Clip applier with stabilizing member

Abstract

To improve stability of a surgical clip in a clip applier.SOLUTION: A clip applier may be configured for use of a surgical clip. The clip applier may include first and second jaw members configured to engage the surgical clip, an actuating member configured to pivot at least one of the first and second jaw members between an open state and a closed state, and a stabilizing member configured to engage the surgical clip. The stabilizing member moves along a longitudinal direction of the clip applier from a distal position at least partially between the first and second jaw members to a proximal position at least partially between the first and second jaw members. The movement of the stabilizing member between the distal position and the proximal position may be actuated by at least one of the first jaw member, the second jaw member and the actuating member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 737,043, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to clip appliers and, more particularly, to clip appliers with stabilizing members configured to stabilize a surgical clip. [Background technology]

[0002] Ligation of tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, cardiac tissue) is a common practice for many surgical procedures. This is performed by closing the vessel with a surgical clip or by suturing the vessel with surgical thread. When using surgical thread, complex manipulation of needles and threads is required to secure the vessel. Such complex manipulations are time consuming and particularly difficult to perform in endoscopic surgery, which is characterized by limited space and visibility. In contrast, surgical clips are relatively quick and easy to use. Thus, the use of surgical clips in endoscopic and open surgery has grown dramatically. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present inventors have recognized a need for improving one or more features of a clip applier, such as the stability of the surgical clip of the clip applier. Surgical clips are often used with clip appliers that include a pair of opposing jars. Recently, clip appliers have become available that secure the clip with two contact points, such as clip appliers in which the opposing jars engage bosses on the distal end of the surgical clip. However, two contact points do not adequately stabilize the surgical clip, as the surgical clip may become misaligned or dislodged from the clip applier during surgery. The methods and systems of the present disclosure are directed to alleviating or resolving the above-mentioned and other problems in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a clip applier configured for applying a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier has first and second jar members configured to engage a surgical clip, an actuation member for pivoting at least one of the first and second jar members between an open and a closed condition, and a stabilization member for engaging the surgical clip. The stabilization member is configured to move along a length of the clip applier from a distal position at least partially between the first and second jar members to a proximal position at least partially between the first and second jar members. Movement of the stabilization member between the distal and proximal positions is actuated by at least one of the first and second jar members and the actuation member.

[0005] In embodiments, the stabilizing member is configured to disengage from the surgical clip when the stabilizing member is in the proximal position. In an embodiment, the stabilizing member includes at least one slot, and at least one of the first jar member and the second jar member includes a pin received in the at least one slot, and further, the pin slides along the slot to actuate the stabilizing member. In embodiments, at least one slot is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the clip applier. In an embodiment, the at least one slot comprises a first slot and a second slot, and further, each of the first jar member and the second jar member comprises a pin. In an embodiment, the actuation member is attached directly to a proximal portion of the stabilization member. In embodiments, the stabilizing member is configured to laterally stabilize a proximal portion of the surgical clip. In embodiments, the stabilizing member includes a first wall and a second wall at a distal portion, the first wall and second wall configured to receive a proximal portion of a surgical clip therebetween. In an embodiment, the first jar member includes a first inner channel, the second jar member includes a second inner channel, and the stabilizing member is received in the first inner channel and the second inner channel in the closed configuration. In embodiments, the clip applier further includes a linkage connecting the actuation member and the first and second jaw members. In an embodiment, the actuation member comprises an actuation rod. In an embodiment, the first jar member is configured to engage a distal portion of a first leg member of the surgical clip, the second jar member is configured to engage a distal portion of a second leg member of the surgical clip, and the stabilizing member is configured to engage a proximal portion of the surgical clip. In embodiments, the stabilization member is constrained to move longitudinally between a distal position and a proximal position. In an embodiment, actuation of the actuation member, swinging of at least one of the first and second jar members to the closed position, and movement of the stabilizing member from the distal position to the proximal position are performed simultaneously.

