Surgical clips

Abstract

Current surgical clips often fail to adequately engage with and compress small blood vessels, or they may impart uneven pressure distribution to the compressed tissue. Therefore, this new design aims to mitigate or overcome one or more of the problems associated with conventional surgical clips. [Solution] The surgical clip may include a first leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second sides, wherein the inner surface of the first leg member has a concave curve; a second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second sides, wherein the inner surface of the second leg member has a convex curve; at least one first tooth extending from a first side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member; and a first channel defined between the first side and the inner surface of the first leg member. The first and second leg members may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which at least one first tooth is received within the first channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This U.S. patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 523,562, filed Jun. 22, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 675,383, filed May 23, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to surgical clips for ligating tissue.

Background Art

[0003] Ligation of tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, bile ducts, and heart tissue) is a common method for many surgical procedures. This can be performed by closing blood vessels with surgical clips or by suturing blood vessels with surgical threads. The use of surgical threads requires complex manipulation of needles and surgical threads to form the knots necessary to secure the blood vessels. Such complex operations are time - consuming and difficult to perform, especially in endoscopic surgery, which is characterized by limited space and / or visibility. In contrast, surgical clips are relatively quick and easy to apply. Thus, the use of surgical clips in endoscopic and open surgery has increased dramatically.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventors recognize the need to improve one or more features of surgical clips, such as the closure of small blood vessels. Current surgical clips often have teeth extending between tissue engagement surfaces that cannot adequately engage and / or compress small blood vessels. The teeth often prevent proximity or contact between the clamping surfaces, preventing complete closure of the surgical clip. Furthermore, current surgical clips often impart an uneven pressure distribution to the compressed tissue. For example, current surgical clips often have substantially rigid leg members that do not adequately conform to tissues of different sizes, causing stress localization. Uneven pressure distribution can lead to tissue damage and / or rupture, particularly in overstressed tissue, fibrous tissue, and / or infarcted tissue. The disclosed devices and methods relate to mitigating or overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip may include a first leg member having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first side surface. The first inner surface may have a concave curvature. The surgical clip may also include a second leg member having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second side surface. The second inner surface may have a convex curvature. The surgical clip may further include at least one first tooth positioned on the first leg member and at least one second tooth positioned on the second leg member. At least one first tooth may be attached laterally to the first side surface on the first inner surface, and at least one second tooth may be attached laterally to the second side surface on the second inner surface. The first and second leg members may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, at least one first tooth portion may be configured to extend laterally along the second side surface to the second inner surface, and at least one second tooth portion may be configured to extend laterally along the first side surface to the first inner surface.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip may include a first leg member having a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The surgical clip may also include a second leg member having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion may at least partially form the second inner surface and have a first radius of curvature. The outer portion may at least partially form the second outer surface and have a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature.

[0007] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip includes a first leg member having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first side surface, the first inner surface may have a concave curvature. The surgical clip also includes a second leg member having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second side surface, the second inner surface may have a convex curvature. The second leg member may further include an inner portion and an outer portion separated by a transverse channel. The inner portion may at least partially form a second inner surface and have a first curvature, and the outer portion may have a second radius of curvature, the second radius of curvature being different from the first radius of curvature over substantially the entire length of the inner and outer portions. The surgical clip may also further include at least one first tooth positioned on the first leg member and at least one second tooth positioned on the second leg member. The first and second leg members may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, at least one first tooth portion may be configured to extend laterally along the second side surface to the second inner surface, and at least one second tooth portion may be configured to extend laterally along the first side surface to the first inner surface.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip includes a first leg member having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and first and second sides, the inner surface of the first leg member may have a concave curvature. The surgical clip also includes a second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second sides, the inner surface of the second leg member may have a convex curvature. The surgical clip may further include at least one tooth extending from a first side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member and a channel in the first side of the first leg member. The first and second leg members may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which at least one tooth can be received in its channel.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip includes a first leg member having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the first leg member having a concave curvature, and the outer surface of the first leg member having a convex curvature. The surgical clip also includes a second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, an inner portion, and an outer portion, the inner surface of the second leg member having a convex curvature, and the outer surface of the second leg member having a concave curvature. The inner portion and the outer portion can be separated by a transverse channel passing through the second leg member. The inner portion can at least partially form the convex curvature of the inner surface of the second leg member, and the outer portion can at least partially form the convex curvature of the outer surface of the second leg member.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip may include a first leg member having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the first leg member has a concave curve; a second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the second leg member has a convex curve; at least one first tooth extending from a first side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member; and a first channel defined between the first side surface and the inner surface of the first leg member. The first and second leg members may be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which at least one tooth is received within its channel.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a surgical clip. The surgical clip includes a first leg member having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the first leg member having a concave curvature, and the outer surface of the first leg member having a convex curvature. The surgical clip includes a second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, an inner portion, and an outer portion, the inner surface of the second leg member having a convex curvature, and the outer surface of the second leg member having a concave curvature. The surgical clip may further include at least one tooth portion extending from a first lateral edge of the inner surface of the second leg member and a channel in the first lateral surface of the first leg member. The inner portion and the outer portion may be separated by a transverse channel passing through the second leg member. The inner portion may at least partially form the convex curvature of the inner surface of the second leg member, and the outer portion may at least partially form the convex curvature of the outer surface of the second leg member. The first and second leg members can be configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, they can accommodate at least one tooth within their channel.

[0012] To facilitate understanding of this disclosure, aspects of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]This is a first perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a second perspective view relating to a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are side views relating to a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 4] Figures 1-3 are rear views relating to a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 5] Figures 1-4 are side views of a flexible form relating to a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 6] Figures 1-6 are side views of exemplary closure configurations relating to a first exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 7] This is a first perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a second perspective view relating to a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 9] Figures 7 and 8 are side views relating to a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 10] Figures 7-9 are rear views relating to a second exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a side view relating to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip. [Figure 17]A perspective view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 18] A side view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] A front view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 17 and 18. [Figure 20] A side view of an exemplary closed configuration of an eighth exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip of FIGS. 17 - 19. [Figure 21] A side view of an exemplary open configuration of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 22] A side view of an exemplary open configuration of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip of the present invention. [Figure 23] A side view of an exemplary open configuration of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a surgical clip of the present invention.

[0014] In the drawings and the following detailed description, the same or similar reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar parts.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] The present invention will now be described with reference to drawings in which the same reference numerals throughout refer to the same parts. The present invention generally relates to surgical clips configured to compress and / or ligate tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, cystic ducts, or cardiac tissue). The surgical clip may have lateral teeth that do not interfere with its complete closure and provide more effective occlusion of smaller blood vessels. In this sense, the clamping surface may be substantially smooth and the teeth may be spaced apart. The lateral teeth may also be made larger and more effective in interacting with tissue. The lateral teeth may be easily molded and not interfere with the clip applicator. In some embodiments, the teeth may also be substantially non-traumatic so that the surgical clip does not pinch tissue between adjacent teeth. For example, the teeth may have minimal sharp edges and have substantially flat or convex inner surfaces and substantially flat sides. In some embodiments, the teeth may include a convex distal portion and a concave proximal portion. The concave proximal portion can be configured to improve tissue retention and prevent tissue from sliding distally away from the surgical clip due to a "watermelon seeding" effect when the surgical clip closes.

[0016] A surgical clip may also include a first leg member having a concave inner surface and a second leg member having a convex inner surface. The convex inner surface may be provided by a flexible inner portion configured to compress elastically when the surgical clip engages with tissue. The flexibility of the inner portion can allow for a suitable pressure distribution for tissues of different shapes, sizes, and / or rigidity, and / or tissues compressed at different locations along the length of the surgical clip. The inner portion may be separated from the outer portion by a transverse channel, for example, in a split leg configuration. The inner and outer portions may also have different radii of curvature. In some embodiments, the inner and outer portions may have different radii of curvature along at least half of the length of the inner and outer portions. In some embodiments, the inner and outer portions may have different radii of curvature along the entire length of the inner and outer portions. For example, the outer portion may include a convex portion having a convex outer surface and a concave portion having a concave outer surface. In some embodiments, the convex portion is positioned on the proximal portion of the second leg member, providing the second leg member with a proximal portion having greater height than the distal portion. The height of the proximal portion can provide a contact point for improving the alignment of the surgical clip when the surgical clip is fed through the channel of the clip applicator and / or received in the jaw portion of the clip applicator. In some embodiments, the surgical clip may further include a compression member extending between the inner and outer portions, configured to maintain flexibility and adapt to the complex deformations that the surgical clip undergoes to close and / or lock, while improving the compression load distribution between the inner and outer portions when the surgical clip is compressed.

