Patent Description:
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.

<CIT> discloses a hemostatic clip assembly which comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule. When the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, the arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position. The clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip. A yoke is slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to a tension member.

<CIT> discloses a clamp device. One end of a connecting piece is connected with a connecting tube and a front is connected movably to a clip holder. The connecting piece has a frangible portion. Two clips arms are connected with the clip holder by a connecting pin.

The invention is defined in the independent claim. Further embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

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. The clip arms are biased toward the open configuration and are drawn proximally into the capsule to draw the clip arms into the 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.

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 <FIG>, a clipping device <NUM> 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 arms 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 proximal and distal movement of a control member <NUM>, which is coupled to the clip arms <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is configured to maintain an alignment between the clip arms <NUM>, to lock the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM> once a target tissue has been clipped, and to facilitate deployment of the clip from a proximal portion <NUM> of the clipping device <NUM>, which facilitates insertion of the clip <NUM> to a target site.

In some embodiments, once the clip <NUM> has been clipped over a target tissue, the control member <NUM> is drawn proximally relative to the capsule <NUM> until at least a portion of the connector <NUM> slides proximally relative to the clip arms <NUM> to, as will be described in further detail below, lock the clip <NUM> in the closed configuration and facilitate deployment of the clip <NUM> from the proximal portion <NUM>. The proximal portion <NUM> may, for example, include a flexible elongate member <NUM> housing the control member <NUM> and connecting the clip <NUM> to a handle <NUM> 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 <NUM> between the open and closed configurations and to deploy the clip <NUM> over target tissue. The flexible elongate member may be releasably coupled to the clip <NUM> via a bushing <NUM> at a distal end of the flexible elongate member. The control member <NUM> extends through the elongate member from a proximal end connected to a portion of the handle member to a distal end <NUM> connected to the connector <NUM>.

The capsule <NUM> extends from a 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, for example, tabs <NUM> that are crimped radially inward to engage a corresponding portion of the bushing <NUM>. A proximal portion of the capsule <NUM> also includes locking tabs <NUM> extending into the channel <NUM>. In one example, the locking tabs <NUM> are defined via a cut portion of a wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> that is angled or bent into the channel <NUM> so that a proximal end <NUM> of the locking tab <NUM> is biased toward a centerline of the capsule <NUM>.

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 advanced distally out of the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> moved apart from one another into the open configuration under their natural bias. When the arms <NUM> are drawn proximally into the capsule <NUM>, the clip arms <NUM> are constrained by the wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> and drawn together toward the closed position in which the distal ends <NUM> are adjacent one another. Those skilled in the art will understand that any number of other mechanisms for opening and closing the clip arms <NUM> 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 into the capsule <NUM>. In one embodiment, the engaging features <NUM> extend laterally outward having a greater width than more proximal portions of the clip arms <NUM> that are sized to permit them to be drawn proximally into the capsule <NUM>. Thus, as the clip arms <NUM> are drawn proximally into the capsule <NUM>, the engaging features <NUM> abut the distal end <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> include an elongated opening <NUM> extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the connector <NUM> therein. The elongated opening <NUM> includes a proximal portion <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM> connected to one another via a middle portion <NUM> having a width smaller than a width (e.g., diameter) of each of the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM> are sized and shaped to receive a portion of the connector <NUM> such as, for example, a pin <NUM>, therein.

In an unlocked configuration, in which the clip arms <NUM> are movable with respect to the capsule <NUM>, the pin <NUM> is received within the distal portion <NUM> of the elongated opening <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>). In a locked configuration, in which the clip arms <NUM> are locked relative to the capsule <NUM> in the closed configuration, the pin <NUM> is received within the proximal portion <NUM> of the elongated opening <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>). The width of the middle portion <NUM> is smaller than the widths of the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM> so that the pin <NUM> is prevented from inadvertently sliding from the distal portion <NUM> to the proximal portion <NUM> until it is desired to lock the clip <NUM> in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the pin <NUM> is configured to move from the distal portion <NUM> to the proximal portion <NUM> when a predetermined force is applied thereto via the control member <NUM>.

