clip applier

Abstract

The application discloses a clip applier, comprising a jaw assembly and an acted-on member, the acted-on member is operable in the jaw assembly, the jaw assembly has a stopper and a release mechanism, the stopper is in abutment with the acted-on member to keep the acted-on member in the jaw assembly, the release mechanism can drive the stopper to move to make the stopper disengage from the acted-on member, so that the acted-on member is in a state of being able to disengage from the jaw assembly, when the jaw assembly is opened, the jaw assembly will not pull the acted-on member, the acted-on member will not pull the tissue or blood vessel, and the risk of minimally invasive surgery is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a clip applier. BACKGROUND

[0002] In minimally invasive surgery, a clip applier is often used to fix a clip on a tissue or a blood vessel to achieve hemostasis and ligation closure. The clip has two clip arms arranged oppositely, and the two clip arms can be closed to fix the target tissue between the two clip arms.

[0003] Before the clip is applied, the clip needs to be pushed from the clip applier to the distal end of a jaw assembly of the clip applier. The jaw assembly includes two jaw arms, and each jaw arm is provided with a stopper corresponding to the clip. After the clip moves to the distal end of the jaw assembly, the clip arms of the clip and the stoppers corresponding thereto abut, so that the position of the clip at the distal end of the jaw assembly remains stable.

[0004] In the prior art, after the jaw assembly is closed to close the clip, the stopper still abuts against the clip, so that the clip is difficult to be separated from the jaw assembly. Therefore, when the jaw assembly is opened, the jaw assembly will generate a force on the clip, which will cause the clip to tear the tissue or blood vessel, thereby increasing the risk of minimally invasive surgery.

[0005] Based on the above, it is necessary to improve the clip applier in the prior art. SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present application aims to provide a clip applier, which solves the technical problem that the jaw assembly will generate a force on the clip when the jaw assembly is opened, which will cause the clip to tear the tissue.

[0007] The present application is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] A clip applier includes a jaw assembly and an acted-on member, the acted-on member is operable in the jaw assembly, the jaw assembly has a stopper and a release mechanism, the stopper abuts against the acted-on member to keep the acted-on member in the jaw assembly, and the release mechanism can drive the stopper to move so that the stopper is separated from the acted-on member, thereby making the acted-on member in a state of being separable from the jaw assembly.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, at least one side of the jaw assembly has the release mechanism, and the release mechanism includes two release elements. In response to the closure of the jaw assembly, the proximal end of each release element moves in a first direction towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly.

[0010] Further preferably, in response to the closure of the jaw assembly, the distal ends of the two release elements move towards each other.

[0011] Further preferably, the jaw assembly comprises two jaw arms, one distal end of the release element is pivotally connected to one of the jaw arms, the other distal end of the release element is pivotally connected to the other of the jaw arms, and the proximal ends of the two release elements are pivotally connected.

[0012] Further preferably, the stopper is operatively engaged with the proximal ends of the release elements, in response to the closure of the jaw assembly, the proximal ends of each of the release elements move in a first direction towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly to drive the stopper to move proximally, so that the stopper is disengaged from the acted element.

[0013] Further preferably, the jaw assembly comprises two jaw arms, each of the jaw arms has the stopper therein, and the proximal ends of the two stoppers engaged with the same release mechanism are connected by a hinge.

[0014] Further preferably, the release mechanism further comprises a first pin, the proximal ends of the two release elements on the same side of the jaw assembly are pivotally connected by the first pin, and the proximal ends of the release elements are operatively engaged with the hinge via the first pin to drive the stopper to move proximally.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the jaw assembly comprises two jaw arms, the acted element is a clip, and the stopper abuts at least a portion of the clip to retain the clip in the jaw arms.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the jaw assembly comprises two jaw arms, the stopper is arranged in the jaw arms, the acted element is a clip, the clip comprises two clip arms, at least a portion of one of the clip arms is operatively arranged in one of the jaw arms, at least a portion of the other of the clip arms is operatively arranged in the other of the jaw arms, and the stopper abuts the at least a portion of the clip arm in the jaw arm where the stopper is arranged; at least one side of the jaw assembly is provided with the release mechanism, the release mechanism comprises two release elements, the stopper and the proximal ends of the release elements corresponding to the stopper are operatively engaged, in response to the closure of the jaw assembly, the proximal ends of each of the release elements move in a first direction towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly to drive the stopper to move proximally, so that the stopper is disengaged from the at least a portion of the clip arm in the jaw arm where the stopper is arranged, and the distal ends of the two release elements move towards each other.

[0017] Further preferably, one distal end of the release element is pivotally connected to one of the jaw arms, the other distal end of the release element is pivotally connected to the other of the jaw arms, and the proximal ends of the two release elements are pivotally connected.

[0018] Further preferably, each of the clip arms has an ear, and the at least a portion of the clip arm comprises the ear.

[0019] Further preferably, each of the clamping arms is provided with a sliding groove; the stopper comprises a mounting portion and a limiting portion, the mounting portion is slidably located in the sliding groove, and the limiting portion and the bottom of the clamping arm form a guiding space, and the limiting portion restricts the ear portion when the ear portion moves in the guiding space.

[0020] Further preferably, when the clamping jaw assembly is in the open state, the distal end of any one of the mounting portions extends out of the sliding groove where the mounting portion is located.

[0021] Preferably, the stopper is elastic.

[0022] Further preferably, each of the stoppers is fixedly connected with the proximal end of the corresponding release element.

