Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to endoscopic devices and, in particular, relates to endoscopic clipping devices for treating tissue along the gastrointestinal tract.

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 endoscopic 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 required.

<CIT> describes a hemostasis clip assembly in which multiple hemostasis clips are assembled together from end to end within a deployment sheath. The clip comprises an openable engaging portion formed by the clip arms and a pin extending through the clip arms.

<CIT> discloses a large wound anastomosis clamp comprising a first clip, a second clip, and an intermediate post mounted between the first clip and the second clip, wherein each clip is activated by a separate pull rod so as to individually actuate a clamping action.

The invention is defined by the independent claim.

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, in which distal ends thereof are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal end of the clip arms are drawn toward one another. The clip arms are biased toward the open configuration and are aligned relative to one another via a pin received within openings extending through proximal ends of the clip arms. A proximal portion is configured for insertion of the clip through a working channel of an endoscope, the proximal portion including a flexible shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end including a bushing releasably coupled to the capsule. A control member extends longitudinally through the flexible shaft from a proximal end to a distal end releasably coupled to the proximal ends of the clip arms to move the clip arms between the open and closed configurations, the distal end of the control member including a pair of holding jaws, each of which include a pair of fingers extending about the pin along opposing sides thereof with distal ends of the fingers curving around a distal surface of the pin to grip the pin therebetween.

In one embodiment, the proximal end of the capsule may include tabs biased radially inward to engage a corresponding structure of the bushing.

In one embodiment, the distal end of the control member may include a pair of spacing jaws configured to extend between the proximal ends of the clip arms along opposing sides of the pin. The pair of spacing jaws may be sized and shaped so the pair of spacing jaws move the tabs radially outward as the distal end of the control member is moved proximally past the proximal end of the capsule to deploy the clip from the proximal portion of the device.

In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the clip arms may be biased radially outward.

In one embodiment, the pair of holding jaws may extend over an exterior surface along a proximal end of a corresponding one of the clip arms to constrain the clip arms toward an unlocked configuration in which locking structures at the proximal ends of the clip arms are prevented from engaging corresponding locking features of the capsule.

The locking structures may include locking tabs extending from proximal ends of the clip arms and the locking features of the capsule may include windows extending laterally through a wall thereof so that, when the proximal ends of the clip are released from the distal end of the control member, the locking tabs are received within the locking windows to lock the clip in the closed configuration.

In one embodiment, the clip arms may be biased toward the open configuration so that the clip arms are constrained toward the closed configuration via an interior surface of the capsule and revert to the biased open configuration when the clip arms are moved distally out relative to the capsule.

In one embodiment, the clip arms may include engaging features configured to engage portion of the capsule such that, when the engaging features engage the capsule, the clip arms are prevented from moving further proximally relative to capsule and a predetermined force is exerted on the distal end of the control member.

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, in which distal ends thereof are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal end of the clip arms are drawn toward one another. A proximal portion is configured for insertion of the clip through a working channel of an endoscope, the proximal portion including a flexible shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end including a bushing releasably coupled to the capsule. A control member extends through the flexible shaft from a proximal end to a distal end releasably coupled to the proximal ends of the clip arms to move the clip arms between the open and the closed configurations, the distal end including a middle portion received between the proximal ends of the clip arms. A first portion of a pin and a second portion of a pin extend away from opposing surface of the middle portion to be received in openings extending through proximal ends of the clip arms to maintain an alignment of the clip arms relative to one another, the first and second portions being pulled proximally out of the openings of the clip arms and past a proximal edge thereof when a predetermined force is exerted on the clip arms via the distal end.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second portions may include an overhang extending therefrom to extend over a portion of an exterior surface along the proximal end of a corresponding one of the clip arms to constrain outwardly biased proximal ends of the clip arms toward an unlocked configuration, in which proximal ends are constrained toward a middle portion received therebetween so that locking structures along the proximal ends of the clip arms are prevented from engaging corresponding locking features of the capsule.

