Abstract:
An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument having a cutter and a stapler. The cutter is operable to sever a portion of tissue. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of staples where the stapler is operable to introduce the plurality of staples into tissue to form a staple line. The apparatus further comprises a reinforcement clip. The reinforcement clip is operable to be in selective communication with the staple line. The reinforcement clip comprises a crown, a leg portion, and a teeth portion. In some versions, the leg portion has a width operable to cover the area defined by the staple line. In some versions, the teeth portion is configured to anchor into tissue.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In some settings, endoscopic surgical instruments may be preferred over traditional open surgical devices since a smaller incision may reduce the post-operative recovery time and complications. Consequently, some endoscopic surgical instruments may be suitable for placement of a distal end effector at a desired surgical site through a cannula of a trocar. These distal end effectors may engage tissue in a number of ways to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic effect (e.g., endocutter, grasper, cutter, stapler, clip applier, access device, drug/gene therapy delivery device, and energy delivery device using ultrasound, RF, laser, etc.). Endoscopic surgical instruments may include a shaft between the end effector and a handle portion, which is manipulated by the clinician. Such a shaft may enable insertion to a desired depth and rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft, thereby facilitating positioning of the end effector within the patient. Positioning of an end effector may be further facilitated through inclusion of one or more articulation joints or features, enabling the end effector to be selectively articulated or otherwise deflected relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
         [0002]    Examples of endoscopic surgical instruments include surgical staplers. Some such staplers are operable to clamp down on layers of tissue, cut through the clamped layers of tissue, and drive staples through the layers of tissue to substantially seal the severed layers of tissue together near the severed ends of the tissue layers. Merely exemplary surgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,823, entitled “Pocket Configuration for Internal Organ Staplers,” issued Feb. 21, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,334, entitled “Surgical Stapler and Staple Cartridge,” issued May 16, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895, entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument,” issued Nov. 14, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,107, entitled “Surgical Stapler Instrument,” issued Jan. 28, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,432, entitled “Surgical Instrument,” issued May 27, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,840, entitled “Surgical Instrument,” issued Oct. 7, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534, entitled “Articulation Assembly for Surgical Instruments,” issued Jan. 6, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,055, entitled “Surgical Clamping Mechanism,” issued Sep. 29, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating an E-Beam Firing Mechanism,” issued Dec. 27, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Separate Distinct Closing and Firing Systems,” issued Feb. 21, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Firing Lockout for an Unclosed Anvil,” issued Dec. 5, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,108, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Multi-Stroke Firing Mechanism with a Flexible Rack,” issued Dec. 4, 2007; U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,485, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Multistroke Firing Mechanism Having a Rotary Transmission,” issued May 6, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having a Single Lockout Mechanism for Prevention of Firing,” issued Jun. 3, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,696, entitled “Articulating Surgical Stapling Instrument Incorporating a Two-Piece E-Beam Firing Mechanism,” issued Jun. 3, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,508, entitled “Surgical Stapling and Cutting Device,” issued Jul. 29, 2008; U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,715, entitled “Surgical Stapling Instrument Having Multistroke Firing with Opening Lockout,” issued Oct. 14, 2008; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,930, entitled “Disposable Cartridge with Adhesive for Use with a Stapling Device,” issued May 25, 2010. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein. While the surgical staplers referred to above are described as being used in endoscopic procedures, it should be understood that such surgical staplers may also be used in open procedures and/or other non-endoscopic procedures. 