[0023] Preferably, the clamping jaw assembly is provided with the release mechanism on both sides.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The clip applier of the present application is provided with a release mechanism on the clamping jaw assembly, and a stopper which can slide between the distal end and the proximal end of the clamping jaw assembly, so that when the clamping jaw assembly is closed, the release mechanism can drive the stopper to move towards the proximal end of the clamping jaw assembly to move away from the ear portion of the clip, thereby releasing the restriction of the stopper on the ear portion, so that when the clamping jaw assembly is opened, the clamping jaw assembly will not pull the clamping arm of the clip, so that the clamping arm of the clip will not pull the tissue or blood vessel, thereby reducing the risk of minimally invasive surgery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the clip applier provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a partial area of the clip applier provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the rod body assembly of the clip applier provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the push-clip assembly is not in abutment with the clip;

[0029] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the rod body assembly of the clip applier provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the push-clip assembly is in abutment with the clip and pushes the clip into the clamping jaw assembly;

[0030] Figure 5 is a structural schematic view of the clip provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 6is a structural schematic diagram of a jaw assembly of a clip applier in the prior art;

[0032] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a first angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has a clip therein and the jaw assembly is in an open state;

[0033] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a first angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has a clip therein and the jaw assembly is in a closed state;

[0034] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a first angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has a clip therein and the jaw assembly is in a closed state;

[0035] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a second angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has a clip therein and the jaw assembly is in an open state;

[0036] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of a second angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has no clip therein and the jaw assembly is in an open state;

[0037] Figure 12 is a sectional view of a first angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has no clip therein and the jaw assembly is in an open state;

[0038] Figure 13 is a sectional view of a first angle of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application, wherein the jaw assembly has no clip therein and the jaw assembly is in an open state, and the jaw assembly has no stopper installed therein;

[0039] Figure 14 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a second jaw arm of a jaw assembly provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a cooperation manner of a clip and a stopper provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of a movement principle of a release mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 17 is a structural schematic diagram of a stopper provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a cooperation of a second jaw arm and a release element provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Reference signs in the above drawings: 1-jaw assembly; 101-first jaw arm; 102-second jaw arm; 103-stop; 1031-hinge part; 1032-mounting part; 1033-limiting part; 104-recess; 105-bottom; 106-side; 107-slotted guide; 108-notch;

[0045] 2-wrench; 201-pushing part;

[0046] 3-housing;

[0047] 4-shaft assembly; 401-sleeve; 402-base; 4021-guiding groove; 4022-guiding slope; 403-elastic push rod; 404-pushing block;

[0048] 5-driving tube; 501-stop;

[0049] 6-elastic body;

[0050] 7-clip; 701-first clip arm; 702-second clip arm; 703-first ear; 704-second ear; 705-engaging part; 706-connecting part;

[0051] 8-releasing element; 9-first pin; 10-second pin; 11-third pin; 12-moving piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and should not be used to limit the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0053] It should be understood that the terms "proximal", "rear" and "distal", "front" used herein are relative to the clinician who manipulates the handle of the clip applier. The terms "proximal", "rear" refer to the part close to the clinician, and the terms "distal", "front" refer to the part away from the clinician. That is, the handle is proximal, the jaw assembly is distal, and the proximal end of a certain part means relatively close to the handle, and the distal end means relatively close to the jaw assembly. The terms "upper", "lower" are based on the relative positions of the first jaw arm and the second jaw arm of the jaw assembly, specifically, the first jaw arm is "upper", and the second jaw arm is "lower". However, the clip applier can be used in many directions and positions, so these terms expressing relative position relationship are not limited and absolute.

[0054] In the present application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "linked" and the like shall be understood in a broad sense, for example, can be fixedly connected, can be detachably connected, can be movably connected, or can be integrated; can be directly connected, or can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; can be internal connection of two elements or interaction relationship such as abutment between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. It should be noted that when the "connected", "linked" is limited by the modifier, it has the meaning limited by the corresponding modifier, and only excludes the case that obviously needs to be excluded, and does not exclude other possible cases.

[0055] The term "axial" as used herein refers to the length direction of the sleeve 401.

[0056] Figures 1-4 , 7-14 shows a surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present application, in particular a clip applier for applying a clip 7 to a human body, for example a blood vessel or other tissue than a blood vessel.

[0057] With reference to Figures 1-2 , the clip applier includes an operating assembly, a shaft assembly 4 extending from the operating assembly, a transmission mechanism, and a jaw assembly 1 disposed at the distal end of the shaft assembly 4.

[0058] The operating assembly includes a housing 3 and a wrench 2 movably mounted on the housing 3.

[0059] With reference to Figure 3 , the shaft assembly 4 includes a clip box, a base 402, a clip pushing assembly, and a sleeve 401 sleeved on the clip box, the base 402, and the clip pushing assembly. The base 402 has strong rigidity, and the base 402 is provided with a guide groove 4021 for accommodating the clip pushing assembly and allowing the clip pushing assembly to move axially. The distal end of the guide groove 4021 is provided with a guide inclined surface 4022, which is arranged at an angle to the axial direction. When the base 402 is mounted with the clip box, the guide inclined surface 4022 is inclined towards the distal end and the clip box. Before the clip is applied, the clip 7 is placed in the clip box, and the sidewall of the clip box is provided with an opening corresponding to the guide inclined surface 4022. The distal end of the clip pushing assembly can enter the clip box from the opening and abut against the clip 7 at the rear end of the clip 7 to push the clip 7 forward. Specifically, the clip pushing assembly includes a resilient push rod 403 and a clip pushing block 404 connected to the distal end of the resilient push rod 403. The resilient push rod 403 is composed of a plurality of metal sheets and has elasticity and can be bent. The resilient push rod 403 and the clip pushing block 404 can move axially in the guide groove 4021.