As discussed above, the control member <NUM> is connected to the clip arms <NUM> via the connector <NUM>, so that a movement of the control member <NUM> controls a movement of the clip <NUM> and, in particular, a movement of the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> is releasably attached to a distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> and includes a central portion <NUM> that is sized and shaped to be received between the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> and the pin <NUM> which extends from opposing sides of the central body <NUM> to be received within the elongated opening <NUM>. The central portion <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> connected to the control member <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the central portion is defined via opposing surfaces <NUM>, each of which contacts a corresponding one of the clip arms <NUM>, and lateral surfaces <NUM> connecting longitudinal edges <NUM> of the opposing surfaces <NUM>. A distance between the lateral surfaces <NUM> is selected so that, when the connector <NUM> is slid proximally relative to the clip arms <NUM> from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the lateral surfaces <NUM> engage the inwardly crimped tabs <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, moving the tabs <NUM> radially outward out of engagement with the bushing <NUM> of the proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> to deploy the clip <NUM>. In one embodiment, the distance between the lateral surfaces <NUM> substantially corresponds to a width (e.g., diameter) of the channel <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> so that the connector <NUM> is longitudinally slidable therewithin.

The pin <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> extending from each of the opposing surfaces <NUM> to be received within the elongated opening <NUM> of a corresponding one of the clip arms <NUM>. In one embodiment, the pin <NUM> may include an overhang <NUM> extending laterally from each protrusion <NUM> so that when each protrusion <NUM> is received within the elongated opening <NUM> of the corresponding clip arm <NUM>, the overhang <NUM> engages an exterior surface <NUM> of the clip arm <NUM> (e.g., a surface of the clip arm <NUM> facing away from the centerline of the capsule <NUM>) to space the clip arm <NUM> from the channel <NUM> to prevent any friction that may occur from a sliding of the exterior surface <NUM> of the clip arm <NUM> against a surface of the channel <NUM>.

As described above, the pin <NUM> moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the engaging features <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> engage the distal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> preventing further proximal movement of the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM>. Thus, when the control member <NUM> is moved even further proximally relative to the capsule <NUM> so that a predetermined force is applied to the connector <NUM>, the pin <NUM> moves from the distal portion <NUM> of the elongated opening <NUM> to the proximal portion <NUM> of the elongated opening <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> via a middle portion <NUM> having a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM> and the pin <NUM>. In one example, one of the protrusions <NUM> of the pin <NUM> and/or portions of the clip arms <NUM> extending along either side of the middle portion <NUM> deform to permit the pin <NUM> to be moved proximally therepast.

In another example, as shown in <FIG>, a proximal end <NUM>' of clip arms <NUM>' includes a slit <NUM>' from a proximal-most end <NUM>' end of the clip arms <NUM>' to an elongated opening <NUM>' to define a pair of fingers <NUM>'. When a predetermined force is applied to a connector <NUM>', which is substantially similar to the connector <NUM> described above, to move the connector <NUM>' from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration, the pair of fingers <NUM>' flex or spread apart from one another to facilitate moving of a pin <NUM>' of the connector <NUM>' from a distal portion <NUM>' of the elongated opening <NUM>' to a proximal portion <NUM>' of the elongated opening <NUM>' via a middle portion <NUM>' having a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions <NUM>', <NUM>'. Once the pin <NUM>' is received within the proximal portion <NUM>' of the elongated opening <NUM>', however, the fingers <NUM>' revert to their initial configuration so that the pin <NUM>' is held within the proximal portion <NUM>' and the clip arms <NUM>' are locked relative to the capsule <NUM> via the locking tabs <NUM>, as described above.

As shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> extends across a width (e.g., diameter) of the channel <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> so that a length of the pin <NUM> substantially corresponds thereto. Thus, as the connector <NUM> is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the pin <NUM> slides along the locking tabs <NUM> moving the locking tabs <NUM> radially outward as it moved proximally therepast. Once the pin <NUM> has been proximally beyond the locking tab <NUM>, however, the locking tab <NUM> is permitted to revert to its angled/bent configuration so that the proximal end <NUM> thereof extends toward the centerline of the capsule <NUM>. In the locked configuration, the pin <NUM> is proximal of the proximal end <NUM> of the locking tab <NUM> so that the pin <NUM> engages the locking tab <NUM> and is prevented from moving distally therepast, thereby locking the clip arms <NUM> relative thereto, in the closed configuration.

