BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application no. 62/649,455, filed

March 28, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

2. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure pertains broadly to the field of fasteners and/or applicators. More specifically, the disclosure relates to surgical applicators of implants and/or fasteners, including but not limited to sterilized fasteners such as staples.

3. Background of the Invention

[0003] Atrial fibrillation is a relatively common condition characterized by a very rapid heartbeat of the left and right atrium. While atrial fibrillation is not normally fatal itself, it has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. It is believed that the rapid heartbeat causes blood to pool in the left atrial appendage (LAA) which causes emboli that are released into the left atrium from where they can enter the cerebral vasculature, thus causing a stroke. In addition to stroke, the emboli can enter coronary circulation, potentially causing myocardial infarction, or can enter peripheral circulation, potentially causing peripheral vascular disease.

[0004] The risk of stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation can be reduced in a variety of ways. For example, blood thinning drugs can be used to reduce the risk of clot formation. The use of blood thinners, however, is contraindicated in patients at risk of bleeding disorders. More aggressive treatment protocols have been proposed which involve closing the LAA. Closure and excision may be performed in open surgical procedures, typically requiring the patient to be placed on by-pass and the chest to be opened through the sternum. Alternatively, thoracoscopic and other less invasive procedures have been proposed. The tools are used to ablate or fuse the LAA from the inside using energy, adhesives, or the like.

[0005] In some examples, a compliant closure structure may be used for closing the LAA. Such compliant structure may have an elastomeric body having a pair of opposed legs which may be arranged in an oval or a U-shaped configuration to define an opening therebetween. By placing the opening between the legs over the LAA and aligning it with the base of the LAA, the compliant closure structure may be closed to provide the desired sealing of the LAA. To hold the compliant closure structure closed, a number of discrete, axially spaced-apart tissue penetrating fasteners are arranged along the lengths of each of the legs. By compressing the legs together to press-fit the closure devices, the compliant closure structure may be closed to provide a compliant seal which effectively isolates the LAA.

[0006] The compliant closure structure is closed using a hand-operated delivery tool having jaws which can be inserted into the legs of the closure structure and actuated to close the jaws in the legs over the LAA. The jaws further include comb studs which engage and press fit the closure devices in order to hold the compliant closure structure in its closed, sealing configuration. The studs are intended to be retracted to allow the delivery tool to be removed.

[0007] Existing delivery tools have certain shortcomings. For example, the actuation of the jaws and retraction of the comb studs can be performed out of order, increasing the risk that the delivery of the compliant structure will fail. Additionally, existing delivery tools do not allow for repeated“previewing” of the placement of the compliant closure structure on the LAA without closing the tissue penetrating fasteners. Moreover, positioning and orientation of the delivery tool can be difficult, particularly when the tool is introduced through an intercostal penetration to access the LAA.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] For these reasons, it would be desirable to provide improved delivery tools for use with the compliant closure devices for sealing the LAA. It would be further desirable if the delivery tools and methods of their use were compatible with the delivery of other tissue closure devices and for procedures in addition to closure of the LAA.

[0009] According to some non-limiting examples, a surgical applicator for a fastener may include a handle, a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position, and a lockout mechanism movable relative to the trigger between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lockout mechanism may be operatively arranged to: lock the trigger in the intermediate position when the trigger is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position, and permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0010] According to some non-limiting examples, the lockout mechanism may be further operatively arranged to permit movement of the trigger from the initial position to the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position prior to movement of the trigger from the initial position. The trigger may be movable relative to the handle from the initial position with application of a compressive force on the trigger in a direction toward the handle. The trigger may have a distal side opposite a proximal side facing the handle, and at least a portion of the lockout mechanism may be positioned on the distal side of the trigger.

[0011] According to some non-limiting examples, the lockout mechanism may have a release button connected to the trigger, the release button being movable between a first position and a second position relative to the trigger. The lockout mechanism may further have a trigger stop connected to the handle, the trigger stop being movable between a first position and a second position relative to the handle. The release button may be pivotally movable relative to the trigger, or linearly movable in a direction lateral relative to the trigger. The release button may be biased to the first position by a release button biasing member. The trigger stop may be biased to the first position by a trigger stop biasing member. Movement of the trigger from the initial position toward the actuated position may engage the trigger with the trigger stop to automatically lock the trigger in the intermediate position. Movement of the release button from the first position to the second position when the trigger is in the intermediate position may permit disengagement of the trigger from the trigger stop.

[0012] According to some non-limiting examples, a ratcheting mechanism may be provided to engage the trigger when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position to prevent movement of the trigger toward the initial position. The ratcheting mechanism may disengage from the trigger when the trigger is moved to the actuated position. The ratcheting mechanism may have a ratchet rod and a ratchet that is engaged with the ratchet rod when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. The ratcheting mechanism may be actuated when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position by a predetermined distance. [0013] According to some non-limiting examples, the surgical applicator may further have a jaw assembly selectively movable between an open position and a closed position via movement of the trigger from the initial position to the actuated position. The jaw assembly may have a pair of jaws movably attached to one another, with each jaw having a pair of lateral sides with a plurality of lateral slots extending through each lateral side. An outer surface of at least one of the lateral sides of each jaw may have a recess that receives a cover element for enclosing at least a portion of the plurality of lateral slots. The cover element may be adhesively secured in the recess. The jaws may be pivotally attached to one another by a pin. The surgical application may further include a dampening mechanism operatively arranged with the trigger to dampen variations in a compressive force applied on the trigger during movement between the initial position and the actuated position. The dampening mechanism may have a spring and a damper.

[0014] According to some non-limiting examples, a surgical applicator for a fastener may have a handle, a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position, and a lockout mechanism. The lockout mechanism may include a release button connected to the trigger and a trigger stop connected to the handle. Movement of the trigger from the initial position toward the actuated position may engage the trigger stop with the trigger to lock the trigger in the intermediate position, and movement of the release button relative to the trigger when the trigger is in the intermediate position may disengage the trigger from the trigger stop to permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position. The surgical applicator may further have a ratcheting mechanism that engages the trigger when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position to prevent movement of the trigger toward the initial position. The ratcheting mechanism may disengage from the trigger when the trigger is moved to the actuated position.

[0015] According to some non-limiting examples, a surgical applicator for a fastener may have a handle, a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position, and an elongate body extending distally from the handle. The elongate body may have a distal portion, a jaw assembly at the distal portion selectively movable between an open position, a closed position, and an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position via movement of the trigger. The surgical applicator may further have a lockout mechanism operatively arranged to lock the trigger and the jaw assembly in the intermediate position when the trigger is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position, and permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position to move the jaw assembly from the intermediate position toward the open position or the closed position, respectively.

[0016] According to some non-limiting examples, a method of operating a fastener applicator may include moving a trigger of the fastener applicator from an initial position toward an actuated position by applying a compressive force on the trigger in a direction toward a handle of the fastener applicator, closing a jaw assembly of the fastener applicator from an open position toward a closed position via movement of the trigger, and locking the trigger and the jaw assembly in an intermediate position with a lockout mechanism. The method may further include moving the lockout mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position, moving the trigger from the intermediate position toward the actuated position, and closing the jaw assembly from the intermediate position to the closed position via movement of the trigger. Closing the jaw assembly to the closed position may close a fastener from an unfixed position to a fixed position.

