Clip for elongated medical instruments

Abstract

A clip (1) suitable for releasably securing at least one elongate medical instrument operatively during a medical activity comprises at least one securing arrangement, the one securing arrangement comprising a set of jaws (5, 6), a displacement mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The set of jaws (5, 6) is resiliently displaceable between a securing, closed position, and a releasing, open position, wherein the set of jaws (5, 6) comprises at least one securing formation, configured to hold at least one elongate medical instrument operatively securely between the jaws (5, 6) when the set of jaws (5, 6) is in the closed position, without causing any damage to the instrument or any coating thereon, and at least one retaining formation, configured to render the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws (5, 6) when the set of jaws (5, 6) is in the open position. The displacement mechanism is configured to displace the set of jaws (5, 6) controllably between the closed position and the open position. The biasing mechanism renders the set of jaws (5, 6) biased towards the closed position. The elongate medical instrument is receivable and retainable loosely between the jaws (5, 6) when the jaws (5, 6) are displaced against the biasing mechanism into the open position, and holdable operatively securely between the jaws (5, 6) when the jaws (5, 6) are displaced under the bias into the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

Description

CLIP FOR ELONGATED MEDICAL INSTRUMENTSField of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a clip. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a medical clip for releasably securing elongate medical instruments during a medical assessment, care, procedure or treatment.Background to the Invention

[0002] In the field of medical assessments, care and procedures as well as during the treatment of patients, a wide array of elongate pipes, wires, tubes, cables and other elongate devices and equipment are indispensable for conducting such activities. These procedures and treatments include vascular, angiographic and laparoscopic procedures and are typically in medical theatres, intensive and high care units, and make use of devices and equipment with critical, semi-critical and non-critical sterility. These activities further encompass a diverse range of medical specialties, where such devices and equipment, typically with of varying lengths, diameters, composition, fragility, elasticity and / or flexibility, are necessary to cater to the unique requirements of each activity. A significant challenge arises therefore in ensuring that these elongate devices and equipment are positioned and retained securely throughout the activity, minimizing any unexpected movement or displacement that could compromise a particular procedure’s or treatment’s success. Simultaneously, accessibility to these devices and equipment is of paramount importance to enable seamless navigation and manoeuvrability within the intricate anatomy of patients during procedures or during patients’ treatment before and after such procedures. Typically, before and following a medical procedure, patients would also require an array of these elongate devices for various purposes such as monitoring vital signs and administering medication, or navigating inside the anatomy of a patient to get to the critical treatment site.

[0003] A number of interventional medical procedures or techniques have further been developed to address a variety of potentially life-threatening human ailments. These minimally invasive techniques and / or procedures are performed in a number of fields including radiology, cardiology, neurosurgery, vascular surgery and laparoscopic surgery. For example, interventional radiology techniques have been developed to allow for the removal and / or destruction of stones in the biliary or excretory systems, blood clots in blood vessels and foreign bodies introduced by surgery thathave migrated and / or become dysfunctional. As another example, angiographic and / or interventional radiology techniques can be utilized to treat stenosis, a degenerative blood vessel condition that causes a narrowing or constriction of the lumen so that blood flow is restricted. Due to their typically minimally invasive nature, interventional angiographic and / or radiology techniques often provide an attractive alternative to conventional surgery and have numerous advantages, such as a decrease in surgical trauma and accelerated recovery.

[0004] Interventional angiographic and / or radiology techniques, for example, typically utilize a resiliently flexible, elongate medical instrument in the form of a guide member or wire of surgical grade steel, Nickel Titanium (also known as Nitinol) or similar material that passes from outside of the patient's body, through his or her skin and into or along a tubular path or location of interest. Once the wire is positioned along or in the desired path or location, medical devices, such as catheter tubes, can be positioned over the wire and be guided through or to such path or location so that the desired medical procedure can be performed. These so-called “guidewires” typically comprise of various lengths, calibres, such as rigidity, thickness, etc., coatings, front or leading tips and / or materials, depending on the intended use of or patient for such guidewires. The configuration of these guidewires in turn enables unique physical characteristics in the guidewires, such as a so- called “pseud-elasticity” and “memory shape”. Due to these characteristics, once the guidewire is inserted into the body of a patient, it becomes mailable and manageable. In addition, guidewires are usually radiopaque to render them easier to move through blood vessels.

