Surgical Clip Applier

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to surgical instruments, and more particularly, to surgical clip appliers having a plurality of clips for applying the clips to body tissues and vessels during surgical procedures.

[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art

[0004] Surgical clip appliers are known in the art and have increased in popularity among surgeons by offering an alternative to conventional suturing of body tissues and vessels. Typical instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,226 to Green et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,668 to Burbank, III et al. These instruments generally provide a plurality of clips which are stored in the instrument and which are fed sequentially to the jaw mechanism at the distal end of the instrument upon opening and closing of the handles at the proximal end of the instrument. As the handles are closed, the jaws close to deform a clip positioned between the jaw members, and as the jaws are opened to release the deformed clip, a new clip is fed from the series to a position between the jaws. This process is repeated until all the clips in the series of clips have been used.

[0005] Inevitably, these instruments tend to be relatively complex, including many parts, many of which move and cooperate with one another.

[0006] Thus, in light of the increasing cost of healthcare and surgery, a need exists to curb the costs of the devices used during a surgical procedure or the like.

[0007] Accordingly, a need exists for an improved clip applier having fewer parts and which is more economical to manufacture.

[0008] The present application relates to surgical clip appliers having a plurality of clips for applying the clips to body tissues and vessels during surgical procedures and their methods of use.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical clip applier is provided and includes a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a clip carrier disposed within the channel assembly and defining a channel; a plurality of clips loaded in the channel of the clip carrier; a drive channel translatably supported in the housing and the channel assembly, the drive channel being translated upon actuation of the at least one handle; and a ratchet mechanism disposed within the housing. The ratchet mechanism includes a rack member connected to the drive channel such that axial translation of the drive channel results in axial translation of the rack member, the rack member defining a first set of teeth along a first side thereof and a second set of teeth along a second side thereof; a first pawl and a second pawl each tiltably supported in the housing and disposed on respective opposed sides of the rack member; and a buckling spring interposed between the first pawl and the second pawl and constrained in a slot formed in the rack member, wherein the buckling spring is dimensioned so as to bow in one of a proximal direction and a distal direction.

[0010] In use, when the buckling spring is bowed in the proximal direction, the first pawl and the second pawl are engaged with the rack member so as to permit the drive channel to move in a distal direction; and, when the buckling spring is bowed in the distal direction, the first pawl and the second pawl are engaged with the rack member so as to permit the drive channel to move in a proximal direction.

[0011] The surgical clip applier may further include a clip follower slidably disposed within the channel of the clip carrier and disposed proximally of the plurality of clips, the clip follower being configured and adapted for selective incremental advancement through the channel of the clip carrier and through the channel assembly, wherein the clip follower is configured and adapted to urge the plurality of clips, in a distal direction relative to the clip carrier, following a loading of a distal-most clip of the plurality of clips into the pair of jaws.

[0012] The clip follower may be urged in a distal direction by a biasing member. The biasing member may be a constant force spring. The constant force spring may include a distal end secured against movement in the surgical clip applier, and a proximal end coiled onto itself. The coiled proximal end of the constant force spring may be connected to the clip follower so as to draw the clip follower distally upon a coiling of the coiled proximal end of the constant force spring.

[0013] The surgical clip applier may further include a clip pusher bar reciprocally positioned within at least one of the housing and the channel assembly. The pusher bar may have a first end operatively connected to the at least one handle and a second end defining a pusher. The pusher bar may be movable away from the pair of jaws as the at least one handle is actuated in order to move the pusher behind a distal-most clip stored in the channel of the clip carrier. The pusher bar may be configured and adapted to move towards the jaws as the at least one handle is returned to an un-actuated position to move the distal-most clip between the pair of jaws.

[0014] The clip follower may include a head configured and dimensioned for engagement by the pusher of the clip pusher bar, when in a retracted position, following a loading of a final clip of the stack of clips into a pair of jaws of the surgical clip applier.

[0015] In use, following engagement of the head of the clip follower by the pusher of the clip pusher bar, a distal advancement of the clip pusher bar may advance the clip follower distally such that the head of the clip follower is positioned between the pair of jaws.

[0016] In use, when the head of the clip follower is positioned between the pair of jaws, the head of the clip follower may prevent the pair of jaws from closing and thus prevents the at least one handle from actuating completely.

[0017] The surgical clip applier may further include a jaw assembly including a pair of jaws extending from an end of the channel assembly, opposite the housing, the jaw assembly adapted to accommodate a clip therein and being operable to effect formation of a clip in response to movement of the at least one handle.

[0018] The drive channel may include a first end operatively connected to the at least one handle and a second end configured and dimensioned to surround and selectively engage the pair of jaws to effectuate closure of the pair of jaws. The drive channel may be moved towards the jaw assembly as the at least one handle is moved in a first direction to move the second end of the drive channel against the pair of jaws to close the pair of jaws. The drive channel may be moved away from the jaw assembly as the at least one handle is moved in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to move the second end of the drive channel away from the jaw assembly to allow the pair of jaws to open.

[0019] The second end of the drive channel may include a tongue extending between the pair of jaws.