[0060] With reference to Figure 4When the elastic push rod 403 moves distally to the point that the push block 404 abuts against the guide slope 4022, the elastic push rod 403 starts to bend, and the push block 404 enters the cartridge from the cartridge opening along the guide slope 4022 obliquely, thereby abutting against the rear end of the clip 7 in the cartridge to push the clip 7 forward, so that the clip 7 enters the jaw assembly 1. After the clip 7 enters the jaw assembly 1, the push block 404 at the distal end of the elastic push rod 403 continues to abut against the rear end of the clip 7 to prevent the clip 7 from moving proximally (i.e. backward) during the clipping process. When the jaw assembly 1 is closed so that the clip 7 is closed, the elastic push rod 403 moves proximally in the guide groove 4021, and the push block 404 is withdrawn from the opening along the guide slope 4022 into the guide groove 4021. A push-clip driving mechanism is arranged in the shaft assembly 4 to apply force to the elastic push rod 403, and the push-clip driving mechanism can push the elastic push rod 403 to move distally (i.e. forward) or proximally.

[0061] Reference Figures 1-2 The jaw assembly 1 comprises a first jaw arm 101 and a second jaw arm 102 that are respectively pivotably connected to the shaft assembly 4. The transmission mechanism comprises a jaw driving mechanism. The jaw driving mechanism comprises a driving tube 5 and a sleeve 401. The driving tube 5 is accommodated in the housing 3 of the operating assembly, the proximal end of the sleeve 401 is connected to the driving tube 5, and the distal end of the sleeve 401 cooperates with the jaw assembly 1. Specifically, the jaw assembly 1 has an elastic member between the two jaw arms, when the sleeve 401 moves distally, the jaw assembly 1 can be accommodated in the sleeve 401 from the distal end of the sleeve 401, at this time the elastic member is compressed, and the jaw assembly 1 is closed, when the sleeve 401 moves proximally, the jaw assembly 1 can extend from the distal end of the sleeve 401, and the elastic member releases energy to open the jaw assembly 1. The elastic member can be a spring. The sleeve 401 also constitutes a part of the shaft assembly 4.

[0062] The wrench 2 is provided with a pushing part 201 located in the housing 3. The proximal end of the driving tube 5 is provided with a moving part 12, and the pushing part 201 abuts against the end of the moving part 12 away from the driving tube 5. Thus, by pressing the wrench 2, the pushing part 201 can push the moving part 12 to move distally, so that the moving part 12 pushes the driving tube 5 and the sleeve 401 to move distally.

[0063] The outer sleeve of the driving tube 5 is provided with an elastic body 6. The proximal end of the elastic body 6 abuts against the stopper 501 on the outer surface of the driving tube 5, and the distal end of the elastic body 6 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 3 of the clip applier. When the wrench 2 is pressed to push the pushing part 201 to move the driving tube 5 distally, the sleeve 401 can be moved distally to close the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102, and at this time, the elastic body 6 stores energy. When the wrench 2 is released, the elastic body 6 releases the energy to move the driving tube 5 proximally to reset, so that the sleeve 401 moves proximally to open the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102. In the embodiment, the elastic body 6 can be a spring.

[0064] In the embodiment, the clip applier further comprises an acted-on member which is operatively located in the jaw assembly 1. In the embodiment, the acted-on member is a clip 7. The first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 can support a clip 7. The jaw assembly 1 is switched between an open state and a closed state. The open state of the jaw assembly 1 includes an open-to-bottom state, in which the distance between the distal ends of the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 in the up-down direction is maximum. In the closed state of the jaw assembly 1, the distance between the distal ends of the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 in the up-down direction is minimum, and the closing of the jaw assembly 1 causes the clip 7 to change from an open state to a closed state.

[0065] Reference Figure 5 The clip 7 comprises two clip arms and a connecting part 706 between the two clip arms. The two clip arms are a first clip arm 701 and a second clip arm 702. The first clip arm 701 and the second clip arm 702 can pivot relative to each other about the connecting part 706. The first clip arm 701 has two first ears 703 at one end away from the connecting part 706, one first ear 703 being arranged on one side of the first clip arm 701 and the other first ear 703 being arranged on the opposite side of the first clip arm 701. The second clip arm 702 has an engaging part 705 at one end away from the connecting part 706, and the second clip arm 702 has two second ears 704 arranged close to the engaging part 705, one second ear 704 being arranged on one side of the second clip arm 702 and the other second ear 704 being arranged on the opposite side of the second clip arm 702. Before the clip 7 is applied, the clip 7 is placed in a clip box in the shaft assembly 4, and the second ears 704 of the clip 7 can form a limiting structure with the clip box to clamp the clip 7 in the clip box.

[0066] When the clip is applied, the clip pushing block 404 at the distal end of the elastic pushing rod 403 pushes the clip 7 into the jaw assembly 1, so that the two first ears 703 of the clip 7 are operable in the first jaw arm 101, and the two second ears 704 are operable in the second jaw arm 102. After the clip 7 is clamped in the jaw assembly 1, the jaw assembly 1 is closed to close the clip 7, and then the jaw assembly 1 is opened to separate the clip 7 from the jaw assembly 1, that is, the clip application is completed. Specifically, when the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 are closed, the clip 7 in the jaw assembly 1 is driven to change from an open state to a closed state. When the clip 7 is in the closed state, the engaging portion 705 of the second clip arm 702 can be engaged between the two first ears 703 of the first clip arm 701, so that the first clip arm 701 and the second clip arm 702 are tightly clamped, so that the blood vessels or tissues placed between the first clip arm 701 and the second clip arm 702 can be effectively clamped and hemostatic.

