Patent ID: 7435251

Claim:
A system for securing a suture at an incision site comprising: a) a deformable suture clip having opposed spaced apart distal and proximal ends, the proximal end including a pair of closely spaced panels that define a proximal surface of the clip, the distal end including a deformable distal end surface and connecting the closely spaced panels, such that the clip is configured for movement between a deformed flexed open position wherein a suture can pass between the two panels and a non-deformed closed position wherein the suture can be securely clamped between the two panels, wherein the suture clip is configured to be normally in the non-deformed closed position; and b) a clip applicator including an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end of the body defining a distal end face with a mounting fixture having means for supporting the clip such that the proximal surface of the pair of closely spaced panels of the clip abuts the distal end face of the applicator with the two closely spaced panels defining the proximal surface of the clip spread into the deformed flexed open position, the clip applicator including means for dislodging the suture clip from the mounting fixture, the dislodging means being adapted for movement between an initial fully retracted position wherein the clip is supported by the mounting fixture in the deformed flexed open position and a second extended position wherein the clip is disengaged from the mounting fixture such that the two panels of the clip move to the non-deformed closed position to securely clamp the suture therebetween.