         [0003]    While various kinds of surgical stapling instruments and associated components have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of an articulating surgical instrument with an end effector in a nonarticulated position; 
           [0006]      FIG. 1B  depicts a perspective view of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 1A  with an end effector in an articulated position; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of an opened end effector of the surgical instrument of  FIGS. 1A-1B ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3A  depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , with the firing bar in a proximal position; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3B  depicts a side cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , but showing the firing bar in a distal position; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  depicts an end cross-sectional view of the end effector of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  depicts an exploded perspective view of the end effector of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the end effector of  FIG. 2 , positioned at tissue and having been actuated once in the tissue; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary reinforcement clip having a resilient structure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  depicts a side view of the reinforcement clip of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9A  depicts a side view of an exemplary alternative reinforcement clip having a malleable structure with an applier; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9B  depicts a side view of the reinforcement clip of  FIG. 9A  with the applier collapsing the reinforcement clip; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10A  depicts a side view of an exemplary alternative reinforcement clip having a flexible structure with a locking clip; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10B  depicts a side view of the reinforcement clip of  FIG. 10A  with the locking clip applied to the clip; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  depicts a side view of an exemplary alternative reinforcement clip with a ratcheting feature; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of a reinforcement clip with an end effector where the reinforcement clip has been applied to tissue; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary alternative reinforcement clip having a partially segmented structure. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
         [0024]    I. Exemplary Surgical Stapler 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1-6  depict an exemplary surgical stapling and severing instrument ( 10 ) that is sized for insertion, in a nonarticulated state as depicted in  FIG. 1A , through a trocar cannula passageway to a surgical site in a patient for performing a surgical procedure. Surgical stapling and severing instrument ( 10 ) includes handle portion ( 20 ) connected to implement portion ( 22 ), the latter further comprising shaft ( 23 ) distally terminating in an articulation mechanism ( 11 ) and a distally attached end effector ( 12 ). Once articulation mechanism ( 11 ) and end effector ( 12 ) are inserted through the cannula passageway of a trocar, articulation mechanism ( 11 ) may be remotely articulated, as depicted in  FIG. 1B , by articulation control ( 13 ). Thereby, end effector ( 12 ) may reach behind an organ or approach tissue from a desired angle or for other reasons. It should be understood that terms such as “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping handle portion ( 20 ) of instrument ( 10 ). Thus, end effector ( 12 ) is distal with respect to the more proximal handle portion ( 20 ). It will be further appreciated that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical” and “horizontal” are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute. 
         [0026]    End effector ( 12 ) of the present example includes a lower jaw ( 16 ) and a pivotable anvil ( 18 ). Handle portion ( 20 ) includes pistol grip ( 24 ) toward which closure trigger ( 26 ) is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping, or closing, of the anvil ( 18 ) toward lower jaw ( 16 ) of end effector ( 12 ). Such closing of anvil ( 18 ) is provided through an outmost closure sleeve ( 32 ), which longitudinally translates relative to handle portion ( 20 ) in response to pivoting of closure trigger ( 26 ) relative to pistol grip ( 24 ). A distal closure ring ( 33 ) of closure sleeve ( 32 ) is indirectly supported by frame ( 34 ) of implement portion ( 22 ). At articulation mechanism ( 11 ), a proximal closure tube ( 35 ) of closure sleeve ( 32 ) communicates with the distal closure ring ( 33 ). Frame ( 34 ) is flexibly attached to lower jaw ( 16 ) via articulation mechanism ( 11 ), enabling articulation in a single plane. Frame ( 34 ) also longitudinally slidingly supports a firing drive member (not shown) that extends through shaft ( 23 ) and communicates a firing motion from firing trigger ( 28 ) to firing bar ( 14 ). Firing trigger ( 28 ) is farther outboard of closure trigger ( 26 ) and is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in end effector ( 12 ), as will be described in greater detail below. Thereafter, release button ( 30 ) is depressed to release the tissue from end effector ( 12 ). 