[0017] Figures 1-6 show a first embodiment of the surgical clip 100 of the present invention. As shown, the surgical clip 100 may have a proximal end 100A and a distal end 100B. The surgical clip 100 may further include a first leg member 102 having a proximal end 102A and a distal end 102B, and a second leg member 104 having a proximal end 104A and a distal end 104B. The first and second leg members 102 and 104 can be integrally connected at their proximal ends 102A and 104A by a hinge portion 106.

[0018] In accordance with conventional practice, as used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term “proximal portion” refers to a specific part of the device or its components that is generally closer to the healthcare professional handling or manipulating the device when it is intended to be used, and the term “distal portion” refers to a specific part of the device or its components that is opposite to the proximal portion. The term “longitudinal” refers to the dimension along the length of the surgical clip 100 and / or leg members 102, 104, extending from their respective proximal ends 100A, 102A, 104A to their respective distal ends 100B, 102B, 104B. Furthermore, as used herein, the “transverse” direction refers to any axis or direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the surgical clip 100 or leg members 102, 104. Thus, the term “length” refers to the dimension of the surgical clip 100 and / or one or more components along its longitudinal direction. The terms “height” or “vertical” refer to the dimension of the surgical clip 100 and / or one or more components along the compression axis of the leg members 102, 104. The term “thickness” refers to the dimension between opposing edges of the surgical clip 100 and / or one or more components along the compression axis or vertical axis. The term “width” refers to the lateral dimension of the surgical clip 100 and / or one or more components substantially transverse to the length and height. The terms “concave” and “convex” refer to the curvature of a surface or component as seen when viewing the outside of the surface or component. Similar terminology is used throughout the written disclosure.

[0019] The first and second leg members 102 and 104 may include surfaces having curved portions. 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 Figure 1, the first inner surface 108 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 110 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 112 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 114 may have one or more of at least one convex curve and / or at least one concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 108 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 110 may extend substantially over the entire length of the first leg member 102. The convex curve of the second inner surface 112 may extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 104. The first and second inner surfaces 108 and 112 can be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 108 and 112 can also be substantially smooth. The first leg member 102 may also include opposing sides 138 and 140, and the second leg member 104 may include opposing sides 142 and 144.

[0020] The second leg member 104 may include an inner portion 162 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 164 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 166 and the second portion 168. The inner portion 162 may have a convex inner surface 170 and a concave outer surface 172. At least one of the inner portion 162 and the outer portion 164 may have a thickness less than that of the first leg member 102. The smaller thickness of the inner portion 162 and / or the outer portion 164 may provide greater flexibility with respect to the second leg member 104 than that of the first leg member 102. In some embodiments, the inner portion 162 may have a greater thickness than the outer portion 164, and / or the outer portion 164 may have a greater length than the inner portion 162. The inner surface 170 of the inner portion 162 can form at least a portion of the second inner surface 112, and the outer surface of the outer portion 164 can form at least a portion of the first outer surface 114 of the surgical clip 100.

[0021] The inner portion 162 can be configured to elastically flex in a vertical compressive direction along at least a portion of its length in order to appropriately distribute pressure to tissue of various shapes, sizes, positions, and / or rigidities. The inner portion 162 can additionally or alternatively flex along any portion of its length based on the positioning of the tissue. For example, if the tissue is positioned close to the hinge portion 106, the proximal portion of the inner portion 162 can flex to accommodate the tissue. However, if the tissue is positioned close to the locking mechanism, the distal portion of the inner portion 162 can flex. In this sense, the surgical clip 100 can reduce stress localization caused by the proximity of the tissue to either the locking mechanism and / or the hinge portion 106. The elastic compression of the inner portion 162 can also provide continuous ligation pressure to the tissue in a closed and / or locked state, even if the tissue necrotizes and shrinks.

[0022] The inner portion 162 and the outer portion 164 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 178 extending between the sides 142, 144 of the second leg member 104 to allow compression of the second leg member 104. For example, the channel 178 allows the inner portion 162 to be elastically pressed toward the outer portion 164, distributing the load along the length of the tissue, while at the same time allowing the tissue to be grasped and held more effectively within the surgical clip 100. The channel 178 also allows the outer portion 164 to have a longer length to reduce the constraints on the bending of the inner portion 162. For example, increasing the length of the outer portion 164 can reduce the constraints on the flexibility of the inner portion 162 when the inner portion 162 bends and flattens during closure and / or locking. In some embodiments, the inner portion 162, the outer portion 164, and / or the channel 178 can extend beyond one-eighth of the length of the second leg member 104. In some embodiments, the inner portion 162, the outer portion 164, and / or the channel 178 may extend beyond one-quarter of the length of the second leg member 104. In some embodiments, the inner portion 162, the outer portion 164, and / or the channel 178 may extend substantially over the entire length of the first leg member 102.

[0023] The inner portion 162 and the outer portion 164 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the lengths of the inner portion 162 and the outer portion 164. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 162 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 164 between adjacent corresponding points may differ over at least half the lengths of the inner portion 162 and the outer portion 164. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 162 and the outer portion 164. The inner portion 162 may have a substantially continuous radius of curvature without inflection points, and the outer portion 164 may have a variable radius of curvature with at least one inflection point. The variable radius of curvature of the outer portion can provide variable height and vertical stability when positioned within the supply channel 12 of the surgical clip applicator 10, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the proximal portion 174 of the outer portion 164 may have a greater height than the distal portion 176 of the outer portion 164. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 174 may include a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and the distal portion 176 may include a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface. The concave outer surface of the distal portion 176 can provide a smooth transition with the distal portion 104B to reduce irregular stress concentration. The convex outer surface of the proximal portion 174 may protrude vertically to provide contact points with the walls 14, 16 of the supply channel 12 to reduce the vertical movement of the proximal end of the surgical clip 100 relative to the clip applicator 10. Additional contact points may include the outer surface 110 of the first leg member 102, the bosses 146, 148, and 150 of the first leg member 102, and / or the bosses 152, 154 of the second leg member 104. The improved vertical stability of the surgical clip 100 eliminates the need for stabilizing fingers on the pusher member of the clip applicator 10 and / or proper loading of the surgical clip 100 into the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10.

[0024] The channel 178 can also provide a fixing point for elongated members such as sutures. For example, a surgeon can apply a surgical clip 100 to tissue (e.g., a blood vessel), pass or loop a suture through the channel 178, and pass the suture through another location in the same or different tissue to fix the clip in place. The suture passed through the channel 178 can additionally or alternatively fix the tissue near another location and / or bring two tissues closer to each other.

[0025] The hinge portion 106 can be elastically flexible and can be integrated with the first and second leg members 102 and 104. The hinge portion 106 may have a concave inner surface 116 and a convex outer surface 118. The concave inner surface 116 of the hinge portion 106 can connect the first inner surface 108 of the first leg member 102 and the second inner surface 112 of the second leg member 104. The convex outer surface 118 of the hinge portion 106 can connect the first outer surface 110 of the first leg member 102 and the second outer surface 114 of the second leg member 104. The hinge portion 106 may also include a curved slot 120 located between the hinge surfaces 116 and 118, which can be positioned closer to the concave inner surface 116 than to the convex outer surface 118. The curved slot 120 can completely penetrate the hinge portion 106 from side to side, and both ends can extend into the proximal ends 102A and 102B of the first and second leg members 102 and 104, respectively. The curved slot 120 can add flexibility and elasticity to the hinge portion 106, while the concave inner surface 116 can prevent any portion of the constricted blood vessel from being trapped within the curved slot 120.

[0026] The surgical clip 100 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, a first leg member 102 may transition to a hook portion 126 at its distal end 102B, and a second leg member 104 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 128 at its distal end 104B. The distal end of the hook portion 126 may be curved inward and oriented substantially toward the concave inner surface of the hinge portion member 106. The hook portion 126 may have one or more transverse inclined surfaces 130 and a concave inner surface that, in conjunction with the inner surface 108, forms a locking recess 132. The tip portion 128 may be V-shaped and may have a slot configured to receive the inclined surfaces 130 when the hook portion 126 flexes around the tip portion 128. The hook portion 126 and the tip portion 128 may engage to form a locking mechanism. For example, the locking recess 132 can engage with the tip member 128 during the process of compressing the surgical clip 100 into a closed form (e.g., Figure 6) that can be fixed around a blood vessel or other tissue.

