Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a medical device, and in particular to a mitral valve repair device and a control handle thereof.

Valves are membrane-like structures that can be opened and closed in organs of humans or some animals. For example, there are four valves in the human's heart, including the aortic valve, the pulmonary valve, the mitral valve, and the tricuspid valve. Taking the human's mitral valve as an example, the mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts, the mitral valve, acting as a check valve, tightly closes an atrioventricular opening to prevent blood from flowing back from the left ventricle to the left atrium. However, if the mitral valve is diseased, it may be difficult for the mitral valve to be closed when the left ventricle contracts, causing the left atrium to receive a large amount of reflux blood. This may lead to a sharp rise in pressures of the left atrium and the pulmonary vein, an increase in the load of the left ventricular diastolic volume, and further lead to a series of pathological changes such as left ventricular enlargement and pulmonary hypertension. Eventually, it may result in clinical manifestations such as heart failure, arrhythmia, etc., which may be life-threatening in severe cases. A mitral valve repair device can be used to repair the diseased mitral valve, for example, clamp valves of the mitral valve, so that one large hole formed by the valve leaflets changes to two small holes, and thus a regurgitation area is reduced, thereby effectively preventing mitral regurgitation. Similarly, the mitral valve repair device can also be applied to the repair of the heart's tricuspid valve and other valves, achieving the same effect of reducing the regurgitation area by clamping valve leaflets on both sides. The mitral valve repair device may include a control handle configured to control the tissue clamping device to perform valve repair. <CIT>, introduces devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites, in which, many of the devices and systems are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues. <CIT>, discloses a delivery system for delivering a prosthesis includes a sheath, a slide shaft having a threaded outer surface, and a handle, the handle including a resilient cover to provide the internal spring assembly with a biased or nominal operational position. It is desirable to provide a mitral valve repair device and a control handle thereof with improved efficiency and success rate of mitral valve repair and convenient operation of mitral valve repair.

It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale. These embodiments are nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, in which like reference numerals represent similar structures throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:.

In the drawings: <NUM>-mitral valve repair device; <NUM>-tissue clamping device; <NUM>-inner clamp arm; <NUM>-first inner clamp arm; <NUM>-second inner clamp arm; <NUM>-barb; <NUM>-outer clamp arm; <NUM>-first outer clamp arm; <NUM>-second outer clamp arm; <NUM>-fixing member; <NUM>-supporting part; <NUM>-connecting member; <NUM>-outer clamping plate; <NUM>-first outer clamping plate; <NUM>-second outer clamping plate; <NUM>-connection pipe; <NUM>-elastic locking member; <NUM>-control handle; <NUM>-outer clamp arm control mechanism; <NUM>-sleeve; <NUM>-first sliding groove; <NUM>-first control part; <NUM>-connection groove; <NUM>-connection block; <NUM>-sliding part; <NUM>-outer cover; <NUM>-middle tube; <NUM>-opening; <NUM>-inner pipe; <NUM>-fixture block; <NUM>-locking groove; <NUM>-locking tooth; <NUM>-driving rod; <NUM>-thread engagement mechanism; <NUM>-manipulation button; <NUM>-first elastic member; <NUM>-engagement member; <NUM>-pressing part; <NUM>-engagement part; <NUM>-fixing block; <NUM>-protective cover; <NUM>-boss; <NUM>-inner clamp arm control mechanism; <NUM>-housing; <NUM>-second sliding groove; <NUM>-<NUM>-first sub-sliding groove; <NUM>-<NUM>-second sub-sliding groove; <NUM>-second control part; <NUM>-<NUM>-first sub-control part; <NUM>-<NUM>-second sub-control part; <NUM>-duct; <NUM>-connecting rod; <NUM>-<NUM>-first sub-connecting rod; <NUM>-<NUM>-second sub-connecting rod; <NUM>-end cover; <NUM>-<NUM>-first sub-end cover; <NUM>-<NUM>-second sub-end cover; <NUM>-control button; <NUM>-protrusion block; <NUM>-connecting body; <NUM>-groove; <NUM>-locking mechanism; <NUM>-second elastic member; <NUM>-locking button; <NUM>-locking block; <NUM>-tooth-shaped connecting part; <NUM>-guide block; <NUM>-first intersecting hole; <NUM>-second intersecting hole; <NUM>-delivery tube; <NUM>-flexible tube; <NUM>-inner core; <NUM>-outer pipe; <NUM>-notch; <NUM>-flexible tube control mechanism; <NUM>-screw; <NUM>-rotating part; <NUM>-traction part; <NUM>-traction rope; <NUM>-threaded traction block; <NUM>-bending indication device; <NUM>-delivery connection member; <NUM>-main body; <NUM>-first connection piece; <NUM>-second connection piece; <NUM>-fixed supporting rod; <NUM>-first indicating device; <NUM>-angle mark; <NUM>-first sensor; <NUM>-processor; <NUM>-display; <NUM>-first prompting device; <NUM>-first contact part; <NUM>-second contact part; <NUM>-speaker; <NUM>-second indicating device; <NUM>-angle mark; <NUM>-second sensor; <NUM>-processor; <NUM>-display.

The terminology used herein is to describe particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, may become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing(s), all of which form a part of this specification. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing(s) is for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to a mitral valve repair device and a control handle thereof. The mitral valve repair device may be configured to repair a mitral valve or other valves (such as a tricuspid valve). The mitral valve repair device includes a tissue clamping device and the control handle. The tissue clamping device may be configured to clamp a valve to repair it. The control handle may be configured to transport and control the tissue clamping device. In some embodiments, the tissue clamping device may reach a predetermined position through multiple paths. For example, the tissue clamping device may be transported to the mitral valve via the femoral vein, inferior vena cava, right atrium, and left atrium to repair the mitral valve. As another example, the tissue clamping device may be transported to the mitral valve via the left atrial appendage and the left atrium to repair the mitral valve.

<FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a mitral valve repair device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a tissue clamping device and a delivery connection member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an outer clamp arm of the tissue clamping device in an opened state according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a delivery connection member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the mitral valve repair device <NUM> includes a tissue clamping device <NUM> and a control handle <NUM>. The tissue clamping device <NUM> includes an outer clamp arm <NUM> and an inner clamp arm <NUM>. The control handle <NUM> includes an outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> and an inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM>. The outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> is configured to control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>. The inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> is configured to control the opening and closing of the inner clamp arm <NUM> relative to the outer clamp arm <NUM>. A valve (such as a mitral valve) may be clamped between the outer clamp arm <NUM> and the inner clamp arm <NUM> by controlling the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> and the inner clamp arm <NUM> via the control handle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the mitral valve repair device <NUM> may include a delivery tube <NUM>. The tissue clamping device <NUM> may be connected to the control handle <NUM> via the delivery tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the delivery tube <NUM> may be flexible (for example, the delivery tube <NUM> is made of an elastic material). The control handle <NUM> may transport the tissue clamping device <NUM> to the mitral valve through the femoral vein, inferior vena cava, right atrium, or left atrium by the flexible delivery tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the delivery tube <NUM> may be inflexible (for example, the delivery tube <NUM> is made of a rigid material). In such cases, the control handle <NUM> may transport the tissue clamping device <NUM> to the mitral valve through the left atrial appendage or the left atrium by the inflexible delivery tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the delivery tube <NUM> may include a flexible tube <NUM> in order to better control the tissue clamping device <NUM> when the tissue clamping device <NUM> is delivered to the mitral valve through the left atrial appendage and the left atrium. As shown in <FIG>, the flexible tube <NUM> may be located at a front end (i.e., an end close to the tissue clamping device <NUM>) of the delivery tube <NUM>. Correspondingly, the control handle <NUM> may include a flexible tube control mechanism <NUM>, which may be configured to control the bending of the flexible tube <NUM>. More details about the flexible tube <NUM> and the flexible tube control mechanism <NUM> may be found elsewhere in the present disclosure, e.g., <FIG> and descriptions thereof. By delivering the tissue clamping device <NUM> to the mitral valve through the left atrial appendage and the left atrium, the operation of mitral valve repair can be more convenient, and the efficiency and the success rate of mitral valve repair can be higher. In addition, when the delivery tube <NUM> is inflexible or the delivery tube <NUM> includes a flexible tube <NUM>, the mitral valve repair device <NUM> may be used for other purposes. For example, the mitral valve repair device <NUM> may be configured to perform valve repair operations on animals such as pigs.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the tissue clamping device <NUM> may include the inner clamp arm <NUM>, the outer clamp arm <NUM>, a fixing member <NUM>, a supporting part <NUM>, a connecting member <NUM>, and an outer clamping plate <NUM>. The inner clamp arm <NUM> may include a first inner clamp arm <NUM> and a second inner clamp arm <NUM>. The outer clamp arm <NUM> may include a first outer clamp arm <NUM> and a second outer clamp arm <NUM>. The outer clamping plate <NUM> may include a first outer clamping plate <NUM> and a second outer clamping plate <NUM>. One side of the supporting part <NUM> may be bendably connected to the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the first outer clamping plate <NUM> in sequence. The other side of the supporting part <NUM> may be bendably connected to the second outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamping plate <NUM> in sequence. The first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> may be bent toward the supporting part <NUM> and closed relative to each other. The first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> may be bent away from the supporting part <NUM> and opened relative to each other. The tissue clamping device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in a state where the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> are closed relative to each other. The tissue clamping device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is in a state where the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> are opened relative to each other, and an opening angle they formed (also referred to as an opening angle of the outer clamp arm) is <NUM>°. As used herein, the opening angle refers to an angle between the two outer clamp arms opening to each other. The opening angle of the outer clamp arm may be any angle, such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°. In some embodiments, the outer clamp arm <NUM>, the supporting part <NUM>, and the outer clamping plate <NUM> may be an integrally formed structure. For example, the outer clamp arm <NUM>, the supporting part <NUM> and the outer clamping plate <NUM> may be an integrally formed structure made by cutting and heat-treating a shape memory alloy tube. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, one end of the supporting part <NUM> (an upper end shown in the figure) may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the connecting member <NUM>, and one end (a lower end shown in the figure) of the first outer plate <NUM> and one end (a lower end shown in the figure) of the second outer clamping plate <NUM> may be respectively connected (e.g., fixedly connected) to the fixing member <NUM>. With this arrangement, when moving relative to the connecting member <NUM>, the fixing member <NUM> may move relative to the supporting part <NUM>. When the fixing member <NUM> moves away from the supporting part <NUM>, the first outer clamping plate <NUM> and the second outer clamping plate <NUM> may be driven by the fixing member <NUM>, and thus respectively pull the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> to make them open relatively. In <FIG>, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> controls the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM> via a driving rod <NUM>. Specifically, one end (a lower end as shown in <FIG>) of the driving rod <NUM> may have a threaded structure. The driving rod <NUM> may be detachably connected to the fixing member <NUM> by the threaded structure. The outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may control the movement of the fixing member <NUM> relative to the connecting member <NUM> by pushing and pulling the driving rod <NUM>, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first inner clamp arm <NUM> may be disposed on the first outer clamp arm <NUM>, and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> may be disposed on the second outer clamp arm <NUM>. The first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> may be opened and closed relative to the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM>, respectively, which enables the tissue (such as the mitral valve) to be clamped between the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and to be clamped between the second inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner clamp arm <NUM> (i.e., the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM>) may be barbed clips. For example, each of movable ends of the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be disposed with barbs <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner clamp arm <NUM> and the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be connected by bending parts (such as an S-shaped bending structure). The bending parts may have a rebound force, so that the inner clamp arm <NUM> can closely contact the outer clamp arm <NUM> in a natural state. In some embodiments, the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may control the opening and closing of the inner clamp arm <NUM> relative to the outer clamp arm <NUM> by a traction cable (not shown in the figures). For example, the traction cable may be connected to the movable ends of the inner clamp arm <NUM>. When the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> pulls the traction cable, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be opened relative to the outer clamp arm <NUM> under a pulling force of the traction cable. When the traction cable is relaxed, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be closed to the outer clamp arm <NUM> under the rebound force of the bending parts. In some embodiments, the traction cable may include steel wire, nanowire or glass rope, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the delivery tube <NUM> may be detachably connected to the tissue clamping device <NUM> by the delivery connection member <NUM>. The delivery connection member <NUM> may be disposed with through holes, through which the driving rod <NUM> and the traction cable may pass respectively. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the delivery connection member <NUM> may include a main body <NUM>, a first connection piece <NUM>, and a second connection piece <NUM>. There may be a rebound force at the connections between the first connection piece <NUM> and the main body <NUM> and between the second connection piece <NUM> and the main body <NUM>, which may make the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM> automatically open in a natural state. Fixed supporting rods <NUM> may be disposed on the middle of the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM> and perpendicular to the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM>, respectively. Suspended ends of the fixed supporting rods <NUM> may be provided with through holes, through which the driving rod <NUM> may pass. When the delivery connection member <NUM> is connected to the connecting member <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>, the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM> may be relatively closed and engaged with protrusions of the connecting member <NUM>, respectively. At this time, the driving rod <NUM> may pass through the through holes of the fixed supporting rods <NUM> connected to the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM>, and restrict the opening of the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM>. When the delivery connection member <NUM> needs to be separated from the tissue clamping device <NUM>, the driving rod <NUM> may be first disconnected from the tissue clamping device <NUM> (such as the fixing member <NUM>), and then drawn out until separated from the through holes of the fixed supporting rods <NUM> connected to the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM>. Then, the first connection piece <NUM> and the second connection piece <NUM> may be disengaged from the protrusions of the connecting member <NUM> and automatically opened. In some embodiments, the delivery connection member <NUM> may be an integrally formed structure made by cutting and heat-treating a shape memory alloy tube.

In some embodiments, the tissue clamping device <NUM> may have other alternative structural forms. For example, <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a tissue clamping device in a closed state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the tissue clamping device in an opened state according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In <FIG> and <FIG>, a tissue clamping device <NUM> may include a fixing member <NUM>, an inner clamp arm <NUM>, and an outer clamp arm <NUM>. The inner clamp arm <NUM> may include a first inner clamp arm <NUM> and a second inner clamp arm <NUM>. The inner clamp arm <NUM> may be disposed on the fixing member <NUM>. The first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> may be closed or opened relative to each other. The outer clamp arm <NUM> may include a first outer clamp arm <NUM> and a second outer clamp arm <NUM>. The first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> may be both disposed on the fixing member <NUM>. The first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> may be relatively closed or opened, which enables a valve (such as a mitral valve) to be clamped between the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and to be clamped between the second inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the tissue clamping device <NUM> may further include a connection pipe <NUM> and an elastic locking member <NUM>. The delivery tube <NUM> may be detachably connected (such as in a screw connection) with the connection pipe <NUM>. The driving rod <NUM> may be directly or indirectly connected with the fixing member <NUM>. The outer clamp arm <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the fixing member <NUM> and the connection pipe <NUM> by a connection rod structure. The outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may control the movement of the fixing member <NUM> relative to the connection pipe <NUM> by pushing and pulling the driving rod <NUM>, and then control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>. When the outer clamp arm <NUM> is opened to a certain angle (such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.) or closed, the elastic locking member <NUM> disposed on the fixing member <NUM> may cooperate with bayonet(s) on the connection pipe <NUM>, thereby forming a certain resistance on the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be an integrally formed U-shaped structure and have a rebound force that forces it to expand outwardly. The inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may control the opening and closing of the inner clamp arm <NUM> relative to the outer clamp arm <NUM> by a traction cable (not shown). For example, the traction cable may be connected to the movable ends of the inner clamp arm <NUM>. When the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> pulls the traction cable, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be opened relative to the outer clamp arm <NUM> under the pulling force of the traction cable (that is, the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> are closed to each other). When the traction cable is relaxed, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may expand outwardly under the rebound force to be closed with the outer clamp arm <NUM>. Specifically, the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the first outer clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled separately to open or close relative to the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM>, respectively.

Hereinafter, the control handle <NUM> may be described by taking the tissue clamping device <NUM> shown in <FIG> as an example. It should be noted that the control handle <NUM> described in the following description is merely for illustrative purposes only, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Part or whole of the control handle <NUM> may be applied not only to the tissue clamping device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but also to other types of tissue clamping devices (for example, the tissue clamping device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>).

The control handle <NUM> includes the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> and the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM>. The outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> is be configured to control the movement of the outer clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>. The inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> is configured to control the movement of the inner clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the delivery tube <NUM> includes the flexible tube <NUM>, the control handle <NUM> may include a flexible tube control mechanism <NUM> that may be configured to control the bending of the flexible tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, when the delivery tube <NUM> does not include the flexible tube <NUM> (for example, when the delivery tube <NUM> is an inflexible structure), the control handle <NUM> may include no flexible tube control mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a flexible tube from a front view according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the flexible tube from a rear view according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating different parts of the flexible tube according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the flexible tube <NUM> may be connected to the front end (i.e., an end close to the tissue clamping device <NUM>) of the delivery tube <NUM>. For example, the flexible tube <NUM> may be connected to (such as laser welding) or integrally formed with the body of the delivery tube <NUM>. The front end of the flexible tube <NUM> may be connected to the delivery connection member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flexible tube <NUM> may include an inner core <NUM> and an outer pipe <NUM>. The outer pipe <NUM> may be sleeved outside the inner core <NUM>. One end of the delivery connection member <NUM> may be sleeved outside the inner core <NUM> and engaged with the outer pipe <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more through holes may be disposed inside the inner core <NUM> to allow the driving rod <NUM> and the traction cable that controls the opening and closing of the inner clamp arm <NUM> to pass through.