[0017] According to some non-limiting examples, the method may further include blocking the trigger via a ratcheting mechanism from movement toward the initial position after the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. The jaw assembly may move from the closed position toward the open position when the trigger is moved to the actuated position, or after the trigger is moved to the actuated position. The method may further include unlocking the trigger when the trigger is moved to the actuated position.

[0018] Further examples of the present disclosure are set forth in the following numbered clauses.

[0019] Clause 1: A surgical applicator for a fastener, the surgical applicator comprising: a handle;

a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position; and

a lockout mechanism movable relative to the trigger between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lockout mechanism operatively arranged to: lock the trigger in the intermediate position when the trigger is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position; and

permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0020] Clause 2: The surgical applicator of clause 1, wherein the lockout mechanism is further operatively arranged to permit movement of the trigger from the initial position to the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position prior to movement of the trigger from the initial position.

[0021] Clause 3: The surgical applicator of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the trigger is movable relative to the handle from the initial position with application of a compressive force on the trigger in a direction toward the handle.

[0022] Clause 4: The surgical applicator of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the trigger has a distal side opposite a proximal side facing the handle, and wherein at least a portion of the lockout mechanism is positioned on the distal side of the trigger.

[0023] Clause 5: The surgical applicator of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the lockout mechanism comprises:

a release button connected to the trigger, the release button movable between a first position and a second position relative to the trigger, and

a trigger stop connected to the handle, the trigger stop movable between a first position and a second position relative to the handle.

[0024] Clause 6: The surgical applicator of clause 4, wherein the release button is pivotally movable relative to the trigger.

[0025] Clause 7: The surgical applicator of clause 4, wherein the release button is linearly movable in a direction lateral relative to the trigger.

[0026] Clause 8: The surgical applicator of clause 4, wherein the release button is biased to the first position by a release button biasing member.

[0027] Clause 9: The surgical applicator of clause 4, wherein the trigger stop is biased to the first position by a trigger stop biasing member. [0028] Clause 10: The surgical applicator of clause 4, wherein movement of the trigger from the initial position toward the actuated position engages the trigger with the trigger stop to automatically lock the trigger in the intermediate position.

[0029] Clause 11: The surgical applicator of clause 4, wherein movement of the release button from the first position to the second position when the trigger is in the intermediate position permits disengagement of the trigger from the trigger stop.

[0030] Clause 12: The surgical applicator of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising a ratcheting mechanism that engages the trigger when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position to prevent movement of the trigger toward the initial position.

[0031] Clause 13: The surgical applicator of clause 10, wherein the ratcheting mechanism disengages from the trigger when the trigger is moved to the actuated position.

[0032] Clause 14: The surgical applicator of clause 10, wherein the ratcheting mechanism comprises a ratchet rod and a ratchet that is engaged with the ratchet rod when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position.

[0033] Clause 15: The surgical applicator of clause 10, wherein the ratcheting mechanism is actuated when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position by a predetermined distance.

[0034] Clause 16: The surgical applicator of any of clauses 1-15, further comprising a jaw assembly selectively movable between an open position and a closed position via movement of the trigger from the initial position to the actuated position.

[0035] Clause 17: The surgical applicator of clause 16, wherein the jaw assembly comprises a pair of jaws movably attached to one another, each jaw having a pair of lateral sides with a plurality of lateral slots extending through each lateral side.

[0036] Clause 18: The surgical applicator of clause 17, wherein an outer surface of at least one of the lateral sides of each jaw has a recess.

[0037] Clause 19: The surgical applicator of clause 18, wherein the recess receives a cover element that encloses at least a portion of the plurality of lateral slots.

[0038] Clause 20: The surgical applicator of clause 17, wherein the cover element is adhesively secured in the recess. [0039] Clause 21: The surgical applicator of clause 17, wherein the jaws are pivotally attached to one another by a pin.

[0040] Clause 22: The surgical applicator of any of clauses 1-21, further comprising a dampening mechanism operatively arranged with the trigger to dampen variations in a compressive force applied on the trigger during movement between the initial position and the actuated position.

[0041] Clause 23: The surgical applicator of clause 22, wherein the dampening mechanism comprises a spring and a damper.

[0042] Clause 24: A surgical applicator for a fastener, the surgical applicator comprising: a handle;

a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position; and

a lockout mechanism comprising a release button connected to the trigger and a trigger stop connected to the handle,

wherein movement of the trigger from the initial position toward the actuated position engages the trigger stop with the trigger to lock the trigger in the intermediate position, and wherein movement of the release button relative to the trigger when the trigger is in the intermediate position disengages the trigger from the trigger stop to permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position.

[0043] Clause 25: The surgical applicator of clause 24, further comprising a ratcheting mechanism that engages the trigger when the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position to prevent movement of the trigger toward the initial position.

[0044] Clause 26: The surgical applicator of clause 24 or clause 25, wherein the ratcheting mechanism disengages from the trigger when the trigger is moved to the actuated position.

[0045] Clause 27: A surgical applicator for a fastener, the surgical applicator comprising: a handle;

a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position;

an elongate body extending distally from the handle, the elongate body having a distal portion; a jaw assembly at the distal portion of the elongate body, the jaw assembly selectively movable between an open position, a closed position, and an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position via movement of the trigger; and

a lockout mechanism operatively arranged to:

lock the trigger and the jaw assembly in the intermediate position when the trigger is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position; and

permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position to move the jaw assembly from the intermediate position toward the open position or the closed position, respectively.

[0046] Clause 28: A method of operating a fastener applicator, the method comprising: moving a trigger of the fastener applicator from an initial position toward an actuated position by applying a compressive force on the trigger in a direction toward a handle of the fastener applicator;

closing a jaw assembly of the fastener applicator from an open position toward a closed position via movement of the trigger;

locking the trigger and the jaw assembly in an intermediate position with a lockout mechanism;

moving the lockout mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position;

moving the trigger from the intermediate position toward the actuated position; and closing the jaw assembly from the intermediate position to the closed position via movement of the trigger.

[0047] Clause 29: The method of clause 28, wherein closing the jaw assembly to the closed position closes a fastener from an unfixed position to a fixed position.

[0048] Clause 30: The method of clause 28 or clause 29, further comprising blocking the trigger via a ratcheting mechanism from movement toward the initial position after the trigger is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position.

[0049] Clause 31: The method of any of clauses 28-30, wherein the jaw assembly moves from the closed position toward the open position when the trigger is moved to the actuated position, or after the trigger is moved to the actuated position.

