ENDOSCOPIC REPOSABLE SURGICAL CLIP APPLIER

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/253,162 filed Nov. 10, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The technical field relates to surgical clip appliers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers having a reusable handle assembly, at least one reusable shaft assembly, and at least one disposable clip cartridge assembly.

[0004] Description of Related Art

[0005] Endoscopic surgical staplers and surgical clip appliers are known in the art and are used for a number of distinct and useful surgical procedures. In the case of a laparoscopic surgical procedure, access to the interior of an abdomen is achieved through narrow tubes or cannulas inserted through a small entrance incision in the skin. Minimally invasive procedures performed elsewhere in the body are often generally referred to as endoscopic procedures. Typically, a tube or cannula device is extended into the patient's body through the entrance incision to provide an access port. The port allows the surgeon to insert a number of different surgical instruments therethrough using a trocar and for performing surgical procedures far removed from the incision.

[0006] During a majority of these procedures, the surgeon must often terminate the flow of blood or another fluid through one or more vessels. The surgeon will often use a particular endoscopic surgical clip applier to apply a surgical clip to a blood vessel or another duct to prevent the flow of body fluids therethrough during the procedure.

[0007] Endoscopic surgical clip appliers having various sizes (e.g., diameters), that are configured to apply a variety of diverse surgical clips, are known in the art, and which are capable of applying a single or multiple surgical clips during an entry to the body cavity. Such surgical clips are typically fabricated from a biocompatible material and are usually compressed over a vessel. Once applied to the vessel, the compressed surgical clip terminates the flow of fluid therethrough.

[0008] Endoscopic surgical clip appliers that are able to apply multiple clips in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures during a single entry into the body cavity are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,084,057 and 5,100,420 to Green et al., which are both incorporated by reference in their entirety. Another multiple endoscopic surgical clip applier is disclosed in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,436 by Pratt et al., the contents of which is also hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. These devices are typically, though not necessarily, used during a single surgical procedure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,502 to Pier et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses a resterilizable endoscopic surgical clip applier. The endoscopic surgical clip applier advances and forms multiple clips during a single insertion into the body cavity. This resterilizable endoscopic surgical clip applier is configured to receive and cooperate with an interchangeable clip magazine so as to advance and form multiple clips during a single entry into a body cavity.

[0009] During endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures it may be desirable and/or necessary to use different size surgical clips or different configured surgical clips depending on the underlying tissue or vessels to be ligated. In order to reduce overall costs of an endoscopic surgical clip applier, it is desirable for a single endoscopic surgical clip applier to be loadable with and capable of firing different size surgical clips as needed.

[0010] Accordingly, a need exists for endoscopic surgical clip appliers that include reusable handle assemblies, reusable shaft assemblies, and disposable clip cartridge assemblies, with each clip cartridge assembly being loaded with a particularly sized clip (e.g., relatively small, relatively medium, or relatively large).

[0011] The present disclosure relates to reposable endoscopic surgical clip appliers.

[0012] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a reposable surgical clip applier is provided. The reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly having a housing defining a bore therein and which extends through a distal end thereof; a fixed handle extending from the housing; a trigger pivotally connected to the fixed handle, the trigger including an actuating end disposed within the bore of the housing; and a drive plunger slidably supported within the bore of the housing and axially aligned with the bore of the housing, the drive plunger having a proximal end operatively engaged by the actuating end of the trigger, and a free distal end.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the reposable surgical clip applier includes a first endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The first endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws pivotably and fixedly supported in, and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; and an inner shaft slidably supported within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate an opening and a closing of the pair of jaws upon an axial translation of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube.

[0014] The first endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.

[0015] The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; a cartridge plunger supported on the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly, the cartridge plunger being slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder; a first biasing member disposed within the bore of the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder and the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member interposed between a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly and the cartridge plunger.

[0016] The first biasing member of the first endoscopic assembly may be a coil spring having a first spring constant. The second biasing member of the first endoscopic assembly may be a coil spring having a second spring constant, wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.

[0017] In operation, during an actuation of the trigger, with the first endoscopic assembly connected to the handle assembly, the trigger may distally advance the drive plunger against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the first endoscopic assembly to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.

[0018] The second biasing member may be biased until the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement.

[0019] In operation, when the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, further actuation of the trigger further may distally advance the drive plunger of the handle assembly against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the first endoscopic assembly to further distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to bias the first biasing member.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the reposable surgical clip applier includes a second endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The second endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws fixedly supported in and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; an elongate spindle slidably supported in the lumen of the outer tube, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the spindle being translatable between a proximal position whereby the pair of jaws are opened and a distal position whereby the pair of jaws are caused to be closed by the spindle; and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged the proximal end of the spindle to effectuate a translation of the spindle between the proximal and distal positions thereof.

[0021] The second endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.

[0022] The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a cylindrical body, a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; and a cartridge plunger slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder. The cartridge plunger includes a stem connected to the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly; and a pair of opposed fingers supported on the stem and extending through respective longitudinally extending slots formed in the cylindrical body of the cartridge cylinder, wherein the pair of opposed fingers project from the cartridge cylinder.