[0067] Because before the clip is applied, the clip 7 is placed in the clip box in the shaft assembly 4 of the clip applier. Limited by the size and internal space of the clip box, the clip 7 is stored in the clip box after being compressed. Compressed means that the two clip arms of the clip 7 are close to each other, but not engaged. Because the clip 7 is assembled into the clip box and used for a period of time, the compression during this period of time makes the clip 7 still have a tendency to maintain the shape after being compressed after being pushed out into the jaw assembly 1, which affects its use to a certain extent.

[0068] Figure 6 For the jaw assembly of the clip applier in the prior art, the structure of the first jaw arm 101 is the same as that of the second jaw arm 102, and the structure of the second jaw arm 102 is mainly described.

[0069] The second jaw 102 comprises a bottom 105, one side 106 arranged at one side of the bottom 105, and another side 106 arranged at the other side of the bottom 105. The distal end of the second jaw 102 is provided with two recesses 104 corresponding to the two second ears 704 of the second clip arm 702, one recess 104 is arranged at one side 106 of the second jaw 102, and the other recess 104 is arranged at the other side 106 of the second jaw 102. After the push clip block 404 at the distal end of the elastic push rod 403 pushes the clip 7 from the clip box of the shaft assembly 4 into the jaw assembly 1, each first ear 703 is accommodated in the corresponding recess 104 in the first jaw 101, and each second ear 704 is accommodated in the corresponding recess 104 in the second jaw 102. In order to overcome the technical problem that the clip 7 still maintains the compressed shape after being pushed out and affects the use, the clip applier in the prior art is provided with two stoppers 103 in the first jaw 101 to respectively cooperate with the two first ears 703. Two stoppers 103 are also arranged in the second jaw 102 to respectively cooperate with the two second ears 704. Each stopper 103 is elastic.

[0070] Each stopper 103 in the second jaw arm 102 is arranged along the extension direction of the second jaw arm 102. One stopper 103 is arranged close to one side 106 of the second jaw arm 102, and the proximal end of the stopper 103 is fixedly connected to the side 106, and the distal end of the stopper 103 is movable up and down. Another stopper 103 is arranged close to the other side 106 of the second jaw arm 102, and the proximal end of the stopper 103 is fixedly connected to the side 106, and the distal end of the stopper 103 is movable up and down. A guide space is formed between each stopper 103 and the bottom 105 of the second jaw arm 102. Thus, when the clip 7 moves in the jaw assembly 1, the first clip arm 701 moves between the two stoppers 103 in the first jaw arm 101, and each first ear 703 of the first clip arm 701 moves in the corresponding guide space. Similarly, when the clip 7 moves in the jaw assembly 1, the second clip arm 702 moves between the two stoppers 103 in the second jaw arm 102, and each second ear 704 of the second clip arm 702 moves in the corresponding guide space. Thus, each stopper 103 in the first jaw arm 101 can stop the corresponding first ear 703 during the distal movement of the first clip arm 701, and each stopper 103 in the second jaw arm 102 can stop the corresponding second ear 704 during the distal movement of the second clip arm 702, so that the first clip arm 701 and the second clip arm 702 can gradually expand to their open shape, thereby overcoming the technical problem that the clip 7 remains in the compressed shape after being pushed out and affects its use. When each first ear 703 moves into the corresponding recess 104 in the first jaw arm 101, and each second ear 704 moves into the corresponding recess 104 in the second jaw arm 102, the distal end of each stopper 103 abuts against the corresponding ear in the jaw arm to stably hold the clip 7 in the jaw assembly 1.

[0071] In the prior art, the proximal end of the stopper 103 in the first jaw arm 101 is fixedly connected to the corresponding side 106, and the stopper 103 cannot move along the extension direction of the first jaw arm 101, i.e. the stopper 103 cannot move towards the proximal end or the distal end. Similarly, the stopper 103 in the second jaw arm 102 also cannot move towards the proximal end or the distal end. Thus, after the jaw assembly 1 is closed to close the first clip arm 701 and the second clip arm 702 to hold the clip 7 on the tissue or blood vessel, it is easy for the first ear 703 to not disengage from the stopper 103 and for the second ear 704 to not disengage from the stopper 103, so that when the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the stopper 103 will exert a force on the clip arm of the clip 7, making it difficult for the clip 7 to disengage from the jaw assembly 1, thereby causing the clip 7 to tear the tissue or blood vessel, increasing the risk of minimally invasive surgery.

[0072] In order to overcome the technical problem that the clip 7 is difficult to be separated from the jaw assembly 1 in the prior art, the clip applier is improved in the embodiment.

[0073] With reference to Figures 7-9 In the embodiment, the jaw assembly 1 has a stopper 103 and a release mechanism, the stopper 103 can abut against the clip to keep the clip in the jaw assembly 1. Due to the limitation of the stopper 103, the clip is difficult to be separated from the jaw assembly 1. Therefore, the jaw assembly 1 is provided with the release mechanism in the embodiment, the release mechanism can drive the stopper 103 to move so as to separate the stopper 103 from the clip, thereby removing the limitation of the stopper 103 on the clip and making the clip in a state of being able to be separated from the jaw assembly. The state of being able to be separated from the jaw assembly means that the clip is no longer limited by the stopper and can be separated from the jaw assembly 1 under the action of the clamped object (tissue or blood vessel), thereby not causing damage to the clamped object.

[0074] In the embodiment, the first jaw arm 101 has the same structure as the second jaw arm 102, and the structure of the first jaw arm 101 is mainly described.

