Surgical clip
AssigneeEthicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
InventorsThomas W. Huitema, David B. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex having a notch formed therein. Moreover, each leg member has an inner tissue-contacting surface and an outer compression-receiving surface, both of which include features to provide a more secure ligation of the vessel or duct. A method for ligating vessels is also provided.
Claims20
A surgical clip, comprising:
- a pair of opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends with a knee portion formed therebetween, the first and second leg members further including an inner surface having at least one tissue-grasping element formed thereon and a generally planar outer surface having at least one raised area on a portion thereof, wherein the raised area is raised with respect to the outer surface;
- and
- an apex having opposed ends joining the proximal ends of said first and second leg members, the apex further including at least one notch formed on an inner surface thereof;
- wherein the raised area is disposed distal to the apex and proximal to the knee portion.
A device for ligating tissue, comprising:
- a continuous, substantially U-shaped clip member having a first leg member having proximal and distal ends, with a knee portion formed therebetween and a second leg member having proximal and distal ends, with a knee portion formed therebetween;
- and
- an apex that joins the proximal ends of the first and second leg members, such that the first leg member and the second leg member are opposed to one another, the apex further including at least one notch formed in an inner surface thereof, wherein the notch is substantially trapezoidal.
A surgical clip, comprising:
- a continuous, substantially U-shaped member having an apex joining first and second leg members, the apex further including at least one notch formed therein, and a knee portion formed between a proximal and distal end thereof,
- each leg member further having a width less than about 0.05 inches, and a yield strength greater than about 28 ksi.
A method for ligating tissue, comprising:
- providing a clip having opposed leg joined together at a proximal end by an apex, the opposed legs having a distal end and a knee portion disposed distal of the apex and a raised area formed on an outer surface of each leg member between the apex and the knee portion;
- applying a closing force to each leg member by an applier device contacting the knee portion such that in a partially closed position the knee portions of each leg member are substantially parallel to one another when the distal ends of each leg member are in contact with one another;
- and
- continuing to apply the closing force to the clip such that the raised areas and the knee portions share a load applied by the closing force such that the knee portions are subjected to less plastic deformation and retain some elasticity,
- wherein upon release of the closing force the distal ends of the clip remain in contact with one another.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.