[0023] The drive assembly of the second endoscopic assembly further includes a first biasing member disposed about the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between a proximal flange supported on the cartridge cylinder and the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member supported on the stem of the cartridge plunger, and being interposed between the cartridge plunger and a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly.

[0024] The second endoscopic assembly may further include a wedge plate disposed adjacent the spindle and slidably translatable relative to the spindle, wherein a distal end of the wedge plate is interposed between a distal end of the spindle and the pair of jaws; a filler component disposed adjacent the wedge plate and proximal of the pair of jaws; a clip channel disposed adjacent the filler component and adjacent the pair of jaws; a plurality of surgical clip loaded within the clip channel and slidably disposed therein; a clip follower disposed within the clip channel at a location proximal of the plurality of clips, the clip follower being biased distally; a clip channel cover disposed adjacent the clip channel; and a pusher bar disposed adjacent the clip channel cover and slidably translatable relative to the pair of jaws, wherein a distal end of the pusher bar is configured to distally advance a distal-most surgical clip of the plurality of surgical clips between the pair of jaws.

[0025] The handle assembly may further include a ratchet assembly. The ratchet assembly may include a ratchet rack defining a length of rack teeth and having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pawl operatively engagable with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, wherein the pawl prohibits reversal of a direction of the trigger once the tooth of the pawl engages the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, until the tooth of the pawl is disposed beyond the proximal end or the distal end of the ratchet rack.

[0026] In operation, when the inner shaft of the first endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, and when the tooth of the pawl is still engaged with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, further actuation of the trigger may further advance the rack teeth of the ratchet rack until the rack teeth of the ratchet rack clears the tooth of the pawl.

[0027] The handle assembly may further include a release lever supported on the housing thereof. The release lever may include a first end operatively associated with the pawl switch, wherein actuation of the release lever, upon a connection of the first endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, moves the first end thereof into engagement with the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position. The release lever may include a second end defining a catch configured to selectively engage a lip of the outer housing of the first endoscopic assembly when the first endoscopic assembly is connected to the handle assembly.

[0028] The release lever may be actuated upon a connection of the first endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, whereby the first end of the release lever may engage the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position.

[0029] In operation, during an actuation of the trigger, with the second endoscopic assembly connected to the handle assembly, the trigger may distally advance the drive plunger against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the second endoscopic assembly to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The flange of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.

[0030] The second biasing member may be biased until the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement.

[0031] In operation, when the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, further actuation of the trigger may further distally advance the drive plunger of the handle assembly against the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder of the second endoscopic assembly to further distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The flange of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to bias the first biasing member.

[0032] In operation, when the inner shaft of the second endoscopic assembly is stopped from distal advancement, and when the tooth of the pawl is still engaged with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, further actuation of the trigger may further advance the rack teeth of the ratchet rack until the rack teeth of the ratchet rack clears the tooth of the pawl.

[0033] The release lever may be actuated upon a connection of the second endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, whereby the first end of the release lever engages the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument is provided. The handle assembly includes a housing defining a bore therein and which extends through a distal end thereof, the bore having an open distal end configured to selectively receive an endoscopic assembly therein; a fixed handle extending from the housing; a trigger pivotally connected to the fixed handle, the trigger including an actuating end disposed within the bore of the housing; a drive plunger slidably supported within the bore of the housing and axially aligned with the bore of the housing, the drive plunger having a proximal end operatively engaged by the actuating end of the trigger, and a free distal end; and a ratchet assembly supported in the housing.

[0035] The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet rack defining a length of rack teeth and having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pawl operatively engagable with the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, wherein the pawl prohibits reversal of a direction of the trigger once the tooth of the pawl engages the rack teeth of the ratchet rack, until the tooth of the pawl is disposed beyond the proximal end or the distal end of the ratchet rack.

[0036] The handle assembly further includes a pawl switch supported on the housing, the pawl switch being operatively associated with the ratchet assembly, wherein the pawl switch includes an actuated position wherein the pawl switch acts on the pawl to disengage the pawl from the ratchet rack.

[0037] The pawl switch of the handle assembly may include an un-actuated position wherein the pawl is in operative association with the ratchet rack.

[0038] The pawl switch may default to the un-actuated position upon a coupling of the first endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly.

[0039] The handle assembly may further include a release lever supported on the housing thereof. The release lever may include a first end operatively associated with the pawl switch, wherein actuation of the release lever, upon a connection of the endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, moves the first end thereof into engagement with the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position. The release lever may include a second end defining a catch configured to selectively engage a lip of the outer housing of the endoscopic assembly when the endoscopic assembly is connected to the handle assembly.

[0040] The release lever may be actuated upon a connection of the endoscopic assembly to the handle assembly, whereby the first end of the release lever engages the pawl switch to move the pawl switch to the un-actuated position.

[0041] According to yet aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic assembly configured for selective connection to an actuation assembly, is provided. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws pivotably and fixedly supported in, and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; and an inner shaft slidably supported within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate an opening and a closing of the pair of jaws upon an axial translation of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube.

[0042] The endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective connection to the actuation assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.