[0075] With reference to Figure 10 , 13 , 14, the first jaw arm 101 has a bottom 105 and two side portions 106, one side portion 106 is arranged at one side of the bottom 105, and the other side portion 106 is arranged at the other side of the bottom 105. The bottom 105 and the two side portions 106 make the cross section of the first jaw arm 101 substantially U-shaped.

[0076] With reference to Figures 10-14 In order to better accommodate the first ear portion 703 of the clip 7 in the first jaw arm 101, two recesses 104 are arranged at the distal end of the first jaw arm 101. One recess 104 is arranged at one side portion 106, and the other recess 104 is arranged at the other side portion 106. One first ear portion 703 can be operatively accommodated in one recess 104 of the first jaw arm 101, and the other first ear portion 703 can be operatively accommodated in the other recess 104 of the first jaw arm 101. Similarly, one second ear portion 704 can be operatively accommodated in one recess 104 of the second jaw arm 102, and the other second ear portion 704 can be operatively accommodated in the other recess 104 of the second jaw arm 102.

[0077] With reference to Figures 10-12 Each side portion 106 of the first jaw arm 101 is provided with a stopper 103. With reference to Figure 13 The inner wall of each side portion 106 of the first jaw arm 101 is provided with a sliding groove 107, and each sliding groove 107 is arranged along the extension direction of the side portion 106. With reference to Figures 13-14The inner wall of each side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102 is provided with a sliding groove 107, and each sliding groove 107 is arranged along the extension direction of the side portion 106. Specifically, referring to Figure 17 Each stopper 103 comprises a mounting portion 1032 and a limiting portion 1033. The mounting portion 1032 is mounted in the sliding groove 107 of the corresponding side portion 106, and the limiting portion 1033 is located outside the sliding groove 107 of the corresponding side portion 106. The limiting portion 1033 and the bottom portion 105 form a guide space. For each stopper 103 in the first jaw arm 101, the limiting portion 1033 and the bottom portion 105 of the first jaw arm 101 form a guide space matched with the first ear portion 703. The mounting portion 1032 of each stopper 103 can slide in the sliding groove 107, so that the stopper 103 can slide between the distal end and the proximal end of the first jaw arm 101. Similarly, for each stopper 103 in the second jaw arm 102, the limiting portion 1033 and the bottom portion 105 of the second jaw arm 102 form a guide space matched with the second ear portion 704. Each stopper 103 can also slide between the distal end and the proximal end of the second jaw arm 102.

[0078] When the jaw assembly 1 is in the open state, the distal end of the mounting portion 1032 of each stopper 103 protrudes from the distal end of the sliding groove 107, so that the sliding groove 107 does not limit the distal end of the mounting portion 1032 of the stopper 103 in the up-down direction, and the distal end of each stopper 103 can move up and down. Specifically, referring to Figure 14 The inner wall of each side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102 is provided with a notch 108, and the notch 108 is arranged at the distal end of the sliding groove 107. The distal end of the mounting portion 1032 of the stopper 103 protrudes from the distal end of the sliding groove 107 and is located above the notch 108. The notch 108 allows the inner wall of the side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102 to avoid the mounting portion 1032 of the stopper 103, so that the side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102 does not limit the distal end of the mounting portion 1032 of the stopper 103 in the up-down direction. Similarly, the side portion 106 of the first jaw arm 101 also does not limit the distal end of the mounting portion 1032 of the stopper 103 in the up-down direction.

[0079] Each stopper 103 is elastic, i.e. the mounting portion 1032 and the limiting portion 1033 of the stopper 103 are elastic. In the embodiment, the mounting portion 1032 and the limiting portion 1033 of the stopper 103 are integrated. The stopper 103 is elastic refers to the material of the stopper 103 is elastic, which includes but is not limited to metal. Since the stopper 103 is elastic, the ear portion of the clamp 7 can be constrained by the limiting portion 1033 when moving in the corresponding guide space, so that the clamp 7 can be kept in the guide space during the movement to the far end, so that the first clamp arm 701 and the second clamp arm 702 can gradually expand to the open shape. When the jaw assembly 1 is in the open state, the distal end of the stopper 103 can move up and down, so that the limiting portion 1033 can give space to the corresponding ear portion to smoothly leave the guide space and enter the recess 104 of the jaw arm. When each first ear portion 703 enters the corresponding recess 104, and each second ear portion 704 enters the corresponding recess 104, the distal end of each stopper 103 abuts against the corresponding ear portion.

[0080] Since each stopper 103 can slide between the distal end and the proximal end of the corresponding jaw arm, when the jaw assembly 1 is closed to close the clamp 7, each stopper 103 can move to the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1 to move away from the ear portion of the clamp 7, thereby releasing the restriction of the stopper 103 to the ear portion, so that when the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the stopper 103 does not exert force on the clamp arm of the clamp 7.

[0081] In order to drive the stopper 103 to move, the jaw assembly 1 of the embodiment is provided with a release mechanism. Figure 1 With reference to the placement angle of the forceps, the jaw assembly 1 has opposite first and second sides in the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the paper surface, and the second direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the sleeve 401.

[0082] The embodiment is provided with a release mechanism on the first and second sides of the jaw assembly 1.

[0083] With reference to Figures 7-11 , each release mechanism includes two release elements 8. The two release elements 8 in each release mechanism are located on the same side of the jaw assembly 1. For the two release elements 8 located on the same side of the jaw assembly 1, the distal end of one release element 8 is pivotally connected to the side portion 106 of the first jaw arm 101 through the second pin shaft 10, and the distal end of the other release element 8 is pivotally connected to the side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102 through the third pin shaft 11, so that the release element 8 connected to the first jaw arm 101 can rotate around the second pin shaft 10, and the release element 8 connected to the second jaw arm 102 can rotate around the third pin shaft 11.