[0005] After removal from their sterile packaging and during use, some of these elongate medical instruments, such guidewires, are typically partially inserted, leading tip first, into the patient, with the remaining trailing portion sticking out of the patient's body. Some of these trailing portions might be relatively long and unwieldly, while others need to be manipulated as part of the procedures and preferably in closed proximity of the patient, requiring such trailing portions to be retained or held temporally on the sterile table by looping (such as coiling or spooling) them manually to secure and prevent them from springing into their naturally straight configuration and / or detrimentally affecting or disrupting the intended procedure. The looped trailing portions are typically placed into a suitable bowl or other receptacle containing a sterile saline solution so as to keep the guidewire wet and to promote the dissolution of any clots which might have formed on the wires while the wires are manipulated along or into the desired path or location.

[0006] Several different guidewires might be used during a single medical procedure. As a result, a number of remaining trailing portions of such guidewires might be sticking out of the patient's bodyand looped such as coiled or spooled at any particular time, with the corresponding medical devices, such as catheters, positioned likewise around the patient and / or placed in the bowl, making it difficult for a medical practitioner or a support staff member to locate a specific guidewire or device during a procedure.

[0007] Looped, coiled or spooled guidewires, due to their resilient flexibility, have a tendency to straighten out once released from a secured configuration. As a result, a looped, coiled or spooled guidewire can straighten out or spring open unexpectedly and often unwantedly during a procedure, often and inadvertently causing contact between the guidewire and / or associated device with non- sterile areas or equipment in a procedure, upending of the bowl or other receptacle containing the sterile saline solution and / or entanglement with other elongate medical instruments. Such contact or upending commonly necessitate re-sterilisation or complete replacement, requiring addition time and other resources and increasing the risk of contamination.

[0008] There are a number of guidewire securing and / or storage solutions available that have been designed to overcome some of the above shortcomings associated with guidewires. For example, guidewire storage containers that include securing formations are typically used to ensure the guidewires remain secured during medical procedures. However, manually loading and / or securing guidewires into these containers are often laborious, difficult and hence time consuming, especially before and / or during medical procedures. Placement of the guidewires into the original tubing can further increase the risk of kinking or otherwise damaging the guidewire if it is not done with the necessary care and precision.

[0009] Alternatively, conventional special-purpose medical instruments, such as so-called towel clips, typically designed for other purposes, could also be used with guidewires, as such instruments offer some securing capability to hold the guidewires during a medical procedure. However, these clips typically do not secure the guidewires sufficiently or effectively, especially in circumstances where the guidewires are coated in relatively slippery hydrophobic and / or hydrophilic coatings. Such special purpose instruments are also relatively difficult to handle, oftentimes requiring the use of more than one hand to open and close, making them impractical during certain medical procedures. These special-purpose medical instruments are further typically made of stainless steel with relatively high levels of hardness and are therefore prone to damage the guidewires during gripping or clamping.

[0010] In this specification, the term “medical activity” shall be interpreted to include any medicalassessment, care, procedure or treatment; the term “elongate medical instrument” shall be interpreted to include any pipe, guide- and other wire, tube, cable, endoscope, catheter, cannula, probe and other elongate device or equipment of predetermined length, diameter, composition, fragility, elasticity and / or flexibility that is used in a medical activity; the term “loop” and related terms shall be interpreted to include a coil, spool or the like; and the term “clip” shall be interpreted to include a fastener, staple, clip, pin, clasp, grip, hook, lock, coupler, link and the like that are suitable for use in a medical activity.Object of the Invention

[0011] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a novel medical clip for releasably securing at least one elongate medical instrument before, during or after a medical activity, or at least an alternative to the known medical clips.Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a clip suitable for releasably securing at least one elongate medical instrument during a medical activity, the clip comprising at least one securing arrangement, the one securing arrangement comprising: a set of jaws, resiliently displaceable relatively to each other between a securing, closed position, and a releasing, open position, wherein the set of jaws comprises: at least one securing formation, configured to hold at least one elongate medical instrument operatively securely between the jaws when the set of jaws is in the closed position; and at least one retaining formation, configured to render the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is in the open position; a displacement mechanism, configured to displace the set of jaws controllably between the closed position and the open position; and a biasing mechanism, rendering the set of jaws bias towards the closed position; wherein the elongate medical instrument is receivable and retainable loosely between the jaws when the jaws are displaced against the biasing mechanism into the open position, and holdable operatively securely between the jaws when the jaws are displaced under the bias into the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any coating thereon.

