Patent Publication Number: US-2022211379-A1

Title: Clip applier having stabilizing member

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/927,763, filed Mar. 21, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/474,544 filed Mar. 21, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to clip appliers, and more particularly, to clip appliers having a stabilizing member. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ligation of tissue (e.g., blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, and cardiac tissue) is a common practice for many surgical procedures. This can be performed by closing the vessel with a surgical clip or by suturing the vessel with the surgical thread. The use of surgical thread requires complex manipulations of a needle and surgical thread to form knots required to secure the vessel. Such complex manipulations are time consuming and difficult to perform, particularly in endoscopic surgical procedures characterized by limited space and/or visibility. In contrast, surgical clips are relatively quick and easy to apply. Accordingly, the use of surgical clips in endoscopic and open surgical procedures has grown dramatically. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present inventor recognizes that there is a need to improve one or more features of the clip appliers and/or surgical clips, such as stability of the surgical clip in a clip applier. Surgical clips are often applied by clip appliers with a pair of opposing jaw members. Currently available clip appliers often secure the clip with two points of contact between the opposing jaw members and the leg members of the surgical clip. The two points of contact do not provide sufficient stability for the surgical clip, which can unfavorably move relative to the clip applier during a surgical procedure, or even fall out of the jaw members. The disclosed methods and systems are directed to mitigating or overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the prior art. 
     A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a clip applier configured to apply a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier may include a first jaw member configured to engage a distal portion of a first leg member of the surgical clip, and a second jaw member configured to engage a distal portion of a second leg member of the surgical clip. The clip applier may further include a stabilizing member on the first jaw member. The stabilizing member may have a cavity configured to receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip and to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. 
     In some embodiments, the clip applier does not proximally abut the surgical clip when the first and second jaw members are in an open configuration. In some embodiments, the second jaw member may include a longitudinal channel configured to receive the stabilizing member when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include first and second longitudinal walls configured to receive the proximal portion of the surgical clip when the first and second jaw members are in an open configuration. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal walls have substantially flat inner side surfaces. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the cavity is closed. In some embodiments, a proximal end of the cavity is open. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member is configured to slide over the proximal portion when the clip applier closes. In some embodiments, the clip applier may include at least one first recess on the distal portion of the first jaw member, the at least one first recess being configured to receive a boss member on the distal portion of the first leg member; and at least one second recess on the distal portion of the second jaw member, the at least one first recess being configured to receive a boss member on the distal portion of the second leg member. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member is integrated into an inner surface of the first jaw member. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may be removably secured to the first jaw member. In some embodiments, the first jaw member may include a longitudinal channel configured to receive a portion of the first leg member. 
     A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of loading a clip applier with a surgical clip, where the surgical clip has first and second leg members. The method may include engaging a distal portion of the first leg member with a first jaw member of the clip applier, engaging a distal portion of the second leg member with a second jaw member of the clip applier, and receiving a proximal portion of the surgical clip in a cavity of a stabilizing member to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. In some embodiments, receiving the proximal portion of the surgical clip may include receiving the proximal portion between first and second longitudinal walls of the stabilizing member. In some embodiments, receiving a proximal portion of the surgical clip providing a space proximal of the proximal portion when the first and second jaw members are in an open configuration to allow at least one of the first and second leg members to lengthen during closure of the surgical clip. In some embodiments, the method may further include pivoting the first and second jaw members into a closed configuration, sliding the stabilizing member over the proximal portion, and receiving the stabilizing member in a longitudinal channel of the second jaw member in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, engaging the distal portion of the first leg member may include receiving a boss member into at least one recess on the distal portion of the first jaw member, and engaging the distal portion of the second leg member includes receiving a boss member into at least one recess on the distal portion of the second jaw member. In some embodiments, the method may further include receiving a portion of the first leg member in a longitudinal channel of the first leg member. In some embodiments, the method may further include removing the stabilizing member from the first jaw member. 