[0027] The leg members 102 and 104 may include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 102 may include bosses 146 and 148 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 138 and 140 adjacent to its distal end 102B and just inside the hook portion 126. In the illustrated example of the surgical clip 100, the bosses 146 and 148 are cylindrical and may project outward beyond the first outer surface 110 of the first leg member 102. The bosses 146 and 148 may also be connected to each other in the bridge section 150. The second leg member 104 may also include bosses 152 and 154 at its distal end 104B. The bosses 152 and 154 are cylindrical and protrude perpendicularly to the opposing sides 142 and 144 of the second leg member 104, respectively, and can extend longitudinally forward beyond the tip of the end portion 128. The jaws of the clip applicator 10 engage with the bosses 146, 148, 150, 152, and 154, pivoting the leg members 102 and 104 around the hinge portion 106, thereby compressing the surgical clip 100 into a closure and / or locking configuration around a blood vessel.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 1-6, the surgical clip 100 may include at least one first tooth 134 positioned on a first leg member 102 and at least one second tooth 136 positioned on a second leg member 104. The teeth 134, 136 may be substantially rigid so that they do not substantially flex when engaging with tissue. The teeth 134, 136 may be positioned laterally relative to the surgical clip 100. As used herein, the term “later laterally” refers to the positioning of the teeth 134, 136 on one or more external sides of the surgical clip 100. For example, the teeth 134, 136 may be attached to one of the sides 138-144 and extend laterally from there to one or more of the internal sides 108, 112. For example, the teeth 134, 136 can extend substantially parallel to at least one of the sides 138-144 and / or substantially perpendicular to at least one of the inner surfaces 108, 112. Thus, the teeth 134, 136 can be positioned along the sides 138-144 of the opposing leg members 102, 104, avoiding collision with the opposing inner surfaces 108, 112, allowing the surgical clip 100 to close with minimal or no gap, ensuring effective closure of small vessels. The inner surfaces 108, 112 may not have teeth and may have substantially smooth surfaces extending from the proximal ends 102A, 104B to the distal ends 102B, 104B of the leg members 102, 104. The teeth 134, 136 can be positioned on at least one side or both sides of the inner surfaces 108, 112 of the leg members 102, 104. The lateral teeth 134, 136 can be larger and more effective in interacting with tissue. For example, a larger size of teeth 134, 136 can improve tissue retention and prevent tissue from slipping out of the surgical clip. The teeth 134, 136 can be positioned sufficiently spaced apart so as not to pinch tissue between adjacent teeth 134, 136. The teeth 134, 136 can also be made easier to mold and not interfere with the clip applicator. The teeth 134, 136 can have various configurations as described herein.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the teeth 134 and 136 may include a convex distal portion 180 and a concave proximal portion 182 (e.g., a notch). The concave portion 182 may extend approximately 90° from the proximal surface of the teeth 134 and 136. The concave portion 182 may be configured to receive tissue and prevent the tissue from sliding distally away from the surgical clip 100. The convex portion 180 and the concave portion 182 can reduce trauma to the tissue compressed by the surgical clip 100. The convex portion of the teeth 134 and 136 is intended to have many shapes, including round, disc-shaped, circular, spherical, oval, elliptical, bulbous, annular, and / or ring-shaped. The concave portion is also considered to have several shapes, including round, circular, spherical, oval, elliptical, U-shaped, L-shaped, and / or V-shaped. The tooth portions 134, 136 may further include substantially flat surfaces on one or both sides thereof. The substantially flat surface 184 can facilitate proximity or contact with the inner surfaces 108, 112, thereby reducing trauma to adjacent tissues.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the surgical clip 100 can be configured to close with minimal or no gap between the first inner surface 108 and the second inner surface 112. For example, when the surgical clip 100 closes, the first teeth 134 can extend beyond the second inner surface 112 along at least one of the sides 142, 144, and the second teeth 134 can extend beyond the first inner surface 108 along at least one of the sides 138, 140. Thus, the teeth 134, 136 can avoid collision with their respective inner surfaces 108, 112, and the tissue can be directly compressed by the inner surfaces 108, 112 without being obstructed by the teeth 134, 136. When the teeth 134, 136 are positioned on the same side of the surgical clip 100, the teeth 134, 136 can be arranged alternately to reduce interference. This closed and / or locked configuration can enhance compression of smaller tissues within smaller blood vessels, while the inner surface 112 of the second leg member 104 can flex elastically to accommodate the vascular tissue.

[0031] The surgical clip 100 can also be configured to hold sutures in place, for example, during partial nephrectomy. A surgeon may pass a suture through a portion of the kidney with a needle to separate a portion of the tissue, for example, the upper / lower half of the kidney. The surgeon can then close the surgical clip 100 over the suture and slide the surgical clip 100 against the tissue. The surgeon can then continue suturing the tissue without the suture penetrating and pulling through the tissue or creating a retaining knot. The teeth 134, 136 can be configured to hold the suture in the center of the surgical clip 100 without allowing the suture to slide longitudinally toward the proximal end 100A or distal end 100B, where the clamping pressure may decrease. Increasing the size of the teeth 134, 136 can increase the suture's holding power.

[0032] Figures 1-6 show teeth 134, 136 positioned on both sides of the first and second leg members 102, 104. For example, the surgical clip 100 may include two large teeth 134, 136 on each side of the first and second leg members, as shown in Figures 1-6. However, other numbers and configurations of teeth 134, 136 are possible. The teeth 134, 136 can be positioned on only one side of at least one of the leg members 102, 104. For example, the teeth 134, 136 can be positioned on the same side of each leg member 102, 104 (for example, as shown in Figures 7-10), or on opposite sides of the leg members 102, 104 (for example, as shown in Figure 11). In some embodiments, the teeth can be positioned on only one of the leg members 102, 104. For example, the first leg member 102 may include a first tooth portion 134 (as shown in Figures 1-6), while the second leg member 104 may not have teeth. In another example, the first leg member 102 may not have teeth, and the second leg member may include a second tooth portion 136 (as shown in Figures 1-6). In each of the above examples, the teeth portions 134 and 136 can alternately repeat between the sides of the respective leg members 102 and 104, as further shown in Figures 1-6. Furthermore, the teeth portions 134 and 136 may have different configurations, as shown in one or more of Figures 12-20.

[0033] Figures 7-10 show a second embodiment 200 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 200 may have similar features to the surgical clip 100, which can be similarly represented in Figures 7-10. For the sake of brevity, features similar to those of the surgical clip 100 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 300.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the surgical clip 200 may include a first leg member 202 and a second leg member 204 connected by a hinge portion 206. The first and second leg members 202, 204 may include surfaces having curved portions. 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 Figure 7, the first inner surface 208 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 210 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 212 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 214 may have a concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 208 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 210 may extend substantially along the entire length of the first leg member 202. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 212 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 214 may extend substantially along the entire length of the second leg member 204. The first and second inner surfaces 208, 212 may be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 208, 212 may be substantially smooth. The first leg member 202 may also include opposing sides 238, 240, and the second leg member 204 may include opposing sides 242, 244.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7-10, the second leg member 204 may include an inner portion 262 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 264 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 266 and the second portion 268. The inner portion 262 may have a convex inner surface 270 and a concave outer surface 272. The outer portion 264 may have a convex inner surface 274 and a concave outer surface 276. The inner portion 262 and the outer portion 264 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points of the inner portion 262 and the outer portion 264. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 262 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 264 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 262 and the outer portion 264. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 262 and the outer portion 264. The inner portion 262 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portion, making the inner portion 262 more convex. In some embodiments, the inner portion 262 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first leg member 202, so that it can be compressed into a closed and / or locked form even in the absence of tissue. The inner portion 262 and / or the outer portion 264 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 202, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 204. The inner portion 262 and the outer portion 264 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 278, as described herein. The surgical clip 200 may be configured to fix and / or fasten a suture, as further described above.

[0036] The first and second leg members 202 and 204 can be integrally connected at their proximal ends 202A and 202B by a hinge portion 206. The surgical clip 200 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 202 may transition to a hook portion 226 at its distal end 202B, and the second leg member 204 may transition to a complementary grooved and pointed tip portion 228 at its distal end 204B. The leg members 202 and 204 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 202 may include bosses 246 and 248 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 238 and 240, and the second leg member 204 may include bosses 252 and 254 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 242 and 244. Bosses 246 and 248 can also be connected to each other in bridge section 250.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7-10, the surgical clip 200 may also include at least one first tooth 234 attached to the side of the first leg member 202 and at least one second tooth 236 attached to the same side of the second leg member 204. For example, the first tooth 234 may be attached to and extending from a side 238, and the second tooth 236 may be attached to and extending from a side 242 substantially parallel to the side 238. Thus, the first tooth 234 and the second tooth 236 may be positioned on the same side of the surgical clip 200 (e.g., sides 238, 242), and there may be no teeth on the opposite side of the surgical clip 200 (e.g., sides 240, 244). Positioning the teeth 234 and 236 on the same side of the surgical clip 200 can reduce trauma induced in more vulnerable tissue. The teeth 234, 236 can be positioned laterally, as described above, similar to the surgical clip 100, and / or close with minimal or no gap between the inner surfaces 208, 212. The teeth 234, 236 can also have several shapes, as further described above.

