Patent Publication Number: US-2023141214-A1

Title: Hemostasis clip two stage deployment mechanism to eliminate shed parts

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/947,195 filed Jul. 22, 2020; which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/877,873 filed Jul. 24, 2019. The disclosures of the above application(s)/patent(s) are incorporated herewith by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     present disclosure relates to endoscopic devices and, in particular, relates to endoscopic clipping devices for treating tissue along the gastrointestinal tract. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During endoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) procedures, the patient may be at risk of perforation of a wall of the GI tract or may require closure of the GI tract wall as part of the procedure. Hemostasis clips may be used for hemostasis of, for example, mucosal/sub-mucosal defects, bleeding ulcers, arteries, polyps, diverticula, along with closure of luminal tract perforations. Depending on the size of the defect, multiple clips may be used. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to a clipping device, comprising a clip including a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, and a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel to move the clip arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each of the pair of clip arms includes an elongated opening extending through the proximal ends thereof. A connector includes a central portion receivable between the proximal ends of the clip arms and a pin extending from the central portion receivable within the opening of each of the clip arms. The connector is movable from an unlocked configuration, in which the pin is received within a distal portion of the elongated opening, to a locked configuration, in which the pin is received within a proximal portion of the elongated opening, when a predetermined force is applied thereto. A control member extends through a proximal portion of the clipping device from a proximal end to a distal end releasably coupled to the connector so that a longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the clip between the open and the closed configurations, when the connector is in unlocked configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the capsule may include a locking tab biased to extend radially into the channel so that, when the pin is moved from the distal portion of the elongated opening to the proximal portion of the elongated opening, the pin is moved proximally past the locking tab until the pin engages the locking tab to lock the clip in the closed configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the distal and proximal portions of the elongated opening may be connected via a middle portion having a width smaller than a width of the distal and proximal portions so that one of the pin and a portion of the clip arms deforms to permit movement of the pin from the distal portion to the proximal portion. 
     In an embodiment, each of the clip arms may include a slit extending from a proximal-most end of the clip arms to the elongated opening to define a pair of fingers that deform by spreading relative to one another to permit movement of the pin proximally past the middle portion. 
     In an embodiment, the connector may include an overhang extending from the pin to engage an exterior surface of each of the clip arms. 
     In an embodiment, the central portion of the connector may be sized and shaped so that, when the connector is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the central portion moves inwardly crimped tabs at the proximal end of the capsule radially outward, releasing the clip from the proximal portion of the clipping device. 
     In an embodiment, the connector may be connected to the control member via one of a weld, crimped portion and ball tip of the control member that is configured to separate when a predetermined force greater than the predetermine force for moving the connector from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration is applied thereto. 
     The present disclosure relates to a clipping device, comprising a clip including a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, and a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel to move the clip arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Each of the pair of clip arms includes an opening extending through the proximal ends thereof. A connector includes a central portion receivable between the proximal ends of the clip arms and a pin extending from the central portion receivable within the opening of each of the clip arms. At least a portion of the central portion is configured to be movable relative to the pin and the clip arms from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, when a predetermined force is applied thereto. A control member extends through a proximal portion of the clipping device from a proximal end to a distal end releasably coupled to the connector so that a longitudinal movement of the control member relative to the capsule moves the clip between the open and the closed configurations, when the connector is in unlocked configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the capsule may include a locking tab biased to extend radially into the channel so that, when the central portion is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, a portion of the central portion engages the locking tab to lock the clip in the closed configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the central portion may include an elongated opening extending therethrough, the pin received within the elongated opening and movable relative thereto from a proximal portion of the elongated opening in the unlocked configuration to a distal portion of the elongated opening in the locked configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening may be connected to one another via a middle portion having a width smaller than a width of the proximal and distal portions of the elongated opening, so that the pin deformed to permit movement from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the elongated opening. 
     In an embodiment, the central portion may include an interior member from which the pin extends and a sliding member connected to the interior member via shear tabs that are configured to be sheared off when subject to the predetermined force to move the sliding member from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. 
     In an embodiment, the sliding member may include a pair of sliding arms extending along opposing sides of the interior member, inwardly extending fingers at distal ends of the sliding arms engaging shear tabs at a distal end of the interior member. 
