Axially-actuated micro-forceps with force-modulated jaws

A clamping system comprising:

• a sheath having a lumen and a wall extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath including a lateral opening proximate the distal end;
• a shaft disposed within the lumen and configured for bidirectional axial movement relative to the sheath, the shaft having a shaft proximal end and a shaft distal end forming a second jaw, the second jaw including a protruding element;
• a first jaw comprising a pendent segment of the wall adjacent the lateral opening;
• a force modulation mechanism configured to control a compressive force between the first jaw and the second jaw;
• wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are configured for relative movement between an approximated position and a separated position based on relative movement of the sheath and the shaft, wherein the protruding element is configured to retract into the lumen when in the separated position and eject from the lateral opening when in the approximated position;
• wherein each of the first jaw and the second jaw has a maximum cross-sectional dimension, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when in the separated position, of less than 0.51 mm;
• and
• an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the sheath and to the shaft, the actuator comprising an actuation member connected to a handle portion, wherein relative movement between the actuation member and the handle portion is configured to axially displace the sheath relative to the shaft.

A method of manufacturing a clamping device, the method comprising:

• providing a sheath having a lumen and a wall extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end;
• forming a lateral opening in the sheath proximate the distal end;
• forming a first jaw comprising a pendent segment of the wall adjacent the lateral opening;
• positioning a shaft within the lumen, the shaft configured for bidirectional axial movement relative to the sheath;
• incorporating a force modulation mechanism configured to control a compressive force between the first jaw and a second jaw;
• forming the second jaw comprising a distal end of the shaft and including a protruding element;
• configuring the first jaw and the second jaw for relative movement between an approximated position and a separated position, wherein the protruding element is configured to retract into the lumen when in the separated position and eject from the lateral opening when in the approximated position;
• and
• wherein each of the first jaw and the second jaw has a maximum cross-sectional dimension, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when in the separated position, of less than 0.51 mm.