[0038] In some embodiments, the teeth can be positioned on only one of the leg members 202, 204. For example, the first leg member 202 may include a first tooth 234 (as shown in Figures 7-10), while the second leg member 204 may not have teeth. In another example, the first leg member 202 may not have teeth, while the second leg member may include a second tooth 236 (as shown in Figures 7-10). In each of the above examples, the teeth 234, 236 can alternately repeat between the sides of the respective leg members 202, 204.

[0039] Figure 11 shows a third embodiment 300 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 300 may have features similar to at least one of the surgical clips 100 and 200, and may be similarly represented in Figure 11. For brevity, features similar to at least one of the surgical clips 100 and 200 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 300.

[0040] As shown in the figure, the surgical clip 300 may include a first leg member 302 and a second leg member 304 connected by a hinge portion 306. The first and second leg members 302, 304 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 302 may include a first inner surface 308 and a first outer surface 310, and the second leg member 304 may include a second inner surface 312 and a second outer surface 314. The first inner surface 308 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 310 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 312 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 314 may have a concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 308 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 310 may extend substantially along the entire length of the first leg member 302. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 312 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 314 may extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 304. The first and second inner surfaces 308, 312 may be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 308, 312 may be substantially smooth. The first leg member 302 may also include opposing sides 338, 340, and the second leg member 304 may include opposing sides 342, 344.

[0041] The second leg member 304 may include an inner portion 362 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 364 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 366 and the second portion 368. The inner portion 362 may have a convex inner surface 370 and a concave outer surface 372. The outer portion 364 may have a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface. The inner portion 362 and the outer portion 364 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 362 and the outer portion 364. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 362 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 364 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 362 and the outer portion 364. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 362 and the outer portion 364. The inner portion 362 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portion, making the inner portion 362 more convex. In some embodiments, the inner portion 362 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first leg member 302, so that it can be compressed into a closed and / or locked form even in the absence of tissue. The inner portion 362 and / or the outer portion 364 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 302, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 304. The inner portion 362 and the outer portion 364 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 378, as described above. The surgical clip 300 may be configured to fix and / or fasten a suture, as further described above.

[0042] The surgical clip 300 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 302 may transition to a hook portion 326 at its distal end 302B, and the second leg member 304 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip 328 at its distal end 304B. The leg members 302, 304 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaws of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 302 may include bosses 346, 348 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 338, 340, and the second leg member 304 may include bosses 352, 354 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 342, 344. The bosses 346, 348 may also be connected to each other in the bridge section 350.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the surgical clip 300 may include at least one first tooth 334 positioned on the first side of the first leg member 302, and at least one second tooth 336 positioned on the second side of the second leg member 304, opposite to the first side. For example, the first tooth 334 may extend from the side 338, and the second tooth 336 may extend from the side 344. Thus, the teeth 334, 336 can be positioned on the opposite side of the surgical clip 300, and there may be no teeth on the side 340 of the first leg member 302 and the side 342 of the second leg member 304. Positioning the teeth 334, 336 on the opposite side of the surgical clip 300 can enhance the bite with the tissue while reducing the number of teeth and tissue trauma. The teeth 234, 236 can be positioned laterally, as with the surgical clip 100, as described above. The teeth 234 and 236 can also have several shapes, as previously mentioned.

[0044] Figure 12 shows a fourth embodiment 400 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 400 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-300, which can be similarly represented in Figure 12. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-300 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 400.

[0045] The surgical clip 400 may include a first leg member 402 and a second leg member 404 connected by a hinge portion 406. The first and second leg members 402, 404 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 402 may include a first inner surface 408 and a first outer surface 410, and the second leg member 404 may include a second inner surface 412 and a second outer surface 414. The first inner surface 408 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 410 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 412 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 414 may have a concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 408 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 410 may extend substantially over the entire length of the first leg member 402. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 412 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 414 may extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 404. The first and second inner surfaces 408, 412 may be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 408, 412 may be substantially smooth. The first leg member 402 may also include opposing sides 438, 440, and the second leg member 404 may include opposing sides 442, 444.

[0046] The second leg member 404 may include an inner portion 462 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 464 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 466 and the second portion 468. The inner portion 462 may have a convex inner surface 470 and a concave outer surface 472. The outer portion 464 may have a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface. The inner portion 462 and the outer portion 464 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 462 and the outer portion 464. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 462 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 464 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 462 and the outer portion 464. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 462 and the outer portion 464. The inner portion 462 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portion 464, making the inner portion 462 more convex. In some embodiments, the inner portion 462 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first leg member 402, so that it can be compressed into a closed and / or locked form even in the absence of tissue. The inner portion 462 and / or the outer portion 464 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 402, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 404. The inner portion 462 and the outer portion 464 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 478, as described above. The surgical clip 400 may be configured to fix and / or fasten a suture, as further described above.

[0047] The surgical clip 400 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 402 may transition to a hook portion 426 at its distal end 402B, and the second leg member 404 may transition to a complementary grooved and pointed tip portion 428 at its distal end 404B. The leg members 402, 404 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 402 may include bosses 446, 448 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 438, 440, and the second leg member 404 may include bosses 452, 454 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 442, 444. The bosses 446, 448 of the first leg member 402 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 450.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the surgical clip 400 may include at least one first tooth portion 434 and / or at least one second tooth portion 436, each having a convex member that provides a non-traumatic tissue clamping surface. In some embodiments, the convex member may include a convex segment greater than about 180°. In some embodiments, the convex member may include a convex segment greater than about 270°. In some embodiments, the convex member may include a convex segment of about 360°. One or more convex members may be of any shape, including round, disc-shaped, circular, spherical, oval, elliptical, bulbous, annular, and / or ring-shaped.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the first teeth 434 can extend laterally from the first side surface 438 of the first leg member 402 to the first inner surface 408, and one or more second teeth 435 can extend laterally from the second side surface 442 of the second leg member 404 to the second inner surface 512. The sides 438 and 442 can be on the same side of the leg members 402 and 404. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the teeth 434 and 436 can be positioned on at least one side of the leg members 402 and 404, as shown, for example, in Figures 1-6. In some embodiments, the teeth 434 and 436 can be positioned only on the opposite side of the leg members 402 and 404, as shown, for example, in Figure 11. The circular shape of the teeth 434 and 436 can further reduce tissue trauma. As mentioned above, the tooth portions 434 and 436 can be positioned laterally, similar to the surgical clip 100.

[0050] In some embodiments, the teeth can be positioned on only one of the leg members 402, 404. For example, the first leg member 402 may include a first tooth 434, while the second leg member 404 may not have teeth. In another example, the first leg member 402 may not have teeth, and the second leg member may include a second tooth 436. In each of the above examples, the teeth 434, 436 can alternately repeat between the sides of the respective leg members 402, 404 as described above.

[0051] Figure 13 shows a fifth embodiment 500 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 500 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-400, which can be similarly represented in Figure 13. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-400 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 500.

[0052] The surgical clip 500 may include a first leg member 502 and a second leg member 504 connected by a hinge portion 506. The first and second leg members 502, 504 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 502 may include a first inner surface 508 and a first outer surface 510, and the second leg member 504 may include a second inner surface 512 and a second outer surface 514. The first inner surface 508 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 510 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 512 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 514 may have a concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 508 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 210 may extend substantially along the entire length of the first leg member 502. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 512 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 514 may extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 504. The first and second inner surfaces 508, 512 may be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 508, 512 may be substantially smooth. The first leg member 502 may also include opposing sides 538, 540, and the second leg member 504 may include opposing sides 542, 544.