In <FIG>, the flexible tube <NUM> may be disposed with a plurality of notches <NUM> along a length direction of the flexible tube <NUM>. Specifically, the outer pipe <NUM> of the flexible tube <NUM> may be disposed with the plurality of notches <NUM>. By the plurality of notches <NUM>, the flexible tube <NUM> may be easily bent, and bent in a specific direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of notches <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the flexible tube <NUM>, so that the flexible tube <NUM> can be bent toward an opening direction of the notches <NUM>. In some embodiments, the plurality of notches <NUM> may be spaced on different sides of the flexible tube <NUM>, so that the flexible tube <NUM> can be bent toward a plurality of directions. In some embodiments, the outer pipe <NUM> of the flexible tube <NUM> may be made of stainless steel (such as type <NUM>) or an elastic metal (such as nickel-titanium alloy). For example, the outer pipe <NUM> may be cut from a stainless steel tube or an elastic metal tube. The inner core <NUM> of the flexible tube <NUM> may be made of an elastic material (such as nylon, silicone, heat shrinkable polyether block polyamide (Pebax or VES-TAMID), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). In some embodiments, the flexible tube <NUM> may have elasticity. When there is no external force, the flexible tube <NUM> may maintain a cylindrical shape. Further, a polymer material layer (such as a heat-shrinkable polyether block polyamide (Pebax)) may also be disposed on an outer surface of the flexible tube <NUM>, which can effectively prevent the flexible tube <NUM> from contacting blood. In some embodiments, the plurality of notches <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the flexible tube <NUM>, and a side of the inner core <NUM> facing the opening direction of the notches <NUM> may be disposed with a groove, and a traction rope <NUM> may be disposed in the groove. Specifically, the front end of the traction rope <NUM> may be fixedly connected (such as welding connection, glue connection) to the inner core <NUM> and/or the outer pipe <NUM>. The flexible tube control mechanism <NUM> may control the bending of the flexible tube <NUM> by pulling the traction rope <NUM>.

<FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating different parts of a flexible tube control mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the flexible tube control mechanism <NUM> may include a screw <NUM>, a rotating part <NUM>, and a traction part <NUM>. The screw <NUM> and the traction part <NUM> may be threadedly connected. The rotating part <NUM> may drive the screw <NUM> to rotate, thereby driving the traction part <NUM> to move. The movement of the traction part <NUM> may control the flexible tube <NUM> to bend. In some embodiments, the traction part <NUM> may include the traction rope <NUM> and a threaded traction block <NUM>. One end (such as a rear end) of the traction rope <NUM> may be connected to the threaded traction block <NUM>, and the other end (such as a front end) of the traction rope <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the front end of the flexible tube <NUM>. The front end herein refers to the left end of the traction rope <NUM> in <FIG>. An internal thread may be disposed in the screw <NUM>, and the threaded traction block <NUM> may be movably disposed in the screw <NUM> and cooperate with the internal thread of the screw <NUM>. When the rotating part <NUM> drives the screw <NUM> to rotate, the screw <NUM> may drive the threaded traction block <NUM> to move, along the length direction, in the screw <NUM>, so as to realize the traction or loosening of the traction rope <NUM>, thereby controlling the bending of the flexible tube <NUM>. Specifically, the traction of the flexible tube <NUM> by the traction rope <NUM> may cause the plurality of notches <NUM> on the flexible tube <NUM> to be closed with each other, so that the flexible tube <NUM> bends. When the threaded traction block <NUM> stops moving, the flexible tube <NUM> may maintain a bending state. When the threaded traction block <NUM> loosens the traction rope <NUM>, the flexible tube <NUM> may reduce a bending degree under its own elastic force until returning to a natural state (such as maintaining a cylindrical shape).

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the flexible tube control mechanism <NUM> may include a bending indication device <NUM>. The bending indication device <NUM> may be configured to indicate a bending degree of the flexible tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bending indication device <NUM> may include an indication block. The indication block may be engaged with an external thread of the screw <NUM> and move with the rotation of the screw <NUM>. A position the indication block moves to may reflect the bending degree of the flexible tube <NUM>. In some embodiments, a position the indication block moves to may correspond to a bending angle of the flexible tube <NUM> one to one. The corresponding relationship between the position the indication block moves to and the bending angle of the flexible tube <NUM> may be determined by experiments. In some embodiments, the bending indication device <NUM> may further include an indication mark. The indication mark may be disposed on a housing (such as a transparent housing covering the outside of the indication block) to intuitively reflect the bending degree (such as a bending angle) of the flexible tube <NUM> corresponding to a position the indication block moves to.

<FIG> is a partial sectional diagram illustrating an outer clamp arm control mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a sleeve according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a sliding part and a protective cover according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an outer clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal structure of the outer clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a threaded engagement mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an engagement member of the threaded engagement mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM>, a first control part <NUM>, and a sliding part <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> is disposed in the sleeve <NUM>. The first control part <NUM> rotates to drive the sliding part <NUM> to move in the sleeve <NUM> and along a length direction of the sleeve <NUM>, so as to control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. If one end of the control handle <NUM> close to the tissue clamping device <NUM> is defined as a front end, and the other end of the control handle <NUM> is defined as a rear end, when the sliding part <NUM> moves toward the front end in the sleeve <NUM>, the opening of the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to open (such as the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> are opened relative to each other). When the sliding part <NUM> moves toward the rear end, the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to close (such as the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> are closed relative to each other).

In some embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may include one or more interlayers. The sliding part <NUM> may be disposed in the interlayers of the sleeve <NUM>. The first control part <NUM> may drive the sliding part <NUM> to move in the sleeve <NUM> and along the length direction of the sleeve <NUM>. For example, the sleeve <NUM> may have a hollow cylindrical shape, which may be formed by connecting two semi-cylindrical housings. The sliding part <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape and may be clamped between the two semi-cylindrical housings of the sleeve <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an external thread may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve <NUM>. An internal thread may be disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the first control part <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> and the first control part <NUM> may be connected by the threads (i.e., the outer thread and the inner thread). One or more first sliding grooves <NUM> are opened on the sleeve <NUM> along the length direction thereof. The sliding part <NUM> may be connected to the first control part <NUM> by passing through the first sliding groove(s) <NUM>. Specifically, the sliding part <NUM> may include one or more protruding connection block(s) <NUM>. The inner circumferential surface of the first control part <NUM> may include one or more connection grooves <NUM>. The connection block(s) <NUM> may protrude from the first sliding groove(s) <NUM> and be clamped with the connection groove(s) <NUM>, respectively, so that the first control part <NUM> may rotate to drive the sliding part <NUM> to move along the first sliding groove(s) <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may include two first sliding grooves <NUM>, which are respectively disposed on two sides of the sleeve <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> may include two protruding connection blocks <NUM> corresponding to the two first sliding grooves <NUM>, respectively, thereby ensuring the stability of the movement of the sliding part <NUM> driven by the first control part <NUM>. In some alternative embodiments, a count of the first sliding grooves <NUM> may be other numbers, such as one, three, five.

In some embodiments, the first control part <NUM> may have a circular outer contour, and a rubber layer may be disposed on a surface of the outer contour. When an operator controls the outer clamp arm <NUM> by rotating the first control part <NUM>, the rubber layer can increase the friction between the first control part <NUM> and the palm or fingers, so that the operator can precisely control the first control part <NUM>. In some other embodiments, a layer made of hard materials such as plastic, metal may be disposed on the surface of the outer contour of the first control part <NUM> without the rubber layer, and anti-slip patterns may be added on the layer to increase the friction.

As shown in <FIG>, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> includes a driving rod <NUM>, a fixing block <NUM>, and a protective cover <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> controls the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> by the driving rod <NUM>, and a rear end (e.g., a right end in <FIG>) of the driving rod <NUM> is fixedly connected to the fixing block <NUM>. Specifically, the fixing block <NUM> may be cylindrical, and a cross-sectional diameter thereof may be larger than that of the driving rod <NUM>. The driving rod <NUM> may be inserted into and fixedly connected to the fixing block <NUM> in a manner such as glue connection, welding connection, or interference connection. The protective cover <NUM> is detachably connected to the sliding part <NUM> by a thread. When connected to the sliding part <NUM>, the protective cover <NUM> restricts the relative movement of the fixing block <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM>. In some embodiments, the driving rod <NUM> may be made of a memory alloy (such as a nickel-titanium alloy), so that the driving rod <NUM> can have relatively good tensile and compressive properties and relatively good bending performance. Thus, although the delivery tube <NUM> is bent, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may also effectively control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> by the driving rod <NUM>.

