US Patent 8016830 Devices and methods for grasping an elongated medical element

Devices to grasp a medical element that may include a first member, a second member that fits within the first member, and a locking element. The first and second members may move relative to one another to move the locking element between locked and unlocked positions. In an unlocked position, the device may move along the element. In the locked position, the device may lock to the element and motion is prevented. In one application, the device can be placed in the locked position to maintain a desired amount of tension on the element. Methods of grasping the medical element may include moving the first and second members relative to each other thereby moving the locking element to grasp and release the medical element.