Patent Description:
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.

<CIT> discloses a surgical device and cooperating cartridge for applying surgical clips during endoscopic surgery. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly, a barrel assembly and a handle assembly. The jaw assembly has movable jaw members, each including a substantially transverse grooved portion and at least one angular side shield extending inwardly from an upper and a lower portion of the jaw member. The jaw members are oriented at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel portion. The distal surface of each jaw member is oriented at an angle that extends distally and outwardly. The jaw members are insertable into a cooperating cartridge that retains the surgical clip.

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.

In order that the disclosure may be readily understood, aspects of this disclosure are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings.

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.

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 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 includes 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 is disposed on the first jaw member and 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 includes 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.

According to an aspect of the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, the clip applier is configured to apply a surgical clip to tissue. The clip applier includes 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 further includes a stabilizing member comprising a first longitudinal wall on the first jaw member, and a second longitudinal wall on the second jaw member, wherein the first and second longitudinal walls define a space therebetween 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. The first jaw member includes a first longitudinal channel configured to receive the second longitudinal wall when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. The second jaw member includes a second longitudinal channel configured to receive the first longitudinal wall when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal wall are 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 first and second walls of the stabilizing member are configured to slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip 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 second 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 the first and second jaw members. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may be removably secured to the first and second jaw members. In some embodiments, the first longitudinal channel is configured to receive a portion of the first leg member 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, wherein this method is not part of the invention. 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 examples, 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 examples, 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 examples, 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 examples, 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 examples, the method may further include receiving a portion of the first leg member in a longitudinal channel of the first leg member. In some examples, the method may further include removing the stabilizing member from the first jaw member. Another aspect of the present invention, as defined in claim <NUM>, is directed to a surgical clip assembly having a surgical clip and a clip applier. The surgical clip includes 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 includes a first jaw member having a recess on a distal portion receiving the first boss member. The first jaw member further comprises a first longitudinal channel. The clip applier furthermore includes a second jaw member having a recess on a distal portion receiving the second boss member and a second longitudinal channel. Moreover, the clip applier comprises a stabilizing member on the first jaw member. The stabilizing member has 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 receives the stabilizing member when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration.

<FIG> illustrate a clip applier <NUM> loaded with a surgical clip <NUM> in an open configuration, <FIG> illustrates the clip applier <NUM> without the surgical clip <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrate the clip applier <NUM> loaded with the surgical clip <NUM> in a closed configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier <NUM> has a first jaw member <NUM> and a second jaw member <NUM><NUM>. which may be pivotably coupled at a hinge member <NUM>. The first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to compress the surgical clip <NUM> onto tissue, for example, to ligate a blood vessel.

The surgical clip <NUM> may have a first leg member <NUM> and a second leg member <NUM> pivotably joined at a hinge member <NUM>. The first leg member <NUM> may have a generally concave inner surface, a generally convex outer surface, and a hook member <NUM> on a distal end. The second leg member <NUM> may have a generally convex inner surface, a generally concave outer surface, and a tip member <NUM> on a distal end. The hook member <NUM> may engage and deflect around the tip member <NUM>, while one or both of the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen. The tip member <NUM> may then be received in the hook member <NUM> to secure the surgical clip <NUM> in a latched configuration. Each of the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM>, may have one or more boss members <NUM> on a distal portion. An exemplary embodiment of the surgical clip <NUM> is further described in <CIT>. However, it is contemplated that the clip applier <NUM> may be configured to apply any number of embodiments of the surgical clip <NUM>. As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one recess <NUM> at a distal portion and a stabilizing member <NUM> proximal of the at least one recess <NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM> may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to receive a boss member <NUM> on the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical clip <NUM> in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member <NUM>, separating the first jaw member <NUM> into a pair of first extensions <NUM>. A second longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member <NUM>, separating the second jaw member <NUM> into a pair of second extensions <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> configured to receive opposing boss members <NUM>, and each of the first and second longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The second longitudinal channel <NUM> may include a wider proximal portion <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>) configured to receive the stabilizing member <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a closed configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>).