In one embodiment, each of the clip arms may include a slot extending proximally from the opening to a proximal edge thereof to define two fingers which flex apart from one another to release the pin therefrom, when the predetermined force is exerted on thereon.

In one embodiment, each of the clip arms may include reliefs along longitudinal edges of the clip arm immediately distal of the opening to facilitate flexing of the two fingers away from one another.

In one embodiment, each of the clip arms may include a notch extending along a surface thereof from the opening to a proximal edge thereof so that, when the predetermined force is exerted thereon via the pin, the clips separate along the notch to release the pin from the openings.

In one embodiment, first and second portions of the pin may taper toward a proximal end thereof to split each of the clip arms along the notch.

In one embodiment, the proximal end of the capsule may include tabs biased radially inward to engage a corresponding structure of the bushing, the middle portion being sized and shaped to move the tabs radially outward as the distal end of the control member is moved proximally past the proximal end of the capsule to deploy the clip from the proximal portion of the device.

The present disclosure also relates to a method for treating a target tissue, comprising inserting a clip device 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 pair of clip arms aligned relative to one another via a pin extending through openings extending through proximal ends of the clip arms. The clip device moves between an open configuration, in which distal ends of the clip arms are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends of the clip arms are drawn toward one another, via a control wire coupled to the clip arms, until a 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 first and second holding jaws, each of which include a pair of fingers extending about the pin along opposing sides thereof to grip the pin therebetween. 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 deployed from a proximal portion of the clip device by drawing the control member proximally relative to the capsule until a predetermined force is exerted on the distal end of the control wire to spread the fingers apart from one another and release the pin from therebetween.

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 tissue perforations, defects and/or bleeds. A clipping device may comprise a clip including clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within a capsule to move the clip between an open configuration and a closed configuration to clip a target tissue, as desired. Clip arms may be moved via a control member such as a control wire connected between the proximal end of the clip and a handle of the device that, during use, remains outside the body accessible to a user. 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 under normal circumstances, some physicians are concerned that, particularly for larger defects, shed parts resulting during and/or after deployment of some current clip designs may become trapped in the defect after closure. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure describe a control member having a distal end configured to be directly and releasably coupled to the proximal ends of the clip arms so that, upon deployment of the clip in the body, as will be described in further detail below, the control member separates from the clip leaving no portion of a deployment mechanism extending out of the capsule, thereby reducing a potential length of the deployed clip and/or shed parts of the clip into 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 (proximal) and away from (distal) a user of the device.

As shown in <FIG>, a clipping device <NUM> for treating tissue defects comprises a clip <NUM> including a pair of clip arms <NUM> having proximal ends <NUM> which are slidably received within a capsule <NUM> so that the clip <NUM> may move between an open configuration, in which distal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends <NUM> are drawn toward one another. The clip arms <NUM> are movable between the open and the closed configurations via a control member <NUM>, which includes a distal end <NUM> configured to be directly coupled to the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a pin <NUM> extends through the proximal end <NUM> in a transverse direction of each of the clip arms <NUM> via an opening <NUM> extending through each of the clip arms <NUM>. As will be described in further detail below, the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> releasably engages the pin <NUM> and the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> so that, while attached to the pin <NUM>, movement of the control member <NUM> proximally and distally moves the clip arms <NUM> proximally and distally relative to the capsule <NUM>. The distal end of the control member, when coupled to the pin <NUM> also constrains the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> to prevent the locking of the clip arms <NUM> in the capsule <NUM> until it is desired to lock the clip <NUM> in place on target tissue. The clip <NUM> is releasably coupled to a proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> facilitating insertion of the clipping device <NUM> to a target site.