     In an embodiment, the pin may engage the opening of each of the clip arms via one of a friction fit, a weld, an adhesive, and an overhang extending from the pin. 
     In an embodiment, the central portion of the connector may be sized and shaped so that, when the connector is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the central portion engages inwardly crimped tabs at the proximal end of the capsule to move the crimped tabs radially outward, releasing the clip from the proximal portion of the clipping device. 
     The present disclosure also relates to a method for clipping tissue. A clip device is inserted through a working channel of an endoscope to a target site within a body until a clip of the clip device extends distally past a distal end of the working channel. The clip device includes a capsule and a pair of clip arms slidably received therein. The clip device is moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration, using a control wire coupled to the clip arms until target tissue is received between the distal ends as desired. A distal end of the control wire is coupled to proximal ends of the clip arms via a connector including a central portion received between the proximal ends of the clip arms and a pin extending therefrom receivable within an elongated opening extending through proximal ends of each of the clip arms. 
     The clip arms are drawn proximally into the capsule to move the clip toward the closed configuration to grip the target tissue between the clip arms. The clip is locked in the closed configuration by drawing the control member proximally relative to the capsule until a predetermined force is exerted on the connector, moving the pin from a distal portion of the elongated opening to a proximal portion of the elongated opening so that the pin engages a locking tab biased radially into the channel of the capsule. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
         FIG.  1 A  shows a longitudinal side view of a clipping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  shows a partially transparent longitudinal side view of a clip according to the device of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2    shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clipping device of  FIG.  1 A , in a closed, undeployed configuration; 
         FIG.  3    shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clipping device of  FIG.  1 A , in a locked and deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  4    shows a perspective view of a connector connected to clip arms of a clipping device according to an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    shows a perspective view of a control member and a connector according to the clipping device of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  6    shows a longitudinal side view of a control member and a connector according to an alternate embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    shows a perspective view of a control member and a connector according to another alternate embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clipping device, in a closed, undeployed configuration, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9    shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clipping device, in a locked configuration; 
         FIG.  10    shows a side view of a portion of the clipping device, in a locked and deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  11    shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a connector according to the clipping device of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  12    shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a clipping device, in a closed, undeployed configuration, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the clipping device of  FIG.  11   , in a locked and deployed configuration; 
         FIG.  14    shows a perspective view of a portion of a connector according to the clipping device of  FIG.  11   ; and 
         FIG.  15    shows a perspective view of a portion of a connector according to the clipping device of  FIG.  11   , with shear tabs sheared off. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic clipping device for treating internal tissue perforations, defects and/or bleeds. In some cases, a shorter deployed clip may be preferred to improve visualization of the target site and to allow better maneuverability when placing multiple clips. In addition, although shed parts will pass naturally from the body under normal circumstances, shed parts may become trapped in larger defects after closure. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure describe a clipping device comprising a clip including clip arms slidable within a capsule to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration to clip tissue, as desired. In particular, the clip arms are movable relative to the capsule via a control member including a connector at a distal end thereof for connecting the control member to the clip arms. The connector is coupled to a proximal end of the clip arms so that, once the clip is clipped over a target tissue as desired, at least a portion of the connector slides proximally relative to the clip arms to lock the clip arms relative to the capsule and facilitate a deployment of the clip from a proximal portion of the device. The sliding connector remains attached to the clip arms upon deployment. The sliding connector, including the locking mechanism thereof, reduces a potential length of the clip arms and/or shed parts of the clip in the body. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the terms proximal and distal as used herein, are intended to refer to a direction toward and away from, respectively, a user of the device. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 7   , a clipping device  100  comprises a clip  102  including a pair of clip arms  104 , proximal ends  108  of which are slidably received within a capsule  106  so that the clip arms may move between an open configuration, in which distal ends  110  of the clip arms  104  are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends  110  are drawn toward one another. The clip arms  104  are moved between the open and the closed configurations via proximal and distal movement of a control member  112 , which is coupled to the clip arms  104  via a connector  114 . The connector  114  is configured to maintain an alignment between the clip arms  104 , to lock the clip arms  104  relative to the capsule  106  once a target tissue has been clipped, and to facilitate deployment of the clip from a proximal portion  116  of the clipping device  100 , which facilitates insertion of the clip  102  to a target site. 