In some embodiments, after the clamping of the tissue clamping device <NUM> is completed, the driving rod <NUM> needs to be separated from the tissue clamping device <NUM>, and part or whole of the driving rod <NUM> may be drawn out from the control handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the protective cover <NUM> may be detachably connected to the sliding part <NUM> by the thread. When the driving rod <NUM> needs to be separated from the tissue clamping device <NUM>, the operator may rotate the protective cover <NUM> to separate the driving rod <NUM> from the sliding part <NUM>, rotate the fixing block <NUM> (that is, rotate the driving rod <NUM>) to separate the driving rod <NUM> from the tissue clamping device <NUM>, and pull the fixing block <NUM> to draw out the driving rod <NUM> from the control handle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first control part <NUM> may include a thread engagement mechanism <NUM>. The thread engagement mechanism <NUM> may include manipulation buttons <NUM>, a first elastic member <NUM> and a pair of engagement members <NUM>. The engagement members <NUM> may be symmetrically disposed (e.g., central symmetrically) and configured to be engaged with the external thread of the sleeve <NUM> by an elastic force of the first elastic member <NUM>. The manipulation buttons <NUM> may be disposed on outer sides of the engagement members <NUM>, and configured to control the engagement members <NUM> to be separated from the external thread of the sleeve <NUM> by overcoming the elastic force of the first elastic member <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the engagement members <NUM> may include a pressing part <NUM> and an engagement part <NUM>. The pressing part <NUM> and the engagement part <NUM> may be fixedly connected or in an integrally formed structure. An inner circumferential surface of the engagement part <NUM> may be disposed with a tooth structure that matches with the external thread of the sleeve <NUM>. A pair of engagement members <NUM> may be disposed oppositely and looped on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve <NUM>. Under the action of the first elastic member <NUM>, the engagement part <NUM> of each of the two engagement members <NUM> may be engaged with the external thread of the sleeve <NUM>. In this embodiment, the first elastic member <NUM> may include two springs, which are respectively disposed at both sides of the pair of engagement members <NUM>.

In the actual operation, the operator may press the two manipulation buttons <NUM> that may drive the pair of engagement members <NUM> to relatively move and thereby compress the first elastic member <NUM>, such that the tooth structure inside the engagement members <NUM> is separated from the external thread of the sleeve <NUM>. Therefore, the first control part <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> may slide relatively in the length direction of the sleeve <NUM>. At this time, the operator may directly drag the first control part <NUM> to slide on the sleeve <NUM>, thereby achieving quick opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. By controlling the quick opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM>, the mitral valve repair device or control handle thereof can be operated more flexibly during surgery (such as mitral valve repair surgery) and suitable for different surgical conditions. When the operator releases the control button, the engagement members <NUM> may be again engaged with the external thread of the sleeve <NUM> under the elastic force of the first elastic member <NUM>, and the operator may rotate the first control part <NUM> as needed to adjust the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> or perform the next operation. By disposing two opposite manipulation buttons <NUM>, it can be convenient for the operator to control the quick opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM>, and effective to prevent the operator from misoperation due to accidental touch.

<FIG> is a partial sectional diagram illustrating a sliding part according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating different parts of the sliding part according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sliding part <NUM> may include an outer cover <NUM>, a middle tube <NUM>, and an inner pipe <NUM>. The middle tube <NUM> may be sleeved outside the inner pipe <NUM>. One or more opening <NUM> may be disposed on the middle tube <NUM>. One or more fixture blocks <NUM> that can extend outward may be disposed on the inner pipe <NUM>. The fixture block(s) <NUM> may be engaged with the outer cover <NUM> by passing through the opening(s) <NUM>, so as to restrict the relative movement of the middle tube <NUM>, the inner pipe <NUM>, and the outer cover <NUM> in the length direction of the sleeve <NUM>. The driving rod <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the inner pipe <NUM>. For example, one end of the driving rod <NUM> may be fixed in the inner pipe <NUM> by means of locking connection, glue connection, interference connection, etc. In some embodiments, the fixture block(s) <NUM> on the inner pipe <NUM> may have a wedge-shaped outer contour. Groove(s) corresponding to the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be disposed on the inner wall of the outer cover <NUM>. The fixture block(s) <NUM> may pass through the opening(s) <NUM> of the middle tube <NUM> to insert into the groove(s), so as to restrict the relative movement of the outer cover <NUM>, the middle tube <NUM>, and the inner pipe <NUM> in the length direction of the sleeve <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be pressed into the middle tube <NUM>. Specifically, the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be connected to the inner pipe <NUM> by a bendable structure. For example, one end of each of the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be connected to an outer wall of the inner pipe <NUM> by an elastic rod, and the other end thereof may be connected to the outer wall of the inner pipe <NUM> by the bendable structure having an "S" shape. As another example, one end of each of the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be suspended, and the other end thereof may be connected to the outer wall of the inner pipe <NUM> by the bendable structure. When the fixture block(s) <NUM> are subjected to a squeezing force, the bendable structure may be bent inwardly so that the fixture block(s) <NUM> are pressed into the middle tube <NUM> and separated from the opening(s) <NUM>. In some embodiments, there may be one or more fixture blocks <NUM>. In this embodiment, there may be two fixture blocks <NUM>, which are symmetrically disposed, and two openings <NUM> corresponding to the fixture blocks <NUM> may be disposed on the middle tube <NUM>, respectively. As another example, there may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc. fixture blocks <NUM>, which may be disposed annularly along the outside of the inner pipe <NUM> or along the length direction of the sleeve <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a size (such as a width) of each of the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be matched with that of each of the opening(s) <NUM>, so that the relative rotation between the inner pipe <NUM> and the middle tube <NUM> can be restricted by snapping the fixture block(s) <NUM> into the opening(s) <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, one or more locking teeth <NUM> may be disposed at a front end (e.g., a left end in <FIG>) of the middle tube <NUM>. One or more locking grooves <NUM> corresponding to the locking teeth <NUM> may be disposed at the outer cover <NUM> (such as the front end (e.g., the left end in <FIG>) of an inner circumferential surface of the outer cover <NUM>). The one or more locking teeth <NUM> may be engaged with the one or more locking grooves <NUM> to restrict the relative rotation of the middle tube <NUM> and the outer cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, there may be one or more locking teeth <NUM> and the locking grooves <NUM>. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of (e.g., two or more, three or more) locking teeth <NUM> and locking grooves <NUM>, which are disposed at equal intervals along a circumferential direction of the outer cover <NUM> and the middle tube <NUM> to facilitate matching during assembly. In some embodiments, the positions of the above-mentioned locking grooves <NUM> and the locking teeth <NUM> may be reversed, which can achieve the same technical effect. For example, the one or more locking grooves may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the middle tube <NUM>, and the one or more locking teeth <NUM> may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cover <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a rear end (e.g., a right end in <FIG>) of the middle tube <NUM> may be disposed with a boss <NUM>, and the rear end (e.g., a right end in <FIG>) of the inner pipe <NUM> may extend from the middle tube <NUM>. By pulling the boss <NUM> and/or pushing the rear end of the inner pipe <NUM>, the one or more locking teeth <NUM> may be separated from the locking groove(s) <NUM>, and the fixture block(s) <NUM> may be pressed into the middle tube <NUM>. By disposing the boss <NUM>, the operator can conveniently separate the middle tube <NUM> from the outer cover <NUM>, and can easily release the restriction on the relative rotation between the inner pipe <NUM> and the middle tube <NUM>. After the locking teeth <NUM> are separated from the locking groove(s) <NUM> and the fixture block(s) <NUM> are pressed into the middle tube <NUM>, the operator may rotate the inner pipe <NUM> (that is, rotate the driving rod <NUM>) to separate the driving rod <NUM> from the tissue clamping device <NUM>. The operator may then pull the inner pipe <NUM> (or the middle tube and the inner pipe) to draw out the driving rod <NUM> from the control handle <NUM> (e.g., draw out part or whole of the driving rod <NUM>).

<FIG> is a schematic structural diagram illustrating an outer clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial structural diagram illustrating an outer clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a sliding part according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a sleeve <NUM>, a first control part <NUM>, and a sliding part <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> may be disposed in the sleeve <NUM>. The first control part <NUM> may rotate to drive the sliding part <NUM> to move in the sleeve <NUM> and along a length direction of the sleeve <NUM>, so as to control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. If one end of the control handle <NUM> close to the tissue clamping device <NUM> is designated as the front end, and the other end of the opposite control handle <NUM> is designated as the rear end, when the sliding part <NUM> moves toward the front end in the sleeve <NUM>, the opening of the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to open (such as the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> are opened relative to each other). When the sliding part <NUM> moves toward the rear end, the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to close (such as the first outer clamp arm <NUM> and the second outer clamp arm <NUM> are closed relative to each other).

In some embodiments, one or more internal threads may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the first control part <NUM>, one or more external threads may be disposed on the sliding part <NUM>, and one or more first sliding grooves <NUM> may be disposed on the sleeve <NUM> along the length direction. The sliding part <NUM> may pass through the first sliding groove(s) <NUM> and the external thread(s) on the sliding part <NUM> may cooperate with the internal thread(s) of the first control part <NUM>, so that the first control part <NUM> may rotate to drive the sliding part <NUM> move along the first sliding groove(s) <NUM>. In some embodiments, two first sliding grooves <NUM> may be disposed on the sleeve <NUM>, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the sleeve <NUM>, and two external threads are correspondingly disposed on the sliding part <NUM>. The two external threads may respectively pass through the two first sliding grooves <NUM> to protrude outward and cooperate with the internal threads of the first control part <NUM>. By disposing two first sliding grooves <NUM> and two external threads, the stability of the movement of the sliding part <NUM> driven by the first control part <NUM> can be ensured. In some alternative embodiments, a count of the first sliding grooves <NUM> may be one, three, five, etc..

