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Publication Number
US-12318094-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A clip applier may be configured to apply a surgical clip. The clip applier may include a first jaw member and a second jaw member, where the first jaw member is configured to pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The clip applier may also include a first leaf spring configured to bias the first jaw member into the open configuration, and a tubular member configured to advance over the first jaw member to cam the first jaw member into a closed configuration against the bias of the first leaf spring. The clip applier may further include a second leaf spring configured to bias the second jaw member into the open configuration, and a tubular member configured to advance over the second jaw member to cam the second jaw member into a closed configuration against the bias of the second leaf spring.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a clip applier configured to apply a surgical clip. The clip applier includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member that pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a leaf spring biases the jaw member(s) into the open configuration.
A tubular member advances over the first jaw member and the second jaw member to cam the jaw member(s) into the closed configuration against the bias of the leaf spring. An actuator extends through a shaft and is actuated by a handle assembly attached to a proximal end of the shaft to advance the tubular member.
A connector disposed in the tubular member includes a pin fixed to the shaft. The tubular member is further characterized by a distal portion and a proximal portion, and in some configurations the distal portion has a larger diameter than the proximal portion.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims covering a surgical clip applier with pivoting jaws biased open by leaf springs and driven closed by a tubular member advanced by an actuator through a shaft and handle assembly.
Pivoting jaw members biased open
A first jaw member is configured to pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration, with a leaf spring configured to bias the first jaw member into the open configuration.
Tubular member camming jaws closed via actuator advance
A tubular member is configured to advance over the first jaw member to cam the first jaw member into a closed configuration against the bias of the leaf spring, and an actuator extending through the shaft is configured to advance through the shaft to advance the tubular member over the first jaw member and the second jaw member.
Connector pin fixed to the shaft
A connector is disposed in the tubular member, and the connector comprises a pin fixed to the shaft receiving a portion of the tubular member.
Two jaw members biased open by overlapping leaf springs
A first jaw member and a second jaw member each pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration, with a first leaf spring overlapping a proximal portion of the first jaw member and a second leaf spring overlapping a proximal portion of the second jaw member, the leaf springs configured to bias the respective jaw members into the open configuration.
Tubular member camming first and second jaws closed against leaf spring bias
A tubular member is configured to advance over the first jaw member and the second jaw member to cam the first jaw member and the second jaw member into the closed configuration against the bias of the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring.
Connector disposed between opposite lateral sides of the leaf springs
A connector is disposed in the tubular member, and the first leaf spring and the second leaf spring are disposed on opposite lateral sides of the connector.
Tubular member distal portion larger diameter for camming
The connector includes a pin fixed to the shaft receiving the tubular member, and in certain configurations the tubular member includes a larger-diameter distal portion than the proximal portion, where the distal portion is configured to cam the first and second jaw members into a closed configuration.
Handle assembly actuates the actuator through the shaft
A handle assembly is attached to a proximal end of the shaft, and the actuator extending through the shaft is actuated by the handle assembly and is configured to advance through the shaft to advance the tubular member over the first jaw member and the second jaw member.
Across the two independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on a clip applier that uses pivoting jaw members biased open by leaf springs and a tubular member advanced by a handle-actuated actuator through a shaft to cam the jaws closed. A connector disposed in the tubular member includes a pin fixed to the shaft, and in the two-spring configuration the connector is disposed with the springs on opposite lateral sides, with tubular geometry constraints tied to camming in certain configurations.
Stated Advantages
Improves stability of the surgical clip by using first and second jaw inner surfaces with integral stabilizing members positioned on opposite lateral sides of a proximal clip portion, providing multiple contact points via distal recesses for clip bosses and limiting lateral "fish-tailing".
Provides actuation in which a pivoting jaw mechanism biased open by leaf springs is closed by a tubular member driven longitudinally by a handle-actuated actuator/shaft.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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