As described above, the connector <NUM> is releasably coupled to the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM>. Thus, once the connector <NUM> has been moved to the locked configuration so that the central portion <NUM> moves the crimped tabs <NUM> out of engagement with the bushing <NUM> and the pin <NUM> is positioned within the proximal portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>, the control member <NUM> is moved even further proximally relative to the capsule <NUM> until a predetermined force is exerted thereon, releasing or otherwise separating the control member <NUM> from the connector <NUM>. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the predetermined force required to separate the control member <NUM> from the connector <NUM> is greater than the predetermined force required to move the connector <NUM> from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Separation of the control member <NUM> from the connector <NUM> allows the proximal portion <NUM> to be removed from the body while leaving the clip <NUM> clipped over the target tissue within body.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the control member <NUM> may be releasably coupled to the connector <NUM> in any of a variety of ways. In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, for example, the distal end <NUM> of the control member <NUM> may be welded to the proximal end <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> and configured to break or separate when the predetermined force is exerted thereon. In another example, as shown in <FIG>, a connector <NUM>' may include a sleeve <NUM>' extending proximally from a proximal end <NUM>' of a central portion <NUM>' to be crimped over a distal portion of a control member <NUM>'. Distally of a crimped portion <NUM>' of the sleeve <NUM>', the sleeve <NUM>' includes a necked down portion <NUM>' configured to fracture or break when the predetermined force is exerted thereon.

According to yet another example, as shown in <FIG>, a control member <NUM>" may include a ball tip <NUM>" releasably coupled to a distal end <NUM>" of the control member <NUM>". In particular, a distal portion of the control member <NUM>" extends through a central portion <NUM>" of the connector <NUM>" so that the ball tip <NUM>' is distal of a distal end <NUM>" of the central portion <NUM>". Immediately proximal of the central portion <NUM>" of the connector <NUM>", a hypotube <NUM>" may be crimped or welded over the control member <NUM>" to prevent the control member <NUM>" from sliding distally through the central portion <NUM>" during opening of the clip <NUM>. When a predetermined force is exerted thereon, the ball tip <NUM>' separates from a remaining portion of the control member <NUM>" so that the control member <NUM>" may be proximally withdrawn from the central portion <NUM>".

Although <FIG> specifically shows and describes a hypotube <NUM>", it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the control member <NUM>" may include other elements or mechanisms for preventing the distal movement of the control member <NUM>" relative to the connector <NUM>". For example, the control member <NUM>" may alternatively include an increased diameter portion immediately distal of the central portion <NUM>". Although specific examples are shown and described above, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the control member <NUM> may be releasably coupled to the connector <NUM> in any of a number of ways so long as the control member <NUM> is releasable from the connector <NUM> when subject to a predetermined force.

According to an exemplary method utilizing the clipping device <NUM>, the clip <NUM> 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 user advances the control member <NUM> distally to advance the clip arms <NUM> distally out of the capsule <NUM> freeing the clip arms <NUM> to move under their natural bias toward the open configuration so that the target tissue may be received between the clip arms <NUM>. The user may then 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> as desired.

As described above, the clip arms <NUM> may be moved between the open and the closed positions while the control connector <NUM> is in the unlocked configuration with respect to the clip arms <NUM>. In particular, the pin <NUM> of the connector <NUM> is received within the distal portion <NUM> of the elongated opening <NUM> extending through the proximal end of the clip arms <NUM>. Once the target tissue has been clipped, as desired, the user draws the control member <NUM> proximally (or advances the proximal portion <NUM> distally over the control member <NUM>) so that, as the clip arms <NUM> are drawn 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 clip <NUM> is in a desired position gripping the target tissue, 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 pin <NUM> of the connector <NUM> moves proximally within the elongated opening <NUM> from the distal portion <NUM> thereof to the proximal portion <NUM> via the middle portion <NUM>. As described above, either the clip <NUM> and/or the pin <NUM> may deform to permit proximal movement of the pin <NUM> through the middle portion <NUM>, which has a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

When the connector <NUM> is moved from the unlocked to the locked position, the pin <NUM> moves distally past the proximal end <NUM> of the locking tab <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> to lock the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule in the closed configuration, while also moving the inwardly crimped tabs <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> radially outward via the lateral surfaces <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> to disengage the capsule <NUM> from the bushing <NUM>. Once the connector <NUM> has been moved to the locked configuration, a proximal force on the control member <NUM> may be increased until the control member <NUM> separates from the connector <NUM>, freeing the clip <NUM> from the proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> and leaving the clip <NUM> coupled to the target tissue. The proximal portion <NUM>, including the control member <NUM>, may then be withdrawn from the body.