[0050] Clause 32: The method of any of clauses 28-31, further comprising unlocking the trigger when the trigger is moved to the actuated position. [0051] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Additional advantages and details of the invention are explained in greater detail below with reference to the exemplary examples that are illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a side view of a fastener applicator constructed in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tissue closure device in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a pull rod assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the pull rod assembly shown in FIG. 4A;

[0058] FIG. 4C is a top view of a shaft of a pull rod assembly;

[0059] FIG. 4D is a top partial cross-sectional view of the shaft shown in FIG. 4C;

[0060] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the shaft shown in FIGS. 4C-4D taken along line A- A;

[0061] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a trigger assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1;

[0062] FIG. 6A is a detailed perspective view of a trigger release button and trigger stop of a fastener applicator in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 6B is a detailed perspective view of a trigger release button and trigger stop of a fastener applicator in accordance with another example of the present disclosure; [0064] FIG. 7 A is a side view of the trigger assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1, showing a trigger in an initial position;

[0065] FIG. 7B is a side view of the trigger assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1, showing the trigger in a decision or intermediate position and a release button in a first position;

[0066] FIG. 7C is a side view of the trigger assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1, showing the trigger in a decision or intermediate position with the release button moved from the first position to a second position;

[0067] FIG. 7D is a side view of the trigger assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1, showing the trigger in a position between the intermediate position and the actuated position;

[0068] FIG. 7E is a side view of the trigger assembly of the fastener applicator shown in FIG. 1, showing the trigger in a final or actuated position;

[0069] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate the movement of a jaw assembly and engagement thereof with a tissue closure device according to an example of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 illustrates use of the fastener applicator according to an example of the present disclosure, wherein the fastener applicator is used for closing a tissue closure device over a LAA;

[0070] FIGS. 10A-10C are schematic views of a trigger and a trigger sub lever illustrating the movement of the trigger between an initial position and an actuated position according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a trigger release button in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 12A is a top, perspective view of a trigger stop in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 12B is a bottom, perspective view of a trigger stop in accordance with an example of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 13A is a top, perspective view of a ratchet lever in accordance with an example of the present disclosure; and

[0075] FIG. 13B is a bottom, perspective view of a ratchet lever in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. [0076] In FIGS. 1-13B, like characters refer to the same components and elements, unless otherwise stated.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES

[0077] Spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, are not to be considered as limiting as the invention can assume various alternative orientations. For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms“end,”“upper,” “lower,”“right,”“left,”“vertical,”“horizon tal,”“top,”“bottom,”“lateral,”“longitudinal, ” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.

[0078] As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0079] All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about”. By“about” is meant a range of plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.

[0080] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as but not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, and 5.5 to 10.

[0081] The terms“first”,“second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but instead refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.

[0082] By‘‘at least” is meant“greater than or equal to”. By“not greater than” is meant“less than or equal to”.

[0083] The term“includes” is synonymous with“comprises”.

[0084] The terms“proximal” or“proximally”, when used in reference to any portion of the fastener applicator, refer to a portion of the fastener applicator closest to a body of a user handling the fastener applicator during use of the fastener applicator. Conversely, the terms “distal” or“distally”, when used in reference to any portion of the fastener applicator, refer to a portion of the fastener applicator furthest away from a body of a user handling the fastener applicator during use of the fastener applicator. [0085] It is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary examples or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the examples or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0086] Various examples of the present disclosure provide alternative and improved devices, systems, and methods for deploying one or more closure devices or fasteners to tissue. An exemplary tissue structure of a patient at risk of stroke or other adverse events resulting from emboli released into circulation from the LAA, may include the LAA.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 1, a fastener applicator 10 (also referred to herein as“surgical applicator” or“applicator”) constructed in accordance with various examples of the present disclosure has a shaft 12 having a handle assembly 17 at its proximal end 13, and a jaw assembly 16 at a distal end 15, where individual jaws 18, 20 are adapted to carry a fastener 22 (shown in FIG. 2). The handle assembly 17 has a trigger 32 movable relative to a handle 34 between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position. The trigger 32 is movable relative to the handle 34 from the initial position with application of a compressive force on the trigger 32 in a direction toward the handle 34 (arrow A in FIG. 1). In various examples of the present disclosure, the fastener applicator 10 is configured for introducing the fastener 22 over the tissue structure.

[0088] With reference to FIG. 2, the fastener 22 is shown in accordance with one non limiting example of the present disclosure. The fastener 22 has a substantially U- shaped configuration for receiving the tissue structure, such as the LAA or other tissue structure, when the jaws 18, 20 of the fastener applicator 10 are open. The fastener 22 has a compressible body 24 and a pair of parallel legs 26 having two opposed compliant tissue-engaging surfaces 28. The legs 26 are movable between an open or unfixed position and a closed or fixed position. In some examples, the legs 26 are each comprised of a soft biologically compatible material. The fastener 22 further has a plurality of tissue-penetrating fasteners 30 spaced-apart along the legs 26 and disposed to extend from a first one of the tissue-engaging surfaces 28, through tissue at a puncture site, to a second one of the tissue-engaging surfaces 28 to close the tissue structure therebetween. The plurality of tissue-penetrating fasteners 30 apply a desired level of compression force, which is determined by both the softness of the compressible body 24 and the distance between the tissue-engaging surfaces 28 when they are fully connected to the tissue structure. When connected to the tissue structure, the fastener 22 is left in place in order to close and/or seal the tissue structure. A portion of the tissue structure extending beyond the fastener 22 may then be cut, excised, or otherwise removed, although this may be left to the physician's preference. More detailed description of various fasteners suitable for use with the fastener applicator 10 of the present disclosure are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,992,757, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the fastener applicator 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. The handle assembly 17 has a housing 36 comprising a first housing portion 36a and a second housing portion 36b coupled to one another and defining an interior space for receiving the working components of the handle assembly 17. The first housing portion 36a and the second housing portion 36b, when assembled together, define the handle 34 that is grasped by the user when handling the fastener applicator 10. In some examples, the first and second portions 36a, 36b of the housing 36 are coupled using one or more handle fasteners 38. In other examples, the first and second portions 36a, 36b of the housing 36 may be coupled using clips, grooves, adhesive, welding, or any other mechanical fastening arrangement. In various examples, the first and second portions 36a, 36b of the housing 36 may be removably or non- removably coupled to one another.

[0090] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the interior space of the housing 36 receives various components for actuating the surgical applicator 10 between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position. For example, the housing 36 may receive various gears, linkages, springs, or the like to effect movement or actuation of the trigger 32 between the initial position, the actuated position, and the intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position. As discussed herein, the housing 36 receives at least a portion of the trigger 32 that is movable relative to the housing 36 in a pivoting motion about a trigger pivot pin 44. The trigger 32 may be biased to the initial position by a trigger biasing member, such as a trigger spring 38. The trigger spring 38 is compressible with movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position such that a restoring force is generated in the trigger spring 38 that restores the trigger 32 to the initial position when an urging force on the trigger 32 is removed or reduced to a magnitude that is lower than the restoring force of the trigger spring 38. In some examples, the trigger 32 has a trigger stop 40 pivotally connected to at least a portion of the housing 36. The trigger stop 40 may be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the handle 34. The trigger stop 40 is biased to the first position by a trigger stop biasing member, such as a trigger stop spring 50.