[0020] In use, with the drive channel disposed at a proximal-most position, with the buckling spring bowed in the proximal direction, and with the first pawl and the second pawl engaged with the rack member so as to permit the drive channel to move in a distal direction, when the drive channel is advanced to a distal-most position, the proximally bowing buckling spring may be acted on and caused to bow in the distal direction, whereby the drive channel is permitted to move in a proximal direction.

[0021] In use, with the drive channel disposed at a distal-most position, with the buckling spring bowed in the distal direction, and with the first pawl and the second pawl engaged with the rack member so as to permit the drive channel to move in a proximal direction, when the drive channel is retracted to the proximal-most position, the distally bowing buckling spring may be acted on and caused to bow in the proximal direction, whereby the drive channel is permitted to move in a distal direction.

[0022] The drive channel may include a stop tab projecting therefrom in a direction toward the clip follower, and wherein the clip follower defines a window therein. In use, when the clip follower is in a distal-most position with the head thereof disposed between the pair of jaws, and when the drive channel is in a proximal-most position, the stop tab of the drive channel may be disposed in the window of the clip follower.

[0023] The clip follower may include an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the head is supported at the distal end thereof; and a tail having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the tail is connected to the proximal end of the elongate body such that the tail and the elongate body bias away from one another.

[0024] The window of the clip follower that configured to receive the stop tab of the drive channel may be formed in the tail.

[0025] The clip follower may be urged in a distal direction by a constant force spring. The constant force spring may include a distal end secured against movement in the surgical clip applier, and a proximal end coiled onto itself and at least partially disposed in the window of the tail of the clip follower. The coiled proximal end of the constant force spring may draw the clip follower distally upon a coiling of the coiled proximal end of the constant force spring subsequent to a loading of a distal-most clip of the plurality of clips into a pair of jaws of the surgical clip applier.

[0026] In use, when the buckling spring is caused to be buckled so as to bow from the proximal direction to the distal direction and from the distal direction to the proximal direction, the pair of pawls may be caused to flip about a pivot point and create at least one of an audible and tactile feedback.

[0027] The channel assembly may include a pair of opposed proximal side walls, wherein each proximal side wall of the channel assembly may define a substantially V-shaped channel, and wherein each pawl may be pivotably disposed in a respective V-shaped channel of the channel assembly.

[0028] Each V-shaped channel may include a rib projecting into the channel. The rib of the V-shaped channel may be received in a notch defined in a respective pawl, wherein an axial position of each pawl in the V-shaped notch is maintained.

[0029] The drive channel may include a tail extending proximally from a proximal end thereof. The tail of the drive channel may extend between the first pawl and the second pawl, and wherein the rack member of the ratchet mechanism may be formed on the tail of the drive channel.

[0101] Embodiments of surgical clip appliers in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical structural elements. As shown in the drawings and described throughout the following description, as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on a surgical instrument, the term “proximal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to the end of the apparatus which is further away from the user.

[0102] Turning initially to FIGS. 1-3, a surgical instrument that is capable of applying a number of hemostatic clips to selected tissue for occlusion purposes during open surgical procedures is generally designated as 100.

[0103] Clip applier 100 includes a handle assembly 102 including a housing 104 having an upper housing half 104a and lower housing half 104b. Handle assembly 102 further includes a pair of handles 106 pivotably secured to housing 104 and extending outwardly therefrom. A channel assembly 108 is fixedly secured to housing 104 and extends outwardly therefrom, terminating in and supporting a jaw assembly 110.

[0104] As seen in FIG. 4, housing halves 104a and 104b of clip applier 100 fit together by snap fit engagement with one another. Housing 104 is formed of a suitable plastic material.

[0105] Handles 106 are secured to housing 104 by complementary, two-part handle pivot posts 104d extending from upper housing half 104a and lower housing half 104b which complementary, two-part posts 104d couple with one another when housing halves 104a, 104b are connected or snapped to one another. Pivot posts 104d are received into respective distal apertures 106a formed in handles 106. Handle assembly 102 includes a link member 122 pivotally connected at a first end 122a thereof to each handle 106 at a pivot point 106b formed in a respective handle 106. A second end 122b of each link member 122 is pivotally connected to a respective pivot point 140b₁, 140b₂ defined in side walls 140b of drive channel 140.

[0106] Channel assembly 108 includes a channel or cartridge cover 130 and an outer or lower channel 132 each having a proximal end retained in housing assembly 102, between upper and lower housing halves 104a, 104b. Cartridge cover 130 includes at least one retention element configured and adapted to selectively engage, in a snap-fit engagement, a complementary or corresponding retention element provided on outer channel 132.

[0107] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 11, 21 and 22, clip applier 100 includes a drive channel 140 reciprocally supported in and extending between housing 104 of handle assembly 102 and channel assembly 108. A proximal end of a drive channel 140 is supported between upper and lower housing halves 104a, 104b of housing 104 and a distal end of drive channel 140 is supported between cartridge cover 130 and outer channel 132 of channel assembly 108.

[0108] As seen in FIGS. 11 and 26-28, a distal end of drive channel 140 is a substantially box-shaped tube including a pair of spaced apart side walls 140b interconnecting a top wall 140a and a bottom wall 140c. The distal-most end of drive channel 140 includes a tongue 140e disposed between side walls 140b and extending from and between top wall 140a and bottom wall 140c to define a pair of distal-facing openings 140e₁, 140e₂.

