Ligation clip assembly and clip applier

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a ligation clip assembly and a clip applier. The ligation clip assembly comprises a plurality of ligation clips. Each of the plurality of ligation clips comprises a first beam, a second beam, and an elastic connecting part connecting the first beam and the second beam. The elastic connecting part is configured to allow the first beam and the second beam to have an open state and a closed state by means of elastic deformation. The plurality of ligation clips comprise a first ligation clip and a second ligation clip which are adjacent to each other, and the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip are connected by means of a connecting member. Therefore, the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip which are adjacent to each other can keep a certain spacing and pulling force during a pushing process, so that the ligation clips are prevented from falling off in a closing process, thereby avoiding the problems such as blockage in the continuous conveying of the ligation clips.

Description

Ligation clip assembly and clip applier

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311863270.0 filed on December 29, 2023, and the contents of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as a part of this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a ligation clip assembly and a clip applier. Background Art

[0003] Laparoscopic, endoscopic, and other minimally invasive surgical techniques allow surgeons to perform complex procedures inside the body through tiny incisions. Many surgical procedures require ligating blood vessels during the procedure. For example, many surgical procedures require cutting blood vessels (such as veins or arteries), which may need to be ligated to reduce bleeding. In some cases, the surgeon may wish to temporarily ligate a blood vessel to reduce blood flow to the surgical site during surgery. In other cases, the surgeon may wish to permanently ligate a blood vessel.

[0004] Vascular ligation can be performed using ligation clips or sutures. Using sutures for vascular ligation requires complex manipulation of the needle and suture material to form the necessary knot. This complex procedure is time-consuming and difficult to perform, especially during laparoscopic surgery, where the difficulty is significantly increased. Using ligation clips for vascular closure is simpler and more reliable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ligation clip assembly, which includes a plurality of ligation clips, wherein each of the plurality of ligation clips includes a first beam, a second beam, and an elastic connection portion connecting the first beam and the second beam, the elastic connection portion is configured to allow the first beam and the second beam to have an open state and a closed state through elastic deformation, the plurality of ligation clips include adjacent first and second ligation clips, and the first and second ligation clips are connected by a connector.

[0006] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first beam includes a first connection end away from the elastic connection portion, the second beam includes a second connection end away from the elastic connection portion, the first connection end and the second connection end are configured to be disconnected or connected so that the first beam and the second beam are in the open state or the closed state, and the elastic connection portion of the first ligation clip and the first connection end of the first beam of the second ligation clip are connected through the connecting piece.

[0007] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting end includes a hook portion, the second connecting end includes a convex portion, and the ligation clip is configured to be clamped on the inner side of the hook portion through the convex portion to achieve the connection between the first connecting end and the second connecting end, and the connecting member includes a first end connected to the first ligation clip and a second end connected to the second ligation clip, the first end is connected to the side of the elastic connecting portion of the first ligation clip away from the first connecting end and the second connecting end, and the second end is connected to the outer side of the hook portion of the second ligation clip.

[0008] For example, in the ligating clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first beam includes a first boss, the first boss is arranged between the first connecting end and the elastic connecting portion, and is arranged on a side of the first beam away from the second beam, and the second end is connected to a side of the first boss of the second ligating clip away from the elastic connecting portion of the second ligating clip.

[0009] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first beam and the second beam are in a semi-closed state, the axis of the connecting member overlaps with the overall geometric center line of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip.

[0010] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member is in the shape of a strip, a sheet, or a ball.

[0011] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member is integrally formed with the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip.

[0012] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact area between the connecting member and the first ligation clip is different from the contact area between the connecting member and the second ligation clip.

[0013] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member is connected to at least one of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip in a point-like or line-like manner.

[0014] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member is spherical, and / or the contact area between the connecting member and the first ligation clip is larger than the contact area between the connecting member and the second ligation clip.

[0015] For example, in the ligating clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a through hole penetrating the connecting member and / or the second ligating clip is provided at the connection between the connecting member and the second ligating clip.

[0016] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connecting member is made of a flexible material.

[0017] For example, in the ligation clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip further includes a pushing portion adjacent to and arranged in parallel with the connecting member, and the pushing portion is configured to be able to contact the other of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip when subjected to force to achieve a pushing effect.