As shown in <FIG>, a clipping device <NUM> according to another exemplary embodiment 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 of the clip arms <NUM> are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends are drawn toward one another. The clip arms <NUM> are moved between the open and the closed configurations via distal and proximal motion of a control member <NUM>, which is coupled to the clip arms <NUM> via a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is substantially similar to the connector <NUM>, including a central portion <NUM> and a pin <NUM>. Rather than having the entire connector <NUM> moving proximally relative to the clip arms <NUM> to move the clip <NUM> from an unlocked to a locked configuration, however, the pin <NUM> remains in a fixed position relative to the clip arms <NUM> so that central portion <NUM> slides proximally relative to the pin <NUM> and the clip arms <NUM> to move the clip <NUM> from the unlocked to the locked configuration, as will be described in further detail below.

Similarly to the device <NUM>, the connector <NUM> is releasably coupled to the control member <NUM> and includes the central portion <NUM> and the pin <NUM>. The pin <NUM> extends from opposing surfaces of the central portion <NUM> to be received within openings <NUM> extending through proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM>. The opening <NUM>, however, are not elongated, but rather, are specifically sized and shaped to correspond to a size and shape of the pin <NUM> received therein so that the pin <NUM> remains in a fixed position relative to the clip arms <NUM>. In one embodiment, the pin <NUM> may be fixed to the openings <NUM> via a friction fit. In another embodiment, the pin <NUM> may be fixed to the openings <NUM> via, for example, welding or an adhesive. Alternatively, the pin <NUM> may include overhangs substantially similar to the overhangs <NUM> described with respect to the clipping device <NUM> for engaging the clip arms <NUM>. Except as described above, the clip arms <NUM> are otherwise substantially similar to the clip arms <NUM>.

The central portion <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> and similarly to the central portion <NUM>, is defined via opposing surfaces <NUM>, each of which contact an interior surface of a corresponding one of the clip arms <NUM>, and lateral surfaces <NUM> connecting longitudinal edges <NUM> of the opposing surfaces from the proximal end <NUM> to the distal end <NUM>. The central portion <NUM> additionally includes, however, an elongated opening <NUM> extending therethrough from a first one of the opposing surfaces <NUM> to a second one of the opposing surfaces <NUM>. The elongated opening <NUM> may be configured substantially similarly to the elongated opening <NUM> extending through the clip arms <NUM> of the clipping device <NUM>. In particular, the elongated opening <NUM> may include a proximal portion <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM> connected to one another via a middle portion having a width smaller than the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The pin <NUM>, which will be described in further detail below, extends through the elongated opening <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is received within the proximal portion <NUM> in the unlocked configuration (see <FIG>) and is moved into the distal portion <NUM> in the locked configuration (see <FIG>).

Similarly to the central portion <NUM>, a distance between lateral surfaces <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> is selected so that, when the connector <NUM> is slid proximally relative to the pin <NUM> from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the lateral surfaces <NUM> engage inwardly crimped tabs <NUM> at a proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, moving the tabs <NUM> radially outward and out of engagement with a bushing <NUM> of a proximal portion <NUM> of the device <NUM> to deploy the clip <NUM>. The lateral surfaces <NUM>, however, further include a shoulder <NUM> for engaging locking tabs <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> in the locked configuration. Similarly to the locking tabs <NUM>, locking tabs <NUM> may extend from a wall <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> to be angled or bent into a channel <NUM> of the capsule <NUM> so that a proximal end <NUM> of the locking tab <NUM> is biased toward a centerline of the capsule <NUM>.