[0109] A proximal end of drive channel 140 defines an elongate pin slot 140d formed in bottom wall 140c thereof for slidable passage of a pin 124 therealong. Pin 124 is located along a central, longitudinal axis of channel assembly 108.

[0110] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 12, clip applier 100 further includes a biasing member 146, in the form of a compression spring, disposed within housing 104 so as to operatively surround an intermediate portion of drive channel 140 and to abut against an inner distal surface of housing 104. Biasing member 146 functions to generally maintain drive channel 140 in a retracted or proximal-most position. In particular, biasing member 146 functions to retract or facilitate retraction of drive channel 140 following formation of a clip “C” positioned between jaws 120, and following release of handles 106.

[0111] As seen in FIGS. 23 and 25, a proximal end of drive channel 140 supports a ratchet rack member 141 and secured thereto, wherein ratchet rack member 141 is movable together with drive channel 140. Ratchet rack member 141 defines a first set of teeth 141a configured and adapted to engage with a first ratchet pawl 142a, and a second set of teeth 141b configured and adapted to engage a second ratchet pawl 142b, wherein the first set and the second set of teeth 141a, 141b are disposed on opposed sides of rack member 141. First ratchet pawl 142a and second ratchet pawl 142b are each supported in housing 104, with first ratchet pawl 142a and second ratchet pawl 142b being disposed on opposed sides of ratchet rack member 141. Rack member 141 and pawls 142a, 142b define a ratchet mechanism 144. In use, as drive channel 140 is moved axially, rack member 141 is also moved axially therewith. In operation, pawls 142a, 142b reverse their direction when a distal/proximal end of a longitudinally extending slot formed in rack member 141 impacts a snap-over ratchet spring 143, causing ratchet spring 143 to flip, and in turn, causing pawls 142a, 142b to flip or reverse their direction, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0112] Each pawl 142a, 142b is pivotally supported in upper housing half 104a and lower housing half 104b at a location wherein each pawl 142a, 142b is in substantial operative engagement with respective rack teeth 141a, 141b of rack member 141. Pawls 142a, 142b are engageable with rack member 141 to restrict longitudinal movement of rack member 141 and, in turn, drive channel 140.

[0113] Additionally, as seen in FIG. 25, each pawl 142a, 142b has a substantially triangular profile, wherein a remote corner 142a₁, 142b₁ of each pawl 142a, 142b extends away from rack member 141 and is situated within an internal corner 104c₃ of a pair of walls 104c₁, 104c₂ defined in upper housing half 104a and lower housing half 104b. The interface of the remote corner 142a₁, 142b₁ of each pawl 142a, 142b and internal corner 104c₃ of a pair of walls 104c₁, 104c₂ defines a pivot point for pawls 142a, 142b.

[0114] Ratchet mechanism 144 includes a snap-over ratchet spring 143, in the form of a coil spring, interposed between pawls 142a, 142b and extending through and across rack member 141. Snap-over spring 143 functions to maintain the teeth of pawls 142a, 142b in engagement with the respective rack teeth 141a, 141b of rack member 141 as rack member 141 is axially translated. When pawls 142a, 142b are in a first position (permitting drive channel 140 to move in a distal direction), snap-over spring 143 bulges or buckles in a proximal direction, as seen in FIGS. 36 and 43, and when pawls 142a, 142b are in a second position (permitting drive channel 140 to move in a proximal direction), snap-over spring 143 bulges or buckles in a distal direction, as seen in FIG. 46.

[0115] In operation, when drive channel 140 is moved to the distal-most position, a surface of rack member 141 engages distally bulging snap-over spring 143 to reverse the direction of buckling thereof, and thus reverse or change the orientation of pawls 142a, 142b. Additionally, when drive channel 140 is moved to the proximal-most position and rack teeth 141a, 141b of rack member 141 have once again cleared pawls 142a, 142b, another surface of rack member 141 engages proximally bulging snap-over spring 143 to again reverse the direction of buckling thereof, and thus again reverse or change the orientation of pawls 142a, 142b.

[0116] Clip applier 100 is provided with audible/tactile indication or feedback when pawls 142a, 142b are flipped at either end of the stroke of drive channel 140. In particular, when pawls 142a, 142b flip pawls 142a, 142b are accelerated by snap-over spring 143 and slap against the pair of walls 104c₁, 104c₂ of housing 104, thereby providing the user feedback that end of a stroke has been reached.

[0117] As seen in FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 10, 34 and 35, clip applier 100 includes a pair of jaws 120 mounted on or at a distal end of channel assembly 108 and actuatable by handles 106 of handle assembly 102. The pair of jaws 120 are formed of a suitable biocompatible material such as, for example, stainless steel or titanium.

[0118] The pair of jaws 120 are mounted in a distal end of outer channel 132 via a pin or a rivet 124 extending through the reciprocation limiting slot 140d of drive channel 140 such that jaws 120 are longitudinally stationary relative to outer channel 132 and drive channel 140. The pair of jaws 120 includes a first jaw member 121a, and a second jaw member 121b, wherein first jaw member 121a extends through first distal-facing openings 140e₁ of drive channel 140, and wherein second jaw member 121b extends through first distal-facing openings 140e₂ of drive channel 140. In this manner, tongue 140e of drive channel 140 extends between first jaw member 121a, and second jaw member 121b.

