Surgical clip

Abstract

To provide a surgical clip for ligation of a tissue.SOLUTION: A surgical clip 100 may include a first leg member 102 having a first inner surface 108 with a concave curvature, a second leg member 104 having a second inner surface 112 with a convex curvature, and a hinge member 106 pivotally coupling the first leg member and the second leg member. The first leg member may have a first thickness in a compression direction, a first width in a lateral direction, and a first length in a longitudinal direction. The second leg member may have a second thickness in the compression direction, a second width in the lateral direction, and a first length in the longitudinal direction. The first width may be greater than the first thickness along at least half of the first length, and / or the second width may be greater than the second thickness along at least half of the second length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Right of priority] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 768,671 (filed November 16, 2018), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to surgical clips for tissue ligation. [Background technology]

[0003] Ligation of tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, gall ducts, and cardiac tissue) is common practice for many surgical procedures. This can be accomplished by closing the vessel with a surgical clip or by suturing the vessel with surgical thread. The use of surgical thread requires complex manipulation of a needle and surgical thread to form the knot required to secure the vessel. Such complex manipulation is time-consuming and difficult to perform, particularly in endoscopic surgical procedures characterized by limited space and / or visibility. In contrast, surgical clips are relatively quick and easy to apply. Accordingly, the use of surgical clips in endoscopic and open surgical procedures has increased dramatically. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 4,834,096 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors have recognized that a need exists for improving one or more characteristics of surgical clips, such as their tissue-holding capabilities. The disclosed devices and methods are directed to alleviating or overcoming one or more of the above-listed problems and / or other problems in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip can include a first leg member having a first inner surface with a concave curvature and a second inner surface with a convex curvature, and a hinge member pivotally connecting the first and second leg members. The first leg member can have a first thickness in a compression direction, a first width in a lateral direction, and a first length in a longitudinal direction. The second leg member can have a second thickness in a compression direction, a second width in a lateral direction, and a first length in a longitudinal direction. The first width can be greater than the first thickness along more than half of the first length, and / or the second width can be greater than the second thickness along more than half of the second length.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first width is at least 1.5 times greater than the first thickness and / or the second width is at least 1.5 times greater than the second thickness. In some embodiments, the first width is about two times greater than the first thickness and / or the second width is about two times greater than the second thickness. In some embodiments, the first width is greater than the first thickness along at least about two-thirds of the first length, and / or the second width is greater than the second thickness along at least about two-thirds of the second length. In some embodiments, the surgical clip further includes at least one first boss member on the first leg member and at least one second boss member on the second leg member, wherein the first width is substantially the same as the width of the surgical clip at the at least one first boss member and / or the second width is substantially the same as the width of the surgical clip at the at least one second boss member. In some embodiments, the first width is substantially the same as the width of the hinge member, and / or the second width is substantially the same as the width of the hinge member. In some embodiments, the first leg member includes at least one first wing member extending laterally of the first inner surface to define a first width, and / or the second leg member includes at least one second wing member extending laterally of the second inner surface to define a second width. In some embodiments, the at least one first wing member comprises a pair of first wing members, and / or the at least one second wing member comprises a pair of second wing members. In some embodiments, a distal portion of at least one first wing member is spaced proximally from a distal end of the first leg member, and / or a distal portion of at least one second wing member is spaced proximally from a distal end of the second leg member. In some embodiments, at least one first wing member has a thickness less than the first thickness and / or at least one second wing member has a thickness less than the second thickness. In some embodiments, at least one first wing member and / or at least one second wing member includes a chamfered inner surface. In some embodiments, at least one first wing member includes an outer surface that is continuous with the outer surface of the first leg member, and / or at least one second wing member includes an outer