The stabilizing member <NUM> is configured to align the surgical clip <NUM> by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member <NUM> may be integral to the first jaw member <NUM> and extend inwardly toward the second jaw member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> having substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier <NUM> and/or the surgical clip <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM> define a cavity <NUM> therebetween, and the longitudinal walls <NUM> may be joined at a proximal portion <NUM> of the stabilizing member <NUM> to close the cavity <NUM> at the proximal end. The stabilizing member <NUM> does not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The proximal space may allow the curved leg members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip <NUM> closes and the hook member <NUM> deflects around the tip member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have an inner portion <NUM> (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls <NUM>) that overlaps the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member <NUM> receives the surgical clip in the cavity <NUM>, and the first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. As the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> close, the stabilizing member <NUM> may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>, and the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may receive the stabilizing member <NUM> while the surgical clip <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> may also have a substantially flat inner surface that abuts a substantially flat inner wall <NUM> of the second longitudinal channel <NUM> in the closed configuration to provide a stop (as illustrated in <FIG>). The stabilizing member <NUM> may also have a distal surface extending substantially perpendicular from the first jaw member <NUM>, and a proximal surface extending distally at an acute angle from the first jaw member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a clip applier <NUM> in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier <NUM> may have a first jaw member <NUM> and a second jaw member <NUM> pivotably coupled at a hinge member <NUM>. The first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be loaded with the surgical clip <NUM> and compress the surgical clip <NUM> onto tissue, as similarly discussed above.

As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one recess <NUM> at a distal portion and a stabilizing member <NUM> proximal of the at least one recess <NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM> may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to receive a boss member <NUM> on the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical clip <NUM> in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member <NUM>, separating the first jaw member <NUM> into a pair of first extensions <NUM>. A second longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member <NUM>, separating the second jaw member <NUM> into a pair of second extensions <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> configured to receive opposing boss members <NUM>, and each of the first and second longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The second longitudinal channel <NUM> may include a wider proximal portion <NUM> configured to receive the stabilizing member <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in <FIG>).

The stabilizing member <NUM> may be configured to align the surgical clip <NUM> by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member <NUM> may be integral to the first jaw member <NUM> and extend inwardly toward the second jaw member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> having substantially inner and/or outer side side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier <NUM> and/or the surgical clip <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> therebetween, and the longitudinal walls <NUM> may be spaced at a proximal portion to provide an open proximal end of the cavity <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The proximal space may allow the curved leg members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip <NUM> closes and the hook member <NUM> deflects around the tip member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have an inner portion <NUM> (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls <NUM>) that overlaps the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member <NUM> may receive the surgical clip in the cavity <NUM>, and the first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. As the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> close, the stabilizing member <NUM> may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>, and the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may receive the stabilizing member <NUM> while the surgical clip <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> may also have a substantially flat inner surface that abuts a substantially flat inner wall <NUM> of the second longitudinal channel <NUM> in the closed configuration to provide a stop. The stabilizing member <NUM> may also have a distal surface extending distally at an acute angle from the first jaw member <NUM>, and a proximal surface extending distally at an acute angle from the first jaw member <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate a second embodiment of the surgical clip <NUM> loaded into the clip applier <NUM>. As illustrated, the surgical clip <NUM> may include a tail or extension member <NUM> extending from the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> configured to be received in the stabilizing member <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may extend proximally from a proximal portion (e.g., the hinge portion <NUM>) and have a hook portion that curves vertically. The extension member <NUM> may have a width less than a width of the hinge portions <NUM> and/or the leg members <NUM>, <NUM>. The extension member <NUM> may facilitate loading of the surgical clip <NUM> into the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and into the cavity <NUM>, when the surgical clip <NUM> is in either orientation, as illustrated in <FIG>. Although <FIG> illustrate the second embodiment of the surgical clip <NUM> being loaded into the clip applier <NUM>, the second embodiment of the surgical clip <NUM> may be loaded into any number of other clip appliers, including the other embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a clip applier <NUM> loaded with the surgical clip <NUM> in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier <NUM> may have a first jaw member <NUM> and a second jaw member <NUM> pivotably coupled at a hinge member (not shown). The first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to compress the surgical clip <NUM>, as similar discussed above.