[0006] A second aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a surgical clip to tissue using a clip applier. The method includes the steps of receiving a surgical clip between first and second jar members of the clip applier and engaging a proximal portion of the surgical clip with a stabilizing member at a distal position at least partially between the first and second jar members. The method further includes moving an actuation member to swing at least one of the first and second jar members to a closed condition to close the surgical clip, and actuating the first and / or second jar members and / or the actuation member to move the stabilizing member from the distal position to a proximal position at least partially between the first and second jar members.

[0007] In embodiments, the method further includes disengaging the surgical clip from the stabilizing member when the stabilizing member is in the proximal position. In an embodiment, the method further includes sliding a pin on at least one of the first jar member and the second jar member along a slot in the stabilizing member to actuate the stabilizing member. In an embodiment, the step of moving the stabilizing member is actuated by direct contact with an actuation member. In embodiments, the method further includes receiving a proximal portion of the surgical clip between the first wall and the second wall of the stabilizing member to stabilize the proximal portion of the surgical clip. In an embodiment, the method further includes actuating a linkage with an actuation member to pivot at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member. In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a stabilizing member within the first inner channel of the first jar member and receiving a stabilizing member within the second inner channel of the second jar member in the closed configuration. In an embodiment, the method further comprises engaging a distal portion of the first leg member with the first jar member and engaging a distal portion of the second leg member with the second jar member. In embodiments, the step of moving the stabilization member includes constraining longitudinal movement between the distal and proximal positions. In an embodiment, the steps of moving the actuation member, swinging at least one of the first jar member and the second jar member to the closed position, and moving the stabilizing member from the distal position to the proximal position are performed simultaneously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a manual clip applier of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a distal end effector of the clip applier of FIG. 1; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 in an open state with a surgical clip; [Diagram 5] 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a distal end effector of the manual clip applier of FIG. 1 in an open state with a surgical clip. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 1 in an open state with a surgical clip. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 6 in a closed state with a surgical clip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Like parts are designated by like numerals throughout the specification. In accordance with conventional practice, and unless otherwise stated, the term "proximal" refers to the relative location of a device or part closer to the medical practitioner manipulating the device. The term "distal" refers to the relative location of a device or part further from the medical practitioner manipulating the device. The term "vertical" with respect to a clip applier refers to the relative orientation of the clip applier that is parallel to or along a plane extending uniformly between both jar members or similar parts. The term "longitudinal" with respect to a clip applier or part refers to the relative orientation along the major axis or length of the clip applier or part. The term "transverse" with respect to a clip applier or part refers to the relative orientation parallel to or along a plane extending perpendicularly between a first jar member and a second jar member or similar part.

[0010] The present invention relates to a manual clip applier configured to increase stability of a surgical clip during the performance of a medical procedure. The manual clip applier includes a stabilizing member disposed between a first jar member and a second jar member. The stabilizing member, the first jar member, and the second jar member contact the clip applier at at least three points to prevent relative movement of the surgical clip during a medical procedure. The stabilizing member includes a plurality of vertical walls extending from a distal portion configured to receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip and to laterally stabilize the surgical clip. The vertical walls extend from the distal portion of the stabilizing member on opposite sides to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. The vertical walls stabilize the surgical clip while preventing fish-tailing when the surgical clip is used, manipulated, and / or delivered to tissue (e.g., to ligate a blood vessel). The stabilizing member further includes lateral protrusions extending between the vertical walls and configured to reduce vertical movement.