surface that is continuous with the outer surface of the second leg member. In some embodiments, each of the at least one first wing member has a width not greater than about one-quarter of the first width, and / or each of the at least one second wing member has a width not greater than about one-quarter of the second width. In some embodiments, at least one first wing member and / or at least one second wing member include a side that is substantially flat. In some embodiments, the surgical clip further includes a hook member on a distal portion of the first leg member and a tip member on a distal portion of the second leg member, the hook member configured to receive the tip member and hold the surgical clip in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the surgical clip includes first and second row rows of teeth extending from one of the first and second inner surfaces and first and second channels on another of the first and second inner surfaces, wherein in a closed configuration, the first channel is configured to receive the first row of teeth and the second channel is configured to receive the second row of teeth. In some embodiments, the surgical clip further includes a first proximal extension extending from the first leg member toward the hinge member and a second proximal extension extending from the second leg member toward the hinge member. In some embodiments, the first proximal extension includes an inner surface having a convex curvature and the second proximal extension includes an inner surface having a convex curvature. In some embodiments, the surgical clip further includes a first inner member at a proximal portion of the first leg member and a first opening at a proximal portion of the second leg member, the first opening configured to receive the first inner member in a closed configuration to resist inversion and / or rotation of the surgical clip, and the first inner member does not lock and / or couple with the first opening. In some embodiments, the surgical clip further includes a second inner member at the proximal portion of the second leg member and a second opening at the proximal portion of the first leg member, the second opening configured to receive the second inner member in the closed configuration to resist inversion and / or rotation of the surgical clip, and the second member does not lock and / or couple with the second opening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] In order that the invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIG. 1 in a compressed or closed configuration. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1-3. [Figure 5] 5 is a front view of a first leg member of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1-4; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a second leg member of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. [Figure 7] 7 is a cutaway view of a first leg member of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1-6; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cutaway view of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 is a cutaway view of a second leg member of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 1-8; FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cutaway view of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a side view of a compressor arrangement of the second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIG. 11; FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 11-13. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of a first leg member of a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 11-14; [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of a second leg member of a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 11-15; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. The present invention generally relates to a surgical clip configured to compress and / or ligate tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, gall ducts, or cardiac tissue). The surgical clip can be provided with elongated leg members to enhance tissue retention. For example, the surgical clip can be sized to fit into a 5mm clip applier, while providing increased capacity compared to other 5mm clips. To reinforce and stabilize the longer leg members, the surgical clip can have wing members extending along at least one of the sides of the leg members. The wing members can provide each of the leg members with an increased aspect ratio (width / thickness). Thus, the surgical clip is relatively wide to increase stiffness over the length of the leg members. The wing members can extend along the upper and lower peripheries of the surgical clip so that they do not interfere with the internal tissue ligation surface. The width can extend continuously through the hinge members to resist twisting and maintain alignment of the leg members. Additionally, the width of the surgical clip within the wing members can be the same as the width of the surgical clip at the boss member, allowing the clip to lie on its sides and improving feeding characteristics within the automatic clip applier. For example, the channel of the automatic clip applier can ensure lateral alignment of the surgical clip through contact with the sides of the wing members, boss member, and / or hinge member. Thus, the automatic clip applier would not require a separate alignment feature for the surgical clip. The width further protects against the surgeon cutting the ligated vessel by getting too close to the clip, which could compromise its hold on the vessel.