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a driving rod <NUM>, a fixing block <NUM>, and a protective cover <NUM>. The sliding part <NUM> may be connected to the driving rod <NUM> and control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> by the driving rod <NUM>, and the rear end of the driving rod <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the fixing block <NUM>. Specifically, the fixing block <NUM> may be cylindrical, and a cross-sectional diameter thereof may be larger than a cross-sectional diameter of the driving rod <NUM>. The driving rod <NUM> may be inserted into the fixing block <NUM> and fixedly connected to the fixing block <NUM> in a manner such as glue connection, welding connection, or interference connection. The protective cover <NUM> may be detachably connected to the sliding part <NUM> by a thread. When the protective cover <NUM> is connected to the sliding part <NUM>, the protective cover <NUM> may restrict the relative movement of the fixing block <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM>. In some embodiments, the driving rod <NUM> may be made of a memory alloy (such as a nickel-titanium alloy), so that the driving rod <NUM> can have relatively good tensile and compressive properties and relatively good bending performance. Furthermore, when the delivery tube <NUM> is bent, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may effectively control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm <NUM> by the driving rod <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may be connected to (or integrally formed with) one end of a housing <NUM>, and central axes of the housing <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> may coincide, making the control handle <NUM> more compact and easier to handle. For example, the housing <NUM> may be disposed at an end of the sleeve <NUM> near the tissue clamping device <NUM>. In some alternative embodiments, the housing <NUM> may be disposed at an end of the sleeve <NUM> away from the tissue clamping device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first control part <NUM> may have a circular outer contour, and a rubber layer may be disposed on a surface of the outer contour. When the operator controls the outer clamp arm <NUM> by rotating the first control part <NUM>, the rubber layer can increase the friction between the first control part <NUM> and the palm or fingers, so that the operator can precisely control the first control part <NUM>. In some embodiments, a layer made of hard materials such as plastic, metal may be disposed on the surface of the outer contour of the first control part <NUM> without the rubber layer, and anti-slip patterns may be added on the layer to increase the friction.

In some embodiments, after the clamping of the tissue clamping device <NUM> is completed, the driving rod <NUM> needs to be separated from the tissue clamping device <NUM> and part or whole of the driving rod <NUM> may be drawn out from the control handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the protective cover <NUM> may be detachably connected to the sliding part <NUM> by the thread. When the driving rod <NUM> needs to be separated from the tissue clamping device <NUM>, the operator may rotate the protective cover <NUM> to separate the driving rod <NUM> from the sliding part <NUM>, rotate the fixing block <NUM> (that is, rotate the driving rod <NUM>) to separate the driving rod <NUM> from the tissue clamping device <NUM>, and pull the fixing block <NUM> to draw out the driving rod <NUM> (e.g., part or whole) from the control handle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a first indicating device <NUM>. The first indicating device <NUM> may be configured to indicate an opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> according to the position of the first control part <NUM> and/or the position of the sliding part <NUM>. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an outer clamp arm control mechanism which can indicate an opening angle of the outer clamp arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a first indicating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. By disposing the first indicating device <NUM>, the operator can more conveniently and intuitively control the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> during surgery or experiments.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first indicating device <NUM> may include one or more angle marks <NUM> disposed on the sleeve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may include mark(s) (such as arrow(s)) engraved or printed on the sleeve <NUM>. The first control part <NUM> may rotate to align with the angle mark(s) <NUM> (for example, the front end of the first control part <NUM> is at the position indicated by the arrow), indicating that the outer clamp arm <NUM> is opened to an angle the angle mark(s) <NUM> represent. In some embodiments, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may include other forms. For example, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may include a scale mark, an angle value, an indicator arrow in different colors, etc. As another example, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may be a paper, a string, etc., that is fixedly connected (e.g., glue connection) to the surface of the sleeve <NUM> but does not affect the rotation of the first control part <NUM>. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of angle marks <NUM>, which may be sequentially disposed along the length direction or a spiral direction of the sleeve <NUM>. Each of the plurality of angle marks <NUM> may correspond to a specific angle (such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.) at which the outer clamp arm <NUM> is opened (i.e., the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>). In some embodiments, the correspondence between each of the angle marks <NUM> and the specific angle at which the outer clamp arm <NUM> is opened may be obtained by experiments. In some embodiments, an installation position of each component may be adjusted according to the specific angle corresponding to each of the angle marks <NUM> when the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> is to be installed, so that when the installation is completed, each of the angle marks <NUM> can correspond to a corresponding specific angle.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first indicating device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a first sensor <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect a position of the first control part <NUM> and/or a position of the sliding part <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to determine the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> according to the position of the first control part <NUM> and/or the position of the sliding part <NUM>, and control the display <NUM> to display the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, and the first sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the control handle <NUM>. In some alternative embodiments, the display <NUM> and/or processor <NUM> may be disposed away from the control handle <NUM>. For example, the first sensor <NUM> may be in signal connection (such as electrical connection, wireless communication connection) with the processor <NUM>, the first sensor <NUM> may send detected data to the processor <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> (such as a surgical monitoring display) to display the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> according to a processing result. By adopting the first sensor <NUM> and the display <NUM>, the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> can be displayed more accurately, which can effectively avoid inaccurate reading caused by the visual error of the operator.

In some embodiments, the first sliding groove(s) <NUM> may be disposed on the sleeve <NUM> along its length direction. The sliding part <NUM> may pass through the first sliding groove(s) <NUM> and be connected to the first control part <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> may include a distance measuring module. The distance measuring module may be configured to detect a distance between one end of the sleeve <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM>, a distance between one end of the sleeve <NUM> and the first control part <NUM>, a distance between one end of the first sliding groove <NUM> and the sliding part <NUM>, a distance between one end of the first sliding groove <NUM> and the first control part <NUM>, or the like, or any combination thereof. The above distances may reflect the position of the first control part <NUM> and/or the position of the sliding part <NUM>. Based on one or more of the above distances, the processor <NUM> may obtain the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> and control the display <NUM> to display it. In some embodiments, the correspondence between the position of at least one of the first control part <NUM> or the position of the sliding part <NUM> and the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be obtained by experiments. The processor <NUM> may determine the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> based on the position of the first control part and/or the position of the sliding part and the correspondence between the position of the first control part and/or the position of the sliding part and the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distance measuring module may include an ultrasonic ranging sensor, an infrared distance sensor, a Hall sensor, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first sensor <NUM> may detect the position of the first control part <NUM> and/or the position of the sliding part <NUM> in other ways. For example, the first sensor <NUM> may determine the position of the first control part <NUM> and/or the sliding part <NUM> by monitoring the number of turns or angles rotated by the first control part <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a first prompting device <NUM>. The first prompting device <NUM> may be configured to prompt that the outer clamp arm <NUM> has reached a preset angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. Specifically, the first prompting device <NUM> may prompt the operator that the outer clamp arm <NUM> is at a specific angle (e.g., <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.) in a visual, tactile, auditory manner, etc., or any combination thereof.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a first prompting device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first prompting device <NUM> may include a first contact part <NUM> and a second contact part <NUM>. The first contact part <NUM> may be disposed inside the sleeve <NUM>. The second contact part <NUM> may be disposed outside the sliding part <NUM>. When the second contact part <NUM> and the first contact part <NUM> are in contact, a prompt that the outer clamp arm <NUM> has reached the preset angle may be generated.

In some embodiments, when the first control part <NUM> rotates relative to the sleeve <NUM> and drives the sliding part <NUM> to move, the first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> may be in contact or separated from each other. When the first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are in contact, the operator may be given a tactile and/or auditory feedback. For example, the first contact part <NUM> or the second contact part <NUM> may be a spring protrusion structure (such as a spring bead), and the other may be a corresponding recess. When the first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are in contact, the spring protrusion structure may be clamped in the recess, thereby giving the operator feedback of the click sound or the click feeling. In some embodiments, when the first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are in contact, the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> may reach a preset angle (e.g., <NUM>°). By giving the operator tactile and/or auditory feedback, the operator may be effectively prompted that the outer clamp arm <NUM> has been opened to the preset angle.

In some embodiments, a plurality of first contact parts <NUM> may be disposed in the sleeve <NUM> and along its length direction to prompt the operator that the outer clamp arm <NUM> has been opened to a plurality of preset angles (e.g., <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.). Merely by way of illustration, three first contact parts <NUM> may be disposed in the sleeve <NUM>, respectively corresponding to three preset angles (e.g., <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and <NUM>°) of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. The three first contact parts <NUM> may be spring protrusion structures. The second contact parts <NUM> on the sliding part <NUM> may be recesses. During the process of controlling the first control part <NUM> to rotate around the sleeve <NUM> to open or close the outer clamp arm <NUM>, the three first contact parts <NUM> may respectively contact the second contact parts <NUM> to provide three tactile and/or auditory feedback. In some embodiments, in order to further distinguish the feedback at different preset angles (e.g., <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and <NUM>°), the spring protrusion structures of the first contact parts <NUM> may be different, so that the tactile and/or auditory feedback may be different at the preset angles, and the operator can be clearly prompted.

