Patent ID: 8092489
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for grasping tissue comprising: a control member; a tissue grasping member; an activation mechanism responsive to said control member and operatively coupled to said tissue grasping member; and an elongated flexible member extending between and coupled to each of said control member and said tissue grasping member; wherein said tissue grasping member comprises a first member having a proximal end pivotably attached to said elongated flexible member and having a distal end and a first contact surface, and a second member having a proximal end pivotably attached to said elongated flexible member and having a distal end and a second contact surface, said first and second contact surfaces defining an included angle of 180 degrees or more; wherein said activation mechanism comprises a first drive wire attached to said first member at a location nearer to the distal end than the proximal end of the first member and adapted to move said first member around its pivotable attachment to said elongated flexible member; and wherein said activation mechanism further comprises a second drive wire attached to said second member at a location nearer to the distal end than the proximal end of the second member and adapted to move said second member around its pivotable attachment to said elongated flexible member.