[0043] The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; a cartridge plunger supported on the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly, the cartridge plunger being slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder; a first biasing member disposed within the bore of the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder and the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member interposed between a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly and the cartridge plunger.

[0044] The first biasing member may be a coil spring having a first spring constant. The second biasing member may be a coil spring having a second spring constant. The second spring constant may be less than the first spring constant.

[0045] In operation, during an actuation of the actuation assembly, with the endoscopic assembly connected to the actuation assembly, the actuation assembly may act on the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft thereof. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.

[0046] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic assembly, configured for selective connection to an actuation assembly, is provided. The endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having an outer tube defining a lumen therethrough, the outer tube including a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of jaws fixedly supported in and extending from the distal end of the outer tube; an elongate spindle slidably supported in the lumen of the outer tube, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the spindle being translatable between a proximal position whereby the pair of jaws are opened and a distal position whereby the pair of jaws are caused to be closed by the spindle; and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged the proximal end of the spindle to effectuate a translation of the spindle between the proximal and distal positions thereof.

[0047] The endoscopic assembly further includes a hub assembly configured for selective connection to the actuation assembly. The hub assembly includes an outer housing supported on the proximal end of the outer tube, the outer housing defining an open proximal end; and a drive assembly supported within the outer housing of the hub assembly.

[0048] The drive assembly includes a cartridge cylinder slidably supported in the outer housing of the hub assembly, the cartridge cylinder including a cylindrical body, a proximal end wall, an open distal end, and a bore therein; and a cartridge plunger slidably supported in the bore of the cartridge cylinder. The cartridge plunger includes a stem connected to the proximal end of the inner shaft of the shaft assembly; and a pair of opposed fingers supported on the stem and extending through respective longitudinally extending slots formed in the cylindrical body of the cartridge cylinder, wherein the pair of opposed fingers project from the cartridge cylinder;

[0049] The drive assembly further includes a first biasing member disposed about the cartridge cylinder, and being interposed between a proximal flange supported on the cartridge cylinder and the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger; and a second biasing member supported on the stem of the cartridge plunger, and being interposed between the cartridge plunger and a proximal end of the outer tube of the shaft assembly.

[0050] The first biasing member may be a coil spring having a first spring constant. The second biasing member may be a coil spring having a second spring constant. The second spring constant may be less than the first spring constant.

[0051] In operation, during an actuation of the actuation assembly, with the endoscopic assembly connected to the actuation assembly, the actuation assembly may act on the proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder to distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The flange of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to distally advance the first biasing member. The first biasing member may act on the pair of opposed fingers of the cartridge plunger to distally advance the cartridge plunger and the inner shaft. The cartridge plunger may act on the second biasing member to bias the second biasing member.

[0052] The second biasing member may be biased until the inner shaft thereof is stopped from distal advancement.

[0053] In an operation of the endoscopic assembly, when the inner shaft thereof is stopped from distal advancement, further actuation of the actuation assembly may distally advance the cartridge cylinder. The proximal end wall of the cartridge cylinder may act on the first basing member to bias the first biasing member.

[0054] The endoscopic assembly may further include a wedge plate disposed adjacent the spindle and slidably translatable relative to the spindle, wherein a distal end of the wedge plate is interposed between a distal end of the spindle and the pair of jaws; a filler component disposed adjacent the wedge plate and proximal of the pair of jaws; a clip channel disposed adjacent the filler component and adjacent the pair of jaws; a plurality of surgical clip loaded within the clip channel and slidably disposed therein; a clip follower disposed within the clip channel at a location proximal of the plurality of clips, the clip follower being biased distally; a clip channel cover disposed adjacent the clip channel; and a pusher bar disposed adjacent the clip channel cover and slidably translatable relative to the pair of jaws, wherein a distal end of the pusher bar is configured to distally advance a distal-most surgical clip of the plurality of surgical clips between the pair of jaws.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a reposable surgical clip applier is provided. The reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly configured to actuate at least a first endoscopic assembly or a second endoscopic assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing defining a bore therein and which extends through a distal end thereof; a trigger pivotally connected to the housing, the trigger including an actuating end disposed within the bore of the housing; and a drive plunger slidably supported within the bore of the housing and axially aligned with the bore of the housing, the drive plunger having a proximal end operatively engaged by the actuating end of the trigger, and a free distal end, the drive plunger having a stroke length.

[0056] The reposable surgical clip applier further includes a first endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The first endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having a pair of jaws pivotally supported on a distal end of an outer tube; an inner shaft slidably supported within a lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate an opening and a closing of the pair of jaws upon an axial translation of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube; and a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly.

[0057] The hub assembly of the first endoscopic assembly includes a first biasing member having a first spring constant; and a second biasing member having a second spring constant, wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.