[0091] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the housing 36 receives a ratcheting mechanism 46 having a ratchet rod 120 and a ratchet 128, as discussed herein. The ratcheting mechanism 46 engages when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position to prevent movement of the trigger 32 toward the initial position. In some examples, the ratcheting mechanism 46 disengages when the trigger 32 reaches the actuated position such that the trigger 32 automatically moves toward the initial position when the ratcheting mechanism 46 is disengaged, or when the force applied to the trigger is relieved. A dampening mechanism 48 is received within the housing 36 and operatively arranged with the trigger 32 to dampen variations in a compressive force applied on the trigger 32 during movement between the initial position and the actuated position. In some examples, the dampening mechanism 48 has a dampening spring 50 received within a damper plunger 52 and a damper 54. In various examples, the damper 54 may be a friction damper, an elastomeric damper, a magnetic damper, a viscous damper, or any combination thereof.

[0092] With reference to FIG. 4A, the jaw assembly 16 is illustrated separate from the remaining components of the fastener applicator 10. FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the jaw assembly 16 of FIG. 4A. As described herein, the jaw assembly 16 is movable between an open position (shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) and a closed position (shown in FIGS. 8B-8C) via movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position to the actuated position. The jaw assembly 16 comprises a pair of jaws 18, 20 movably attached to one another. In some examples, the jaws 18, 20 are pivotally attached to one another with a hinge pin 56 and a washer 58. In some examples, the hinge pin 56 and the washer 58 may be welded together, such as using laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or other type of welding. In other examples, the hinge pin 56 and the washer 58 are adhesively connected with each other, threadably connected with each other, or connected by way of any other removable or non-removable mechanical connection.

[0093] With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, each jaw 18, 20 has a pair of lateral sides 60, with each lateral side 60 having a plurality of lateral slots 62 extending therethrough. The lateral slots 62 define a channel for guiding the movement of jaw cam pins 64. A single jaw cam pin 64 is received within each lateral slot 62 and is movable within the lateral slot 62 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the jaw cam pins 64 in each jaw 18, 20 are positioned relative to a stud comb 66 such that the comb 66 is in an extended or exposed position within the jaws 18, 20. In the second position, the jaw cam pins 64 in each jaw 18, 20 are positioned such that the jaw cam pins 64 urge the stud comb 66 in each jaw 18, 20 to a retracted or concealed position, wherein the comb 66 acts on the tissue penetrating fasteners 30 of the fastener 22.

[0094] With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the jaws 18, 20 are received within a clamp box 68. In some examples, the clamp box 68 has a pair of sides 68a, 68b defining a central opening 70 therebetween for receiving the jaws 18, 20. The sides 68a, 68b of the clamp box 68 may be removably or non-removably connected to one another, such as by one or more rivets 72. The movement of the jaws 18, 20 between the open and closed positions is guided by the interaction between the guide slots 63 on each of the jaws 18, 20 and a corresponding guide pin 65 (shown in FIG. 4B) on the clamp box 68.

[0095] The clamp box 68 receives a distal end 74 of at least a portion of the shaft 14, such as the distal end of the clamp tube 76. With reference to FIGS. 4C-4E, the shaft 14 comprises the clamp tube 76 slidably received within an ejection tube 77 and an inner pull rod 78 slidably received within the clamp tube 76 such that the clamp tube, ejection tube 77, and the inner pull rod 78 are coaxially disposed relative to one another. The clamp tube 76 may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis to rotate the clamp box 68 and the jaws 18, 20, thereby facilitating the orientation of the jaws 18, 20 relative to the handle assembly 17 during use of the fastener applicator 10. In some examples, the shaft 14 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis with rotation of the positioning knob 88 (shown in FIG. 5).

[0096] The pull rod 78 is axially movable relative to the clamp tube 76 with movement of the trigger 32. For example, the pull rod 78 may be movable in a direction extending between the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 14 and along a longitudinal axis thereof. Movement or closure of the trigger 32 from the initial position toward the actuated position draws the pull rod 78 proximally toward a proximal end 80 of the shaft 14 relative to the clamp tube 76 and the ejection tube 77, which in turn closes the jaws 18, 20. The ejection tube 77 has at least one tendon 82 connected at its distal end. The at least one tendon 82 is operatively connected with the comb stud 66 such that movement of the trigger 32 to the activated position also pulls the at least one tendon 82 to cause the retraction of the comb stud 66. [0097] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, an outer surface of at least one of the lateral sides 60 of each jaw 18, 20 has a recess 84. The recess 84 may be formed as a channel that extends into the body of each jaw 18, 20 from the lateral sides 60 in a region surrounding the lateral slots 62. In some examples, the recess 84 receives a cover element 86 (also shown in FIG. 3) that encloses at least a portion of the plurality of lateral slots 62. A thickness of the cover element 86 may be chosen such that an outer surface of the cover element 86 may be flush with the surface of the lateral side 60. In other examples, the thickness of the cover element 86 may be chosen such that its outer surface is recessed relative to the surface of the lateral side 60, or such that the outer surface of the cover element 86 protrudes laterally from the surface of the lateral side 60. In some examples, the cover element 86 may be adhesively secured in the recess 84. In further examples, the cover element 86 may be transparent such that the lateral slots 62 and the jaw cam pins 64 can be seen through the cover element 86. When positioned in the recess 84, the cover element 86 prevents contamination of the lateral slots 62 and the jaw cam pins 64 during use of the fastener applicator 10 which may cause the blockage of one or more lateral slots 62 and/or impede the movement of one or more jaw cam pins 64 through the lateral slots 62.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 5, the trigger 32 comprises a first trigger portion 32a and a second trigger portion 32b coupled to one another. The first trigger portion 32a and the second trigger portion 32b, when assembled together, define the trigger 32 that is grasped by the user when handling the fastener applicator 10. In some examples, the first and second trigger portions 32a, 32b are coupled using one or more trigger fasteners 90. In other examples, the first and second trigger portions 32a, 32b may be coupled using clips, grooves, adhesive, welding, press fit, or any other mechanical fastening arrangement. In various examples, the first and second trigger portions 32a, 32b may be removably or non-removably coupled to one another.