The proximal portion <NUM> includes an elongate member housing the control member <NUM> and connects the clip <NUM> to a handle and/or actuators which, during use, remain outside the body accessible to a user to permit the user to control movement of the device <NUM> between the open and closed configurations and to deploy the clip <NUM> over target tissue. The proximal portion <NUM> may include, for example, a flexible shaft <NUM> extending from a proximal end connected to a handle member (not shown) operable by a user external to a patient, including controls for moving and deploying the device <NUM>, to a distal end <NUM> releasably coupled to a proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> via, for example, a bushing <NUM>. The control member <NUM> extends through the flexible shaft <NUM> from a proximal end connected to a portion of the handle member to the distal end <NUM> connected to the clip arms <NUM>.

The capsule <NUM> extends from the proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> and includes a channel <NUM> extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the proximal end <NUM> is configured to be releasably coupled to the bushing <NUM> via tabs <NUM> that are, for example, crimped radially inward to engage a corresponding portion of the bushing <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the flexible shaft <NUM>. Although not shown, the distal end <NUM> may include inwardly bent tabs extending across an opening of the channel <NUM> to prevent the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> from being distally therepast when the clip <NUM> is moved toward the open configuration. The capsule <NUM> also includes locking features formed in the capsule wall such as, for example, locking windows <NUM> that extend laterally through the capsule wall for engaging locking tabs <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>, as will be described in further detail below.

Each of the clip arms <NUM> extends from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. As described above, proximal portions of the clip arms <NUM> are slidably received within the channel <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. Specifically, the proximal end <NUM> of each of the clip arms <NUM> is slidably received within the channel <NUM> allowing the clip <NUM> to be moved between the open and closed configurations via manipulation of the control member <NUM>. In one embodiment, the clip arms <NUM> are biased toward the open configuration so that, when drawn proximally into the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> are constrained by the wall of the capsule in the closed position with the distal ends <NUM> adjacent one another. When the clip arms <NUM> are moved distally to extend further out of the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> are freed from the constraint of the capsule <NUM> and to revert to the open configuration under their natural bias. Those skilled in the art will understand that any number of other mechanisms for opening and closing the clip arms may be employed.

The clip arms <NUM> of this embodiment also include engaging features <NUM> extending therefrom and configured to engage a portion of the capsule <NUM> so that, when the engaging features <NUM> engage the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> are prevented from being moved further proximally relative to the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the engaging features <NUM> extend laterally outward from a portion of the clip arms <NUM> so that, when the clip arms <NUM> are drawn proximally relative to the capsule <NUM>, the engaging features <NUM> abut a portion of a distal face <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. The engaging features <NUM> are positioned along the clip arms <NUM> so that, at the point where the engaging features <NUM> have engaged the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> have been drawn sufficiently proximally into the capsule <NUM> to draw the clip arms <NUM> together into the closed configuration. In one example, the engaging features <NUM> are configured as wings extending laterally from longitudinal edges of the clip arms <NUM>.

Proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> also include locking tabs <NUM> extending therefrom. The proximal ends <NUM>, in an embodiment, are biased outward, radially away from a centerline of the capsule <NUM>, but are restrained and prevented from engaging the wall of the capsule <NUM> while the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> remains coupled to the clip <NUM>. When the clip <NUM> is deployed, the control member <NUM> is released from the clip <NUM> and the locking tabs <NUM> are freed to spring outward to engage the locking windows <NUM> locking the clip arms <NUM> in the closed configuration over target tissue. The proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> also include the openings <NUM> permitting the pin <NUM> to extend through each of the clip arms <NUM> holding the clip arms <NUM> in a desired alignment relative to one another. In one embodiment, a length of the pin <NUM> in this embodiment substantially corresponds to a width (e.g., diameter) of the capsule <NUM> so that, as the clip arms <NUM> are moved longitudinally relative to the capsule <NUM>, the pin <NUM> slides along an inner surface of the capsule <NUM>.

The distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> is releasably coupled to the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> holding the proximal ends <NUM> at a radially compressed position separated from the inner surface of the capsule <NUM> preventing the locking tabs <NUM> from engaging the locking windows <NUM> until the control member <NUM> is separated from the clip arms <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the distal end <NUM> is sized and shaped to disengage the capsule <NUM> from the bushing <NUM> during deployment of the clip <NUM>. In a pre-deployed configuration, as shown in <FIG>, the distal end <NUM> releasably engages the pin <NUM> so that longitudinal movement of the control member <NUM> proximally and distally relative to the capsule <NUM> leads to a corresponding movement of the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the distal end <NUM> includes first and second jaws <NUM>, <NUM> and first and second holding jaws <NUM>, <NUM> for engaging the clip arms <NUM> and the pin <NUM>. In particular, the first and second spacing jaws <NUM>, <NUM> extend between the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> (with interior surfaces of the clip arms <NUM> that face a central axis of the capsule <NUM> engaging radially outer surfaces of the jaws <NUM>, <NUM>). The first spacing jaw <NUM> extends along a first side of the pin <NUM> while the second spacing jaw <NUM> extends along a second side of the pin <NUM> substantially opposing the first side. The first and second spacing jaws <NUM>, <NUM> extend between the clip arms <NUM> to hold the proximal ends <NUM> away from one another, to act as a positive stop on the distal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> when the clip <NUM> is in the open configuration, and as will be described in further detail below, to facilitate release of the capsule <NUM> from the proximal portion <NUM> during deployment.

Each of the first and second holding jaws <NUM>, <NUM> extends over an exterior surface of the proximal end <NUM> of a corresponding one of the clip arms <NUM> to constrain the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> and prevent the clip arms <NUM> from lockingly engaging the capsule <NUM> until the clip is deployed. In particular, the first holding jaws <NUM> extends along a surface of a first one of the clip arms <NUM> facing away from the centerline of the capsule <NUM> and the second holding jaw <NUM> extends along a surface of a second one of the clip arms <NUM> facing away from a centerline of the capsule <NUM>. Each of the first and second holding jaws <NUM>, <NUM> includes a pair of fingers <NUM> extending around opposing sides of the pin <NUM> with distal ends <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> curving around a distal surface of the pin <NUM> to grip the pin <NUM> until the jaws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are separated from the clip <NUM> and the clip <NUM> is deployed.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that, in a further embodiment, distal ends <NUM> of the first and second spacing jaws <NUM>, <NUM> may also curve toward one another to wrap about at least a portion of the distal surface of the pin <NUM> to provide an additional holding/gripping force of the pin <NUM> until it is desired to deploy the clip <NUM>. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the distal ends <NUM> of the first and second spacing jaws <NUM>, <NUM> may be curved to grip the pin <NUM> while the fingers <NUM> of the first and second holding jaws <NUM>, <NUM> merely extend along opposing sides of the pin <NUM> to constrain the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arm <NUM> to prevent the clip arms <NUM> from lockingly engaging the capsule <NUM> until deployment.

As described above, the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> is coupled to the pin <NUM> and the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> so that the clip <NUM> may be moved between the open and closed configurations via movement of the control member <NUM>. When the clip arms <NUM> are drawn proximally into the capsule <NUM> until the engaging features <NUM> engage the capsule <NUM> preventing further proximal movement of the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM>, increased proximally directed force exerted on the control member <NUM>, tension applied to the control member <NUM> increases until the fingers <NUM> of the first and second holding jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are spread away from one another to release the pin <NUM> from the control member <NUM> freeing the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> to spring outward until the locking tabs <NUM> engage the locking windows of the capsule <NUM> locking the clip <NUM> in the closed configuration.

After the control member <NUM> disengages from the pin <NUM> and the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>, the user continues to draw the control member <NUM> proximally until the distal end <NUM> is received in the proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>. The distal portion <NUM> is sized and shaped so that, as it moves between the inwardly crimped tabs <NUM>, the tabs <NUM> are forced radially outward disengaging the capsule <NUM> from the bushing <NUM> and separating the clip <NUM> from the proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> so that the device <NUM> may be withdrawn from the body while the clip <NUM> remains in place clipped over the target tissue.

