LARGE TISSUE DEFECT RECRUITING DEVICE

Abstract

An actuation assembly for a tissue recruiting device for recruiting tissue and closing a defect. The actuation assembly includes one or more control actuators operable to control the position and rotation of an actuation element coupled to a grasping device. The grasping device is configured to grasp tissue. The actuation assembly is operable by a user to deploy the grasping device via the actuation element to grasp tissue. The actuation assembly may independently deploy multiple grasping devices, such as on opposite sides of a defect. The actuation assembly may also deploy a closure mechanism configured to circumferentially surround the deployed grasping devices to close the defect.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to surgical devices and, more specifically, to an actuation assembly for a tissue recruiting device that allows for improved tissue recruitment to facilitate closure of large defects.

BACKGROUND

Tissue recruiting and grasping devices are used in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal, urinary, and vascular systems, to treat internal bleeding or defects. These devices may be deployed using an endoscope, such as a flexible endoscope, and may be provided in a variety of forms and may be used with hemostatic devices, including clamps, clips, staples, sutures, and the like. One or more hemostatic devices may be deployed around tissue in the body to apply constrictive forces to blood vessels and surrounding tissue, such as to control and prevent bleeding.

In some cases, a hemostatic device may be deployed around a growth of tissue, such as a polyp. The hemostatic device may be used to close the defect after the growth has been removed, such as to prevent or otherwise reduce bleeding. In other cases, target tissue may be grasped and recruited, such as into a pseudo-polyp, and the hemostatic device may be used to close the defect after the recruited tissue has been cut or severed, such as to remove the defect. The target tissue could be dysplasia, a defect, or the like. However, in some cases, particularly those involving larger defects and fibrotic tissue, it can be difficult to utilize conventional hemostatic devices to successfully close the defect.

Most hemostatic devices rely on variations of conventional tissue recruiting techniques to recruit tissue before the hemostatic device is deployed. Conventional tissue recruiting techniques often involve extending a tissue recruiting device through an endoscope to the desired location to recruit tissue. However, conventional tissue recruitment techniques can sometimes fail to adequately recruit tissue before the hemostatic device is deployed. For example, conventional tissue recruitment techniques may fail to adequately grasp and recruit multiple sides of a defect. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for an improved recruiting device that utilizes separate, independently controlled graspers to improve tissue recruitment.

SUMMARY

This summary is meant to provide some examples and is not intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention in any way. For example, any feature included in an example of this summary is not required by the claims, unless the claims explicitly recite the features. Also, the features, components, steps, concepts, etc. described in examples in this summary and elsewhere in this disclosure can be combined in a variety of ways. The description herein relates to systems, assemblies, methods, devices, apparatuses, combinations, etc. that may be utilized for recruiting tissue, such as tissue defects. Various features and steps as described elsewhere in this disclosure may be included in the examples summarized here. Further, the treatment techniques, methods, operations, steps, etc. described or suggested herein can be performed on a living animal or on a non-living simulation, such as on a cadaver, simulator (e.g., with the body parts, tissue, etc. being simulated), etc.

In one example embodiment, an actuation assembly of a tissue recruiting device operable to independently control first and second grasping devices to grasp tissue is provided. The actuation assembly has a body defining a first channel and a second channel, a first actuation element extending through the first channel and coupled with the first grasping device, and a second actuation element extending through the second channel and coupled with the second grasping device. The actuation assembly has at least one first control actuator operable to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device to grasp tissue via the first actuation element and at least one second control actuator operable to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device to grasp tissue via the second actuation element. The at least one first control actuator is operable to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device independently from the second grasping device.

In one example embodiment, a tissue recruiting device is provided. The tissue recruiting device includes a first grasping device and a second grasping device, with each grasping device being operable to grasp tissue. The tissue recruiting device also has a first actuation element extending through a first channel of a body with a proximal end of the first actuation element being coupled to a first control actuator and a distal end of the first actuation element being coupled to the first grasping device. The tissue recruiting device also has a second actuation element extending through a second channel of the body with a proximal end of the second actuation element being coupled to a second control actuator and a distal end of the second actuation element being coupled to the second grasping device. The first control actuator is independently operable to translate and rotate the first gasping device to grasp tissue via the first actuation element. The second control actuator is independently operable to translate and rotate the second grasping device to grasp tissue via the second actuation element.

In one example embodiment, a method for treating a defect with a tissue recruiting device is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning a first grasping device above a first side of the defect, moving a first control actuator to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device via a first actuation element, grasping the first side of the defect with the first grasping device, positioning a second grasping device above a second side of the defect, moving a second control actuator to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device via a second actuation element, grasping the second side of the defect with the second grasping device, and retracting the actuation elements to recruit the grasped tissue.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of implementations of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the certain examples and implementations will be made by reference to various aspects of the appended drawings. These drawings depict only example implementations of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, while the Figures can be drawn to scale for some examples, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for all examples. Examples and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tissue recruiting device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another tissue recruiting device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a catheter sheath assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the catheter sheath assembly of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic illustrations of the tissue recruiting assembly of the tissue recruiting devices of FIGS. 1-2 recruiting tissue;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of example grasping devices which may be used with a tissue recruiting device;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an actuation assembly according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 8 and 9 show various views of a body of the actuation assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 7 with a cover;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a top and perspective view of half of the body of FIGS. 8-9;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 7 with half of the body removed;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a control actuator of the actuation assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 14 with actuation sheaths;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional schematic view of an actuation element disposed in an actuation sheath according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of an actuation element according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the distal end of a tissue recruiting device according to one embodiment with the actuation element of FIG. 17B;

FIGS. 17D and 17E are perspective views of a catheter according to one embodiment;

FIG. 17F is a front view of the catheter of FIGS. 17D-17E;

FIG. 17G is a perspective view of a distal portion of the catheter of FIGS. 17D-17E according to one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a tissue recruiting device with the actuation assembly of FIG. 10 and two grasping devices according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 19A-19C are perspective views depicting actuation of the tissue recruiting device of FIG. 18;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective and top views of a body of an actuation assembly with a biasing element 234 according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 22 and 23 show various views of a biasing element of FIGS. 20-21;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the body of FIGS. 20-21 with actuation sheaths and control actuators;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective and top views of the body of FIGS. 20-21 with actuation elements, actuation sheaths, and control actuators;

FIGS. 27A-27D show various views of a cap according to one embodiment for use with the actuation assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an actuation sheath coupled to an actuation element and a control actuator according to one embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with a biasing element according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are perspective and top views of a body with biasing elements according to another embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a top view of a body with a clamp according to one embodiment;

FIG. 32A is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with a clamp according to one embodiment;

FIG. 32B is a top view of the clamp of FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with two clamps according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are schematic illustrations of an actuation assembly with clamps according to another embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a top view of an actuation assembly with half of the body removed coupled with a lock according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 36A and 36B are schematic illustrations of an actuation assembly with a biasing element according to one embodiment, the actuation assembly being configured to produce detectable feedback at rotational intervals of the actuation elements;

FIGS. 37A and 37B are schematic illustrations of an actuation assembly with a biasing element according to another embodiment, the actuation assembly being configured to produce detectable feedback at translation intervals of the actuation elements;

FIGS. 38A and 38B are top views of an actuation assembly with biasing elements according to another embodiment;

FIG. 38C is a perspective view of the actuation assembly of FIGS. 38A-38B with half of the body removed for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 38D is a top view of the actuation assembly of FIGS. 38A-38B;

FIG. 38E is a top view of the actuation assembly of FIGS. 38A-38B with a cover according to another embodiment;

FIG. 38F is a perspective view of an actuation element and control actuator according to another embodiment for use with the actuation assembly of FIGS. 38A-38B;

FIG. 38G is a front view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 38C with the actuation element and control actuator of FIG. 38F disposed in a channel;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an actuation assembly of FIG. 10 with a strain relief catheter and a distal coupler;

FIG. 40 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly of another embodiment;

FIGS. 41A and 41B are schematic front and side illustrations of an actuation assembly of another embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with two bodies according to one embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with two bodies according to another embodiment;

FIG. 44 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with two bodies according to one embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 46A-46C are schematic illustrations depicting the adjustable control of the translational control actuator of FIG. 45;

FIGS. 47A-47B are schematic illustrations depicting the adjustable control of the rotational control actuator of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is a schematic illustration depicting the translational and rotational control of an actuation element according to one embodiment;

FIG. 49 is a schematic illustration depicting the translational and rotational control of an actuation element according to another embodiment;

FIG. 50 is a schematic illustration depicting the translational and rotational control of an actuation element according to another embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a schematic illustration of an actuation assembly with a clip deployment system; and

FIGS. 52A-52D are schematic illustrations of the actuation assembly of FIG. 51 recruiting tissue and deploying a clip to close a defect;

FIG. 53 is an illustrative example depicting a methodology of operating an actuation assembly of a tissue recruiting device to recruit tissue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosures, and describes exemplary embodiments in accordance with the general inventive concepts and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as described by the claims is broader than and not limited by the exemplary embodiments set forth herein, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning.

The general inventive concepts will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of the various exemplary aspects and implementations of the disclosure. This should not be taken to limit the general inventive concepts to the specific aspects or implementations, which are being provided for explanation and understanding only. Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for recruiting tissue. Various embodiments of devices and systems for recruiting tissue are disclosed herein, and any combination of these options can be made unless specifically excluded. In other words, individual components of the disclosed devices and systems can be combined unless mutually exclusive or otherwise physically impossible.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassing the general inventive concepts. The terminology set forth in this detailed description is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the general inventive concepts. As used in this detailed description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection can be direct as between the components or can be indirect such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also, as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element, but can include an assembly of components, members, or elements.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers, such as for example, numbers expressing measurements or physical characteristics, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the suitable properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the general inventive concepts are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. Also, as described herein, the terms “substantially” and “about” are defined as at least close to (and includes) a given value or state (preferably within 10% of, more preferably within 1% of, and most preferably within 0.1% of).

In discussing the exemplary embodiments herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” may often be used. These terms are used to describe a position or a direction with reference to the operator of the instrument. For example, the proximal position or proximal direction is toward the user or operator of the instrument, and the distal position or direction is away from the user or operator of the instrument, i.e., position or direction toward the object which the operator is attempting to grasp, retain, and/or view.

The present invention provides a tissue recruiting device to be used through an endoscope. The tissue recruiting device is controllable by an actuation assembly. The tissue recruiting device may be configured to better approximate tissue than standard tissue recruiting devices. The tissue recruiting device may also be configured to recruit tissue over larger defects than standard tissue recruiting devices. For example, the tissue recruiting device of the present disclosure may be configured to approximate tissue defects having a width or diameter between about 1 cm and about 10 cm. In some embodiments, the tissue recruiting device is configured to approximate tissue defects larger than 10 cm in width or diameter. The tissue recruiting device of the present disclosure may also be configured to simultaneously approximate multiple sides of a defect, such as to achieve more consistent and circumferential closure of defects. The tissue recruiting device may be configured to achieve a more consistent and circumferential closure of a tissue defect, such as when a hemostatic device is deployed around the tissue recruited by the tissue recruiting device. While the tissue recruiting device may also be used to grasp intact tissue, such as dysplastic or cancerous tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue recruiting device may be a sterile, single use device such as to reduce cost.

A functional block diagram for a tissue recruiting device 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The tissue recruiting device 100 includes a tissue recruiting assembly 102 at a distal end, an actuation assembly 200 at a proximal end, and a catheter sheath assembly 300 disposed between the tissue recruiting assembly 102 and the actuation assembly 200. The recruiting assembly 102 may include one or more tissue grasping devices 104 configured to grasp. The grasping devices 104 may be end effectors or devices capable of grasping tissue. It will be understood that the grasping of the grasping devices 104 encompasses grabbing, pinching, hooking, or otherwise securing tissue with the grasping devices 104.

The proximal end of each grasping device 104 may be coupled with an actuation element 208 of the actuation assembly 200. Each actuation element 208 is configured to control the position and rotation of the attached grasping device 104, such as via operation of the actuation assembly 200. Each actuation element 208 may be configured to transfer both translational movement to position the grasping device 104 and torque or rotational movement to rotate the grasping device 104. Each actuation element 208 may be a solid cable, a hollow tube, or other suitable elongated object or combination of objects, such as a drive cable, a torque cable, a hypotube, spring sheath, or a catheter, configured to control the grasping device 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tissue recruiting device 100 has two grasping devices 104 each coupled with an actuation element 208. However, the device 100 may have other assemblies and configurations. For example, the tissue recruiting assembly 102 may have one or three or more grasping devices 104 and the actuation elements 208 may be coupled to two or more grasping devices 104.

The catheter sheath assembly 300 includes one or more catheters 302 operably connected to the distal end of the actuation assembly 200. The tissue grasping devices 104 and the actuation elements 208 may extend through one or more lumens of the one or more catheters 302. The proximal ends of the actuation elements 208 may extend through the proximal end of the catheters 302 to operably couple with other components of the actuation assembly 200, as described below. The one or more catheters 302 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that each grasping device 104 may be distally extended beyond the distal end of the one or more catheters 302 via the actuation elements 208 extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the catheter sheath assembly 300 is flexible to allow for adequate endoscope maneuverability without compromising the purchase of the tissue recruiting assembly 102, such as the purchase of the tissue recruiting assembly 102 has on multiple edges of a tissue defect.

As shown in FIG. 1, each grasping device 104 and actuation element 208 pair is disposed through a separate catheter 302. However, the catheter sheath assembly 300 may have other configurations and assemblies. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 each grasping device 104 and actuation element 208 pair may extend through a catheter 302. The actuation elements 208 and grasping devices 104 may extend through separate lumens of the catheter 302 or all grasping devices 104 and actuation elements 208 may extend through a single lumen of a single catheter 302.

In some embodiments, the one or more catheters 302 comprise polyether ether-ketone (PEEK), a thermo-plastic material, nylon, Pellethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide, composite metal and polymer tubing, metal tubing, metal coils, or similar constructions known in the art, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the catheters 302 are metal spring sheaths configured to resist compression and operational forces exerted on the catheters 302 by the actuation elements 208 and/or operational elements as described below. In some embodiments, the catheters 302 include a liner or coating, such as a PTFE liner and/or coating, disposed in the one or more lumens to increase the resiliency of the catheters 302 and/or to decrease friction between the actuation elements 208 and the catheter 302.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the catheter 302 is a dual-lumen catheter having a substantially figure-eight-shaped cross-section. The catheter sheath assembly 300 also includes one or more support wires 310 extending along the length of the catheter 302 between the lumens and above and/or below the outer surface of the catheter 302, such as in the rounded groove between the lumens. The support wires 310 may reinforce the catheter 302 to provide strength to the catheter and counter or reduce compressive forces encountered by the device 100 during operation. The support wires 310 may comprise stainless steel or a shape memory material, such as Nitinol. Additionally or alternatively, the support wires 310 may comprise PEEK, superelastic Nitinol, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), or other metals or polymers with sufficient strength to resist compressive forces, or combinations thereof.