[0053] The second leg member 504 may include an inner portion 562 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 564 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 566 and the second portion 568. The inner portion 562 may have a convex inner surface 570 and a concave outer surface 572. The outer portion 564 may have a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface. The inner portion 562 and the outer portion 564 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 562 and the outer portion 564. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 562 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 564 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 562 and the outer portion 564. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 562 and the outer portion 564. The inner portion 562 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portion, making the inner portion 562 more convex. In some embodiments, the inner portion 562 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first leg member 502, so that it can be compressed into a closed and / or locked form even in the absence of tissue. The inner portion 562 and / or the outer portion 564 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 502, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 504. The inner portion 562 and the outer portion 564 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 578, as described above. The surgical clip 500 may be configured to fix and / or fasten a suture, as further described above.

[0054] The surgical clip 500 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 502 may transition to a hook portion 526 at its distal end 502B, and the second leg member 504 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip 528 at its distal end 504B. The leg members 502, 504 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaws of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 502 may include bosses 546, 548 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 538, 540, and the second leg member 504 may include bosses 552, 554 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 542, 544. The bosses 546, 548 of the first leg member 502 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 550.

[0055] As further shown, the surgical clip 500 may include at least one first tooth portion 534 and / or at least one second tooth portion 536. One or more of the teeth portions 534, 536 may have a proximal angled projection. The proximal angled projection improves tissue retention and prevents tissue from sliding distally from the clip 500 when the surgical clip 500 is closed (e.g., a "watermelon seeding" effect). The tip of the projection may be relatively sharp or rounded to reduce trauma to the tissue.

[0056] As further described above, the first teeth 534 can extend laterally from the first side surface 538 of the first leg member 502 to the first inner surface 508, and one or more second teeth 535 can extend laterally from the second side surface 544 of the second leg member 504 to the second inner surface 512. In some embodiments, the teeth 534, 536 can be positioned on at least one side of the leg members 502, 504, as shown, for example, in Figures 1-6. In some embodiments, the teeth 534, 536 can be positioned only on the same side of the leg members 502, 504, as shown, for example, in Figures 7-10. In some embodiments, the teeth 534, 536 can be positioned only on the opposite side of the leg members 502, 504, as shown in Figure 11. The teeth 534, 536 can be positioned outward, as described above, similar to the surgical clip 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, the teeth can be positioned on only one of the leg members 502, 504. For example, the first leg member 502 may include a first tooth 534, while the second leg member 504 may not have teeth. In another example, the first leg member 502 may not have teeth, while the second leg member 504 may include a second tooth 536. In each of the above examples, the teeth 534, 536 can alternately repeat between the sides of the respective leg members 502, 504 as described above.

[0058] Figure 14 shows a sixth embodiment 600 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 600 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 500, which can be similarly represented in Figure 13. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 500 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 600.

[0059] The surgical clip 600 may include a first leg member 602 and a second leg member 604 connected by a hinge portion 606. The first and second leg members 602, 604 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 602 may include a first inner surface 608 and a first outer surface 610, and the second leg member 604 may include a second inner surface 612 and a second outer surface 614. The first inner surface 608 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 610 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 612 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 614 may have a concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 608 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 610 may extend substantially over the entire length of the first leg member 602. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 612 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 614 may extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 604. The first and second inner surfaces 608, 612 may be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 608, 612 may be substantially smooth. The first leg member 602 may also include opposing sides 638, 640, and the second leg member 604 may include opposing sides 642, 644.

[0060] The second leg member 604 may include an inner portion 662 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 664 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 666 and the second portion 668. The inner portion 662 may have a convex inner surface 670 and a concave outer surface 672. The outer portion 664 may have a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface. The inner portion 662 and the outer portion 664 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 662 and the outer portion 664. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 662 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 664 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 662 and the outer portion 664. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 662 and the outer portion 664. The inner portion 662 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portion, making the inner portion 662 more convex. In some embodiments, the inner portion 662 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first leg member 602, so that it can be compressed into a closed and / or locked form even in the absence of tissue. The inner portion 662 and / or the outer portion 664 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 602, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 604. The inner portion 662 and the outer portion 664 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 678, as described above. The surgical clip 600 may be configured to fix and / or fasten a suture, as further described above.

[0061] The surgical clip 600 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 602 may transition to a hook portion 626 at its distal end 602B, and the second leg member 604 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 628 at its distal end 604B. The leg members 602, 604 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 602 may include bosses 646, 648 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 638, 640, and the second leg member 604 may include bosses 652, 654 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 642, 644. The bosses 646, 648 of the first leg member 602 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 650.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the surgical clip 600 may include one or more first teeth 634 and / or one or more second teeth 636 having a plurality of projections. Furthermore, as previously stated, the first teeth 634 may extend laterally from the first side surface 638 of the first leg member 602 to the first inner surface 608, and one or more second teeth 635 may extend laterally from the second side surface 644 of the second leg member 604 to the second inner surface 612. In some embodiments, the teeth 634, 636 may be positioned on at least one side of the leg members 602, 604, as shown, for example, in Figures 1-6. In some embodiments, the teeth 634, 636 may be positioned only on the same side of the leg members 602, 604, as shown, for example, in Figures 7-10. In some embodiments, the teeth 634 and 636 can be positioned only on the opposite side of the leg members 602 and 604, as shown in Figure 11. The teeth 634 and 636 can be positioned further outward, as described above, similar to the surgical clip 100.

[0063] In some embodiments, the teeth can be positioned on only one of the leg members 602, 604. For example, the first leg member 602 may include a first tooth 634, while the second leg member 604 may not have teeth. In another example, the first leg member 602 may not have teeth, while the second leg member 604 may include a second tooth 636. In each of the above examples, the teeth 634, 636 can alternately repeat between the sides of the respective leg members 602, 604 as described above.

[0064] Figures 15 and 16 show a seventh embodiment 700 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 700 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 600, which can be similarly represented in Figures 15 and 16. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 600 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 700.

[0065] The surgical clip 700 may include a first leg member 702 and a second leg member 704 connected by a hinge portion 706. The first and second leg members 702, 704 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 702 may include a first inner surface 608 and a first outer surface 710, and the second leg member 704 may include a second inner surface 712 and a second outer surface 714. The first inner surface 708 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 710 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 712 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 714 may have a concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 708 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 710 may extend substantially over the entire length of the first leg member 702. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 712 and / or the concave curvature of the second outer surface 714 may extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 704. The first and second inner surfaces 708, 712 may be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 708, 712 may be substantially smooth. The first leg member 702 may also include opposing sides 738, 740, and the second leg member 704 may include opposing sides 742, 744.

[0066] The second leg member 704 may include an inner portion 762 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 764 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 766 and the second portion 768. The inner portion 762 may have a convex inner surface 770 and a concave outer surface 772. The outer portion 764 may have a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface. The inner portion 762 and the outer portion 764 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 762 and the outer portion 764. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 762 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 764 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 762 and the outer portion 764. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 762 and the outer portion 764. The inner portion 762 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portion, making the inner portion 762 more convex. In some embodiments, the inner portion 762 may have a smaller radius of curvature than the first leg member 602, so that it can be compressed into a closed and / or locked form even in the absence of tissue. The inner portion 762 and / or the outer portion 764 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 702, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 704. The inner portion 762 and the outer portion 764 can be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 778, as described above. The surgical clip 700 may be configured to fix and / or fasten a suture, as further described above.

[0067] The surgical clip 700 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 702 may transition to a hook portion 726 at its distal end 702B, and the second leg member 704 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 728 at its distal end 704B. The leg members 702, 704 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 702 may include bosses 746, 748 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 738, 740, and the second leg member 704 may include bosses 752, 754 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 742, 744. The bosses 746, 748 of the first leg member 702 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 750.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first tooth portion 734 may be a single elongated tooth portion or protrusion on the first leg member 702, and in some embodiments, the first tooth portion 734 may extend between the proximal end 702A and the distal end 702B. The second tooth portion 736 may be a single elongated tooth portion or protrusion on the second leg member 704, and in some embodiments, the second tooth portion 736 may extend between the proximal end 704A and the distal end 704B. The first tooth portion 734 may include first and second flat sides and an inner surface having one or more grooves 738 for improving tissue retention. The teeth portions 734, 736 may be positioned outward, as described above, similar to the surgical clip 100. In some embodiments, only one of the leg members 702, 704 has teeth. For example, the first leg member 702 may have one or more teeth 734 on its side surface, while the second leg member 704 does not have teeth. In another example, the first leg member 702 does not have teeth, and the second leg member 704 may have one or more second teeth 736 on its side surface.

[0069] Figures 17-20 show an eighth embodiment 800 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 800 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-700, which can be similarly represented in Figures 17-20. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-700 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 800.