In one embodiment, exterior surfaces <NUM> of the first and second spacing jaws <NUM>, <NUM> extend radially away from a centerline of the capsule <NUM> by a distance selected so that the jaws <NUM> and <NUM> abut the crimped tabs <NUM> and push the tabs <NUM> radially outward as the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> moves proximally therepast. In this embodiment, a distance between exterior surfaces <NUM> of the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> substantially corresponds to a width (e.g., diameter) of the channel <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> distal of the inwardly crimped tabs <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, an interior channel of the bushing <NUM> is sized and shaped to receive the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> therein after the clip <NUM> has been deployed. In this embodiment no portion of the control member <NUM> contributes to a length of the deployed clip <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and all portions of the control member <NUM> are removed from the body along with the proximal portion <NUM> of the clipping device <NUM> and without shedding any parts within the body.

According to an exemplary method utilizing the clipping device <NUM>, the clip <NUM> is 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 <NUM> is inserted through the working channel in the closed configuration. Once the clip <NUM> has reached the target site, the clip arms <NUM> are extended distally from the capsule <NUM> so that the clip arms <NUM> move under their natural bias toward the open configuration so that target tissue may be received between the clip arms <NUM>. The user may operate the control member <NUM> to move the clip <NUM> between the open and closed configurations as desired until a target portion of tissue is positioned between the clip arms <NUM>. The user then draws the control member <NUM> proximally (or advances the proximal portion <NUM> distally over the control member <NUM>) so that, as more of the clip arms <NUM> are received into the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> are drawn toward one another to grip the target tissue between the distal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>.

When the user is satisfied that the clip <NUM> is in position gripping the target tissue as desired, the user applies increasing proximally directed force to the control member <NUM> after the engaging features <NUM> have engaged the capsule <NUM>, as described above, until the distal ends <NUM> of the fingers <NUM> of the holding jaws <NUM>, <NUM>, separate from one another releasing the pin <NUM>. As the pin <NUM> is released, the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> also disengages from the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> freeing the proximal ends <NUM> to spring outward away from the centerline of the capsule <NUM> until the locking tabs <NUM> engage the locking windows <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> locking the clip <NUM> in the closed configuration. The user then draws the control member <NUM> further proximally relative to the capsule <NUM> until the distal end <NUM> engages the tabs <NUM> pushing them outward to disengage the capsule <NUM> from the bushing <NUM> and freeing the clip <NUM> that is coupled to the target tissue. The control member <NUM> may then be withdrawn proximally until the distal end <NUM> is received within the bushing <NUM> so that the proximal portion <NUM> with the entire the control member <NUM> received therein, may be removed from the body.

A clipping device <NUM> according to another exemplary embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, is substantially similar to the clipping device <NUM> described above and comprises a clip <NUM> including a pair of clip arms <NUM>, proximal ends <NUM> of which are slidably received within a capsule <NUM> so that the clip <NUM> may move between an open configuration, in which distal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends <NUM> are drawn toward one another. The clip arms <NUM> are moved between the open and the closed configurations via a control member <NUM> as described above and the control member <NUM> includes a distal end <NUM> configured to be directly coupled to the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>. The capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> and a proximal portion <NUM> of the clipping device <NUM> to which the capsule <NUM> is releasably coupled are substantially similar to the corresponding elements of the device <NUM> described above. A pin <NUM> received within openings <NUM> extending through the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>, in this embodiment is integrally formed with control member <NUM>, and defines a portion of the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> so that, as will be described in further detail below, the pin <NUM> is drawn out of the openings <NUM> during deployment of the clip <NUM>.