In some embodiments, the first prompting device <NUM> may further include a speaker <NUM>. In some embodiments, the speaker <NUM> may be disposed on the control handle <NUM>. In some alternative embodiments, the speaker <NUM> may be not disposed on the control handle <NUM>. For example, when one first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are in contact, the first prompting device <NUM> may transmit a contact signal to the speaker <NUM> (such as a wireless speaker) that is not disposed on the control handle <NUM> by a signal connection (such as an electrical connection) to give a prompt. The first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> may include electrical contacts, contact switches, or the like. When one first contact part <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are in contact, the speaker <NUM> may play a preset voice. Exemplary preset voices may include a sound (such as a "beep" sound), angle broadcasting information (such as sound broadcasting angles), reminder broadcasting information (such as reminders for experiments or surgery), or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, when several first contact parts <NUM> are disposed, the speaker <NUM> may be configured to play one or more preset voices corresponding to the preset angles. By disposing the speaker <NUM>, the operator can be prompted more intuitively. In some embodiments, the first prompting device <NUM> may further include one or more prompting components such as a light emitter, a buzzer, and a vibrator.

In some embodiments, the first prompting device <NUM> may simultaneously use at least two of visual, tactile, or auditory feedbacks to prompt the operator to ensure the prompt effect. Merely by way of illustration, the first contact part(s) <NUM> or the second contact part <NUM> may include a spring protrusion structure as an electrical contact. When the first contact part(s) <NUM> and the second contact part <NUM> are in contact, the first prompting device <NUM> may play preset voice by the speaker <NUM> and provide tactile feedback to the operator.

In some embodiments, a fin may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve <NUM>, and a paddle corresponding to the fin may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the first control part <NUM>. When the first control part <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> rotate relatively, the paddle may move the fin on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fin may be disposed along a spiral direction of the external thread of the sleeve <NUM>. The fin may be made of metal foil, reeds, or other materials. When the first control part <NUM> drives the paddle to contact with the fin, a sound and/or a sense of frustration may be given to the operator, so that the operator may be prompted to rotate the first control part <NUM>. By disposing the fin and paddle, the misoperation of the operator can be effectively prevented. In some alternative embodiments, a paddle may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve <NUM>, and a fin may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the first control part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of an inner clamp arm control mechanism according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a housing according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a first sub-control part according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the second control part and a locking mechanism at a first perspective according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating the second control part and the locking mechanism at a second perspective according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in <FIG>, the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> includes the housing <NUM> and a second control part <NUM>. A second sliding groove <NUM> is opened on the housing <NUM>. The second control part <NUM> passes through and move along the second sliding groove <NUM> to control the opening and closing of the inner clamp arm <NUM> relative to the outer clamp arm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second control part <NUM> may include an L-shaped duct <NUM> and an end cover <NUM>. One end of the duct <NUM> may pass through the second sliding groove <NUM> and be detachably connected to the end cover <NUM>. During operation, the second control part <NUM> may slide in the second sliding groove <NUM> by pushing and pulling the duct <NUM> at the end cover <NUM>. By disposing the L-shaped duct <NUM>, it is more convenient for the operator to control. In some embodiments, the second control part <NUM> may be drivingly connected to the inner clamp arm <NUM> by a traction cable. In some embodiments, the traction cable may pass through the through hole at a movable end of the inner clamp arm <NUM>, and both ends of the traction cable may be fixed at the end cover <NUM>. When it is necessary to separate the tissue clamping device <NUM> from the control handle <NUM>, the end cover <NUM> and the duct <NUM> may be separated to release the fixing of the two ends of the traction cable and the traction cable may be drawn out, so that the control handle <NUM> may be separated from the inner clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, releasing the fixing of the two ends of the traction cable may include: releasing the connection between the two ends of the traction cable and the end cover <NUM>, untying the knot formed at both ends of the traction cable, cutting the traction cable, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the traction cable may be incompletely removed from the control handle <NUM>, and just detached from the inner clamp arm <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second sliding groove <NUM> may be in an elongated shape. When the end cover <NUM> of the second control part <NUM> (or a portion of the duct <NUM> protruding from the second sliding groove <NUM>) moves to the rear end (e.g., an end away from the tissue clamping device <NUM>) of the second sliding groove <NUM>, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be in a closed state. In some alternative embodiments, the second sliding groove <NUM> may have an L-shaped contour. Specifically, a passage may be opened at the rear end of the second sliding groove <NUM> and along a direction that forms an angle (e.g., <NUM>°) with the second sliding groove <NUM>. When the end cover <NUM> of the second control part <NUM> (or the portion of the duct <NUM> protruding from the second sliding groove <NUM>) moves to the rear end of the second sliding groove <NUM>, the second control part <NUM> may be pushed and pulled laterally so that the part of the duct <NUM> protruding from of the second sliding groove is clamped into the channel. In this way, the inner clamp arm <NUM> be kept in a folded state (i.e., the closed state), thereby preventing misoperation during the operation.

In this embodiment, the second sliding groove <NUM> may include a first sub-sliding groove and a second sub-sliding groove, that are set on both sides of the housing <NUM>. The second control part <NUM> may include a first sub-control part for controlling the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and a second sub-control part for controlling the second inner clamp arm <NUM>. The first sub-control part and the second sub-control part may respectively correspond to separate traction cables. In some embodiments, the first sub-control part and the second sub-control part (i.e., the second control part <NUM>) may be operated successively or simultaneously according to actual needs, so as to accurately control the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> (i.e., the inner clamp arm <NUM>) according to the needs of experiments or surgery. For example, during the mitral valve repair process, the first inner clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to clamp one side of the mitral valve, and then the second inner clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to clamp the other side of the mitral valve. As another example, the second control part <NUM> may simultaneously control the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> to clamp the mitral valve.

In some embodiments, one end of the housing <NUM> may be connected (or integrally formed) with the sleeve <NUM>, and central axes of the housing <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> may coincide, making the control handle <NUM> more compact and easier to handle. For example, the housing <NUM> may be disposed at an end of the sleeve <NUM> near the tissue clamping device <NUM>, and when the first control part <NUM> is in contact with the rear end of the housing <NUM>, the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be in a maximum opened state. In some alternative embodiments, the housing <NUM> may also be disposed at the end of the sleeve <NUM> away from the tissue clamping device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a locking mechanism <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> may include a second elastic member <NUM>, one or more locking buttons <NUM>, and one or more locking blocks <NUM>. The second control part <NUM> may further include one or more tooth-shaped connecting parts <NUM>. The locking button(s) <NUM> may be configured to control the locking block(s) <NUM> to overcome an elastic force of the second elastic member <NUM>, so as to release the restriction of the locking block(s) <NUM> on the tooth-shaped connecting part(s) <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the locking mechanism <NUM> may include a pair of oppositely disposed locking blocks <NUM>, and the first sub-control part and the second sub-control part may include tooth-shaped connecting parts <NUM> corresponding to the locking blocks <NUM>, respectively. Specifically, the tooth-shaped connecting parts <NUM> may be connected to or integrally formed with the duct <NUM> of the first sub-control part and the second sub-control part, respectively. The pair of oppositely disposed locking blocks <NUM> may be configured to restrict the movement of the first sub-control part and the second sub-control part under the elastic force of the second elastic member <NUM>, respectively. For example, one of the pair of locking blocks <NUM> corresponding to the first sub-control part may be snapped into one of the tooth-shaped connection parts <NUM> corresponding to the first sub-control part under the elastic force of the second elastic member <NUM>. The other one of the pair of locking blocks <NUM> corresponding to the second sub-control part may be snapped into the other one of the tooth-shaped connecting parts <NUM> corresponding to the second sub-control part under the elastic force of the second elastic member <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second elastic member <NUM> may be two springs. There may be two locking buttons <NUM>, which are respectively connected to two locking blocks <NUM>. The locking buttons <NUM> may be exposed from the housing <NUM>. Taking the operation of the first sub-control part as an example, when one of the locking buttons <NUM> corresponding to the first sub-control part is pressed, it may drive the corresponding locking block <NUM> to overcome the elastic force of the second elastic member <NUM> so as to disengage from the corresponding tooth-shaped connecting part <NUM>. The operator may push or pull the first sub-control part (such as the duct <NUM> of the first sub-control part) to slide in the first sub-sliding groove corresponding to the first sub-control part to control the opening and closing of the first inner clamp arm <NUM>. When the operator releases the one of the locking buttons <NUM> corresponding to the first sub-control part, under the elastic force of the second elastic member <NUM>, the locking block <NUM> may be re-snapped into the corresponding tooth-shaped connecting part <NUM> to restrict the movement of the tooth-shaped connecting part <NUM> (that is, the movement of the duct <NUM>). The operation on the second sub-control part may be similar to that on the first sub-control part, which is not repeated herein.

In some embodiments, a mark may be added to each of the locking buttons <NUM> in order to facilitate the operator to distinguish them. The mark may include "left", "right", "L", "R", an arrow, or the like, or any combination thereof.

<FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an inner clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial structural diagram illustrating the inner clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a second control part according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial sectional diagram illustrating the inner clamp arm control mechanism according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, an inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a second control part <NUM>, and a connecting rod <NUM>. A second sliding groove <NUM> may be opened on the housing <NUM>. The second control part <NUM> may pass through the second sliding groove <NUM> and be fixedly connected to an outer wall of the connecting rod <NUM>. The second control part <NUM> may move along the second sliding groove <NUM> to drive the connecting rod <NUM> to move. The movement of the connecting rod <NUM> may then control the movement of the inner clamp arm <NUM> of the tissue clamping device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the connecting rod <NUM> may control the movement of the inner clamp arm <NUM> by a traction cable. In a specific embodiment, the connecting rod <NUM> may include an inner hole, and the traction cable may pass through the inner hole of the connecting rod <NUM>. The traction cable may pass through the through hole at the movable end of the inner clamp arm <NUM>. Both ends of the traction cable may be detachably connected to a rear end (e.g., an end away from the tissue clamping device <NUM>) of the connecting rod <NUM>. Specifically, an end cover <NUM> may be disposed at the rear end of the connecting rod <NUM>, and both ends of the traction cable may be fixed at the end cover <NUM>. For example, the end cover <NUM> may be connected to the connecting rod <NUM> by threads, and both ends of the traction cable may be fixedly locked at positions of the threaded connection between the end cover <NUM> and the connecting rod <NUM>. When the tissue clamping device <NUM> and the control handle <NUM> need to be separated, the end cover <NUM> and the connecting rod <NUM> may be separated to release the fixing of the two ends of the traction cable and the traction cable may be drawn out, so that the control handle <NUM> may be separated from the inner clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, releasing the fixing of the two ends of the traction cable may include: releasing the connection between the two ends of the traction cable and the end cover, untying the knot formed at both ends of the traction cable, cutting the traction cable, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the traction cable may be incompletely removed from the control handle <NUM>, and just detached from the inner clamp arm <NUM>. By disposing the connecting rod <NUM> and the end cover <NUM>, it is convenient for pulling of the traction cable and manufacturing the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second control part <NUM> may include a first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> for controlling the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and a second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> for controlling the second inner clamp arm <NUM>. The second sliding groove <NUM> may include a first sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> and a second sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> corresponding to the first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. The connecting rod <NUM> may include a first sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> and a second sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> fixed to the first sub controlling part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub controlling part <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. A first sub-end cover <NUM>-<NUM> and a second sub-end cover <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at rear ends (e.g., ends away from the tissue clamping device <NUM>) of the first sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the same side of the housing <NUM>. Both the first sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in an elongated shape. In some alternative embodiments, the first sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on the housing <NUM> in other ways. For example, the first sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on opposite sides of the housing <NUM>. The first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> may move in the first sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-sliding groove <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, thereby driving the first sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> to move, respectively. The first sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM> may respectively control the traction cables (such as the first traction cable and the second traction cable), thereby realizing the control of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> of the inner clamp arm <NUM>, respectively. Taking the first traction cable as an example, the first traction cable may pass through the through hole at the movable end of the first inner clamp arm <NUM>, and pass through the inner hole of the first sub-connection rod <NUM>-<NUM>. Both ends of the first traction cable may be fixed at the first sub-end cover <NUM>-<NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second control part <NUM> (such as the first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> or the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM>) may include a control button <NUM> and a connecting body <NUM>. The control button <NUM> may be connected (e.g., fixedly connected or movably connected) to the connecting body <NUM> by passing through the second sliding groove <NUM>. The connecting body <NUM> may be fixedly connected to the outer wall of the connecting rod <NUM> in a manner such as glue connection, welding connection, or interference connection.

In some embodiments, the control button <NUM> may be movably connected to the connecting body <NUM> by a spring (not shown in the figure). For example, a blind hole may be disposed on the connecting body <NUM>, a connecting shaft capable of telescoping in the blind hole may be disposed at one end of the control button <NUM>, and the end of the connecting shaft may be connected to the blind hole by a spring. The other end of the control button <NUM> may be exposed from the housing <NUM> by passing through the second sliding groove <NUM>. There may be one or more grooves <NUM> and one or more corresponding protrusion blocks <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of protrusion blocks <NUM> may be disposed on the control button <NUM>, and a plurality of grooves <NUM> may be disposed on the housing <NUM>. The protrusion blocks <NUM> may be engaged with the grooves <NUM> under the action of the spring to restrict the movement of the second control part <NUM> relative to the second sliding groove <NUM>. When needing to control the inner clamp arm <NUM>, the operator may press the control button <NUM> to make the protrusion blocks <NUM> disengage from the grooves <NUM> against an elastic force of the spring, and then push and pull the control button <NUM> to control the second control part <NUM> to move relative to the second sliding groove <NUM>. When the second control part <NUM> (i.e., the first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM>) has been moved to be located at the corresponding positions of the grooves <NUM>, the operator may release the control button <NUM>, and the protrusion blocks <NUM> may snap into the grooves <NUM> under the elastic force of the spring, thereby restricting the movement of the second control part <NUM> relative to the second sliding groove <NUM>. By disposing the grooves <NUM> and the protrusion blocks <NUM> together, the misoperation of the operator can be effectively prevented.

In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include two grooves <NUM> disposed at both ends of the second sliding groove <NUM>, respectively. When the two protrusion blocks <NUM> are respectively engaged with the two grooves <NUM>, the second control part <NUM> (i.e., the first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM>) may be located at the two ends of the second sliding groove <NUM>, respectively. When the second control part <NUM> is located at the rear end of the second sliding groove <NUM>, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be in a folded state (or closed state). When the second control part <NUM> is located at the front end of the second sliding groove <NUM>, the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be in the maximum expandable (or opened) state. The expandable state may depend on the state of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. By only disposing two grooves <NUM> at both ends of the second sliding groove <NUM>, it is more convenient for the operator to use on the basis of surgery needs, and it is possible to further prevent the operator from misoperation during the operation. In some alternative embodiments, a plurality of grooves <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) may be disposed on the housing <NUM>, so that the second control part <NUM> may be restricted at a plurality of positions, which is beneficial to the operator for performing more precise control.

In some embodiments, the first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to be operated successively or simultaneously according to actual needs, thereby achieving precise control of the inner clamp arm <NUM> according to the needs of experiments or surgery. For example, during the mitral valve repair process, the first inner clamp arm <NUM> may be first controlled to clamp one side of the mitral valve, and then the second inner clamp arm <NUM> may be controlled to clamp the other side of the mitral valve. As another example, the second control part <NUM> may simultaneously control the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> to clamp the mitral valve. In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the operator to recognize the first sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM> and the second sub-control part <NUM>-<NUM>, a mark may be added on the control button <NUM>. The mark may include "left", "right", "L", "R", an arrow, or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a second indicating device <NUM>. The second indicating device <NUM> may be configured to indicate an opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> based on the position of the second control part <NUM>. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating an inner clamp arm control mechanism which can indicate an opening angle of the inner clamp arm according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a second indicating device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. By disposing the second indicating device <NUM>, the operator can more conveniently and intuitively control the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> during experiments or surgery.

In some embodiments, the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be an angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the closed state thereof. For example, the angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the closed state thereof may be an angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the supporting part <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As another example, the angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the closed state thereof may be an angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the connection pipe <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the closed state may include an opening angle of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> (also referred to as first opening angle in short) with respect to the closed state of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and an opening angle of the second inner clamp arm <NUM> (also referred to as second opening angle in short) with respect to the closed state of the second inner clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first opening angle and the second opening angle may be the same or different. In some alternative embodiments, the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be an angle between the two inner clamp arms opening to each other. The second indicating device <NUM> may indicate the first and/or second opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> based on the position of the second control part <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second indicating device <NUM> may include one or more angle marks <NUM> disposed on the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may be mark(s) (such as an arrow) printed on the housing <NUM>. The second control part <NUM> (such as a portion of the duct <NUM> protruding from the second sliding groove <NUM>) moves to align with the angle mark(s) <NUM>, indicating that the inner clamp arm <NUM> is opened to an angle the angle mark(s) <NUM> represent. In some embodiments, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may include other mark forms. For example, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may include a scale mark, an angle value, an indicator arrow in different colors printed on or engraved on the housing <NUM>, etc. In some embodiments, the angle mark(s) <NUM> may be sequentially disposed along a length direction of the housing <NUM>. Each of the angle mark(s) <NUM> may correspond to an angle (such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.) at which the inner clamp arm <NUM> is opened. In some embodiments, the corresponding relationship between each of the angle mark(s) <NUM> and the angle at which the inner clamp arm <NUM> is opened may be obtained by experiments. In some embodiments, the installation position of each component may be adjusted according to the angle corresponding to each of the angle mark(s) <NUM> when the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> is to be installed. In this way, when the installation is completed, each angle mark <NUM> may correspond to the angle at which the inner clamp arm <NUM> is opened.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second indicating device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a second sensor <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect the position of the second control part <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to determine the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> (e.g., the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the closed state) according to the position of the second control part <NUM> and control the display <NUM> to display the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, and the second sensor <NUM> may be directly disposed on the control handle <NUM>. In some alternative embodiments, the display <NUM> and/or the processor <NUM> may be disposed away from the control handle <NUM>. For example, the second sensor <NUM> may be in signal connection (such as electrical connection, wireless communication connection) with the processor <NUM>, the second sensor <NUM> may send detected data to the processor <NUM>, and the processor <NUM> may control the display <NUM> (such as a surgical monitoring display) to display the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> according to a processing result. By using the second sensor <NUM> and the display <NUM>, the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> can be displayed more accurately, which can effectively avoid inaccurate reading caused by the visual error of the operator. In some embodiments, the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> and the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may use the same processor and/or the same display.