     In some embodiments, once the clip  102  has been clipped over a target tissue, the control member  112  is drawn proximally relative to the capsule  106  until at least a portion of the connector  114  slides proximally relative to the clip arms  104  to, as will be described in further detail below, lock the clip  102  in the closed configuration and facilitate deployment of the clip  102  from the proximal portion  116 . The proximal portion  116  may, for example, include a flexible elongate member  117  housing the control member  112  and connecting the clip  102  to a handle  119  and/or actuator(s) which, during use, remain outside the body accessible to a user to permit the user to control operation and movement of the device  100  between the open and closed configurations and to deploy the clip  102  over target tissue. The flexible elongate member may be releasably coupled to the clip  102  via a bushing  118  at a distal end of the flexible elongate member. The control member  112  extends through the elongate member from a proximal end connected to a portion of the handle member to a distal end  120  connected to the connector  114 . 
     The capsule  106  extends from a proximal end  122  to a distal end  124  and includes a channel  126  extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the proximal end  122  is configured to be releasably coupled to the bushing  118  via, for example, tabs  128  that are crimped radially inward to engage a corresponding portion of the bushing  118 . A proximal portion of the capsule  106  also includes locking tabs  130  extending into the channel  126 . In one example, the locking tabs  130  are defined via a cut portion of a wall  132  of the capsule  106  that is angled or bent into the channel  126  so that a proximal end  134  of the locking tab  130  is biased toward a centerline of the capsule  106 . 
     Each of the clip arms  104  extends from the proximal end  108  to the distal end  110 . As described above, proximal portions of the clip arms  104  are slidably received within the channel  126  of the capsule  106 . Specifically, the proximal end  108  of each of the clip arms  104  is slidably received within the channel  126  allowing the clip  102  to be moved between the open and closed configurations via manipulation of the control member  112 . In one embodiment, the clip arms  104  are biased toward the open configuration so that, when advanced distally out of the capsule  106 , the clip arms  104  moved apart from one another into the open configuration under their natural bias. When the arms  104  are drawn proximally into the capsule  106 , the clip arms  104  are constrained by the wall  132  of the capsule  106  and drawn together toward the closed position in which the distal ends  110  are adjacent one another. Those skilled in the art will understand that any number of other mechanisms for opening and closing the clip arms  104  may be employed. 
     The clip arms  104  of this embodiment also include engaging features  136  extending therefrom and configured to engage a portion of the capsule  106  so that, when the engaging features  136  engage the capsule  106 , the clip arms  104  are prevented from being moved further proximally into the capsule  106 . In one embodiment, the engaging features  136  extend laterally outward having a greater width than more proximal portions of the clip arms  104  that are sized to permit them to be drawn proximally into the capsule  106 . Thus, as the clip arms  104  are drawn proximally into the capsule  106 , the engaging features  136  abut the distal end  124  of the capsule  106 . The engaging features  136  are positioned along the clip arms  104  so that, at the point where the engaging features  136  have engaged the capsule  106 , the clip arms  104  have been drawn sufficiently proximally into the capsule  106  to draw the clip arms  104  together into the closed configuration. In one example, the engaging features  136  are configured as wings extending laterally from longitudinal edges of the clip arms  104 . 
     Proximal ends  108  of the clip arms  104  include an elongated opening  138  extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the connector  114  therein. The elongated opening  138  includes a proximal portion  140  and a distal portion  142  connected to one another via a middle portion  144  having a width smaller than a width (e.g., diameter) of each of the proximal and distal portions  140 ,  142 . Each of the proximal and distal portions  140 ,  142  are sized and shaped to receive a portion of the connector  114  such as, for example, a pin  146 , therein. 
