Device and method for deploying and attaching an implant to a biological tissue

Abstract

This present invention generally relates to devices and methods for repairing an aperture in a biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue including a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, and a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, in which the scaffold is configured to releasably retain a surgical implant and the scaffold is configured to deploy and attach the surgical implant to the biological tissue.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for closing an aperture in tissue comprising:
 inserting an elongate shaft into a working space of a patient;   positioning a deployment scaffold coupled to the elongate shaft in a desired location;   transitioning first and second arms of the deployment scaffold to an open configuration by operating a plurality of linking members, the plurality of linking members connecting the first and second arms to the elongate shaft; and   separating a surgical implant from the first and second arms by actuating attachment members coupled to the first and second arms.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further including attaching the surgical implant to tissue. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further including transitioning the first and second arms to a closed configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein separating the surgical implant includes rotating the attachment members relative to the first and second arms from a first configuration to a second configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein transitioning the first and second arms includes moving a central shaft disposed within the elongate shaft longitudinally and relative to the elongate shaft, the central shaft operatively coupled to the plurality of linking members to transition the first and second arms between the open configuration and a closed configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the surgical implant includes a patch formed from a surgical mesh. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the surgical implant is releasable in a direction that is radial with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein separating the surgical implant includes retracting an activation member secured to the attachment members. 
     
     
         10 . A method for closing an aperture in tissue comprising:
 inserting an elongate shaft into a working space of a patient;   positioning a deployment scaffold coupled to the elongate shaft in a desired location;   transitioning first and second arms of the deployment scaffold to an open configuration by operating a plurality of linking members, the plurality of linking members connecting the first and second arms to the elongate shaft; and   retracting at least one activation member secured to attachment members on the first and second arms and coupled to the deployment scaffold to move the attachment members from a first position to a second position to release a surgical implant from the deployment scaffold.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further including attaching the surgical implant to tissue. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , further including transitioning the first and second arms to a closed configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein retracting the at least one activation member includes rotating the attachment members relative to the first and second arms from the first position to the second position. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein transitioning the first and second arms includes moving a central shaft disposed within the elongate shaft longitudinally and relative to the elongate shaft, the central shaft operatively coupled to the plurality of linking members to transition the first and second arms between the open configuration and a closed configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the surgical implant includes a patch formed from a surgical mesh. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the surgical implant is releasable in a direction that is radial with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.