Patent ID: 7927343
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A coupler comprising: a saddle having a longitudinal axis extending along a first direction; a channel extending from a first end to a second end along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, said first end having a substantially elliptical cross-section of a first width in the first direction connected to said saddle and said second end having a substantially circular cross-section of a second width in the first direction; a tissue clamp positioned around said channel, said tissue clamp comprising: a flange formed substantially at said second end of said channel, wherein the first width of the substantially elliptical cross-section is greater than the second width of the substantially circular cross-section, wherein said connection portion comprises a pair of legs, which extend and position said tissue clamp adjacent to said saddle when said tissue clamp is heated to a transition temperature, wherein said pair of legs are connected to said channel at said flange formed substantially at said second end of said channel, and wherein said pair of legs are configured to bias said clamping portion towards said saddle in the clamped position.