[0058] The first endoscopic assembly has a stroke length defined by a distance to move the inner shaft to move the pair of jaws from a fully open position to a fully closed position;

[0059] The reposable surgical clip applier additionally includes a second endoscopic assembly selectively connectable to the housing of the handle assembly. The second endoscopic assembly includes a shaft assembly having a pair of jaws fixedly supported on a distal end of an outer tube; an elongate spindle slidably supported in a lumen of the outer tube, the spindle including a proximal end and a distal end, the spindle being translatable between a proximal position whereby the pair of jaws are fully opened and a distal position whereby the pair of jaws are caused to be fully closed by the spindle; an inner shaft slidably receivable within the lumen of the outer tube, the inner shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the inner shaft being operatively engaged the proximal end of the spindle to effectuate a translation of the spindle between the proximal and distal positions thereof; and a hub assembly configured for selective insertion in the bore of the housing of the handle assembly.

[0060] The hub assembly of the second endoscopic assembly includes a first biasing member having a first spring constant; and a second biasing member having a second spring constant, wherein the second spring constant is less than the first spring constant.

[0061] The second endoscopic assembly has a stroke length defined by a distance to move the spindle to move the pair of jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

[0062] The stroke length of the first endoscopic assembly is different than the stroke length of the second endoscopic assembly.

[0104] Embodiments of reposable endoscopic 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.

[0105] Referring now to FIGS. 1-29, an endoscopic surgical clip applier in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and assembly in a particular configuration, is generally designated as 10. Surgical clip applier 10 generally includes a reusable handle assembly or actuation assembly 100, at least one disposable or reusable endoscopic assembly 200 selectively connectable to and extendable distally from handle assembly 100; and optionally at least one disposable surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) selectively loadable into a shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 200.

[0106] Briefly, the shaft assembly of endoscopic assembly 200 may have various outer diameters such as, for example, about 5 mm or about 10 mm, depending on intended use. Further, the shaft assembly may have various relatively elongated or shortened lengths depending on intended use, such as, for example, in bariatric surgery. In one embodiment, in bariatric surgery, the shaft assembly may have a length of between about 30 cm and about 40 cm. Further, the shaft assembly may be configured to fire and form a specific type of surgical clip, either individually or multiply. However one skilled in the art should appreciate that the shaft assembly may have any length in excess of about 30 cm and the present disclosure is not limited to any of the above identified lengths.

[0107] In accordance with the present disclosure, as will be discussed in greater detail below, an endoscopic assembly or a surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) may be loaded with a particularly sized set of surgical clips (e.g., relatively small surgical clips, relatively medium surgical clips, or relatively large surgical clips). It is contemplated that clip cartridge assemblies may be configured to be selectively loaded into the shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 200, and to be actuated by the same or common handle assembly 100, to fire and form the surgical clip(s) loaded therein onto underlying tissue and/or vessels.

[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 1-14, handle assembly 100 of surgical clip applier 10 is shown and will be described. Handle assembly 100 includes a housing 102 having a first or right side half-section 102a and a second or left side half-section 102b. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 further includes or defines, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a nose 102c. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be formed of a suitable plastic or thermoplastic material. It is further contemplated that housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be fabricated from stainless steel of the like.

[0109] Handle assembly 100 includes a trigger 104 pivotably supported between right side half-section 102a and left side half-section 102b of housing 102. Trigger 104 is biased by a biasing member 104a (e.g., a return spring, compression spring or torsion spring) to an un-actuated condition. Specifically, biasing member 104a (FIG. 4) acts on a feature of trigger 104 and on a feature of housing 102 to bias or urge trigger 104 to the un-actuated condition. Trigger 104 includes a drive arm 104b extending therefrom. Drive arm 104b may be integrally formed therewith or may be separately and fixedly secured to trigger 104. Drive arm 104b may define a curved, radiused or filleted upper distal surface.

[0110] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8-14, trigger 104 supports or is provided with at least one linear rack 152 of teeth 152a of a ratchet assembly 150, as will be described in detail below.

[0111] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 11, handle assembly 100 includes a drive plunger 120 operatively connected to trigger 104. Specifically, drive plunger 120 is slidably supported within housing 102 and defines a pair of opposed, axially extending slots 120a formed in an outer surface thereof. Slots 120a of drive plunger 120 are configured to slidably engage or receive opposed tabs 102d of housing 102. Drive plunger 120 further defines a proximally extending trigger slot 120b formed in a proximal portion thereof for operatively receiving drive arm 104b of trigger 104. Trigger slot 120b defines a distal surface or wall 120c against which a distal surface of drive arm 104b of trigger 104 contacts in order to distally advance drive plunger 120 during an actuation of trigger 104.

[0112] Drive plunger 120 further includes a tooth 120d (FIG. 11) projecting into trigger slot 120b. Tooth 120d projects substantially toward trigger 104 and includes a distal surface or wall 120d1 (spaced proximally from distal surface or wall 120c of drive plunder 120), and a proximal, angled wall 120d2 tapering to a relatively smaller height in a proximal direction.

[0113] Drive plunger 120 additionally includes a tab or fin 120e projecting from a surface thereof. Tab 120e of drive plunger 120 may be substantially aligned or in registration with tooth 120d of drive plunger 120. Tab 120e of drive plunger 120 may project in a direction substantially opposite to tooth 120d of drive plunger 120 or to trigger 104.

