Clip applier with stabilizing member

Abstract

A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip. The clip applier may include: a first jaw member and a second jaw member configured to engage the surgical clip; an actuation member configured to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a stabilization member configured to engage the surgical clip. The stabilization member may be configured to move longitudinally relative to the clip applier between a distal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to a proximal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member. Movement of the stabilization member between the distal position and the proximal position may be actuated by at least one of the first jaw member, the second jaw member, and the actuation member.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 737,043, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to clip appliers and, more particularly, to a clip applier having a stabilizing member configured to stabilize a surgical clip. Background Art

[0004] Ligating tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, and cardiac tissue) is a common practice in many surgical procedures. This practice can be performed by closing the blood vessels with surgical clips or suturing the blood vessels with surgical sutures. The use of surgical sutures requires complex manipulation of needles and surgical sutures to form the knots required to fix the blood vessels. This complex operation is time-consuming and difficult to perform, especially in endoscopic surgical procedures characterized by limited space and / or visibility. In contrast, surgical clips are relatively faster and easier to use. Therefore, the use of surgical clips in endoscopic and open surgical procedures has increased dramatically. Summary of the invention

[0005] The inventors have recognized the need to improve one or more features of a clip applier, such as the stability of a surgical clip in the clip applier. Surgical clips are typically applied using a clip applier having a pair of opposing jaws. Existing clip appliers typically secure the surgical clip at two contact points, such as by engaging opposing jaws with a boss on the distal end of the surgical clip. However, the two contact points do not provide sufficient stability for the surgical clip, which may cause the surgical clip to be misplaced relative to the clip applier or even fall off during a surgical procedure. The methods and systems disclosed in the present application are intended to alleviate or solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems in the prior art.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a clip applier configured to apply a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier may include: a first jaw member and a second jaw member configured to engage the surgical clip; an actuation member configured to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a stabilizing member configured to engage the surgical clip. The stabilizing member may be configured to move longitudinally relative to the clip applier from a distal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to a proximal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member. Movement of the stabilizing member between the distal position and the proximal position may be actuated by at least one of the first jaw member, the second jaw member, and the actuation member.

[0007] In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may be configured to disengage from the surgical clip when the stabilizing member is in the proximal position. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may have at least one slot, and at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member may have a pin accommodated in one of the at least one slot, wherein the pin slides along the slot to actuate the stabilizing member. In some embodiments, the at least one slot may be at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the clip applier. In some embodiments, the at least one slot may include a first slot and a second slot, and each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member may include a pin. In some embodiments, the actuating member may be directly attached to the proximal portion of the stabilizing member. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may be configured to stabilize the proximal portion of the surgical clip in a transverse direction. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a first wall and a second wall or a protrusion on the distal portion, and the first wall and the second wall or the protrusion are configured to accommodate the proximal portion of the surgical clip between them. In some embodiments, the first jaw member may have a first inner channel, and the second jaw member may have a second inner channel, wherein in the closed configuration, the stabilizing member may be accommodated in the first inner channel and the second inner channel. In some embodiments, the clip applier may have a linkage mechanism connecting the actuating member with the first jaw member and the second jaw member. In some embodiments, the actuation member may include an actuation rod. In some embodiments, the first jaw member may be configured to engage a distal portion of a first foot member of a surgical clip, the second jaw member may be configured to engage a distal portion of a second foot member of a surgical clip, and the stabilization member may be configured to engage a proximal portion of the surgical clip. In some embodiments, the stabilization member is constrained to move longitudinally between a distal position and a proximal position. In some embodiments, actuating the actuation member, pivoting at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member to a closed configuration, and moving the stabilization member from the distal position to the proximal position are performed simultaneously.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of applying a surgical clip using a clip applier. The method may include: accommodating the surgical clip between a first jaw member and a second jaw member of the clip applier; and engaging a proximal portion of the surgical clip with a stabilizing member in a distal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The method may also include: moving an actuating member to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member toward a closed configuration to close the surgical clip; and moving the stabilizing member from the distal position to the proximal position by actuating at least one of the first jaw member, the second jaw member, and the actuating member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method may further include: disengaging the surgical clip from the stabilizing member when the stabilizing member is in the proximal position. In some embodiments, the method may further include: sliding a pin of at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member in a slot in the stabilizing member to actuate the stabilizing member. In some embodiments, the movement of the stabilizing member may be actuated by a direct connection to an actuating rod. In some embodiments, the method may further include: accommodating a proximal portion of the surgical clip between a first wall and a second wall of the stabilizing member to stabilize the proximal portion of the surgical clip. In some embodiments, the method may further include: actuating a linkage mechanism with the actuating member to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member. In some embodiments, the method may further include: accommodating the stabilizing member in a first inner channel of the first jaw member and a second inner channel of the second jaw member in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the method may further include: engaging a distal portion of a first clamping foot member with the first jaw member and engaging a distal portion of a second clamping foot member with the second jaw member. In some embodiments, the movement of the stabilizing member is limited to longitudinal movement between the distal position and the proximal position. In some embodiments, moving the actuation member, pivoting at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member to the closed configuration, and moving the stabilization member from the distal position to the proximal position are performed simultaneously. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] To facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 A manual clip applier of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A first perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a distal end effector of a manual clip applier.