[0011] The stabilizing member is configured to move longitudinally between a first distal position and a second proximal position such that the stabilizing member provides a sufficient distal stabilizing force when a surgical clip is received between the first and second jaw members of the clip applier while a load is applied to the distal end of the manual clip applier from the clip cartridge. Because the stabilizing member pushes the surgical clip back longitudinally toward a proximal position when the surgical clip is compressed, the stabilizing member does not interfere with the stretching of the surgical clip when the surgical clip compresses and / or releases after the surgical clip closes / latches against tissue. The stabilizing member is adapted for direct drive movement by at least one of the first jar member, the second jar member, and an actuation member (eg, an actuation rod) that actuates the first and second jar members. The stabilizing member is actuated independently of the surgical clip such that the stabilizing member is capable of longitudinal movement when the clip applier is unloaded and no surgical clip is attached. The stabilizing member is movable based on movement of at least one of the first jar member, the second jar member, and the actuation member such that the stabilizing member is movable between a proximal position and a distal position when the first and second jar members are open and closed. For example, in an embodiment, the stabilizing member includes angled slots for receiving pins from the first and second jar members such that the angled slots directly push the stabilizing member back when the jar members are swung closed and the stabilizing member is pushed out when the jar members are swung open. In an embodiment, the distal end of the actuation member is directly coupled to the proximal end of the stabilizing member, such that the stabilizing member is pushed back when the jar member closes and pushed out when the jar member opens. In an embodiment, the distal end of the actuating member is integrally attached to the proximal end of the stabilizing member, such that actuation and pushing back of the actuating member, pivoting of at least one of the first and second jar members to a closed state, and movement of the stabilizing member from a distal position to a proximal position are performed simultaneously when a surgical clip is not being attached. When the first and second jar members are pivoted to an open state, e.g., when a second surgical clip is being attached, the opposite actions to those described above are performed simultaneously.

[0012] 1 illustrates a manual clip applier 10 according to the present disclosure. The clip applier 10 has a distal end effector including a jar mechanism 20 at a distal end of an elongate shaft 30 and a handle mechanism 40 at a proximal end of the elongate shaft 30. The jar mechanism 20 includes a first jar member 22, a second jar member 24, and a stabilizing member 26 disposed between the first jar member 22 and the second jar member 24. The jar mechanism 20 is adapted to be actuated by the handle mechanism 40 via an actuation member 32 extending through the elongate shaft 30. The handle mechanism 40 includes a first handle member 42 and a second handle member 44. For example, the proximal end of the elongated shaft 30 is attached to a first handle member 42 and the proximal end of the actuating member 32 is attached to a second hand member 44 such that relative movement or pivoting movement of the handle members 42, 44 causes the actuating member 32 to move relative to one another to actuate the jar mechanism 20. The jar mechanism 20 is removably attached to the handle mechanism 40 and elongate shaft 30 for cleaning. For example, a pin on the distal end effector is adapted to be received in a slot in the distal end of the elongate shaft 30. The operation of the first jar member 22, the second jar member 24 and the stabilizing member 26 are described in the following embodiments.

[0013] 2-5 show a first embodiment 100 of the distal end effector of the manual clip applier 10 of FIG. 1. The clip applier 100 is configured to use a surgical clip 50 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The clip applier 100 includes a first jar member 102, a second jar member 104, a stabilizing member 106, a shaft 108, and a handle mechanism (see FIG. 1). The handle mechanism is actuated to pull and / or push an actuation member (e.g., an actuation rod) 110 within the shaft 108 to pivot the first and second jar members 102, 104 between an open position (see FIG. 4) and a closed position (see FIG. 5). The first and second jar members 102, 104 are adapted to pivot the first and second leg members 52, 54 about the hinge portion 56 to compress the surgical clip 50.

[0014] The first and second jar members 102, 104 are pivotally coupled by a hinge mechanism 112 including a pivot pin 118 on the distal portion 109 of the shaft 108. The first and second jar members 102, 104 are adapted to receive a surgical clip 50 between them, and the first and second jar members 102, 104 are further adapted to stabilize the surgical clip 50 at contact points on the distal portions of the first and second leg members 52, 54. For example, as shown in Figures 2-5, the first and second jar members 102, 104 include distal portions with one or more grooves 114 that are adapted to receive one or more bosses 58 on the distal portions of the first and second leg members 52, 54. Each of the first and second jar members 102 , 104 further includes a longitudinal channel 116 configured to receive a surgical clip 50 and / or a stabilizing member 106 .

