Patent ID: 8007530
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A tool for use in implanting an annuloplasty prosthesis to repair a heart valve, the tool comprising: an elongate proximal portion forming a handle; a distal portion including first and second jaws, at least one of the first and second jaws being mounted for relative movement between i) an open state in which an end section of the first jaw is spaced apart from a corresponding end section of the second jaw, and ii) a closed state in which a spacing between the corresponding end sections is less than the spacing in the open state; and an actuator mechanism including: a first post connected to the first jaw, a second post connected to the second jaw, a spring disposed between the first and second posts to naturally force the jaw to the closed state, a slidable button connected to the spring and exteriorly accessible for receiving a force from the user to overcome a bias of the spring and effectuate transition of the jaws from the closed state to the open state.