[0013] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A second perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2-3 A side view of a first exemplary embodiment with a surgical clip in an open configuration.

[0015] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2-4 A side view of a first exemplary embodiment with a surgical clip in a closed configuration.

[0016] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1A second exemplary embodiment of a distal end effector of a manual clip applier is shown in side view with a surgical clip in an open configuration.

[0017] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A side view of a second exemplary embodiment with a surgical clip in a closed configuration.

[0018] In the drawings and the following detailed description, the same or similar reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention is now described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the text. According to conventional practice, as used herein, unless otherwise specified herein, the term "proximal" refers to a relative position in a device or its components that is generally closer to a medical staff member who operates or manipulates the device in the intended manner of use, and the term "distal" refers to a relative position in a device or its components that is further away from a medical staff member who operates or manipulates the device in the intended manner of use. The term "vertical" for the clip applier of a component refers to the relative direction of the clip applier parallel to or along a plane that extends uniformly through two jaw members or similarly to the component. The term "longitudinal" relative to a clip applier or component refers to the relative direction along the major axis or length of the clip applier or component. The term "lateral" relative to a clip applier or component refers to the relative direction of a plane that extends vertically between the first jaw member and the second jaw member or similarly to the component.

[0020] The present invention generally relates to a manual clip applier configured to increase the stability of a surgical clip during a medical procedure. The manual clip applier may include a stabilizing member disposed between a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The stabilizing member and the first jaw member and the second jaw member may provide at least three contact points with the surgical clip to prevent relative movement of the surgical clip during a medical procedure. The stabilizing member may have a vertical wall extending from a distal portion, the vertical wall being configured to accommodate a proximal portion of the surgical clip and to laterally stabilize the surgical clip. The vertical wall may extend from the opposite side of the distal portion of the stabilizing member to reduce the lateral movement of the surgical clip. The vertical wall may stabilize the surgical clip when the surgical clip is loaded, manipulated and / or delivered to a tissue (e.g., to ligate a blood vessel) to prevent the surgical clip from moving like a fish shaking its tail. The stabilizing member may also have a lateral protrusion extending between the vertical walls and configured to reduce vertical movement.

