Patent ID: 7211092
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for applying surgical clips, comprising: (a) an actuator device comprising a stroke section disposed along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus and a cam mechanism, the stroke section comprising a first stage portion and a second stage portion distally adjacent to the first stage portion, and the cam mechanism comprising an axial cam surface disposed in the first stage portion, wherein the actuator device comprises a coupling axially translatable thereby through the stroke section, and wherein a locking mechanism is attached to the coupling; (b) a ratchet mechanism comprising a plurality of axially spaced teeth disposed in the first stage portion; (c) the locking mechanism communicating with the actuator device and axially movable thereby through the stroke section in a distal direction defining a forward stroke and in a reverse, proximal direction defining a return stroke, the locking mechanism adapted for movably contacting the axial cam surface while moving through the first stage portion during the forward stroke; (d) a clip driving device adapted for driving a clip in the distal direction in response to actuation by the actuator device during the forward stroke, wherein contact between the locking mechanism and the axial cam surface in the first stage portion moves the locking mechanism into engagement with one of the teeth to restrict proximal movement of the clip driving device; (e) first and second jaw members adapted for sequentially receiving clips driven by the clip driving device and actuatable by the coupling into a closed position from an open position; and (f) a rod disposed distally in relation to the coupling and actuatable by the coupling into contact with the first and second jaw members during translation of the coupling through the second stage portion to cause the first and second jaw members to move to the closed position, wherein the rod comprises a hollow tube circumscribing the clip driving device.