As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one recess <NUM> at a distal portion and a stabilizing member <NUM> proximal of the at least one recess <NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM> may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to receive a boss member <NUM> on the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical clip <NUM> in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member <NUM>, separating the first jaw member <NUM> into a pair of first extensions <NUM>. A second longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member <NUM>, separating the second jaw member <NUM> into a pair of second extensions <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> configured to receive opposing boss members <NUM>, and each of the first and second longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The first longitudinal channel <NUM> may be configured to receive a first end portion of the stabilizing member <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>), the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may include a wider proximal portion (not shown) configured to receive a second end portion of the stabilizing member <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in <FIG>).

The stabilizing member <NUM> may be configured to align the surgical clip <NUM> by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member <NUM> may be removably secured to the first jaw member <NUM> and extend inwardly from the first jaw member <NUM> toward the second jaw member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> having substantially inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier <NUM> and/or the surgical clip <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> therebetween, and the longitudinal walls <NUM> may be joined to close the cavity <NUM> at the proximal end. The stabilizing member <NUM> may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The proximal space may allow the curved leg members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip <NUM> closes and the hook member <NUM> deflects around the tip member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have an inner portion <NUM> (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls <NUM>) that overlaps the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member <NUM> may receive the surgical clip in the cavity <NUM>, and the first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. As the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> close, the stabilizing member <NUM> may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>, and the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may receive the stabilizing member <NUM> while the surgical clip <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM>.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the stabilizing member <NUM> may include a block having a length configured to extend along the inner surface of the jaw members <NUM>, <NUM>, substantially larger than a height and width. The inner portion <NUM> of the stabilizing member <NUM> may have a tapered inner flat surface that abuts a substantially flat inner wall (not shown) of the second longitudinal channel <NUM> in the closed configuration to provide a stop. As illustrated in <FIG>, the stabilizing member <NUM> may be secured in the longitudinal channel <NUM> of the first jaw member <NUM>, and further include a securing member (e.g., a projection) <NUM> configured to releasably engage and/or interlock a securing member (e.g., a slot) <NUM> in the first jaw member <NUM>. An interference and/or snap fit may be created between the projection <NUM> and the slot <NUM> to releasably secure the stabilizing member <NUM> to the first jaw member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be used to apply one or more surgical clips <NUM> to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member <NUM> may then be removed from the clip applier <NUM> and disposed of. The stabilizing member <NUM> may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged.

<FIG> illustrates a clip applier <NUM> loaded with the surgical clip <NUM> in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier <NUM> may have a first jaw member <NUM> and a second jaw member <NUM> pivotably coupled at a hinge member <NUM>. The first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to compress the surgical clip <NUM>, as similar discussed above. As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one recess <NUM> at a distal portion and a stabilizing member <NUM> proximal of the at least one recess <NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM> may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to receive a boss member <NUM> on the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical clip <NUM> in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member <NUM>, separating the first jaw member <NUM> into a pair of first extensions <NUM>. A second longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member <NUM>, separating the second jaw member <NUM> into a pair of second extensions <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> configured to receive opposing boss members <NUM>, and each of the first and second longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The first longitudinal channel <NUM> may be configured to receive a first end portion of the stabilizing member <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>), the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may include a wider proximal portion (not shown) configured to receive a second end portion of the stabilizing member <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in <FIG>). The stabilizing member <NUM> may be configured to align the surgical clip <NUM> by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have a first proximal portion <NUM> integrally fixed to the first jaw member <NUM> and a second distal portion <NUM> removably secured to the first portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may have first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> having substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier <NUM> and/or the surgical clip <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> therebetween, and the longitudinal walls <NUM> may be joined to close the cavity <NUM> at the proximal end. The stabilizing member <NUM> may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The proximal space may allow the curved leg members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip <NUM> closes and the hook member <NUM> deflects around the tip member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have an inner portion <NUM> (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls <NUM>) that overlaps the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member <NUM> may receive the surgical clip in the cavity <NUM>, and the first and second longitudinal walls <NUM> may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. As the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> close, the stabilizing member <NUM> may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>, and the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may receive the stabilizing member <NUM> while the surgical clip <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM>.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> may be a block releasably secured to the first portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may be releasably secured to the first portion <NUM> through a number of different manners. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> may have first and second male members <NUM>, <NUM>, each having enlarged distal ends. The first male member <NUM> may extend vertically through a vertical slot <NUM> of the second member <NUM>, and the second male member <NUM> may extend laterally through a lateral slot <NUM> of the second member <NUM>. In this manner, the interaction between the male members <NUM>, <NUM> and the slots <NUM>, <NUM> may secure the second portion <NUM> onto the first jaw member <NUM> in vertical and lateral directions. The enlarged distal ends may allow the second portion <NUM> to snap onto the first portion <NUM> in an interference fit to facilitate attachment and removal. In another embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may have a plurality of prongs configured to be received in apertures on the second portion <NUM> to secure the second portion <NUM> to the first jaw member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be used to apply one or more surgical clips <NUM> to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member <NUM> may then be removed from the clip applier <NUM> and disposed of. The stabilizing member <NUM> may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged.

