Apparatus and method for applying latchless surgical clips
USRE36720E · kind E · reissue
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
A disposable apparatus is disclosed for applying latchless surgical clips to body tissue in endoscopic surgical procedures. The latchless clips are resiliently biased to a closed configuration. The apparatus includes a frame which is adapted to be gripped by hand, and an endoscopic section connected to the handle and capable of storing surgical clips in preparation for clipping arteries or other body tissue. The apparatus includes means for advancing each clip sequentially, temporarily opening the clip and advancing the clip further to a pair of distal jaws where the clip is positioned around the body tissue and closes around the tissue. Also included are means for closing the jaws about the clip. When the jaws are closed, the clip advancing means is simultaneously positioned to advance the next clip. The present apparatus also makes it possible to partially close a clip without interfering with the sequential movement of the clip advancing mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.