     A third aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a surgical clip assembly having a surgical clip and a clip applier. The surgical clip may include a first leg member having a first boss member at a distal portion and a second leg member having a second boss member at a distal portion. The clip applier may include a first jaw member having a recess on a distal portion receiving the first boss member, a second jaw member having a recess on a distal portion receiving the second boss member and a longitudinal channel, and a stabilizing member on the first jaw member. The stabilizing member may have first and second longitudinal walls defining a cavity that receives a proximal portion of the surgical clip to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. The clip applier does not proximately abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip when the first and second jaw members are in an open configuration, and the longitudinal channel may receive the stabilizing member when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the disclosure may be readily understood, aspects of this disclosure are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a clip applier having an exemplary stabilizing member and loaded with an exemplary surgical clip of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a first perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a second perspective view of the exemplary clip applier of the first exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-B . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-2  in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-3A  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a clip applier having an exemplary stabilizing member of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate side views of an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary surgical clip loaded into an exemplary clip applier of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a clip applier having an exemplary stabilizing member of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary stabilizing member of the third exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view a fourth exemplary embodiment of a clip applier having an exemplary stabilizing member and loaded with an exemplary surgical clip of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view a fifth exemplary embodiment of a clip applier having an exemplary stabilizing member and loaded with an exemplary surgical clip of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view a sixth exemplary embodiment of a clip applier having an exemplary stabilizing member and loaded with an exemplary surgical clip of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The same or similar reference numbers may be used in the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or similar parts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference numerals may refer to like parts throughout. In accordance with conventional practice, as used herein, and unless otherwise indicated herein, the term “proximal portion” refers to the specified portion of a device or its component that is generally closer to the medical personnel handling or manipulating the device as it is intended to be used, and the term “distal portion” shall refer to the specified portion of a device or its component that is opposite the proximal portion. 
     The present invention is generally directed to clip appliers configured to increase stability of surgical clips during a medical procedure. The clip appliers may include a clip applier having first and second jaw members with a stabilizing member disposed on at least one of the jaw members. The stabilizing member and the pair of jaw members may provide at least three points of contact with the surgical clip to reduce motion of the surgical clip relative to the clip applier during the procedure. The stabilizing member may include first and second longitudinal walls that receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip therebetween and reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip. A corner of the first and second longitudinal walls may overlap the proximal portion (e.g., at or near a hinge member) to reduce lateral movement. However, the stabilizing member may not proximally abut the proximal portion when the surgical clip is received between the jaw members. In other words, the stabilizing member may engage upper, lower, and/or sides surfaces of the proximal portion of the surgical clip when in the open configuration, but the clip applier and stabilizing member provides space proximal of the surgical clip to allow pivoting and/or lengthening of leg members of the surgical clip during closure. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may be disposed on the first jaw member and be received in a longitudinal channel of the second jaw member in a closed configuration. The longitudinal channel of the second jaw may therefore have a narrow distal portion and a wider proximal portion that receives the stabilizing member in the closed configuration. This may allow the stabilizing member to have sufficient length to stabilize the surgical clip when the clip applier is in an open configuration, but not interfere with closure of the clip applier. The stabilizing member may include first and second longitudinal walls defining a longitudinal space or cavity therebetween. The stabilizing member may be integrated or removably secured to at least one of the first and second jaw members. Integrating the stabilizing member into at least one of the first and second jaw members may be especially preferable in some application because it facilitates the manufacturing process. However, in some applications, it may be preferable to have the stabilizing member removably secured to a jaw member, for example, to accommodate for surgical clips of different sizes and be easily replaceable when the stabilizing member is damaged. 
       FIGS. 1A-B  illustrate a clip applier  100  loaded with a surgical clip  200  in an open configuration,  FIG. 2  illustrates the clip applier  100  without the surgical clip  200 , and  FIGS. 3A-B  illustrate the clip applier  100  loaded with the surgical clip  200  in a closed configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier  100  may have a first jaw member  102  and a second jaw member  104  pivotably coupled at a hinge member  106 . The first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  may be configured to compress the surgical clip  200  onto tissue, for example, to ligate a blood vessel. 