[0021] The stabilizing member can be configured to move longitudinally between a first distal position and a second proximal position so that: during loading of the surgical clip from the front of the cartridge, when the surgical clip is contained between the first jaw member and the second jaw member of the clip applier, the stabilizing member can provide sufficient distal stabilizing force. During compression of the surgical clip, the stabilizing member can be longitudinally retracted to the proximal position, so that the stabilizing member does not interfere with the elongation of the surgical clip during compression and / or the release of the surgical clip after closing / locking onto the tissue. The movement of the stabilizing member can be directly actuated by at least one of the first jaw member, the second jaw member, and an actuating member (e.g., an actuating rod) that actuates the first jaw member and the second jaw member. Therefore, the stabilizing member is actuated independently of the surgical clip, so that the stabilizing member moves longitudinally when the clip applier is not loaded and in the absence of the surgical clip. The actuation of the stabilizing member can be based on the movement of at least one of the first jaw member, the second jaw member, and the actuating member, so that the stabilizing member moves between the proximal position and the distal position as the first jaw member and the second jaw member open and close. For example, in some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include an angled slot that accommodates a pin from the first jaw member and the second jaw member. The angled slot may directly retract the stabilizing member when the jaw member pivots closed, and advance the stabilizing member when the jaw member pivots open. In some embodiments, the distal end of the actuating member may be directly connected to the proximal end of the stabilizing member, so that the retraction of the actuating member directly causes the stabilizing member to retract as the jaw member closes, and the advancement of the actuating member directly causes the stabilizing member to advance as the jaw member opens. In some embodiments, the distal end of the actuating member may be integrally attached to the proximal end of the stabilizing member. Thus, in the absence of a surgical clip, the following operations may be performed simultaneously: moving / retracting the actuating member, pivoting at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member to a closed configuration, and moving the stabilizing member from a distal position to a proximal position. When the first jaw member and the second jaw member pivot to an open configuration, opposite movements may be performed simultaneously, such as to load a second surgical clip.

[0022] Figure 1A manual clip applier 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The clip applier 10 may include a distal end actuator including a jaw mechanism 20 at a distal end of an elongated shaft 30 and a handle mechanism 40 at a proximal end of the elongated shaft 30. The jaw mechanism 20 may include a first jaw member 22, a second jaw member 24, and a stabilizing member 26 between the first jaw member 22 and the second jaw member 24. The jaw mechanism 20 may be actuated by the handle mechanism 40 via an actuation member 32 extending through the elongated shaft 30. The handle mechanism 40 may include a first handle member 42 and a second handle member 44. For example, the proximal end of the elongated shaft 30 may be attached to the first handle member 42, and the proximal end of the actuation member 32 may be attached to the second handle member 44, so that relative movement or pivoting of the handle members 42, 44 causes relative movement of the actuation member 32 to actuate the jaw mechanism 20. In some embodiments, for cleaning purposes, jaw mechanism 20 can be removably attached to handle mechanism 40 and elongated shaft 30. For example, a pin on the distal end effector can be received in a slot on the distal end of elongated shaft 30. Actuation of first jaw member 22, second jaw member 24, and stabilizing member 26 is discussed in the exemplary embodiments herein.

[0023] Figure 2-5 Shows Figure 1 The first embodiment 100 of the distal end actuator of the manual clip applier 10 is shown. The clip applier 100 can be configured to apply a surgical clip 50 (such as Figure 4-5 1 ). Clip applier 100 may include a first jaw member 102, a second jaw member 104, a stabilizing member 106, a shaft 108, and a handle mechanism (eg, Figure 1 ). Actuation of the handle mechanism may cause the actuation mechanism (e.g., actuation rod) 110 to retract and / or advance via shaft 108 to move first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 in an open configuration (e.g., Figure 4 ) and closed configuration (such as Figure 5 Thus, the first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104 can compress the surgical clip 50 by pivoting the first clamping foot member 52 and the second clamping foot member 54 about the hinge 56.

[0024] The first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104 can be pivotally coupled at a hinge mechanism 112 having a pivot pin 118 on a distal portion 109 of the shaft 108. The first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104 can accommodate the surgical clip 50 between the first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104, and the first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104 can stabilize the surgical clip 50 at a contact point on the distal portion of the first clamping foot member 52 and the clamping foot member 54. For example, as Figure 2-5As shown, the first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104 can have a distal portion with one or more recesses 114 that receive one or more bosses 58 on the distal portions of the first and second foot members 52, 54. Each of the first and second jaw members 102, 104 can also include a longitudinal channel 116 configured to receive a portion of the stabilization member 106 and / or the surgical clip 50.