The control member <NUM> is substantially similar to the control member <NUM>, extending through the proximal portion <NUM> from a proximal end connected to a portion of a handle member to the distal end <NUM>, which is releasably coupled to the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>. The distal end <NUM>, however, includes a middle portion <NUM> sized and shaped to be received between the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> and to have a width substantially corresponding to a width (e.g., diameter) of the capsule <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is defined via a first portion <NUM> extending laterally away from a first surface of the middle portion <NUM> to be received within the opening <NUM> of a first one of the clip arms <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> extending laterally away from a second surface of the middle portion <NUM> opposing the first surface of the middle portion <NUM> to be received within the opening <NUM> of a second one of the clip arms <NUM>. Each of the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> also includes a longitudinally extending tab <NUM> configured to engage exterior surfaces of the clip arms <NUM> - e.g., surfaces along the proximal portion <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> facing away from a centerline of the capsule <NUM> - to constrain the proximal ends <NUM> toward the centerline of the capsule <NUM>, preventing locking tabs <NUM> extending from the proximal ends <NUM> from engaging locking windows <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> until the clip <NUM> is deployed.

The clip arms <NUM> are substantially similar to the clip arms <NUM>, extending from proximal ends <NUM> to distal ends <NUM> and including openings <NUM> extending through the proximal ends <NUM> to receive the pin <NUM>. As described above with respect to device <NUM>, the pin <NUM> is received within the openings <NUM> and holds the clip arms <NUM> in a desired alignment relative to one another. Each of the clip arms <NUM>, however, includes a longitudinal slot <NUM> extending proximally from the opening <NUM> to a proximal edge <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> to define a pair of fingers <NUM> extending proximally from the opening <NUM> and separated via the slot <NUM>. The slot <NUM> has a width smaller than a width of the opening <NUM> and the pin <NUM> received therein so that simply moving the clip arms <NUM> between the open and closed configurations via the control member <NUM> does not disengage the control member <NUM> from the clip arms <NUM>. Each of the clip arms <NUM> also includes a relief <NUM> formed along longitudinal edges <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> immediately distal of the opening <NUM> so that, when a predetermined proximal force is exerted on the distal end <NUM> relative to the clip arms <NUM>, the reliefs <NUM> allow the pair of fingers <NUM> to flex away from one another releasing the pin <NUM> from the control member <NUM>.

The clipping device <NUM> may be used in a manner substantially similar to the clipping device <NUM>. In particular, upon insertion to a target site within a body, the clip <NUM> may be moved between the open and closed configurations until a target portion of tissue is received between the distal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>, as desired. Once the target tissue has been gripped as desired, the control member <NUM> is drawn proximally relative to the capsule <NUM> until engaging features <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> engage the capsule <NUM> preventing further proximal motion of the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM>. When the user is ready to deploy the clip <NUM>, the user applies further proximally directed force to the control member <NUM> until the force applied by the pin <NUM> against the fingers <NUM> causes the fingers <NUM> to flex away from one permitting the pin <NUM> to move proximally through the widened slot <NUM> releasing the clip arms <NUM> from the control member <NUM> and freeing the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> spring outward until the locking tabs <NUM> engage locking windows <NUM> to lock the clip <NUM> in the closed configuration.

The user then draws the control member <NUM> further proximally until the distal end <NUM> is drawn through the proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> forcing an exterior surface <NUM> of the middle portion <NUM> into engagement with the crimped tabs <NUM> forcing the tabs <NUM> radially outward, out of engagement with, for example, a bushing <NUM> of the proximal portion <NUM> and separating the clip <NUM> from the proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> is drawn proximally into the bushing <NUM> so that the proximal portion <NUM>, and the control member <NUM>, may be removed from the body. Similarly to the device <NUM>, the control member <NUM> and the proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> may be removed from the body without shedding any parts therewithin.

Although the clip arms <NUM> are shown and described as including the slot <NUM> through which first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the pin <NUM> may pass to release the clip arms <NUM> from the control member <NUM>, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that a pin <NUM> integrally formed with a remaining portion of the control member <NUM> may be released from the clip arms <NUM> to lock and deploy the clip <NUM> using other deployment mechanisms. For example, according to an alternate embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, clip arms <NUM> releasably engages a control member <NUM> via a distal end <NUM> thereof that includes a middle portion <NUM> received between proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>. A pin <NUM> extending from opposing surfaces of the middle portion <NUM> is received within openings <NUM> along proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>.