     In an unlocked configuration, in which the clip arms  104  are movable with respect to the capsule  106 , the pin  146  is received within the distal portion  142  of the elongated opening  138  (see e.g.,  FIG.  2   ). In a locked configuration, in which the clip arms  104  are locked relative to the capsule  106  in the closed configuration, the pin  146  is received within the proximal portion  140  of the elongated opening  138  (see e.g.,  FIG.  3   ). The width of the middle portion  144  is smaller than the widths of the proximal and distal portions  140 ,  142  so that the pin  146  is prevented from inadvertently sliding from the distal portion  142  to the proximal portion  140  until it is desired to lock the clip  102  in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the pin  146  is configured to move from the distal portion  142  to the proximal portion  140  when a predetermined force is applied thereto via the control member  112 . 
     As discussed above, the control member  112  is connected to the clip arms  104  via the connector  114 , so that a movement of the control member  112  controls a movement of the clip  102  and, in particular, a movement of the clip arms  104  relative to the capsule  106 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the connector  114  is releasably attached to a distal end  120  of the control member  112  and includes a central portion  150  that is sized and shaped to be received between the proximal ends  108  of the clip arms  104  and the pin  146  which extends from opposing sides of the central body  150  to be received within the elongated opening  138 . The central portion  150  extends from a proximal end  152  connected to the control member  112  to a distal end  154 . 
     In one embodiment, the central portion is defined via opposing surfaces  156 , each of which contacts a corresponding one of the clip arms  104 , and lateral surfaces  158  connecting longitudinal edges  160  of the opposing surfaces  156 . A distance between the lateral surfaces  158  is selected so that, when the connector  114  is slid proximally relative to the clip arms  104  from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the lateral surfaces  158  engage the inwardly crimped tabs  128  at the proximal end  122  of the capsule  106 , moving the tabs  128  radially outward out of engagement with the bushing  118  of the proximal portion  116  of the device  100  to deploy the clip  102 . In one embodiment, the distance between the lateral surfaces  158  substantially corresponds to a width (e.g., diameter) of the channel  126  of the capsule  106  so that the connector  114  is longitudinally slidable therewithin. 
     The pin  146  includes a protrusion  162  extending from each of the opposing surfaces  156  to be received within the elongated opening  138  of a corresponding one of the clip arms  104 . In one embodiment, the pin  146  may include an overhang  164  extending laterally from each protrusion  162  so that when each protrusion  162  is received within the elongated opening  138  of the corresponding clip arm  104 , the overhang  164  engages an exterior surface  166  of the clip arm  104  (e.g., a surface of the clip arm  104  facing away from the centerline of the capsule  106 ) to space the clip arm  104  from the channel  106  to prevent any friction that may occur from a sliding of the exterior surface  166  of the clip arm  104  against a surface of the channel  126 . 
     As described above, the pin  146  moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the engaging features  136  of the clip arms  104  engage the distal end  124  of the capsule  106  preventing further proximal movement of the clip arms  104  relative to the capsule  106 . Thus, when the control member  112  is moved even further proximally relative to the capsule  106  so that a predetermined force is applied to the connector  114 , the pin  146  moves from the distal portion  142  of the elongated opening  138  to the proximal portion  140  of the elongated opening  138  of the clip arms  104  via a middle portion  144  having a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions  140 ,  142  and the pin  146 . In one example, one of the protrusions  162  of the pin  146  and/or portions of the clip arms  104  extending along either side of the middle portion  144  deform to permit the pin  146  to be moved proximally therepast. 
     In another example, as shown in  FIG.  4   , a proximal end  108 ′ of clip arms  104 ′ includes a slit  168 ′ from a proximal-most end  169 ′ end of the clip arms  104 ′ to an elongated opening  138 ′ to define a pair of fingers  170 ′. When a predetermined force is applied to a connector  114 ′, which is substantially similar to the connector  114  described above, to move the connector  114 ′ from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, the pair of fingers  170 ′ flex or spread apart from one another to facilitate moving of a pin  146 ′ of the connector  114 ′ from a distal portion  142 ′ of the elongated opening  138 ′ to a proximal portion  140 ′ of the elongated opening  138 ′ via a middle portion  144 ′ having a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions  140 ′,  142 ′. Once the pin  146 ′ is received within the proximal portion  140 ′ of the elongated opening  138 ′, however, the fingers  170 ′ revert to their initial configuration so that the pin  146 ′ is held within the proximal portion  140 ′ and the clip arms  104 ′ are locked relative to the capsule  106  via the locking tabs  130 , as described above. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the pin  146  extends across a width (e.g., diameter) of the channel  126  of the capsule  106  so that a length of the pin  146  substantially corresponds thereto. Thus, as the connector  114  is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the pin  146  slides along the locking tabs  130  moving the locking tabs  130  radially outward as it moved proximally therepast. Once the pin  146  has been proximally beyond the locking tab  130 , however, the locking tab  130  is permitted to revert to its angled/bent configuration so that the proximal end  134  thereof extends toward the centerline of the capsule  106 . In the locked configuration, the pin  146  is proximal of the proximal end  134  of the locking tab  130  so that the pin  146  engages the locking tab  130  and is prevented from moving distally therepast, thereby locking the clip arms  104  relative thereto, in the closed configuration. 