     The surgical clip  200  may have a first leg member  202  and a second leg member  204  pivotably joined at a hinge member  206 . The first leg member  202  may have a generally concave inner surface, a generally convex outer surface, and a hook member  208  on a distal end. The second leg member  204  may have a generally convex inner surface, a generally concave outer surface, and a tip member  210  on a distal end. The hook member  208  may engage and deflect around the tip member  210 , while one or both of the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen. The tip member  210  may then be received in the hook member  208  to secure the surgical clip  200  in a latched configuration. Each of the first and second leg members  202 ,  204 , may have one or more boss members  212  on a distal portion. An exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip  200  is further described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety. However, it is contemplated that the clip applier  100  may be configured to apply any number of embodiments of the surgical clip  200 . 
     As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  may include at least one recess  108  at a distal portion and a stabilizing member  110  proximal of the at least one recess  108 . The at least one recess  108  may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  and be configured to receive a boss member  212  on the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  of the surgical clip  200  in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel  120  may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member  102 , separating the first jaw member  102  into a pair of first extensions  122 . A second longitudinal channel  124  may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member  104 , separating the second jaw member  104  into a pair of second extensions  126 . Each of the extensions  122 ,  126  may have a recess  108  configured to receive opposing boss members  212 , and each of the first and second longitudinal channels  120 ,  124  may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip  200 . The second longitudinal channel  124  may include a wider proximal portion  128  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1B ) configured to receive the stabilizing member  110  when the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  are in a closed configuration (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-B ). 
     The stabilizing member  110  may be configured to align the surgical clip  200  by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member  110  may be integral to the first jaw member  102  and extend inwardly toward the second jaw member  104 . The stabilizing member  110  may have first and second longitudinal walls  112  having substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier  100  and/or the surgical clip  200 . The longitudinal walls  112  may define a cavity  114  therebetween, and the longitudinal walls  112  may be joined at a proximal portion  116  of the stabilizing member  110  to close the cavity  114  at the proximal end. The stabilizing member  110  may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . The proximal space may allow the curved leg members  202 ,  204  to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip  200  closes and the hook member  208  deflects around the tip member  210 . The stabilizing member  110  may have an inner portion  118  (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls  112 ) that overlaps the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member  110  may receive the surgical clip in the cavity  114 , and the first and second longitudinal walls  112  may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . As the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  close, the stabilizing member  110  may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 , and the second longitudinal channel  124  may receive the stabilizing member  110  while the surgical clip  200  is received in the cavity  114 . The inner portion  118  may also have a substantially flat inner surface that abuts a substantially flat inner wall  130  of the second longitudinal channel  124  in the closed configuration to provide a stop (as illustrated in  FIG. 3A ). The stabilizing member  110  may also have a distal surface extending substantially perpendicular from the first jaw member  102 , and a proximal surface extending distally at an acute angle from the first jaw member  102 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a clip applier  300  in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier  300  may have a first jaw member  302  and a second jaw member  304  pivotably coupled at a hinge member  306 . The first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  may be configured to be loaded with the surgical clip  200  and compress the surgical clip  200  onto tissue, as similarly discussed above. 
     As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  may include at least one recess  308  at a distal portion and a stabilizing member  310  proximal of the at least one recess  308 . The at least one recess  308  may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  and be configured to receive a boss member  212  on the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  of the surgical clip  200  in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel  320  may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member  302 , separating the first jaw member  302  into a pair of first extensions  322 . A second longitudinal channel  324  may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member  304 , separating the second jaw member  304  into a pair of second extensions  326 . Each of the extensions  322 ,  326  may have a recess  308  configured to receive opposing boss members  212 , and each of the first and second longitudinal channels  320 ,  324  may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip  200 . The second longitudinal channel  324  may include a wider proximal portion  328  configured to receive the stabilizing member  310  when the first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-B ). 