[0119] As seen in FIG. 4, the pair of jaws 120 defines a channel 120a therebetween for receipt of a surgical clip “C1” therein.

[0120] As seen in FIG. 3, a distal end of each jaw member 121a, 121b is angled at an angle “θ” of approximately between 15°-22.5° relative to a longitudinal axis of channel assembly 108 to enable an end user to better visualize a surgical clip disposed in the pair of jaws 120 by altering a line of sight of the end user to jaw members 121a, 121b of the pair of jaws 120. In this manner, the end user may better visualize and verify a presence of a surgical clip in the pair of jaws 120 while the surgical clip is being placed on or over a vessel.

[0121] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 6, 15, 16, 19 and 20, clip applier 100 includes a clip pusher bar 160 slidably disposed against drive channel 140, at a location between drive channel 140 and cartridge cover 130. Pusher bar 160 includes a distal end 160a defining a pusher 160c configured and adapted to selectively engage/move a distal-most surgical clip “C1” stored in surgical clip applier 100. Pusher bar 160 further includes a proximal end 160b operatively connected to drive channel 140. Pusher bar 160 further defines an elongate window 160d therein for operative receipt of a proximal end of a constant force spring 176 therein, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0122] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 13, 18, 31 and 32, clip applier 100 further includes linkage mechanism 150 having a distal, driven link arm 154 having a first, distal end 154a pivotally connected to proximal end 160b of pusher bar 160. Linkage mechanism 150 further includes a proximal, driver link arm 152 having a first, distal end 152a pivotally connected to a second, proximal end 154b of driven link arm 154, and a second, proximal end 152b defining an arcuate slot 152c configured to slidably receive a tab 140f of drive channel 140. Arcuate slot 152c is open ended and is only engaged by tab 140f of drive channel 140 during select portions of a distal and proximal translation thereof, as will be described in greater detail below. Driver link arm 152 defines a central eyelet 152c for pivotal connection to a pin 126, such that driver link arm 152 is axially fixed with respect to housing 104.

[0123] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, clip applier 100 further includes a clip carrier 170 fixedly disposed within channel assembly 108 and disposed against pusher bar 160, at a location between pusher bar 160 and cartridge cover 130. Clip carrier 170 is generally a U-shaped channel structure having a lower wall 170a and a pair of side walls 170b defining a channel 170c between lower wall 170a and cartridge cover 130.

[0124] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 33, a stack of surgical clips “C” is loaded and/or retained within channel 170c defined by clip carrier 170 and cartridge cover 130 in a manner so as to slide therewithin and/or therealong. Clip carrier 170 is configured and dimensioned to slidably retain the stack or plurality of surgical clips “C” in tip-to-tail fashion therewithin.

[0125] As seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 14, a distal end of clip carrier 170 includes a resilient central tang 171. Tang 171 is configured and adapted to selectively engage a backspan of a distal-most surgical clip “C_d” of the stack of surgical clips “C” retained within carrier 170 to thereby prevent the stack of surgical clips “C” within channel 170c of clip carrier 170.

[0126] As seen in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 7-9 and 29, clip applier 100 further includes a clip follower 174 at least partially slidably disposed within channel 170c of clip carrier 170. As will be discussed in greater detail below, clip follower 174 is positioned behind the stack of surgical clips “C” and is provided to urge the stack of surgical clips “C” forward during an actuation of clip applier 100. As will also be described in greater detail below, clip follower 174 is actuated by a constant force spring 176 upon the advancement, by the pusher bar 160, of the distal-most surgical clip “C_d” distally passed the tang 171 of the clip carrier 170, during a firing of clip applier 100.

[0127] Clip follower 174 includes an elongate body 174a having a distal end portion 174b configured and dimensioned for passage through channel 170c of clip carrier 170. Distal end portion 174b of clip follower 174 is configured to seat against a backspan of a proximal-most clip “C_p” of the stack of surgical clips “C”.

[0128] Clip follower 174 includes a proximal end portion 174c folded over onto itself to define a tail 174d such that proximal end portion 174c is in the form of a leaf spring. Proximal end portion 174c defines an upper window 174a₁ formed in a proximal portion of elongate body 174a, and a lower window 174d₁ formed in tail 174d and overlying or in registration with upper window 174a₁. Clip follower 174 includes a tab 174e extending between elongate body 174a and tail 174d.

[0129] Clip follower 174 is fabricated from a resilient material such that tail 174d of clip follower 174 is lightly spring-biased against a surface of drive channel 140.

[0130] Turning momentarily to FIGS. 63-70, an alternate embodiment of a clip follower 274 is shown and will be described. Clip follower 274 is substantially similar to clip follower 174 and thus will only be described in detail herein to the extent necessary to describe differences in construction and functions thereof. As seen in FIGS. 63-65 and 67-70, clip follower 274 includes a proximal fin 274d projecting transversely from a proximal end portion 274c. Proximal fin 274d defines a proximal surface 274d₁ having a concave arcuate profile configured to receive and seat with a coiled or spooled portion 176c of a constant force spring 176.