While the catheter sheath assembly 300 of FIGS. 3-4 is shown as including two support wires 310 on the top and the bottom of the catheter 302, it will be understood that the catheter sheath assembly 300 may have other assemblies and configurations. For example, the catheter sheath assembly 300 may include one support wire 310 underneath the catheter 302, one support wire 310 above the catheter 302, or three or more support wires 310 disposed at various locations around the outer surface of the catheter 302.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, the grasping devices 104 may be disposed through a distal end of the endoscope and the catheter sheath assembly 300. In some embodiments, the grasping devices 104 may be operated by a user at a proximal end of the endoscope via the actuation elements 208 extending through a channel located within and extending through the endoscope, such as via the actuation assembly 200. In other embodiments, the device 100 may be used during minimally invasive procedure with a suitable natural or artificially created orifice in the body. The device 100 is constructed and configured such that it may also be inserted into a subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to recruit target tissue, such as defected tissue. The device 100 may be configured to recruit tissue across large defects, such as tissue defects greater than 1 cm or tissue defects greater than 3 cm. In some embodiments, the device 100 is configured to recruit tissue across defects greater than 10 cm in diameter. Additionally, the device 100 may be configured to simultaneously recruit multiple sides of a defect, such as to achieve more consistent and circumferential closure of defects.

The device 100 can be used with any suitable or conventional endoscope or laparoscopic surgical equipment. For purposes of this disclosure, the device 100 is described in the context of use with an endoscope/colonoscope/sigmoidoscope type apparatus of conventional or suitable construction. However, the device may also be used in other manners, such as in any minimally invasive procedure with a suitable natural or artificially created orifice in the body. The scope is provided with an elongated body having a controllably flexible projecting end region. Surgical instruments, such as the device 100, may be introduced through an instrument channel, such as an accessory channel, which extends through the scope body, for recruiting tissue targeted by the surgeon manipulating the scope. The grasping devices 104 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that all the grasping devices 104 may be disposed through the same instrument or accessory channel of the endoscope.

Each grasping device 104 is configured to grasp tissue, such as defected tissue, such that the tissue recruiting device 100 may recruit the grasped tissue. The grasping devices 104 may be any suitable device for grasping tissue. For example, the grasping devices 104 may be forceps, clamps, hooks, pins, talons, helixes, or the like. Each of the tissue grasping devices 104 may be controlled by the actuation assembly 200, such as via the actuation element 208 to which the grasping device 104 is attached. In some embodiments, the grasping devices 104 are independently controllable via the actuation assembly 200.

The actuation assembly 200 may be operably connected to each grasping device 104 via one or more actuation elements 208. The actuation element 208 may be configured to control the translational and rotational movements of the respective grasping device 104. For example, the actuation elements 208 may be configured such that a user may position the grasping device 104, such as on a side of a defect, and deploy or otherwise manipulate the grasping device 104, such as to grasp tissue. The actuation elements 208 may be stiff or rigid enough to translate rotational and linear force to the grasping device 104, such as to aim and maintain the grasping device 104 at various positions and angles, during operation. The actuation elements 208 may also be flexible enough such that the actuation elements 208 may be disposed through a channel of the endoscope and/or the catheter 302 to the desired location and such that deployed or actuated grasping devices 104 may continue to grasp tissue as the endoscope and/or catheter sheath assembly 300 are manipulated. In some embodiments, the actuation elements 208 comprise polymers, such as ABS, PC, acrylic, or the like, plastic, or metals, such as stainless steel, Nitinol, or combinations thereof.

The actuation elements 208 may also be flexible enough such that the actuation elements 208 and the tissue recruiting assembly 102 may be extended to the desired location in a body, such as through the endoscope, and such that the endoscope may be maneuvered with the actuation elements 208 extending therethrough. The actuation elements 208 may also be stiff enough such that the actuation elements 208 may be operated to grasp tissue, such as described below. In some embodiments, the actuation elements 208 are solid core Nitinol wires with a diameter between about 0.018 inches (0.46 mm) and about 0.030 inches (0.76 mm), such as about 0.024 inches (0.61 mm). In some embodiments the actuation elements 208 provide one-to-one torque response over an endoscopic length, such that the distal end of the actuation element 208 rotates equivalently to rotation of the proximal end of the actuation element 208.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation assembly 200 is operably connected to each grasping device 104 via a single actuation element 208. However, it will be understood that the tissue recruiting device 100 may have other suitable configurations. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may be operably connected to each grasping device 104 via multiple actuation elements 208, such as an actuation element 208 configured to control the translation of the grasping device 104 and an actuation element 208 configured to control the rotation of the grasping device 104.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the actuation elements 208 are operably disposed through one or more sheaths 304 disposed between the actuation elements 208 and the catheter 302. Each actuation element 208 may extend through a separate sheath 304 or the actuation elements 208 may extended through a single sheath 304, such as a single sheath 304 with two lumens or a sheath 304 with a single lumen. The one or more sheaths 304 may cover the actuation elements 208, as well as any additional control or operational elements, as they are extended through the endoscope and/or the catheter 302. The sheaths 304 may be configured to reduce friction between the actuation elements 208 and/or between the actuation elements 208 and the catheter 302. The sheaths 304 may also be configured to prevent the actuation elements 208 from tangling within the catheter 302. For example, the sheaths 304 may be implemented in embodiments in which the actuation elements 208 are disposed through a single catheter 302. The one or more sheaths 304 may be a spring sheath, a reinforced composite sheath, and/or a tubing, such as a polymer tubing and/or hypotubing. The sheaths 304 may include a lubricating coating or liner disposed within the lumens of the sheaths 304. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, the actuation elements 208 may be relatively free floating within the one or more lumens of the catheter 302, such as without a sheath 304 extending therethrough.

The proximal end of each sheath 304 may be operably connected or otherwise coupled with the actuation assembly 200. The distal end of each sheath 304 may extend toward the respective grasping device 104. The sheaths 304 may be sized, shaped, or configured to accommodate the actuation elements 208 therethrough. For example, the sheaths 304 may be hollow to at least partially cover the actuation element 208. In some embodiments, such as in embodiments in which one of the grasping devices 104 is operated via an operational element, the sheaths 304 may also be sized, shaped, or configured to accommodate the operational element therethrough.

In some embodiments, such as in embodiments in which one or more grasping device 104 may be operated (e.g., opened and closed), the actuation element 208 may be hollow, shaped, or sized to at least partially encompass an operational element 290 coupled with the grasping device 104 and configured to operate the grasping device 104. The operational element 290 may be a drive cable, a torque cable, a hypotube, spring sheath, a catheter, or other suitable member configured to control the grasping device 104. For example, each operational element 290 may be configured to convey translational and/or rotational force to actuate the grasping device 104.

The operational element 290 may be movable, such as linearly movable and rotationally movable, relative to the actuation element 208 to control the function or operation of the grasping device 104 (e.g., opening and closing) separately from the translation and/or rotation of the grasping device 104. A proximal end of the operational element 290 may be operably coupled with the actuation assembly 200 such that a user may control the operation of the grasping device 104 via the actuation assembly 200. Each operational element 290 may be a metal actuation wire or tether configured to impart a translational force which controls the operation of the grasping device 104. For example, the grasping device 104 may include distal jaws normally disposed in a closed position, such as by a spring or other biasing element, and the distal movement of the operational element 290 relative to the grasping device 104 may open the jaws. When the operational element 290 is retracted relative to the grasping device 104 the jaws may move back to the closed position, such as to grasp tissue.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 includes an operational element 290 disposed through one of the actuation elements 208. However, it will be understood that the device 100 may have other configurations and assemblies. For example, the device 100 may not include an operational element 290 or an operational element 290 may be disposed through or alongside each of the actuation elements 208.

The actuation assembly 200 includes a body 202 configured to be grasped by a user. The proximal ends of the actuation elements 208 and the optional operational elements 290 may extend into or through the body 202. The actuation assembly 200 also includes a plurality of control actuators 230 operable to control the position, rotation, and operation of the grasping devices 104 via the actuation elements 208. Each of the actuation elements 208 and each of the operational elements 290 may be coupled with one or more control actuators 230 such that a user may control the position, rotation, and operation of the grasping devices via the control actuators 230. The control actuators 230 may be any suitable device by which a user may actuate to control the position and/or rotation of one of the actuation elements 208 or one of the operational elements 290. For example, the control actuators 230 may be push buttons, toggles, switches, levers, triggers, sliders, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation assembly 200 may include first or translational control actuators 230a operable to control the linear or translational position of one of the actuation elements 208, second or rotational control actuators 230b operable to control the rotational position of one of the actuation elements 208, and operational control actuators 230c operable to control the linear or translational position of one of the operational elements 290. For example, an operator may use the translational and rotational control actuators 230a, 230b to control the translational and rotational position of the grasping devices 104 via the actuation elements 208, such as to deploy the grasping devices 104 at the desired location. Optionally, an operator may also use the operational control actuators 230c to control the operation of the grasping devices 104 via the operational elements 290, such as to open and/or close the grasping devices 104 to grasp tissue.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation assembly 200 includes two translational control actuators 230a, two rotational control actuators 230b, and one operational control actuator 230c. However, the actuation assembly 200 may have other suitable configurations and assemblies. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may include any suitable number of translational control actuators 230a, rotational control actuators 230b, and operational control actuators 230c.

In the illustrated embodiment, each translational control actuator 230a is disposed near a proximal end of one of the actuation elements 208 proximally from the body 202 and each rotational control actuator 230b is disposed at the proximal end of one of the actuation elements 208 proximally from the translational control actuator 230a. Each translational control actuator 230a may be translationally fixed to the respective actuation element 208 such that translational movement of the translational control actuator 230a translates to translational movement of the actuation element 208. The actuation element 208 may be rotationally decoupled from the translational control actuator 230a such that the actuation element 208 may rotate independently from the translational control actuator 230a. The translational control actuator 230a may be depressed or otherwise moved toward the body 202, such as by a user, to distally extend the actuation element 208 and thereby position the grasping device 104.

The rotational control actuator 230b may be rotationally coupled with the respective actuation element 208 such that rotational movement of the rotational control actuator 230b translates to rotational movement of the actuation element 208. The rotational control actuator 230b may be rotated, such as by a user, to rotate the actuation element 208 and thereby rotate the grasping device 104. The rotational control actuator 230b may be rotated independently from the translational control actuator 230a.

The operational control actuator 230c may be disposed on a proximal side of the body 202, such as proximally to the translational and rotational control actuators 230a, 230b. The operational control actuator 230c may be directly or indirectly coupled with the operational element 290 to operate the operational element 290 to actuate the grasping device 104. The operational control actuator 230c may be coupled with the operational element 290 such that depression or activation of the operational control actuator 230c translates the operational element 290 to actuate the respective grasping device 104, such as to open or close the grasping device 104. The operational control actuator 230c may be coupled with the operational element 290 via a biasing element such that the operational control actuator 230c returns to the unactuated position when a user releases the operational control actuator 230c, thereby retracting the operational element 290.

However, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may have other suitable shapes, assemblies, and configurations. For example, the operational control actuator 230c may be disposed a different side of the body 202 from the other control actuators 230a, 230b, one or more of the control actuators 230 may be disposed along the body 202, the translational control actuators 230a may not be aligned with the rotational control actuators 230b, and/or the translational and rotational control actuators 230a, 230b may be coupled to the respective grasping device 104 via separate actuation elements 208. Additionally, one or more of the translational control actuators 230a, rotational control actuators 230b, and operational control actuators 230c may be combined. For example, the translational and rotational control actuators 230a, 230b may be combined into a single control actuator 230 operable to control the translational and rotational position of the grasping device 104 via the actuation element 208.

In operation, the actuation assembly 200 may be operated, such as by a user, to control the tissue recruiting assembly 102, such as to recruit tissue with one or more grasping devices 104. The grasping devices 104 may be disposed through a distal end of an endoscope (not shown) and the catheter sheath assembly 300. The actuation assembly 200 may be operated by a user at a proximal end of the endoscope via the actuation elements 208 and/or operational elements 290 extending through a channel located within and extending through the endoscope. The endoscope and/or the grasping devices 104 may be inserted through the subject such that the grasping devices 104 are disposed in a desired position, such as above an identified defect. Each grasping device 104 may be moved via the respective translational control actuator 230a, rotated via the respective rotational control actuator 230b, and/or actuated by the respective operational control actuator 230c to grasp the tissue. For example, a user may control the position of the grasping device 104 by positioning the distal end of the endoscope and sliding or otherwise moving the translational control actuator 230a to extend and/or retract the actuation element 208. The user may control the rotation of the grasping device 104 by rotating the respective rotational control actuator 230b. Optionally, the user may also control the operation of the grasping device 104, such as the opening and closing of the grasping device 104, by engaging and disengaging the operational control actuator 230c. After the grasping devices 104 grasp the tissue, the actuation assembly 200 may be used to recruit the grasped tissue proximally, such as to close a defect or to appose two sides of a defect such that a hemostatic device may be used to close the defect, such as by proximally retracting the translational control actuators 230a.

An exemplary method of operating the grasping devices 104 of the tissue recruiting assembly 102 is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D. As shown in FIG. 5A, the tissue recruiting assembly 102 may be positioned above a defect, such as via the catheter sheath assembly 300 and the endoscope. The grasping devices 104 may be extended from the distal end of the catheter 302 via the actuation elements 208. In some embodiments, the defect is identified and visualized using one or more cameras (not shown) operably connected to the endoscope. In the illustrated embodiment, a first grasping device 104a is coupled with a first actuation element 208a and a second grasping device 104b is coupled with a second actuation element 208b.

As shown in FIG. 5B, one of the grasping devices 104 may be deployed to engage tissue on a first side of the defect. The endoscope, the catheter 302, and/or the actuation element 208 may be manipulated such that the first grasping device 104a is oriented to face the first side of the identified defect. The actuation element 208a coupled with the first grasping device 104a may be translated and rotated, such as via one of the translational control actuators 230a and one of the rotational control actuators 230b of the actuation assembly 200, such that the first grasping device 104a engages and grasps the tissue on the first side of the defect. While not illustrated, the grasping device 104a may also be operated via an operational element 290, such as via one of the operational control actuators 230c of the actuation assembly 200, to grasp the tissue. The second grasping device 104b may remain relatively stationary relative to catheter 302 as the first grasping device 104a is deployed to grasp tissue.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the second grasping device 104b may be deployed to engage tissue on a second side of the defect. The endoscope, the catheter 302, and/or the second actuation element 208b may be manipulated such that the second grasping device 104b is oriented to face the second side of the identified defect. The second grasping device 104b may be independently controlled or operated from the first grasping device 104a to grasp tissue on the second side of the defect. The second actuation element 208b may be translated and rotated, such as via one of the translational control actuators 230a and one of the rotational control actuators 230b of the actuation assembly 200, such that the second grasping device 104b engages and grasps the tissue on the second side of the defect. The independent operation of the second grasping device 104b may permit the tissue recruiting device 100 to extend beyond the limits of standard recruiting devices to treat and close larger defects. For example, the flexibility of the tissue recruiting assembly 102, such as the actuation elements 208, and the independent operation of the grasping devices 104 may permit the device 100 to treat and close larger defects than standard recruiting devices. While not illustrated, the second grasping device 104b may also be operated by an operational element 290, such as via one of the operational control actuators 230c of the actuation assembly 200, to grasp the tissue. The first grasping device 104a may remain deployed to grasp tissue on the first side of the defect as the second grasping device 104b is deployed to grasp tissue on the second side of the defect.