[0018] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a clip applier, which includes a handle assembly, a first tube body, a ligation clip assembly provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and a jaw. The first tube body is connected to the handle assembly, the ligation clip assembly is located in the first tube body, and the jaw is located at the distal end of the first tube body.

[0019] For example, in the clip applier of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ligation clip assembly is in a semi-closed state in the first tube, and the axis of the connecting member of the ligation clip assembly overlaps with the geometric centerline of the ligation clip assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description only relate to some embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than limiting the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of a ligation clip in a closed state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG2B is a schematic side view of the structure of the ligation clip in a closed state provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG3 is a side view of adjacent ligation clips connected by a connector in a ligation clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG4 is a side view of a ligation clip assembly in a semi-closed state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG5 is a schematic top view of a ligation clip assembly in a semi-closed state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of another ligation clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG7 is a side view of another ligation clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which adjacent ligation clips are connected by a connecting member;

[0029] FIG8 is a top view of adjacent ligating clips connected by a connecting member in another ligating clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of yet another ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG10 is a side view of adjacent ligating clips connected by a connecting member in yet another ligating clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG11 is a top view of adjacent ligating clips connected by a connecting member in yet another ligating clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a clip applier according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the usual meanings understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships, and when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. The term "proximal" refers to the part of the component or structure involved that is close to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the part of the component or structure involved that is far away from the clinician. The term "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0036] In the process of closing a blood vessel with a ligation clip, a clip applier (or ligation forceps) is usually used to carry the ligation clip through a puncture device and inserted into a designated position in the body cavity. During use, the ligation clip can be positioned on the blood vessel to be ligated, and the clip applier is controlled externally to close the ligation clip.

[0037] However, in traditional procedures, only one ligature clip can be picked up and clamped at a time. If multiple clips are needed, the clip applier must be removed from the cavity, re-picked up outside the cavity, and then reinserted into the cavity to clamp the ligature. Clinically, each surgical procedure often requires several ligature clips, and the repeated picking up of ligature clips significantly reduces surgical efficiency and increases surgical risks.

[0038] In some embodiments, a ligation clip burst method can be used, that is, multiple ligation clips are loaded on a clip applier, so that the operator can continuously clamp multiple ligation clips without withdrawing the clip applier from the cavity.

[0039] However, there are often many problems in the current method of continuous ligation of clips. Multiple individual ligation clips are relatively independent of each other, and there is no structure to restrict the positional relationship between the multiple individual ligation clips. In addition, since multiple individual ligation clips need to be transmitted continuously, the transmission structure is relatively complex to ensure the distance relationship and reliable positioning of the multiple individual ligation clips. Therefore, it is easy to malfunction during use. For example, when the ligation clip is not correctly placed in the jaws, it may cause the ligation clip to fall off from the jaws or fail to close; the track for transporting the ligation clip may be blocked, causing the ligation clip to fail to close; the structure of the transporting ligation clip is sophisticated and complex, which may easily cause damage to the ligation clip body during transportation, thereby affecting the clamping performance; the deformation of the material of the ligation clip itself may easily cause it to be unable to be effectively fixed in the jaws of the clamp applier.

[0040] In summary, there are several defects in the continuous application of ligation clips, and a better structure is needed to safely and reliably deliver and close the ligation clips in sequence and minimize damage to blood vessels.

[0041] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ligation clip assembly and a clip applier, the ligation clip assembly including a plurality of ligation clips, each of the plurality of ligation clips including a first beam, a second beam, and an elastic connecting portion connecting the first beam and the second beam, the elastic connecting portion being configured to allow the first beam and the second beam to have an open state and a closed state through elastic deformation, the plurality of ligation clips including adjacent first and second ligation clips, the first and second ligation clips being connected by a connecting piece.

[0042] Therefore, in the above-mentioned ligation clip assembly provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjacent first ligation clip and the second ligation clip can maintain a certain distance and pulling force during the pushing process, thereby preventing the ligation clip from falling off during the closing process, preventing the ligation clip from being blocked during continuous transportation, and simplifying the structure of the clip applier, thereby avoiding damage to the ligation clip.

[0043] The ligation clip assembly and the clip applier provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are described below through several specific embodiments.