[0013] The securing formation and the retaining formation may be dimensioned and configured toenable the jaws to hold a number of elongate medical instruments selected from a group of predetermined and varying lengths, diameters, composition, fragility, elasticity and / or flexibility.

[0014] The securing formation may comprise at least one tooth, ridge, or rib, configured to hold at least one elongate medical instrument operatively securely between jaws when the set of jaws are in the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating. More particularly, the securing formation may comprise a set of least two teeth, ridges or ribs, operatively arranged between the jaws to hold the elongate medical instrument operatively securely therebetween when the jaws are in the closed position.

[0015] Alternatively, the securing formation may comprise at least one set of teeth, located on each of the opposing jaws and defining at least one holding groove, for holding the elongate medical instrument when the jaws are in the open position, and for securing the elongate medical instrument between the teeth, when the jaws are in the closed position. More particularly, the securing formation may comprise a plurality of teeth located on each of the opposing jaws, defining a plurality of holding grooves for holding the elongate medical instrument when the jaws are in the open position, and for securing the elongate medical instrument operatively between the teeth when the jaws are in the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

[0016] The retaining formation may comprise two, operatively opposed end members, the one end member being located towards an outer end of one jaw and the second end member being located towards an opposed, inner end of one jaw. Preferably, the inner end member is curved outwardly, away from the associated jaw, while the opposing, outer end member extends substantially linearly, away from the associated jaw, rendering the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is displaced from the closed position into the open position.

[0017] Alternatively, the inner end member may extend substantially linearly between the opposing jaws, and the outer end member may extend outwardly, away from the associated jaw, rendering the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is displaced from the closed position into the open position.

[0018] The jaws and the securing formations may be provided with a friction surface to inhibit the elongate medical instruments from slipping relative to the jaws and the securing formations without rendering the instruments inoperable due to damage during clipping.

[0019] The displacement mechanism may comprise a set of handles, operatively connected to the set of jaws, with each handle operatively connected to a corresponding jaw, rendering the jaws controllably displaceable between the closed position and the open position against the bias towards the closed position.

[0020] Alternatively, the displacement mechanism may comprise a handle formation, located towards the end of at least one of the jaws, rendering the corresponding jaw controllably displaceable between the closed position and the open position against the bias towards the closed position. More particularly, the displacement mechanism may comprise two handle formations located towards the end of each of the jaws, rendering the jaws controllably displaceable between the closed position and the open position against the bias towards the closed position.

[0021] The biasing mechanism may comprise a resiliently deformable member, operatively connected to the jaws. Preferably, the deformable member is substantially C-shaped, made of elongated, resiliently deformable material and attached towards the two opposed ends of the two jaws.

[0022] The handles may be provided with a friction surface and be configured ergonomically to inhibit the handles from slipping relative to a user’s fingers.

[0023] The clip may comprise a flexible, substantially resilient material suitable for sterilisation and selected from a group including polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, the clip may comprise a second securing arrangement, the second securing arrangement comprising a second set of jaws, located towards an end region of the clip for securing the clip to an external article or structure such as a blanket, article of clothing or bedframe. The second set of jaws may be provided with a first jaw, comprising a substantially rigid member with an at least partially rounded inner surface, and a second jaw, comprising a resiliently displaceable member complementarily shaped to the first jaw, the second jaw being displaceable relatively to the first jaw between a releasing, open position and a securing, closed position, wherein the second jaw conforms to the first jaw.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, the clip may comprise a third securing arrangement, the third securing arrangement comprising a third set of jaws, located towards an opposing end region of the clip relative to the second set of jaws and for similarly securing the clipto an external article or structure such as a blanket, article of clothing or bedframe. The third securing arrangement may have a similar configuration to that of the second securing arrangement, but mirrored in an opposing orientation so that the second and the third securing arrangements are orientated to secure opposing ends of the clip to an external article or structure.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the second securing arrangement may comprise: a first loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a section of at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument therewith; and at least a second loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a second section of the loop therewith; the two arresting formations operatively configured and arranged to provide a first set of operatively- opposing arresting formations for arresting the loop operatively securely therebetween without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