Since the pin <NUM> of the connector <NUM> remains fixed with respect to the clip arms <NUM>, however, the locking tabs <NUM> engage the shoulder <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> when the central portion <NUM> is moved toward the locked configuration. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, when the connector <NUM> is in the unlocked configuration, the central portion <NUM> is positioned between the locking tabs <NUM> so that the locking tabs <NUM> are deformed radially outward. When the central portion <NUM> is moved proximally relative to the pin <NUM> so that the pin <NUM> is received within the distal portion <NUM> of the elongated opening <NUM>, however, the shoulder <NUM> is moved proximally past the locking tabs <NUM> so that the locking tabs <NUM> are permitted to revert to their inwardly biased configuration, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The locking tabs <NUM> thus engage the shoulder <NUM> so that the central portion <NUM> can no longer be moved distally relative to the capsule <NUM>, thereby locking the clip arms <NUM> relative to the capsule <NUM> in the closed configuration.

The pin <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> transverse relative to a longitudinal axis of the capsule so that the first end <NUM> is received within the opening <NUM> of a first one of the clip arms <NUM> and the second end <NUM> is received within the opening <NUM> of a second one of the clip arms <NUM>. As described above, the pin <NUM> is received within the elongated opening <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> and is movable from the proximal portion <NUM> to the distal portion <NUM> as the clip <NUM> is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Similarly to the pin <NUM>, the pin <NUM> may deform when subject to a predetermined force to pass through the middle portion <NUM>, which has a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

According to an alternative embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a central portion <NUM>' of a connector <NUM>' may similarly include an elongated opening <NUM>' through which a pin (substantially similarly to the pin <NUM>) may be received. Similarly to the connector <NUM>, the elongated opening <NUM>' includes proximal and distal portions <NUM>', <NUM>' connected to one another via a middle portion <NUM>' having a smaller width than the proximal and distal portions <NUM>', <NUM>'. The central portion <NUM>', however, further includes a slot <NUM>' extending therethrough from the distal portion <NUM>' to a distal end <NUM>' such that the pin is not required to deform when passing through the middle portion <NUM>'. In particular, when a predetermined load is applied to the connector <NUM>', opposing portions <NUM>' of the central portion <NUM>' defined via the slot <NUM>' spread apart from one another to permit the pin to move from the proximal portion <NUM>' to the distal portion <NUM>'. Once the pin is received within the distal portion <NUM>', the central portion <NUM>' reverts to its initial configuration to hold the pin within the distal portion <NUM>'.

Except as outlined above, elements of the clipping device <NUM> may be substantially similar to the corresponding elements of the clipping device <NUM> so that, as will be understood by those of skill in the art, the clipping device <NUM> may be utilized in a manner substantially similar to the clipping device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a clipping device <NUM> according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is substantially similar to the clipping devices <NUM>, <NUM>, except as described below. Similarly to the clipping devices <NUM>, <NUM>, the clipping device <NUM> 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 of the clip arms <NUM> are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which distal ends are drawn toward one another. The clip arms <NUM> are moved between the open and closed configurations via distal and proximal motion of a control member <NUM>, which is coupled to the clip arms <NUM> via a connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> may be substantially similar to the connector <NUM> including a central portion <NUM> that is movable with respect to a pin <NUM> when moving the clip <NUM> from an unlocked configuration, as shown in <FIG>, to a locked configuration, as shown in <FIG>. The central portion <NUM>, however, further includes a sliding member <NUM> extending about an interior component <NUM> so that, as will be described in further detail below, only the sliding member <NUM> is moved with respect to the pin <NUM> when the clip <NUM> is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration.

The interior component <NUM> is sized and shaped to be received between the proximal ends <NUM> of the clip arms <NUM> and includes the pin <NUM> extending therefrom. Similarly to the pins <NUM>, the pin <NUM> includes a pair of protrusions <NUM>, each of the protrusions <NUM> extending from an opposing surface <NUM> of the interior component <NUM> to be received within an opening <NUM> extending through a corresponding one of the clip arms <NUM>. Similarly to the clip <NUM>, the opening <NUM> of clip <NUM> is specifically sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the pin <NUM> received therein so that the pin <NUM> is in a fixed position relative thereto. Each of the opposing surfaces <NUM> contact an interior surface along the proximal end <NUM> of a corresponding one the clip arms <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the interior component <NUM> also includes shear tabs <NUM> extending laterally from a distal end <NUM> thereof along with stop shoulders <NUM> extending from a proximal end <NUM> thereof. The shear tabs <NUM> are configured to be sheared off via a portion of the sliding component <NUM>, when the clip <NUM> is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration. The stop shoulders <NUM> are configured to abut a portion of the sliding component <NUM> to prevent the sliding component <NUM> from moving further proximally relative thereto and thereby preventing the sliding component <NUM> from becoming disengaged from the interior component <NUM>. When the sliding component <NUM> abuts the stop shoulders <NUM>, the clip <NUM> is in the locked configuration.