[0025] The stabilizing member 106 can be received between the first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104 to provide additional stability to the surgical clip 50. The stabilizing member 106 can include an elongated body having a distal portion 120 that receives and / or engages a proximal portion (e.g., hinge 56) of the surgical clip 50. The distal portion 120 can include vertical walls or protrusions 122 that extend from the distal portion 120 of the elongated body on opposite sides of the stabilizing member 106. For example, the vertical walls 122 can be integrated, welded, and / or fixed to opposite lateral sides of the elongated body of the stabilizing member 106, such that the width defined by the vertical walls 122 can be wider than the width of the remaining length of the stabilizing member 106. The vertical walls 122 can define a channel 124 therebetween that is configured to receive a proximal portion (e.g., hinge 56) of the surgical clip 50, thereby reducing lateral movement of the surgical clip 50. The vertical walls 122 may be substantially parallel and may not extend the entire height of the distal portion 120. The distal portion 120 may also include a lateral protrusion (not shown) extending laterally between the vertical walls 122 to engage a proximal portion of the surgical clip 50. Thus, when the surgical clip 50 is positioned between the first jaw member 102 and the second jaw member 104, the distal portion 120 may accommodate, clamp and / or stabilize the surgical clip 50 in a lateral and / or longitudinal direction. Embodiments of the distal portion 120 of the stabilizing member 106 are further disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0271534, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0026] Stabilizing member 106 may be symmetrically positioned between first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104. The positioning of stabilizing member 106 may allow a user to pick up surgical clip 50 from a clip magazine (not shown) using clip applier 100 in either of two opposite directions. For example, first jaw member 102 may engage either first foot member 52 or second foot member 54 of surgical clip 50, while second jaw member 104 engages the other of first foot member 52 and second foot member 54. The three-point engagement between clip applier 100 and surgical clip 50 increases the stability of surgical clip 50. Two points of contact are at the distal surfaces of first foot member 52 and second foot member 54 on surgical clip 50, and the third point of contact is at the proximal portion (e.g., hinge 50) of surgical clip 50. Surgical clip 50 may remain securely engaged between first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 even in the presence of external forces.

[0027] like Figure 4-5 As shown, first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 can be configured to compress surgical clip 50 by applying opposing forces on first foot member 52 and second foot member 54. Clip applier 100 can first load surgical clip 50 from a clip cartridge (not shown) so that when stabilizing member 106 is in the distal position, first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 engage distal portions of first foot member 52 and second foot member 54 (e.g., bosses on the surgical clip are engaged by recesses 114), and hinge 56 is received between vertical walls 122 of stabilizing member 106. Actuation of the handle mechanism can retract actuation member 110, which can be coupled to first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 via a linkage mechanism 140 received in distal portion 109 of shaft 108. For example, first link 142 can have a first end pivotally coupled to actuation member 110 and a second end pivotally coupled to a proximal end of first jaw member 102. Second link 144 can have a first end pivotally coupled to actuation member 110 and a second end pivotally coupled to a proximal end of second jaw member 104. Link mechanism 140 can be attached near hinge mechanism 112 such that retraction of actuation member 110 causes first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 to pivot to a closed configuration. Distal portion 109 can be open and enlarged relative to a proximal portion of shaft 108 such that distal portion 109 can accommodate proximal portions of jaw members 102, 104 pivoting about pivot pin 118.

[0028] As first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 pivot, stabilization member 106 can be configured to be at a first distal position (eg, Figure 4) and a second proximal position (e.g., Figure 5 ) between the first and second positions. Stabilizing member 106 may be constrained to move longitudinally between the first and second positions. In the first and / or second positions, the elongated body of stabilizing member 106 may be received in the longitudinal passage 116 of the first jaw member 102 and / or the second jaw member 104 to prevent obstruction of pivoting of jaw members 102, 104. After compressing surgical clip 50, jaw members 102, 104 may be pivoted to the open configuration, thereby returning stabilizing member 106 to the first distal position to engage second surgical clip 50 from the clip cartridge.

[0029] like Figure 4-5 As shown, movement of stabilizing member 106 can be directly actuated by pivoting jaw members 102, 104. For example, stabilizing member 106 can include one or more slots 126 that can slidably receive one or more pins 128 of jaw members 102, 104. Thus, when jaw members 102, 104 are in the open configuration and stabilizing member 106 is in the distal position to engage surgical clip 50, pin 128 can be in a proximal position (e.g., in slot 126) in slot 126. Figure 4 As jaw members 102, 104 pivot to the closed position, pin 128 may slide in slot 126 to a distal position (e.g., Figure 5 ).like Figure 4-5 As further shown, stabilizing member 106 may include first and second slots 126 to accommodate pins 128 of each of first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 to allow both first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 to pivot relative to axis 108. However, in other embodiments (not shown), stabilizing member 106 may include a single slot 126 when only one of first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 needs to be pivoted. Slot 126 may be linearly angled relative to the longitudinal axis of clip applier 100 so that pin 128 moves longitudinally and transversely in slot 126 simultaneously. Thus, when first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 pivot toward each other, stabilizing member 106 retracts longitudinally. Slot 126 is preferably linear / straight, but can also be curved to provide for both pivoting of jaw members 102, 104 and longitudinal movement of stabilizing member 106.