[0070] As shown in the figure, the surgical clip 800 may include a first leg member 802 and a second leg member 804 connected by a hinge portion 806. The first and second leg members 802, 804 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 802 may include a first inner surface 808 and a first outer surface 810, and the second leg member 804 may include a second inner surface 812 and a second outer surface 814. The first inner surface 808 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 810 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 812 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 814 may have one or more of at least one convex curve and / or at least one concave curve. The concave curve of the first inner surface 808 and / or the convex curve of the first outer surface 810 may extend substantially over the entire length of the first leg member 202. The convex curvature of the second inner surface 812 can extend substantially over the entire length of the second leg member 804. The first and second inner surfaces 808, 812 can be close to or in contact with each other in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 808, 812 can be substantially smooth. The first leg member 802 may also include opposing sides 838, 840, and the second leg member 804 may include opposing sides 842, 844.

[0071] The second leg member 804 may include an inner portion 862 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 864 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 866 and the second portion 868. The inner portion 862 may have a convex inner surface 870 and a concave outer surface 872. The outer portion 864 may have a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. The inner portion 862 and the outer portion 864 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 862 and the outer portion 864. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 862 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 864 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 862 and the outer portion 864. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 862 and the outer portion 864. The inner portion 862 may have a larger radius of curvature than the outer portion 864, causing the inner portion 862 to bend less than the outer portion 864. The greater curvature of the outer portion 864 reduces the constraint on the flexure of the inner portion 864 during closure / locking of the surgical clip 800. The outer surface 814 may have a concave curve at the first and second portions 866, 868 where the inner portion 862 and the outer portion 864 are connected. The inner portion 862 and / or the outer portion 864 may have a thickness less than the thickness of the first leg member 802, increasing the flexibility and / or compressibility of the second leg member 804. The inner portion 862 and the outer portion 864 may be separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 878, as previously described. The surgical clip 800 may be configured to fix and / or fasten sutures, as further described above.

[0072] The surgical clip 800 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 802 may transition to a hook portion 826 at its distal end 802B, and the second leg member 804 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 828 at its distal end 804B. The leg members 802, 804 may further include one or more bosses along their length to engage with the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 802 may include bosses 846, 848 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 838, 840, and the second leg member 804 may include bosses 852, 854 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 842, 844. The bosses 846, 848 of the first leg member 802 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 850.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17-20, the surgical clip 800 may include at least one toothed portion 836 positioned on at least one of the first leg member 802 and the second leg member 804. For example, the second leg member 804 may have at least one toothed portion 836 positioned on the second inner surface 812, and the first leg member may not have any teeth. The at least one toothed portion 836 may be positioned at intervals on at least one side of the second inner surface 812. For example, one or more toothed portions 836 may have sides that extend continuously from or coplanar with one of the sides 842, 844. The second leg member 804 may have a first row of at least one first toothed portion 836 on the first side of the second inner surface 812 and a second row of at least one second toothed portion 836 on the second side of the second inner surface 812. For example, a plurality of first teeth 836 and a plurality of second teeth 836 can be alternately repeated laterally along the length of the inner surface 812 of the second leg member 804. At least one tooth 836 may include an inner surface substantially parallel to and / or substantially flat to the second inner surface 812. As shown in Figure 20, due to a slight curvature of the inner surface 812 along the length of the tooth 836, the tooth 836 may be substantially flat and substantially parallel to the inner surface 812 along at least a portion of the length of the first leg member 802. At least one tooth 836 may further have first and second substantially flat side surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly from the inner surface of the second leg member, for example, one of which is coplanar with one of the side surfaces 842, 844. At least one tooth 836 may also include substantially flat proximal and distal surfaces extending at an angle from the second inner surface 812. The proximal and distal surfaces of the tooth portion 836 can extend at an obtuse angle from the second inner surface 812. For example, in some embodiments as shown in Figures 17-20, the proximal and distal surfaces of the tooth portion 836 can extend at substantially the same obtuse angle to form a shape symmetrical along the longitudinal direction of the tooth portion 836. Thus, the tooth portions 836 can be sufficiently spaced apart in a substantially non-traumatic manner without having acute angles, so that the surgical clip 800 does not cause unnecessary trauma to the tissue and / or pinch tissue between adjacent tooth portions 836.

[0074] The teeth 836 can have similar advantages to the aforementioned "lateral" teeth. The teeth 836 do not hinder the complete closure of the surgical clip and provide more effective occlusion of smaller blood vessels. In this sense, the inner surfaces 808, 812 can be substantially smooth and the teeth 836 can be spaced apart. The teeth 836 can also be made larger and more effective in interacting with tissue. A larger number of teeth 836 can further allow for a reduction in the number of teeth 836. As shown in Figures 17-20, the surgical clip 800 can have two rows of three teeth 836. Thus, the teeth 836 can be easily molded and can avoid interference with the clip applicator. The surgical clip 800 can further provide a low profile that is advantageous in the vertical and lateral directions when in a closed configuration, as shown in Figure 20.

[0075] The first leg member 802 may have at least one longitudinal channel 837 recessed from and adjacent to the first inner surface 808 on one or more of the sides 838, 840, so that the longitudinal channel 837 is defined between one of the sides 838, 840 and the first inner surface 808. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, at least one longitudinal channel 837 may be configured to receive one or more teeth 836 and to approach or contact the inner surfaces 808, 812 with minimal or no gap. In this sense, the first inner surface 808 may be substantially smooth, and the second inner surface 812 extending between the teeth 836 may be substantially smooth. For example, the first longitudinal channel 837 passing through the side 838 may receive a plurality of first teeth, and the second longitudinal channel 837 passing through the side 840 may receive a plurality of second teeth. For example, as shown in the figure, each of the longitudinal channels 837 can be positioned on both sides of the first leg member 802 and configured to receive teeth 836 arranged in a row and spaced apart along the second leg member 804. Thus, the first inner surface 808 can be positioned on the inner surface of an inner rib 860 defined by adjacent longitudinal channels 837. The inner surface of the rib 860 can be continuous with the inner surface 816 of the hinge member 806 and / or the inner surface of the hook portion 826. The first leg member 802 can have a substantially constant thickness between the inner surface 808 and the outer surface 810 along the length including the inner rib 860. The inner rib 860 can be solid and continuously formed on the first leg member 802, without through channels or openings, to facilitate the manufacture (e.g., molding) of such small parts. The inner rib 860 can extend substantially along the entire length of the first leg member 802. Therefore, the first and second longitudinal channels 837 can be separate and not connected to each other. As shown in Figure 20, the inner rib 860 can be received between the rows of teeth 836 in the closed configuration.

[0076] In some alternative embodiments, one or more teeth 836 can be positioned on the first leg member 802, and at least one longitudinal channel 837 can be positioned on the first leg member 804. In some further embodiments, each of the first and second leg members 802, 804 may include one or more teeth 836 and at least one longitudinal channel 837. For example, the first inner surface 808 may have a row of one or more teeth 836 on a first side and a longitudinal channel 837 on a second side, and the second inner surface 812 may have a longitudinal channel 837 on a first side and a row of one or more teeth 836 on a second side. Thus, each of the longitudinal channels 837 can receive one or more teeth 836 on the opposing leg member.

[0077] Figures 21-23 show side views of additional embodiments 900-1100 of the surgical clips of the present invention. The surgical clips 900-1100 may include one or more compression members 990, 1092, 1194 extending between the inner and outer portions. The compression members 990, 1092, 1194 can provide additional flexibility to the surgical clip without substantially reducing its overall compressive strength. In some applications, the strength of the surgical clip may vary depending on how much material it closes. For example, if the gap between the inner and outer portions is not sufficiently compressed, the surgical clip may have reduced compressive strength. The compression members 990, 1092, 1194 can be configured to improve the compressive load distribution between the inner and outer portions while maintaining flexibility and accommodating the complex deformations the surgical clip undergoes to close and / or lock. The compression members 990, 1092, and 1194 are elastic and support the inner portion, ensuring sufficient compression over the length of the surgical clip. Although the first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 6, one or more embodiments of the compression members 900, 1092, and 1194 can be applied to any of the embodiments of the surgical clips 100 to 1100 of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 21 shows a ninth embodiment 900 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 900 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 800, which can be similarly represented in Figure 21. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 800 may not be described with respect to the surgical clip 900.

[0079] As shown in the figure, the surgical clip 900 may include a first leg member 902 and a second leg member 904 connected by a hinge portion 906. The first and second leg members 902, 904 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 902 may include a first inner surface 908 and a first outer surface 910, and the second leg member 904 may include a second inner surface 912 and a second outer surface 914. The first inner surface 908 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 910 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 912 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 914 may have one or more of at least one convex curve and / or at least one concave curve. The first and second inner surfaces 908, 912 may be close to or in contact in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 908, 912 may be substantially smooth.