[0027] The second securing arrangement may comprise: a first loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a section of at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument therewith; a second loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a second section of the loop therewith; and a third loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a third section of the loop therewith; the three arresting formations operatively configured and arranged to provide the first set of operatively-opposing arresting formations for arresting the loop operatively securely therebetween without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

[0028] The second securing arrangement for arresting at least a section of at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument therewith preferably comprises: a first arm, having the first loop arresting formation extending therefrom, the first arm extending from the first securing arrangement and terminating in a substantially central junction; and two further arms, having the second and the third loop arresting formations respectively located towards the distal ends of the two arms and extending therefrom; the three arms and the three corresponding arresting formations operatively configured and arranged and extending outwardly from the central junction in a substantially Y-shaped configurationto provide the first set of operatively-opposing arresting formations for arresting the loop operatively securely therebetween without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

[0029] The three arms may each be provided with a second loop arresting formation, operatively located radially inwardly relative to the first set of loop arresting formations and extending similarly from the corresponding arms to provide a second set of operatively-opposing loop arresting formations for arresting at least one, radially smaller loop of a second elongate medical instrument operatively securely therewith without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention shall now be described with referenced to the accompanying drawings wherein:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clip in accordance with the invention, in a securing, closed position;Figure 2 is a side view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 1 , in its closed position;Figure 3 is a top view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 1 , in its closed position;Figure 4 is a perspective view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 1 , in an open position;Figure 5 is a perspective view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 1 , wherein a number of elongate medical instruments in the form of guidewires are secured by the clip in its closed position;Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clip in accordance with the invention, in a closed position;Figure 7 is a side view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 6, in its closed position;Figure 8 is a perspective view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 6, wherein a number of elongate medical instruments in the form of pipes are secured by the clip in its closed position;Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clip in accordance with the invention, in a closed position;Figure 10 is a side view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 9, in a closed position;Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 9, in a closed position;Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clip in accordance with the invention, in a closed position;Figure 13 is a top view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 12, in its closed position;Figure 14 is a side view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 12, in its closed position;Figure 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clip in accordance with the invention, in a closed position;Figure 16 is a top view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 15, in its closed position; andFigure 17 is a side view of the clip, as illustrated in Figure 15, in its closed position.

[0031] A clip 1 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 comprises two, substantially elongate, co-extending members 2 and 3, the members extending towards one common end into a set of jaws 5 and 6, defining a first securing arrangement, and towards an opposite common end into a displacement mechanism in the form of a set of handles 7 and 8. The jaws 5 and 6 are displaceable between a closed position, and an open position with manipulation of the handles 7 and 8.

[0032] The clip 1 is provided with a biasing mechanism in the form of a third, resiliently deformable member 4, operatively connected and located between the two co-extending members 2 and 3. The deformable member 4 is substantially C-shaped, made of elongated, resiliently deformable material and attached at its two opposed ends 4a and 4b to the two co-extending members 2 and 3.

[0033] The set of jaws 5 and 6 is provided with a securing formation comprising a set of teeth 10 (a- e), operatively arranged between the jaws and secured to the one jaw 6 to hold a selection of elongate medical instruments in the form of guidewires 13, 14 and 15 operatively securelytherebetween when the jaws are in the closed position without causing any damage to the guidewires or any of their coatings. The opposing jaw 5 is provided with a receiving opening 9, configured and dimensioned to receive the set of teeth 10 operatively therethrough as the jaws move between the closed and the open position.

[0034] The set of jaws 5 and 6 is further provided with a retaining formation comprising two, operatively opposed end members 1 1 and 12, the one end member 1 1 being located towards an inner end of the one jaw 6 and the second end member 12 being located towards an opposed, outer end of the same jaw. The inner end member 1 1 is curved outwardly, away from the associated jaw 6, while the opposing, outer end member 12 extends substantially linearly, away from the associated jaw, rendering the guidewires 13, 14 and 15 loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is displaced from the closed position into the open position. The receiving opening 9 is further configured and dimensioned to receive the end members 1 1 and 12 operatively therethrough as the jaws move between the closed and the open position.

[0035] The set of jaws 5 and 6, the set of teeth 10 and the end members 1 1 and 12 are correspondingly and collectively configured to hold the selection of medical guidewires 13, 14 and 15 operatively securely between the jaws 5 and 6 when the jaws are in the closed position, without causing any damage to the guidewires or any of their coatings, and to retain the guidewires loosely between the jaws in the open position.