[0044] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a ligation clip assembly. FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the ligation clip assembly. As shown in FIG1 , the ligation clip assembly includes a plurality of ligation clips 10. Each ligation clip 10 includes a first beam 11, a second beam 12, and an elastic connection portion 13 connecting the first beam 11 and the second beam 12. The elastic connection portion 13 is configured to allow the first beam 11 and the second beam 12 to have an open state and a closed state through elastic deformation.

[0045] For example, FIG1 shows a schematic perspective view of the structure of multiple ligating clips 10 in an open state, while FIG2A and FIG2B respectively show a schematic perspective view and a schematic side view of a single ligating clip 10 of the ligating clip assembly in a closed state. For example, as shown in FIG1 , each ligating clip 10 has a hollow portion 13A at the elastic connection portion 13. The hollow portion 13A is, for example, in the form of a crescent or strip, so as to facilitate the corresponding elastic deformation of the elastic connection portion 13 when achieving the open and closed states.

[0046] For example, when the elastic connection part 13 is elastically deformed to achieve a closed state, the inner side of the hollow part 13A (i.e., the side close to the closed position, the left side in Figure 2B) is squeezed, and the outer side of the hollow part 13A (i.e., the side away from the closed position, the right side in Figure 2B) is stretched; when the elastic connection part 13 is elastically deformed to achieve an open state, both the inner and outer sides of the hollow part 13A are in a relaxed state, that is, a state without stress.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG1 , the plurality of ligating clips 10 include a first ligating clip 10A and a second ligating clip 10B that are adjacent to each other, and the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B are connected by a connector 20. For example, the ligating clip assembly includes a plurality of ligating clips 10 that are arranged sequentially along a first direction X, and each two adjacent ligating clips 10 are connected by a connector 20, and the connection method of the two adjacent ligating clips 10 is substantially the same.

[0048] Thus, the ligation clip assembly includes multiple ligation clips 10 that are connected end to end in sequence through the connecting piece 20 to form a whole. When the ligation clip assembly is set in the clip applier, the adjacent ligation clips can maintain a certain distance and pulling force during the pushing process in the clip applier, thereby preventing the ligation clips from falling off during the closing process, avoiding the ligation clips from being blocked during continuous transportation, and simplifying the structure of the clip applier, thereby preventing the complex structure from causing damage to the ligation clips; for example, when the previous ligation clip is used, the connection between it and the next ligation clip can be disconnected, thereby realizing the independent use of each ligation clip.

[0049] For example, Figure 3 shows a side view of adjacent first and second ligating clips 10A, 10B. As shown in Figure 3, first beam 11 includes a first connection end 11A distal from elastic connection portion 13, and second beam 12 includes a second connection end 12A distal from elastic connection portion 13. First connection end 11A and second connection end 12A are configured to connect or disconnect to achieve an open state and a closed state. For example, the elastic connection portion 13 of the first ligating clip 10A and the first connection end 11A of the first beam 11 of the second ligating clip 10B are connected by a connector 20.

[0050] For example, in some examples, as shown in Figure 3, the first connection end 11A includes a hook portion, as shown in the dotted box, and the second connection end 12A includes a protrusion, as shown in the dotted circle, and the protrusion is configured to be connected to the inner side of the hook portion (i.e., the side close to the elastic connection portion 13) to achieve the connection between the first connection end 11A and the second connection end 12A.

[0051] For example, in some examples, as shown in FIG2A , the second connecting end 12A may further include a boss 15, which is disposed on opposite sides of the convex portion, for example, perpendicular to the first direction X in FIG1 , and is shown in the figure in the form of a cylinder to have a smooth surface. When the convex portion is engaged with the inner side of the hook portion, the boss 15 can limit the engagement position to prevent the convex portion from falling out of the hook portion. For example, when the ligation clip assembly is disposed in the clip applier, the boss 15 can also be used to limit the position in the clip applier, and when the ligation clip is pushed to the jaws A of the clip applier (see FIG12 ), the boss 15 can also be used to position the ligation clip in the jaws A of the clip applier.