[0080] The second leg member 904 may include an inner portion 962 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 964 (e.g., an outer rib) integrally connected by the first portion 966 and the second portion 968. The inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 962 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 964 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. The inner portion 962 may have a substantially continuous radius of curvature without inflection points, and the outer portion 964 may have a variable radius of curvature with at least one inflection point. The variable radius of curvature of the outer portion can provide variable height and vertical stability when positioned within the supply channel 12 of the surgical clip applicator 10, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the proximal portion 974 of the outer portion 964 may have a greater height than the distal portion 976 of the outer portion 964. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 974 may include a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and the distal portion 976 may include a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface. The concave outer surface of the distal portion 976 can provide a smooth transition with the distal portion to reduce irregular stress concentration. The convex outer surface of the proximal portion 974 may protrude vertically to provide a contact point with the walls 14, 16 of the supply channel 12, thereby reducing the vertical movement of the proximal end of the surgical clip 900 relative to the clip applicator 10. Additional contact points may include the outer surface 910 of the first leg member 902, the bosses 946, 948, and 950 of the first leg member 902, and / or the bosses 952 and 954 of the second leg member 904. The improved vertical stability of the surgical clip 900 reliably eliminates the need for stabilizing fingers on the pusher member of the clip applicator 10 and / or proper loading of the surgical clip 900 into the jaws of the clip applicator 10.

[0081] The surgical clip may further include one or more compression members 990 extending between the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. As shown in the figure, the compression member 990 may comprise a single curved member integrally formed with the outer surface of the inner portion 962 and the inner surface of the outer portion 964. However, the compression member 990 may be integrally formed with only one of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964 and be in removable contact with the other of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. The compression member 990 may extend through a channel 978 between the distal portion of the inner portion 962 and the proximal portion of the outer portion 964. For example, the compression member 990 may be connected to or in contact with the convex inner surface of the proximal portion 974 of the outer portion 964. When the surgical clip 900 is compressed, the compression member 990 straightens out and engages with the increasing surface area of ​​the inner portion 962 and / or the outer portion 964, allowing the compressive load to be distributed.

[0082] The surgical clip 900 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 902 may transition to a hook portion 926 at its distal end, and the second leg member 904 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 928 at its distal end. The leg members 902, 904 may further include one or more bosses along their length for engaging with the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 902 may include bosses 946, 948 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 938, 940, and the second leg member 904 may include bosses 952, 954 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 942, 944. The bosses 946, 948 of the first leg member 902 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 950. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 21, the surgical clip 900 may include at least one first tooth 934 positioned on a first leg member 902 and at least one second tooth 936 positioned on a second leg member 904. The teeth 934, 936 can be substantially rigid so as not to flex substantially when engaging with tissue. The teeth 934, 936 can be positioned laterally relative to the surgical clip 900, as described herein.

[0083] Figure 22 shows a tenth embodiment 1000 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 1000 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-900, which can be similarly represented in Figure 22. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100-900 may not be described in relation to the surgical clip 1000.

[0084] As shown in the figure, the surgical clip 1000 may include a first leg member 1002 and a second leg member 1004 connected by a hinge portion 1006. The first and second leg members 1002, 1004 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 1002 may include a first inner surface 1008 and a first outer surface 1010, and the second leg member 1004 may include a second inner surface 1012 and a second outer surface 1014. The first inner surface 1008 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 1010 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 1012 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 1014 may have one or more of at least one convex curve and / or at least one concave curve. The first and second inner surfaces 1008, 1012 may be close to or in contact in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 1008 and 1012 can be substantially smooth.

[0085] The second leg member 1004 may include an inner portion 1062 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 1064 (e.g., an outer rib) separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 1078 and integrally connected by the first portion 1066 and the second portion 1068. The inner portion 1062 and the outer portion 1064 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 1062 and the outer portion 1064. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 1062 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 1064 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 1062 and the outer portion 1064. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 1062 and the outer portion 1064. The inner portion 1062 may have a substantially continuous radius of curvature without inflection points, while the outer portion 1064 may have a variable radius of curvature with at least one inflection point. The variable radius of curvature of the outer portion can provide variable height and vertical stability when positioned within the supply channel 12 of the surgical clip applicator 10, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the proximal portion 1074 of the outer portion 1064 may have a greater height than the distal portion 1076 of the outer portion 1064. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1074 may include a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and the distal portion 1076 may include a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface. The concave outer surface of the distal portion 1076 can provide a smooth transition with the distal portion to reduce irregular stress concentration. The convex outer surface of the proximal portion 1074 can protrude vertically to provide contact points with the walls 14, 16 of the supply channel 12, thereby reducing the vertical movement of the proximal end of the surgical clip 1000 relative to the clip applicator 10. Additional contact points may include the outer surface 1010 of the first leg member 1002, the bosses 1046, 1048, and 1050 of the first leg member 1002, and / or the bosses 1052, 1054 of the second leg member 1004.By improving the vertical stability of the surgical clip 1000, it becomes possible to reliably eliminate the need for stabilizing fingers on the pusher member of the clip applicator 10 and / or proper loading of the surgical clip 1000 into the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10.

[0086] The surgical clip may further include one or more compression members 1092 extending between the inner portion 1062 and the outer portion 1064. As shown in the figure, the compression member 1092 may comprise a plurality of curved members integrally formed with at least one of the outer surface of the inner portion 1062 and the inner surface of the outer portion 1064. The compression member 1092 may extend distally from a plurality of positions on the outer surface of the inner portion 1062 through the channel 978. When the surgical clip 1000 is compressed, the compression member 1092 straightens out and engages with the increasing surface area of ​​the inner portion 1062 and / or the outer portion 1064, allowing the compressive load to be distributed along the length of the inner portion 1062.

[0087] The surgical clip 1000 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 1002 may transition to a hook portion 1026 at its distal end, and the second leg member 1004 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 1028 at its distal end. The leg members 1002, 1004 may further include one or more bosses along their length for engaging with the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 902 may include bosses 1046, 1048 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 1038, 1040, and the second leg member 1004 may include bosses 1052, 1054 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 1042, 1044. The bosses 1046, 1048 of the first leg member 1002 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 1050. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 22, the surgical clip 1000 may include at least one first tooth 1034 positioned on the first leg member 1002 and at least one second tooth 1036 positioned on the second leg member 1004. The teeth 1034, 1036 can be substantially rigid so as not to flex substantially when engaging with tissue. The teeth 1034, 1036 can be positioned laterally relative to the surgical clip 1000, as described herein.

[0088] Figure 23 shows an eleventh embodiment 1100 of the surgical clip of the present invention. The surgical clip 1100 may include one or more features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 1000, which can be similarly represented in Figure 23. For brevity, features similar to those of at least one of the surgical clips 100 to 1000 may not be described in relation to the surgical clip 1100.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the surgical clip 1100 may include a first leg member 1102 and a second leg member 1104 connected by a hinge portion 1106. The first and second leg members 1102, 1104 may include surfaces having curved portions. For example, the first leg member 1102 may include a first inner surface 1108 and a first outer surface 1110, and the second leg member 1104 may include a second inner surface 1112 and a second outer surface 1114. The first inner surface 1108 may have a concave curve, and the first outer surface 1110 may have a convex curve. The second inner surface 1112 may have a convex curve, and the second outer surface 1114 may have one or more of at least one convex curve and / or at least one concave curve. The first and second inner surfaces 1108, 1112 may be close to or in contact in the closed configuration. The first and second inner surfaces 1108 and 1112 can be substantially smooth.

