Adjustable microvascular U-clamp

Abstract

An adjustable clamp for temporary occlusion of a blood vessel for use in microvascular surgery is disclosed. The clamp includes a pair of aneurysm clips which slide along a cylindrical bar. Frictional engagement is provided between the clips and other components of the clamp, with the result that the clips may be positioned along the bar at any desired spacing, and, once positioned, such positions will be maintained during use of the clamp.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with an adjustable microvascular clamp. More particularly the present invention is concerned with an adjustable miscrovascular U-clamp for use in temporary occlusion of blood-vessels during microvascular surgery.

Various clamps are known in the prior art for use in microvascular surgery, such clamps including that described by Henderson, P.N., "An adjustable Microvascular Clamp," The Medical Journal of Australia, 1: 715-717, April, 1970. This prior art clamp requires placement of the clip about the vessel, along with multiple adjustments which are effected by a "cylinder key". Such manipulation mitigates against intracranial use on delicate vessels. Other microvascular clamps are known in the prior art, such clamps being, in general cumbersome and requiring multiple adjustments after being set in place, with such clamps thus not being suitable for use on the brain or in other delicate areas.

By the present invention, there is provided an adjustable microvascular clamp which is in the form of a pair of aneurysm clips which slide along a cylindrical bar. A covering is provided for the bar, with the clips being positioned between the covering and the bar. Sufficient space is provided between the covering and the bar to allow the clips to be positioned along the bar, while providing frictional engagement to maintain the clips in their determined positions.

Microvascular surgery and repair requires absolute precision in instrumentation, and, above all, accurate approximation of vessels to be anastomosed, including vessels having a diameter of 1 mm or less. It is believed that the clamp of the present invention satisfies these requirements in a highly satisfactory manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the adjustable clamp of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the various components of the microvascular clamp of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clamp shown in FIG. 1, with the clamp being shown in the open position prior to application; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 2, but with the clamp being shown in the closed position after being applied to a blood vessel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1-3, there is provided an adjustable microvascular clamp 10 which includes a pair of aneurysm clips 11 which are slidably attached to a short cylindrical bar 12. The clips 11 and the bar 12 are preferably formed of a metal such as stainless steel. An outer semi-cylindrical covering 13, also of stainless steel or other suitable material is attached to each end of the bar 12 by means of a cylindrical spacer member 14. In making this connection, the spacer members 14 are preferably attached by means such as soldering to the ends of the bar 12 and the covering 13 is then soldered to the spacers 14. The use of the spacers 14 allows a gap to be provided between the cylindrical bar 12 and the covering 13, with the gap being of a size which will result in friction being applied against the clips 11 by the bar 12 and covering 13, this friction being sufficient to maintain the clips 11 in thier determined positions but also allowing the clips 11 to be moved along the bar 12, upon exertion of a reasonable amount of force by the operator.

As an example of dimensions of the clamp 10 which may be employed, the cylindrical bar 12 may be 1 inch in length and have a diameter of 1/16 inch, while the covering 13 may also be 1 inch in length, and with a thickness of 0.010 inch for the material of the covering 13. A radius of 0.093 inch for the semi-cylindrical proportion of the covering 13 may also be employed.

The clips 11 may be any suitable clips which will perform the function as described herein, such clips having one end portion which will fit over the bar 12, and with the opposite end having a pair of engaging members for engaging and closing off a blood vessel. As an example, a pair of the so-called "Mayfield" aneurysm clips may be employed, and this type of clip is shown in the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the clamp 10 of the present invention may be applied to the intended vessel 15 by the use of a modified aneurysm clip applier 16 to allow simultaneous placement of both clips 11 on the vessel 15. The clip applier 16 may be a Mayfield clip applier modified by the use of a broader tip 17, of a length sufficient to operate both clips 11.

Prior to application of the clamp 10, the clips 11 are adjusted by sliding them along the length of the bar 12 to achieve the desired spacing between clips 11. The clip applier 16 is then employed to open the clips 11 and to position the clamp 10 in the intended position for closing off the vessel 15. Upon application, the clip applier 16 is released and the clips 11 will function to close off the vessel 15. No further adjustments of the clamp 10 are necessary until it is desired to remove the clamp 10, at which time the clip applier 16 is again employed to open the clips 11 and withdraw the clamp 10 from the vicinity of the vessel 15.

The weight of the clamp 10, having dimensions as previously described, is approximately 1.1 grams, with the result that the clamp 10 of the present invention provides a lightweight device which is relatively simple to operate. The clamp 10 of the present invention has been employed on many vessels having a diameter of 1 mm or less with excellent results.

As previously mentioned, the microvascular clamp 10 of the present invention is of simple construction, and may be held and manipulated by one hand of the user. The clamp may also be readily secured in an adjustable closed position, while being easily opened to permit its disengagement from the vessel or part which is being clamped.

The members which comprise the clamp may be made of any suitable material, such as stainless steel, but the material selected and the cross section of the members should be such as to permit them to be sprung into and out of alignment so that the components may be engaged or disengaged as desired. The material which is employed should be durable so that it will last indefinitely, and will also not be subject to deterioration or to attack by body acids. Futhermore, the clamp should be of material which will not set up any galvanic action or otherwise be subject to electrolysis.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing its material advantages, the forms hereinbefore described being merely preferred embodiments thereof.

Claims

It is claimed:

1. An adjustable microvascular clamp which comprises: a cylindrical bar having a spacer member mounted on each end of said bar; a pair of clips slidably mounted on said bar; a semi-cylindrical covering mounted on said spacer members and extending parallel to said bar; each of said clips having one end thereof located between and in engagement with said covering and said bar; said engagement providing sufficient friction upon said clips to allow said clips to be individually positioned along the bar, while maintaining said clips in position during use of said clips in closing off a blood vessel or the like.

2. The adjustable clamp of claim 1, wherein said clamp is constructed of stainless steel.

3. The adjustable clamp of claim 1, wherein said bar has a diameter of 1/16 inch and wherein said semi-cylindrical covering has a radius of 0.093 inch.

4. The adjustable clamp of claim 1, wherein said clips comprise a pair of aneurysm clips.