Wire torque apparatus, wire insertion devices, improved aneurysm clips and improved aneurysm clip applicators

Abstract

Wire torque apparatus and methods for engaging a wire torque apparatus are disclosed. Wire insertion devices and methods for inserting a wire into a catheter are disclosed. An improved aneurysm clip utilizes non-metallic material. An improvement to an aneurysm clip applicator tool includes a power supply to power an electromagnet, an adjustable counter element that is attracted to the electromagnet when the electromagnet is magnetized, and a switch to disengage the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is magnetized and comes within a certain proximity to the counter element, the electromagnet and the counter element attract and cling to one another. They are released by activating a switch.

1 . Wire torque apparatus, comprising: 
 a handle element and a cap, 
 the handle element comprising a handle and a plurality of segmented cylinder elements, and forming a first lengthwise slot,  
 the cap being capable of engaging the handle element,  
 the cap forming a conical cavity and a second lengthwise slot;  
 wherein the first and second lengthwise slots are configured to accommodate passage of a length of wire therethrough when the slots are aligned, and wherein the segmented cylinder elements are configured to grip the wire within the conical cavity when the cap engages the handle element.  
   
   
   
       2 . Wire torque apparatus, comprising: 
 a block forming (a) a first slot, bounded by a first surface and a second surface, that extends lengthwise through the block, and forming (b) a second slot that extends from one side of the block through the first surface; and    a cam that rotates within the second slot about an axle;    wherein the first slot is configured to accommodate a length of wire, and wherein the cam is operable to grip the wire against the second surface.    
   
   
       3 . Wire torque apparatus, comprising 
 a first block forming (a) a first lengthwise slot and (b) a tapered internally threaded cavity; and    a second block forming (a) a second lengthwise slot and (b) a plurality of tapered externally threaded elements;    wherein the first and second lengthwise slots are configured to accommodate passage of a length of wire therethrough when the slots are aligned, and    wherein the threaded elements are configured to screw into the cavity to engage the wire.    
   
   
       4 . An improved wire torque apparatus of a type that is configured to clamp a length of wire therein, the improvement wherein structure of the apparatus forms a lengthwise slot configured to accommodate passage of the wire such that the apparatus can clamp onto the wire without threading an end of the wire through the apparatus.  
   
   
       5 . Wire insertion device, comprising a triangular base with side walls, and an insertion sleeve that forms a lengthwise slit, the base and side walls configured to facilitate positioning of an angiography wire within the insertion sleeve.  
   
   
       6 . Wire insertion device, comprising first and second wire threading elements forming a groove therebetween, the first and second elements having an open position configured to receive a wire and a closed position configured to facilitate insertion of the wire into a catheter.  
   
   
       7 . Improved aneurysm clip, the improvement wherein the clip comprises non-metallic material.  
   
   
       8 . Improved aneurysm clip of  claim 7 , the clip configured to reduce flare in angiography images of the clip.  
   
   
       9 . Improved aneurysm clip of  claim 7 , the non-metallic material forming blades of the clip.  
   
   
       10 . In an aneurysm clip applicator having handles that operate jaws configured for gripping an aneurysm clip, the improvement comprising: 
 a power supply;    an electromagnet affixed to a first one of the handles;    a counter element affixed to a second one of the handles; and    a switch;    wherein, alternatively, 
 the switch supplies current from the power supply to the electromagnet such that the electromagnet attracts the counter element, latching the handles in a closed position and holding the aneurysm clip in an open position, and  
 the switch disconnects the electromagnet from the power supply, releasing the electromagnet from the counter element, such that the handles return to an open position, releasing the aneurysm clip.  
   
   
   
       11 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , the power supply, the electromagnet, the counter element and the switch being retrofittable to the applicator.  
   
   
       12 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , further comprising a damping mechanism for damping motion of the jaws during closure.  
   
   
       13 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , wherein the handles, the power supply, the electromagnet, the counter element and the switch form an actuator, and the jaws removably couple with the actuator.  
   
   
       14 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 13 , the actuator being sterilizable and reusable.  
   
   
       15 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 13 , the actuator being disposable.  
   
   
       16 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , wherein one or more of the power supply, the electromagnet, the counter element and the switch are formed integrally with the handles.  
   
   
       17 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , wherein positioning of the magnet is adjustable.  
   
   
       18 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , the counter element comprising steel.  
   
   
       19 . Aneurysm clip applicator of  claim 10 , further comprising a spring for biasing the handles toward the open position.  
   
   
       20 . Method of applying an aneurysm clip, the method comprising 
 squeezing handles of an applicator into a closed position with jaws of the applicator squeezing an aneurysm clip into an open position,    activating a switch to hold the applicator in the closed position and the clip in the open position,    positioning the clip, and    activating the switch to release the handles so that the jaws of the applicator release the clip.    
   
   
       21 . Method of  claim 20 , wherein the step of activating the switch to hold the applicator in the closed position comprises connecting a power supply, through the switch, to an electromagnet, and the step of activating the switch to release the handles comprises disconnecting the power supply from the electromagnet.