[0090] The second leg member 1104 may include an inner portion 1162 (e.g., an inner rib) and an outer portion 1164 (e.g., an outer rib) separated by at least one transverse opening or channel 1178 and integrally connected by the first portion 1166 and the second portion 1168. The inner portion 1162 and the outer portion 1164 may have different radii of curvature between adjacent corresponding points along the length of the inner portion 1162 and the outer portion 1164. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature of the inner portion 962 and the second radius of curvature of the outer portion 964 may differ over at least half the length of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. In some embodiments, the first and second radii of curvature may differ over substantially the entire length of the inner portion 962 and the outer portion 964. The inner portion 1162 may have a substantially continuous radius of curvature without inflection points, while the outer portion 1164 may have a variable radius of curvature with at least one inflection point. The variable radius of curvature of the outer portion can provide variable height and vertical stability when positioned within the supply channel 12 of the surgical clip applicator 10, as shown in Figure 5. For example, the proximal portion 1174 of the outer portion 1164 may have a greater height than the distal portion 1176 of the outer portion 1164. In some embodiments, the proximal portion 1174 may include a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, and the distal portion 1176 may include a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface. The concave outer surface of the distal portion 1176 can provide a smooth transition with the distal portion to reduce irregular stress concentration. The convex outer surface of the proximal portion 1174 can protrude vertically to provide contact points with the walls 14, 16 of the supply channel 12, thereby reducing the vertical movement of the proximal end of the surgical clip 1100 relative to the clip applicator 10. Additional contact points may include the outer surface 1110 of the first leg member 1102, the bosses 1146, 1148, and 1150 of the first leg member 1102, and / or the bosses 1152, 1154 of the second leg member 1104.The improved vertical stability of the surgical clip 1100 makes it possible to reliably eliminate the need for stabilizing fingers on the pusher member of the clip applicator 10 and / or proper loading of the surgical clip 1100 into the jaw portion of the clip applicator 10.

[0091] The surgical clip may further include one or more compression members 1192 extending between the inner portion 1162 and the outer portion 1164. As shown in the figure, the compression member 1194 may comprise a plurality of hook members formed integrally with at least one of the outer surface of the inner portion 1162 and the inner surface of the outer portion 1164. The compression member 1194 may extend distally from a plurality of positions on the outer surface of the inner portion 962 through a channel 1178. When the surgical clip 1100 is compressed, the compression member 1194 flattens and engages with the increasing surface area of ​​the inner portion 1162 and / or the outer portion 1164, allowing the compressive load to be distributed along the length of the inner portion 1162.

[0092] The surgical clip 1100 may also include a locking mechanism having one or more locking elements. For example, the first leg member 1102 may transition to a hook portion 1126 at its distal end, and the second leg member 1104 may transition to a complementary grooved pointed tip portion 1128 at its distal end. The leg members 1102, 1104 may further include one or more bosses along their length for engaging with the clip applicator 10. For example, the first leg member 1102 may include bosses 1146, 1148 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 1138, 1140, and the second leg member 1104 may include bosses 1152, 1154 projecting perpendicularly to each of the opposing sides 1142, 1144. The bosses 1146, 1148 of the first leg member 1102 may be connected to each other in the bridge section 1150. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 23, the surgical clip 1100 may include at least one first tooth 1134 positioned on the first leg member 1102 and at least one second tooth 1136 positioned on the second leg member 1104. The teeth 1134, 1136 can be substantially rigid so as not to flex substantially when engaging with tissue. The teeth 1134, 1136 can be positioned laterally relative to the surgical clip 1100, as described herein.

[0093] Various embodiments of the surgical clip of the present invention can be manufactured in any suitable size and can be applied to several tissues, such as blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, cystic ducts, or cardiac tissue. Various embodiments of the surgical clip can be constructed from any suitable biocompatible material, such as certain metals and polymers. However, the present invention is particularly well suited to implementation in polymer clips. Therefore, various embodiments of the surgical clip preferably comprise a one-piece polymer body formed from a biocompatible engineering plastic of appropriate strength, such as the type commonly used in surgical implants. Exemplary materials include homopolymers or copolymer polyacetals, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene, or other thermoplastic materials with similar properties that can be processed into similar articles by injection molding, extrusion molding, or other methods.

[0094] Many of the features and advantages of the present invention are evident from the detailed description, and therefore the appended claims shall encompass all such features and advantages of the present invention that are in the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and variations will be readily conceivable to those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the present invention to the exact structure and operation illustrated and described, and therefore all suitable modifications and equivalents may be used in the present invention and are within its scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 800 Surgical Clips 800A proximal end 802 First leg member 802B Distal end 804 Second leg member 804A Proximal end 804B Distal end 806 Hinge section 808 The First Inner Self 810 First outer surface 812 The Second Inner Self 814 Second outer surface 816 Inner surface of the hinge 818 Outer surface of the hinge 820 curved slots 826 Hook part 828 Complementary grooved, pointed tip 830 Transverse inclined surface 832 Locking recess 836 Dental Department 837 Longitudinal Channel 838 Side view 840 Side view 842 Side view 844 Side view 846 Boss 850 Bridge Section 852 Boss 854 Boss 860 Inner Rib 862 Inner part 864 Outer part 866 Part 1 868 Part 2 870 Convex inner surface 872 Concave outer surface 878 Transverse opening or channel

Claims

1. A first leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the first leg member has a concave curvature, A second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the second leg member has a convex curve, At least one first tooth extending from the first side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member, The first leg member comprises a first channel defined between the first side surface and the inner surface, A surgical clip in which the first and second leg members are configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, the at least one first tooth portion is received within the first channel.

2. At least one second tooth extending from the second side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member, The present invention further comprises a second channel defined between the second side surface and the inner surface of the first leg member, The surgical clip according to claim 1, wherein in the closed configuration, at least one second tooth portion is received within the second channel.

3. The surgical clip according to claim 2, further comprising a solid rib extending between the first channel and the second channel, the solid rib being received between the at least one first tooth portion and the at least one second tooth portion in the closed configuration.

4. The surgical clip according to claim 3, wherein the solid rib is formed continuously with the first leg member without any through-channels or openings.

5. The at least one first tooth portion is, A virtually flat interior, The first and second substantially flat surfaces, A substantially flat proximal surface, The distal surface is practically flat, A surgical clip according to claim 1, comprising:

6. The surgical clip according to claim 5, wherein the first side surface of the at least one first tooth portion is coplanar with the first side surface of the second leg member.

7. The surgical clip according to claim 5, wherein the proximal and distal surfaces of the at least one first tooth portion extend at an obtuse angle from the inner surface of the second leg member.

8. The surgical clip according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first tooth portion comprises a plurality of teeth arranged in a row and spaced apart along the inner surface of the second leg member.

9. The surgical clip according to claim 1, wherein the first leg member does not have teeth.

10. A hook member extending from the distal end of the first leg member, A tip member extending from the distal end of the second leg member, Furthermore, The surgical clip according to claim 1, wherein the hook member is configured to bend around the tip member in the closed state to secure the surgical clip.

11. At least one boss member extending from the first side surface of the first leg member, At least one boss member extending from the first side surface of the second leg member, The surgical clip according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

12. The surgical clip according to claim 1, wherein the surgical clip is integrally molded from a polymer material.

13. The surgical clip according to claim 1, wherein the second leg member has an inner portion and an outer portion separated by a transverse channel, the inner portion at least partially forms the inner surface of the second leg member and has a first curvature, and the outer portion has a second radius of curvature, the second radius of curvature being different from the first radius of curvature.

14. A first leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the first leg member has a concave curvature, A second leg member having an inner surface, an outer surface, and first and second side surfaces, wherein the inner surface of the second leg member has a convex curve, At least one first tooth extending from the first side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member, At least one second tooth extending from the second side edge of the inner surface of the second leg member, A first channel is defined between the first side surface and the inner surface of the first leg member, A second channel is defined between the second side surface and the inner surface of the first leg member, A solid rib extending between the first channel and the second channel, Equipped with, A surgical clip in which the first and second leg members are configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and in the closed configuration, the at least one first tooth portion is received in the first channel, the at least one second tooth portion is received in the second channel, and the solid rib is received between the at least one first tooth portion and the at least one second tooth portion.

15. The surgical clip according to claim 14, wherein the solid rib is formed continuously with the first leg member without any through-channels or openings.

16. The at least one first tooth portion and the at least one second tooth portion each, A virtually flat interior, The first and second substantially flat surfaces, A substantially flat proximal surface, The distal surface is practically flat, The surgical clip according to claim 14, comprising:

17. A hook member extending from the distal end of the first leg member, A tip member extending from the distal end of the second leg member, Furthermore, The surgical clip according to claim 14, wherein the hook member is configured to bend around the tip member in the closed state to secure the surgical clip.

18. At least one boss member extending from the first side surface of the first leg member, At least one boss member extending from the first side surface of the second leg member, The surgical clip according to claim 14, further comprising the above.

19. The surgical clip according to claim 14, wherein the surgical clip is integrally molded from a polymer material.

20. The surgical clip according to claim 14, wherein the at least one first tooth portion comprises a plurality of first teeth arranged spaced apart in a first row along the inner surface of the second leg member, and the at least one second tooth portion comprises a plurality of second teeth arranged spaced apart in a second row along the inner surface of the second leg member.

Images