[0052] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the connecting member 20 includes a first end 20A connected to the first ligating clip 10A and a second end 20B connected to the second ligating clip 10B, the first end 20A is connected to the side of the elastic connecting portion 13 of the first ligating clip 10A away from the first connecting end 11A and the second connecting end 12A of the first ligating clip 10A (i.e., the outside of the elastic connecting portion 13 of the first ligating clip 10A), and the second end 20B is connected to the outside of the hook portion of the second ligating clip 10B (i.e., the side away from the elastic connecting portion 13 of the second ligating clip 10B).

[0053] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first beam 11 includes a first boss 14, which is disposed between the first connecting end 11A and the elastic connecting portion 13 and on a side of the first beam 11 away from the second beam 12. For example, when the ligation clip assembly is disposed in a clip applier, the first boss 14 can be used to limit the position of the clip applier. When the ligation clip is pushed into the jaws of the clip applier, the first boss 14 can also be used to position the clip in the jaws of the clip applier.

[0054] For example, in some examples, the first boss 14 may be in a cylindrical structure, thereby having a smooth surface.

[0055] Thus, positional stability of the ligation clip in the pushing device and the jaws of the clip applier can be achieved by the convex portion of the second beam 12 and the first boss 14 of the first beam 11 .

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the second end 20B of the connecting member 20 is connected to the side of the first boss 14 of the second ligating clip 10B that is away from the elastic connecting portion 13 of the second ligating clip 10B. With this arrangement of the connecting member 20, the position of the connecting member 20 is even offset toward the geometric centerline of the multiple conjoined ligating clips, making the process of pushing the multiple ligating clips more stable.

[0057] For example, when the ligating clip assembly is disposed within the clip applier, the ligating clip 10 is in a semi-closed state. FIG4 illustrates a side view of the ligating clip 10 in the semi-closed state, and FIG5 illustrates a top view of the ligating clip 10 in the semi-closed state. As shown in FIG4 and FIG5 , when the first beam 11 and the second beam 12 are in the semi-closed state, the axis of the connecting member 20 overlaps with the geometric centerline of the first and second ligating clips 10A, 10B, as shown by line AX in the figures. The semi-closed state refers to a state in which the first beam 11 and the second beam 12 are not fully closed, i.e., the first connecting end 11A and the second connecting end 12A are not connected, but the second beam 12 is brought closer to the first beam 11 due to an external force.

[0058] For example, when the ligating clip assembly is placed in the clip applier, the diameter of the clip applier tube limits the ligating clip to a semi-closed state. As shown in FIG4 , the second beam 12 of each ligating clip 10 is compressed, reducing the angle between the first beam 11 and the second beam 12 of each ligating clip 10, forming the semi-closed state shown in FIG4 . Each ligating clip 10 can be pushed in this state. At this time, the axis of the connecting member 20 overlaps with the overall geometric centerline of the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B. This balances the pushing force of the ligating clip assembly and prevents any ligating clip 10 from rotating, thereby facilitating the structural stability of the ligating clip assembly during the pushing process.

[0059] For example, in some embodiments, each ligating clip 10 is a one-piece structure, such as formed by an injection molding process. For example, in some embodiments, the connector 20 is also integrally formed with the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B, such as by an injection molding process. This allows the ligating clip assembly to be a one-piece structure, without a distinct interface between the connector 20 and the ligating clip 10 it connects to. This makes the ligating clip assembly easier to form, resulting in a more accurate and stable structure. Furthermore, during use, when adjacent ligating clips need to be disconnected, the connector 20 can be more easily disconnected.

[0060] For example, in other embodiments, the connector 20 and the ligation clip 10 connected thereto may also be connected by other means such as bonding or snapping. However, compared with the above-mentioned one-piece molding, the connection strength by means of bonding or snapping needs to be more reasonably designed to ensure the connection effect while also ensuring that it is easy to be disconnected during use.

[0061] For example, in some embodiments, the connecting member 20 may be in the shape of a strip (such as a column), a sheet, or a sphere (including a hemispherical shape with a curved surface).

[0062] For example, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2A, the connecting member 20 is in a strip shape, such as a cylindrical shape, and the first end 20A of the connecting member 20 is connected to the elastic connecting portion 13 of the first ligating clip 10A at a position biased towards the first beam 11. Figure 3 shows that it is connected to a position slightly below the center of the elastic connecting portion 13, and the second end 20B of the connecting member 20 is connected to the outer side of the hook portion of the second ligating clip 10B.