Similarly to the device <NUM> described above, the pin <NUM> couples the clip to the control member, maintains a desired alignment between the clip arms <NUM> and also constrains the proximal ends <NUM> at a radially inward unlocked configuration. The middle portion <NUM> is sized and shaped to disengage the capsule from the proximal portion during deployment by, for example, moving inwardly crimped tabs of the capsule outward when the distal end <NUM> is moved proximally therepast. Rather than a slot extending proximally from the openings <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> to release the pin <NUM> during deployment, however, the proximal ends <NUM> are configured to be broken and split when a predetermined proximal force is exerted thereon via the pin <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each of the clip arms <NUM> includes a notch <NUM> extending along an exterior surface of the clip arms <NUM> from the openings <NUM> to proximal edges <NUM> thereof. The notch <NUM> forms a weakened location that is configured to split when a predetermined force is exerted thereon via the pin <NUM>. Although the pin <NUM> and the openings <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> in which the pin <NUM> is received may have any of a variety of shapes, in one example, the pin <NUM> has a substantially triangular cross-section, tapering toward a proximal end <NUM> thereof and defining cutting edges for cutting and/or splitting the notch <NUM> as the pin <NUM> is moved proximally thereagainst. Similarly to the pin <NUM>, ends of the pin <NUM> may include longitudinally extending tabs or overhangs <NUM> for holding the proximal ends <NUM> in the unlocked configuration until the pin <NUM> is drawn out of engagement with the proximal ends <NUM>. The longitudinally extending tabs <NUM> in this embodiment are substantially triangular. It will be understood by those of skill in the art, however, that the longitudinally extending tabs <NUM> may have any of a variety of shapes so long as the longitudinally extending tabs <NUM> engage exterior surfaces of the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> - e.g., surfaces along the proximal portion <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> facing away from the middle portion <NUM> - to hold the proximal ends <NUM> in the unlocked configuration.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that a strength of the deployment mechanism shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be optimized for different applications based on a depth of the notch <NUM>, a cutting edge angle of the pin <NUM> and a thickness of a material of the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>. Different configurations may be used to adjust a predetermined proximal force required for deployment to meet deployment requirements for multiple applications. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that a clipping device including the deployment mechanism shown and described with respect to <FIG> may be used in a manner substantially similar to the clipping device <NUM>, as described above.

Claim 1:
A clipping device (<NUM>), comprising:
a clip (<NUM>) including a capsule (<NUM>) extending longitudinally from a proximal end (<NUM>) to a distal end (<NUM>) and including a channel (<NUM>) extending therethrough, and a pair of clip arms (<NUM>), proximal ends (<NUM>) of which are slidably received within the channel (<NUM>) to move the clip arms (<NUM>) between an open configuration, in which distal ends (<NUM>) thereof are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the distal ends (<NUM>) of the clip arms (<NUM>) are drawn toward one another, the clip arms (<NUM>) being biased toward the open configuration and being aligned relative to one another via a pin (<NUM>) received within openings (<NUM>) extending through proximal ends (<NUM>) of the clip arms (<NUM>);
a proximal portion (<NUM>) configured for insertion of the clip (<NUM>) through a working channel of an endoscope, the proximal portion (<NUM>) including a flexible shaft (<NUM>) extending from a proximal end to a distal end (<NUM>) including a bushing (<NUM>) releasably coupled to the capsule (<NUM>); and
a control member (<NUM>) extending longitudinally through the flexible shaft (<NUM>) from a proximal end to a distal end (<NUM>) releasably coupled to the proximal ends (<NUM>) of the clip arms (<NUM>) to move the clip arms (<NUM>) between the open and closed configurations, the distal end (<NUM>) of the control member (<NUM>) including a pair of holding jaws (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of which include a pair of fingers (<NUM>) extending about the pin (<NUM>) along opposing sides thereof with distal ends (<NUM>) of the fingers (<NUM>) curving around a distal surface of the pin (<NUM>) to grip the pin (<NUM>) therebetween.