[0114] With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 11, handle assembly 100 includes an endoscopic assembly release lever 130 pivotally supported on and connected to housing 102 via a pivot pin 132. Pivot pin 132 is supported in housing 102. Release lever 130 includes a proximal end 130a extending proximally of pivot pin 132. Proximal end 130a of release lever 130 includes a wall 130c dimensioned to extend toward a pawl switch 140 of handle assembly 100, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0115] Release lever 130 includes a distal end 130b extending distally of pivot pin 132. Distal end 130b of release lever 130 includes a catch or tooth 130d projecting therefrom, in a direction towards drive plunger 120. Catch 130d may be located distal of drive plunger 120.

[0116] A biasing member 134, in the form of a leaf spring, may be provided which tends to bias distal end 130b and catch 130d of release lever 130 towards drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, and tends to bias proximal end 130a of release lever 130 away from pawl switch 140. Specifically, biasing member 134 tends to maintain catch 130d of release lever 130 in engagement with an engagement feature (e.g., annular channel 212c) of endoscopic assembly 200, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0117] With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 11-14, as mentioned above, handle assembly 100 includes a ratchet assembly 150 supported within housing 102. Ratchet assembly 150 includes, as also mentioned above, at least one linear rack 152 of teeth 152a supported on and projecting from trigger 104. Ratchet assembly 150 further includes a ratchet pawl 154 pivotally connected to housing 102 by a pawl pin at a location wherein pawl 154 is in substantial operative engagement with rack 152. Ratchet assembly 150 further includes a pawl spring 156 configured and positioned to bias pawl 154 into operative engagement with rack 152. Pawl spring 156 functions to maintain the tooth or teeth 154a of pawl 154 in engagement with teeth 152a of rack 152, as well as to maintain pawl 154 in a rotated or canted position.

[0118] Pawl 154 is engagable with rack 152 to restrict longitudinal movement of rack 152 and, in turn, trigger 104. In use, as trigger 104 is actuated (from a fully un-actuated position), rack 152 is also moved, into engagement with pawl 154. Rack 152 has a length which allows pawl 154 to reverse and advance back over rack 152, when rack 152 changes between proximal or distal movement, as trigger 104 reaches a fully actuated or fully un-actuated position. The relative lengths and sizes of rack 152 of ratchet assembly 150, trigger 104 and drive plunger 120 define a stroke length of trigger 104, drive plunger 120 or handle assembly 100 (e.g., a “full stroke”).

[0119] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 11 and 18, handle assembly 100 includes a rotation knob 160 rotatably supported on nose 102c of housing 102. Rotation knob 160 includes a central axial bore 160a having an annular array of longitudinally extending grooves 160b (FIG. 18) formed in a surface thereof. Grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 function as clocking and alignment features for the connection of endoscopic assembly 200 with handle assembly 100. Rotation knob 160 further includes a plurality of finger grip ribs 160c projecting from an outer surface thereof.

[0120] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4-14, handle assembly 100 further includes a pawl switch 140 and a pawl actuator 142 each pivotally supported in housing 102. Pawl switch 140 is operatively connected to pawl actuator 142 and is operable to selectively move pawl actuator 142 into or out of engagement with pawl spring 156, and in turn pawl 154, of ratchet assembly 150 whereby pawl 154 may be selectively engaged by pawl spring 156. In this manner, when pawl 154 is moved out of engagement with pawl spring 156, trigger 104 is free to open and close as needed due to pawl 154 having minimal blocking effect on rack 152 of ratchet assembly 150. As such, trigger 104 may be partially actuated (without having to be fully actuated), and may be returnable to a fully un-actuated position. Such a feature permits the user to partially squeeze or actuate trigger 104 for performing a cholangiogram procedure or the like.

[0121] Pawl switch 140 includes a finger lever 140a projecting from housing 102, whereby pawl switch 140 may be actuated by a finger of a user. Housing 102 of handle assembly 100 may be provided with guard walls 102d disposed on opposed sides of finger lever 140a in order to inhibit inadvertent actuation of pawl switch 140. Pawl switch 140 is movable, upon actuation of finger lever 140a, between a first position in which ratchet assembly 150 is “on” or “activated”, and a second position in which ratchet assembly 150 is “off” or “de-activated.” It is contemplated that pawl switch 140, and in turn ratchet assembly 150, default to the first position.

[0122] Pawl switch 140 further includes a first flange 140b projecting a first distance from a pivot point thereof, and a second flange 140c projecting a second distance from the pivot point thereof, wherein the projection of the second flange 140c is greater than the projection of the first flange 140b. First flange 140b of pawl switch 140 is selectively engagable by wall 130c of proximal end 130a of release lever 130. In this manner, each time an endoscopic assembly 200 is attached to handle assembly 100, and release lever 130 is actuated, wall 130c of release lever 130 engages first flange 140b of pawl switch 140 to move pawl switch to the first position (FIGS. 19-22).

[0123] Pawl switch 140 also includes a ramp or camming surface 140d projecting therefrom which selectively engages a tab or finger 142a of pawl actuator 142 to slidably move pawl actuator 142, and in turn pawl spring 156, into and out of operative engagement/registration with/from pawl 154.