[0063] For example, in some embodiments, the connection strength between the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clip 10A is different from the connection strength between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B, so that the side with the weaker connection strength is easier to be disconnected, so as to simply disconnect the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B during use.

[0064] For example, in some embodiments, the contact area between the connector 20 and the first ligating clip 10A is different from the contact area between the connector 20 and the second ligating clip 10B. For example, in some examples, the diameter of the connector 20 exhibits a gradual change (e.g., gradually increasing or decreasing) between the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B, so that the connector 20 is more easily disconnected on the side with the smaller diameter.

[0065] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact area between the connector 20 and the ligation clip may be the area of ​​a cross section formed by disconnecting the connector 20 from the ligation clip at the contact / connection position between the connector 20 and the ligation clip.

[0066] For example, in some embodiments, the contact area between the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clip 10A is 0.38 mm 2 to 1.2mm 2 , for example 0.5mm 2 , 0.7mm 2 , 0.9mm 2 or 1.1mm 2 The contact area between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B is less than or equal to 0.12 mm 2 , for example 0.05mm 2 , 0.08mm 2 , 0.10mm 2 or 0.12mm 2 As a result, the contact area between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clamp 10B is smaller, and the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clamp 10B are easier to disconnect; the connection between the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clamp 10A is more stable, which is conducive to providing connection strength and thrust.

[0067] For example, in other embodiments, the connection strength between the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clip 10A may be approximately the same as the connection strength between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B. In this case, the contact area between the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B is 0.38 mm. 2 to 1.2mm 2 , so as to form a larger and more stable thrust between adjacent ligation clips, and after use, it can also be disconnected by an auxiliary tool; or, the contact area between the connecting member 20 and the first ligation clip 10A and the second ligation clip 10B is less than or equal to 0.12mm 2 At this time, there is still a certain thrust between the adjacent ligation clips, and after use, the adjacent ligation clips can be disconnected by slightly pulling or twisting.

[0068] For example, depending on the structure of the clip applier, when the contact area between the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B is less than or equal to 0.12 mm 2 When the connector 20 is connected to the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B, a point-shaped (the connector 20 has a very small diameter) or strip-shaped / line-shaped (the connector 20 has a very thin thickness) connection can be formed, so that the adjacent ligating clips can be disconnected by slightly pulling or twisting.

[0069] For example, in some other embodiments, a portion of the connecting member 20 between the first ligating clamp 10A and the second ligating clamp 10B may have a smaller diameter to facilitate disconnection; in this case, the contact areas of the connecting member 20 with the first ligating clamp 10A and the second ligating clamp 10B may be the same or different.

[0070] For example, Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of another ligating clip assembly provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the ligating clip assembly, and Figure 8 shows a schematic top view of the ligating clip assembly. As shown in Figures 6-8, in this embodiment, the connector 20 is spherical (including quasi-spherical, hemispherical, ¾-sphere, and other incomplete spherical shapes), for example, hemispherical, and the contact area between the connector 20 and the first ligating clip 10A is greater than the contact area between the connector 20 and the second ligating clip 10B. As a result, the connection strength between the connector 20 and the first ligating clip 10A is greater than the connection strength between the connector 20 and the second ligating clip 10B, thereby facilitating disconnection at the connection position between the connector 20 and the second ligating clip 10B.

[0071] For example, as shown in FIG7 , when the connecting member 20 is spherical, a V-shaped structure is formed at the connection position 20C between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B (i.e., in the cross section of FIG7 , the surfaces of the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B at the connection position 20C have a V-shaped cross-sectional structure). At this time, when the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B are disconnected, on the one hand, the connection strength between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B is lower, making it easier to disconnect. That is, the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B are separated at the position where the connection strength is weakest, thereby reducing the difficulty of separation. On the other hand, after the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B are disconnected at the bottom of the V-shaped structure, the cross-section of the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B forms an obtuse angle, and no acute angle (pointed angle) structure is generated, thereby avoiding damage to tissue.

[0072] For example, in some embodiments, a through hole 21 penetrating the connecting member 20 and / or the second ligating clip 10B may be provided at the connecting position 20C between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B, thereby further weakening the connection strength between the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B.