[0011] Additional aspects of the present invention include improved teeth that receive rails therebetween to enhance axial security of the tissue. The surgical clip can also have features that hold tissue near the hinge when the surgical clip is closed and / or further stabilize the surgical clip to prevent rotation or inversion. For example, in a first embodiment, the surgical clip includes a convex surface pivotally attached to each of the tissue-engaging surfaces. The convex surfaces each include teeth that can clamp and draw tissue near the hinge member when the surgical clip is closed. In a second embodiment, the surgical clip can include an inner member extending from a proximal portion of each of the leg members. The inner members can be on both leg members and on opposite sides of the surgical clip. Each of the inner members can be aligned with an opening through the opposite leg member. When the surgical clip is closed, the inner member can press the tissue into the opposite opening. Furthermore, when the inner member is received in the opening, the inner member can resist inversion and / or rotation of the surgical clip. However, the inner members may not lock and / or interlock to maintain flexibility of the leg members along their lengths.

[0012] As used herein in accordance with conventional practice and unless otherwise indicated herein, the term "proximal portion" refers to a designated portion of a device or its component that is generally closer to a medical professional who will handle or manipulate the device when it is intended for use, and the term "distal portion" refers to a designated portion of a device or its component that is opposite the proximal portion. The term "longitudinal" refers to the dimension extending along the length of the surgical clip and / or leg members from their respective proximal end portions to their respective distal end portions, as generally understood by those skilled in the art. Additionally, as used herein, a "transverse" direction refers to any axis or direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the surgical clip or leg members. Accordingly, the term "length" refers to the dimension of the surgical clip and / or one or more components along its longitudinal direction. The term "vertical" refers to the dimension of the surgical clip and / or one or more components along the compression axis of the leg members. The term "thickness" refers to the dimension between opposing edges of the surgical clip and / or one or more components along the compression or vertical direction. The term "width" refers to the dimension of a surgical clip and / or one or more components in a transverse direction substantially transverse to the length and thickness. The terms "concave" and "convex" refer to the curvature of a surface or component that is visible when viewed from the exterior of the surface or component. Similar terminology is used throughout the written disclosure.

[0013] 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of a surgical clip 100 of the present invention. The surgical clip 100 may have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The surgical clip 100 may further include a first leg member 102 having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and a second leg member 104 having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The first and second leg members 102, 104 may be joined together at the proximal end portion by a hinge member 106.

[0014] The first and second leg members 102, 104 may include curved surfaces. For example, the first leg member 102 may include a first inner surface 108 and a first outer surface 110, and the second leg member 104 may include a second inner surface 112 and a second outer surface 114. As shown in FIG. 1 , the first inner surface 108 may have a concave curvature and the first outer surface 110 may have a convex curvature. The second inner surface 112 may have a convex curvature and the second outer surface 114 may have a concave curvature. The curvatures of the first leg member 102 and the second leg member 104 may be substantially matched, and the respective concavities / convexities of the first inner surface 108 and the second inner surface 112 may be substantially matched. The concave curvature of the first inner surface 108 and / or the convex curvature of the first outer surface 110 may extend substantially the entire length of the first leg member 102. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 112 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 114 can extend substantially the entire length of the second leg member 104. The first and second inner surfaces 108, 112 can approach or touch in the closed configuration. Further discussion of the general curvatures of the leg members 102, 104 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0015] The hinge member 106 can be resiliently flexible and integral with the first and second leg members 102, 104. The hinge member 106 can have a convex outer surface 120 joining the first outer surface 110 and the second outer surface 114. The hinge member 106 can also include a slot 122 defined at least in part by the convex outer surface 120. The slot 122 can have a distal opening in an open configuration (e.g., FIG. 1 ) to receive tissue and enable tissue retention. For example, the distal opening of the slot 122 can be defined by a proximal flap or extension 124 extending from the first and second leg members 102, 104. The proximal extension 124 can extend in a cantilever configuration that allows pivoting and deflection relative to the first and second leg members 102, 104 based on the presence of tissue. The proximal extensions 124 can have a convex inner surface and at least one tooth 126 configured to hold tissue therebetween and provide a pinch-and-pull function during closure. The proximal extensions 124 can extend proximally into the slots 122 (as illustratively shown in FIG. 2 ) and approach or contact in the closed configuration. Thus, the convex inner surface of the proximal extensions 124 can be configured to securely hold tissue therebetween as the tissue extends into the slots 122. The teeth 126 can be laterally disposed and non-overlapping, with each proximal extension 124 including a single laterally extending tooth 126, as illustratively shown in FIGS. 3-4 .