[0131] Turning now to and as seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, clip applier 100 includes a constant force spring 176 supported in handle assembly 104 and channel assembly 108. Constant force spring 176 is in the form of a ribbon including a body portion 176a having a distal end 176b, and a proximal end 176c coiled onto itself to form a spool.

[0132] Body portion 176a and distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 are disposed within a channel formed in an underside of cartridge cover 130, wherein body portion 176a and distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 are interposed between cartridge cover 130 and elongate body 174a of clip follower 174. Distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 is secured to tine 170e of clip carrier 170, as described below. In particular, as seen in FIGS. 17 and 30, distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 defines an opening 176b₁ (See FIG. 5) that is slipped over a distally extending tine 170e of clip channel 170. In this manner, tine 170e of clip channel 170 prevents distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 from moving proximally.

[0133] Turning now momentarily to FIGS. 63-66 and 69-70, in an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 may be hooked onto a hook or tine 130a projecting distally and inwardly from an inner surface of cartridge cover 130.

[0134] Proximal coiled or spooled end 176c of constant force spring 176 is disposed within lower window 174a₁ and upper window 174d₁ of follower 174, wherein proximal coiled or spooled end 176c is interposed between tab 174e of follower 174 and a proximal end-most wall of follower 174. Due to a memory of constant force spring 176, proximal coiled or spooled end 176c thereof tends to want to roll-up along body portion 176a.

[0135] Constant force spring 176 is a pre-stressed flat strip of spring material which is formed into a virtually constant radius coil, wherein distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 is secured to clip channel 170 as described above, and wherein proximal coiled or spooled end 176c of constant force spring 176 is disposed within proximal end portion 174c of clip follower 174 as described above.

[0136] Constant force spring 176 functions to maintain a constant pressure or distal force on the stack of surgical clips “C” such that the stack of surgical clips “C” are pressed against resilient central tang 171 of clip carrier 170. In this manner, in operation, as will be discussed in greater detail below, the stack of surgical clips “C” advances distally on demand as the distal-most surgical clip “C_d” is advanced past resilient central tang 171 by pusher bar 160.

[0137] As seen in FIGS. 24, 57 and 58, clip applier 100 includes a lockout for preventing actuation of the pair of jaws 120 following an application of the last surgical clip of the stack of surgical clips “C”. The lockout includes a stop tab or bump 174d₂ formed in distally oriented tail 174d of clip follower 174, and a stop tab or bump 140g projecting proximate a proximal end of drive channel 140. An operation of the lockout will be described in greater detail below.

[0138] With reference to FIGS. 1-58, and particularly to FIGS. 37-58, the operation of the Covidien Clip Applier 100 is provided. Prior to any initial squeezing of handles 106 of clip applier 100 (with clip applier 100 including a full stack of surgical clips “C”), as seen in FIGS. 12-36, drive channel 140 is located at a proximal-most position, pusher bar 160 is located at a distal-most position, and clip follower 174 is located at a proximal-most position. When pusher bar 160 is located at the distal-most position, pusher 160c thereof supports any surgical clip disposed between the pair of jaws 120.

[0139] With drive channel 140 located at a proximal-most position and pusher bar 160 located at a distal-most position, linkage mechanism 150 is situated in an un-actuated position, wherein driven link arm 154 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of channel assembly 108.

[0140] Also prior to the initial squeeze, if no surgical clips “C” are present within the pair of jaws 120, a surgical clip “C” is first loaded into the pair of jaws 120 during an initial squeezing of handles 106 or a priming of clip applier 100 (to load an initial surgical clip into the pair of jaws 120).

[0141] As seen in FIGS. 37-43 and particularly FIGS. 37 and 38, during a first stage of an initial squeezing of handles 106 or priming of clip applier 100, second ends 122b of link members 122 are caused to be moved distally relative to housing 104. As second ends 122b of link members 122 are moved distally, link members 122 act on drive channel 140 to transmit distal axial movement to drive channel 140.

[0142] As seen in FIGS. 38 and 43 and FIG. 42, as drive channel 140 is moved distally, during a second stage of an initial squeeze of handles 106, following an initial dwell period, upon a further squeezing of handles 106, tab 140f of drive channel 140 enters into arcuate slot 152c of driver link arm 152 and acts on driver link arm 152 to rotate driver link arm 152 about pin 126.

[0143] As driver link arm 152 is rotated about pin 126, distal end 152a of driver link arm 152 acts on proximal end 154b of driven link arm 154 to pull driven link arm 154 in a proximal direction.

[0144] As seen in FIGS. 39-41, as driven link arm 154 is pulled in a proximal direction, distal end 154a of driven link arm 154 acts on pusher bar 160 to retract pusher bar 160 in a proximal direction. The relative dimensions and configurations of arcuate slot 152c of driver link arm 152, the radii of rotation of distal end 152a and proximal end 152b of driver link arm 152, and the relative length of driven link arm 154 determines when pusher bar 160 is retracted a sufficient amount such that pusher 160c is disposed proximal of a distal-most surgical clip “C1”.

[0145] Following the retraction of pusher bar 160 by an amount sufficient that pusher 160c is disposed proximal of a distal-most surgical clip “C1”, tab 140f of drive channel 140 exits arcuate slot 152c of driver link arm 152 such that proximal movement of pusher bar 160 is halted and distal movement of drive channel 140 continues.