     As described above, the connector  114  is releasably coupled to the distal end  120  of the control member  112 . Thus, once the connector  114  has been moved to the locked configuration so that the central portion  150  moves the crimped tabs  128  out of engagement with the bushing  118  and the pin  146  is positioned within the proximal portion  140  of the opening  138 , the control member  112  is moved even further proximally relative to the capsule  106  until a predetermined force is exerted thereon, releasing or otherwise separating the control member  112  from the connector  114 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the predetermined force required to separate the control member  112  from the connector  114  is greater than the predetermined force required to move the connector  114  from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Separation of the control member  112  from the connector  114  allows the proximal portion  116  to be removed from the body while leaving the clip  102  clipped over the target tissue within body. 
     It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the control member  112  may be releasably coupled to the connector  114  in any of a variety of ways. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  5   , for example, the distal end  120  of the control member  112  may be welded to the proximal end  152  of the central portion  150  and configured to break or separate when the predetermined force is exerted thereon. In another example, as shown in  FIG.  6   , a connector  114 ′ may include a sleeve  172 ′ extending proximally from a proximal end  152 ′ of a central portion  150 ′ to be crimped over a distal portion of a control member  112 ′. Distally of a crimped portion  173 ′ of the sleeve  172 ′, the sleeve  172 ′ includes a necked down portion  174 ′ configured to fracture or break when the predetermined force is exerted thereon. 
     According to yet another example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , a control member  112 ″ may include a ball tip  172 ″ releasably coupled to a distal end  120 ″ of the control member  112 ″. In particular, a distal portion of the control member  112 ″ extends through a central portion  150 ″ of the connector  114 ″ so that the ball tip  172 ′ is distal of a distal end  154 ″ of the central portion  150 ″. Immediately proximal of the central portion  150 ″ of the connector  114 ″, a hypotube  113 ″ may be crimped or welded over the control member  112 ″ to prevent the control member  112 ″ from sliding distally through the central portion  150 ″ during opening of the clip  102 . When a predetermined force is exerted thereon, the ball tip  172 ′ separates from a remaining portion of the control member  112 ″ so that the control member  112 ″ may be proximally withdrawn from the central portion  150 ″. 
     Although  FIG.  7    specifically shows and describes a hypotube  113 ″, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the control member  112 ″ may include other elements or mechanisms for preventing the distal movement of the control member  112 ″ relative to the connector  114 ″. For example, the control member  112 ″ may alternatively include an increased diameter portion immediately distal of the central portion  150 ″. Although specific examples are shown and described above, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the control member  112  may be releasably coupled to the connector  114  in any of a number of ways so long as the control member  112  is releasable from the connector  114  when subject to a predetermined force. 
     According to an exemplary method utilizing the clipping device  100 , the clip  102  inserted through, for example, a working channel of an endoscope to a target site within a body while the handle member remains exterior to the body. The clip  102  is inserted through the working channel in the closed configuration. Once the clip  102  has reached the target site, the user advances the control member  112  distally to advance the clip arms  104  distally out of the capsule  106  freeing the clip arms  104  to move under their natural bias toward the open configuration so that the target tissue may be received between the clip arms  104 . The user may then operate the control member  112  to move the clip  102  between the open and closed configurations as desired until a target portion of tissue is positioned between the clip arms  104  as desired. 