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2-5  depict end effector ( 12 ) employing an E-beam firing bar ( 14 ) to perform a number of functions. As best seen in  FIGS. 3A-3B , firing bar ( 14 ) includes a transversely oriented upper pin ( 38 ), a firing bar cap ( 44 ), a transversely oriented middle pin ( 46 ), and a distally presented cutting edge ( 48 ). Upper pin ( 38 ) is positioned and translatable within an anvil pocket ( 40 ) of anvil ( 18 ). Firing bar cap ( 44 ) slidably engages a lower surface of lower jaw ( 16 ) by having firing bar ( 14 ) extend through channel slot ( 45 ) (shown in  FIG. 3B ) that is formed through lower jaw ( 16 ). Middle pin ( 46 ) slidingly engages a top surface of lower jaw ( 16 ), cooperating with firing bar cap ( 44 ). Thereby, firing bar ( 14 ) affirmatively spaces end effector ( 12 ) during firing, overcoming pinching that may occur between anvil ( 18 ) and lower jaw ( 16 ) with a minimal amount of clamped tissue and overcoming staple malformation with an excessive amount of clamped tissue. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows firing bar ( 14 ) proximally positioned and anvil ( 18 ) pivoted to an open position, allowing an unspent staple cartridge ( 37 ) to be removably installed into a channel of lower jaw ( 16 ). As best seen in  FIGS. 4-5 , staple cartridge ( 37 ) of this example includes a cartridge body ( 70 ), which presents an upper deck ( 72 ) and is coupled with a lower cartridge tray ( 74 ). As best seen in  FIG. 2 , a vertical slot ( 49 ) is formed through part of staple cartridge ( 37 ). As also best seen in  FIG. 2 , three rows of staple apertures ( 51 ) are formed through upper deck ( 72 ) on one side of vertical slot ( 49 ), with another set of three rows of staple apertures ( 51 ) being formed through upper deck ( 72 ) on the other side of vertical slot ( 49 ). Referring back to  FIGS. 3-5 , a wedge sled ( 41 ) and a plurality of staple drivers ( 43 ) are captured between cartridge body ( 70 ) and tray ( 74 ), with wedge sled ( 41 ) being located proximal to staple drivers ( 43 ). Wedge sled ( 41 ) is movable longitudinally within staple cartridge ( 37 ); while staple drivers ( 43 ) are movable vertically within staple cartridge ( 37 ). Staples ( 47 ) are also positioned within cartridge body ( 70 ), above corresponding staple drivers ( 43 ). In particular, each staple ( 47 ) is driven vertically within cartridge body ( 70 ) by a staple driver ( 43 ) to drive staple ( 47 ) out through an associated staple aperture ( 51 ). As best seen in  FIGS. 3A-3B  and  5 , wedge sled ( 41 ) presents inclined cam surfaces that urge staple drivers ( 43 ) upwardly as wedge sled ( 41 ) is driven distally through staple cartridge ( 37 ). 
         [0029]    With end effector ( 12 ) closed as depicted in  FIG. 3A , firing bar ( 14 ) is advanced in engagement with anvil ( 18 ) by having upper pin ( 38 ) enter a longitudinal anvil slot ( 42 ). A pusher block ( 80 ) is located at the distal end of firing bar ( 14 ), and is configured to engage wedge sled ( 41 ) such that wedge sled ( 41 ) is pushed distally by pusher block ( 80 ) as firing bar ( 14 ) is advanced distally through staple cartridge ( 37 ). During such firing, cutting edge ( 48 ) of firing bar ( 14 ) enters vertical slot ( 49 ) of staple cartridge ( 37 ), severing tissue clamped between staple cartridge ( 37 ) and anvil ( 18 ). As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , middle pin ( 46 ) and pusher block ( 80 ) together actuate staple cartridge ( 37 ) by entering into slot ( 49 ) within staple cartridge ( 37 ), driving wedge sled ( 41 ) into upward camming contact with staple drivers ( 43 ) that in turn drive staples ( 47 ) out through staple apertures ( 51 ) and into forming contact with staple forming pockets ( 53 ) on the inner surface of anvil ( 18 ).  FIG. 3B  depicts firing bar ( 14 ) fully distally translated after completing severing and stapling tissue. 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  shows end effector ( 12 ) having been actuated through a single stroke through tissue ( 90 ). Cutting edge ( 48 ) has cut through tissue ( 90 ), while staple drivers ( 43 ) have driven three alternating rows of staples ( 47 ) through the tissue ( 90 ) on each side of the cut line produced by cutting edge ( 48 ). Staples ( 47 ) are all oriented substantially parallel to the cut line in this example, though it should be understood that staples ( 47 ) may be positioned at any suitable orientations. In the present example, end effector ( 12 ) is withdrawn from the trocar after the first stroke is complete, spent staple cartridge ( 37 ) is replaced with a new staple cartridge, and end effector ( 12 ) is then again inserted through the trocar to reach the stapling site for further cutting and stapling. This process may be repeated until the desired amount of cuts and staples ( 47 ) have been provided. Anvil ( 18 ) may need to be closed to facilitate insertion and withdrawal through the trocar; and anvil ( 18 ) may need to be opened to facilitate replacement of staple cartridge ( 37 ). 