<FIG> illustrates a clip applier <NUM> loaded with the surgical clip <NUM> in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier <NUM> may have a first jaw member <NUM> and a second jaw member <NUM> pivotably coupled at a hinge member <NUM>. The first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to compress the surgical clip <NUM>, as similar discussed above. As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one recess <NUM> at a distal portion and a stabilizing member <NUM> proximal of the at least one recess <NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM> may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to receive a boss member <NUM> on the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical clip <NUM> in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member <NUM>, separating the first jaw member <NUM> into a pair of first extensions <NUM>. A second longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member <NUM>, separating the second jaw member <NUM> into a pair of second extensions <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> configured to receive opposing boss members <NUM>, and each of the first and second longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The first longitudinal channel <NUM> may be configured to receive a first end portion of the stabilizing member <NUM> in an open configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>), the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may include a wider proximal portion <NUM> configured to receive a second end portion of the stabilizing member <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in a closed configuration (as similarly illustrated in <FIG>).

The stabilizing member <NUM> may include first and second longitudinal plates or walls <NUM>, <NUM> separated laterally and configured to align the surgical clip <NUM> by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may extend inwardly from the first jaw member <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be removably secured to the first jaw member <NUM> and extend inwardly toward the second jaw member <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> having substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier <NUM> and/or the surgical clip <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may define a cavity <NUM> therebetween and may extend parallel, having spaced apart proximal and distal ends. The stabilizing member <NUM> may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The proximal space may allow the curved leg members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip <NUM> closes and the hook member <NUM> deflects around the tip member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have an inner portion <NUM> (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM>) that overlaps the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member <NUM> may receive the surgical clip in the cavity <NUM>, and the first and second longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. As the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> close, the stabilizing member <NUM> may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>, and the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may receive the stabilizing member <NUM> while the surgical clip <NUM> is received in the cavity <NUM>.

As further illustrated, the first and second longitudinal plates or walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be separate components, each releasably attached to the first jaw member <NUM>. The first and second longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured in the longitudinal channel <NUM> of the first jaw member <NUM>, and each include a securing member (e.g., a projection) <NUM> configured to releasably engage and/or interlock a securing member (e.g., a slot) <NUM> in the first jaw member <NUM>. An interference and/or snap fit may be created between the projection <NUM> and the slot <NUM> to releasably secure the stabilizing member <NUM> to the first jaw member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be used to apply one or more surgical clips <NUM> to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member <NUM> may then be removed from the clip applier <NUM> and disposed of. The stabilizing member <NUM> may therefore be composed of an inexpensive plastic that may be readily replaced if damaged.

<FIG> illustrates a clip applier <NUM> loaded with the surgical clip <NUM> in an open configuration. As illustrated, the clip applier <NUM> has a first jaw member <NUM> and a second jaw member <NUM> which may be pivotably coupled at a hinge member <NUM>. The first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to compress the surgical clip <NUM>, as similar discussed above.