[0015] The stabilizing member 106 is adapted to be received between the first and second jaw members 102, 104 to further stabilize the surgical clip 50. The stabilizing member 106 has an elongate body with a distal portion 120 that receives and / or engages a proximal portion (e.g., hinge portion 56) of the surgical clip 50. The distal portion 120 includes vertical walls or protrusions 122 that extend from the elongate body distal portion 120 on opposite sides of the stabilizing member 106. For example, the vertical walls 122 are integral with, welded to, and / or secured to opposite sides of the elongate body of the stabilizing member 106 such that the width defined by the vertical walls 122 is greater than the width of the remaining length of the stabilizing member 106. The vertical walls 122 form a channel 124 therebetween configured to receive a proximal portion (e.g., hinge portion 56) of the surgical clip 50, reducing lateral movement of the surgical clip 50. The vertical walls 122 are substantially parallel and do not extend beyond the overall height of the distal portion 120. The distal portion 120 further includes a lateral protrusion (not shown) extending laterally between the vertical walls 122 for engaging a proximal portion of the surgical clip 50. The distal portion 120 receives, grasps, and / or stabilizes the surgical clip 50 laterally and / or vertically when positioned between the first and second jar members 102, 104. An embodiment of the distal portion 120 of the stabilizing member 106 is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0271534, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0016] The stabilizing members 106 are symmetrically positioned between the first and second jar members 102, 104. The positioning of the stabilizing members 106 allows a user to remove the surgical clip 50 from a clip cartridge (not shown) of the clip applier 100 from either of two opposing directions. For example, the first jar member 102 engages one of the first leg member 52 or the second leg member 54 of the surgical clip 50, and the second jar member 104 engages the other of the first leg member 52 or the second leg member 54 of the surgical clip 50. The three-point engagement between the clip applier 100 and the surgical clip 50 increases the security of the surgical clip 50. Two points of contact occur on the surgical clip 50 at the distal faces of the first and second leg members 52, 54, and a third point of contact occurs at a proximal portion of the surgical clip 50 (e.g., at the hinge portion 56). The surgical clip 50 is capable of remaining positively engaged between the first and second jar members 102, 104 even when subjected to an external force.

[0017] 4 and 5, the first and second jar members 102, 104 are configured to compress the surgical clip 50 by exerting opposing forces on the first and second leg members 52, 54. In the clip applier 100, the surgical clip 50 is initially loaded from a clip cartridge (not shown) such that when the stabilizing member 106 is in a distal position, the first and second jar members 102, 104 engage distal portions of the leg members 52, 54 (e.g., surgical clip bosses engaged in grooves 114) and the hinge portion 56 is received between the vertical walls 122 of the stabilizing member 106. When the handle mechanism is operated, the actuating member 110 coupled to the first and second jar members 102, 104 via the link mechanism 140 received in the distal portion 109 of the shaft 108 is pulled back. For example, the first link 142 has a first end swingably coupled to the actuating member 110 and a second end swingably coupled to the proximal end of the first jar member 102. The second link 144 has a first end swingably coupled to the actuating member 110 and a second end swingably coupled to the proximal end of the second jar member 104. A proximal portion of the hinge mechanism 112 is attached to the link mechanism 140, and the first and second jar members 102, 104 swing toward the closed state by pulling back the actuating member 110. The distal portion 109 opens and widens relative to the proximal portion of the shaft 108 so that the distal portion 109 can receive the proximal ends of the jar members 102 , 104 which have been pivoted about the pivot pin 118 .

[0018] As the first and second jar members 102, 104 swing, the stabilizing member 106 is configured to move longitudinally between a first distal position (first position) at least partially between the first and second jar members 102, 104 (see FIG. 4) and a second proximal position (second position) at least partially between the first and second jar members 102, 104 (see FIG. 5). The stabilizing member 106 is constrained to longitudinal movement between the first and second positions. The elongated body of the stabilizing member 106 is adapted to be received in the longitudinal channel 116 of the first jar member 102 and / or the second jar member 104 in the first position and / or the second position to allow unhindered swinging of the first and second jar members 102, 104. After the surgical clip 50 is compressed, the first and second jar members 102, 104 swing toward the open position and the stabilizing member 106 returns to the first distal position to engage a second surgical clip 50 from the cartridge.