The sliding component <NUM> includes a proximal end <NUM> releasably coupled to the control member <NUM> and a pair of sliding arms <NUM> extending distally from the proximal end <NUM> to be mounted over the interior component <NUM> so that the pair of sliding arms <NUM> extend along the lateral sides <NUM> of the interior component <NUM>. Each of the pair of sliding arms <NUM> include a radially inwardly extending finger <NUM> at a distal end <NUM> thereof which, in the unlocked configuration, engages the shear tabs <NUM> by extending distally thereover. In an embodiment, each finger <NUM> may include a cutting edge <NUM> so that, when the clip <NUM> has been clipped over a target tissue as desired, a predetermined proximal force may be applied to the sliding component <NUM> via the control member <NUM>. Once the predetermined proximal force has been applied the cutting edge <NUM> cuts/shears the shear tabs <NUM> away from a remaining portion of the interior component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Upon shearing of the shear tabs <NUM>, the sliding component <NUM> is permitted to slide proximally relative to the interior component <NUM> and thereby the clip arms <NUM> and the capsule <NUM>, until the fingers <NUM> abut the stop shoulders <NUM> preventing further proximal motion of the sliding component <NUM> relative to the interior component <NUM>. Although shearing of the shear tabs <NUM> result in shed parts, any shed parts will remain trapped in the deployed clip <NUM>.

In the unlocked configuration, the pair of sliding arms <NUM> are positioned between locking tabs <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, so that the inwardly biased locking tabs are deformed radially outward. In the locked configuration, in which the fingers <NUM> abut the stop shoulders <NUM>, however, the distal end <NUM> of the sliding arms are moved proximally past the locking tabs <NUM> so that the locking tabs <NUM> revert to their inwardly biased configuration. The locking tabs <NUM> thus engage the distal end <NUM> of the sliding arms <NUM> to prevent sliding component <NUM> from being allowed to move distally relative to the interior component <NUM>, and thereby the clip arms <NUM> and the capsule <NUM>, to lock the clip <NUM> in the closed configuration. In this locked configuration, the sliding arms <NUM> also engage inwardly crimped tabs <NUM> at a proximal end <NUM> of the capsule <NUM>, to move the tabs <NUM> radially outward out of engagement with a proximal portion <NUM> of device <NUM> to deploy the clip <NUM>. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the clipping device <NUM> may be utilized in a manner substantially similar to the clipping devices <NUM>, <NUM>, to clip the clip <NUM> over the target tissue and subsequently lock and deploy the clip <NUM>, as described above with respect to the devices <NUM>, <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A clipping device, comprising:
a clip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a capsule (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending therethrough, and a pair of clip arms (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), proximal ends (<NUM>, <NUM>) of which are slidably received within the channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) to move the clip arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the clip arms are biased toward the open configuration and drawn proximally into the capsule (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to draw the clip arms into the closed configuration, each of the pair of clip arms including an elongated opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending through the proximal ends thereof, the elongated opening having a proximal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a distal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a central portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) receivable between the proximal ends of the clip arms and a pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the central portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) receivable within the elongated opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of each of the clip arms, the connector movable from an unlocked configuration, in which the pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is received within the distal portion of the elongated opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), to a locked configuration, in which the pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is received within the proximal portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the elongated opening (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), when a predetermined force is applied thereto; and
a control member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending through a proximal portion of the clipping device from a proximal end to a distal end releasably coupled to the connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) so that a longitudinal movement of the control member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) relative to the capsule (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) moves the clip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) between the open and the closed configurations, when the connector (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is in unlocked configuration.