[0036] The handles 7 and 8 and the resiliently deformable member 4 are correspondingly and collectively configured to abut the handles when the jaws 5 and 6 are displaced into the open position, thereby limiting the opening of the jaws so as to retain the guidewires 13, 14 and 15 loosely and releasably between the jaws without allowing the guidewires to straighten out or spring open unexpectedly and unwantedly during a medical activity.

[0037] It is envisaged that the handles 4 and 5 could be provided with ergonomic indentations, friction surfaces or the like (not shown) that are configured to inhibit the handles from slipping relative to a user’s fingers.

[0038] In use, a user would typically compress the handles 7 and 8, thereby displacing the jaws 5 and 6 from the closed position into the open position. Once in the open position, a user would be able to position the selection of guidewires 13, 14 and 15 between the jaws 5 and 6 and between the retaining members 11 and 12 before releasing the handles 7 and 8 in a controlled manner andthe jaws into the closed position.

[0039] The clip 1 comprises a single contiguous structure that is easily sterilised while allowing compression of the handles 7 and 8 from any angle to eliminate the hand dexterity required when traditional pinch clips (not shown) are utilized. It is envisaged that the clip 1 would be made of an injection moulded, substantially resilient material selected from a group including polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like, alternatively, from other suitable materials that are sufficiently flexible and resilient to clip the instruments operatively securely without causing any damage to the instruments or any of their coatings.

[0040] An alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 6 to 8 comprises a clip 16 having two, substantially elongate, co-extending jaws 17 and 18, the jaws extending from one common end 19 operatively located between the jaws. Each of the jaws 17 and 18 are provided with opposing handle formations 20 and 21. The jaws 17 and 18 are displaceable between a closed position and an open position with the manipulation of the handle formations 20 and 21 .

[0041] The common end 19, from which the jaws 17 and 18 extend, comprises a resiliently deformable, C-shaped member that serves as a biasing mechanism that biases the jaws toward the closed position.

[0042] The set of jaws 17 and 18 are each provided with complimentary securing formations comprising sets of teeth 22 and 23, operatively arranged between the jaws and secured to the respective jaws to define a plurality of holding grooves 24, configured to hold a selection of elongate medical instruments in the form of conduits 25, 26 and 27 operatively securely therebetween when the jaws are in the closed position, without causing any damage to the conduits or any coating thereon.

[0043] The set of jaws 17 and 18 is further provided with a retaining formation comprising a first outwardly extending end member 28, located on the end of jaw 17, wherein the end member is also provided with an attachment formation 30. The retaining formation further comprises a second, complimentary end member 29, extending from the end of jaw 18, wherein the end member is provided with a complimentary attachment formation 31 , configured to serve as an attachment point for the attachment formation 30, thereby allowing jaw 17 to be releasably attached in the closed position. The retaining formation, in conjunction with the holding grooves 24, allow the conduits 25, 26 and 27 to be retained loosely between the jaws when the jaws are displaced from the closedposition into the open position.

[0044] The set of jaws 17 and 18, the set of teeth 22 and 23, and the end members 30 and 31 are correspondingly and collectively configured to hold the selection of conduits, 25, 26 and 27 operatively securely between the jaws and when the jaws are in the closed position, without causing any damage to the conduits or any of their coatings, and to retain the conduits loosely between the jaws in the open position.

[0045] The clip 16, is further provided with a second securing arrangement, in the form of a second set of jaws 32 and 33, located towards the opposing end of the clip. The first jaw 32 comprises a substantially rigid member with an at least partially rounded outer surface 34. The second jaw 33 comprises a resiliently displaceable member complementarily shaped to the first jaw wherein the second jaw is displaceable between an open position and a securing, closed position wherein it conforms to and snugly hugs the first jaw along the latter’s outer surface 34. The second set of jaws 32 and 33 is configured to be releasably securable to an external article or structure such as a blanket, bedlinen, bedcover or article of clothing.

