Clamp for approximating tissue sections

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for holding two tubular or other types of tissue sections in apposition and compression for energy welding.
The apparatus comprises means for clamping one of the tissue sections, means for clamping the other tissue section, and means for moving one of the clamping means towards the other clamping means to bring the two tissue sections into abutting relationship.
Means for transmitting energy to the seam to weld together the two tissue sections is provided.
The energy used herein can include any appropriate energy capable of joining tissue.
In the preferred embodiment electromagnetic energy, such as, for example laser and/or white light is contemplated.
Each clamping means preferably comprises a pair of opposed arms or jaws wherein at least one of the arms is pivotably connected to the opposing arm and is pivotable from an open position spaced from the opposing arm to a closed position overlying the opposing arm.
The apparatus also preferably and advantageously has anchor means in the form of a swivelable retainer mounted to one of the arms of each pair of arms for holding the opposing arms together in the closed position.
In a second embodiment the anchor means is preferably in the form of a slidable anchor barrel overlying one of the arms of each pair of arms for holding the pair of arms together in the closed position.
The arms are preferably mounted substantially perpendicular to an axle and one of the pairs of arms slides longitudinally along said axle towards the other pair of arms to bring the tissue sections into apposition.
The second embodiment typically comprises a first body section comprising a first pair of arms functionally attached to an axle housing and a second body section comprising a second pair of arms functionally attached to an axle.
Preferably the arms do not move relative to the longitudinal axis of the respective axle housing or axle.
Typically the axle housing and axle are adapted to fit together to maintain end portions of the first pair of arms at one or more specific distances relative to end portions of the second pair of arms