While the device 100 has been described as deploying two grasping devices 104a, 104b to grasp tissue, it will be understood that more than two grasping devices 104 may be deployed on multiple sides of the defect. For example, the device 100 may include more than two grasping devices 104 or more grasping device 104 may be loaded into the device 100 to be subsequently deployed after the first two grasping devices 104a, 104b are deployed to grasp tissue.

As shown in FIG. 5D, one or both grasping devices 104a, 104b may be retracted by proximally retracting the one or more respective actuation elements 208a, 208b to recruit the grasped tissue. For example, one or both of the translational control actuators 230a may be actuated to proximally retract the actuation elements 208a, 208b. The grasping devices 104a, 104b may continue to grasp the tissue as the grasping devices 104 are retracted. The retraction of one or both grasping devices 104a, 104b may substantially close the defect or appose the sides of the defect so that a hemostatic device may be deployed to close the defect. In some embodiments, the grasping devices 104a, 104b may be retracted into a locked position such that the grasping devices 104a, 104b are substantially fixed relative to the catheter 302.

After the grasping devices 104a, 104b have been retracted to recruit the targeted tissue, a tissue closure mechanism, such as a cinch or clip, may be disposed around the recruited tissue to treat and/or substantially close the defect. The tissue closure mechanism may be deployed around the grasping devices 104a, 104b grasping tissue. For example, the tissue recruiting assembly 102 may be used with an over-the-scope (OTS) clip or a through-the-scope (TTS) clip to close the defect. In embodiments including an OTS clip, the grasping devices 104 may retract and recruit tissue into the OTS housing. In embodiments including a TTS clip, the grasping devices 104 may recruit the tissue into the distal end of the catheter 302. The OTS clip may be released (deployed) via the actuation assembly 200 or may be released via a separate controller.

In some embodiments, after the recruited tissue has been cinched with a tissue closure mechanism, such as an OTS or TTS clip, the grasping devices 104 and/or the actuation elements 208 may be decoupled or otherwise disengaged from the tissue. For example, the operational element 290 may be actuated to open the grasping device 104 to release the tissue. The grasping devices 104 and/or the actuation elements 208 may be withdrawn or otherwise retracted from the closed defect.

The grasping devices 104 may be end effectors capable of grasping target tissue, such as via one or more actuation elements 208 and/or one or more operational elements 290. As shown in FIG. 6, the tissue recruiting assembly 102 includes a first grasping device 104a having a plurality of helical coils 114 extending in a spiral or corkscrew manner and a second grasping device 104b having at least one movable jaw 113. The helical coils 114 of the first grasping device 104a may be configured to grasp tissue as the first grasping device 104a is spiraled or screwed into the tissue. The movable jaw 113 of the second grasping device 104b may be opened and closed to grasp tissue. The grasping devices 104a, 104b may be operated via the actuation assembly 200 of FIGS. 1-2.

The first grasping device 104a may be operated via a first actuation element 208a operable to translate and rotate the first grasping device 104a such that the first grasping device 104a grasps tissue. For example, the first actuation element 208a may translate and rotate the first grasping device 104a, such as via the actuation assembly 200, such that the first grasping device 104a spirals or screws into tissue such that the first grasping device 104a grasps the tissue.

The second grasping device 104b may be operated via a second actuation element 208b and an operational element 290. The second actuation element 208b may translate and rotate the second grasping device 104b, such as via the actuation assembly 200, such that the second grasping device 104b is properly positioned above target tissue. The operational element 290 may be distally extended, such as by actuation of the operational control actuator 230c, such that the second grasping device 104b grasps tissue, such as tissue on the other side of a defect from the first grasping device 104a. The distal extension of the operational element 290 may rotate the movable jaw 113 about a pivot such that the movable jaw 113 opens to grasp tissue. After the tissue is positioned between the movable jaw 113 and the remainder of the second grasping device 104b, the operational element 290 may be proximally retracted (e.g., the operational control actuator 230c may be released) such that the movable jaw 113 pivots closed with the tissue grasped between the movable jaw 113 and the remainder of the second grasping device 104b. Further, the grasping device 104 may have more than one movable jaw 113, such as two movable jaws 114 that rotate about a central pivot. In the illustrated schematic, the operational element 290 extends outside the actuation element 208. However, it will be understood that the operational element 290 may extend through the interior of the actuation element 208.

While the illustrated embodiment includes a first grasping device 104a with helical coils 114 operable by one actuation element 208a and a second grasping device 104b with a movable jaw 113 operable by an actuation element 208b and an operational element 290, it will be understood that the device 100 may have other assemblies and configurations.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-19C the tissue recruiting device 100 includes an actuation assembly 200 according to one embodiment configured to independently maneuver and operate the one or more grasping devices 104. In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 200 is operable to control the position and rotation of the grasping device 104, such as to grasp tissue with the grasping device 104. The actuation assembly 200 may also be configured to actuate or otherwise control the operation of each grasping device 104, such as to open and close the grasping device 104 to grasp tissue.

The actuation assembly 200 may be operable to independently control two grasping devices 104, such as grasping devices 104 with helical coils 114 (e.g., FIG. 18), to independently grasp tissue at different locations, such as on opposite sides of a defect. The actuation assembly 200 includes a body 202 extending from a proximal end 204 to a distal end 206. The body 202 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the body 202 may be comfortably grasped in the hand of a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 202 of the actuation assembly 200 is substantially cylindrical with a narrowed distal portion. However, it will be understood that the body 202 may be other shapes and configurations suitable for a user to grasp during operation. While the device 100 has been described as grasping opposite sides of a defect, it will be understood that tissue may be grasped at other locations. For example, the device 100 may be used to grasp tissue in the center of a defect.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, the body 202 includes a first half 202a and a second half 202b which are joined together to form the body 202. In some embodiments, the first and second halves 202a, 202b may be coupled together via fasteners, welding, adhesives, press-fitting, snap-fitting, or the like. The body 202 may be separated into first and second halves 202a, 202b such that the body 202 may be assembled around the actuation elements 208.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 10-11, the actuation assembly may also include a cover 228 configured to be at least partially disposed around the body 202. The cover 228 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the cover 228 may be comfortably grasped in the hand of a user. In some embodiments, the cover 228 is configured to retain the first and second halves 202a, 202b of the body 202 together when the cover 228 is disposed around the body 202. The proximal end of the cover 228 may be substantially open or hollow such that the cover 228 may be slid over the body 202 and such that the actuation elements 208 may be manipulated, such as described below.

FIGS. 12-14 show the body 202 with the second half 202b removed. The body 202 includes a first channel 210 extending the length of the body 202 from the proximal end 204 to the distal end 206. The body 202 also includes a second channel 214 extending the length of the body 202 from the proximal end 204 to the distal end 206. The first and second channels 210, 214 are each configured to receive one of the actuation elements 208. In some embodiments, the first and second channels 210, 214 are disposed substantially equidistant to the middle of the body 202 with the first channel 210 mirroring the second channel 214.

The first channel 210 defines a first proximal opening 212 (e.g., FIG. 9) in the proximal end 204 of the body 202 and the second channel 214 defines a second proximal opening 216 in the proximal end 204 of the body 202. The first and second proximal openings 212, 216 are each sized, shaped, and configured to permit the actuation element 208 to extend proximally out of the respective channel 210, 214. In some embodiments, the first and second proximal openings 212, 216 are larger than the actuation elements 208, such as to receive an actuation sheath therethrough, as described below. The first and second proximal openings 212, 216 may be spaced apart a distance and/or angled apart from one another, such to allow each actuation element 208 to be independently controlled, as described below.

The first and second channels 210, 214 may each include a first portion 218 extending distally from the respective proximal opening 212, 216. The first portions 218 of the first and second channels 210, 214 may extend substantially straight from the respective proximal opening 212, 216. The first and second channels 210, 214 may each also include a second portion 220 extending distally from the first portion 218. The second portions 220 of the first and second channels 210, 214 may be curved or otherwise angled such that the distal ends of the first and second channels 210, 214 are disposed adjacent to each other at the distal end 206 of the body 202. The first portions 218 of the first and second channels 210, 214 may have a width larger than a width of the second portions 220. For example, the second portions 220 of the channels 210, 214 may be sized to receive one of the actuation elements 208 therethrough and the first portions 218 may be sized to receive one of the actuation elements 208 and an additional component, such as an actuation sheath, therethrough.

The second portions 220 of the first and second channels 210, 214 may terminate at a distal opening 222. The distal opening 222 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that actuation elements 208 may extend from each of the first and second channels 210, 214 through the distal opening 222. While the body 202 has been described as including a single distal opening 222, it will be understood that the body 202 may include a distal opening 222 for each channel 210, 214.

The actuation assembly 200 may also include a control actuator 230 coupled with the proximal end of each actuation element 208. Each control actuator 230 may be operable to control the position and rotation of one of the actuation elements 208 grasping devices 104, as described below. Each control actuator 230 may be operable to independently control the position and rotation of the respective actuation element 208. Each control actuator 230 may be fixed to the proximal end of the respective actuation element 208. In some embodiments, each control actuator 230 is welded to the proximal end of the respective actuation element 208. In other embodiments, the control actuators 230 are coupled to the proximal ends of the actuation elements 208 via adhesives, fasteners, over-molding, press-fitting, snap-fitting, or other similar methods.

Each control actuator 230 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that it may be twisted by a user, such as between the user's thumb and first finger, to control the rotation of the grasping device 104. The control actuators 230 may be sized, shaped, and configured to be ergonomic for the user, make it easier to rotate and translate the control actuators 230 and actuation elements 208, and make it easier for a user to complete a rotation without straining his/her fingers or hand. Each control actuator 230 may also have a width larger than the proximal openings 212, 216 such that abutment between the control actuator 230 and the proximal end 204 of the body 202 may prevent the proximal end of the respective actuation element 208 from being extended distally into the body 202. As shown in FIG. 15, the control actuators 230 are substantially elongated hexagons. The elongated hexagonal shape of the control actuators 230 may allow a user to grip and rotate the control actuators 230, such as between a finger and a thumb, and also still feel comfortable and round to a user. However, it will be understood that the control actuators 230 may have any suitable shape. For example, the control actuators 230 may be circular, ovular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, oblong, or other suitable shape.

While the actuation assembly 200 has been described as having two channels 210, 214 and two control actuators 230, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may have other suitable configurations. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may have one or three or more channels and one or three or more control actuators 230, such as corresponding to the number of grasping devices 104.

As shown in FIG. 16, the actuation assembly 200 may also include an actuation sheath 224 disposed around the proximal end of each actuation element 208 and coupled with the respective control actuator 230. The actuation sheaths 224 may be configured to assist in the control of the grasping device 104 during operation. For example, the actuation sheath 224 may limit the translational actuation distance of the grasping device 104 and/or may assist in transferring torque from the control actuator 230 to the actuation element 208. The actuation sheaths 224 may have an outer diameter sized to allow the actuation sheaths 224 to translate and rotate within the first portions 218 of the channels 210, 214. The actuation sheaths 224 may also have an outer diameter which prevents the actuation sheaths 224 from translating into the second portions 220 of the channels 210, 214, thereby providing a limit to the actuation distance of the actuation elements 208. The first portion 218 of the channels 210, 214 and/or the actuation sheaths 224 may have a length corresponding to the desired translational actuation distance of the actuation elements 208 and the grasping devices 104.

In some embodiments, the proximal openings 212, 216 have a narrower diameter than the first portions 218 of the channels 210, 214. The proximal openings 212, 216 may be sized such that the actuation sheaths 224 (or actuation element 208 in embodiments without actuation sheaths 224) may translate and rotate within the channels 210, 214. The narrower size of the proximal openings 212, 216 may center the actuation sheath 224 and/or the actuation element 208 in the channel 210, 214 such that the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 is spaced apart from the walls of the channels 210, 214. The reduced contact with the walls of the channel 210, 214 may reduce the friction between the channels 210, 214 and the actuation sheaths 224 and/or actuation elements 208. The narrower proximal openings 212, 216 may also help ensure that the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 stays in the channel 210, 214.

The actuation sheaths 224 may each be a substantially hollow tube with an inner diameter configured to permit the proximal end of the actuation element 208 to extend therethrough. Each actuation sheath 224 may comprise stainless steel. Additionally or alternatively, the actuation sheaths 224 comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, a composite structure of these materials, or other suitable materials that allow for adequate stiffness for actuation, or combinations thereof. The proximal ends of the actuation element 208 and the actuation sheath 224 may be fixed to the control actuator 230 such that the actuation element 208 and actuation sheath 224 each translate and rotate with the translation and rotation of the control actuator 230. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the actuation element 208 is molded into the respective actuation sheath 224.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15, each control actuator 230 includes a bore 232 extending proximally into the distal end of the control actuator 230. The bore 232 may be configured to receive the proximal ends of the actuation element 208 and the actuation sheath 224. The bore 232 may have a shape and a diameter substantially corresponding to the outer surface of the actuation sheath 224. The proximal ends of the actuation sheath 224 and the actuation element 208 may be fixed to the inner surface and/or a proximal end of the bore 232 to couple the control actuator 230 with the actuation sheath 224 and the actuation element 208. While the control actuator 230 and actuation sheaths 224 have been described as separate components, it will be understood that the control actuators 230 and actuation sheaths 224 may be integrated into a single component (e.g., FIGS. 38A-38B).

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17A, the actuation element 208 extends through the actuation sheath 224 in a non-linear manner. For example, the actuation element 208 may meander in the actuation sheath 224 in an up and down and left and right manner such that the actuation element 208 is prevented or otherwise restricted from being retracted from the actuation sheath 224. The non-linear extension of the actuation element 208 through the actuation sheath 224 may further secure the actuation element 208 in the actuation sheath 224. The actuation sheath 224 may include one or more abutments 226 disposed within the interior of the actuation sheath 224 which cause the actuation element 208 to form a non-linear position when inserted into the actuation sheath 224 and/or which prevent or otherwise restrict the actuation element 208 from being linearly retracted from the actuation sheath 224. In other embodiments, the actuation sheath 224 may not include abutments 226 and the actuation element 208 may be molded into the actuation sheath 224 in a non-linear manner, such as via the use of core pins which are removed after the molding process.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17B-17C, one or more actuation elements 208 may have a non-circular cross-section, such as to reduce friction between the actuation element 208 between the catheter 302 and/or the sheath 304. For example, the actuation elements 208 may have a cross-section which decreases the surface area of the actuation element 208 in contact with the catheter 302 and/or sheath 304, such as during operation of the device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation element 208 has a substantially rectangular cross-section that is twisted. However, it will be understood that the actuation element 208 may have other shapes to decrease the friction between the catheter 302 and/or the sheath 304. For example, the actuation element 208 may be ovular, elliptical, triangular, hexagonal, D-shaped, crescent-shaped, pie-shaped, grooved, or other suitable shape.