[0019] 4 and 5, the stabilizing member 106 is adapted to be directly actuated by pivoting of the first and second jar members 102, 104. For example, the stabilizing member 106 may include one or more slots 126 that slidably receive pins 128 of one or more of the jar members 102, 104. In this manner, when the jar members 102, 104 are in an open position, the pins 128 are in a proximal position within the slots 126 and the stabilizing member 106 is in a distal position adapted to engage a surgical clip 50 (see FIG. 4). As the jar members 102, 104 swing toward the closed position, the pin 128 slides through the slot 126 to a distal position where the jar members 102, 104 are closed and the stabilizing member 106 is in a proximal position and disengaged from the surgical clip 50 (see FIG. 5). 4 and 5, the stabilizing member 106 includes first and second slots 126 that receive pins 128 from each of the first and second jar members 102, 104, thereby allowing both the first and second jar members 102, 104 to pivot relative to the shaft 108. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the stabilizing member 106 includes a single slot 106, in which case it may be desirable for only one of the first and second jar members 102, 104 to pivot. The slot 126 is linearly inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the clip applier 100 such that the pin 128 moves longitudinally and vertically through the slot 126 simultaneously. Thus, the stabilizing member 106 is pushed back longitudinally while the first and second jar members 102, 104 swing towards each other. The slot 126 is preferably linear / straight, but may be curved to allow for simultaneous swinging of the jar members 102, 104 and longitudinal movement of the stabilizing member 106.

[0020] The stabilizing member 106 is stabilized vertically and / or laterally by an extension 130. The extension 130 is integral with the stabilizing member 106, extends proximally, and engages a longitudinal slot 132 in the distal portion 109 of the shaft 108. The extension 130 slides longitudinally through the longitudinal slot 132 during actuation while preventing lateral and / or vertical play / movement of the extension 130. In this manner, the stabilizing member 106 is allowed to move longitudinally relative to the pins 128 of the first and second jar members 102, 104 without substantial rotation or play.

[0021] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment 200 of the distal end effector of the manual clip applier 10 shown in Figure 1. The clip applier 200 is configured for use with surgical clips 50. The clip applier 200 includes a first jar member 202, a second jar member 204, a stabilizing member 206, a shaft 208, and a handle mechanism (shown in Figure 1). The handle mechanism is actuated to pull and / or push an actuating member (e.g., actuating rod) 210 within shaft 208 to cause first and second jar members 202, 204 to pivot between an open position (see FIG. 6) and a closed position (see FIG. 7). First and second jar members 202, 204 are adapted to pivot first and second leg members 52, 54 about hinge portion 56 to compress surgical clip 50.

[0022] The first and second jar members 202, 204 are pivotally coupled by a hinge mechanism 212 that includes a pivot pin 218 on a distal portion 209 of the shaft 208. The first and second jar members 202, 204 are adapted to receive a surgical clip 50 between them, and the first and second jar members 202, 204 are further adapted to stabilize the surgical clip 50 at points of contact on the distal portions of the first and second leg members 52, 54. For example, as shown in Figures 2-5, the first and second jar members 202, 204 include distal portions with one or more grooves 214 that are adapted to receive one or more bosses 58 on the distal portions of the first and second leg members 52, 54. Each of the first and second jar members 202 , 204 further includes a longitudinal channel 216 configured to receive a surgical clip 50 and / or a stabilizing member 206 .

[0023] The stabilizing member 206 is adapted to be received between the first and second jaw members 202, 204 to further stabilize the surgical clip 50. The stabilizing member 206 has an elongate body with a distal portion 220 that receives and / or engages a proximal portion (e.g., hinge portion 56) of the surgical clip 50. The distal portion 220 includes vertical walls or protrusions 222 that extend from the elongate body distal portion 220 on opposite sides of the stabilizing member 206. The vertical walls 222 form a channel 224 therebetween that is configured to receive the proximal portion (e.g., hinge portion 56) of the surgical clip 50 and reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip 50. For example, the vertical walls 222 are integral with, welded to, and / or secured to opposing sides of the elongated body of the stabilizing member 206 such that a width defined by the vertical walls 222 is greater than a width of the remaining length of the stabilizing member 206. The vertical walls 222 are substantially parallel and do not extend beyond the overall height of the distal portion 220. The distal portion 220 further includes a lateral projection (not shown) extending laterally between the vertical walls 222 for engaging a proximal portion of the surgical clip 50. The distal portion 220 laterally and / or vertically receives, grasps, and / or stabilizes the surgical clip 50 when positioned between the first and second jaw members 202, 204.

