Tool and method for implanting an annuloplasty prosthesis
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsTimothy R. Ryan, Charles P. Tabor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue.
Claims21
A tool for use in implanting an annuloplasty prosthesis to repair a heart valve, the tool comprising:
- an elongate proximal portion forming a handle;
- a distal portion including first and second jaws, at least one of the first and second jaws being mounted for relative movement between
- i) an open state in which an end section of the first jaw is spaced apart from a corresponding end section of the second jaw, and
- ii) a closed state in which a spacing between the corresponding end sections is less than the spacing in the open state;
- and
- an actuator mechanism including:
- a first post connected to the first jaw,
- a second post connected to the second jaw,
- a spring disposed between the first and second posts to naturally force the jaw to the closed state,
- a slidable button connected to the spring and exteriorly accessible for receiving a force from the user to overcome a bias of the spring and effectuate transition of the jaws from the closed state to the open state.
A tool for use in implanting an annuloplasty prosthesis to repair a heart valve, the tool comprising:
- an elongate proximal portion forming a handle;
- and
- a distal portion including first and second jaws, at least one of the first and second jaws being mounted for relative movement between
- i) an open state in which an end section of the first jaw is spaced apart from a corresponding end section of the second jaw, and
- ii) a closed state in which a spacing between the corresponding end sections is less than the spacing in the open state;
- wherein the second jaw defines an inner surface facing the first jaw and the end section of the second jaw includes a single row of fingers, the fingers being transversely spaced from one another relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle, each of the fingers including:
- a base projecting from the inner surface toward the first jaw,
- a head projecting from the base, the head being spaced from the inner surface of the second jaw and extending from the base in a direction opposite the handle,
- wherein all of the fingers of the end section of the second jaw are aligned with one another to form the single row of fingers;
- and further wherein the end section of the first jaw includes a plurality of holding members projecting toward the second jaw and between corresponding adjacent ones of the fingers in the closed state, the holding members being transversely spaced from one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.