[0146] During the initial squeeze of handles 106, pawls 142a, 142b function to create an audible click and/or a tactile vibration, thereby indicating to the user that handles 106 of surgical clip applier 100 have gone through at least a portion of a stroke. Additionally, cartridge cover 130 is fabricated from a transparent material, allowing the user to clearly see the clips “C” in the stack of clips.

[0147] As described above, the first audible/tactile indication, by pawls 142a, 142b, indicates to the user that a surgical clip “C” has been appropriately loaded.

[0148] As seen in FIG. 43, also during the first stage of the initial squeeze of handles 106, as drive channel 140 is moved in a distal direction, rack member 141 of ratchet mechanism 144 is moved distally causing teeth 141a thereof to move into engagement with and over or across a tooth of each pawl 142a, 142b. Once rack member 141 of ratchet mechanism 144 is moved into engagement with each pawl 142a, 142b, drive channel 140 can not return to a home or proximal-most position until rack member 141 has cleared pawls 142a, 142b.

[0149] During the second stage of the initial squeeze of handles 106, as seen in FIGS. 44-51, drive channel 140 is moved distally until a distal edge of side walls 140b of drive channel 140 engages against outer camming surfaces 120b of the pair of jaws 120 thus causing the pair of jaws 120 to approximate toward one another (and to form surgical clip “C1” interposed therebetween if a surgical clip is present).

[0150] Additionally, during the second stage of the initial squeeze of handles 106, as handles 106 are squeezed to distally advance drive channel 140, drive channel 140 and/or link members 122 act(s) on biasing member 146 to compress biasing member 146 against housing 104.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 44-51, clip applier 100 is illustrated following a completed initial stroke or squeezing of handles 106 and during an opening of handles 106. In this condition, drive channel 140 is at a distal-most position, pusher bar 160 is at a proximal-most position, biasing member 146 is in a compressed condition, and each pawl 142a, 142b is located proximal of rack member 141.

[0152] In use, handles 106 may be opened by hand, or the closure force tending to maintain handles 106 closed is removed, whereby the compressed biasing member 146 may expand. As compressed biasing member 146 expands, biasing member 146 acts on link arms 122 and/or drive channel 140 to assist in the opening of handles 106 and the return of clip applier 100 to an open or initial condition.

[0153] As seen in FIGS. 53-54, during an opening of handles 106, second ends 122b of link members 122 are caused to be moved proximally relative to housing 104. As second ends 122b of link members 122 are moved proximally, link members 122 act on drive channel 140 to transmit proximal axial movement to drive channel 140.

[0154] As drive channel 140 is moved proximally, following an initial dwell period, tab 140f of drive channel 140 re-enters into arcuate slot 152c of driver link arm 152 and acts on driver link arm 152 to rotate driver link arm 152 about pin 126 in a reverse direction.

[0155] As driver link arm 152 is rotated about pin 126 (in a reverse direction), distal end 152a of driver link arm 152 acts on proximal end 154b of driven link arm 154 to push driven link arm 154 in a distal direction.

[0156] As driven link arm 154 is pushed in a distal direction, distal end 154a of driven link arm 154 acts on pusher bar 160 to advance pusher bar 160 in a distal direction, as seen in FIGS. 53 and 54. The relative dimensions and configurations of arcuate slot 152c of driver link arm 152, the radii of rotation of distal end 152a and proximal end 152b of driver link arm 152, and the relative length of driven link arm 154 determines when pusher bar 160 is advanced a sufficient amount such that pusher 160c of pusher bar 160 loads a distal-most surgical clip “C1” of the stack of surgical clips “C” into the pair of jaws 120.

[0157] In particular, as pusher bar 160 is advanced in a distal direction, pusher 160c thereof engages a backspan of distal-most clip “C1” and begins to move or urge distal-most clip “C1” distally out of clip carrier 170 and into the pair of jaws 120. As distal-most clip “C1” is moved distally, central tang 171 of clip carrier 170 is momentarily deflected or cammed out of engagement with distal-most clip “C1” and returned to its un-deflected or un-cammed state to capture a subsequent surgical clip of the stack of surgical clips “C”. During the opening of handles 106, pusher bar 160 is advanced an amount sufficient to place distal-most surgical clip “C1” in channels 120a of pair of jaws 120.

[0158] As pusher 160c of pusher bar 160 advanced distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws 120, the remaining stack of surgical clips “C” is advanced distally due to an advancement force acting on the stack of surgical clips “C” by clip follower 174. In particular, with the removal of the distal-most surgical clip “C1”, proximal coiled end 176c of constant force spring 176 continues to coil up onto itself, thus shortening a length of body portion 176a since distal end 176b of constant force spring 176 is anchored to clip carrier, as described above.

[0159] As proximal coiled end 176c of constant force spring 176 coils up onto itself, proximal coiled end 176c acts on tabs 174e of clip follower 174 to exert a distal force on clip follower 174 and distally advance clip follower 174. Clip follower 174 is advanced distally until the stack of surgical clips “C” is stopped by central tang 171 of clip carrier 170.