[0024] The stabilizing members 206 are symmetrically positioned between the first and second jar members 202, 204. The positioning of the stabilizing members 206 allows a user to remove the surgical clip 50 from a clip cartridge (not shown) of the clip applier 200 from either of two opposing directions. For example, the first jar member 202 engages one of the first leg member 52 or the second leg member 54 of the surgical clip 50, and the second jar member 204 engages the other of the first leg member 52 or the second leg member 54 of the surgical clip 50. The three-point engagement between the clip applier 200 and the surgical clip 50 increases the security of the surgical clip 50. Two points of contact occur on the surgical clip 50 at the distal faces of the first and second leg members 52, 54, and a third point of contact occurs at a proximal portion of the surgical clip 50 (e.g., at the hinge portion 56). The surgical clip 50 is capable of remaining positively engaged between the first and second jar members 202, 204 even when subjected to an external force.

[0025] 6 and 7, the first and second jar members 202, 204 are configured to compress the surgical clip 50 by exerting opposing forces on the first and second leg members 52, 54. In the clip applier 200, the surgical clip 50 is initially loaded from a clip cartridge (not shown) such that the first and second jar members 202, 204 engage distal portions of the leg members 52, 54 (e.g., grooves 214) and the hinge portion 56 is received between the vertical walls 222 of the stabilizing member 206. When the handle mechanism is operated, the actuating member 210 coupled to the first and second jar members 202, 204 via the link mechanism 240 is pulled back. For example, the first link 242 has a first end swingably coupled to the actuating member 210 and a second end swingably coupled to the proximal end of the first jar member 202. The second link 244 has a first end swingably coupled to the actuating member 210 and a second end swingably coupled to the proximal end of the second jar member 204. A proximal portion of the hinge mechanism 212 is attached to the link mechanism 240, and the first and second jar members 202, 204 swing toward the closed state by pulling back the actuating member 210.

[0026] As the first and second jar members 202, 204 swing, the stabilizing member 206 is configured to move longitudinally between a first distal position (first position) at least partially between the first and second jar members 202, 204 (see FIG. 6) and a second proximal position (second position) at least partially between the first and second jar members 202, 204 (see FIG. 6). The stabilizing member 206 is constrained to move longitudinally between the first and second positions. The stabilizing member 206 is adapted to be received in the longitudinal channel 216 of the first jar member 202 and / or the second jar member 204 in the first position and / or the second position to allow the swinging of the first and second jar members 202, 204 to be unimpeded. After the surgical clip 50 is compressed, the first and second jaw members 202, 204 swing toward the open condition and the stabilizing member 206 returns to the first distal position to engage a second surgical clip 50 from the cartridge. Clip applier 200 has similar features and mechanisms as clip applier 100, unless otherwise noted.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the stabilizing member 206 is directly actuated by the longitudinal movement of the actuating member 210. The stabilizing member 206 is directly (e.g., integrally) attached to the actuating member 210. Thus, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the actuating member 210 extends from the handle mechanism, passes through the link mechanism 240, passes through the pivot pin 218, and is further directly (e.g., integrally) attached to the stabilizing member 206. By pushing back or advancing the actuating member 210, the stabilizing member 206 can be directly pushed back or advanced.