     The stabilizing member  310  may be configured to align the surgical clip  200  by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member  310  may be integral to the first jaw member  302  and extend inwardly toward the second jaw member  304 . The stabilizing member  310  may have first and second longitudinal walls  312  having substantially inner and/or outer side side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier  100  and/or the surgical clip  200 . The longitudinal walls  312  may define a cavity  314  therebetween, and the longitudinal walls  312  may be spaced at a proximal portion to provide an open proximal end of the cavity  314 . The stabilizing member  310  may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . The proximal space may allow the curved leg members  202 ,  204  to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip  200  closes and the hook member  208  deflects around the tip member  210 . The stabilizing member  310  may have an inner portion  318  (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls  312 ) that overlaps the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member  310  may receive the surgical clip in the cavity  314 , and the first and second longitudinal walls  312  may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . As the first and second jaw members  302 ,  304  close, the stabilizing member  310  may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 , and the second longitudinal channel  324  may receive the stabilizing member  310  while the surgical clip  200  is received in the cavity  314 . The inner portion  318  may also have a substantially flat inner surface that abuts a substantially flat inner wall  330  of the second longitudinal channel  324  in the closed configuration to provide a stop. The stabilizing member  310  may also have a distal surface extending distally at an acute angle from the first jaw member  302 , and a proximal surface extending distally at an acute angle from the first jaw member  302 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate a second embodiment of the surgical clip  200  loaded into the clip applier  100 . As illustrated, the surgical clip  200  may include a tail or extension member  220  extending from the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  configured to be received in the stabilizing member  110 . The extension member  220  may extend proximally from a proximal portion (e.g., the hinge portion  206 ) and have a hook portion that curves vertically. The extension member  220  may have a width less than a width of the hinge portions  206  and/or the leg members  202 ,  204 . The extension member  220  may facilitate loading of the surgical clip  200  into the first and second jaw members  102 ,  104  and into the cavity  114 , when the surgical clip  200  is in either orientation, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-B . Although  FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate the second embodiment of the surgical clip  200  being loaded into the clip applier  100 , the second embodiment of the surgical clip  200  may be loaded into any number of other clip appliers, including the other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a clip applier  400  loaded with the surgical clip  200  in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier  400  may have a first jaw member  402  and a second jaw member  404  pivotably coupled at a hinge member (not shown). The first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  may be configured to compress the surgical clip  200 , as similar discussed above. 
     As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  may include at least one recess  408  at a distal portion and a stabilizing member  410  proximal of the at least one recess  408 . The at least one recess  408  may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  and be configured to receive a boss member  212  on the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  of the surgical clip  200  in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel  420  may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member  402 , separating the first jaw member  402  into a pair of first extensions  422 . A second longitudinal channel  424  may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member  404 , separating the second jaw member  404  into a pair of second extensions  426 . Each of the extensions  422 ,  426  may have a recess  408  configured to receive opposing boss members  212 , and each of the first and second longitudinal channels  420 ,  424  may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip  200 . The first longitudinal channel  420  may be configured to receive a first end portion of the stabilizing member  410  (as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ), the second longitudinal channel  424  may include a wider proximal portion (not shown) configured to receive a second end portion of the stabilizing member  410  when the first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-B ). 