[0160] Following the return of pusher bar 160 to the distal-most position, tab 140f of drive channel 140 exits arcuate slot 152c of driver link arm 152 such that distal movement of pusher bar 160 is halted and proximal movement of drive channel 140 continues.

[0161] With pusher bar 160 at the distal-most position, pusher 160c of pusher bar 160 remains against the backspan of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” that was loaded into the pair of jaws 120. In this manner, when the pair of jaws 120 are advanced over a target vessel, pusher 160c of pusher bar 160 supports the backspan of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” to inhibit the distal-most surgical clip “C1” from backing out of the pair of jaws 120.

[0162] During the complete opening of handles 106, the proximal-most positioning of drive channel 140 causes pawls 142a, 142b to flip and snap, creating an audible click and/or a tactile vibration, thereby indicating to the user that handles 106 of surgical clip applier 100 have completely opened and that surgical clip applier 100 has undergone a complete cycle.

[0163] As seen in FIG. 46, also during the opening of handles 106, as drive channel 140 is moved in a proximal direction, rack member 141 of ratchet mechanism 144 is moved proximally causing teeth 141a thereof to move back into engagement with and over or across a tooth of each pawl 142a, 142b. Once rack member 141 of ratchet mechanism 144 is moved back into engagement with each pawl 142a, 142b, drive channel 140 can not be re-advanced distally to an advanced or distal-most position until rack member 141 has re-cleared pawls 142a, 142b.

[0164] During the opening of handles 106, as seen in FIG. 26, drive channel 140 is moved proximally such that and until tongue 140e of drive channel 140 engages against inner camming surfaces 120c of the pair of jaws 120 thus assisting and/or causing the pair of jaws 120 to spread apart from one another to a fully open condition (in the event that the pair of jaws 120 were being held in an approximated condition by some external pressure or force).

[0165] Following an initial priming of clip applier 100, any further squeezing of handles 106 will result in the firing of clip applier 100 to apply a surgical clip “C1” onto a vessel “V” or any other biological tissue, as seen in FIG. 52.

[0166] During a re-squeezing of handles 106 as drive channel 140 is moved distally and pusher bar 160 is moved proximally, as described above, with surgical clip “C1” loaded into the pair of jaws 120, as distal edge of side walls 140b of drive channel 140 engages against outer camming surfaces 120b of the pair of jaws 120, the pair of jaws 120 are approximated toward one another to form surgical clip “C1”.

[0167] As seen in FIG. 52, surgical clip “C1” may be formed or crimped onto a vessel “V” or any other biological tissue. In certain instances, the surgeon may decide or need to fire a surgical clip “C1” onto a suture in lieu of typing a knot in the suture.

[0168] Turning now to FIGS. 55-56 and FIGS. 57-58, a distal end of clip applier 100 is illustrated following a complete stroke or squeezing of handles 106 and after a final surgical clip has been urged from clip carrier 170 and loaded into the pair of jaws 120, as described above. Following loading of the final surgical clip into the pair of jaws 120, clip follower 174 is advanced to a distal-most position by constant force spring 176, as described above.

[0169] With the last clip loaded into the pair of jaws 120, as clip applier 100 is fired once again to fire the last clip, by squeezing handles 106, pusher bar 160 is moved in the proximal direction (as described above) such that pusher 160c (see FIG. 6) cams over and proximal of distal end portion 174b (see FIG. 7) of clip follower 174. Then, as handles 106 are opened, pusher bar 160 is moved in the distal direction (as described above). As pusher bar 160 is moved in the distal direction, pusher 160c acts on distal end portion 174b of clip follower 174 to urge clip follower 174 distally until (1) distal end portion 174b of clip follower 174 is disposed between the pair of jaws 120, and (2) front edge 174d₃ of lower window 174d₁ (see FIG. 7) of tail 174d of clip follower 174 is disposed distally of stop tab 140g of drive channel 140.

[0170] At this point, there is no clip in the pair of jaws 120, and the lockout tail 174d on clip follower 174 is engaged with stop tab 140g on drive channel 140. As such, if the user attempts to fire clip applier 100 at this point, drive channel 140 drives lockout tail 174d of clip follower 174 against the pair of jaws 120, and together with distal end portion 174b of clip follower 174 being disposed between the pair of jaws 120, clip applier 100 is incapable of having the pair of jaws 120 closed.

[0171] Additionally, with stop tab 140g of drive channel 140 disposed proximally of front edge 174d₃ of lower window 174d₁ of tail 174d of clip follower 174, as seen in FIG. 58, any attempt to re-actuate clip applier 100, whereby drive channel 140 is distally advanced, will result in stop tab 140g of drive channel 140 abutting against front edge 174d₃ of lower window 174d₁ of tail 174d of clip follower 174 thereby preventing distal advancement of drive channel 140.

[0172] Turning now to FIGS. 59-62, a lower channel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as 232. Lower channel 232 is substantially similar to lower channel 132 and thus will only be discussed in detail herein to the extent necessary to describe differences in structure and operation thereof. As seen in FIGS. 59-62, lower channel 232 includes a pair of opposed, upstanding, proximal side walls 232a, 232b. Each side wall 232a, 232b defines a substantially V-shaped channel 232c, 232d, wherein each V-shaped channel 232c, 232d extends in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of lower channel 232. A respective rib 232e, 232f extends into each V-shaped channel 232c, 232d.