As further illustrated, the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one recess <NUM> at a distal portion and a stabilizing member <NUM> proximal of the at least one recess <NUM>. The at least one recess <NUM> may extend transversely through the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> and be configured to receive a boss member <NUM> on the first and second leg members <NUM>, <NUM> of the surgical clip <NUM> in an interference or snap-fit. A first longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the first jaw member <NUM>, separating the first jaw member <NUM> into a pair of first extensions <NUM>. A second longitudinal channel <NUM> may extend through an inner portion of the second jaw member <NUM>, separating the second jaw member <NUM> into a pair of second extensions <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a recess <NUM> configured to receive opposing boss members <NUM>, and each of the first and second longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. In an open configuration, each of the first and second longitudinal channel <NUM>, <NUM> may have a wider proximal portion <NUM> that receives a first end portion of one of the longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. In a closed configuration, the wider proximal portion <NUM> of the opposing first and second longitudinal channel <NUM>, <NUM> may receive a second end portion of the other longitudinal wall <NUM>, <NUM>. Therefore, each of the wider proximal portions <NUM> may be configured to receive both longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> in the closed configuration.

The stabilizing member <NUM> is configured to align the surgical clip <NUM> by reducing lateral movement of a proximal portion. The stabilizing member <NUM> includes a first longitudinal plate or wall <NUM> extending inwardly from the first jaw member <NUM> and a second longitudinal plate or wall <NUM> extending inwardly from the second jaw member <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be removably secured to the respective jaw member <NUM>, <NUM> and may have substantially flat inner and/or outer side surfaces that do not hinder closure of the clip applier <NUM> and/or the surgical clip <NUM>. The longitudinal walls <NUM> define a space therebetween and may have spaced apart proximal and distal ends. The stabilizing member <NUM> may not proximally abut the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration and throughout closure, by providing a space proximal of the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. The proximal space may allow the curved leg members <NUM>, <NUM> to pivot, straighten, and/or lengthen as the surgical clip <NUM> closes and the hook member <NUM> deflects around the tip member <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> may have an inner portion <NUM> (e.g., the corners of the longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM>) that overlaps the surgical clip <NUM> when the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> are in an open configuration. Therefore, in the open configuration, the stabilizing member <NUM> may receive the surgical clip in the space, and the first and second longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may overlap the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>. As the first and second jaw members <NUM>, <NUM> close, the stabilizing member <NUM> may slide over the proximal portion of the surgical clip <NUM>, and the second longitudinal channel <NUM> may receive the stabilizing member <NUM> while the surgical clip <NUM> is received in the space.

As further illustrated, the first and second longitudinal plates or walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be separate components, each releasably attached to the respective jaw member <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured in the longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective jaw member <NUM>, <NUM>, and each include a securing member (e.g., a projection) <NUM> configured to releasably engage and/or interlock a securing member (e.g., a slot) <NUM> in the jaw member <NUM>, <NUM>. An interference and/or snap fit may be created between the projection <NUM> and the slot <NUM> to releasably secure the longitudinal walls <NUM>, <NUM> to the jaw members <NUM>, <NUM>. The stabilizing member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be used to apply one or more surgical clips <NUM> to ligate tissue, and the stabilizing member <NUM> may then be removed from the clip applier <NUM> and disposed of. The stabilizing member <NUM> 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 laterally aligns 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.

Claim 1:
A clip applier (<NUM>) configured to apply a surgical clip (<NUM>) to tissue, the clip applier comprising:
a first jaw member (<NUM>) configured to engage a distal portion of a first leg member (<NUM>) of the surgical clip;
a second jaw member (<NUM>) configured to engage a distal portion of a second leg member (<NUM>) of the surgical clip;
a stabilizing member (<NUM>) comprising:
a first longitudinal wall (<NUM>) on the first jaw member, and
a second longitudinal wall (<NUM>) on the second jaw member, wherein the first and second longitudinal walls define a space therebetween configured to receive a proximal portion of the surgical clip and to reduce lateral movement of the surgical clip;
a first longitudinal channel (<NUM>) on the first jaw member configured to receive the second longitudinal wall when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration; and
a second longitudinal channel (<NUM>) on the second jaw member configured to receive the first longitudinal wall when the first and second jaw members are in the closed configuration.