[0046] An alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 9 to 1 1 comprises a clip35 substantially as illustrated in Figure 6 and 7. The clip 35 is further provided with a third set of jaws36 and 37, defining a third securing arrangement, located at the opposing end of the clip relative to the second set of jaws 32 and 33, wherein the third set of jaws has a similar configuration to that of the second set of jaws, mirrored in an opposing orientation. The combination of the second set of jaws 32 and 33 and the third set of jaws 36 and 37 significantly enhances the ability of the clip 35 to secure to an external article or structure such as a blanket, bedlinen, bedcover or article of clothing. This embodiment provides two opposed points of securitisation, thereby increasing the overall stability and firmness of attachment. As a result, the clip 35 is less likely to slip or detach, ensuring that the clip, and thereby the conduits 25, 26 and 27, remain securely in place during use.

[0047] An alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 12 to 14 comprises a clip 38 substantially as illustrated in Figure 1 to 5. The clip 38 is provided with an alternative second securing arrangement, comprising a first arm 39, extending from the outer ends of the set of jaws 6 and 7, and terminating in a central junction 40. The second securing arrangement further comprises two additional arms 41 and 42, extending outwardly from the central junction 40, wherein the first arm 39 and the two additional arms 41 and 42 are arranged relatively to each other in a substantially Y-shaped configuration. Each of the arms 39, 41 and 42 are provided with loop arresting formationsin the form of three hooks 43, 44 and 45, located towards the distal ends of each of the three arms, the hooks being configured to secure at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument operatively therebetween without causing any damage to the looped instrument or any of its coating.

[0048] An alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 15 to 17 comprises a clip46, substantially as illustrated in Figure 9 to 1 1 . The clip 46 is further provided with a second set of loop arresting formations in the form of three hooks 47, 48 and 49, located radially inwardly relative to the first set of loop arresting formations and on each of the arms 39, 41 and 42. The hooks 47, 48 and 49 are configured to secure at least one loop of another elongate medical instrument, with a diameter smaller than the loop being secured between the outer hooks 43, 44 and 45, operatively without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

[0049] It will be appreciated that many variations in detail are possible without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the inventions as defined in the consistory statements, as described in the specific embodiments and / or as claimed hereinafter.

Claims

Claims1. A clip suitable for releasably securing at least one elongate medical instrument during a medical activity, the clip comprising at least one securing arrangement, the one securing arrangement comprising: a set of jaws, resiliently displaceable relatively to each other between a securing, closed position, and a releasing, open position, wherein the set of jaws comprises: at least one securing formation, configured to hold at least one elongate medical instrument operatively securely between the jaws when the set of jaws is in the closed position; and at least one retaining formation, configured to render the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is in the open position; a displacement mechanism, configured to displace the set of jaws controllably between the closed position and the open position; and a biasing mechanism, rendering the set of jaws bias towards the closed position; wherein the elongate medical instrument is receivable and retainable loosely between the jaws when the jaws are displaced against the biasing mechanism into the open position, and holdable operatively securely between the jaws when the jaws are displaced under the bias into the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any coating thereon.

2. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the securing formation and the retaining formation are dimensioned and configured to enable the jaws to hold a number of elongate medical instruments selected from a group of predetermined and varying lengths, diameters, composition, fragility, elasticity and / or flexibility.

3. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the securing formation comprises at least one tooth, ridge, or rib, configured to hold at least one elongate medical instrument operatively securely between jaws when the set of jaws are in the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

4. A clip as claimed in claim 3 wherein the securing formation comprises a set of least two teeth, ridges or ribs, operatively arranged between the jaws to hold the elongate medical instrument operatively securely therebetween when the jaws are in the closed position.

5. A clip as claimed in claim 3 wherein the securing formation comprises at least one set of teeth,located on each of the opposing jaws and defining at least one holding groove, for holding the elongate medical instrument when the jaws are in the open position, and for securing the elongate medical instrument between the teeth, when the jaws are in the closed position.

6. A clip as claimed in claim 5 wherein the securing formation comprises a plurality of teeth located on each of the opposing jaws, defining a plurality of holding grooves for holding the elongate medical instrument when the jaws are in the open position, and for securing the elongate medical instrument operatively between the teeth when the jaws are in the closed position without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

7. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the retaining formation comprises two, operatively opposed end members, the one end member being located towards an outer end of one jaw and the second end member being located towards an opposed, inner end of one jaw.

8. A clip as claimed in claim 7 wherein the inner end member is curved outwardly, away from the associated jaw, while the opposing, outer end member extends substantially linearly, away from the associated jaw, rendering the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is displaced from the closed position into the open position.

9. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner end member extends substantially linearly between the opposing jaws, and the outer end member extends outwardly, away from the associated jaw, rendering the elongate medical instrument loosely retainable between the jaws when the set of jaws is displaced from the closed position into the open position.

10. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the jaws and the securing formations are provided with a friction surface to inhibit the elongate medical instrument from slipping relative to the jaws and the securing formations without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.1 1. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the displacement mechanism comprises a set of handles, operatively connected to the set of jaws, with each handle operatively connected to a corresponding jaw, rendering the jaws controllably displaceable between the closed position and the open position against the bias towards the closed position.

12. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the displacement mechanism comprises a handle formation, located towards the end of at least one of the jaws, rendering the correspondingjaw controllably displaceable between the closed position and the open position against the bias towards the closed position.

13. A clip as claimed in claim 12 wherein the displacement mechanism comprises two handle formations located towards the end of each of the jaws, rendering the jaws controllably displaceable between the closed position and the open position against the bias towards the closed position.

14. A clip as claimed in claim 1 wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a resiliently deformable member, operatively connected to the jaws.

15. A clip as claimed in claim 14 wherein the deformable member is substantially C-shaped, made of elongated, resiliently deformable material and attached towards the two opposed ends of the two jaws.

16. A clip as claimed in claim 1 1 wherein the handles are provided with a friction surface and are configured ergonomically to inhibit the handles from slipping relative to a user’s fingers.

17. A clip as claimed in claim 1 comprising a flexible, substantially resilient material suitable for sterilisation and selected from a group including polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like.

18. A clip as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second securing arrangement, the second securing arrangement comprising a second set of jaws, located towards an end region of the clip for securing the clip to an external article or structure such as a blanket, article of clothing or bedframe.

19. A clip as claimed in claim 18 wherein the second set of jaws is provided with a first jaw, comprising a substantially rigid member with an at least partially rounded inner surface, and a second jaw, comprising a resiliently displaceable member complementarily shaped to the first jaw, the second jaw being displaceable relatively to the first jaw between a releasing, open position and a securing, closed position, wherein the second jaw conforms to the first jaw.

20. A clip as claimed in claim 1 comprising a third securing arrangement, the third securing arrangement comprising a third set of jaws, located towards an opposing end region of the clip relative to the second set of jaws and for similarly securing the clip to an external article orstructure such as a blanket, article of clothing or bedframe.21 . A clip as claimed in claim 20 wherein the third securing arrangement has a similar configuration to that of the second securing arrangement, but mirrored in an opposing orientation so that the second and the third securing arrangements are orientated to secure opposing ends of the clip to an external article or structure.

22. A clip as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second securing arrangement, the second securing arrangement comprising: a first loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a section of at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument operatively therewith; and at least a second loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a second section of the loop operatively therewith; the two arresting formations operatively configured and arranged to provide a first set of operatively-opposing arresting formations for arresting the loop operatively securely therebetween without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

23. A clip as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second securing arrangement, the second securing arrangement comprising: a first loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a section of at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument operatively therewith; a second loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a second section of the loop operatively therewith; and a third loop arresting formation, configured to arrest at least a third section of the loop operatively therewith; the three arresting formations operatively configured and arranged to provide the first set of operatively-opposing arresting formations for arresting the loop operatively securely therebetween without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

24. A clip as claimed in claim 23 wherein the second securing arrangement for arresting at least a section of at least one loop of an elongate medical instrument therewith comprises: a first arm, having the first loop arresting formation extending therefrom, the first arm extending from the first securing arrangement and terminating in a substantially central junction; and two further arms, having the second and the third loop arresting formations respectivelylocated towards the distal ends of the two arms and extending therefrom; the three arms and the three corresponding arresting formations operatively configured and arranged and extending outwardly from the central junction in a substantially Y-shaped configuration to provide the first set of operatively-opposing arresting formations for arresting the loop operatively securely therebetween without causing any damage to the instrument or any of its coating.

25. A clip as claimed in claim 24 wherein the three arms are each provided with a second loop arresting formation, operatively located radially inwardly relative to the first set of loop arresting formations and extending similarly from the corresponding arms to provide a second set of operatively-opposing loop arresting formations for arresting at least one, radially smaller loop of a second elongate medical instrument operatively therewith without causing any damage to the second instrument or coating thereon.

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