[0016] As further shown in the example of FIGS. 1-6 , the surgical clip 100 can include one or more teeth 130 on the inner surface 112 of the second leg member 104. The teeth 130 can be substantially rigid, such that the teeth 130 do not substantially flex when engaging tissue. As shown in FIGS. 3-4 , the teeth 130 can be spaced apart in first and second longitudinally extending rows on the inner surface 112 of the second leg member 104. The first and second rows of teeth 130 can be separated transversely from one another about the periphery of the second inner surface 112 on either side of a centerline of the inner surface 112 of the second curved leg member 104. The teeth 130 in each of the first and second rows can be staggered along the longitudinal axis of the inner surface 112. Thus, first inner surface 108 can define a rail 132 extending longitudinally on first inner surface 108 and first and second longitudinal channels 134 extending on opposite sides of rail 132. Thus, in a closed configuration of surgical clip 100 ( FIG. 2 ), a first row of teeth 130 can be received in first channel 134, a second row of teeth 130 can be received in second channel 134, and rail 132 can be received between the first and second rows of teeth 130. First and second longitudinal channels 134 can be substantially L-shaped and open on the sides of surgical clip 100. This configuration of teeth 130 and rail 132 provides a preferred serpentine engagement of tissue with closely approximating tissue-engaging surfaces. Teeth 130 are larger and more atraumatic, allowing substantially flat tissue to engage the inner surface. Larger, atraumatic teeth 130 can further improve tissue retention and prevent tissue from slipping off the surgical clip, however, in alternative embodiments, teeth 130 can be on first inner surface 108 and rails 132 and channels 134 can be on second inner surface 112.

[0017] The surgical clip 100 can also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 102 can transition at its distal end portion to a hook member 140, and the second leg member 104 can transition at its distal end portion to a complementary, grooved and sharpened tip member 142. The distal end portion of the hook member 140 can curve inward and point generally toward the hinge member 106. The hook member 140 can have one or more transverse beveled surfaces and a concave inner surface that blends with the first inner surface 108 to define a locking recess 144. The tip member 142 can be V-shaped, defining a slot configured to allow the hook member 140 to flex around the tip member 142 and / or the second leg member 104 to compress, thus receiving the beveled surface of the hook member 140. The hook member 140 and the tip member 142 can engage to form the locking mechanism. For example, locking recess 144 can receive tip member 142 in the process of compressing surgical clip 100 into a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 2) when secured in position about a vessel or other tissue. Further discussion of locking mechanisms can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] The leg members 102, 104 may include one or more boss members along their lengths for engaging the jaws of a clip applier. For example, the first leg member 102 may include one or more boss members 150 that project perpendicularly from opposite sides adjacent a distal end portion of the first leg member 102 and immediately inwardly of the hook member 140. In the illustrative example of the surgical clip 100, the one or more boss members 150 may be cylindrical and project outwardly beyond the sides of the first leg member 102. The one or more boss members 150 may include a bridging section 151 that extends the width of the first leg member 102. The second leg member 104 may also include one or more boss members 152 at its distal end portion. Boss member 152 may be cylindrical and protrude perpendicularly from opposite sides of second leg member 104, extending longitudinally forward beyond the point of tip member 142 and outward beyond the sides of second leg member 104. The jaws of a clip applier may engage boss members 150, 151, 152 to pivot leg members 102, 104 about hinge member 106 to compress surgical clip 100 into a closing and / or locking configuration about a blood vessel.

