Surgical clip for simultaneously controlling bleeding and severing blood vessels

Abstract

A surgical clip for simultaneously cutting a blood vessel and controlling bleeding includes two legs, each including a flat surface and a cutting surface, and a curved portion configured to join the two legs. An applicator for applying a surgical clip for simultaneously dividing a blood vessel and controlling bleeding includes two grippers that simultaneously hold the two surgical clips and two handles that cause the two grippers to apply a deforming force to the two surgical clips. [Selected Figure] Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority from Provisional Application No. 62 / 718,114, filed August 13, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to surgical clips used to prevent or control bleeding during surgery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to surgical clips that simultaneously sever blood vessels and control bleeding. [Background technology]

[0003] Description of Related Art Surgical clips are implantable devices that can be made from metals such as stainless steel, titanium, tartan, platinum, or alloys of metals, or can be made from polymeric materials. Surgical clips have been in use since the first half of the 20th century and have become widely used across various surgical disciplines with the advent of minimally invasive surgery.

[0004] During a surgical procedure, surgical clips are placed using a clip applicator, a surgical instrument that places a surgical clip at a desired location (typically a blood vessel) and transforms the surgical clip into its final shape to occlude the vessel. The clip applicator has a scissor-like handle and a pliers-like tip, both of which hold the surgical clip in its open position and exert a force on the surgical clip to transform it into its final closed position.

[0005] Placing a surgical clip on a blood vessel and closing it to occlude the vessel lumen allows the blood vessel to be safely divided without the risk of excessive bleeding. A typical blood vessel division involves placing a surgical clip on either side of the location where the blood vessel is to be divided. After placing the surgical clip, the blood vessel is divided, for example, using scissors. This involves three separate steps: placing a first surgical clip, placing a second surgical clip, and dividing the blood vessel. Therefore, the operating room technician must hand over the surgical instruments three times, loading a new surgical clip onto the clip applicator each time, which can be time-consuming. For example, during harvesting a mammary artery for coronary artery bypass grafting using a skeletonized method, multiple small side branches of the internal mammary artery must be divided, and three steps must be performed for each of these divisions. As a result, the process is lengthy and time-consuming.

[0006] Attempts to reduce the number of steps required to divide a vessel include including a blade in the surgical clip applicator, with surgical clips placed on either side of the blade. This allows the applicator to place two clips simultaneously and divide the vessel between the two clips. However, this solution is technically complex and requires a specialized clip applicator. Therefore, it has not been implemented. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure describes a novel surgical clip that reduces the three steps required to divide a blood vessel using conventional surgical clips to just one step. Accordingly, this disclosure relates to a surgical clip that simultaneously controls bleeding and divides a blood vessel. This disclosure also relates to a surgical clip applicator that holds a minimum of two surgical clips and applies both clips to a blood vessel simultaneously, thereby reducing blood vessel division to a single step.

[0008] For example, a clip applicator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes two jaws for holding two surgical clips. After advancing adjacent surgical clips onto a blood vessel to be divided, the applicator simultaneously closes both clips by bringing the two jaws together. The surgical clips are positioned very close to each other, creating a scissors-like cutting action between them when the applicator jaws close. In one exemplary embodiment, the surgical clips may be in contact with each other. Therefore, there is no need to include an extra blade or other cutting mechanism within the applicator. The surgical clip itself both cuts the blood vessel and seals the vessel lumen. This allows for the control of bleeding on each side of the blood vessel and the simultaneous cutting of the blood vessel without the need for separate blades or scissors as used with conventional surgical clips.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip for simultaneously cutting a blood vessel and controlling bleeding includes two legs, each including a flat surface and a cutting surface, and a curved portion configured to join the two legs.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, an applicator for applying surgical clips to simultaneously divide a vessel and control bleeding includes two clamps configured to simultaneously hold two surgical clips and two handles configured to cause the two clamps to exert a deforming force on the two surgical clips.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the applicator holds one or more clips outside the central cutting clip pair on either or both sides of the central cutting clip pair to add additional stability, including additional security against occlusion of the vessel, and further reduce the risk of cutting clip slippage.