[0030] Stabilizing member 106 may be secured vertically and / or laterally by extension 130. Extension 130 may be integral with stabilizing member 106, extend proximally, and engage with longitudinal slot 132 in distal portion 109 of shaft 108. Extension 130 may slide in longitudinal slot 132 during actuation while preventing lateral and / or vertical rocking / movement of extension 130. Thus, stabilizing member 106 may move longitudinally relative to pin 128 of first jaw member 102 and second jaw member 104 without any substantial rotation or rocking.

[0031] Figure 6-7 Shows Figure 1 A second embodiment 200 of a distal end effector of a manual clip applier 10 is provided. Clip applier 200 may be configured to apply a surgical clip 50. Clip applier 200 may include a first jaw member 202, a second jaw member 204, a stabilizing member 206, a shaft 208, and a handle mechanism (eg, Figure 1 ). Actuation of the handle mechanism may cause the actuation mechanism (e.g., actuation rod) 210 to retract and / or advance via shaft 208 to move first jaw member 202 and second jaw member 204 in an open configuration (e.g., Figure 6 ) and closed configuration (such as Figure 7 Thus, the first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 can compress the surgical clip 50 by pivoting the first clamping foot member 52 and the second clamping foot member 54 about the hinge 56.

[0032] The first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 can be pivotally coupled at a hinge mechanism 212 having a pivot pin 218 on a distal portion 209 of the shaft 208. The first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 can accommodate the surgical clip 50 between the first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204, and the first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 can stabilize the surgical clip 50 at a contact point on the distal portion of the first clamping foot member 52 and the second clamping foot member 54. For example, as similar to Figure 2-5 As shown, the first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 can have a distal portion with one or more recesses 214 that receive one or more bosses 58 on the distal portions of the first and second foot members 52, 54. Each of the first and second jaw members 202, 204 can also include a longitudinal channel 216 configured to receive a portion of the stabilizing member 206 and / or the surgical clip 50.

[0033] The stabilizing member 206 can be received between the first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 to provide additional stability to the surgical clip 50. The stabilizing member 206 can include an elongated body having a distal portion that receives and / or engages a proximal portion (e.g., hinge 16) of the surgical clip 50. The distal portion 220 can include vertical walls or protrusions 222 that extend from the distal portion 220 on opposite sides of the stabilizing member 206. The vertical walls 222 can define a channel 224 therebetween that is configured to receive a proximal portion (e.g., hinge 56) of the surgical clip 50, thereby reducing lateral movement of the surgical clip 50. For example, the vertical walls 222 can be integrated, welded, and / or fixed to opposite lateral sides of the elongated body of the stabilizing member 206 such that the width defined by the vertical walls 222 can be wider than the width of the remaining length of the stabilizing member 206. The vertical walls 222 can be substantially parallel and may not extend the entire height of the distal portion 220. Distal portion 220 may also include a lateral protrusion (not shown) extending laterally between vertical walls 222 to engage a proximal portion of surgical clip 50. Thus, as described above, when surgical clip 50 is positioned between first jaw member 202 and second jaw member 204, distal portion 220 may accommodate, clamp and / or stabilize surgical clip 50 in a laterally and / or longitudinal direction.

[0034] Stabilizing member 206 may be symmetrically positioned between first jaw member 202 and second jaw member 204. The positioning of stabilizing member 206 may allow a user to pick up surgical clip 50 from a clip magazine (not shown) using clip applier 200 in either of two opposite directions. For example, first jaw member 202 may engage either first foot member 52 or second foot member 54 of surgical clip 50, while second jaw member 204 engages the other of first foot member 52 and second foot member 54. The three-point engagement between clip applier 200 and surgical clip 50 increases the stability of surgical clip 50. Two points of contact are at the distal surfaces of first foot member 52 and second foot member 54 on surgical clip 50, and the third point of contact is at the proximal portion (e.g., hinge 56) of surgical clip 50. Surgical clip 50 may remain securely engaged between first jaw member 202 and second jaw member 204 even in the presence of external forces.