[0084] The release mechanism further comprises a first pin shaft 9. The proximal ends of the two release elements 8 located at the same side of the jaw assembly 1 are pivotally connected by the first pin shaft 9, so that the proximal ends of the two release elements 8 can rotate around the first pin shaft 9. Specifically, the first pin shaft 9 passes through the proximal ends of the two release elements 8 in sequence, i.e., the two release elements 8 are stacked, so that the rotation of the two release elements 8 can be more flexible without interference between each other. It is particularly important to note that Figures 10-11 , Figure 18 One of the release elements 8 is arranged on the outer wall of the side portion 106 of the first jaw arm 101, and the other release element 8 is arranged on the outer wall of the side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102. The release element 8 connected with the second jaw arm 102 is stacked on the release element 8 connected with the first jaw arm 101. For the release element 8 connected with the second jaw arm 102, it has a first preset distance S in the second direction between the outer wall of the side portion 106 of the second jaw arm 102 to adapt to the installation of the release element 8 connected with the first jaw arm 101, so that the release element 8 connected with the second jaw arm 102 does not press the release element 8 connected with the first jaw arm 101, avoiding interference between the two release elements 8 when rotating. The distal end of the release element 8 connected with the second jaw arm 102 is connected with the second jaw arm 102 through a third pin shaft 11, and by adjusting the third pin shaft 11, the distal end of the release element 8 and the second jaw arm 102 can have a first preset distance S.

[0085] Since the second pin shaft 10 and the third pin shaft 11 are fixed on the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 respectively, the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 can drive the distal ends of the two release elements 8 to move, so that the proximal ends of the two release elements 8 move. Specifically, the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 of the jaw assembly 1 are pivotally connected to the shaft assembly 4, the proximal end of each jaw arm has a pivot point, and the proximal end of each jaw arm is connected to the shaft assembly 4 through the pivot point thereof, the first jaw arm 101 rotates around the pivot point thereof, and the second jaw arm 102 also rotates around the pivot point thereof, so that the first jaw arm 101 and the second jaw arm 102 are closed or opened. It is particularly important to note that Figure 16 In response to the closing or opening of the jaw assembly 1, the distal end of each release element 8 moves around the pivot point of the jaw arm where it is located, and simultaneously, the proximal end of each release element 8 moves in the first direction. The movement trajectory of the distal end of each release element 8 is arc-shaped. It is particularly important to note that Figure 1 The first direction is generally parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve 401 with reference to the placement direction and angle of the clip applier.

[0086] It is particularly important to note that Figure 16 In response to the closing of the jaw assembly 1, the distal ends of the two release elements 8 move close to each other, and the proximal end of each release element 8 can be displaced by a displacement d in the first direction towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1.

[0087] In particular, with reference to Figures 7-8 , when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the distal end of each release element 8 connected to the first jaw arm 101 moves generally downwardly and the distal end of each release element 8 connected to the second jaw arm 102 moves generally upwardly, and the proximal end of each release element 8 moves in the first direction toward the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1. When the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the distal end of each release element 8 connected to the first jaw arm 101 moves generally upwardly to reset and the distal end of each release element 8 connected to the second jaw arm 102 moves generally downwardly to reset, and the proximal end of each release element 8 moves in the first direction toward the distal end of the jaw assembly 1 to reset.

[0088] With reference to Figure 7 , 12 , one stop 103 in the first jaw arm 101 is operatively connected to the release mechanism on one side of the first jaw arm 101 and another stop 103 is operatively connected to the release mechanism on the other side of the first jaw arm 101. One stop 103 in the second jaw arm 102 is operatively connected to the release mechanism on one side of the second jaw arm 102 and another stop 103 is operatively connected to the release mechanism on the other side of the second jaw arm 102. In particular, each stop 103 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1 is operatively connected to the proximal end of at least one release element 8 on the first side of the jaw assembly 1 and each stop 103 near the second side of the jaw assembly 1 is operatively connected to the proximal end of at least one release element 8 on the second side of the jaw assembly 1. Thus, when the proximal end of each release element 8 moves toward the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, each stop 103 is caused to move toward the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1 so that the stop 103 is disengaged from the corresponding ear portion and thus the restriction of the ear portion by the stop 103 is removed, allowing the clip 7 to be disengaged from the jaw arm.

[0089] With reference to Figure 7 , 9 , 15, each stop 103 in the first jaw arm 101 is connected to a corresponding stop 103 in the second jaw arm 102. In particular, the proximal end of the stop 103 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1 in the first jaw arm 101 is connected to the proximal end of the stop 103 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1 in the second jaw arm 102, and thus the proximal ends of the two stops 103 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1 form a hinge portion 1031. The hinge portion 1031 can be, for example, a living hinge. Figure 15The illustrated one-piece arc-shaped hinge can also be in the form of a hinge including a hinge. In this embodiment, the hinge portion 1031 is one-piece arc-shaped, that is, each stopper 103 in the first jaw arm 101 is one-piece with the corresponding stopper 103 in the second jaw arm 102. Similarly, the proximal end of the stopper 103 in the first jaw arm 101 near the second side of the jaw assembly 1 and the proximal end of the stopper 103 in the second jaw arm 102 near the second side of the jaw assembly 1 are connected as one. Thus, the proximal ends of the two stoppers 103 near the second side of the jaw assembly 1 also form a hinge portion 1031 of the same structure.

