles
40 may begin to move back toward their original position, or may
move completely back to their original position, depending on their
stiffness. Alternately, the driver 34 may still exert such a force
when the driver 34 is in the distalmost position.
[0118] After the staple 24 has been closed, the driver 34 is moved
proximally. The driver 34 may be moved proximally in substantially
the same manner in which it was moved distally, such as by
application of a force substantially in the proximal direction
along the rod 106 or other member connected to the driver 34. As
the driver 34 moves proximally, at least one rear flange 98 of the
driver 34 may contact the detent 114 of the corresponding paddle
40, because the paddle 40 has moved back toward its original
position. Referring also to FIG. 22B, the rear surface 116 of at
least one bifurcation 96 of the driver 34 may contact the splay
post 39 of the corresponding paddle 40, because the paddle 40 has
moved back toward its original position. As a result, as the driver
34 moves proximally it exerts a proximal force on the paddle
assembly 38, which in turn begins to move proximally. Alternately,
the detent 114 may be omitted, and contact between at least one
bifurcation 96 and the corresponding splay post 39 acts to move the
paddle assembly 38 proximally.
[0119] At least one paddle 40 may include a ramp engagement flange
118. The ramp engagement flange 118 extends laterally outward from
a remainder of the paddle 40 a sufficient distance such that it
contacts the corresponding slot ramp 94 defined in the housing 22
as the paddle assembly 38 moves proximally. As at least one paddle
40 moves proximally, contact between the ramp engagement flange 118
and the slot ramp 94 urges the corresponding paddle 40 back toward
its original position. Such contact facilitates motion of the
paddle 40, and allows the paddle 40 to be constructed to exert a
relatively small bias toward its original position when it is in
the deflected position. Alternately, at least one ramp engagement
flange 118 may be omitted.
[0120] As each paddle 40 moves back toward its original position,
each corresponding post 43 contacts the closed staple 24 and exerts
a substantially upward force on the closed staple 24 substantially
along the distal stop 76 of the cradle 70. The posts 43 thus may be
referred to as ejection posts. This force urges the staple 24 along
the distal stop 76 toward the free end of that distal stop 76. When
each paddle 40 moves close to or completely into its initial
position, it has moved far enough for the post or posts 43 to push
the closed staple 24 off the free end of the distal stop 76. The
closed staple 24 is then free to exit the housing 22 of the end
effector 4. Alternately, one or more posts 43 may be omitted, and
at least one paddle 40 or other component of the paddle assembly 38
contacts the closed staple 24 to urge it along the distal stop 76.
The butterfly member or member 10 are moved from the fully-expanded
configuration to a third, collapsed configuration, and then removed
from the opening 54 in the blood vessel 56 substantially as
described above. The butterfly member or members 10 may be moved
from the fully-expanded configuration to the collapsed
configuration before, during or after ejection of the closed staple
24. Alternately, the butterfly member or members 10 are moved from
the fully-expanded configuration to the partially-expanded
configuration before their withdrawal. Any additional steps in
completing the procedure may be performed substantially as
described above. The sequence of actions in the operation of the
closure system 2 may be varied from the exemplary description
above. Such actions may be performed in a different order, may be
performed substantially simultaneously or may partially overlap, or
may be performed in any other suitable manner. As one example, the
sequence of operations relating to deployment and retraction of the
butterfly members 10 may be performed differently relative to the
splaying and/or deployment of the staple 24, or vice versa.
[0121] Operation: Closure of Other Tissue Openings
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the closure system 2 may be used to
close any suitable opening in tissue. If so, the operation of the
closure system 2 is substantially as described above. As one
example, the closure system 2 may be used to close a trocar port or
other surgical opening in the body of the patient. For such a use,
and other uses on or near the surface of the body, the splaying
step and any structures and mechanisms associated with splaying the
staple 24 may be omitted, because adequate space exists outside of
the patient for placing the closure system 2 in a suitable position
with the tines of the splayed staple 24 extending out of the
housing 22. As another example, the closure system 2 may be used to
close a wound in the body of the patient, whether on the skin of
the patient or in the interior of the patient's body. As another
example, the closure system 2 may be used to repair a hernia at any
suitable location in the patient's body.
[0123] Optionally, the closure system 2 may be configured to deploy
two or more staples 24, simultaneously or sequentially. Multiple
staples 24 may be useful where a larger hole, such as a trocar
port, is to be closed. Where multiple staples are used, multiple
drivers 34, paddles 40 and/or cradles 70 may be utilized. If so,
the closure system 2 is operated substantially as described above
as to each individual staple 24 and associated structures and
mechanisms within the closure system 2.
[0124] While the invention has been described in detail, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made and equivalents employed, without
departing from the present invention. It is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the details of construction, the
arrangements of components and/or the details of operation set
forth in the above description or illustrated in the drawings.
Headings and subheadings are for the convenience of the reader
only. They should not and cannot be construed to have any
substantive significance, meaning or interpretation, and should not
and cannot be deemed to be limiting in any way, or indicate that
all of the information relating to any particular topic is to be
found under or limited to any particular heading or subheading. The
contents of each section of this document are merely exemplary and
do not limit the scope of the invention or the interpretation of
the claims. Therefore, the invention is not to be restricted or
limited except in accordance with the following claims and their
legal equivalents.
* * * * *