[0099] With continued reference to FIG. 5, each trigger portion 32a, 32b has a first end 92 that is received within the housing 36 (shown in FIG. 3) and pivotally movable relative to the housing 36. A second free end 94 extends opposite the first end 92 and protrudes outside the housing 36. The second free end 94 of the trigger 32 is configured for being grasped by the user during movement of the trigger 32 between the initial position and the activated position. The trigger 32 further has a distal side 110 opposite a proximal side 108 facing the handle. As described herein, at least a portion of a lockout mechanism is positioned on the distal side 110 of the trigger 32. [00100] With continued reference to FIG. 5, the trigger 32 has a pivot pin opening 112 configured for receiving the trigger pivot pin 44 (shown in FIG. 3). The trigger 32 is pivotally movable about a longitudinal axis of the trigger pivot pin 44 which has its terminal ends secured to the housing 36. A trigger slot 114 extends through the body at the first end 92 of the trigger 32. The trigger slot 114 is configured to receive a closing trunnion 116 connected to the distal end of the pull rod 78. The trigger slot 114 acts as a camming mechanism for controlling the movement of the pull rod 78 due to the movement of the closing trunnion 116 within the trigger slot 114. In some examples, the shape of the trigger slot 114 is configured to result in a linear movement of the pull rod 78 in a direction of a longitudinal axis 118 of the shaft 14 as a result of a pivoting movement of the trigger about the trigger pivot pin 44. The closing trunnion 116 may contact or be positioned in near contact with a first end of the trigger slot 114 when the trigger 32 is in the initial position (FIG. 7A). Similarly, the closing trunnion 116 may contact or be positioned in near contact with a second end (opposite the first end) of the trigger slot 114 when the trigger 32 is in the actuated position (FIG. 7E). The closing trunnion 116 may be positioned between the first end and the second end of the trigger slot 114 when the trigger 32 is in the intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position. Lateral pins of an ejection trunnion 164 are received within an opening 123 extending through a first end of a trigger sub lever 122 (see, also, FIGS. 10A-10C) such that movement of the trigger 32 also causes a corresponding movement of the trigger sub lever 122 due to movement of the ejection trunnion 164 within the trigger slot 114 (see FIGS. 10A-10C).

[00101] With continued reference to FIG. 5, a second end of the trigger sub lever 122 has a pin 125 that is pivotally connected to the trigger 32. In this manner, the first end of the trigger sub lever 122 is slidably movable relative to the trigger slot 166 and the ejection trunnion 164, while the second end of the trigger sub lever 122 is pivotally movable relative to the trigger sub stop feature 172 on the handle 34 (see FIGS. 10A-10C). When the second end of trigger sub lever 122 strikes the trigger sub stop feature 172 on the handle 34, and the trigger 32 continues moving proximally toward an actuated position, relative motion of the first end of the trigger sub lever 122 is amplified by pivoting about a pin 125. Amplification is determined by the ratio of the two distances Ll and L2 in Figure 10B. Ll is the distance between the trigger sub stop feature 172 and the trigger sub lever pin 125 while L2 is the distance between the trigger sub lever pin 125 and the ejection trunnion 164. The trigger sub lever 122 effects the ejection trunnion 164 via the trigger sub lever slot 170. In this manner, a first (small) movement of the trigger 32 can have a second (greater) movement on the ejection trunnion 164 due to the ejection trunnion 164 being linked to the ejection tube 77. In this manner, the combs 66 can be retracted via the tendons 82 to release the fastener 22 (shown in FIG. 2).

[00102] With reference to FIG. 6A, the fastener applicator 10 has a lockout mechanism l40a movable relative to the trigger 32 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lockout mechanism l40a in FIG. 6A is shown in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. The lockout mechanism l40a is operatively arranged to lock the trigger 32 in the intermediate position (FIG. 7B) when the trigger 32 is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position. The lockout mechanism l40a is further operatively arranged to permit movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position (FIG. 7C). The lockout mechanism l40a is further operatively arranged to lock the trigger 32 in the initial position when a trigger release button 96 is moved from the first position to the second position prior to movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position.

[00103] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the lockout mechanism l40a comprises the trigger release button 96, the trigger stop 40, and the ratcheting mechanism 46. As described herein, movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position toward the actuated position engages the trigger 32 with the trigger stop 40 and moves the trigger stop 40 to automatically lock the trigger 32 in the intermediate position. To release the trigger 32 from the intermediate position, movement of the trigger release button 96 from the first position to the second position about the trigger release button pivot pin 100 when the trigger 32 is in the intermediate position permits disengagement of the trigger stop 40 from the trigger 32. In this manner, the trigger 32 can be retracted to the initial position due to a restoring force of the trigger spring 38 or moved to the actuated position to close the fastener 22 (shown in FIG. 2).

[00104] The trigger release button 96 extends through an opening 98 on the trigger 32 between the first end 92 and the second free end 94 (FIG. 5). In various examples, the trigger release button 96 is positioned relative to the first and second ends 92, 94 of the trigger 32 such that the trigger release button 96 may be operated using the user’s index finger that contacts a pressing surface 97 of the trigger release button 96. The trigger release button 96 is movable between a first position, wherein the trigger release button 96 protrudes from the opening 98, and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the trigger release button 96 is moved into the opening 98 on the trigger. In some examples, the trigger release button 96 may protrude from the opening 98 in the first position and the second position.

[00105] The trigger release button 96 is pivotally movable relative to the trigger 32 between the first position and the second position about the first trigger release button pivot pin 100. In other examples, the trigger release button 96 may be linearly movable relative to the trigger 32, such as by movement in a proximal/distal direction of the fastener applicator 10, or in a lateral direction relative to the trigger 32. A trigger release button slot 104 in the trigger release button 96 receives a second trigger release button pin 106 and may delimit a range of movement of the trigger release button 96. The second trigger release button pin 106 may contact or be positioned in near contact with a first end of the trigger release button slot 104 when the trigger release button 96 is in the first position. Similarly, the second trigger release button pin 106 may contact or be positioned in near contact with a second end (opposite the first end) of the trigger release button slot 104 when the trigger release button 96 is in the second position.

[00106] The trigger release button 96 is biased to the first position by a release button biasing member, such as a trigger release button spring 102. The trigger release button spring 102 is compressible with movement of the trigger release button 96 from the first position toward the second position such that a restoring force is generated in the trigger release button spring 102 that restores the trigger release button 96 to the first position when an urging force on the trigger release button 96 is removed and the trigger release button 96 is disconnected from the trigger stop 40.

[00107] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the trigger release button 96 has a stop member 150 positioned at a second free end 95 of the trigger release button 96 and configured for engaging at least a portion of the trigger stop 40 to prevent movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position if the trigger release button 96 is pressed before the trigger 32 is moved to the intermediate position. In this manner, the trigger 32 can be moved from the initial position only if the trigger release button 96 is not pressed. In some examples, the stop member 150 may be configured as a rounded tip at the second end of the trigger release button 96.

[00108] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the trigger release button 96 has a trigger stop release member 152 positioned between the first trigger release button pivot pin 100 and the stop member 150. The trigger stop release member 152 is configured for engaging at least a portion of the trigger stop 40 when the trigger 32 is positioned in the intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position. Pressing the trigger release button 96 when the trigger 32 is in the intermediate position engages the trigger stop release member 152 with the trigger stop 40 to unlock the trigger stop 40 and permit movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the actuated position or the initial position. In some examples, the trigger stop release member 152 may be shaped as a rounded protrusion at a proximal portion of the trigger release button 96 between the first trigger release button pivot pin 100 and the stop member 150.