     As described above, the clip arms  104  may be moved between the open and the closed positions while the control connector  114  is in the unlocked configuration with respect to the clip arms  104 . In particular, the pin  146  of the connector  114  is received within the distal portion  142  of the elongated opening  138  extending through the proximal end of the clip arms  104 . Once the target tissue has been clipped, as desired, the user draws the control member  112  proximally (or advances the proximal portion  116  distally over the control member  112 ) so that, as the clip arms  104  are drawn into the capsule  106 , the clip arms  104  are drawn toward one another to grip the target tissue between the distal ends  110  of the clip arms  104 . 
     When the clip  102  is in a desired position gripping the target tissue, the user applies increasing proximally directed force to the control member  112  after the engaging features  136  have engaged the capsule  106 , as described above, until the pin  146  of the connector  114  moves proximally within the elongated opening  138  from the distal portion  142  thereof to the proximal portion  140  via the middle portion  144 . As described above, either the clip  104  and/or the pin  146  may deform to permit proximal movement of the pin  146  through the middle portion  144 , which has a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions  140 ,  142 . 
     When the connector  114  is moved from the unlocked to the locked position, the pin  146  moves distally past the proximal end  134  of the locking tab  130  of the capsule  106  to lock the clip arms  104  relative to the capsule in the closed configuration, while also moving the inwardly crimped tabs  128  at the proximal end  122  of the capsule  106  radially outward via the lateral surfaces  158  of the central portion  150  to disengage the capsule  106  from the bushing  118 . Once the connector  114  has been moved to the locked configuration, a proximal force on the control member  112  may be increased until the control member  112  separates from the connector  114 , freeing the clip  102  from the proximal portion  116  of the device  100  and leaving the clip  102  coupled to the target tissue. The proximal portion  116 , including the control member  112 , may then be withdrawn from the body. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8 - 10   , a clipping device  200  according to another exemplary embodiment is substantially similar to the clipping device  100  described above, and comprises a clip  202  including a pair of clip arms  204 , proximal ends  208  of which are slidably received within a capsule  206  so that the clip  202  may move between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms  204  are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends are drawn toward one another. The clip arms  204  are moved between the open and the closed configurations via distal and proximal motion of a control member  212 , which is coupled to the clip arms  204  via a connector  214 . The connector  214  is substantially similar to the connector  114 , including a central portion  250  and a pin  246 . Rather than having the entire connector  214  moving proximally relative to the clip arms  204  to move the clip  202  from an unlocked to a locked configuration, however, the pin  246  remains in a fixed position relative to the clip arms  204  so that central portion  250  slides proximally relative to the pin  246  and the clip arms  204  to move the clip  202  from the unlocked to the locked configuration, as will be described in further detail below. 
     Similarly to the device  100 , the connector  214  is releasably coupled to the control member  212  and includes the central portion  250  and the pin  246 . The pin  246  extends from opposing surfaces of the central portion  250  to be received within openings  238  extending through proximal ends  208  of the clip arms  204 . The opening  238 , however, are not elongated, but rather, are specifically sized and shaped to correspond to a size and shape of the pin  246  received therein so that the pin  246  remains in a fixed position relative to the clip arms  204 . In one embodiment, the pin  246  may be fixed to the openings  238  via a friction fit. In another embodiment, the pin  246  may be fixed to the openings  238  via, for example, welding or an adhesive. Alternatively, the pin  246  may include overhangs substantially similar to the overhangs  164  described with respect to the clipping device  100  for engaging the clip arms  204 . Except as described above, the clip arms  204  are otherwise substantially similar to the clip arms  104 . 
     The central portion  250  extends from a proximal end  252  to a distal end  254  and similarly to the central portion  150 , is defined via opposing surfaces  256 , each of which contact an interior surface of a corresponding one of the clip arms  204 , and lateral surfaces  258  connecting longitudinal edges  260  of the opposing surfaces from the proximal end  252  to the distal end  254 . The central portion  250  additionally includes, however, an elongated opening  276  extending therethrough from a first one of the opposing surfaces  256  to a second one of the opposing surfaces  256 . The elongated opening  276  may be configured substantially similarly to the elongated opening  138  extending through the clip arms  104  of the clipping device  100 . In particular, the elongated opening  276  may include a proximal portion  240  and a distal portion  242  connected to one another via a middle portion having a width smaller than the proximal and distal portions  240 ,  242 . The pin  246 , which will be described in further detail below, extends through the elongated opening  276 . The pin  246  is received within the proximal portion  240  in the unlocked configuration (see  FIG.  8   ) and is moved into the distal portion  242  in the locked configuration (see  FIG.  9   ). 