[0173] With continued reference to FIGS. 59-62, a drive channel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as 240. Drive channel 240 is substantially similar to drive channel 140 and thus will only be discussed in detail herein to the extent necessary to describe differences in structure and operation thereof. As seen in FIGS. 59-62, opposed side walls 240b thereof join together at a proximal end of drive channel 240 to form a tail or ratchet rack member 241. Ratchet rack member 241 includes a first set of teeth 241a, on a first side thereof, configured and adapted to engage with a first ratchet pawl 242a, and a second set of teeth 241b, on a second side thereof, configured and adapted to engage a second ratchet pawl 242b.

[0174] Ratchet rack member 241 of drive channel 240 extends between side walls 232a, 232b of lower channel 230 and through a slot 104e formed in housing 104. Additionally, first ratchet pawl 242a is interposed between side wall 232a of lower channel 230 and ratchet rack member 241 of drive channel 240, and second ratchet pawl 242b is interposed between side wall 232b of lower channel 230 and ratchet rack member 241 of drive channel 240.

[0175] Rack member 241 and pawls 242a, 242b define a ratchet mechanism 244. In use, as drive channel 240 is moved axially, rack member 241 is caused to be moved relative to first and second ratchet pawl 242a, 242b. In so doing, the series of rack teeth 241a, 241b have a length which allows respective pawls 242a, 242b to reverse and advance back over rack member 241 when rack member 241 changes between proximal and distal movement as drive channel 240 reaches a proximal-most or distal-most position.

[0176] Each pawl 242a, 242b is pivotally supported in lower channel 230 at a location wherein each pawl 242a, 242b is in substantial operative engagement with respective rack teeth 241a, 241b of rack member 241. Pawls 242a, 242b are engageable with rack member 241 to restrict longitudinal movement of rack member 241 and, in turn, drive channel 240.

[0177] Each pawl 242a, 242b has a substantially triangular profile, wherein a remote corner 242a₁, 242b₁ of each pawl 242a, 242b extends away from rack member 241 and is situated within an internal corner of respective V-shaped channel 232c, 232d of lower channel 230. The interface of the remote corner 242a₁, 242b₁ of each pawl 242a, 242b and respective V-shaped channel 232c, 232d of lower channel 230 defines a pivot point for pawls 242a, 242b. A degree of pivoting of each pawl 242a, 242b is limited by the relative shape and dimension of pawls 242a, 242b and the relative angular orientation of respective V-shaped channel 232c, 232d of lower channel 230.

[0178] Additionally, as seen in FIG. 62, remote corner 242a₁, 242b₁ of each pawl 242a, 242b defines a respective notch 242a₂, 242b₂ formed therein. Notches 242a₂, 242b₂ of each pawl 242a, 242b are configured to receive respective ribs 232e, 232f of V-shaped channels 232c, 232d of lower channel 230 to as to maintain pawls 242a, 242b in axial registration with V-shaped channels 232c, 232d and rack member 241.

[0179] Similar to ratchet mechanism 144, ratchet mechanism 244 includes a snap-over spring 143, in the form of a coil spring, interposed between pawls 242a, 242b and extending over and across a slot defined in rack member 241. Snap-over spring 143 has a length sufficient to urge each pawl 242a, 242b into respective V-shaped channels 232c, 232d of lower channel 230.

[0180] Snap-over spring 143 functions to maintain the teeth of pawls 242a, 242b in engagement with the respective rack teeth 241a, 241b of rack member 241 as rack member 241 is axially translated. When pawls 242a, 242b are in a first position (permitting drive channel 240 to move in a distal direction), snap-over spring 243 bulges in a proximal direction, and when pawls 242a, 242b are in a second position (permitting drive channel 240 to move in a proximal direction), snap-over spring 143 bulges in a distal direction.

[0181] In operation, when drive channel 240 is moved to the distal-most position, a distally oriented surface of rack member 241 engages distally bulging snap-over spring 143 to reverse the direction of buckling thereof, and thus reverse or change the orientation of pawls 242a, 242b. Additionally, when drive channel 240 is moved to the proximal-most position, a proximally oriented surface of rack member 241 engages proximally bulging snap-over spring 143 to again reverse the direction of buckling thereof, and thus again reverse or change the orientation of pawls 242a, 242b.

[0182] Clip applier 100 may also include audible/tactile indication or feedback with lower channel 230 and pawls 242a, 242b, when pawls 242a, 242b are flipped at either end of the stroke of drive channel 240. In particular, when pawls 242a, 242b flip, pawls 242a, 242b are accelerated by snap-over spring 243 and slap against the walls of respective V-shaped channels 232c, 232d of lower channel 230, thereby providing the user feedback that end of a stroke has been reached.

[0183] It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure.

[0184] For example, it is contemplated that coiled or spooled end 176c of constant force spring 176 may be attached or secured in clip applier 100 in such a way that coiled or spooled end 176c remains stationary near the pair of jaws 120 while the free end (i.e., 176b) of constant force spring 176 is attached to follower 174. In this embodiment, coiled or spooled end 176c of constant force spring 176 would not need to translate along the shaft of clip applier 100.

[0185] Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances. The embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.