[00109] A non-limiting example embodiment of a trigger release button 96a is shown in FIG. 11. The embodiment of the trigger release button 96a includes a pressing surface 97a, a trigger release button slot l04a, and a stop member l50a. In the embodiment of the trigger release button 96a shown in FIG. 11, the pressing surface 97a includes a raised cross pattern 197, which provides a distinct surface for the user to locate the trigger release button and an increased grip to the user, thereby making the fastener applicator easier to use. This non-limiting example embodiment of trigger release button 96a can be used in the embodiments of the fastener applicator of the present disclosure, including the embodiments of the fastener applicator shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7A-7E.

[00110] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the trigger stop 40 is connected to the handle 34 and is movable relative to the handle 34 between a first position (FIG. 7A) and a second position (FIG. 7E). The trigger stop 40 is biased to the first position by a trigger stop biasing member, such as the dampening spring 50 (FIG. 3). In some examples, the trigger stop 40 is pivotally movable relative to the handle 34 between the first position and the second position about a trigger stop pin 142. The trigger stop 40 has a first end 144 that is pivotable about the trigger stop pin 142 and a second free end 146 opposite the first end 144.

[00111] At least a portion of the trigger stop 40 may be recessed within the housing 36 of the handle 34 when the trigger stop 40 is in the first position. For example, the first end 144 and the second end 146 of the trigger stop 40 may be recessed within the housing 36 of the handle 34 when the trigger stop 40 is in the first position. In some examples, at least a portion of the trigger stop 40 may extend from the housing 36 of the handle 34 when the trigger stop 40 is pivoted from the first position toward the second position. For example, the first end 144 of the trigger stop 40 may be recessed within the interior of the housing 36 of the handle 34 while at least a portion of the second end 146 of the trigger stop 40 protrudes from the interior of the housing 36 when the trigger stop 40 is pivoted from the first position toward the second position.

[00112] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the trigger stop 40 has a dampening cam 148 configured for interacting with the dampening mechanism 48 when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. The dampening cam 148 is positioned at the first end 144 of the trigger stop 40 and is shaped to vary the displacement of the dampening spring 50 (shown in FIG. 3) and the dampening plunger 52 during the stroke of the trigger 32 between the intermediate position toward the actuated position. As the dampening plunger 52 is compressed against the restoring force of the dampening spring 50, the dampening plunger 52 engages the damper 54 (shown in FIG. 7E). In some examples, the dampening cam 148 on the trigger stop 40 and the dampening mechanism 48 may be configured to require a persistant resistive force on the trigger 32 during movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the final position regardless of the position of the trigger 32 during its stroke between the intermediate position and the final position. In this manner, the user does not need to vary the force input on the trigger 32 during activation of the fastener applicator 10 which may inadvertently change the position of the jaw assembly 16 (shown in FIG. 1) relative to the tissue structure.

[00113] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the second end 146 of the trigger stop 40 has a first stop member engagement surface 154 configured for engaging the stop member 150 of the trigger release button 96 if the trigger release button 96 is pressed while the trigger 32 is positioned in the initial position. Contact between the first stop member engagement surface 154 of the trigger stop 40 and the stop member 150 of the trigger release button 96 prevents movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position toward the actuated position if the trigger release button 96 is pressed before the trigger 32 is moved to the intermediate position. In this manner, the trigger 32 is locked in the initial position until the trigger release button 96 is released, thereby disengaging the first stop member engagement surface 154 of the trigger stop 40 from the stop member 150 of the trigger release button 96. In some examples, the first stop member engagement surface 154 of the trigger stop 40 may be configured as a recess at a terminal portion of the second end 146 of the trigger stop 40.

[00114] Movement of the trigger 32 to the intermediate position locks the trigger 32 relative to the handle 34 due to engagement of a trigger latch 156 on the trigger stop 40 with a trigger catch 158 on the trigger 32. In some examples, the trigger latch 156 on the trigger stop 40 is configured as at least one protrusion that extends laterally away from at least one lateral side of the trigger stop 40. In some examples, the trigger latch 156 is a pair of protrusions that extend laterally away from opposing lateral sides of the trigger stop 40. The trigger catch 158 on the trigger 32 may be configured as a recess on a proximal side 108 of the trigger 32 that is shaped to receive at least a portion of the trigger latch 156.

[00115] The trigger latch 156 and the trigger catch 158 engage when the trigger 32 is moved to the intermediate position and prevent movement of the trigger 32 toward the initial position or the actuated position. The trigger latch 156 and the trigger catch 158 are disengaged by pressing the trigger release button 96, whereby at least a portion of the trigger release button 96 contacts at least a portion of the trigger stop 40 to move the trigger stop 40 and displace the trigger latch 156 from contact with the trigger catch 158 on the trigger 32. In some examples, the stop member 150 of the trigger release button 96 engages a release surface 160 on the trigger stop 40 to move the trigger stop 40 and displace the trigger latch 156 from contact with the trigger catch 158 on the trigger 32. The release surface 160 may be positioned at the second end 146 of the trigger stop 40 and proximally of the stop member 150.

[00116] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the trigger stop 40 has a trigger actuation surface 162 positioned proximally of a second stop member engagement surface 155 and the release surface 160. The trigger actuation surface 162 of the trigger stop 40 is configured for engaging the trigger stop release member 152 of the trigger release button 96 when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position while the trigger release button 96 is pressed. Pressing the trigger release button 96 when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position engages the trigger stop release member 152 with the trigger actuation surface 162 of the trigger stop 40 to unlock the trigger stop 40 and permit movement of the trigger 32 toward the actuated position. In some examples, the trigger actuation surface 162 may be shaped as a ramp that engages the trigger stop release member 152 of the trigger release button 96. In examples where the trigger actuation surface 162 is shaped as a slot, the trigger actuation surface 162 provides clearance for movement of the trigger stop release member 152 along the trigger actuation surface 162.

[00117] A non-limiting example embodiment of a trigger stop 40a is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The embodiment of the trigger stop 40a includes a first end l44a, a second end l46a, a dampening cam l48a, a first stop member engagement surface l54a, a trigger latch l56a, a release surface l60a, and a trigger actuation surface l62a. This non-limiting example embodiment of trigger stop 40a can be used in the embodiments of the fastener applicator of the present disclosure, including the embodiments of the fastener applicator shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7A-7E.

[00118] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the lockout mechanism l40a further comprises the ratcheting mechanism 46 that engages when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. The ratcheting mechanism 46 is configured to prevent movement of the trigger 32 toward the initial position after the trigger 32 has been moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. In some examples, the ratcheting mechanism 46 is actuated when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position by a predetermined distance. In further examples, the ratcheting mechanism 46 is actuated when the trigger actuation surface 162 of the trigger stop 40 engages the trigger stop release member 152 of the trigger release button 96 as the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position while the trigger release button 96 is pressed. In further examples, the ratcheting mechanism 46 is configured to automatically disengage when the trigger 32 reaches the actuated position to permit movement of the trigger 32 back toward to the initial position.