[0035] like Figure 6-7As shown, the first jaw member 202 and the second jaw member 204 can be configured to compress the surgical clip 50 by applying opposing forces on the first and second foot members 52 and 54. The clip applier 200 can first load the surgical clip 50 from a clip magazine (not shown) so that the first and second jaw members 102 and 104 engage the distal portions of the first and second foot members 52 and 54 (e.g., using the recess 214) and the hinge 56 is received between the vertical walls 222 of the stabilizing member 106. Actuation of the handle mechanism can retract the actuation member 210, which can be coupled to the first and second jaw members 202 and 204 by the linkage mechanism 240. For example, the first linkage 242 can have a first end pivotally coupled to the actuation member 210 and a second end pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the first jaw member 202. Second link 244 can have a first end pivotally coupled to actuation member 210 and a second end pivotally coupled to a proximal end of second jaw member 204. Link mechanism 240 can be attached near hinge mechanism 212 such that retraction of actuation member 210 causes first jaw member 202 and second jaw member 204 to close.

[0036] As first jaw member 202 and second jaw member 204 pivot, stabilization member 206 can be configured to be at a first distal position (eg, Figure 6 ) and a second proximal position (e.g., Figure 7 ) between the first and second positions. Stabilizing member 206 may be constrained to move longitudinally between the first and second positions. In the first and / or second positions, stabilizing member 206 may be accommodated in longitudinal passage 216 of first jaw member 202 and / or second jaw member 204 to prevent obstruction of pivoting of jaw members 202, 204. After compressing surgical clip 50, jaw members 202, 204 may be pivoted to an open configuration, thereby returning stabilizing member 206 to the first distal position to engage second surgical clip 50 from the clip cartridge. Unless otherwise noted, clip applier 200 may have similar features and functions as clip applier 100.

[0037] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the movement of the stabilizing member 206 can be directly actuated by the longitudinal movement of the actuating member 210. The stabilizing member 206 can be directly attached to the actuating member 210 (e.g., integrally formed with the actuating member). Figure 6-7As shown, the actuation member 210 may extend from the handle mechanism, through the linkage mechanism 240, through the pivot pin 218, and be directly attached (eg, integrated) to the stabilization member 206. Thus, retraction and advancement of the actuation member 210 may result in direct retraction and advancement of the stabilization member 206.

[0038] like Figure 4-7 As further shown, the first clamping foot member 52 of the surgical clip 50 can have a concave inner surface and a hook member on the distal portion, and the second clamping foot member 54 can include a convex inner surface and a tip member on the distal portion. When the surgical clip 50 is closed, the hook on the first clamping foot member 52 can deflect around the tip member on the second clamping foot member to fix the surgical clip 50 in a locked configuration. Due to the bending, the first clamping foot member 52 and / or the second clamping foot member 54 can straighten and / or extend during the closing and / or locking process. Therefore, as discussed herein, the retraction of the stabilizing member 106, 206 prevents interference with the closing and / or locking of the surgical clip 50. The retraction of the stabilizing member 106, 206 also helps to release the surgical clip 50 after the surgical clip 50 is closed and / or locked.

[0039] The surgical clip 50 can be made of any suitable size and can be applied to any number of tissues, such as blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, or cardiac tissue. The surgical clip 50 can be made of any suitable biocompatible material (e.g., metals and polymers). In some embodiments, the surgical clip 50 is composed of a one-piece integral polymer body, which is made of a suitable strong biocompatible engineering plastic (e.g., an engineering plastic commonly used for surgical implants). Exemplary materials include: homopolymer or copolymer polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene, or other thermoplastic materials with similar properties that can be injection molded, extruded, or otherwise processed into the like. Embodiments of the surgical clip 50 are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. Embodiments of the clip box containing the surgical clip 50 are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,699, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

[0040] By referring to this specification, the many features and advantages of the present invention become more apparent, therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such features and advantages of the present invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, many changes and modifications are readily conceivable by those skilled in the art, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, therefore, all suitable changes and equivalent forms within the scope of the present invention may be adopted.