[0019] The first leg member 102 can have at least one first wing member 162 extending laterally from the first inner surface 108, and / or the second leg member 104 can have at least one second wing member 164 extending laterally from the second inner surface 112. For example, the at least one first wing member 162 can include a pair of first wing members 162 extending on opposite sides of the first inner surface 108. The at least one second wing member 164 can include a pair of first wing members 164 extending on opposite sides of the second inner surface 112. The wing members 162, 164 can reinforce and stabilize the leg members 102, 104 by increasing torsional stiffness. For example, the wing members 162, 164 can allow the leg members 162, 164 to be longer without compromising torsional and / or tissue retention strength. Wing members 162, 164 can extend longitudinally over at least half the length of leg members 102, 104. In some embodiments, wing members 162, 164 can extend longitudinally over at least two-thirds the length of leg members 102, 104. Wing members 162, 164 can extend continuously through hinge member 106 to resist twisting of hinge member 106 and maintain alignment of leg members 102, 104, such that the width of surgical clip 100 within wing members 162, 164 can be substantially the same as the width of surgical clip 100 within hinge member 106. Furthermore, the width of surgical clip 100 within wing members 162, 164 can be the same as the width of surgical clip 100 within boss members 150, 151, 152, allowing surgical clip 100 to lie on its side for improved feeding characteristics in an automated applier. However, wing members 162, 164 can have a distal portion 168 that is spaced proximally from the distal ends of leg members 102, 104 and / or boss members 150, 151, 152 so that wing members 162, 164 do not extend the entire length of leg members 102, 104 or interfere with the clip applier interface. For example, distal portion 168 can be angled and / or chamfered. Wing members 162, 164 can each have an inner surface 166 that is angled and / or chamfered to reduce thickness so that wing members 162, 164 do not interfere with tissue ligation.

[0020] As further shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 7 and the cross section of FIG. 8, the first leg member 102 can have a first width (w1) that is greater than its first thickness (t1). As similarly shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 9 and the cross section of FIG. 10, the second leg member 104 can have a second width (w2) that is greater than its second thickness (t2). The thickness (t) can be defined by the distance between the respective inner surfaces 108, 112 and outer surfaces 110, 114. For example, the first thickness (t1) can be defined by the distance between the inner surface of the rail 132 and the first outer surface 110. The second thickness (t2) can be defined by the distance between the second inner surface 112 (excluding the teeth 130) and the second outer surface 114. The width (w) can be defined by the distance between the opposing side surfaces of the wing members 162, 164. The first width (w1) can be at least 1.5 times greater than the first thickness (t1), and / or the second width (w2) can be at least 1.5 times greater than the second thickness (t2). In some embodiments, the first width (w1) can be approximately 2 times greater than the first thickness (t1), and / or the second width (w2) can be approximately 2 times greater than the second thickness (t2). The first width (w1) and the second width (w2) can be substantially the same, and / or the first thickness (t1) and the second thickness (t2) can be substantially the same. The first wing member 162 can have a thickness less than the first thickness (t1), and / or the second wing member 164 can have a thickness less than the second thickness (t2) to prevent interference with tissue ligation, for example, due to the beveled inner surface 166. The first wing members 162 can have an outer surface that is continuous with or aligned with the first outer surface 110, and / or the second wing members 164 can have an outer surface that is continuous with or aligned with the second outer surface 110. Each of the first wing members 162 can have a width that is not greater than one-quarter of the first width (w1), and / or each of the second wing members 164 can have a width that is not greater than one-quarter of the second width (w2).The sides of each of the wing members 162, 164 may be substantially flat to provide a guide surface that prevents the surgeon from cutting the ligated vessel too close to the surgical clip 100, which may compromise the retention of the surgical clip 100 on the vessel.

[0021] 11-16 illustrate a second embodiment of a surgical clip 200 of the present invention. The surgical clip 200 can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The surgical clip 200 can further include a first leg member 202 having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and a second leg member 204 having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The first and second leg members 202, 204 can be integrally joined at the proximal end portion by a hinge member 206. The surgical clip 200 can have similar features to the first embodiment of the surgical clip 100, including the cross-sections of FIGS. 7-10. Accordingly, the discussion of FIGS. 7-10 is incorporated herein with respect to the second embodiment for purposes of brevity.