         [0031]    It should be understood that cutting edge ( 48 ) may sever tissue substantially contemporaneously with staples ( 47 ) being driven through tissue during each actuation stroke. In the present example, cutting edge ( 48 ) just slightly lags behind driving of staples ( 47 ), such that a staple ( 47 ) is driven through the tissue just before cutting edge ( 48 ) passes through the same region of tissue, though it should be understood that this order may be reversed or that cutting edge ( 48 ) may be directly synchronized with adjacent staples. While  FIG. 6  shows end effector ( 12 ) being actuated in two layers ( 92 ,  94 ) of tissue ( 90 ), it should be understood that end effector ( 12 ) may be actuated through a single layer of tissue ( 90 ) or more than two layers ( 92 ,  94 ) of tissue. It should also be understood that the formation and positioning of staples ( 47 ) adjacent to the cut line produced by cutting edge ( 48 ) may substantially seal the tissue at the cut line, thereby reducing or preventing bleeding and/or leaking of other bodily fluids at the cut line. Various suitable settings and procedures in which instrument ( 10 ) may be used will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0032]    It should be understood that instrument ( 10 ) may be configured and operable in accordance with any of the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,823; U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,334; U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,895; U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,107; U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,432; U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,840; U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,534; U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,055; U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921; U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818; U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,923; U.S. Pat. No. 7,303,108; U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,485; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,695; U.S. Pat. No. 7,380,696; U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,508; U.S. Pat. No. 7,434,715; and/or U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,930. 
         [0033]    As noted above, the disclosures of each of those patents are incorporated by reference herein. Additional exemplary modifications that may be provided for instrument ( 10 ) will be described in greater detail below. Various suitable ways in which the below teachings may be incorporated into instrument ( 10 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, various suitable ways in which the below teachings may be combined with various teachings of the patents cited herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that the below teachings are not limited to instrument ( 10 ) or devices taught in the patents cited herein. The below teachings may be readily applied to various other kinds of instruments, including instruments that would not be classified as surgical staplers. Various other suitable devices and settings in which the below teachings may be applied will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0034]    II. Exemplary Resilient Staple Reinforcement Clip 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  shows an exemplary reinforcement clip ( 100 ). It will be appreciated that once staples ( 47 ) are inserted into the surgical site, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be applied along severed tissue ( 192 ) adjacent to the implanted staples ( 47 ) to reinforce the tissue seal provided by staples ( 47 ). However, it will be appreciated that reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be used in various other ways as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0036]    Reinforcement clip ( 100 ) comprises a crown ( 102 ), leg portion ( 104 ) and teeth ( 106 ). In the present example, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) has a rounded rectangular cross section. In other merely exemplary versions, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may have a c-shaped cross section. Other suitable shapes for reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. As seen in the illustrated version of  FIG. 7 , leg portion ( 104 ) is long enough to cover staples ( 47 ) and portion of tissue ( 90 ) that is affected by a surgical procedure. For instance, during a surgical procedure, the user may use instrument ( 10 ) to apply staples ( 47 ) to tissue ( 90 ) adjacent to the edges of tissue ( 192 ) severed by instrument ( 10 ). Once staples ( 47 ) are placed in tissue ( 90 ), the user may then apply reinforcement clip ( 100 ) to further secure the tissue coupling provided by staples ( 47 ). Reinforcement clip ( 100 ) could be fed through a separate trocar such that two trocars would ultimately be used in the procedure—one trocar for inserting instrument ( 10 ) to staple a portion of tissue ( 90 ) and another trocar for inserting graspers or any suitable instrument for holding and applying reinforcement clip ( 100 ). In the alternative, instrument ( 10 ) and reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be inserted through a single large trocar wide enough to fit reinforcement clip ( 100 ) and instrument ( 10 ). Other suitable ways of positioning reinforcement clip ( 100 ) and instrument ( 10 ) at the surgical site will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0037]    In the present example, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) has a width that extends approximately along the portion of tissue ( 90 ) where staples ( 47 ) are applied along severed tissue ( 192 ). In other exemplary versions, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may have a width significantly wider than tissue ( 90 ) where staples ( 47 ) are inserted. Of course, any suitable size or width for reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0038]    Reinforcement clip ( 100 ) of the present example comprises a dissolvable material such as, for example, polydioxanone (PDS) such that once reinforcement clip ( 100 ) is applied, it dissolves over time without requiring the user to remove reinforcement clip ( 100 ). Other suitable materials may be used for reinforcement clip such as polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolide (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLLA), or any other suitable material as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. It should also be understood that reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be removable after implanting reinforcement clip ( 100 ) within a patient. Furthermore, in will be appreciated that reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be constructed out of any suitable material as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. In the present example, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) is constructed of a resilient material such that reinforcement clip ( 100 ) is biased to hold the position shown generally in  FIGS. 7-8 . As such, the user may use graspers or any other suitable instruments to spread and release leg portions ( 104 ) and thereby allow reinforcement clip ( 100 ) to close upon tissue ( 90 ). In other exemplary versions, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be slid over the surgical site by sliding reinforcement clip in a direction parallel to severed tissue edges ( 192 ). 