     The stabilizing member  410  may be configured to align the surgical clip  200  by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member  410  may be removably secured to the first jaw member  402  and extend inwardly from the first jaw member  402  toward the second jaw member  404 . The stabilizing member  410  may have first and second longitudinal walls  412  having substantially inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier  400  and/or the surgical clip  200 . The longitudinal walls  412  may define a cavity  414  therebetween, and the longitudinal walls  412  may be joined to close the cavity  514  at the proximal end. The stabilizing member  410  may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . The proximal space may allow the curved leg members  202 ,  204  to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip  200  closes and the hook member  208  deflects around the tip member  210 . The stabilizing member  410  may have an inner portion  418  (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls  412 ) that overlaps the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member  410  may receive the surgical clip in the cavity  414 , and the first and second longitudinal walls  412  may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . As the first and second jaw members  402 ,  404  close, the stabilizing member  410  may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 , and the second longitudinal channel  424  may receive the stabilizing member  410  while the surgical clip  200  is received in the cavity  414 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the stabilizing member  410  may include a block having a length configured to extend along the inner surface of the jaw members  402 ,  404 , substantially larger than a height and width. The inner portion  418  of the stabilizing member  410  may have a tapered inner flat surface that abuts a substantially flat inner wall (not shown) of the second longitudinal channel  424  in the closed configuration to provide a stop. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the stabilizing member  410  may be secured in the longitudinal channel  420  of the first jaw member  402 , and further include a securing member (e.g., a projection)  440  configured to releasably engage and/or interlock a securing member (e.g., a slot)  442  in the first jaw member  402 . An interference and/or snap fit may be created between the projection  440  and the slot  442  to releasably secure the stabilizing member  410  to the first jaw member  402 . The stabilizing member  410  may therefore be a single-use component that may be removed and/or disposed of, for example, after a surgical procedure. In that sense, the stabilizing member  410  may be used to apply one or more surgical clips  200  to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member  410  may then be removed from the clip applier  400  and disposed of. The stabilizing member  410  may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a clip applier  500  loaded with the surgical clip  200  in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier  500  may have a first jaw member  502  and a second jaw member  504  pivotably coupled at a hinge member  506 . The first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  may be configured to compress the surgical clip  200 , as similar discussed above. 
     As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  may include at least one recess  508  at a distal portion and a stabilizing member  510  proximal of the at least one recess  508 . The at least one recess  508  may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  and be configured to receive a boss member  212  on the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  of the surgical clip  200  in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel  520  may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member  502 , separating the first jaw member  502  into a pair of first extensions  522 . A second longitudinal channel  524  may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member  504 , separating the second jaw member  504  into a pair of second extensions  526 . Each of the extensions  522 ,  526  may have a recess  508  configured to receive opposing boss members  212 , and each of the first and second longitudinal channels  520 ,  524  may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip  200 . The first longitudinal channel  520  may be configured to receive a first end portion of the stabilizing member  510  (as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ), the second longitudinal channel  524  may include a wider proximal portion (not shown) configured to receive a second end portion of the stabilizing member  510  when the first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-B ). 
     The stabilizing member  510  may be configured to align the surgical clip  200  by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member  510  may have a first proximal portion  552  integrally fixed to the first jaw member  502  and a second distal portion  554  removably secured to the first portion  552 . The second portion  554  may have first and second longitudinal walls  512  having substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier  500  and/or the surgical clip  200 . The longitudinal walls  512  may define a cavity  514  therebetween, and the longitudinal walls  512  may be joined to close the cavity  514  at the proximal end. The stabilizing member  510  may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . The proximal space may allow the curved leg members  202 ,  204  to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip  200  closes and the hook member  208  deflects around the tip member  210 . The stabilizing member  510  may have an inner portion  518  (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls  412 ) that overlaps the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member  510  may receive the surgical clip in the cavity  514 , and the first and second longitudinal walls  512  may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . As the first and second jaw members  502 ,  504  close, the stabilizing member  510  may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 , and the second longitudinal channel  524  may receive the stabilizing member  510  while the surgical clip  200  is received in the cavity  514 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the second portion  554  may be a block releasably secured to the first portion  552 . The second portion  554  may be releasably secured to the first portion  552  through a number of different manners. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the first portion  552  may have first and second male members  556 ,  558 , each having enlarged distal ends. The first male member  556  may extend vertically through a vertical slot  557  of the second member  554 , and the second male member  558  may extend laterally through a lateral slot  559  of the second member  554 . In this manner, the interaction between the male members  556 ,  228  and the slots  557 ,  559  may secure the second portion  554  onto the first jaw member  502  in vertical and lateral directions. The enlarged distal ends may allow the second portion  554  to snap onto the first portion  552  in an interference fit to facilitate attachment and removal. In another embodiment, the first portion  552  may have a plurality of prongs configured to be received in apertures on the second portion  554  to secure the second portion  554  to the first jaw member  502 . The stabilizing member  510  may be a single-use component that may be removed and/or disposed of, for example, after a surgical procedure. In that sense, the stabilizing member  510  may be used to apply one or more surgical clips  200  to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member  510  may then be removed from the clip applier  500  and disposed of. The stabilizing member  410  may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a clip applier  600  loaded with the surgical clip  200  in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier  600  may have a first jaw member  602  and a second jaw member  604  pivotably coupled at a hinge member  606 . The first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  may be configured to compress the surgical clip  200 , as similar discussed above. 