[00119] The ratcheting mechanism 46 comprises a ratchet rod 120 that is selectively engagable with a ratchet lever 128 when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. The ratchet rod 120 is movable axially in a distal-to-proximal direction as the trigger 32 is pivoted from the intermediate position (FIG. 7A) toward the actuated position (FIG. 7E). The ratchet rod 120 is linked to the trigger 32 via a coupler 131 (shown in FIG. 5). The ratchet rod 120 can pivot relative to the trigger 32 about the pins 168 (shown in FIG. 5). The ratchet lever 128 is movable between an initial position (FIG. 7A) and an engaged position (FIGS. 7D-7E). In some examples, the ratchet lever 128 is pivotable about a ratchet pivot pin 132. The ratchet lever 128 may be biased in a direction toward the initial position by a ratchet lever biasing mechanism, such as a ratchet lever spring 134. Moving the trigger 32 from the initial position (FIG. 7A) toward the actuated position (FIG. 7E) results in an axial movement of the pull rod 78 in a proximal direction of the longitudinal axis 118 of the shaft 14 and an axial movement of the ratchet rod 120 in the proximal direction. [00120] With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the proximal end of the ratchet rod 120 has one or more teeth 130 that interact with a ratchet lever 128. Movement of the ratchet rod 120 in the proximal direction due to movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the actuated position engages the proximal end of the ratchet rod 120 with the ratchet lever 128. The initial contact between the proximal end of the ratchet rod 120 with the ratchet lever 128 displaces the ratchet lever 128 from the disengaged position toward the engaged position by pivoting the ratchet lever 128 against the ratchet lever spring 134.

[00121] The one or more teeth 130 of the ratchet rod 120 engage a locking tip 136 of the ratchet lever 128 when the trigger 32 is moved from the intermediate position toward the actuated position to prevent movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the initial position. The ratchet rod 120 can include any number of teeth such that the trigger 32 can be progressively closed (i.e., brought into approximation of the handle 32) by more fully driving the ratchet rod 120 under the ratchet lever 128 in the direction of closure for the trigger 32 (e.g., from the configuration of FIG. 7A to the configuration of FIG. 7E).

[00122] In some examples, the ratchet lever 128 may engage the ratchet rod 120 prior to the trigger 32 reaching the actuated position to prevent reverse movement of the trigger from the actuated position toward the initial position. For example, the proximal end of the ratchet rod 120 can contact a ratchet lever engagement surface 138 at a proximal end of the ratchet lever 128. The ratchet lever engagement surface 138 may be angled such that proximal movement of the ratchet rod 120 pivots the ratchet lever 128. In some examples, the ratchet lever 128 can be locked due to engagement of one or more locking tabs 139 on the ratchet lever 128 with at least a portion of the housing 36. In some examples, the one or more locking tabs 139 may be laterally deflectable between a first position, wherein the ratchet lever 128 can freely pivot about the ratchet pivot pin 132, and a second position, wherein the ratchet lever 128 is locked relative to the housing 36. The one or more locking tabs 139 may strike the housing 36, thus causing a loud click to audibly alert the user that the trigger 32 has reached the actuated position and that jaws 18, 20 have been closed. This audible confirmation indicates to the user that the fastener 22 has been closed and that the trigger 32 can be released. Once the one or more locking tabs 139 of the ratchet lever 128 engage the housing 36, the ratchet lever 128 is locked in a disengaged state relative to the ratchet rod 120. [00123] A non-limiting example embodiment of a ratchet lever l28a is shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, and ratchet lever l28a includes a locking tip l36a and two locking tabs l39a. This non-limiting example embodiment of ratchet lever l28a can be used in the embodiments of the fastener applicator of the present disclosure, including the embodiments of the fastener applicator shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7A-7E.

[00124] With reference to FIG. 6B, the fastener applicator 10 is shown with a lockout mechanism l40b in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. The components of the lockout mechanism l40b shown in FIG. 6B are substantially similar to the components of the lockout mechanism l40a described herein with reference to FIG. 6 A. As the previous discussion regarding the lockout mechanism l40a generally shown in FIG. 6 A is applicable to the lockout mechanism l40b shown in FIG. 6B, only the relative differences between the two lockout mechanisms are discussed hereinafter.

[00125] With continued reference to FIG. 6B, the trigger release button 96 has a stop member 150 positioned at a second free end 95 of the trigger release button 96 and configured for engaging at least a portion of the trigger stop 40 only when the trigger 32 is moved to the intermediate position. Unlike the trigger release button 96 and the trigger stop 40 shown in FIG. 6A, the trigger release button 96 and the trigger stop 40 of FIG. 6B are configured to allow movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position even if the trigger release button 96 is pressed before the trigger 32 is moved from the initial position. In other words, if the trigger release button 96 is pressed and held, the trigger 32 can pass through the intermediate position without stopping and ultimately to the actuated position.

[00126] With continued reference to FIG. 6B, the trigger stop release member 152 of the trigger release button 96 is configured for engaging at least a portion of the trigger stop 40 when the trigger 32 is positioned in the intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position. Pressing the trigger release button 96 when the trigger 32 is in the intermediate position engages the trigger stop release member 152 with the trigger stop 40 to unlock the trigger stop 40 and permit movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. In some examples, pressing the trigger release button 96 when the trigger 32 is in the initial position engages the trigger stop release member 152 with the trigger stop 40 to unlock the trigger stop 40 and permit movement of the trigger 32 from the initial position toward the actuated position, thereby bypassing the locking of the trigger 32 in the intermediate position.

[00127] With continued reference to FIG. 6B, the first stop member engagement surface 154 of the trigger stop 40 is configured as a substantially planar portion at a terminal portion of the second end 146 of the trigger stop 40. Similarly, the second stop member engagement surface 155 may be substantially planar, as opposed to the recessed configuration shown in FIG. 6A. Pressing the trigger release button 96 prior to moving the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the actuated position engages the trigger stop release member 152 with the second stop member engagement surface 155 and the trigger actuation surface 162 of the trigger stop 40 to unlock the trigger stop 40 and permit movement of the trigger 32 toward the actuated position.

[00128] Having described the structure of the fastener applicator 10, a method of using the fastener applicator 10 to close the fastener 22 over the tissue structure will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7A-8D and 10A-10C. With initial reference to FIG. 7A, the fastener applicator 10 is shown in an initial or as-delivered configuration, wherein the trigger 32 is positioned in the initial position and the jaws 18, 20 (shown in FIG. 8A) are in an open configuration to receive the fastener 22 therebetween. After the fastener 22 is advanced over the tissue structure, such as the LAA, the jaws 18, 20 are closed by manually moving the trigger 32 toward the handle 34 in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 7B. The trigger 32 can be moved toward the handle 34 from the initial position (FIG. 7A) by directing a proximally-directed force in the direction of arrow A on a distal side 110 of the trigger 32.