[0073] For example, the through hole 21 can be formed in the connecting member 20, or in the second ligating clip 10B, or partially in the connecting member 20 and partially in the second ligating clip 10B. The cross-section of the through hole 21 can be circular, diamond-shaped, or triangular, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not specifically limited to this.

[0074] For example, in some examples, as shown in FIG8 , the through hole 21 is partially formed in the connecting member 20 and partially formed in the second ligating clip 10B, and the diameter or diagonal of the through hole 21 is located at the connection position of the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B, so that the connection strength at the connection position of the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B is weaker.

[0075] For example, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the spherical shape of the connecting member 20 includes deformation forms such as the case where the connecting member 20 has an arcuate surface and the case where the connecting member 20 is hemispherical, as long as the connecting member 20 and the ligation clamp are connected in an arcuate surface.

[0076] Thus, in the above embodiment, the connector 20 is formed in the form of an arcuate bridge, which makes the connection structure more compact. For example, there is a smaller length between adjacent ligation clips 10 (the transverse dimension in Figure 7). When the arcuate shape of the connector 20 is connected to the second ligation clip 10B at its rear end, it forms a combination of two spherical surfaces, and the combination position naturally forms a "V"-shaped guide groove. When cutting two adjacent ligation clips, the "V"-shaped guide groove can help locate the cutting position. After cutting, since both sides of the cross-section are spherical surfaces with larger diameters, the cross-section will not produce sharp angles, reducing the risk of the cross-section scratching human tissue. In addition, the arcuate shape of the connector 20 and the bridge position of the second ligation clip 10B at its rear end form a through hole 21, making the cutting action smoother and the cross-section smoother.

[0077] For example, FIG9 shows a schematic three-dimensional structural diagram of another ligation clip assembly provided in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG10 shows a schematic side view of the ligation clip assembly, and FIG11 shows a schematic top view of the ligation clip assembly.

[0078] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in this embodiment, the connecting member 20 is made of a flexible material. In another embodiment, the connecting member 20 may also be a hard component, or a composite component combining soft and hard materials. The connecting member 20 is connected to at least one of the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B in a point-like or line-like manner.

[0079] In this embodiment, the connecting member 20 is connected to one of the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B in a point-like or line-like manner, and is connected to the other in a plane-like manner. That is, the connecting surface of the connecting member 20 and one of the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B is smaller, and thus the connection strength is weaker. For example, as shown in FIG10 , the connecting member 20 is connected to the first ligating clip 10A in a point-like or line-like manner, that is, the cross-section of the connecting member 20 and the first ligating clip 10A at the connection position is point-like or line-like, for example, the cross-section is less than or equal to 0.12 mm. 2 , for example 0.05mm 2 , 0.08mm 2 , 0.10mm 2 or 0.12mm 2 The connecting member 20 is connected to the second ligating clip 10B in a planar manner, that is, the cross section of the connecting member 20 and the second ligating clip 10B at the connection position has a certain area, for example, the cross section is 0.38mm 2 to 1.2mm 2, for example 0.5mm 2 , 0.7mm 2 , 0.9mm 2 or 1.1mm 2 Etc., so that the connection strength between the connecting piece 20 and the first ligating clip 10A is weaker than the connection strength between the connecting piece 20 and the second ligating clip 10B. Thus, during use, the connection between the connecting piece 20 and the first ligating clip 10A can be disconnected.

[0080] For example, in order to maintain the interval and pushing force between the first ligation clamp 10A and the second ligation clamp 10B, one of the first ligation clamp 10A and the second ligation clamp 10B (shown in the figure as the second ligation clamp 10B) further includes a pushing portion 30 adjacent to and arranged in parallel with the connecting member 20. The pushing portion 30 is configured to be able to contact the other of the first ligation clamp 10A and the second ligation clamp 10B (shown in the figure as the first ligation clamp 10A) when subjected to force to achieve a pushing effect.

[0081] For example, the pushing portion 30 is provided on the ligation clip at the rear during the pushing process. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10 , the ligation clip assembly is pushed toward the distal end, that is, toward the opening direction of the ligation clip. At this time, the pushing portion 30 is provided on the second ligation clip 10B at the rear.