[0022] The first and second leg members 202, 204 may include curved surfaces. For example, the first leg member 202 may include a first inner surface 208 and a first outer surface 210, and the second leg member 204 may include a second inner surface 212 and a second outer surface 214. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first inner surface 208 may have a convex curvature and the first outer surface 210 may have a concave curvature. The second inner surface 212 may have a convex curvature and the second outer surface 214 may have a concave curvature. The curvatures of the first leg member 202 and the second leg member 204 may be substantially matched, and the respective concavities / convexities of the first inner surface 208 and the second inner surface 212 may be substantially matched. The concave curvature of the first inner surface 208 and / or the convex curvature of the first outer surface 210 may extend substantially the entire length of the first leg member 202. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 212 and / or the convex curvature of the second outer surface 214 can extend substantially the entire length of the second leg member 204. The first and second inner surfaces 208, 212 can approach or touch in the closed configuration. Further discussion of the general curvature of the leg members 202, 204 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] The hinge member 206 can be resiliently flexible and integral with the first and second leg members 202, 204. The hinge member 206 can have a convex outer surface 220 joining the first outer surface 110 and the second outer surface 214. The hinge member 206 can also include a slot 222 at least partially defined by the convex outer surface 220. The slot 222 can have a distal opening in the open configuration (e.g., FIG. 11 ) to receive tissue and enable tissue retention.

[0024] The first leg member can include a first inner member 270 and a first opening 272 on a proximal portion, and the second leg member can include a second inner member 270 and a second opening 272 on a proximal portion. The inner members 270 and openings 272 can be on opposite sides of a centerline of the first and second leg members 202, 204 in a reflectively symmetrical configuration, such that in the closed configuration, the first opening 272 receives the second inner member 270 and the second opening 272 receives the first inner member 270. That is, the inner members 270 and openings 272 resist inversion or lateral rotation of the surgical clip in the closed configuration. However, the inner members 270 and openings 272 do not lock and / or interlock to inhibit flexion of the proximal portions of the leg members 202, 204. The inner members 270 and openings 272 can additionally increase the axial pullout strength of the surgical clip 200. For example, inner member 270 can press tissue into opposing openings 272 to clamp the tissue therebetween. Inner member 270 can have a hook shape, and openings 272 can have open sides.

[0025] As further shown in the embodiment of Figures 11-16, surgical clip 200 may include one or more teeth 230 on inner surface 212 of second leg member 204. Teeth 230 may be substantially rigid such that teeth 230 do not substantially flex when engaging tissue. As shown in Figures 13-14, teeth 230 may be spaced apart in first and second longitudinally extending rows on inner surface 212 of second leg member 204. The first and second rows of teeth 230 may be separated transversely from one another about the periphery of second inner surface 212 on either side of a centerline of inner surface 212 of second leg member 204. Teeth 230 in each of the first and second rows may be staggered along the longitudinal axis of inner surface 212. Accordingly, first inner surface 208 may define a rail 232 extending longitudinally thereon and first and second longitudinal channels 234 extending on opposite sides of rail 232. That is, in the closed configuration of surgical clip 200 ( FIG. 12 ), a first row of teeth 230 may be received in first channel 234, a second row of teeth 230 may be received in second channel 234, and rail 232 may be received between the first and second rows of teeth 230. First and second longitudinal channels 234 may be substantially L-shaped and open on the sides of surgical clip 200. This configuration of teeth 230 and rail 232 provides a preferred serpentine engagement with the closely adjacent tissue-engaging surface of tissue. Teeth 230 may be larger and atraumatic, engaging substantially flat tissue against the inner surface. The larger, atraumatic teeth 230 can further improve tissue retention and prevent tissue from slipping off the surgical clip. However, in alternative embodiments, the teeth 230 can be on the first inner surface 208 and the rails 232 and channels 234 can be on the second inner surface 212.