[0090] Since the first side and the second side of the jaw assembly 1 are provided with release mechanisms, the first side and the second side of the jaw assembly 1 are provided with first pin shafts 9. The first pin shaft 9 located on the first side of the jaw assembly 1 is operatively connected to the hinge portion 1031 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1, and the first pin shaft 9 located on the second side of the jaw assembly 1 is operatively connected to the hinge portion 1031 near the second side of the jaw assembly 1.

[0091] Specifically, the first pin shaft 9 located on the first side of the jaw assembly 1 is connected to the hinge portion 1031 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1 in the following manner: the first pin shaft 9 located on the first side of the jaw assembly 1 extends towards the hinge portion 1031 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1, so that the first pin shaft 9 is at least partially located between the two stoppers 103 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1, and in the open state of the jaw assembly 1, the first pin shaft 9 has a second predetermined distance from the hinge portion 1031, so that when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the first pin shaft 9 can be moved to abut the hinge portion 1031 near the first side of the jaw assembly 1 when the release element 8 moves the first pin shaft 9 proximally, thereby moving the hinge portion 1031 proximally. The first pin shaft 9 located on the second side of the jaw assembly 1 is connected to the hinge portion 1031 near the second side of the jaw assembly 1 in the same manner as described above, which will not be described here. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first pin shaft 9 has a second predetermined distance from the corresponding hinge portion 1031, and the second predetermined distance can be 0.

[0092] Thus, in response to the closure of the jaw assembly 1, the proximal end of each release element 8 moves in the first direction towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, so that the first pin shaft 9 connected thereto moves towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, thereby moving the two stoppers 103 connected thereto towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, so that each stopper 103 can be separated from the ear portion, so that the clip 7 can be separated from the jaw arm.

[0093] Specifically, when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the distal ends of the two release elements 8 located on the same side of the jaw assembly 1 move towards each other, so that the proximal end of each release element 8 moves in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve 401 towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, and further so that the first pin shaft 9 moves towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, thereby enabling each stopper 103 to move towards the proximal end under the drive of the corresponding first pin shaft 9 to disengage from the ear.

[0094] When the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the distal ends of the two release elements 8 located on the same side of the jaw assembly 1 move away from each other, so that the proximal end of each release element 8 moves in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve 401 towards the distal end of the jaw assembly 1, and further so that the first pin shaft 9 moves towards the distal end of the jaw assembly 1. Since each stopper 103 is elastic and the two stoppers 103 located on the same side of the jaw assembly 1 are integrated, when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the hinge portion 1031 is compressed, and when the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the hinge portion 1031 releases energy so that each stopper 103 can move towards the distal end to reset.

[0095] When the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the clip 7 is fixed on the tissue or blood vessel, at this time the stopper 103 is disengaged from the ear of the clip 7. When the jaw assembly 1 is opened but not to the fully open state, the stopper 103 moves towards the distal end but is not reset, and there is a distance between the stopper 103 and the ear of the clip 7, so the stopper 103 and the ear are still in a disengaged state, and the stopper 103 will not limit the ear of the clip 7, and the clip 7 can be disengaged from the jaw assembly 1. Before the jaw assembly 1 reaches the fully open state, the clamping arm of the clip 7 has been disengaged from the corresponding jaw arm, and when the jaw assembly 1 reaches the fully open state, the stopper 103 is reset.

[0096] The release mechanism and the corresponding hinge portion 1031 of the present embodiment are not connected, thereby facilitating installation and simplifying the installation steps. In an alternative embodiment, the first pin shaft 9 located on the first side of the jaw assembly 1 is connected to the hinge portion 1031 located on the first side of the jaw assembly 1, and the first pin shaft 9 located on the second side of the jaw assembly 1 is connected to the hinge portion 1031 located on the second side of the jaw assembly 1. Thus, when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, each first pin shaft 9 moves towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, so that each stopper 103 can move towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1 under the drive of the corresponding first pin shaft 9 to disengage from the ear. When the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the hinge portion 1031 releases energy so that each stopper 103 can move towards the distal end of the jaw assembly 1, and at the same time each first pin shaft 9 moves towards the distal end of the jaw assembly 1 to drive each stopper 103 to move towards the distal end of the jaw assembly 1 to reset.

[0097] When the jaw assembly 1 is closed, each stopper 103 moves proximally to disengage from the corresponding ear of the clip, and both the first ears 703 and the second ears 704 of the clip 7 are always placed in the corresponding recess 104 until the jaw assembly 1 is opened, and both the first ears 703 and the second ears 704 are disengaged from the corresponding recess 104, respectively. Moreover, the closing of the jaw assembly 1 is a quick closing process, and if the ears of the clip 7 are disengaged from the stopper 103 before the jaw assembly 1 is fully closed, the time difference from the disengagement of the ears of the clip 7 from the stopper 103 to the fully closed state of the jaw assembly 1 is small, and the ears of the clip 7 can still normally close after being disengaged from the stopper 103. In summary, during the closing process of the jaw assembly 1, whether the ears of the clip 7 are disengaged from the stopper 103 or not will not affect the closing of the clip 7. During the movement of the stopper 103 towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, part of the mounting portion 1032 of the stopper 103 will slide out of the proximal end of the sliding groove 107, and when the stopper 103 moves towards the distal end, the part of the mounting portion 1032 that slides out will re-enter the sliding groove 107, and during this process, the stopper 103 will deform. Since each stopper 103 is elastic, it can meet the deformation of the stopper 103 during movement.