[0012] A more complete understanding of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates three different sizes of conventional surgical clips and their corresponding applicators. [Figure 1B] 1A-1C illustrate three different sized conventional surgical clips in various positions from open to closed. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a side view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a front view of a surgical clip in a closed state according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] 1 is a cross-sectional view of two surgical clips according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] 1 is a cross-sectional view of two surgical clips according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2F] 1 is a cross-sectional view of two surgical clips according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2G] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2H] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1A-1C illustrate a first step in applying a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 10A-10C illustrate a second step in applying a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 10 illustrates a third step in applying a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth step in applying a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3E] FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth step in applying a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3F] FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth step in applying a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3G] FIG. 10 illustrates a seventh step in applying surgical clips according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, with both clips on each end of the divided vessel. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating another cross-sectional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1A-1C illustrate a three-dimensional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 illustrates another three-dimensional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional surgical clip and applicator therefor. As illustrated, the surgical clips may be stacked within carriers 1, 2, 3 and may be of various sizes to accommodate various applications. Similarly, surgical clip applicators 4, 5, 6 are provided in various sizes to accommodate various sizes of surgical clips.

[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates conventional surgical clips of various sizes, 21a-c, 22a-c, and 23a-c, in various positions, ranging from fully open 21a-23a to fully closed 21c-23c. In FIG. 1B, the top surgical clip 21 is the largest, and the bottom surgical clip 23 is the smallest. Also, the surgical clips 21a, 22a, and 23a on the left are fully open, while the surgical clips 21c, 22c, and 23c on the right are fully closed. Regardless of size, the surgical clips are advanced over the blood vessel in an open state so that they encircle the vessel. When closed, as shown on the right side of FIG. 1B (21c, 22c, and 23c), they clamp the vessel closed and prevent bleeding. Such clips may be left in the body after surgery. Those skilled in the art will understand that the clips may be removable or made of a material acceptable to the body.

[0016] FIG. 2A is a three-dimensional view of a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2A, each leg 200 of the surgical clip includes a cutting edge 202 and a flat portion 204. The cutting edges 202 on the legs 200 of the surgical clip avoid one another to cut the blood vessel to which the surgical clip is attached with a scissor-cutting action. FIG. 2B shows that the cutting edges 202 of each leg 200 are elevated relative to the flat portion 204 of each leg 200. As can be seen in FIG. 2C, the cutting edges 202 are on opposite sides so that when the legs 200 of the surgical clip are brought together, they can avoid one another and perform a scissor-cutting action.

[0017] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of surgical clips 300 and 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure when the surgical clips 300 and 400 are in a closed state. As illustrated in this figure, when the surgical clips 300 and 400 are closed, the cutting edges 202 avoid each other to cut the blood vessel. At the same time, the flat portions 204 meet each other to occlude the blood vessel and prevent bleeding. It should be understood that the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2D is merely exemplary, and other cross-sectional profiles are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2E and 2F. It should be understood that the exact pattern or texture applied to the surface of the flat portion 204 is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and other patterns or textures are also possible.