[0082] For example, in the above embodiment, the pusher 30 can be integrally formed with the first ligating clip 10A and the second ligating clip 10B, for example, by an injection molding process, and can be formed of a hard material such as polyoxymethylene. For example, the flexible material used for the connector 20 can be a soft material in the form of silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or cotton thread, as long as its hardness is less than that of the ligating clips. This is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] For example, during the pushing process of the pushing portion 30, the contact area between the pushing portion 30 and the first ligating clip 10A may be 0.38 mm 2 to 1.2mm 2 , for example 0.5mm 2 , 0.7mm 2 , 0.9mm 2 or 1.1mm 2 Etc., thereby effectively preventing the ligation clamp from deflecting during the pushing process, which is beneficial to the stability of the pushing process.

[0084] Thus, in the above embodiment, the connection between the adjacent first and second ligating clips 10A, 10B forms a composite structure combining soft and hard materials. The hard material (i.e., the pushing portion 30) can still be a polymer material with the same or similar hardness as the ligating clip body, while the soft material (i.e., the connecting member 20) can be a flexible material with a lower hardness than the ligating clip body. The hard material is positioned at the front end of the ligating clip but is not directly connected to the tail of the preceding ligating clip. When the ligating clip is pushed forward, the hard material contacts the tail of the preceding ligating clip, pushing it forward. During the pushing process, the large contact area between the hard material and the tail of the preceding ligating clip effectively prevents the ligating clip from deflecting during the pushing process. The soft material connects the front and rear ligating clips, enabling the ligating clips to be transported in a curved state and preventing accidental detachment of the front and rear ligating clips. When the front and rear ligating clips need to be cut, the soft material can be easily cut. Due to the properties of the soft material, even if the cross section forms a sharp angle, there is no risk of scratching human tissue.

[0085] In summary, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the ligation clamp assembly is formed in the form of a conjoined ligation clamp, which includes multiple ligation clamps connected in sequence. Only the first ligation clamp at the distal end is pushed so that multiple ligation clamps can be pushed together. Compared with the traditional situation where a single ligation clamp is pushed independently and repositioned each time, the ligation clamp assembly is pushed together to avoid problems such as difficulty in controlling the positional relationship between each ligation clamp and blockage of the ligation clamps during continuous transportation.

[0086] In addition, the connecting piece of the ligation clip assembly can still be made of the same material as the ligation clip, has good elasticity, and can be molded in one piece with the ligation clip, so that the ligation clip assembly can realize the bending movement in the clip applier without the need for additional auxiliary structures. In addition, during the pushing and clamping process of the ligation clip assembly, the tail end of the previous ligation clip is always connected and restricted by the ligation clip at the rear, thereby preventing the ligation clip at the jaw position of the clip applier from falling off the jaw and causing surgical safety risks. On the other hand, the ligation clip assembly can realize the overall delivery of the ligation clip by pushing the end or individual positions, without the need to adapt a precise pushing structure to each ligation clip. Such a simple structure is not prone to failure, can ensure the smooth and quick use of the ligation clip, and can avoid damage to the ligation clip due to jamming during the pushing process, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of ligation clip failure during surgery.

[0087] In addition, compared with a single ligation clip, the combined ligation clip is simple to assemble (for example, to a clip applier, etc.), and there is no need to adjust the assembly state of each ligation clip one by one; and the ligation clip assembly can be integrally processed and formed, with a simple process and low cost.

[0088] At least one embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a clip applier, which includes a pushing device and a ligation clip assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] For example, Figure 12 shows a structural schematic diagram of a clip applier provided by at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 12, the clip applier includes a first tube body 40 and a ligation clip assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ligation clip assembly is located in the first tube body 40 and can be pushed in the first tube body 40.

[0090] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the clip applier further includes jaws A, a handle assembly 50, and a rotation assembly 60. The proximal end of the first tubular body 40 is connected to the handle assembly 50. The jaws A are disposed at the distal end of the first tubular body 40, such as the operating end. Each ligating clip in the ligating clip assembly can be sequentially pushed into the jaws A within the first tubular body 40, clamped, and used.