         [0039]    Crown ( 102 ) is operable to keep leg portion ( 104 ) sufficiently clamped with sufficient pressure such that leg portion ( 104 ) in conjunction with teeth ( 106 ) are operable to close around tissue ( 90 ) adjacent to where staples ( 47 ) are applied. In other exemplary versions, however, crown ( 102 ) may comprise a living hinge or any other suitable structure, which will be described in further detail below. In the present example, crown ( 102 ) comprises a resilient material. In other exemplary versions, any suitable structure for crown ( 102 ) may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0040]    Teeth ( 106 ) are shaped to have a blunt edge that presses against tissue ( 90 ) as shown in  FIG. 7 , without necessarily piercing or penetrating tissue ( 90 ). In some versions, teeth ( 106 ) may be coated with a therapeutic material (e.g., a coagulant, etc.). As seen in  FIGS. 7-8 , teeth ( 106 ) are pressed against the surface of tissue ( 90 ) to secure reinforcement clip ( 100 ) around tissue ( 90 ). In other merely exemplary versions, teeth ( 106 ) may comprise a sharp tip such that teeth ( 106 ) are anchored within tissue ( 90 ). As seen in the illustrated version, as teeth ( 106 ) are squeezed together, teeth ( 106 ) apply opposing pressure against tissue ( 90 ). It will be appreciated that as a result of this opposing pressure, the portion of tissue ( 90 ) clamped within reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be substantially isolated from opposing forces that might otherwise tend to separate the layers of tissue ( 90 ) from each other. As a result, staples ( 47 ) may be less likely to tear tissue ( 90 ) within reinforcement clip ( 100 ). It should also be understood that clamping forces provided by teeth ( 106 ) may assist in providing hemostasis at staples ( 470 ) and at severed edges ( 192 ). 
         [0041]    III. Exemplary Malleable Staple Reinforcement Clip 
         [0042]      FIGS. 9A-B  show an exemplary reinforcement clip ( 200 ) having malleable properties, as reinforcement clip ( 200 ) is applied to tissue ( 90 ).  FIG. 9A  shows tissue ( 90 ) having been already stapled and severed leaving a severed edge ( 192 ). Reinforcement clip ( 200 ) is being placed over tissue ( 90 ) in  FIG. 9A  such that leg portion ( 204 ) covers staples ( 47 ). Reinforcement clip ( 200 ) further comprises crown ( 202 ) and teeth ( 206 ). Reinforcement clip ( 200 ) is malleable such that an applier ( 250 ) having jaws ( 252 ) connected to shaft ( 254 ) may be used to collapse reinforcement clip ( 200 ) around staples ( 47 ) where tissue ( 90 ) has been severed and stapled. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9B  shows jaws ( 252 ) closed around reinforcement clip ( 200 ) causing reinforcement clip ( 200 ) to collapse around staples ( 47 ) and severed tissue ( 192 ). Once collapsed, reinforcement clip ( 200 ) is operable to retain its collapsed shape such that applier ( 250 ) may be removed while leaving reinforcement clip ( 200 ) clamped around the surgical area. 