As shown in FIGS. 17B-17C, the actuation element 208 may also be twisted to further decrease the frictional contact between the actuation element 208 and the catheter 302 and/or the sheath 304. It will be understood that the twisting of the actuation element 208 also encompasses actuation elements 208 with helical and spiraled profiles. The twist of the actuation element 208 may also make it easier for a user to identify that the actuation element 208 is turning. Further, the twist of one of the actuation elements 208 may help a user identify which actuation element 208 is being operated. For example, as shown in FIG. 17C, a first actuation element 208a with a rectangular cross-section that is twisted along the length of the actuation element 208a is coupled with a first grasping device 104a and a second actuation element 208b with a substantially circular cross-section is coupled with a second actuation element 104a. The difference in shapes between the first and second actuation elements 208a, 208b may assist a user in identifying which actuation element 208a, 208b and which grasping device 104a, 104b is being operated, such as via the actuation assembly 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuation element 208a has a rectangular cross-section that is twisted along the length of the actuation element 208 and the second actuation element 208b is substantially circular. However, it will be understood that both actuation elements 208 may have a rectangular cross-section that is twisted along the length of the actuation element 208.

In some embodiments, the catheter 302 may be configured to increase the compressive resistance of the catheter 302 during operation. As shown in FIGS. 17D-17G, the catheter 302 may be a spring sheath wound into a spiraled coil with a plurality of compressions 303 disposed along the length of the catheter 302. The compressions 303 may be formed by winding the coil into a narrower spiral at predetermined intervals along the length of the catheter 302.

The catheter 302 may also include a plurality of struts 305 extending across the cross-section of the catheter 302 at predetermined intervals. The struts 305 may be formed by bending the coil across the cross-section of the catheter 302 which may create the compressions 303. The struts 305 may be substantially aligned such that the struts 305 separate the catheter 302, such as into lumens, such as to prevent the actuation elements 208 from tangling during operation. The struts 305 may define pseudo-lumens extending through the catheter 302. In some embodiments, only the distal coil of the catheter 302 is bent to form a strut 305, such as to separate the actuation elements 208 at the distal end of the device 100 and prevent the actuation elements 208 from tangling during operation.

As shown in FIG. 18, the actuation assembly 200 may be operable with two grasping devices 104 with helical coils 114 configured to be spiraled into tissue to grasp the tissue. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation assembly 200 includes a first control actuator 230a coupled with a first actuation sheath 224a and a first actuation element 208a to control the operation of a first grasping device 104a. The actuation assembly 200 also includes a second control actuator 230b coupled with a second actuation sheath 224b to control the operation of a second actuation element 208b. The first actuation element 208a and the first actuation sheath 224a may extend through the first channel 210 and the second actuation element 208b and the second actuation sheath 224b may extend through the second channel 214. The actuation assembly 200 is operable to independently control the deployment of the first and second grasping devices 104a, 104b. While the actuation assembly 200 is illustrated as independently controlling two grasping devices 104 with helical coils 114, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may be operable to control other types of grasping devices 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 19A-19C, the actuation assembly 200 may be moved from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configuration. The control actuators 230 of the actuation assembly 200 may be manipulated, such as by a user, to control the translation and rotation of the actuation elements 208 as the actuation assembly 200 is moved from the unactuated position to the actuated position. The control actuators 230 may be independently operated, such as to independently control grasping devices 104 to grasp target tissue. For example, the control actuators 230 may be independently operated to translate and rotate the first and second actuation elements 208a, 208b such that the helical coils 114 of the first and second grasping devices 104a, 104b (FIG. 18) spiral into tissue to securely grasp the tissue.

As shown in FIG. 19A, in the unactuated position, the control actuators 230a, 230b are disposed a distance from the body 202, such as a distance in which the grasping devices 104 are disposed near the distal end of the catheter 302. The actuation elements 208a, 208b extend through the channels 210, 214 of the body 202 with the proximal ends of the actuation elements 208a, 208b spaced a distance from the proximal end 204 of the body 202.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the actuation assembly 200 may be moved from the unactuated position to a partially actuated position, such as to secure one of the grasping devices 104 on a first side of a defect. The first control actuator 230a may be actuated to move the first grasping device 104a to grasp target tissue at a first location. The first control actuator 230a may be depressed and/or rotated, such as by a user, to translate and rotate the first actuation element 208a. For example, the first control actuator 230a may be depressed and rotated to translate and rotate the first actuation element 208a such that the first grasping device 104a (FIG. 18) spirals into and grasps tissue on the first side of the defect.

The first actuation sheath 224a may control the translational distance of the first actuation element 208a and the grasping device 104. The first actuation sheath 224a may be sized, shaped, or configured such that the actuation sheath 224 may translate and rotate within the first portion 218 of the first channel 210 and such that the first actuation sheath 224a is prevented from translating into the second portion 220 of the first channel 210. For example, the first actuation sheath 224a may have an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the second portion 220 of the first channel 210. The narrower diameter of the second portion 220 may prevent the first actuation sheath 224a from being distally extended beyond the first portion 218 of the first channel 210. The abutment of the distal end of the first actuation sheath 224 and the proximal end of the second portion 220 of the first channel 210 may prevent further distal movement of the first actuation sheath 224 and the first actuation element 208a, such as to control the linear actuation distance of the first control actuator 230a, thereby controlling the translational movement of the grasping element 104a.

As shown in FIG. 19C, the actuation assembly 200 may be moved from the partially actuated position to the fully actuated position. While the actuation assembly 200 is in the partially actuated position, the endoscope and/or the catheter sheath assembly 300 may be manipulated such that the second grasping device 104b is substantially aligned with a second location, such as the second side of the defect. The first grasping device 104a may remain in grasping engagement at the first location (e.g., the first side of the defect). The second control actuators 230b may be actuated to move the second grasping device 104b to grasp the target tissue at the second location. The second control actuator 230b may be depressed and/or rotated, such as by a user, to translate and rotate the second actuation element 208b. For example, the second control actuator 230b may be depressed and rotated to translate and rotate the actuation element 208b such that the second grasping device 104b (FIG. 18) spirals into and grasps tissue on the second side of the defect. The second actuation sheath 224b may also be sized, shaped, and configured to control the linear actuation distance of the second control actuator 230b via abutment with the proximal end of the second portion 220 of the second channel 214, similarly to the first actuation sheath 224a.

While the actuation assembly 200 has been described as deploying the first grasping device 104a via the first control actuator 230a and then deploying the second grasping device 104b via the second control actuator 230b, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may be actuated in other manners. For example, the second control actuator 230b may be actuated to deploy the second grasping device 104b before the first grasping device 104a is deployed, the first and second control actuators 230a, 230b may be operated substantially simultaneously, or one or both of the control actuators 230a, 230b may be operated in reverse to detach the grasping devices 104a, 104b, such as if the grasping device 104a, 104b was not properly deployed, in which case, the control actuator 230a, 230b may be subsequently actuated to maneuver the grasping device 104a, 104b to grasp or otherwise reacquire tissue.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 200 may be operated to release the grasp of one or both of the grasping devices 104 from the tissue, such as if one or both of the grasping device 104a, 104b are improperly disposed or positioned in tissue. If it is determined that one or both of the grasping devices 104a, 104b are improperly positioned, the control actuators 230a, 230b may be manipulated, such as by a user, to release the grasp of the one or more grasping devices 104a, 104b on the tissue. To release each grasping device 104, the respective control actuator 230 may be proximally retracted from the body 202 such that the grasping devices 104 are retracted from the tissue and/or the control actuator 230 may be rotated such that the grasping devices 104 are released from the tissue. For example, the control actuator 230 may be rotated in the direction opposite from the direction that the control actuator 230 is rotated to engage tissue.

In some embodiments, after the actuation assembly 200 has been moved to the fully actuated position such that the grasping devices 104 grasp tissue on multiple sides of a defect, the actuation assembly 200 may be operated to recruit the grasped tissue, such as to deploy a closure mechanism. After the grasping devices 104 have been properly deployed in tissue, the control actuators 230 may be translated proximally such that the actuation elements 208 and the grasping devices 104 are retracted toward the actuation assembly 200. The control actuators 230 may be retracted back to the unactuated position (FIG. 19A). The retraction of the actuation elements 208 and the grasping devices 104 may recruit the grasped tissue toward the catheter 302. After the tissue is recruited, a closure mechanism, such as a clip, may be disposed around the recruited tissue, such as to close the defect.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-30B and FIGS. 36A-38G, the actuation assembly 200 may also include one or more biasing elements 234 configured to maintain the linear and rotational position of the actuation element 208 in the respective channel 210, 214, such as without user manipulation or control. In some embodiments, the biasing element 234 extends into the first and second channels 210, 214 such that the biasing element 234 contacts the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 extending through the respective channel 210, 214. The biasing element 234 may exert a biasing force on each of the actuation elements 208 to prevent or otherwise restrict the actuation element 208 from translating and rotating within the respective channel 210, 214. In other embodiments, the biasing element 234 is configured to maintain the control actuators 230 in a desired position. The biasing element 234 may be an additional element or may form a portion of the body 202.

As shown in FIGS. 20-26, the biasing element 234 may be a leaf spring. The biasing element 234 may be bulb-shaped or elliptical and disposed in a proximal portion of the body 202 such that the lateral sides of the biasing element 234 extend into each of the channels 210, 214. The proximal end of the biasing element 234 may be bent or crimped such that the lateral sides of the biasing element 234 may exert a biasing force on the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224 extended through the channels 210, 214 to prevent or otherwise restrict the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224 from translating and/or rotating in the channel 210, 214 without user manipulation. The biasing element 234 may comprise stainless steel or plastic, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the body 202 includes a biasing element receiving portion 236 configured to receive the biasing element 234. The biasing element receiving portion 236 may be disposed substantially between the channels 210, 214 near the proximal end 204 of the body 202. The biasing element receiving portion 236 may be a recess extending into the adjacent faces of the first and second halves 202a, 202b of the body 202. The biasing element receiving portion 236 may be sized, shaped, and configured to receive the biasing element 234 in a normal or unbiased position such that the lateral sides of the biasing element 234 extend into each of the channels 210, 214. The biasing element receiving portion 236 may also be sized, shaped, and configured to permit the biasing element 234 to depress or otherwise conform when the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224 is extended through the channel 210, 214 such that the biasing element 234 may exert a biasing force on the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224. The biasing element receiving portion 236 may also retain the biasing element 234 such that the biasing element 234 is held in place at a proximal portion of the body 202 and prevents the biasing element 234 from moving around in the body 202.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 200 also includes a cap 238 configured to be inserted or otherwise disposed in the proximal end 204 of the body 202. The cap 238 may be configured to couple the first and second halves 202a, 202b of the body 202 together. The cap 238 may also leave space in the body 202 for the biasing element 234 to be inserted after the halves 202a, 202b have been locked together, such as for ease of manufacturing. As shown in FIGS. 27A-27B, the cap 238 may include prongs 240 extending distally with flanges or projections which engage with detents in the proximal ends of the first and second halves 202a, 202b. When the cap 238 is inserted into the proximal end 204 of the body 202, the prongs 240 may couple with the detents of the first and second halves 202a, 202b to couple the first and second halves 202a, 202b together.

The cap 238 may also close the proximal end 204 of the body 202 and assist in aligning the actuation elements 208. In some embodiments, the cap 238 includes a cutout 242 on each side of the cap 238. Each cutout 242 may define an edge or side of one of the proximal openings 212, 216. In some embodiments, the cap 238 may abut or otherwise contact the biasing element 234 such that the biasing element 234 remains in the desired position within the body 202, such as in the biasing element receiving portion 236. For example, the cap 238 may abut the biasing element 234 such that the biasing element 234 remains in position within the body 202 when the biasing element 234 moves between the relaxed position and the biasing position. The cap 238 may include a ledge 244 extending between the prongs 240 and defining a space, such as a slot, between the ledge 244 and the proximal end of the cap 238. The proximal end of the biasing element 234 may include projections extending radially inwardly toward a center of the body 202 and separated by a gap. When the biasing element 234 is disposed in the biasing element receiving portion 236 and the cap 238 is coupled to the proximal end 204 of the body 202, the radially inward projections of the biasing element 234 may extend around the ledge 244 and into the gap between the ledge 244 and the proximal portion of the cap 238. The disposition of the projections of the biasing element 234 in the gap of the cap 238 may maintain the biasing element 234 in the biasing element receiving portion 236 as the biasing element 234 is moved between the relaxed position and the biasing position, such as to ensure the radially inward projections of the biasing element 234 are in a bent position to maintain the shape of the biasing element 234.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 28, the actuation sheaths 224 may include a groove or narrowed portion 246 near the distal end of the actuation sheath 224. The narrowed portion 246 may be a rounded or grooved channel extending circumferentially around a distal portion of the actuation sheath 224 and extending radially inwardly from the remainder of the outer surface of the actuation sheath 224. When the actuation assembly 200 is in the unactuated configuration, the actuation sheaths 224 may be inserted into the first and second channels 210, 214 with the narrowed portion 246 of each actuation sheath 224 disposed adjacent to the biasing element 234. The disposition of the narrowed portion 246 adjacent to the biasing element 234 may permit the biasing element 234 to move to its relaxed state, such as when the device 100 is packaged. The narrowed portion 246 may also be disposed a predetermined distance from the control actuator 230, such as a distance from the control actuator 230 corresponding to the starting or undeployed position of the grasping devices 104. In embodiments without actuation sheaths 224, the actuation elements 208 may include a similar narrowed portion 246.

While the actuation assembly 200 has been described as including a single, leaf spring biasing element 234 disposed in the biasing element receiving portion 236, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may have other suitable configurations and assemblies to maintain the translational and/or rotational positions of the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224 extending through the channels 210, 214. For example, the biasing element 234 may be a helical spring, a coil spring, a worm gear, or an assembly thereof, or other device configured to exert a biasing force on the one or more actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224 or may be a portion of the body 202, as described below. Additionally, while the actuation assembly 200 has been described as including a single biasing element 234 configured to exert a biasing force on each of the actuation elements 208, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may include one or more biasing elements 234 configured to exert a biasing force on one or more actuation elements 208.

The actuation assembly 200 may also include one or more biasing elements 234 configured to prevent accidental operation of the actuation assembly 200 and/or to return the control actuator 230 to the starting position, such as to recruit the grasped tissue toward the catheter 302. As shown in FIG. 29, the actuation assembly 200 includes a biasing element 234 disposed around each actuation element 208 between the proximal end 204 of the body 202 and the distal end of the respective control actuator 230. The biasing elements 234 may be helical springs disposed around the actuation elements 208 such that the actuation elements 208 may rotate within the biasing elements 234. In the relaxed or unbiased position, the biasing elements 234 may space the control actuators 230 from the proximal end 204 of the body 202 such that the grasping devices 104 are substantially disposed in the undeployed position. As the control actuators 230 are manipulated to control the position and rotation of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104, the biasing elements 234 may compress such that the grasping devices 104 may be deployed to grasp tissue.

While the actuation assembly 200 has been described as including an additional biasing element 234 operable to impart a biasing force on the actuation elements 208 which may maintain the position and rotation of the actuation element 208, the actuation assembly 200 may include other configurations and assemblies for maintaining the position and rotation of the actuation elements 208, such as when the user releases the control actuators 230. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 30A-30B, the biasing element 234 may be one or more biasing projections 248 of the body 202 extending laterally into or across one of the channels 210, 214. Each biasing projection 248 may extend laterally from an outer portion of the body 202 at least partially across one of the channels 210, 214. The biasing projections 248 may be molded or cut into the body 202, such as into the halves 202a, 202b. The biasing projections 248 may be connected to the body 202 laterally beyond the respective channel 210, 214 and may extend medially (e.g., laterally inwardly) into the respective channel 210, 214. Each biasing projection 248 may be pivotable from a normal or relaxed position in which the biasing projection 248 pivots upwardly into the channel 210, 214 and a flexed position in which the biasing projection 248 pivots downwardly such that the biasing projection 248 is disposed below the remainder of the channel 210, 214.

The biasing projections 248 may be biased or otherwise configured to normally project radially inwardly in the channels 210, 214 to engage the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 disposed through the respective channel 210, 214. In some embodiments, the top surface of the biasing projection 248 includes an engagement portion configured to engage the outer surface of the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 disposed in the channel 210, 214. When the biasing projections 248 engage with the actuation elements 208 and/or the actuation sheaths 224, the biasing projections 248 may exert a compressive and/or frictional force on the actuation elements 208, thereby preventing or otherwise restricting the actuation elements 208 and/or the actuation sheaths 224 from translating and/or rotating. In some embodiments, the biasing projections 248 have a surface that is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to correspond to the size and shape of the actuation elements 208 or the actuation sheaths 224 such that the biasing projections 248 prevent or otherwise restrict the actuation elements 208 and/or the actuation sheaths 224 from translating and/or rotating when the biasing projections 248 are engaged with the actuation elements 208 and/or the actuation sheaths 224. The biasing projections 248 are configured to flex or otherwise bend radially outwardly from the channel 210, 214 when the actuation element 208 is manipulated by a user. When the biasing projections 248 are flexed away or otherwise disengaged from the actuation element 208, the actuation element 208 may translate and rotate within the channel 210, 214.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuation elements 208, the actuation sheaths 224, and/or the channels 210, 214 of the body may be sized, shaped, and configured to maintain the position and rotation of the actuation elements 208, such as when the user releases the control actuators 230. For example, each actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 may include one or more radially outward extending protrusions and/or one or more radially extending indents disposed along the length and around the outer surface of the proximal portion of the actuation element 208. The protrusions and indents may be formed by creating grooves or channels in the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224. The body 202 may correspondingly include one or more radially inward extending indents and one or more radially outward extending protrusions disposed along the length and around the inner surface of the channels 210, 214. The protrusions and/or indents of the actuation element 208 may correspond with the indents and/or protrusions of the body 202 at various positions and rotations of the actuation element 208 with respect to the body 202. The interaction of the protrusions and/or indents of the actuation element 208 with the indents and/or protrusions of the body 202 may prevent or otherwise restrict the linear and rotational movement of the actuation element 208 from such a position. The interaction may also provide detectable feedback to a user regarding the movement of the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224, as described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-34B, the actuation assembly 200 may include one or more clamps 250 configured to prevent or otherwise restrict the translational and rotational movement of the actuation elements 208, such as via frictional engagement with the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224. As shown in FIG. 31, the clamp 250 may be disposed in the body 202 between the channels 210, 214. The clamp 250 extends at least partially into each channel 210, 214 such that the clamp 250 may contact each actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 disposed through the channels 210, 214. The clamp 250 may be sized, shaped, and configured to impart a frictional force on the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224 disposed through the channels 210, 214. The frictional force may be large enough such that the engagement between the clamp 250 and the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 maintains the linear and rotational position of the actuation element 208 in the channel 210, 214, such as when an operator has released the control actuator 230. The frictional force may also be small enough that the actuation element 208 may easily be moved and rotated within the channel 210, 214, such as by an operator via the control actuator 230. While the illustrated embodiment includes a single clamp 250 disposed in the body 202 to maintain the position and rotation of each of the actuation elements 208, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may have other configurations and assemblies. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may include a separate clamp 250 configured to extend into each channel 210, 214 and/or the actuation assembly 200 may include clamps 250 disposed at two or more locations along the length of the channels 210, 214. In some embodiments, the clamp 250 is biased to control the translation and rotation of the actuation element 208, such as by a spring.

As shown in FIG. 32A-32B, the clamp 250 may be operably coupled to the proximal ends of each of the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224 (not shown), such as the portions of each actuation element 208 between the body 202 and the control actuator 230, to maintain the translational and rotational position of the actuation elements 208. The clamp 250 may have two or more engagement portions with each engagement portion configured to be disposed substantially around a proximal portion of one of the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224. The engagement portions may be substantially circular with a slit configured such that the engagement portion may be disposed around the outside surface of one of the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheath 224. The inner surface of the engagement portions may have a liner, such as an elastomer liner, configured to impart a frictional force on the respective actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224. The clamp 250 may maintain the rotational and translational positions of the actuation elements 208 when each engagement portion of the clamp 250 are disposed around the actuation elements 208. The engagement portions may be disposed around the actuation elements 208, such as after the actuation elements 208 have been linearly and rotationally positioned, and the clamp 250 may impart a frictional force on the actuation elements 208 sufficient to maintain the translational and rotational position of the actuation elements 208.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuation assembly 200 may include a clamp 250 configured to be disposed around the control actuators 230 to maintain the translational and/or rotational position of the actuation elements 208. The clamp 250 may include one or more bores configured to receive the control actuator 230. Each bore may be sized, shaped, and configured to be placed over one of the control actuators 230 and to impart a frictional force on the control actuator 230 to prevent or otherwise restrict the control actuator 230 from rotating. The inner surface of each bore may have a liner, such as an elastomer liner, configured to impart a frictional force on the respective control actuator 230. Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface of each bore may include teeth or gripping members which engage the control actuators 230. The clamp 250 may be disposed around the control actuator 230, such as after the actuation elements 208 have been rotationally positioned, and the clamp 250 may impart a frictional force on the control actuators 230 sufficient to maintain the rotational position of the actuation elements 208.

As shown in FIG. 33, the actuation assembly 200 may include a clamp 250 disposed around each actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 (not shown). Each clamp may be substantially tubular and operable to slide along the length of the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224. During operation, the clamps 250 may be disposed between the body 202 and the respective control actuator 230 such that the control actuator 230 may be manipulated to control the translation and rotation of the actuation element 208. After one of the control actuators 230 has been manipulated to translate and/or rotate the respective actuation element 208, such as to deploy one of the grasping devices 104 to grasp tissue, the respective clamp 250 may be slid distally along the actuation element 208 such that the clamp 250 is partially disposed in the respective proximal opening 212, 216. The clamp 250 may be disposed between the proximal opening 212, 216 and the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 such that translational and rotational position of the actuation element 208 is maintained. For example, the clamp 250 may wedge between the edge of the proximal opening 212, 216 and the actuation element 208 or actuation sheath 224 such that the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 is prevented or otherwise restricted from rotating and translating.

After one of the control actuators 230 has been manipulated and the respective clamp 250 has been moved to maintain the position of the respective actuation element 208, the process may be repeated with the other control actuator 230 and the other clamp 250. Additionally, either or both clamps 250 may be proximally retracted from the respective proximal opening 212, 216 such that the actuation elements 208 may be translated and/or rotated via the respective control actuator 230. In some embodiments, the inner and/or outer surface of the clamps 250 include protrusions or slots which correspond with protrusions and slots of the channels 210, 214, the proximal openings 212, 216, the actuation elements 208, and/or the actuation sheaths 224 such that the clamp 250 operably interlocks with the body 202, the actuation element 208, and/or the actuation sheath 224 to prevent or otherwise restrict the translation and rotation of the actuation element 208.

As shown in FIGS. 34A-34B, the body 202 may include two clamps 250 disposed on the proximal end 204 of the body 202 on either side of the actuation elements 208, such as near the proximal openings 212, 216. The clamps 250 may be slidable along the proximal end 204 of the body 202 between a first position in which the clamps 250 are spaced apart from the actuation elements 208 (FIG. 34A) and a second position in which the clamps 250 contact the actuation elements 208 (FIG. 34B). When the clamps 250 are in the first position, the actuation elements 208 are relatively unconstrained and may be translated and rotated freely. When the clamps 250 are in the second position, the clamps 250 may at least partially surround the actuation elements 208 such that the rotational and translational positions of actuation elements 208 are maintained without user intervention. In such embodiments, the actuation elements 208 may have oblong cross-sections such that the clamps 250 maintain a better hold of the actuation elements 208.

Each clamp 250 may be independently movable, such as to independently lock either actuation element 208. In some embodiments, the clamps 250 are slidable by a user. In other embodiments, the clamps 250 are biased, such as by a spring, toward the actuation elements 208 such that the clamps 250 engage the actuation elements 208 without user manipulation. Additionally, any of the clamps 250 of FIGS. 31-33, may be biased, such as via a spring, to contact the actuation elements 208 and/or and apply force to the actuation elements 208 to prevent or otherwise restrict the actuation elements 208 from moving or rotating.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuation assembly 200 may include other configurations or assemblies configured to retain the position and/or rotation of the actuation elements 208. In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 200 includes a clasp disposed around the actuation elements 208 distal to the body 202 and operable to engage with the body 202. The clasp may be operably engaged with the actuation elements 208 to prevent or otherwise restrict the movement and/or rotation of the actuation elements 208, such as via friction or an interference fit with the actuation elements 208. The actuation assembly 200 may also include an engagement element, such as a slider, button, or the like, disposed on an outer surface of the body 202 or cover 228 and operable to engage one of the one or more clamps 250 with the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may include an engagement element on the proximal end 204 of the body 202 and operable to laterally engage and disengage a clamp 250 around the outer surface of the respective actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224 to maintain the position and rotation of the actuation element 208.

Additionally or alternatively, the channels 210, 214 of the body 202 may be sized, shaped, and configured to impart a frictional force on the actuation elements 208 to maintain the linear and/or rotational position of the actuation elements 208 without input from a user. For example, the inner surface of the channels 210, 214 or a liner placed on the inner surface of the channels 210, 214 may include a plurality of protrusions or teeth which impart a frictional force on the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheath 224. The liner may be a woven wire which is disposed through the channel 210, 214. The protrusions or teeth may be disposed on opposing sides of the channel 210, 214 such that protrusions or teeth impart a compressive or frictional force on opposing sides of the actuation element 208 and/or actuation sheath 224. The frictional and/or compressive forces may be large enough such that the linear and rotational position of the actuation elements 208 are maintained without input from a user. The frictional and/or compressive forces may also be small enough such that the actuation element 208 may easily be moved and rotated within the channel 210, 214, such as by an operator via the control actuator 230.

Further, the actuation element 208 or the actuation sheath 224 may include a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly which control the position and rotation of the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224. The fins may engage with the surface of the channel 210, 214 and have a configuration which permits the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224 to be easily rotated in one direction (e.g., the deployment direction) and which prevents or restricts rotation in the opposite direction (e.g., the release direction). The fins may be configured to maintain the position and rotation of the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224 until a sufficient force is provided, such as by a user, to rotate and/or translate the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224. The fins may also be configured to flip or change direction when sufficient force is applied such that the actuation elements 208 may rotate smoothly in the opposite direction.

As shown in FIG. 35, the actuation assembly 200 may include a lock 292 configured to operably maintain the rotation and translation of the actuation elements 208 distally from the body 202. The actuation elements 208 may extend from the channels 210, 214 and through the lock 292. The lock 292 may be coupled with the body 202 and/or the cover 228. The lock 292 may be movable between an unlocked position in which the actuation elements 208 may be translated and rotated through the lock 292 and a locked position in which the rotation and translation positions of the actuation elements 208 are maintained. The lock 292 may have a constriction opening that is operable by rotation of the lock 292. For example, the lock may be rotated from the unlocked position such that the constriction opening closes around the actuation elements 208 in the locked position such that the actuation elements 208 are prevented or otherwise restricted from rotating or translating through the lock 292. In other embodiments, the lock 292 may be squeezable or compressible to move from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 36A-38G, the actuation assembly 200, such as the actuation elements 208 and/or the actuation sheaths 224, may be configured to provide detectable feedback, such as tactile and/or auditory feedback, regarding the movement of the actuation element 208. The feedback may notify an operator at intervals of the amount the actuation element 208 has rotated and/or the amount the actuation element 208 has linearly translated. For example, the biasing element 234 may abut the outer surface of the actuation sheath 224 or the actuation element 208 during operation to create audio and/or tactile feedback as the actuation element 208 is translated and/or rotated. While the illustrated embodiments describe the feedback as being generated by the biasing element 234, the feedback may be similarly generated by a clamp 250 (e.g., FIG. 31).

As shown in FIGS. 36A-36B, the actuation elements 208 may have a non-circular cross section such that abutment between the actuation element 208 and the biasing element 234 produces feedback, such as a click, at rotational intervals of the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224, such as each time the actuation element 208 is rotated a given amount. The actuation element 208 may have a width in relation to the biasing element 234 that varies as the actuation element 208 is rotated within the channel 210, 214. For example, the actuation element 208 may be ovular, triangular, rectangular, or otherwise oblong such that the width of the actuation element 208 varies in relation to the biasing element 234 as the actuation element 208 is rotated. The actuation element 208 may have a first width or diameter at a first rotational position and a different second width or diameter at a second rotational position such that the variation between the first and second widths or diameters produces feedback which informs an operator of the rotation of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104.

It will be understood that the actuation elements 208 of any of the other embodiments may be similarly ovular, triangular, rectangular, or otherwise oblong. The actuation elements 208 may have a cross-sectional shape that is different than the cross-sectional shapes of the channels 210, 214 or the lumens of the catheter 302. For example, the channels 210, 214 or the lumens of the catheter 302 may be circular and the actuation elements 208 may be oblong. The difference in shapes of actuation elements 208 from the channels 210, 214 or the lumens of the catheter 302 may reduce friction between the actuation elements 208 and the channels 210 and/or the lumens of the catheter 302, such as when the actuation elements 208 are translated and/or rotated.

As shown in FIG. 36A, the actuation elements 208 may have a first width or diameter in a first rotational position such that the actuation elements 208 do not contact the biasing element 234. As shown in FIG. 36B, the actuation elements 208 may have a second width or diameter in a second rotational position such that the actuation elements 208 contact the biasing element 234. When one of the actuation elements 208 is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the contact between the actuation element 208 and the biasing element 234 may create an audible click and/or tactile feedback. The feedback may inform an operator of the amount the actuation element 208 has been rotated.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuation element 208 and/or the biasing element 234 may include one or more projections which produce similar feedback as the actuation element 208 is rotated a given amount. The feedback may correspond to a tissue engagement depth based upon the number of rotations of the grasping device 104. For example, the actuation elements 208 and the biasing element 234 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that contact between the biasing element 234 and one of the actuation elements 208 produces audible and/or tactile feedback every 90 degrees, every 180 degrees, or every 360 degrees that the actuation element 208 is rotated.

While the detectable feedback has been described as being created by contact between the biasing element 234 and one of the actuation elements 208, it will be understood that the feedback may be created in other manners. For example, the actuation sheath 224 may have similarly varying widths or diameters which may contact the biasing element 234 to produce feedback regarding the rotation of the actuation element 208. Additionally, the body 202 of the actuation assembly 200 may be configured to similarly engage the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224 to produce feedback as the actuation element 208 is rotated.

As shown in FIGS. 37A-37B, the actuation elements 208 may include one or more protrusions 252 extending radially outwardly from the remainder of the actuation element 208 and/or one or more recesses 254 extending radially inwardly from the remainder of the actuation element 208 such that the biasing element 234 produces detectable feedback, such as a click, each time the actuation element 208 is translated a given interval or distance. The protrusions 252 and the recesses 254 may extend circumferentially around the actuation element 208. The protrusions 252 may have a width that contacts the biasing element 234 when the protrusion 252 is laterally aligned with the biasing element 234 and the recesses may have a width that does not contact the biasing element 234 when the recess 254 is laterally aligned with the biasing element 234. The variation in widths along the longitudinal axis of the actuation element 208 may produce feedback which informs an operator of the translation of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104.

As shown in FIG. 37A, the actuation elements 208 may be disposed in the channels 210, 214 in a stationary position in which the protrusions 252 and recesses 254 are proximal to the biasing element 234. As shown in FIG. 37B, the actuation elements 208 are distally extended through the channels 210, 214 such that one of the protrusions 252 contacts the biasing element 234. The contact between the protrusion 252 and the biasing element 234 may produce feedback which informs the operator that the actuation element 208 has been extended a given distance. As the actuation elements 208 are subsequently extended through the channels 210, 214 the biasing element 234 may alternate between not contacting the recesses 254 and contacting the subsequent protrusions 252. The number of times the feedback has occurred, such as the number of clicks, may inform an operator of the distance the actuation element 208 has been extended.

The protrusions 252 and recesses 254 may also be configured to control the movement of the actuation element 208 during operation. The protrusions 252 may be configured to contact the biasing element 234 such that the translational and/or rotational position of the actuation element 208 is maintained when the biasing element 234 abuts or otherwise contacts the protrusions 252. For example, the protrusions 252 may be disposed at varying positions along the length of the actuation element 208 such that the translational and rotational position of the actuation element 208 may be locked or otherwise maintained at various positions. The actuation element 208 may be translated and rotated relatively freely when the recesses 254 are aligned with the biasing element 234.

As shown in FIGS. 38A-38G, the actuation assembly 200 may include biasing elements 234 extending into each channel 210, 214, such as to control the position and rotation of the actuation sheaths 224 and/or actuation elements 208, as described above. The biasing elements 234 and/or actuation sheaths 224 may also be sized, shaped, and configured to produce detectable feedback when the actuation sheaths 224 are rotated at predetermined intervals. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing elements 234 are rounded, flexible portions of the body 202 which extend partially into the channels 210, 214 to contact the actuation sheaths 224 extending therethrough. The biasing elements 234 may be internally molded polymer springs molded into the body 202. The actuation sheaths 224 are integral with the actuation elements 208. The actuation sheaths 224 may be a polymer over-molded onto the actuation element 208. The actuation sheaths 224 may comprise a polymer, stainless steel, or a polymer and stainless steel composite assembly.

Each biasing element 234 includes a tab or protrusion 235 (FIG. 38G) which extends into the adjacent channel 210, 214 and may contact the actuation sheath 224 as the actuation sheath 224 is rotated in the channel. Each actuation sheath 224 may include a longitudinal channel 245 extending the length of the actuation sheath 224 (FIG. 38F). The longitudinal channel 245 may be substantially flat. The longitudinal channels 245 and biasing elements 234 are configured such that the biasing element 234 may flex outwardly and the protrusion 235 may contact the longitudinal channel 245 when the actuation element 208 is rotated into a position in which the longitudinal channel 245 is aligned with the biasing element 234. The longitudinal channels 245 and biasing elements 234 are also configured such that the biasing element 234 may flex inwardly or disengage from the longitudinal channel 245 and protrusion 235 may contact the other portions of the outer surface of the actuation sheath 224 when the longitudinal channel 245 is rotated out of alignment with the biasing element 234.

As the actuation sheaths 224 are rotated in the channel 210, 214, the contact between the biasing elements 234 and the actuation sheaths 224 produces feedback detectable by a user at rotational intervals of the actuation elements 208 and/or actuation sheaths 224, such as each time the biasing elements 234 engage with and/or disengage from the longitudinal channels 245. For example, the contact between the biasing elements 234 and the actuation sheaths 224 may produce a clicking sound and/or tactile feedback each time the biasing elements 234 engage with and/or disengage from the longitudinal channel 245, such as every 360 degrees that the control actuator 230 and actuation sheath 224 are rotated. In the illustrated example, the actuation sheaths 224 each include one longitudinal channel 245. However, it will be understood that the actuation sheaths 224 may include other numbers of longitudinal channels 245. For example, the actuation sheaths 224 may include two longitudinal channels 245 on opposite sides of the actuation sheath 224 such that feedback is generated each time the control actuator 230 and actuation sheath 224 are rotated 180 degrees, the actuation sheaths 224 may include three longitudinal channels 245 equally spaced around the actuation sheath 224 such that feedback is generated each time the control actuator 230 and actuation sheath 224 are rotated 120 degrees, or the actuation sheaths 224 may include four longitudinal channels 245 equally spaced around the actuation sheath 224 such that feedback is generated each time the control actuator 230 and actuation sheath 224 are rotated 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 38F, each control actuator 230 includes an extrusion 247 extending laterally from one side of the control actuator 230. The extrusions 247 may indicate the relative rotational position of the respective actuation sheath 224, actuation element 208, and grasping device 104 to a user, such as in relation to the user's fingers during operation. The extrusions 247 may be disposed on the control actuators 230 such that extrusions 247 extend up or down when the control actuators 230, actuation sheaths 224, actuation elements 208, and/or grasping devices 104 are in an undeployed and unrotated position, such as the position when the device 100 is packaged. As the control actuator 230, actuation sheath 224, and actuation element 208 are rotated, the extrusion 247 may rotate around the actuation sheath 224 to indicate the relative orientation of the grasping device 104. While the extrusions 247 have been described as extending from the control actuators 230 it will be understood that the extrusions 247 may similarly extend from the side of the actuation sheath 224.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 38E, the cover 228 includes windows 249 disposed at the distal end of the cover 228. The windows 249 may make it easier to injection mold the cover 228. The windows 249 may also make it easier for a user to grasp the cover 228 during operation. The windows 249 may also reduce the overall cost of the device 100 and reduce the materials required to assemble the device 100.

While the feedback has been described as being created by contact between the biasing element 234 and one of the protrusions 252, it will be understood that the feedback may be created in other manners. For example, the actuation sheath 224 may have similarly varying widths or diameters which may contact the biasing element 234 to produce feedback regarding the translation of the actuation element 208. Additionally, the body 202 of the actuation assembly 200 may be configured to similarly engage the actuation element 208 and/or the actuation sheath 224 to produce feedback as the actuation element 208 is translated.

While the actuation assembly 200 of FIGS. 38A-38G has been described producing feedback regarding either rotation of the actuation element 208 or translation of the actuation element 208, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may be configured and assembled to produce feedback regarding both rotation and translation of the actuation element 208. For example, the actuation elements 208 may have varying widths or diameters at different rotational positions for producing feedback regarding rotation of the actuation element 208 and also include protrusions 252 and/or recesses 254 for producing feedback regarding translation of the actuation element 208. Additionally, any of the other actuation assemblies 200 described herein may include the biasing elements 234, protrusions 235, longitudinal channels 245, and extrusions 247 described in FIGS. 38A-38G.

As shown in FIG. 39, the actuation assembly 200 may include a strain relief tube 260 and a distal coupler 262. The strain relief tube 260 may be disposed around the one or more catheters 302 and the actuation elements 208. The strain relief tube 260 may have an inner diameter larger than the catheter 302 such that the strain relief tube 260 may be disposed around at least a proximal portion of the catheter 302. The strain relief tube 260 may be operable to reduce the stress and/or strain of the catheter 302 and/or actuation elements 208 during operation, such as to prevent the catheter 302 and/or actuation elements 208 from buckling during operation. The strain relief tube 260 may comprise HDPE, PTFE, LDPE, PE, or other similar polymer, shape memory metal, such as Nitinol, stainless steel, a heat shrink, over-molded polymer tubing, flexible metal, or the like, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the strain relief tube 260 comprises HDPE. In some embodiments, the strain relief tube 260 extends from the proximal end of the catheter 302 to the distal end of the catheter 302. In other embodiments, the strain relief tube 260 extends along a proximal portion of the catheter 302.

The distal coupler 262 is configured to couple the body 202 or the cover 228 with the catheter 302 and/or the strain relief tube 260. The distal coupler 262 may be coupled to the body 202, the cover 228, the catheter 302, and/or the strain relief tube 260 via adhesives, welding, fasteners, over-molding, heat staking, or the like, or combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the distal coupler 262 is over-molded onto the catheter 302 and/or the strain relief tube 260 and is press-fit or snap-fit into the distal end of the cover 228. In some embodiments, the distal coupler 262 includes one or more ribs 264. The proximal end of the distal coupler 262 may include a rib 264 configured to maintain the rotational and positional coupling of the cover 228 and the distal coupler 262. For example, the rib 264 may fit in a slot of the cover 228 to prevent rotation of the catheter 302 relative to the body 202 and cover 228. The distal end of the distal coupler 262 may also include one or more ribs 264 configured to increase the rigidity of the distal coupler 262 during operation.

In some embodiments, the tissue recruiting device 100, such as the actuation assembly 200, may include markings or other indicia to assist operators in identifying and operating the grasping devices 104a, 104b, such as during a procedure. In some embodiments, one of the first and second grasping devices 104a, 104b (FIG. 18) includes markings or other indicia to assist operators in identifying between the first and second grasping devices 104a, 104b. In other embodiments, the first grasping device 104a includes first markings or indicia and the second grasping device 104b includes second markings or indicia different than the first markings or indicia to assist operators in identifying between the first and second grasping devices 104a, 104b. For example, the first grasping device 104a may have a different color than the second grasping device 104b. In some embodiments, the corresponding catheter 302 (or lumen of the catheter 302) and/or the corresponding actuation element 208 may also include markings or other indicia corresponding to the grasping devices 104a, 104b to assist operators in identifying between the first and second grasping devices 104a, 104b.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 200 may also include markings or other indicia to assist operators in identifying the components of the actuation assembly 200 for controlling the respective grasping devices 104a, 104b, such as during operation. For example, the shroud 170, one or more of the corresponding translational control actuators 230a, rotational control actuator 230b, and optional operational control actuators 230c may include markings or other indicia which correspond to the corresponding grasping device 104a, 104b.

Referring now to FIGS. 40-50, the actuation assembly 200 may have other configurations and assemblies for independently controlling the grasping devices 104. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may have a different number of control actuators 230, a different configuration or combination of control actuators 230, a different number of bodies 202, and different methods of independently translating, rotating, and, optionally, operating the grasping devices 104 via the actuation elements 208 and operational elements 290.

As shown in FIG. 40, the actuation assembly may have translational control actuators 230a for independently controlling the translation of the actuation elements 208 and separate rotational control actuators 230b for independently controlling the rotation of the actuation elements 208. The translational control actuators 230a may be sliders which are translationally coupled to the distal end of the actuation elements 208 such that the translational position of the actuation elements 208 may be controlled via translation of the respective control actuator 230a. The rotational control actuators 230b may be rotating wheels which are rotationally coupled with the actuation elements 208 such that the rotational position of the actuation elements 208 may be controlled via rotation of the respective control actuator 230b.

The body 202 includes two longitudinal slots 280 toward the proximal end of the body 202. The longitudinal slots 280 may extend through the body 202. Each longitudinal slot 280 is configured to receive one of the translational control actuators 230a such that the translational control actuator 230a may slide within the longitudinal slot 280. In some embodiments, the longitudinal slots 280 have a length in the longitudinal direction substantially equivalent to the desired translational actuation distance of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104.

The body 202 also includes a lateral slot 282 distal to the longitudinal slots 280. The lateral slot 282 is configured to receive the rotational control actuators 230b in a lateral arrangement such that each rotational control actuator 230b may be independently rotated in the lateral slot 282. While the body 202 has been described as including a single lateral slot 282 for receiving both control actuators 230b, it will be understood that the body 202 may include a lateral slot 282 for each control actuator 230b or the lateral slots 282 may be proximal to the longitudinal slots 280. Further, the body 202 may include a biasing element, such as a spring, disposed in the lateral slots 282 and operable to bias the rotational control actuator 230b, such as to provide linear and rotational control.

The channels of the body 202 may be configured such that each actuation element 208 extends through one of the rotational control actuators 230b in the lateral slot 282 and couples with the translational control actuator 230a disposed in the corresponding longitudinal slot 280. Each actuation element 208 extends through the respective rotational control actuator 230b such that the actuation element 208 may translate proximally and distally through the rotational control actuator 230b. Each actuation element 208 is coupled with the rotational control actuator 230b such that the rotation of the rotational control actuator 230b translates into rotation of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104. For example, the rotational control actuator 230b may have an internal channel with a size, shape, or configuration operable with the size, shape, and configuration of the actuation element 208 to rotate the actuation element 208 while permitting the actuation element 208 to translate freely through the rotational control actuator 230b.

The proximal end of each actuation element 208 couples with the respective translational control actuator 230a such that the translation of the respective translational control actuator 230a in the longitudinal slot 280 translates into translation of the actuation element 208 and the corresponding grasping device 104. The actuation element 208 may be coupled with the translational control actuator 230a such that the actuation element 208 may rotate independently within the translational control actuator 230a. For example, the proximal end of the actuation element 208 may be coupled to the translational control actuator 230a via a ball-and-socket joint, bearings, a rotary coupling, a slip ring, or other rotationally permissible coupling.

The body 202 may be mirrored such as to allow for better alignment of grasping devices 104 during operation. In some embodiments, the control actuators 230a, 230b extend through the body 202 such that the control actuators 230a, 230b are accessible from either side of the body 202.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 41A-41B, the actuation assembly 200 may include control actuators 230 linearly arranged along the length of the body 202 with each control actuator 230 operable to control the translation and rotation of one of the grasping devices 104. For example, the control actuators 230 may be linearly aligned such that the body 202 is slimmer and easier to hold.

The body 202 may include two longitudinal slots 280 longitudinally aligned between the proximal and distal ends of the body 202. Each longitudinal slot 280 includes a control actuator 230 slidably disposed within the longitudinal slot 280. Each control actuator 230 is independently slidable in the respective longitudinal slot 280 to operably control the translation of one of the actuation elements 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation assembly 200 includes a first actuation element 208a and a second actuation element 208b. As shown in FIG. 41B, the actuation elements 208a, 208b may be vertically offset from each other.

Each longitudinal slot 280 may include a guide rail 278 extending the length of the longitudinal slot 280. Each control actuator 230 may be slidably disposed on one of the guide rails 278 and the control actuator 230 may be rotated on the guide rail 278 to operably rotate the actuation element 208. Each longitudinal slot 280 may have a length in the longitudinal direction substantially equivalent to the desired translational actuation distance of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104.

The first actuation element 208a extends proximally through the body 202 and couples with the distal control actuator 230. The proximal end of the first actuation element 208a may be translationally and rotationally coupled with the distal control actuator 230. For example, the first actuation element 208a may be coupled with the distal control actuator 230 such that the first actuation element 208a translates as the distal control actuator 230 slides along the guide rail 278 and rotates with rotation of the distal control actuator 230.

The second actuation element 208b may extend proximally through the body 202 below the control actuators 230, as shown in FIG. 41B. The second actuation element 208b may extend into a channel or slot of the body 202. The proximal end of the second actuation element 208b may be coupled with the proximal control actuator 230 via one or more gears 274 (e.g., FIGS. 41B, 46A-47B; such as with a gear box 276). The gears 274 may translate with the translation of the proximal control actuator 230 and may be configured to rotate with rotation of the proximal control actuator 230. The second actuation element 208b may be translationally and rotationally coupled with the proximal control actuator 230 via the gears 274. For example, the second actuation element 208b may be coupled with the proximal control actuator 230 such that the second actuation element 208b translates as the proximal control actuator 230 slides along the guide rail 278 and rotates with rotation of the proximal control actuator 230 via the gears 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end of the second actuation element 208b is coupled to the proximal control actuator 230 with two or more gears 274 disposed in series such that the second actuation element 208b rotates in the same direction as the proximal control actuator 230.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-44, the actuation assembly 200 may include more than one body 202 with each body 202 configured to independently control one of the grasping devices 104.

As shown in FIG. 42, the actuation assembly 200 includes two bodies 202 each having a translational control actuator 230a operable to control the translation of one of the actuation elements 208 and a rotational control actuator 230b operable to control the rotation of the other actuation element 208. Each body 202 may include a longitudinal slot 280 configured to receive one of the translational control actuators 230a such that the translational control actuator 230a may slide within the longitudinal slot 280. In some embodiments, the longitudinal slots 280 have a length in the longitudinal direction substantially equivalent to the desired translational actuation distance of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104. The translational control actuator 230a may be coupled with one of the actuation elements 208 such that translation of the actuation element 208 transfers to the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104. In some embodiments, the translational control actuator 230a may be configured to rotate within the longitudinal slot 280 with rotation of the actuation element 208.

The longitudinal slot 280 extends through an opening at the proximal end of the body 202. Each rotational control actuator 230b includes a stem 286 which extends proximally into the longitudinal slot 280 and couples with the proximal end of the actuation element 208. The stem 286 may be coupled with the proximal end of one of the actuation elements 208 such that rotation of the rotational control actuator 230b transfers to the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104. The stems 286 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the rotational control actuators 230b may remain coupled to the actuation elements 208 as the actuation element 208 are translated. In some embodiments, the translational control actuators 230a may be omitted and the rotational control actuators 230b may be operable to control the translation and rotation of the actuation elements 208.

As shown in FIG. 43, one or more of the bodies 202 of the actuation assembly 200 of FIG. 43 may be operable to independently control the translation and rotation of one of the grasping devices 104 as well as the operation (e.g., opening and closing) of the grasping devices 104. Each body 202 may include an operational control actuator 230c disposed at the proximal end of the body 202 and including a stem 286 extending into longitudinal slot 280 to couple with a proximal end of the respective operational element 290. Each operational control actuator 230c may be coupled with an operational element 290 such that movement of the operational control actuator 230c may control the operation of the grasping device 104 coupled with the operational element 290.

Each actuation element 208 may couple with one of the control actuators 230 disposed in the longitudinal slot 280. The control actuators 230 may be slidable and rotatable within the longitudinal slot 280 such that the rotation and translation of the control actuator 230 transfers to the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104. In some embodiments, the operational elements 290 extend through the control actuators 230 such that the actuation elements 208 may rotate and translate independently from the operational control actuators 230c and such that the operational elements 290 may be maneuvered independently from the control actuators 230.

In some embodiments, one or more of the bodies 202 may include a biasing element 234 configured to keep the control actuators 230 in the unactuated position when the biasing element 234 is in the relaxed or normal state. For example, the biasing element 234 may be a helical coil configured to bias the control actuator 230 into the unactuated position and which may be compressed when the control actuator 230 is distally translated to operate the grasping device 104. The actuation element 208 and the operational element 290 may extend through the biasing element 234 such that the operational element 290 may be translationally coupled with the operational control actuator 230c and the actuation element 208 may be translationally and rotationally coupled with the control actuator 230. The operational control actuators 230c may be similarly biased with a biasing element 234 disposed between the body 202 and the operational control actuator 230c.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 43, the actuation assembly 200 includes one or more locks 292 operable to lock or otherwise prevent the rotation and/or translation of the actuation element 208 and/or the operational element 290. The locks 292 may be disposed along the actuation element 208 and the operational element 290 between one of the bodies 202 and the catheter 302. The lock 292 may be movable between an open configuration which permits the actuation element 208 and the operational element 290 to translate and rotate therethrough and a closed configuration which substantially maintains the translational and rotational positions of the actuation elements 208 and/or operational elements 290 disposed therethrough. For example, the lock 292 may be a constriction orifice or valve which may be rotated to close the orifice such that the lock 292 moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the lock 292 may maintain the translation and rotation of the actuation element 208 when the lock is in the closed position while allowing the operational element 290 to be operated, such as when the operational element 290 extends through the interior of the actuation element 208.

In the schematic illustration, each lock 292 is disposed between the bodies 202 and the catheter 302. However, it will be understood that the locks 292 may be disposed in other manners. For example, the locks 292 may be coupled with the distal ends of the bodies 202 or with the proximal end of the catheter 302. Additionally, any of the other actuation assemblies 200 may include one or more locks 292 operable to maintain the translation and/or rotation of the actuation elements 208 and/or the operational elements 290.

As shown in FIG. 44, the actuation assembly 200 includes two bodies 202 each having a control actuator 230 operable to control the translation and rotation of the actuation element 208. Each control actuator 230 includes a stem 286 which extends distally into a channel 210 extending through the body 202. The channel 210 may have a distal opening sized and shaped to receive the actuation element 208 therethrough and to prevent the stem 286 from distally extending out of the channel 210. The channel 210 also has a proximal opening sized and shaped to receive the stem 286 of the control actuator 230 therethrough. The stem 286 is operable to translate and rotate within the proximal portion of the channel 210. The actuation elements 208 may each extend from the distal end of the channel 210 and into the catheter 302.

The actuation element 208 may be coupled with the control actuator 230 such that the control actuator 230 is operable to control the translation and rotation of the actuation element 208. The control actuator 230 is coupled with the actuation element 208 such that rotation of the control actuator 230 transfers to the actuation element 208. The stem 286 is linearly translatable within the proximal portion of the channel 210 to control the translation of the actuation element 208. The stem 286 and/or the channel 210 may be sized, shaped, and configured such that the stem 286 is longitudinally movable within the channel 210 a distance substantially equivalent to the desired translational actuation distance of the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104. The two control actuators 230 of the two bodies 202 may be independently operated to independently control the translation and rotation of the respective actuation element 208 and grasping device 104.

Each body 202 may include one or more rings 288 configured for an operator to grasp during operation, such as to grasp while the operator manipulates the respective control actuator 230. For example, the operator may insert fingers through each of the rings 288 to control the body 202 and use his/her thumb or other hand to translate and/or rotate the control actuator 230.

While the actuation assemblies 200 of FIGS. 42-44 have been described as including two substantially similar bodies 202 to deploy the grasping devices 104, it will be understood that the actuation assembly 200 may have other configurations and assemblies. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may have a first body 202 with one or more control actuators 230 operable to control the translation and rotation of a first grasping device 104, such as a grasping device 104 with helical coils 114, and a second body 202 with one or more control actuators 230 operable to control the translation, rotation, and operation of a second grasping device 104, such as a grasping device 104 with a movable jaw 113 which may be opened and closed to grasp tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-47A, the actuation assembly 200 may include a single translational control actuator 230a operable to control the linear position of the actuation elements 208, a single rotational control actuator 230b operable to control the rotation of the actuation elements 208. The actuation assembly 200 may also include a single operational control actuator 230c operable to control the operation of the grasping devices 104, such as opening and closing the grasping devices 104.

As shown in FIG. 45, the actuation assembly 200 includes a first actuation element 208a and a first operational element 290a extending into the body 202 on a first side and a second actuation element 208b and a second operation element 290b extending into the body 202 on a second side. The first actuation element 208a and first operational element 290a may be operable to control the operation of a first grasping device 104a and the second actuation element 208b and second operational element 290b may be operable to control the operation of a second grasping device 104b.

The translational control actuator 230a is slidable on a guide rail 278 within a longitudinal slot 280 to control the translational position of either actuation element 208a, 208b. The operational control actuator 230c is slidable on another guide rail 278 within another longitudinal slot 280 to control the translational position of either operational element 290a, 290b. The rotational control actuator 230b is a rotational wheel disposed at the proximal end of the body 202 and configured to control the rotation of either actuation element 208a, 208b.

The actuation assembly 200 also includes a selector 272 that is slidably disposed within a lateral slot 282. The selector 272 may be slidable between a first position (e.g., left), a second position (e.g., middle), and a third position (e.g., right). When the selector 272 is in the first position, the control actuators 230a, 230b, 230c may be coupled with the first actuation element 208a and the first operational element 290a such that the first grasping device 104a may be operated. When the selector 272 is in the third position, the control actuators 230a, 230b, 230c may be coupled with the second actuation element 208b and the second operational element 290b such that the second grasping device 104b may be operated. When the selector 272 is in the second position, the control actuators 230a, 230b, 230c may be decoupled from the actuation elements 208a, 208b and the operational elements 290a, 290b, such as to reset the positions of the control actuators 230a, 230b, 230c.

As shown in FIGS. 46A-46C, the selector 272 may operably couple the translational control actuator 230a to the first actuation element 208a (FIG. 46A), the second actuation element 208b (FIG. 46C), or neither actuation element 208 (FIG. 46B). The selector 272 may be coupled with the translational control actuator 230a and the translational control actuator 230a may be slidable on a guide rail 278. As the selector 272 is moved in the lateral slot 282, the translational control actuator 230a may be coupled with the first actuation element 208a (FIG. 46A), the second actuation element 208b (FIG. 46C), or neither actuation element 208 (FIG. 46B). When the translational control actuator 230a is coupled with either actuation element 208a, 208b the actuation element 208a, 208b may translationally move in concert with the translational control actuator 230a. The operational control actuator 230c may be similarly controlled by the selector 272 to selectively couple with the first operational element 290a, the second operational element 290b, or neither operational element 290.

As shown in FIGS. 47A-47B, the selector 272 may operably couple the rotational control actuator 230b to the first actuation element 208a (FIG. 47A), the second actuation element 208b (FIG. 47B), or neither actuation element 208 (e.g., a position between FIGS. 47A and 47B). The selector 272 may be coupled with one or more gears 274 that slide or rotate with the selector. As the selector 272 is moved in the lateral slot 282, the gears 274 may rotate or slide such that the rotational control actuator 230b is rotationally coupled with the first actuation element 208a, the second actuation element 208b, or neither actuation element 208.

In some embodiments, the selector 272 may also be operable to control the directional coupling between the control actuators 230a, 230b, 230c and the actuation elements 208 and the operational elements 290, such as between forward and reverse. In the illustrated embodiment, the selector 272 is a slider. However, the selector 272 may have other shapes, assemblies, and configurations. For example, the selector 272 may be a lever or arm, a rotatable dial, or the like.

While the control actuator 230a operable to control the linear position of the actuation elements 208 has been described as a slider, the control actuator 230a may have other configurations and assemblies. For example, the control actuator 230a may be a linear pull trigger coupled to a handle that a user may actuate by squeezing the trigger into the handle, a tangentially extending arm that may be actuated by pivoting the arm about a portion of the body 202, or the like.

In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 200 is configured to deploy one of the grasping devices 104 via a single motion. Referring back to FIG. 29, the actuation assembly 200 may include a control actuator 230 configured to be depressed by a user to move the grasping device 104 from the retracted position to the deployed position. For example, the actuation assembly 200 may be configured such that a downward depression or click of the control actuator 230 deploys the grasping device 104.

The control actuator 230 may be biased to the unactuated position by a biasing element 234, such as a helical spring. The user may depress the control actuator 230 by exerting sufficient downward force to overcome the biasing element 234, such as to deploy the grasping device 104. The actuation element 208 (or actuation sheath 224) and the channel 210, 214 may include slots or projections which cause the actuation element 208 to sufficiently rotate as the control actuator 230 is depressed. For example, the channels 210, 214 may each have a spiraling groove extending through the channel 210, 214 and the actuation element 208 (or actuation sheath 224) may include a projection which slides within the spiraling groove. As the control actuator 230 is depressed and the actuation element 208 is moved distally through the channel 210, the projection of the actuation element 208 may ride within the spiral groove of the channel 210 such that the actuation element 208 rotates and the grasping device 104 is sufficiently rotated to be deployed into tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 48-50, each actuation element 208 may be translationally and/or rotationally controlled in other manners. The illustrated manners of translational and/or rotation control may be implanted for any of the actuation assemblies 200 described herein. Each body 202 may include one or more guide rails 278 extending along the length of the body 202. The actuation assembly 200 includes a translational control actuator 230a slidably disposed along the length of the guide rail 278. The translational control actuator 230a is coupled with the actuation element 208 such that translation of the control actuator 230a along the guide rail 278 is operable to control the translation of the actuation element 208 and grasping device 104. In some embodiments, the guide rails 278 may include a gear track.

The actuation element 208 may be coupled with a mechanism operable to rotate the actuation element 208 independently from the translational control actuator 230a. As shown in FIG. 48, the distal end of the actuation element 208 is coupled with a rotational control actuator 230b operable to rotate the actuation element 208. The control actuator 230b may be a rotating wheel that is disposed in line with the actuation element 208.

As shown in FIG. 49, the rotational control actuator 230b may be disposed perpendicularly to the actuation element 208. The rotational control actuator 230b may be rotationally coupled with the actuation element 208 via a gear box 276. The gear box 276 may be coupled to the translational control actuator 230a such that the gear box 276 and the rotational control actuator 230b slide in concert with the translational control actuator 230a. The gear box 276 may include one or more gears 274 configured to transfer rotational movement or torque from the rotational control actuator 230b to the actuation element 208 such that the actuation element 208 rotates about an axis extending along the length of the actuation element 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the gear box 276 includes a rotating wheel axis gear 274a rotationally coupled with the rotational control actuator 230b, such as via a shaft, and a helix axis gear 274b coupled with the rotating wheel axis gear 274a and the actuation element 208. The rotation of the rotational control actuator 230b may rotate the rotating wheel axis gear 274a in the same plane as the rotational control actuator 230b and the helix axis gear 274b is configured and oriented to change the plane of rotation such that the actuation element 208 and grasping device 104 rotate about the longitudinal axis of the actuation element 208.