     As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  may include at least one recess  608  at a distal portion and a stabilizing member  610  proximal of the at least one recess  608 . The at least one recess  608  may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  and be configured to receive a boss member  212  on the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  of the surgical clip  200  in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel  620  may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member  602 , separating the first jaw member  602  into a pair of first extensions  622 . A second longitudinal channel  624  may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member  604 , separating the second jaw member  604  into a pair of second extensions  626 . Each of the extensions  622 ,  626  may have a recess  608  configured to receive opposing boss members  212 , and each of the first and second longitudinal channels  620 ,  624  may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip  200 . The first longitudinal channel  620  may be configured to receive a first end portion of the stabilizing member  610  in an open configuration (as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ), the second longitudinal channel  624  may include a wider proximal portion  628  configured to receive a second end portion of the stabilizing member  610  when the first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-B ). 
     The stabilizing member  610  may include first and second longitudinal plates or walls  662 ,  664  separated laterally and configured to align the surgical clip  200  by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The longitudinal walls  662 ,  664  may extend inwardly from the first jaw member  602 . The longitudinal walls  662 ,  664  may be removably secured to the first jaw member  602  and extend inwardly toward the second jaw member  604 . The longitudinal walls  662 ,  664  having substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier  600  and/or the surgical clip  200 . The longitudinal walls  662 ,  664  may define a cavity  614  therebetween and may extend parallel, having spaced apart proximal and distal ends. The stabilizing member  610  may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . The proximal space may allow the curved leg members  202 ,  204  to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip  200  closes and the hook member  208  deflects around the tip member  210 . The stabilizing member  610  may have an inner portion  618  (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls  662 ,  664 ) that overlaps the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member  610  may receive the surgical clip in the cavity  614 , and the first and second longitudinal walls  662 ,  664  may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . As the first and second jaw members  602 ,  604  close, the stabilizing member  610  may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 , and the second longitudinal channel  624  may receive the stabilizing member  610  while the surgical clip  200  is received in the cavity  614 . 
     As further illustrated, the first and second longitudinal plates or walls  662 ,  664  may be separate components, each releasably attached to the first jaw member  602 . The first and second longitudinal walls  662 ,  664  may be secured in the longitudinal channel  620  of the first jaw member  602 , and each include a securing member (e.g., a projection)  640  configured to releasably engage and/or interlock a securing member (e.g., a slot)  642  in the first jaw member  602 . An interference and/or snap fit may be created between the projection  640  and the slot  642  to releasably secure the stabilizing member  610  to the first jaw member  602 . The stabilizing member  610  may therefore include single-use components that may be removed and/or disposed of, for example, after a surgical procedure. In that sense, the stabilizing member  610  may be used to apply one or more surgical clips  200  to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member  610  may then be removed from the clip applier  600  and disposed of. The stabilizing member  410  may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a clip applier  700  loaded with the surgical clip  200  in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier  700  may have a first jaw member  702  and a second jaw member  704  pivotably coupled at a hinge member  706 . The first and second jaw members  702 ,  704  may be configured to compress the surgical clip  200 , as similar discussed above. 