[00129] Closing the trigger 32 with respect to the handle 34, that is, pivoting about the trigger pivot pin 44 from the initial position of the trigger 32 (shown in FIG. 10A or FIG. 7A), draws the pull rod 78 proximally toward a proximal end of the shaft 14 relative to the clamp tube 76, which in turn closes the jaws 18, 20 (FIG. 8B). The trigger 32 can be moved in a proximal direction to close the jaws 18, 20 or distally to open the jaws 18, 20 during positioning of the fastener 22 relative to the tissue structure provided that the trigger 32 is not advanced past the intermediate position. This allows the user to carefully position the fastener 22 relative to the tissue structure without closing the fastener 22.

[00130] With reference to FIG. 7B, the trigger 32 is shown in the intermediate position, wherein the trigger 32 is temporarily locked relative to the handle 34 due to engagement of a trigger latch 156 on the trigger stop 40 with a trigger catch 158 on the trigger 32. When the trigger 32 is moved to the intermediate position and locked therein, further movement of the trigger 32 toward the initial position or the actuated position is prevented without further user input via the trigger release button 96. With the trigger 32 locked in the intermediate position, the jaws 18, 20 are closed in a“preview” position, wherein the legs 26 of the fastener 22 are brought toward one another to capture the tissue structure therebetween without engaging the tissue penetrating fasteners 30 (FIG. 8A). This allows the user to preview the positioning of the fastener 22 relative to the tissue structure without closing the fastener 22.

[00131] If repositioning of the fastener 22 relative to the tissue structure is necessary, the trigger 32 can be unlocked by pressing the trigger release button 96 to disengage the trigger latch 156 from the trigger catch 158 (FIG. 7C). By pressing the trigger release button 96, at least a portion of the trigger release button 96, such as the stop member 150 of the trigger release button 96, contacts at least a portion of the trigger stop 40, such as the release surface 160 on the trigger stop 40, to move the trigger stop 40 and displace the trigger latch 156 from contact with the trigger catch 158 on the trigger 32. The trigger 32 can then be moved distally relative to the handle 34 due to a restoring force of the trigger spring 42 (shown in FIG. 3). Movement of the trigger 32 toward the initial position and away from the handle 34 opens the jaws 18, 20 to allow repositioning of the fastener 22.

[00132] Referring now to FIG. 7D, if the fastener applicator 10 is oriented such that the fastener 22 is arranged at a desired position relative to the tissue structure, the trigger 32 is unlocked from the intermediate position by pressing the trigger release button 96 to disengage the trigger latch 156 from the trigger catch 158. The trigger 32 can then be advanced proximally toward the handle 34 by moving the trigger 32 in the direction of arrow A. Closing the trigger 32 with respect to the handle 34 moves the trigger stop 40 from a first position (FIG. 7C) to a second position (FIG. 7E) relative to the handle 34 to allow further proximal movement of the trigger 32 toward the actuated position.

[00133] Closing the trigger 32 with respect to the handle 34 also proximally retracts the ratchet rod 120 which is linked to the trigger 32. With reference to FIG. 10C, with the trigger 32 positioned in the actuated position, the trunnion 116 moves to a proximal end of the trigger slot 114 such that a center of the trunnion 116, and therefore the opening 123, is spaced apart proximally from a center of the trigger pivot pin 44 by a second predetermined distance X2 that is larger than the first predetermined distance XI shown in FIG. 10 A. The trigger sub lever 122 is oriented such that its terminal end contacts the ratchet rod 120 and advances the ratchet rod 120 in a proximal direction. Proximal movement of the ratchet rod 120 due to movement of the trigger 32 past the intermediate position engages the teeth 130 of the ratchet rod 120 with the locking tip 136 of the locking lever 128, thereby activating the ratcheting mechanism 46. Once the ratcheting mechanism 46 is engaged, retraction of the trigger 32 in a direction toward the initial position (FIG. 7A) is prevented. In this manner, the user is committed to closing the fastener 22 on the tissue structure by fully engaging the trigger 32 toward the actuated position.

[00134] Closure of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the actuated position further draws the pull rod 78 proximally toward a proximal end of the shaft 14 relative to the clamp tube 76. The ejection tube 77 pulls at least one tendon 82 to retract the comb studs 66. When the jaws 18, 20 are closed, the stud combs 66 engage the tissue penetrating fasteners 30 so that they engage and lock with each other, thus closing the two legs 26 of the fastener 22, as shown in FIG. 8C.

[00135] As the trigger 32 is advanced from the intermediate position toward the actuated position, the trigger stop 40 is deflected by the trigger 32 from the first position (FIG. 7A) toward the second position (FIG. 7E). As the trigger stop 40 moves from the first position to the second position, the dampening cam 148 of the trigger stop 40 contacts the damper plunger 52 of the dampening mechanism 48, thereby compressing the dampening spring 50 (shown in FIG. 3). As the dampening plunger 52 is compressed against the restoring force of the dampening spring 50, the dampening plunger 52 engages the damper 54 (shown in FIG. 7E), which provides resistance to the compressive force directed to the trigger 32 in the direction of arrow A. As described herein, the dampening cam 148 on the trigger stop 40 and the dampening mechanism 48 are configured such that the user feels a substantially constant reactive force from the trigger 32 during movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the final position regardless of the position of the trigger 32 during its stroke between the intermediate position and the actuated position. For example, the user may perceive a substantially constant reactive force from the trigger 32 while moving the trigger 32 toward the handle 34 in the direction of arrow A, thereby requiring a substantially constant compressive force on the trigger 32 during movement of the trigger 32 from the intermediate position toward the actuated position. [00136] Referring now to FIG. 7E, the trigger 32 is moved to the actuated position to release the trigger 32 from the ratcheting mechanism 46 and allow retraction of the trigger 32 toward the initial position. As described herein, the proximal end of the ratchet rod 120 contacts a ratchet lever disengagement surface 138 at a proximal end of the ratchet lever 128, which lifts the ratchet lever 128 from the ratchet rod 120 and prevents reengagement with the ratchet rod 120 due to interaction of the one or more locking tabs 139 on the ratchet lever 128 with at least a portion of the housing 36. The jaws 18, 20 may be opened by releasing manual compression on the trigger 32, thereby allowing the trigger spring 38 and the main spring 42, which was compressed during closure of the trigger 32 to push the ratchet rod 120 distally forward, opening the jaws 18, 20 and leaving the fastener 22 in place (FIG. 8D).

[00137] Referring now to FIG. 9, one specific example of use is illustrated. In this example, the fastener applicator 10 is used to deliver a fastener 22 over the base of a left atrial appendage LAA in an open chest, beating heart procedure. The sternum S is opened, spreading the ribs R to provide a working space over the heart H. After opening the pericardial sack, the heart H may be lifted and turned, for example using a sheet of gauze or other material which is placed behind the heart, to expose the left atrial appendage LAA within the opening as shown in Figure 9. After the left atrial appendage LAA is exposed, the jaws 18, 20 of the fastener applicator 10 are placed around the base of the left atrial appendage LAA by manipulating the shaft 12. Once the jaws 18, 20 properly position the fastener 22 about the base of the left atrial appendage LAA, the jaws 18, 20 are actuated and the fastener 22 is deployed as described previously.

[00138] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred examples, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any example can be combined with one or more features of any other example.