In some embodiments, the second sensor <NUM> may include a distance measuring module. The distance measuring module may be configured to detect the distance between one end of the second sliding groove <NUM> and the corresponding second control part (such as the portion of the duct <NUM> protruding from the second sliding groove <NUM>). This distance may reflect the position of the second control part <NUM>. In some embodiments, the correspondence between the position of the second control part <NUM> and the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be obtained by experiments. The processor <NUM> may determine the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> based on the position of the second control part <NUM> and the correspondence between the position of the second control part <NUM> and the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the distance measuring module may include an ultrasonic ranging sensor, an infrared distance sensor, a Hall sensor, or the like, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> (or referred to as third opening angle in short) may be an angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the outer clamp arm <NUM>, that is, an angle of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the corresponding first outer clamp arm <NUM> or an angle of the second inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the corresponding second outer clamp arm <NUM>. It can be understood that the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the outer clamp arm <NUM> may not be directly indicated in some embodiments, and may be determined by the opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> and the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second indicating device <NUM> may be configured to indicate the third opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> according to the position of the second control part <NUM> and the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. The opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be determined by the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may be configured to determine the third opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> according to the position of the second control part <NUM> and the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>, and control the display <NUM> to display it. For example, the processor <NUM> may obtain the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> from the processor <NUM>. As another example, the processor <NUM> may obtain the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> according to the data detected by the first sensor <NUM>. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> may be understood as the angle between the two outer clamp arms opening to each other, and the processor <NUM> may determine the opening angle (e.g., the first opening angle or the second opening angle) of the inner clamp arm <NUM> according to the position of the second control part <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may determine the third opening angle of the inner clamp arm by arithmetic operations. For example, the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM> obtained by the processor <NUM> from the outer clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may be <NUM>°, and a first opening angle of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> by the processor <NUM> based on data obtained from the second sensor <NUM> (e.g., the position of the second control part <NUM>) is <NUM>°. Then, the processor <NUM> may determine that the third opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> (i.e., an angle of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the corresponding first outer clamp arm <NUM>) is <NUM>°, that is determined by an equation of (<NUM>°÷<NUM>)-<NUM>°. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, when the first opening angle or the second opening angle is greater than half of the opening angle of the outer clamp arm <NUM>, it means that the first inner clamp arm or the second inner clamp arm is closed relative to the corresponding first outer clamp arm or the second outer clamp arm, and the traction cable corresponding to the first inner clamp arm or the second inner clamp arm is in a relaxed state.

In some embodiments, the inner clamp arm control mechanism <NUM> may include a second prompting device. The second prompting device may be configured to prompt the inner clamp arm <NUM> to reach a preset angle. Specifically, the preset angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> may be a preset opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the closed state, or a preset opening angle of the inner clamp arm <NUM> with respect to the outer clamp arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second prompting device may prompt the operator at a specific angle (such as <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, etc.) in a visual, tactile, auditory manner (e.g., feedback), etc., or any combination thereof. By giving the operator visual, auditory, tactile feedback, the operator can be effectively prompted that the inner clamp arm <NUM> has reached the preset angle.

In some embodiments, the second prompting device may include one or more first contact parts and one or more second contact parts similar to the first prompting device <NUM>. The first contact part(s) may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the second control part, and the second contact part(s) may be disposed inside the housing. When the second contact part(s) contacts the first contact part(s), respectively, the second prompting device may prompt the inner clamp arm <NUM> to reach the preset angle. In some embodiments, the second prompting device may include a prompting component. The prompting component may include, but is not limited to, speakers, light emitters, buzzers, vibrators, or the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the prompting component may be controlled by the processor <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> detects that the inner clamp arm <NUM> reaches the preset opening angle, the processor <NUM> may control the prompting component to issue a prompt.

In some embodiments, the second control part <NUM> may include a first sub-control part and a second sub-control part for controlling the opening and closing of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM>, respectively. The second indicating device <NUM> may include a first sub-indicating device and a second sub-indicating device for indicating the opening angle of the first inner clamp arm <NUM> (i.e., the first opening angle) and the opening angle of the second inner clamp arm <NUM> (i.e., the second opening angle), respectively. The second prompting device may include a first sub-prompting device and a second sub-prompting device for prompting the first inner clamp arm <NUM> and the second inner clamp arm <NUM> to reach preset angles, respectively.

<FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a control handle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a guiding block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a control handle <NUM> may further include a guide block <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The guide block <NUM> may include three spaced through holes A, B, and C, central axes of which are located on a first plane. The first plane may be the plane where the central axes of the through holes A, B and C are located. In some embodiments, the through holes A and C may be located on both sides of the guide block <NUM>, and configured to guide the connecting rod <NUM> that controls the movement of the inner clamp arm <NUM> (e.g., the through hole A is configured to guide the first sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM>, the through hole C is configured to guide the second sub-connecting rod <NUM>-<NUM>). The through hole B may be located in the middle of the through holes A and C, and configured to guide the driving rod <NUM> that controls the movement of the outer clamp arm <NUM>. On one side of the first plane (the upper side as shown in <FIG>), the through hole A and the through hole B may communicate with each other through a hose (not shown in the figure), and on the other side of the first plane (the lower side as shown in of <FIG>), the through hole B and the through hole C may communicate with each other through a hose, thereby ensuring good sealing of the guide block <NUM>. Specifically, taking the through hole A and the through hole B communicating with each other through the hose as an example, a first intersecting hole <NUM>, which penetrates from the inside of the through hole A to a top surface of the guide block <NUM> shown in <FIG>, may be disposed in the middle of the through hole A. A second intersecting hole <NUM>, which penetrates from the inside of the through hole B to the top surface of the guide block <NUM> may be disposed in the middle of the through hole B. The outlets of the first intersecting hole <NUM> and the second intersecting hole <NUM> at the top surface of the guide block <NUM> may communicate with each other through the hose. In some embodiments, a seal member (such as a seal ring) may be disposed between a rear end (e.g., an end away from the tissue clamping device <NUM>) of the guide block <NUM> (such as rear ends of the through holes A, B, and C) and the housing <NUM> (such as an inner baffle disposed on the housing <NUM>) , thereby ensuring the sealing of the control handle <NUM>, and further ensuring the smooth progress of the surgery or experiments.

The beneficial effects that the embodiments of the present disclosure may bring include but are not limited to: (<NUM>) accurately controlling the outer clamp arm and/or the inner clamp arm of the tissue clamping device; (<NUM>) quickly controlling the outer clamp arm of the tissue clamping device; (<NUM>) easily separating the control handle from the tissue clamping device; (<NUM>) making the operation of mitral valve repair more convenient, and the efficiency and the success rate of mitral valve repair improved; (<NUM>) quickly and intuitively obtaining an opening angle of the outer clamp arm and/or the inner clamp arm; (<NUM>) effectively preventing misoperation during the mitral valve repair; (<NUM>) making the control handle easy to manufacture. It should be noted that different embodiments may have different beneficial effects. In different embodiments, the possible beneficial effects may be any one or a combination of the above, or any other possible beneficial effects.

For example, the terms "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and "some embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein as a "module," "unit," "component," "device," or "system. " Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Claim 1:
A control handle (<NUM>) for mitral valve repair, comprising:
an outer clamp arm control mechanism (<NUM>) which is configured to control a movement of an outer clamp arm (<NUM>) of a tissue clamping device (<NUM>) and includes a sleeve (<NUM>), a first control part (<NUM>), and a sliding part (<NUM>), wherein
the sliding part (<NUM>) is disposed in the sleeve (<NUM>), and
the first control part (<NUM>) rotates to drive the sliding part (<NUM>) to move in the sleeve (<NUM>) along a length direction of the sleeve (<NUM>), so as to control the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm (<NUM>); and
an inner clamp arm control mechanism (<NUM>) which is configured to control a movement of an inner clamp arm (<NUM>) of the tissue clamping device (<NUM>) and includes a housing (<NUM>) and a second control part (<NUM>), wherein
a second sliding groove (<NUM>) is set on the housing (<NUM>), and
the second control part (<NUM>) passes through and moves along the second sliding groove (<NUM>) to control the opening and closing of the inner clamp arm (<NUM>) relative to the outer clamp arm (<NUM>);
wherein the outer clamp arm control mechanism (<NUM>) further includes a driving rod (<NUM>), a fixing block (<NUM>), and a protective cover (<NUM>);
the sliding part (<NUM>) controls the opening and closing of the outer clamp arm (<NUM>) by the driving rod (<NUM>);
a rear end of the driving rod (<NUM>) is fixedly connected to the fixing block (<NUM>);
the protective cover (<NUM>) is detachably connected to the sliding part (<NUM>) by a thread; and
when connected to the sliding part (<NUM>), the protective cover (<NUM>) restricts a relative movement of the fixing block (<NUM>) and the sliding part (<NUM>).