[0124] Pawl actuator 142 is pivotally connected to housing 102 and operatively connected to pawl switch 140 such that actuation of pawl switch 140 actuates pawl actuator 142. Pawl actuator 142 is slidably supported on a pair of support pins 143a, 143b, and a biasing member 144 is provided to bias pawl actuator 142 against pawl switch 140. In operation, with reference to FIGS. 11-14, when pawl switch 140 is actuated to the second position, ramp or camming surface 140d of pawl switch 140 acts on tab 142a of pawl actuator 142 to transversely slide pawl actuator 142 along support pins 143a, 143b and move pawl spring 156 out of operative engagement/registration with pawl 154, thereby disabling the operability of ratchet assembly 150. Also, as pawl actuator 142 is slid transversely along support pins 143a, 143b, pawl actuator 142 biases biasing member 144.

[0125] Further in operation, with reference to FIGS. 8-10, when pawl switch 140 is actuated to the first position, ramp or camming surface 140d of pawl switch 140 is moved to permit biasing member 144 to expand and transversely slide pawl actuator 142 along support pins 143a, 143b, whereby pawl spring 156 is moved back into operative engagement/registration with pawl 154, thereby enabling or re-enabling the operability of ratchet assembly 150.

[0126] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 16 and 17, an embodiment of an endoscopic assembly 200, of surgical clip applier 10, is shown and described. Endoscopic assembly 200 includes a hub assembly 210, a shaft assembly 220 extending from hub assembly 210, and a pair of jaws 250 pivotally connected to a distal end of shaft assembly 220. It is contemplated that endoscopic assembly 200 may be configured to close, fire or form surgical clips similar to those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,096, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0127] Hub assembly 210 functions as an adapter assembly which is configured for selective connection to rotation knob 160 and nose 102c of housing 102 of handle assembly 100. Hub assembly 210 includes an outer housing 212 having a cylindrical outer profile. Outer housing 212 includes a first or right side half section 212a, and a second or left side half section 212b. Outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210 defines an outer annular channel 212c formed in an outer surface thereof, and at least one (or an annular array) of axially extending ribs 212d projecting from an outer surface thereof. Outer annular channel 212c of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 is configured to receive catch 130d of release lever 130 of handle assembly 100 (FIGS. 19-22) when endoscopic assembly 200 is coupled to handle assembly 100.

[0128] Ribs 212d of outer housing 212 function as a clocking/alignment feature during connection of endoscopic assembly 200 and handle assembly 100 with one another, wherein ribs 212d of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 are radially and axially aligned with respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100. During connection of endoscopic assembly 200 and handle assembly 100, ribs 212d of outer housing 212 of endoscopic assembly 200 are slidably received in respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100.

[0129] The connection of hub assembly 210 of endoscopic assembly 200 with rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100 enables endoscopic assembly 200 to rotate 360°, about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to handle assembly 100.

[0130] Outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210 further defines an open proximal end 212e configured to slidably receive a distal end of drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, when endoscopic assembly 200 is coupled to handle assembly 100 and/or when surgical clip applier 10 is fired.

[0131] As mentioned above, endoscopic assembly 200 includes a shaft assembly 220 extending distally from hub assembly 210. Shaft assembly 220 includes an elongate outer tube 222 having a proximal end 222a supported and secured to outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210, a distal end 222b projecting from outer housing 212 of hub assembly 210, and a lumen 222c (FIGS. 15 and 17) extending longitudinally therethrough. Distal end 222b of outer tube 222 supports or defines an outer clevis 222d for pivotally supporting a pair of jaws 250, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0132] Shaft assembly 220 further includes an inner shaft 224 slidably supported within lumen 222c of outer tube 222. Inner shaft 224 includes a proximal end 224a projecting proximally from proximal end 222a of outer tube 222, and a distal end 224b defining an inner clevis 224c for supporting a cam pin 224d which engages camming slots 252c, 254c of a pair of jaws 250, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0133] With reference to FIGS. 15 and 17, hub assembly 210 includes a drive assembly 230 supported within outer housing 212 thereof. Drive assembly 230 includes a cartridge cylinder 232 having a cup-like configuration, wherein cartridge cylinder 232 includes an annular wall 232a, a proximal wall 232b supported at and closing off a proximal end of annular wall 232a, an open distal end 232c, and a cavity or bore 232d defined therewithin.

[0134] Drive assembly 230 also includes a cartridge plunger 234 slidably supported within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232. Cartridge plunger 234 is fixedly supported on inner shaft 224, at the proximal end 224a thereof. Cartridge plunger 234 is sized and configured for slidable receipt within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230. A ring, flange or the like 235 may be fixedly supported at a distal end of bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232, through which proximal end 224a of cartridge plunger 234 extends and which functions to maintain cartridge plunger 234 within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232.

[0135] Drive assembly 230 includes a first biasing member 236 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed within bore 232d of cartridge cylinder 232. Specifically, first biasing member 236 is interposed between proximal wall 232b of cartridge cylinder 232 and a proximal surface of cartridge plunger 234. First biasing member 236 has a first spring constant “K1” which is relatively more firm or more stiff, as compared to a second spring constant “K2” of a second biasing member 238, as is described in detail below.