     As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members  702 ,  704  may include at least one recess  708  at a distal portion and a stabilizing member  710  proximal of the at least one recess  708 . The at least one recess  708  may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members  702 ,  704  and be configured to receive a boss member  212  on the first and second leg members  202 ,  204  of the surgical clip  200  in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel  720  may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member  702 , separating the first jaw member  702  into a pair of first extensions  722 . A second longitudinal channel  724  may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member  704 , separating the second jaw member  704  into a pair of second extensions  726 . Each of the extensions  722 ,  726  may have a recess  708  configured to receive opposing boss members  212 , and each of the first and second longitudinal channels  720 ,  724  may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip  200 . In an open configuration, each of the first and second longitudinal channel  720 ,  724  may have a wider proximal portion  628  that receives a first end portion of one of the longitudinal walls  762 ,  764 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In a closed configuration, the wider proximal portion  728  of the opposing first and second longitudinal channel  720 ,  724  may receive a second end portion of the other longitudinal wall  762 ,  764 . Therefore, each of the wider proximal portions  728  may be configured to receive both longitudinal walls  762 ,  764  in the closed configuration. 
     The stabilizing member  710  may be configured to align the surgical clip  200  by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member  710  may include a first longitudinal plate or wall  762  extending inwardly from the first jaw member  702  and a second longitudinal plate or wall  764  extending inwardly from the first jaw member  704  The longitudinal walls  762 ,  764  may be removably secured to the respective jaw member  702 ,  704  and have substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier  700  and/or the surgical clip  200 . The longitudinal walls  712  may define a space therebetween and may have spaced apart proximal and distal ends. The stabilizing member  710  may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  702 ,  704  are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . The proximal space may allow the curved leg members  202 ,  204  to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip  200  closes and the hook member  208  deflects around the tip member  210 . The stabilizing member  710  may have an inner portion  718  (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls  762 ,  764 ) that overlaps the surgical clip  200  when the first and second jaw members  702 ,  704  are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member  710  may receive the surgical clip in the space, and the first and second longitudinal walls  762 ,  764  may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 . As the first and second jaw members  702 ,  704  close, the stabilizing member  610  may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip  200 , and the second longitudinal channel  724  may receive the stabilizing member  710  while the surgical clip  200  is received in the space. 
     As further illustrated, the first and second longitudinal plates or walls  762 ,  764  may be separate components, each releasably attached to the respective jaw member  702 ,  704 . The first and second longitudinal walls  762 ,  764  may be secured in the longitudinal channels  720 ,  724  of the respective jaw member  702 ,  704 , and each include a securing member (e.g., a projection)  740  configured to releasably engage and/or interlock a securing member (e.g., a slot)  742  in the jaw member  702 ,  704 . An interference and/or snap fit may be created between the projection  740  and the slot  742  to releasably secure the longitudinal walls  762 ,  764  to the jaw members  702 ,  704 . The stabilizing member  710  may therefore include single-use components that may be removed and/or disposed of, for example, after a surgical procedure. In that sense, the stabilizing member  710  may be used to apply one or more surgical clips  200  to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member  710  may then be removed from the clip applier  700  and disposed of. The stabilizing member  410  may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged. 
     The various embodiments of the clip applier may therefore provide at least three-points of contact with the surgical clip. The clip applier may engage the distal portion of the surgical clip with the engagement of the recesses to the boss members, and the clip applier may laterally align the surgical clip by receiving the proximal portion of the surgical clip in the cavity of the stabilizing member. The longitudinal walls may reduce lateral movement of the proximal portion and prevent the surgical clip from fish-tailing. 
     The various embodiments of the surgical clip of the present disclosure may be made of any suitable size and may be applied to any number of tissues, such as blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, fallopian tubes, or cardiac tissue. The surgical clip may be constructed from any suitable biocompatible material, such as certain metals and polymers. However, the present invention is particularly suitable for practice with polymeric clips. Thus, the surgical clip preferably has a one-piece integral polymeric body formed from a suitable strong biocompatible engineering plastic such as the type commonly used for surgical implants. Exemplary materials include homopolymer or co-polymer polyacetal, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene, or other thermoplastic materials having similar properties that can be injection-molded, extruded or otherwise processed into like articles. 
     The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.