Patent ID: 6723109
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical clamp system comprising:a clamp having a pair of jaws actuatable relative to each other from a fully open to a fully closed position; a delivery/retrieval device defining a longitudinal opening there-through, a distal portion of the opening configured to engage with said clamp, said delivery/retrieval device being operable by a surgeon to perform a function selected from the group comprising deploying said clamp, retrieving said clamp, or both; an actuator cooperating with said delivery/retrieval device, said actuator being at least partially insertable through the longitudinal opening of said delivery/retrieval device for engaging said clamp, said actuator being operable by the surgeon to open and close the jaws of said clamp; and wherein said delivery/retrieval device and said actuator are operable to securely lock the jaws of said clamp in any position between the fully open and the fully closed positions, said secured locking of the jaws of said clamp being maintained both before and after said clamp is detached from said delivery/retrieval device.