[0091] For example, the rotating assembly 60 is connected to the first tube body 40, and can control the rotation of the first tube body 40 and the jaw A, thereby controlling the angle of the jaw A relative to the target object; the handle assembly 50 can be held by hand, for example, and can also include other operating components, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] For example, the ligation clip assembly is in a semi-closed state in the first tube 40 , and the axis of the connecting member 20 of the ligation clip assembly in the semi-closed state overlaps with the geometric center line of the ligation clip assembly.

[0093] For example, when the ligating clip assembly is disposed within the first tube 40, as shown in FIG4 , each ligating clip of the ligating clip assembly is in a semi-closed state, with the axis of the connector 20 overlapping with the geometric centerline of the entire ligating clip assembly, represented by line AX in the figure. This ensures that the pushing force of the ligating clip assembly is balanced, preventing any ligating clip 10 from rotating, and promoting structural stability of the ligating clip assembly during pushing.

[0094] There are a few points to note:

[0095] (1) The drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure only relate to the structures related to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other structures may refer to conventional designs.

[0096] (2) For the sake of clarity, in the drawings used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of layers or regions is exaggerated or reduced, that is, these drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale.

[0097] (3) In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features therein may be combined with each other to form new embodiments.

[0098] The above are only specific embodiments of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A ligation clip assembly, comprising a plurality of ligation clips, wherein, each of the plurality of ligation clips includes a first beam, a second beam, and an elastic connecting portion connecting the first beam and the second beam, and the elastic connecting portion is configured to allow the first beam and the second beam to have an open state and a closed state through elastic deformation; the plurality of ligation clips include an adjacent first ligation clip and a second ligation clip, and the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip are connected by a connecting member.

2. The ligating clip assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first beam includes a first connection end away from the elastic connecting portion, the second beam includes a second connection end away from the elastic connecting portion, and the first connection end and the second connection end are configured to be disconnected or connected to make the first beam and the second beam in the open state or the closed state; The elastic connecting portion of the first ligation clip is connected to the first connection end of the first beam of the second ligation clip through the connecting member.

3. The ligation clip assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The first connection end includes a hook portion, the second connection end includes a convex portion, and the ligation clip is configured to be snapped inside the hook portion through the convex portion to realize the connection between the first connection end and the second connection end; The connecting member includes a first end connected to the first ligation clip and a second end connected to the second ligation clip; The first end is connected to a side of the elastic connecting portion of the first ligation clip away from the first connection end and the second connection end, and the second end is connected to the outside of the hook portion of the second ligation clip.

4. The ligation clip assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first beam includes a first boss, and the first boss is arranged between the first connection end and the elastic connecting portion and on a side of the first beam away from the second beam; The second end is connected to a side of the first boss of the second ligation clip away from the elastic connecting portion of the second ligation clip.

5. The ligation clip assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, When the first beam and the second beam are in a semi-closed state, the axis of the connecting member overlaps with the geometric center line of the whole of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip.

6. The ligating clip assembly according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The connecting member is strip-shaped, sheet-shaped or spherical.

7. The ligation clip assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The connecting member is integrally formed with the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip.

8. The ligating clip assembly according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The contact area of the connecting member with the first ligation clip is different from the contact area of the connecting member with the second ligation clip.

9. The ligating clip assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting member is connected to at least one of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip in a point-like or line-like manner.

10. The ligation clip assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting member is spherical, and / or the contact area of the connecting member with the first ligation clip is larger than the contact area of the connecting member with the second ligation clip.

11. The ligating clip assembly according to claim 10, wherein, A through hole penetrating the connecting member and / or the second ligation clip is provided at the connection portion of the connecting member and the second ligation clip.

12. The ligation clip assembly according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein, The connecting member is made of a flexible material.

13. The ligation clip assembly according to claim 12, wherein, One of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip further includes a pushing portion adjacent to and arranged in parallel with the connecting member, and the pushing portion is configured to be able to contact the other of the first ligation clip and the second ligation clip when being stressed to realize a pushing effect.

14. An applicator, comprising: a handle assembly, a first tube body connecting the handle assembly, the ligation clip assembly according to any one of claims 1-13, located in the first tube body, and The jaw is located at the distal end of the first tube body.

15. The applicator according to claim 14, wherein, The ligation clip assembly is in a semi-closed state in the first tube body, and the axis of the connecting member of the ligation clip assembly overlaps with the geometric center line of the ligation clip assembly.

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