[0136] Drive assembly 230 further includes a second biasing member 238 (e.g., a compression spring) supported on proximal end 224a of inner shaft 224. Specifically, second biasing member 238 is interposed between a proximal flange 222d of outer tube 222 and a distal surface of cartridge plunger 234. Second biasing member 238 has a second spring constant “K2” which is relatively less firm or less stiff, as compared to the first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 236.

[0137] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 17, endoscopic assembly 200 includes a pair of jaws 250 pivotally supported in a clevis 222d at distal end 222b of outer tube 222 by a pivot pin 256. The pair of jaws 250 includes a first jaw 252 and a second jaw 254. Each jaw 252, 254 includes a respective proximal end 252a, 254a, and a respective distal end 252b, 254b, wherein proximal ends 252a, 254a and distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 are pivotable about pivot pin 256. Each proximal end 252a, 254a of respective jaws 252, 254 defines a cam slot 252c, 254c therein which is sized and configured to receive cam pin 224d of inner shaft 224. In use, as inner shaft 224 is axially displaced relative to outer shaft 222, inner shaft 224 translated cam pin 224d thereof through cam slot 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 to thereby open or close the pair of jaws 250.

[0138] When the pair of jaws 250 are in an open position, and a new, unformed or open surgical clip (not shown) is located or loaded within the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250, as inner shaft 224 is moved distally relative to outer shaft 222, cam pin 224d is translated through cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254. As cam pin 224d is translated through cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 are moved to the closed or approximated position to close and/or form the surgical clip located or loaded therewithin.

[0139] The dimensions of jaws 252, 254 and of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 determines an overall length required to move jaws 252, 254 from a fully open position to a fully closed position, defining a closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 250.

[0140] With reference now to FIGS. 19-25, an operation or firing of surgical clip applier 10, including endoscopic assembly 200 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, is shown and described. With endoscopic assembly 200 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, and with a new, unformed or open surgical clip (not shown) is located or loaded within the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250, as trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is actuated drive bar 104b of trigger 104 acts on drive plunger 120 to distally advance drive plunger 120. As trigger 104 is actuated, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 begins to engage rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 engaged with rack 152, trigger 104 may not return to a fully unactuated position until trigger 104 completes a full actuation or stroke thereof.

[0141] As drive plunger 120 is distally advanced, a distal end of drive plunger 120 presses against proximal wall 232b of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230 of endoscopic assembly 200 to distally advance cartridge cylinder 232. Due to first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 236 being larger or greater than second spring constant “K2” of second biasing member 238, as cartridge cylinder 232 is advanced distally, cartridge cylinder 232 distally advances first biasing member 236, which in turn acts on cartridge plunger 234 to distally advance cartridge plunger 234. As cartridge plunger 234 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 234 distally advances inner shaft 224 relative to outer shaft 222. Being that second biasing member 238 is interposed between proximal flange 222d of outer tube 222 and distal surface of cartridge plunger 234, as cartridge plunger 234 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 234 also compresses second biasing member 238.

[0142] As inner shaft 224 is distally advanced relative to outer shaft 222, inner shaft 224 distally advances cam pin 224d through cam slot 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 to close the pair of jaws 250 and to close and/or form the surgical clip (not shown) loaded within the pair of jaws 250. Cam pin 224d of inner shaft 224 is advanced distally until cam pin 224d reaches an end of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 and/or until the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 are fully approximated against one another (e.g., in contact with one another or fully closed on the surgical clip (not shown)), whereby cam pin 224d may not have reached the end of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254. This position may be considered a hard stop of the pair of jaws 250. The axial distance that cam pin 224d has traveled from a proximal-most position thereof to when cam pin 224d reaches the end of cam slots 252c, 254c of jaws 252, 254 or when the distal ends 252b, 254b of jaws 252, 254 of the pair of jaws 250 are fully approximated against one another, may also define the closure stroke length of the pair of jaw 250.

[0143] When the pair of jaws 250 have reached the hard stop, or when the cam pin 224d has reached an end of the closure stroke length, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 may not have cleared rack 152 thereof, and thus blocks or prevents trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position thereof. Since the pair of jaws 250 cannot close any further, and since cam pin 224d cannot be advanced distally any further, inner shaft 222 is also stopped from further distal advancement. However, as mentioned above, in order to return trigger 104 to the fully unactuated position, trigger 104 must first complete the full actuation stroke thereof. As such, as trigger 104 is further actuated to complete the full stroke thereof, as drive plunger 120 is continued to be driven distally, the distal end of drive plunger 120 continues to press against proximal wall 232b of cartridge cylinder 232 of drive assembly 230 of endoscopic assembly 200 to continue to distally advance cartridge cylinder 232.

[0144] With inner shaft 222, and in turn cartridge plunger 234, stopped from any further distal advancement, as cartridge cylinder 232 is continued to be advanced distally, cartridge cylinder 232 begins to and continues to compress first biasing member 236 until such time that pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 clears and disengages rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 clear and disengaged from rack 152, trigger 104 may be released and returned to the fully unactuated position by hand, by a return spring 104a of trigger 104 and/or by first biasing member 236 and second biasing member 238 of endoscopic assembly 200.