     Similarly to the central portion  150 , a distance between lateral surfaces  258  of the central portion  250  is selected so that, when the connector  214  is slid proximally relative to the pin  246  from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the lateral surfaces  258  engage inwardly crimped tabs  228  at a proximal end  222  of the capsule  206 , moving the tabs  228  radially outward and out of engagement with a bushing  218  of a proximal portion  216  of the device  200  to deploy the clip  202 . The lateral surfaces  258 , however, further include a shoulder  278  for engaging locking tabs  230  of the capsule  206  in the locked configuration. Similarly to the locking tabs  130 , locking tabs  230  may extend from a wall  232  of the capsule  206  to be angled or bent into a channel  226  of the capsule  206  so that a proximal end  234  of the locking tab  230  is biased toward a centerline of the capsule  206 . 
     Since the pin  246  of the connector  214  remains fixed with respect to the clip arms  204 , however, the locking tabs  230  engage the shoulder  278  of the central portion  250  when the central portion  250  is moved toward the locked configuration. In particular, as shown in  FIG.  8   , when the connector  214  is in the unlocked configuration, the central portion  250  is positioned between the locking tabs  230  so that the locking tabs  230  are deformed radially outward. When the central portion  250  is moved proximally relative to the pin  246  so that the pin  246  is received within the distal portion  242  of the elongated opening  276 , however, the shoulder  278  is moved proximally past the locking tabs  230  so that the locking tabs  230  are permitted to revert to their inwardly biased configuration, as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . The locking tabs  230  thus engage the shoulder  278  so that the central portion  250  can no longer be moved distally relative to the capsule  206 , thereby locking the clip arms  204  relative to the capsule  206  in the closed configuration. 
     The pin  246  extends from a first end  280  to a second end  282  transverse relative to a longitudinal axis of the capsule so that the first end  280  is received within the opening  238  of a first one of the clip arms  204  and the second end  282  is received within the opening  238  of a second one of the clip arms  204 . As described above, the pin  246  is received within the elongated opening  276  of the central portion  250  and is movable from the proximal portion  240  to the distal portion  242  as the clip  202  is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similarly to the pin  146 , the pin  246  may deform when subject to a predetermined force to pass through the middle portion  244 , which has a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions  240 ,  242 . 
     According to an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  11   , a central portion  250 ′ of a connector  214 ′ may similarly include an elongated opening  276 ′ through which a pin (substantially similarly to the pin  246 ) may be received. Similarly to the connector  214 , the elongated opening  276 ′ includes proximal and distal portions  240 ′,  242 ′ connected to one another via a middle portion  244 ′ having a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions  242 ′,  242 ′. The central portion  250 ′, however, further includes a slot  243 ′ extending therethrough from the distal portion  242 ′ to a distal end  254 ′ such that the pin is not required to deform when passing through the middle portion  244 ′. In particular, when a predetermined load is applied to the connector  214 ′, opposing portions  255 ′ of the central portion  250 ′ defined via the slot  243 ′ spread apart from one another to permit the pin to move from the proximal portion  240 ′ to the distal portion  242 ′. Once the pin is received within the distal portion  242 ′, the central portion  250 ′ reverts to its initial configuration to hold the pin within the distal portion  242 ′. 
     Except as outlined above, elements of the clipping device  200  may be substantially similar to the corresponding elements of the clipping device  100  so that, as will be understood by those of skill in the art, the clipping device  200  may be utilized in a manner substantially similar to the clipping device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12 - 15   , a clipping device  300  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is substantially similar to the clipping devices  100 ,  200 , except as described below. Similarly to the clipping devices  100 ,  200 , the clipping device  300  comprises a clip  302  including a pair of clip arms  304 , proximal ends  308  of which are slidably received within a capsule  306  so that the clip  302  may move between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms  304  are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends are drawn toward one another. The clip arms  304  are moved between the open and closed configurations via distal and proximal motion of a control member  312 , which is coupled to the clip arms  304  via a connector  314 . 