[0018] Additionally, FIGS. 2D-2F each illustrate two clips 300 and 400 arranged side-by-side as they would be used to cut / clamp a blood vessel. The clips 300 and 400 may be adjacent to each other, with or without contact, and are preferably applied by a single applicator, as described in more detail below. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any of the clips described herein may be used as a pair of clips, as illustrated in FIGS. 2D-2F. FIGS. 2E-2F illustrate clips 300 and 400 having the same cross-sectional profile or cross-sectional profiles that are mirror images of each other. However, these are not required for the invention described in this disclosure. It should be understood that the two clips 300 and 400 may have completely different cross-sections. Thus, the particular cross-sectional profile of a pair of clips used to cut / clamp a blood vessel is not a limitation of this disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2G illustrates a surgical clip according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The surgical clip of FIG. 2G includes a textured or patterned surface on the flat portion 204 of each leg 200. This textured or patterned surface prevents slippage of the surgical clip when it is applied to a blood vessel. FIG. 2G also illustrates cutting edges 202. The pattern illustrated in FIG. 2G includes a series of teeth on each of the legs 200 of the surgical clip. As will be appreciated, the teeth may be formed such that the teeth on one leg are offset relative to the teeth on the other leg so that they interlock when the clip is closed. Alternatively, the teeth may be formed such that the teeth on one leg are aligned with the teeth on the other leg so that they do not interlock when the clip is closed. Other patterns are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2H illustrates two surgical clips 300 and 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 2H, the surface of the flat portion 204 of each surgical clip 300 and 400 is textured or patterned as described above, as are the outer surfaces of the legs 200 of each surgical clip 300 and 400 to prevent slippage while held by an applicator. As can be seen in this figure, the two surgical clips 300 and 400 are side-by-side, allowing them to simultaneously divide a blood vessel and seal each side of the vessel to prevent bleeding. Specifically, the leg 301 with the cutting edge 302 of the surgical clip 300 aligns with the leg 401 without the cutting edge of the surgical clip. Similarly, the leg 402 of the surgical clip 400 with the cutting edge (not shown) aligns with the leg 303 of the surgical clip 300. In this manner, the two surgical clips may be placed in contact with each other and held using the same applicator so that both surgical clips 300 and 400 can be simultaneously applied to a blood vessel. Although Figure 2H illustrates two clips with textured surfaces, one skilled in the art will understand that two clips without textured surfaces may also be used, or one clip with a textured surface and another clip without a textured surface may also be used.

[0021] FIG. 3A shows two surgical clips 300 and 400 (e.g., those illustrated in FIG. 2H) held by clip applicator 500. This represents a first step in applying the surgical clips 300 and 400 to a blood vessel (not shown). The surgical clips 300 and 400 are deformed around blood vessel 600 in a second step, illustrated in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3C, the surgical clips 300 and 400 are partially closed around blood vessel 600. In FIG. 3D, the surgical clips 300 and 400 are fully closed around blood vessel 600. Further force is applied, causing the surgical clips 300 and 400 to perform a scissors cutting action (FIG. 3E), and clip applicator 500 is released (FIG. 3F). As a result, blood vessel 600 is cut and surgical clips 300 and 400 are shown attached to each cut end of blood vessel 600. FIG. 3G illustrates the firmly applied clip 300 after division of the vessel 600 is complete.

[0022] Figure 4A illustrates a surgical clip cross-section according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 4A, the clip's cutting edge 202 is embedded or covered by the opposing clip leg 200 to avoid contact and potential damage to surrounding tissue. Figure 4B is another cross-section of a surgical clip in which the cutting edge 202 is embedded or covered by the opposing clip leg to avoid contact and potential damage to surrounding tissue. As will be appreciated, other surgical clip cross-sections are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] 5A and 5B illustrate two mounting configurations of surgical clips according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to prevent exposure of the cutting edges to surrounding tissue. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, clips 700 and 800 are mounted slightly offset from one another, with each clip covering the cutting edge of the other clip. FIG. 5B illustrates how the cutting edges of surgical clips 700 and 800 would be exposed if mounted flush with one another, posing a risk of tissue damage during placement of the clips on a blood vessel. Once placed, the surgical clip deforms to its closed position, allowing pressure exerted by the applicator to flush the clip.

[0024] To the extent that the foregoing descriptions may be considered separate embodiments, such description of separate embodiments is done solely for purposes of clarity, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that inventive concepts described with reference to one embodiment may be readily combined with all inventive concepts described with reference to other embodiments.

[0025] Additionally, the materials from which the surgical clips described herein are obtained are not a limitation of the present disclosure. Thus, the surgical clips may be formed from metals such as stainless steel, titanium, tartan, platinum, alloys of metals, or polymeric materials.

