Minimally invasive vad installation system and method

Abstract

A minimally invasive VAD installation system includes a curved hook having another hook at its distal end. The installation system also has a valve insertion tool having a gimbaled set of clamp jaws configured for releasably holding the inflow tube of a VAD pump. The installation system further has a pushing tool having a distal opening configured to pass over a tube.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of assembling a surgical instrument, the method comprising:
 pivotably coupling a lever to a handle, the lever being displaceable relative to the handle between a first position and a second position;   coupling a proximal end of a shaft to the handle;   coupling a clamp jaw assembly to a distal end of the shaft, the clamp jaw assembly having a base member coupled to the distal end of the shaft, a first arm coupled to the base member, and a second arm pivotably coupled to the base member; and   coupling the second arm to the lever such that when the lever is in the first position, the second arm is in a first position relative to the first arm and when the lever is in the second position, the second arm is in a second position relative to the first arm.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 rotatably coupling a first jaw member to a portion of the first arm such that the first jaw member is rotatable about an axis extending through the portion of the first arm; and   rotatably coupling a second jaw member to a portion of the second arm such that the second jaw member is rotatable about an axis extending through the portion of the second arm.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 coupling an articulating joint to the distal end of the shaft, wherein a distal end of the articulating joint is pivotably coupled to a proximal portion of the base member of the clamp jaw assembly such that the base member is pivotable relative to the articulating joint.