     The connector  314  may be substantially similar to the connector  214  including a central portion  350  that is movable with respect to a pin  346  when moving the clip  302  from an unlocked configuration, as shown in  FIG.  12   , to a locked configuration, as shown in  FIG.  13   . The central portion  350 , however, further includes a sliding member  384  extending about an interior component  386  so that, as will be described in further detail below, only the sliding member  384  is moved with respect to the pin  346  when the clip  302  is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration. 
     The interior component  386  is sized and shaped to be received between the proximal ends  308  of the clip arms  304  and includes the pin  346  extending therefrom. Similarly to the pins  146 , the pin  346  includes a pair of protrusions  362 , each of the protrusions  362  extending from an opposing surface  356  of the interior component  386  to be received within an opening  338  extending through a corresponding one of the clip arms  304 . Similarly to the clip  202 , the opening  338  of clip  302  is specifically sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin  346  received therein so that the pin  346  is in a fixed position relative thereto. Each of the opposing surfaces  356  contact an interior surface along the proximal end  308  of a corresponding one the clip arms  304 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  14   , the interior component  386  also includes shear tabs  388  extending laterally from a distal end  354  thereof along with stop shoulders  390  extending from a proximal end  352  thereof. The shear tabs  388  are configured to be sheared off via a portion of the sliding component  384 , when the clip  302  is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration. The stop shoulders  390  are configured to abut a portion of the sliding component  384  to prevent the sliding component  384  from moving further proximally relative thereto and thereby preventing the sliding component  384  from becoming disengaged from the interior component  386 . When the sliding component  384  abuts the stop shoulders  390 , the clip  302  is in the locked configuration. 
     The sliding component  384  includes a proximal end  391  releasably coupled to the control member  312  and a pair of sliding arms  392  extending distally from the proximal end  391  to be mounted over the interior component  386  so that the pair of sliding arms  392  extend along the lateral sides  358  of the interior component  386 . Each of the pair of sliding arms  392  include a radially inwardly extending finger  394  at a distal end  398  thereof which, in the unlocked configuration, engages the shear tabs  388  by extending distally thereover. In an embodiment, each finger  394  may include a cutting edge  396  so that, when the clip  302  has been clipped over a target tissue as desired, a predetermined proximal force may be applied to the sliding component  384  via the control member  312 . Once the predetermined proximal force has been applied the cutting edge  396  cuts/shears the shear tabs  388  away from a remaining portion of the interior component  386 , as shown in  FIG.  15   . Upon shearing of the shear tabs  388 , the sliding component  384  is permitted to slide proximally relative to the interior component  386  and thereby the clip arms  304  and the capsule  306 , until the fingers  394  abut the stop shoulders  390  preventing further proximal motion of the sliding component  384  relative to the interior component  386 . Although shearing of the shear tabs  388  result in shed parts, any shed parts will remain trapped in the deployed clip  302 . 
     In the unlocked configuration, the pair of sliding arms  394  are positioned between locking tabs  330  of the capsule  306 , so that the inwardly biased locking tabs are deformed radially outward. In the locked configuration, in which the fingers  394  abut the stop shoulders  390 , however, the distal end  398  of the sliding arms are moved proximally past the locking tabs  330  so that the locking tabs  330  revert to their inwardly biased configuration. The locking tabs  330  thus engage the distal end  398  of the sliding arms  394  to prevent sliding component  384  from being allowed to move distally relative to the interior component  386 , and thereby the clip arms  304  and the capsule  306 , to lock the clip  302  in the closed configuration. In this locked configuration, the sliding arms  392  also engage inwardly crimped tabs  328  at a proximal end  322  of the capsule  306 , to move the tabs  328  radially outward out of engagement with a proximal portion  316  of device  300  to deploy the clip  302 . It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the clipping device  300  may be utilized in a manner substantially similar to the clipping devices  100 ,  200 , to clip the clip  302  over the target tissue and subsequently lock and deploy the clip  302 , as described above with respect to the devices  100 ,  200 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present disclosure, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.