[0028] 4-7, surgical clip 50 has a first leg member 52 with a concave inner surface and a hook member at a distal portion, and a second leg member 54 with a convex inner surface and a tip member at a distal portion. When surgical clip 50 is closed, the hook of first leg member 52 deforms around the tip member of second leg member 54 to form a latch structure to secure surgical clip 50. The curved surfaces cause the first and / or second leg members 52, 54 to straighten and / or elongate during the closing and / or latching process. The stabilizing members 106, 206 can be pushed back to avoid interference with the surgical clip 50 being closed and / or latched. Additionally, the stabilizing members 106, 206 can be pushed back to facilitate removal of the surgical clip 50 after the surgical clip 50 has been closed and / or latched.

[0029] The surgical clip 50 can be made in any suitable size and can be used with many types of tissues, such as blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, and cardiac tissue. The surgical clip 50 is made from a biocompatible material, such as a metal or a polymer. In one embodiment, the surgical clip 50 is constructed from a one-piece polymer made from a suitable strong biocompatible engineering plastic, such as a copolymer used in surgical implants. Materials that can be used include homopolymer or copolymer polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene, or other thermoplastic materials that can be fabricated by injection molding or extrusion. An embodiment of the surgical clip 50 is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,834,096, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and an embodiment of a cartridge including the surgical clip 50 is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,880,699, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the above description, and it is intended by the appended claims to cover such features and advantages of the invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes all suitable modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A clip applier for applying a surgical clip, the clip applier comprising: a first jar member configured to engage the surgical clip; a second jar member configured to engage the surgical clip; an actuating member for swinging at least one of the first jar member and the second jar member between an open state and a closed state, the actuating member being coupled to the first jar member and the second jar member via a link mechanism; a stabilizing member attached to the surgical clip, the stabilizing member being disposed between the first and second jar members, the stabilizing member having an elongate body with a distal portion adapted to receive and / or engage a proximal portion of the surgical clip when the first and second jar members are in an open position; the stabilizing member is configured to move along the clip applier from a distal position at least partially between the first jar member and the second jar member to a proximal position at least partially between the first jar member and the second jar member; a distal portion of the stabilizing member configured to laterally stabilize a proximal portion of the surgical clip when the first and second jar members are in an open position; a clip applier in which, by pushing the actuating member forward, the first and second jar members swing, thereby pushing the stabilizing member forward and causing the first and second jar members to open, and, by pulling back the actuating member, the first and second jar members swing, thereby causing the stabilizing member to be pulled back and causing the first and second jar members to close.

2. 2. The clip applier of claim 1, wherein the link mechanism includes a first link and a second link, the first link having a first end pivotally coupled to the actuating member and a second end pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the first jar member, and the second link having a first end pivotally coupled to the actuating member and a second end pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the second jar member.

3. 3. The clip applier according to claim 1, wherein the first jar member and the second jar member are pivotally connected by a hinge mechanism having a pivot pin.

4. The clip applier of claim 3 , wherein the linkage is at a proximal portion of a hinge mechanism and a swing pin.

5. 5. The clip applier of claim 1, wherein the first jar member includes a first longitudinal channel configured to receive a first portion of the surgical clip and / or a first portion of the stabilizing member, and the second jar member includes a second longitudinal channel configured to receive a second portion of the surgical clip and / or a second portion of the stabilizing member.

6. 6. The clip applier of claim 5, wherein a first portion of the stabilizing member is received within a first longitudinal channel of the first jar member at the distal position and / or the proximal position, and a second portion of the stabilizing member is received within a second longitudinal channel of the second jar member at the distal position and / or the proximal position.

7. The clip applier of claim 1 , wherein the stabilizing member is constrained for longitudinal movement between the distal and proximal positions.

8. 8. The clip applier of claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the stabilizing member includes a pair of protrusions, each of the protrusions extending from the distal portion on an opposite side of the stabilizing member, the protrusions forming a channel therebetween configured to receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip and reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip when the first and second jar members are in an open position.

9. 9. The clip applier of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member is configured to release the surgical clip when the first and second jar members are in a closed position.

10. 10. The clip applier of claim 1, wherein the first jar member engages a distal portion of a first leg member of the surgical clip and the second jar member engages a distal portion of a second leg member of the surgical clip.

Images