[0026] The surgical clip 200 can also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 102 can transition at its distal end portion to a hook member 240, and the second leg member 204 can transition at its distal end portion to a complementary grooved and sharpened tip member 242. The distal end portion of the hook member 240 can curve inward and point generally toward the hinge member 206. The hook member 240 can have one or more transverse beveled surfaces and a concave inner surface that blends with the first inner surface 208 to define a locking recess 244. The tip member 242 can be V-shaped, defining a slot configured to allow the hook member 240 to flex around the tip member 242 and / or the second leg member 204 to compress, thus receiving the beveled surface of the hook member 240. The hook member 240 and the tip member 242 can engage to form the locking mechanism. For example, locking recess 244 can receive tip member 242 in the process of compressing surgical clip 200 into a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 12) when secured in position about a vessel or other tissue. Further discussion of locking mechanisms can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] The leg members 202, 204 may include one or more boss members along their lengths for engaging the jaws of a clip applier. For example, the first leg member 202 may include one or more boss members 250 that project perpendicularly from opposite sides adjacent a distal end portion of the first leg member 202 and immediately inward of the hook member 240. In the illustrative example of the surgical clip 200, the one or more boss members 250 may be cylindrical and project outward beyond the sides of the first leg member 202. The one or more boss members 250 may include a bridging section 251 that extends the width of the first leg member 202. The second leg member 204 may also include one or more boss members 252 at its distal end portion. Boss member 252 may be cylindrical and protrude perpendicularly from opposite sides of second leg member 204, extending longitudinally forward beyond the point of tip member 242 and outward beyond the sides of second leg member 204. The jaws of a clip applier may engage boss members 250, 251, 252 to pivot leg members 202, 204 about hinge member 206 to compress surgical clip 200 into a closed and / or locked configuration about a vessel.

[0028] The first leg member 202 can have at least one first wing member 262 extending laterally from the first inner surface 208, and / or the second leg member 204 can have at least one second wing member 264 extending laterally from the second inner surface 212. For example, the at least one first wing member 262 can include a pair of first wing members 262 extending on opposite sides of the first inner surface 208. The at least one second wing member 264 can include a pair of first wing members 264 extending on opposite sides of the second inner surface 210. The wing members 262, 264 can reinforce and stabilize the leg members 202, 204 by increasing torsional stiffness. For example, the wing members 262, 264 can allow the leg members 262, 264 to be longer without compromising torsional and / or tissue retention strength. Wing members 262, 264 can extend longitudinally over at least half the length of leg members 202, 204. In some embodiments, wing members 262, 264 can extend longitudinally over at least two-thirds the length of leg members 202, 204. Wing members 262, 264 can extend continuously through hinge member 206 to resist twisting of hinge member 206 and maintain alignment of leg members 202, 204, such that the width of surgical clip 200 within wing members 262, 264 can be substantially the same as the width of surgical clip 200 within hinge member 206. Furthermore, the width of surgical clip 200 within wing members 262, 264 can be the same as the width of surgical clip 200 within boss members 250, 251, 252, allowing surgical clip 200 to lie on its side for improved feeding characteristics in an automated applier. However, wing members 262, 264 can have a distal portion 268 that is spaced proximally from boss members 250, 251, 252 so that wing members 262, 264 do not interfere with the clip applier interface. For example, distal portion 268 can be angled and / or chamfered. Wing members 262, 264 can each have an inner surface 266 that is angled and / or chamfered to reduce its thickness so that wing members 262, 264 do not interfere with tissue ligation.

[0029] Various embodiments of the surgical clips 100, 200 of the present invention can be made in any suitable size and applied to any number of tissues, such as blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, gall ducts, and cardiac tissue. Various embodiments of the surgical clips 100, 200 can be constructed from any suitable biocompatible material, such as metals and polymers. However, the present invention is particularly suited for practice using polymeric clips. That is, various embodiments of the surgical clips 100, 200 are preferably constructed from a one-piece, integral polymer body formed from a suitable strong, biocompatible, engineered plastic, such as types commonly used in 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 similar articles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 100 Surgical Clips 102 first leg member 106 Hinge member 108 First Inner Self 130 teeth 142 Tip member

Claims

1. A surgical clip comprising: a first leg member having a first inner surface with a concave curvature and having a first thickness in a compression direction, a first width in a lateral direction, and a first length in a longitudinal direction; a second leg member having a second inner surface with a convex curvature, the second leg member having a second thickness in the compression direction, a second width in the lateral direction, and a first length in the longitudinal direction; a hinge member pivotally connecting the first leg member and the second leg member; Including, 1. A surgical clip, comprising: a first width greater than the first thickness along at least half of the first length; and / or a second width greater than the second thickness along at least half of the second length.