[0098] It is the most optimal choice to provide the release mechanism on both the first side and the second side of the jaw assembly 1, and in some alternative embodiments, the release mechanism is provided on only one side of the jaw assembly 1. Here, the case where the first side of the jaw assembly 1 has the release mechanism and the second side of the jaw assembly 1 does not have the release mechanism is described: when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the release mechanism on the first side of the jaw assembly 1 drives the two stoppers 103 to move proximally, thereby disengaging from the corresponding ears, respectively, so that the resistance of the clip 7 to disengage from the jaw assembly 1 is reduced, and the tearing of the tissue or blood vessel by the clip 7 when the jaw assembly 1 is opened is alleviated. The first pin shaft 9 of the release mechanism and the hinged portion 1031 of the two stoppers 103 can be connected or not connected, and neither will affect the cooperation between the first pin shaft 9 and the hinged portion 1031.

[0099] In summary, the release mechanism is provided on the jaw assembly 1, and the stopper 103 is arranged to slide between the distal end and the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1, so that when the jaw assembly 1 is closed, the release mechanism can drive the stopper 103 to move towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly 1 to disengage from the ears of the clip 7, thereby removing the restriction of the stopper 103 on the clip, so that when the jaw assembly 1 is opened, the jaw assembly 1 will not pull the clip arm of the clip 7, and thus the clip arm of the clip 7 will not pull the tissue or blood vessel, thereby reducing the risk of minimally invasive surgery.

[0100] It should be understood that although the present specification describes only a single embodiment, the disclosure of features or combinations of features in this specification is not to be construed as an exclusion of the underlying or equivalent aspects of the embodiments. It is therefore envisaged that each embodiment delivering the same technical result can be considered as the equivalent thereof.

[0101] The above detailed description merely describes a specific implementation of the application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. Various modifications and changes can be made by persons of ordinary skill in the art, which should be encompassed within the scope of the application.

Claims

1. A clip applier comprising a jaw assembly and an effector operable to be positioned in the jaw assembly, the clip applier characterized by, The jaw assembly has a stopper and a release mechanism, the stopper abuts against the acted-on member to keep the acted-on member in the jaw assembly, the jaw assembly comprises two jaw arms, the release mechanism comprises two release elements, a distal end of one of the release elements is pivotally connected with one of the jaw arms, a distal end of the other of the release elements is pivotally connected with the other of the jaw arms, proximal ends of the two release elements are pivotally connected; the stopper is operatively coupled with the proximal ends of the release elements, in response to the closing of the jaw assembly, the proximal end of each of the release elements moves in a first direction towards the proximal end of the jaw assembly to drive the stopper to move proximally, so that the stopper is disengaged from the acted-on member, thereby allowing the acted-on member to be disengaged from the jaw assembly.

2. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, At least one side of the jaw assembly is provided with the release mechanism.

3. The clip applier of Claim 2, wherein, In response to the closing of the jaw assembly, the distal ends of the two release elements move towards each other.

4. The clip applier of Claim 2, wherein, In response to the opening of the jaw assembly, the distal ends of the two release elements move away from each other.

5. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, The stopper is elastic, and proximal ends of two stoppers on the same side of the jaw assembly form a hinge, in response to the closing of the jaw assembly, the hinge is compressed, in response to the opening of the jaw assembly, the hinge releases energy to allow each of the stoppers to move distally to reset.

6. The clip applier of Claim 5, wherein, Each of the jaw arms has the stopper, and proximal ends of two stoppers coupled with the same release mechanism are connected through a hinge.

7. The clip applier of Claim 6, wherein, The release mechanism further comprises a first pin, proximal ends of two release elements on the same side of the jaw assembly are pivotally connected through the first pin, the proximal ends of the release elements are operatively coupled with the hinge through the first pin to drive the stopper to move proximally.

8. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, The acted-on member is a clip, and the stopper abuts against at least a part of the clip to keep the clip in the jaw arm.

9. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, The stopper is arranged in the jaw arm, the acted-on member is a clip, the clip comprises two clip arms, at least a part of one of the clip arms is operatively arranged in one of the jaw arms, at least a part of the other of the clip arms is operatively arranged in the other of the jaw arms, the stopper abuts against the at least a part of the clip arm in the jaw arm where the stopper is arranged; at least one side of the jaw assembly is provided with the release mechanism, the release mechanism comprises two release elements, the stopper and the proximal ends of the release elements corresponding to the stopper are operatively coupled, in response to the closing of the jaw assembly, the proximal end of each of the release elements moves proximally in a first direction to drive the stopper to move proximally, so that the stopper is disengaged from the at least a part of the clip arm in the jaw arm where the stopper is arranged, and the distal ends of the two release elements move towards each other.

10. The clip applier of Claim 9, wherein, A distal end of one of the release elements is pivotally connected with one of the jaw arms, a distal end of the other of the release elements is pivotally connected with the other of the jaw arms, proximal ends of the two release elements are pivotally connected.

11. The clip applier of Claim 9, wherein, Each of the clip arms has an ear, and the at least a part of the clip arm comprises the ear.

12. The clip applier of Claim 11, wherein, Each of the clamping arms is provided with a sliding groove; the stopper comprises a mounting portion and a limiting portion, the mounting portion is slidably located in the sliding groove, and a guide space is formed between the limiting portion and the bottom of the clamping arm; when the lug portion moves in the guide space, the limiting portion restricts the lug portion.

13. The clip applier of Claim 12, wherein, When the clamping jaw assembly is in an open state, the distal end of any one of the mounting portions extends out of the sliding groove where the mounting portion is located.

14. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, The stopper is elastic.

15. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, Each of the stoppers is fixedly connected with the proximal end of the corresponding release element.

16. The clip applier of Claim 1, wherein, The clamping jaw assembly is provided with the release mechanism on both sides.

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