Patent ID: 6402765
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical clip formed at least partly of a shape memory alloy, said clip including:a first length of a wire defining a closed geometrical shape having a central opening; a second length of a wire defining a closed geometrical shape similar in configuration and magnitude to that of said first length of wire, wherein, when placed in side-by-side registration, said first and second lengths of wire fully overlap; an intermediate portion located between said first length of wire and said second length of wire, said intermediate portion formed of a shape memory alloy; a cutting element associated with said first length of wire; a counter element associated with said second length of wire and arranged for cutting engagement with said cutting element; wherein when at a first temperature or higher, said first and second lengths of wire are positioned in a side-by-side closed position and said shape memory alloy is in an elastic state, and further, when at a second temperature or lower, below said first temperature, said shape memory alloy is in a plastic state, thereby enabling said first and second lengths of wire to be moved into and to retain a spaced apart position, and upon heating of said clip to a temperature at least equal to said first temperature, said first and second lengths of wire return to said side-by-side closed position, thereby to apply a compressive force to tissue located therebetween.