Claims

1. A clip applier configured to apply a surgical clip, the clip applier include: a first jaw member and a second jaw member configured to engage the surgical clip; an actuation member configured to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a stabilizing member configured to engage the surgical clip, the stabilizing member configured to move longitudinally relative to the clip applier between a distal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member to a proximal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member; as well as a pin disposed on at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member, the pin connecting the stabilizing member to the jaw member where it is located, the stabilizing member further comprising a slot corresponding to the pin, and the pin being received in the slot and sliding along the slot to actuate the stabilizing member; wherein the pin is configured to actuate movement of the stabilization member between the distal position and the proximal position, thereby actuating movement of the stabilization member by pivoting a jaw member in which the pin is disposed between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

2. The clip applier according to claim 1, in, The stabilization member is configured to disengage from the surgical clip when the stabilization member is in the proximal position.

3. The clip applier according to claim 1, in, The slot is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the clip applier.

4. The clip applier according to claim 1, in, The pin includes a first pin arranged on the first jaw member and a second pin arranged on the second jaw member, and the slot includes a first slot corresponding to the first pin and a second slot corresponding to the second pin.

5. The clip applier according to claim 1, in, The stabilization member is configured to stabilize a proximal portion of the surgical clip in a lateral direction.

6. The clip applier according to claim 1, in, The stabilization member includes a first wall and a second wall on a distal portion, the first wall and the second wall being configured to receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip therebetween.

7. The clip applier according to claim 1, in, The first jaw member includes a first internal channel, the second jaw member includes a second internal channel, and in the closed configuration, the stabilization member is received in the first and second internal channels.

8. The clip applier of claim 1 further comprising a linkage mechanism connecting the actuation member with the first and second jaw members.

9. The clip applier of claim 1, in, The actuation member includes an actuation rod.

10. The clip applier of claim 1, in, The first jaw member is configured to engage a distal portion of a first foot member of the surgical clip, the second jaw member is configured to engage a distal portion of a second foot member of the surgical clip, and the stabilization member is configured to engage a proximal portion of the surgical clip.

11. The clip applier of claim 1 , in, The stabilization member is constrained to move longitudinally between the distal position and the proximal position.

12. The clip applier of claim 1, in, The operations of actuating the actuation member, pivoting the jaw member having the pin disposed therein to the closed configuration, and moving the stabilization member from the distal position to the proximal position are performed simultaneously.

13. A method for applying a surgical clip using a clip applier, the method include: receiving the surgical clip between a first jaw member and a second jaw member of the clip applier; engaging a proximal portion of the surgical clip with a stabilization member at a distal position at least partially between the first jaw member and the second jaw member; moving an actuation member to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member toward a closed configuration to close the surgical clip; as well as The stabilizing member is actuated by sliding a pin arranged on at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member in a groove corresponding to the pin in the stabilizing member, moving the stabilizing member from the distal position to a proximal position at least partially located between the first jaw member and the second jaw member, thereby causing the jaw member arranged with the pin to pivot toward the closed configuration to actuate the movement of the stabilizing member in the proximal direction.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: include: The surgical clip is disengaged from the stabilization member when the stabilization member is in the proximal position.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: include: The proximal portion of the surgical clip is received between the first wall and the second wall of the stabilization member to stabilize the proximal portion of the surgical clip.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising: include: The linkage mechanism is actuated by the actuating member to pivot the jaw member on which the pin is arranged.

17. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: include: In the closed configuration, the stabilization member is received within the first internal channel of the first jaw member and the second internal channel of the second jaw member.

18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: include: A distal portion of a first clamping foot member is engaged with the first jaw member, and a distal portion of a second clamping foot member is engaged with the second jaw member.

19. The method according to claim 13, in, Movement of the stabilization member is constrained to longitudinal movement between the distal position and the proximal position.

20. The method according to claim 13, in, Simultaneously, moving the actuation member, pivoting the jaw member on which the pin is disposed to the closed configuration, and moving the stabilization member from the distal position to the proximal position are performed.

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