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Publication Number
US-9211125-B2
Publication Date
2015-12-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A clip applier includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the distal end of the shaft includes a flexible tool having at least two rails connected to each other by at least one jointed connection, and the at least two rails configured to rotate about the jointed connection. Additionally, a pair of jaws may be provided at a distal end of the flexible tool. Further, an actuator may be provided at the proximal end of the shaft to advance the surgical clip within the flexible tool.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a clip applier assembly for applying a surgical clip to a target area during a surgical procedure. The clip applier includes a shaft with a distal end that forms a flexible tool having at least two rails connected to each other by at least one jointed connection, and the at least two rails are configured to rotate about the jointed connection. Each rail comprises a pair of opposing rail segments spaced apart in a diametrical direction to define a corresponding space for receiving at least one surgical clip.
The flexible tool is supported by an outer pipe and an outer coil such that the outer pipe rotatably supports a pair of jaws provided at the distal end of the flexible tool, and the outer coil surrounds the flexible tool. The rear ends of at least one pair of opposing rail segments are pivotably connected to front ends of another pair of opposing rail segments to define the jointed connection, and the jointed connection allows pivoting of the opposing rail segments in a direction extending from the upper side edges to the lower side edges.
A length of the surgical clip is approximately the same as a length of the rails, enabling the clip to be received within the defined space, and an actuator at the proximal end advances the surgical clip within the flexible tool. Receiving apertures provided at a distal end of a distal-most rail receive projections so that the jaws are pivotably coupled to the distal-most rail, and rear end protrusions are inserted into corresponding receiving apertures of the outer pipe. The flexible tool is configured to be inserted within a channel of an endoscope having an elongated channel, including a curved longitudinal channel portion.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00013, and clm-00017. Across these independents, the claims recite seven inventive features covering the flexible distal tool, clip-receiving geometry, jaw support, rail pivoting, clip advancement, jaw coupling, and endoscope insertion; the method claim also recites flexing the flexible tool and actuating the actuator to advance the clip.
Flexible tool with pivoting rails and jointed connection
A shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the shaft comprising a flexible tool having at least two rails connected to each other by at least one jointed connection, the at least two rails configured to rotate about the jointed connection; each rail comprising a pair of opposing rail segments spaced apart in a diametrical direction to define a corresponding space.
Clip-receiving geometry matched to rail length
At least one surgical clip received within the corresponding space, wherein a length of the surgical clip is approximately the same as a length of the rails.
Outer pipe and outer coil supporting pivotable jaws
The shaft further comprises an outer pipe and an outer coil, the outer pipe configured to rotatably support a pair of jaws provided at a distal end of the flexible tool and the outer coil surrounding the flexible tool.
Jointed rail pivoting direction from upper to lower edges
Rear ends of at least one of the pair of opposing rail segments pivotably connected to front ends of at least another of the pair of opposing rail segments to define the jointed connection; each rail segment having an upper side edge and a lower side edge extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft, wherein opposing rail segments are spaced apart from each other at the upper side edges and the lower side edges, and wherein the jointed connection allows pivoting of the opposing rail segments in a direction extending from the upper side edges to the lower side edges.
Actuator advancing the clip within the flexible tool
An actuator provided at the proximal end of the shaft, configured to advance the surgical clip within the flexible tool.
Pivotable jaw coupling via projections and receiving apertures
A projection provided at a proximal end of each of the jaws; each jaw provided with a rear end protrusion; receiving apertures provided at a distal end of a distal-most rail, wherein each projection is received within a corresponding receiving aperture such that the jaws are pivotably coupled to the distal-most rail, and wherein each rear end protrusion is inserted into a corresponding receiving aperture of the outer pipe.
Endoscope surgical assembly with flexible tool insertion
An endoscope having an elongated channel; at least the flexible tool configured to be inserted within the channel of the endoscope.
Across clm-00001, clm-00013, and clm-00017, the claimed inventive concepts focus on a flexible distal tool with at least two pivoting rails connected by jointed connections, a clip-receiving space with clip length approximately matching rail length, jaws supported by an outer pipe and surrounded by an outer coil, and actuator-driven advancement of the clip; the surgical assembly further requires endoscope insertion into an elongated channel, while the method recites flexing the flexible tool and actuating the actuator to advance the clip.
Stated Advantages
Enables passage through endoscope channels with curved portions.
Improves durability relative to rigid clip appliers.
Documented Applications
Use in a surgical assembly including an endoscope with an elongated channel, where at least the flexible tool is configured to be inserted within the channel, including a curved longitudinal region of the endoscope channel.
Application of a surgical clip to a target area during a surgical procedure using a clip applier having the flexible distal tool and actuator.
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