2. 2. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first width is at least 1.5 times greater than the first thickness and / or the second width is at least 1.5 times greater than the second thickness.

3. 3. The surgical clip of claim 2, wherein the first width is approximately two times greater than the first thickness and / or the second width is approximately two times greater than the second thickness.

4. 4. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first width is greater than the first thickness along at least about two-thirds of the first length, and / or the second width is greater than the second thickness along at least about two-thirds of the second length.

5. at least one first boss member on the first leg member; at least one second boss member on the second leg member; Further comprising:

5. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first width is substantially the same as a width of the surgical clip at the at least one first boss member and / or the second width is substantially the same as a width of the surgical clip at the at least one second boss member.

6. 6. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first width is substantially the same as the width of the hinge member and / or the second width is substantially the same as the width of the hinge member.

7. 7. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the first leg member includes at least one first wing member extending laterally of the first inner surface to define the first width, and / or the second leg member includes at least one second wing member extending laterally of the second inner surface to define the second width.

8. 8. The surgical clip of claim 7, wherein said at least one first wing member comprises a pair of first wing members and / or said at least one second wing member comprises a pair of second wing members.

9. 9. The surgical clip of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein a distal portion of the at least one first wing member is spaced proximally from a distal end of the first leg member, and / or a distal portion of the at least one second wing member is spaced proximally from a distal end of the second leg member.

10. 10. The surgical clip of claim 7, wherein the at least one first wing member has a thickness less than the first thickness and / or the at least one second wing member has a thickness less than the second thickness.

11. 11. The surgical clip of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the at least one first wing member and / or the at least one second wing member includes a chamfered inner surface.

12. 12. The surgical clip of claim 7, wherein the at least one first wing member includes an outer surface that is continuous with an outer surface of the first leg member, and / or the at least one second wing member includes an outer surface that is continuous with an outer surface of the second leg member.

13. 13. The surgical clip of claim 7, wherein each of the at least one first wing member has a width not greater than about one-quarter of the first width and / or each of the at least one second wing member has a width not greater than about one-quarter of the second width.

14. 14. The surgical clip of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the at least one first wing member and / or the at least one second wing member includes sides that are substantially flat.

15. a hook member on a distal portion of the first leg member; a tip member on a distal portion of the second leg member; Further comprising:

15. A surgical clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the hook member is configured to receive the tip member to retain the surgical clip in a closed configuration.

16. first and second rows of teeth extending from one of the first and second inner surfaces; first and second channels on other ones of the first and second interior surfaces; Further comprising:

16. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein in a closed configuration, the first channel is configured to receive a first row of teeth and the second channel is configured to receive the second row of teeth.

17. 17. The surgical clip of claim 1, further comprising a first proximal extension extending from the first leg member toward the hinge member, and a second proximal extension extending from the second leg member toward the hinge member.

18. 18. The surgical clip of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first proximal extension includes an inner surface having a convex curvature and the second proximal extension includes an inner surface having a convex curvature.

19. a first inner member at a proximal portion of the first leg member; a first opening at a proximal portion of the second leg member; Further comprising:

19. The surgical clip of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first opening is configured to receive the first inner member in a closed configuration to resist inversion and / or rotation of the surgical clip, and the first inner member does not lock and / or interlock with the first opening.

20. a second inner member at a proximal portion of the second leg member; and a second opening at a proximal portion of the first leg member; and Further comprising:

20. The surgical clip of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second opening is configured to receive the second inner member in a closed configuration to resist inversion and / or rotation of the surgical clip, and the second member does not lock and / or interlock with the second opening.

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