         [0044]    IV. Exemplary Flexible Staple Reinforcement Clip 
         [0045]      FIGS. 10A-B  show an exemplary reinforcement clip ( 300 ) having a generally flexible feature that is not biased to hold any particular position. In particular, reinforcement clip ( 300 ) of this example comprises a living hinge ( 302 ) that connects leg portions ( 304 ). Leg portions ( 304 ) lead to teeth ( 306 ). The illustrated version also shows a locking feature ( 350 ) that may be used to close reinforcement clip ( 300 ) around tissue ( 90 ). Living hinge ( 302 ) is sufficiently flexible so as to allow leg portions ( 304 ) to be easily separated to positions on top of staples ( 47 ). After reinforcement clip ( 300 ) has been sufficiently placed around staples ( 47 ), lock feature ( 350 ) may be slid onto reinforcement clip ( 300 ) as shown in  FIG. 10B , thereby causing reinforcement clip ( 300 ) to be locked in a clamped position. In the present example, locking feature ( 350 ) is positioned on living hinge ( 302 ), but any suitable location for locking feature ( 350 ) may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, locking feature ( 350 ) may be clasped around leg portion ( 304 ). In the present example, locking feature ( 350 ) comprises a U-shaped clip, but any suitable structure for locking feature may be used. In some merely exemplary versions, locking feature ( 350 ) may comprise a barb, a clasp, or any other suitable locking mechanism as would be apparent to once of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  shows one merely illustrative alternative form that locking feature ( 350 ) may take. In particular,  FIG. 11  shows a reinforcement clip ( 400 ) that includes an integral ratcheting feature ( 450 ). Reinforcement clip ( 400 ) also includes a leg portion ( 404 ), a crown ( 402 ), and teeth ( 406 ). Ratcheting feature ( 450 ) comprises an adjustment strap ( 452 ) that passes through a one way gate ( 454 ). Gate ( 454 ) is positioned on one leg portion ( 404 ) while adjustment strap ( 452 ) extends from the other leg portion ( 404 ). As adjustment strap ( 452 ) is pulled through gate ( 454 ), reinforcement clip ( 400 ) is closed tighter and prevents strap ( 452 ) from being reversed through gate ( 454 ). Strap ( 452 ) and gate ( 454 ) thus operate similar to a conventional zip tie, cable tie, or tie-wrap. By controlling the length of adjustment strap ( 452 ) that is ultimately pulled through gate ( 454 ), the user can control the tightness of reinforcement clip ( 400 ) and thus adjust the tightness of reinforcement clip ( 400 ) based on the thickness of tissue ( 90 ) at the surgical site. 
         [0047]      FIG. 13  shows yet another merely exemplary version of a reinforcement clip ( 500 ). Reinforcement clip ( 500 ) of this example has a partially segmented structure. Reinforcement clip ( 500 ) includes a leg portion ( 504 ), a crown ( 502 ), and a clamping region ( 506 ). Reinforcement clip ( 500 ) further comprises a plurality of transversely formed notches ( 508 ) spaced apart along the length of reinforcement clip ( 500 ). In the present example, notches ( 508 ) are spaced apart evenly along reinforcement clip ( 500 ), but any suitable spacing configuration may be used as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, notches ( 508 ) may be concentrated in one region of reinforcement clip ( 500 ) and sparser in others. It will be appreciated that notches ( 508 ) are operable to provide flexing of reinforcement clip ( 500 ) in a manner that follows the motion and/or contours of any tissue ( 90 ) enclosed by reinforcement clip ( 500 ). It will further be appreciated that reinforcement clip ( 500 ) may be operable to provide relief in the event that fluid pressure builds up between reinforcement clip ( 500 ) and tissue ( 90 ) being held by reinforcement clip ( 90 ). Other suitable ways in which segmentation may be provided in a reinforcement clip will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  shows reinforcement clip ( 100 ) having been used within tissue ( 90 ) to secure a staple line (covered by reinforcement clip ( 100 )). As mentioned above, over time, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may gradually dissolve, or in other exemplary versions reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may be removed by the user. In other alternative versions, reinforcement clip ( 100 ) may simply remain within the patient without being removed or dissolved. The other clips ( 200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ) described herein may also be used as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0049]    It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims. 
         [0050]    Versions of the devices described above may have application in conventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medical professional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medical treatments and procedures. 
         [0051]    Versions of described above may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application. 
         [0052]    By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilized before and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, the device is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the device and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored in the sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam. 
         [0053]    Having shown and described various versions in the present disclosure, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings. 
         [0054]    I/We claim: