Patent ID: 9149265
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A tissue support device for managing access to an opening in tissue, the tissue support device comprising: a first curved portion having a first engagement mechanism configured to engage the tissue proximate the opening in the tissue, the first curved portion extending in an arc along a curved longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first curved portion being elongate along the curved longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end; a second curved portion having a second engagement mechanism configured to engage the tissue proximate the opening in the tissue, the second curved portion extending in an arc along a curved longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the second curved portion being elongate along the curved longitudinal axis from the first end and to the-second end; and a biasing mechanism connecting the first curved portion and the second curved portion, the first curved portion and the second curved portion having an open position in which the first curved portion and the second curved portion form a closed, annular opening approximating the opening in the tissue and an outer circumferential surface of the tissue support device, the biasing mechanism including a first biasing mechanism connecting the first ends of the first curved portion and the second curved portion and a second biasing mechanism connecting the second ends of the first curved portion and the second curved portion, wherein the first and second biasing mechanisms bias the first curved portion and the second curved portion towards a closed position such that the opening is reduced in size in the closed position, wherein the biasing mechanism enables the first curved portion and the second curved portion to open at least 180 degrees while still approximating the opening in the tissue; wherein the open position facilitates the biasing mechanism engaging the tissue proximate the opening and the closed position facilitates bringing edges of the tissue opening together to a proximity that allows closure of the opening by a clip or sutures.