As shown in FIG. 50, the actuation assembly 200 includes a linear translating motor 294 operably to control the translational movement of the actuation element 208 and a rotational motor 296 operable to control the rotation of the actuation element 208. The linear translating motor 294 may be coupled with the translational control actuator 230a such that the linear translating motor 294 is operable to drive the translational position of the translation control actuator 230a along the guide rail 278. The translational control actuator 230a may be a wheel or gear which is drivable along the length of the guide rail 278, such as on a gear track of the guide rail 278. The rotational motor 296 may be coupled with the gear box 276, such as to the rotating wheel axis gear 274a, such that the rotational motor 296 is operable to drive the rotational position of the actuation element 208.

The actuation assembly 200 may also include a controller 298 in communication with the linear translating motor 294 and the rotational motor 296 such that the controller 298 is operable to control the linear translating motor 294 and/or the rotational motor 296. The controller 298 may include user inputs mechanisms, such as buttons, joysticks, toggles, a mouse, and the like, such that a user may input commands to control the operations of the linear translating motor 294 and the rotational motor 296 to control the position and rotation of the actuation element 208. For example, an operator may input commands into the controller 298 to actuate the linear translating motor 294 and/or the rotational motor 296 to translate and/or rotate the actuation element 208 and the grasping device 104.

In some embodiments, the tissue recruiting device 100 may be used with a snare or cutting device configured to cut the tissue recruited by the grasping devices 104. In some embodiments, the tissue recruiting device 100 may be used with a closure mechanism, such as an OTS clip or a TTS clip, configured to cinch the tissue recruited by the grasping devices 104. For example, a closure mechanism may be deployed through the endoscope after the grasping devices 104 has been deployed to circumferentially close the defect.

As shown in FIG. 51, the actuation assembly 200 may incorporate or be coupled with a clip deployment system 400 operable to actuate and deploy a closure mechanism or clip 402, such as an OTS clip (FIGS. 52A-52E). In the illustrated embodiment, the clip deployment system 400 is incorporated with the body 202 of the actuation assembly 200. However, it will be understood that the clip deployment system 400 may have other configurations. For example, the clip deployment system 400 may be actuated via a separate body, handle, controller, or the like.

The clip deployment system 400 may be operable to deploy the clip 402, such as independently from the operation of the grasping devices 104. In some embodiments, the

The clip deployment system 400 may include a clip deployment wire 404 configured to deploy the clip 402. The clip deployment wire 404 may be configured to transfer translational movement or force to deploy the clip deployment wire 404. The clip deployment wire 404 may be a solid cable, a hollow tube, or other suitable elongated object or combination of objects, such as a drive cable, a torque cable, a hypotube, spring sheath, or a catheter, configured to deploy the clip 402.

The proximal end of the clip deployment wire 404 may be coupled with a clip actuator 406. The clip actuator 406 may be coupled with the clip deployment wire 404 to control the linear translation of the clip deployment wire 404. In some embodiments, the clip actuator 406 is disposed in a longitudinal slot 280 in the body 202 such that the clip actuator 406 may linearly translate within the longitudinal slot 280. The clip actuator 406 may be linearly translated, such as by a user, toward the distal end of the body 202 to distally extend the distal end of the clip deployment wire 404 such that the clip 402 is deployed. The clip 402 may be seated around the distal end of the catheter 302 or a housing or shroud coupled to the distal end of the catheter 302. The distal movement of the clip deployment wire 404 may push the clip 402 from its seated position such that the clip 402 is deployed, such as around recruited tissue as described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 52A-52D, the tissue recruiting device 100 may be operable to recruit target tissue, such that the clip 402 may be deployed to cinch the recruited tissue. The tissue recruiting device 100 may include at least a first grasping device 104a coupled to a first actuation element 208a and a second grasping device 104b coupled to a second actuation element 208b distally extended through a catheter 302. The grasping devices 104a, 104b may be any of the grasping devices 104 described herein. The clip 402 may be seated around a clip deployment housing 408 coupled to and extending distally from the distal end of the catheter 302. The distal end of the clip deployment wire 404 may contact the proximal end of the clip 402 when the clip 402 is in an undeployed position. While the clip 402 has been described as being disposed around the clip deployment housing 408 in the undeployed position, it will be understood that the clip 402 may have other suitable positions in the undeployed position. For example, the clip 402 may be disposed around a cover or shroud for the grasping devices 104 or seated around the distal end of a separate catheter 302.

After a defect is identified, the endoscope and/or the device 100 may be oriented above the defect with the clip 402 seated around the clip deployment housing 408. The grasping devices 104 may be used to approximate two or more sides of the defects and may be recruited or pulled into the clip deployment housing 408. The clip 402 may then be deployed around the sides of the defect to circumferentially close the defect.

As shown in FIG. 52A, the first grasping device 104a may be operated, such as via the actuation assembly 200, to grasp tissue on a first side of the defect. For example, the first actuation element 208a may be rotated and translated such that the first grasping device 104a securely grasps the tissue.

As shown in FIG. 52B, the second grasping device 104b may be operated, such as via the actuation assembly 200, to grasp tissue on a second side of the defect. The endoscope and/or catheter 302 may be manipulated such that the second grasping device 104b is in a position above the second side of the defect when the second actuation element 208b is manipulated to control the second grasping device 104b. For example, the second actuation element 208b may be rotated and translated such that the second grasping device 104b securely grasps tissue.

As shown in FIG. 52C, the first and second actuation elements 208a, 208b may be proximally retracted toward the catheter 302. The actuation elements 208a, 208b may be proximally retracted, such as via the actuation assembly 200, such that the grasping devices 104a, 104b and grasped tissue are brought toward the catheter 302. The grasping devices 104a, 104b may be retracted such that a portion of the grasped tissue is recruited into the clip deployment housing 408.

As shown in FIG. 52D, the clip deployment wire 404 may be actuated, such as via the clip actuator 406, to deploy the clip 402 from the clip deployment housing 408 and around the recruited tissue. The clip deployment wire 404 may be distally translated to push the clip 402 distally off the clip deployment housing 408. The clip 402 may be configured to cinch or otherwise constrict around the recruited tissue after the clip 402 is deployed from the clip deployment housing 408. For example, the clip 402 may be biased to move to a closed position after the clip 402 is deployed from the clip deployment housing 408. The clip 402 may close around the recruited tissue to further close the defect. In some embodiments, the grasping devices 104a/b and/or the actuation elements 208a, 208b may be proximally retracted and withdrawn from the tissue after the clip 402 is deployed.

FIG. 53 illustrates an exemplary methodology 500 relating to controlling a tissue recruiting device via an actuation assembly to recruit tissue. While the methodology is shown as being a series of acts that are performed in a sequence, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodology is not limited by the order of the sequence. For example, some acts can occur concurrently with another act. Further, in some instances, not all acts may be required to implement the methodology described herein.

At step 502, grasping devices are positioned above an identified defect. The grasping devices may be incorporated into a tissue recruiting assembly of a tissue recruiting device. The grasping devices may be coupled to an actuation assembly via actuation elements such that a user may control the position and rotation of the grasping devices. The grasping devices may be extended through a catheter which is inserted through an endoscope to the desired location. In some embodiments, the grasping devices include helical coils configured to pierce and spiral into tissue to grasp the target tissue.

At step 504, a control actuator is moved to translate the first grasping device. As described above, the control actuator of the actuation assembly is coupled to the first grasping device via a first actuation element. The control actuator is operable to control the translation of the first grasping device via the first actuation element. The control actuator may be controlled by a user such that the first grasping device is disposed substantially above a first side of the defect. In some embodiments, the control actuator is a translational control actuator operable to control the linear position of the first grasping device.

At step 506, a control actuator is moved to rotate the first grasping device. As described above, the control actuator of the actuation assembly is coupled to the first grasping device via a first actuation element. The control actuator is operable to control the rotation of the first grasping device via the first actuation element. The control actuator may be controlled by a user such that the first grasping device is rotated into position to grasp tissue on the first side of the defect. In some embodiments, the control actuator is a rotational control actuator operable to control the rotation of the first grasping device. In other embodiments, the control actuator is the same control actuator used in step 504 such that a single control actuator is operable to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device via the first actuation element.

At step 508, a first side of the defect is grasped with the first grasping device. In some embodiments, an operational control actuator is coupled to the first grasping device via a first operational element. The operational control actuator may be actuated to operate the first grasping device to grasp tissue, such as by opening and closing a movable jaw to grasp tissue, via the first operational element. In other embodiments, one or more control actuators may be manipulated to translate and rotate the first grasping device via the first actuation element such that the first gasping device pierces into and securely grasps tissue on the first side of the defect.

At step 510, a control actuator is moved to translate the second grasping device. The endoscope and/or the catheter may be maneuvered such that the second grasping device is disposed substantially above the second side of the defect. As described above, the control actuator of the actuation assembly is coupled to the second grasping device via a second actuation element. The control actuator is operable to control the translation of the second grasping device via the second actuation element independently from the first grasping device. The control actuator may be controlled by a user such that the second grasping device is disposed substantially above a second side of the defect. The first grasping device may continue to grasp tissue on the first side of the defect as the second grasping device is translated via the second actuation element. In some embodiments, the control actuator is a translational control actuator operable to control the linear position of the second grasping device. In some embodiments, the control actuator is different from the control actuator used to translate the first grasping device in step 504.

At step 512, a control actuator is moved to rotate the second grasping device. As described above, the control actuator of the actuation assembly is coupled to the second grasping device via the second actuation element. The control actuator is operable to control the rotation of the second grasping device via the second actuation element independently from the first grasping device. The control actuator may be controlled by a user such that the second grasping device is rotated into position to grasp tissue on the second side of the defect. The first grasping device may continue to grasp tissue on the first side of the defect as the second grasping device is rotated via the second actuation element. In some embodiments, the control actuator is a rotational control actuator operable to control the rotation of the second grasping device. In other embodiments, the control actuator is the same control actuator used in step 510 such that a single control actuator is operable to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device via the second actuation element. In some embodiments, the control actuator is different from the control actuator used to rotate the first grasping device in step 506.

At step 514, a second side of the defect is grasped with the second grasping device. In some embodiments an operational control actuator is coupled to the second grasping device via a second operational element. The operational control actuator may be actuated to operate the second grasping device to grasp tissue, such as by opening and closing a movable jaw to grasp tissue, via the second operational element. The operational control actuator may be different from the operational control actuator of step 512. In other embodiments, one or more control actuators may be manipulated to translate and rotate the second grasping device via the second actuation element such that the second grasping device pierces into and securely grasps tissue on the second side of the defect.

At step 516, the actuation elements are retracted to recruit the tissue grasped by the first and second grasping devices. As described above, one or more control actuators may be controlled to proximally retract the actuation elements such that the grasping devices are retracted toward the catheter. Additionally, before the actuation elements are retracted to recruit the tissue, one or more of the grasping devices may be released from the tissue and the above steps may be repeated such that the grasping devices grasp tissue at the desired locations. The catheter may also be advanced distally from the endoscope, such as to close the defect away from the endoscope and prevent the endoscope from restricting the movement of the actuation elements.

Optionally, at step 518, a clip is deployed around the recruited tissue to substantially close the defect. The clip may be a hemostatic clip which is deployed circumferentially around the recruited tissue to substantially close the tissue. As described above, a clip actuator may be actuated to deploy the clip via a clip deployment wire. The clip actuator may translate the clip deployment wire such that the clip is pushed off a clip deployment housing to cinch or close the recruited tissue.

It is to be understood that the detailed description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting to the embodiments described. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Moreover, in some instances, elements described with one embodiment may be readily adapted for use with other embodiments. Therefore, any products, methods and/or systems described herein are not limited to the specific details, the representative embodiments, and/or the illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general aspects of the present disclosure.

Additionally, the components and materials described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. It should be appreciated that many suitable components and materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An actuation assembly of a tissue recruiting device operable to independently control first and second grasping devices to grasp tissue: a body defining a first channel and a second channel;a first actuation element extending through the first channel and coupled with the first grasping device;a second actuation element extending through the second channel and coupled with the second grasping device;at least one first control actuator operable to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device to grasp tissue via the first actuation element;at least one second control actuator operable to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device to grasp tissue via the second actuation element;wherein the at least one first control actuator is operable to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device independently from the second grasping device.

2. The actuation assembly of claim 1, further comprising an actuation sheath disposed around the proximal ends of each of the actuation elements.

3. The actuation assembly of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element configured to maintain the translation and rotation of the actuation elements.

4. The actuation assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing element is configured to produce detectable feedback at rotational intervals of the actuation elements.

5. The actuation assembly of claim 3, wherein the second actuation element is operable to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device when the first control actuator controls the translation and rotation of the first grasping device.

6. The actuation assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one first control actuator comprises a rotational control actuator operable to control the rotation of the first actuation element and a translational control actuator operable to control the translation of the first actuation element.

7. The actuation assembly of claim 6, wherein the rotational control actuator is disposed perpendicularly to the first actuation element.

8. The actuation assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one first control actuator is operable to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device to grasp tissue via second first actuation element.

9. A tissue recruiting device comprising: a first grasping device and a second grasping device, each grasping device operable to grasp tissue;a first actuation element extending through a first channel of a body, a proximal end of the first actuation element being coupled to a first control actuator and a distal end of the first actuation element being coupled to the first grasping device;a second actuation element extending through a second channel of the body, a proximal end of the second actuation element being coupled to a second control actuator and a distal end of the second actuation element being coupled to the second grasping device;wherein the first control actuator is independently operable to translate and rotate the first gasping device to grasp tissue via the first actuation element;wherein the second control actuator is independently operable to translate and rotate the second grasping device to grasp tissue via the second actuation element.

10. The tissue recruiting device of claim 9, wherein the first grasping device may grasp tissue at a first location and the second grasping device may be moved to grasp tissue at a second location different from the first location.

11. The tissue recruiting device of claim 9, wherein each grasping device includes a plurality of helical coils configured to grasp tissue.

12. The tissue recruiting device of claim 9, wherein the control actuators are operable to retract the grasping devices when the grasping devices grasp tissue.

13. The tissue recruiting device of claim 9, wherein the grasping devices and actuation elements are extended through a catheter.

14. The tissue recruiting device of claim 9, wherein the control actuators are elongated hexagons.

15. The tissue recruiting device of claim 9, further comprising a clamp configured to frictionally maintain the translation and rotation of the actuation elements.

16. A method for treating a defect with a tissue recruiting device, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a first grasping device above a first side of the defect;moving a first control actuator to control the translation and rotation of the first grasping device via a first actuation element;grasping the first side of the defect with the first grasping device;positioning a second grasping device above a second side of the defect;moving a second control actuator to control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device via a second actuation element;grasping the second side of the defect with the second grasping device; andretracting the actuation elements to recruit the grasped tissue.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein each grasping device includes helical coils configured to grasp tissue.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second control actuator may control the translation and rotation of the second grasping device independently from the first grasping device.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the tissue recruiting device includes a biasing element configured to maintain the translation and rotation of the actuation elements.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of deploying a clip around the recruited tissue.