[0026] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Further aspects of the embodiment of the present invention are as follows. [Aspect 1] 1. A surgical clip for simultaneously cutting a blood vessel and controlling bleeding, comprising: two legs each including a flat surface and a cutting surface; a curved portion configured to join the two legs; The surgical clip comprising: [Aspect 2] 2. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the cutting surface of one of the two legs is offset relative to the cutting surface of the other of the two legs. [Aspect 3] 2. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein on each of the two legs, the cutting surface is adjacent to the flat surface. [Aspect 4] A surgical clip according to aspect 2, wherein when the surgical clip is in a closed state, the cutting surfaces of each of the two legs are configured to avoid each other to cut the blood vessel during a scissors cutting action. [Aspect 5] 2. The surgical clip of claim 1, wherein the flat surface of each of the two legs is configured to occlude the lumen of the blood vessel when the surgical clip is in a closed state. [Aspect 6] 10. The surgical clip of embodiment 1, wherein the surgical clip is formed from a single piece of material. [Aspect 7] 7. The surgical clip of claim 6, wherein the material is one of stainless steel, titanium, tarranium, platinum, an alloy of a metal, or a polymeric material. [Aspect 8] 7. The surgical clip of claim 6, wherein the material is acceptable by a body to which the surgical clip is attached. [Aspect 9] 1. An applicator for applying surgical clips for simultaneous vessel division and bleeding control, comprising: two grippers configured to simultaneously hold two surgical clips; two handles configured to cause the two grippers to exert a deforming force on the two surgical clips. [Aspect 10] An applicator as described in aspect 9, wherein the two grippers include at least two grooves that hold the two surgical clips close together at a predetermined distance, and enable a scissors cutting action to cut tissue when the grippers apply the deformation force to the two surgical clips. [Aspect 11] An applicator according to aspect 10, wherein the two gripping tools further include at least one or more additional grooves for holding one or more additional clips on either or both sides of the two cutting surgical clips. [Aspect 12] An applicator as described in aspect 9, wherein the two grippers are configured to hold at least two surgical clips offset from each other and cover the cutting edges of the surgical clips to prevent them from coming into contact with tissue while placing the surgical clips. [Aspect 13] 1. A vessel cutting and clamping system comprising: A pair of surgical clips configured to simultaneously cut and clamp a blood vessel, each of the pair of surgical clips comprising: two legs each including a flat surface and a cutting surface; a curved portion configured to join the two legs of the pair of surgical clips; an applicator configured to hold the pair of surgical clips in contact with one another and apply pressure to deform the pair of surgical clips, causing the surgical clips to simultaneously cut and clamp the blood vessel. [Aspect 14] 14. The vessel cutting and clamping system of claim 13, wherein the pair of surgical clips have the same cross-sectional profile. [Aspect 15] 14. The vessel cutting and clamping system of claim 13, wherein the pair of surgical clips have different cross-sectional profiles. [Aspect 16] 16. The vessel cutting and clamping system of claim 15, wherein the pair of surgical clips have cross-sectional profiles that are mirror images of each other.

Claims

1. 1. A vessel cutting and clamping system comprising: a pair of surgical clips configured to simultaneously cut and occlude a blood vessel; an applicator configured to hold the pair of surgical clips in contact with one another while arranging them side by side, apply pressure to deform the pair of surgical clips to close the pair of surgical clips, and perform a scissor cutting action of the pair of surgical clips to cut and occlude the blood vessel in a single step; In the blood vessel cutting and clamping system, Each of the pair of surgical clips comprises: two legs, each leg including a flat surface, a cutting surface adjacent to the flat surface, and a cutting edge between the flat surface and the cutting surface, the cutting surface and cutting edge of one leg being located on one side of the surgical clip and the cutting surface and cutting edge of the other leg being located on the other side of the surgical clip; a curved portion configured to join the two legs; Including, each of the pair of surgical clips is configured such that, when the surgical clips are in a closed state, the flat surfaces of the two legs meet to occlude the lumen of the blood vessel; one of the cutting surfaces of one of the surgical clips and one of the cutting surfaces of the other of the surgical clips are configured to be parallel and in contact or close proximity to each other and facing each other; during the scissors cutting action, the two legs of one of the surgical clips pass each other with the two legs of the other of the surgical clips; Vascular cutting and clamping system.

2. The vessel cutting and clamping system of claim 1 , wherein the surgical clip is formed from at least one of stainless steel, titanium, platinum, a metal alloy, or a polymeric material.

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