[0145] In accordance with the present disclosure, the trigger stroke length for trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant or fixed, while the closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 250 may vary depending on the particular endoscopic assembly 200 connected to handle assembly 100. For example, particular endoscopic assemblies 200 may require the pair of jaws 250 thereof to travel a relatively greater or smaller distance in order to complete a full opening and closing thereof. As such, various sized and dimensioned endoscopic assemblies, including a hub assembly in accordance with the present disclosure, substantially similar to hub assembly 210, may be connected to the universal handle assembly 100 and be actuatable by the universal handle assembly 100.

[0146] Accordingly, various endoscopic assemblies, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may be provided which are also capable of firing or forming or closing surgical clips of various sizes, materials, and configurations, across multiple platforms for multiple different manufactures.

[0147] Turning now to FIGS. 26-29, an endoscopic surgical clip applier, in accordance with the present disclosure, and assembly in another configuration, is generally designated as 10′. Surgical clip applier 10′ generally includes reusable handle assembly 100, at least one disposable or reusable endoscopic assembly 400 selectively connectable to and extendable distally from handle assembly 100; and optionally at least one disposable surgical clip cartridge assembly (not shown) selectively loadable into a shaft assembly of a respective endoscopic assembly 400.

[0148] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 2, 16 and 17, an embodiment of an endoscopic assembly 400, of surgical clip applier 10′, is shown and described. Endoscopic assembly 400 includes a hub assembly 410, a shaft assembly 420 extending from hub assembly 410, and a pair of jaws 450 pivotally connected to a distal end of shaft assembly 420. It is contemplated that endoscopic assembly 400 may be configured to close, fire or form surgical clips similar to those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,886 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,890, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0149] Hub assembly 410 also functions as an adapter assembly which is configured for selective connection to rotation knob 160 and nose 102c of housing 102 of handle assembly 100. Hub assembly 410 includes an outer housing 412 having a cylindrical outer profile. Outer housing 412 includes a first or right side half section 412a, and a second or left side half section 412b. Outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410 defines an outer annular channel 412c formed in an outer surface thereof, and at least one (or an annular array) of axially extending ribs 412d projecting from an outer surface thereof. Outer annular channel 412c of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 is configured to receive catch 130d of release lever 130 of handle assembly 100 (FIGS. 28 and 29) when endoscopic assembly 400 is coupled to handle assembly 100.

[0150] Ribs 412d of outer housing 412 function as a clocking/alignment feature during connection of endoscopic assembly 400 and handle assembly 100 with one another, wherein ribs 412d of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 are radially and axially aligned with respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 (FIG. 18) of handle assembly 100. During connection of endoscopic assembly 400 and handle assembly 100, ribs 412d of outer housing 412 of endoscopic assembly 400 are slidably received in respective grooves 160b of rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100.

[0151] The connection of hub assembly 410 of endoscopic assembly 400 with rotation knob 160 of handle assembly 100 enables endoscopic assembly 400 to rotate 360°, about a longitudinal axis thereof, relative to handle assembly 100.

[0152] Outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410 further defines an open proximal end 412e configured to slidably receive a distal end of drive plunger 120 of handle assembly 100, when endoscopic assembly 400 is coupled to handle assembly 100 and/or when surgical clip applier 10′ is fired.

[0153] As mentioned above, endoscopic assembly 400 includes a shaft assembly 420 extending distally from hub assembly 410. Shaft assembly 420 includes an elongate outer tube 422 having a proximal end 422a supported and secured to outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410, a distal end 422b projecting from outer housing 412 of hub assembly 410, and a lumen 422c (FIG. 27) extending longitudinally therethrough. Distal end 422b of outer tube 422 supports a pair of jaws 450.

[0154] Shaft assembly 420 further includes an inner shaft 424 slidably supported within lumen 422c of outer tube 422. Inner shaft 424 includes a proximal end 424a projecting proximally from proximal end 422a of outer tube 422, and a distal end 424b configured to actuate the pair of jaws 450 to form a surgical clip (not shown) that has been loaded into the pair of jaws 450. Proximal end 424a, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, may define a hook 424c or other translational force coupling feature.

[0155] With reference to FIGS. 27-29, hub assembly 410 includes a drive assembly 430 supported within outer housing 412 thereof. Drive assembly 430 includes a cartridge cylinder 432 having a cup-like configuration, wherein cartridge cylinder 432 includes a longitudinally split annular wall 432a, a proximal wall 432b supported at and closing off a proximal end of annular wall 432a, an open distal end 432c, a cavity or bore 432d defined therewithin, and a pair of axially extending slits 432e. Cartridge cylinder 432 includes an annular flange 432f provided at distal end 432c thereof. A ring, flange or the like 435 may be fixedly supported at a proximal end of cartridge cylinder 432.

[0156] Drive assembly 430 also includes a cartridge plunger or key 434 slidably supported within bore 432d and within slits 432e of cartridge cylinder 432. Cartridge plunger 434 is selectively connectable to proximal end 424a of inner shaft 424. Cartridge plunger 434 is sized and configured for slidable receipt within slits 432e and bore 432d of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430. Cartridge plunger 434 includes an elongate stem or body portion 434a having a proximal end 434b, and a distal end 434c, wherein distal end 434c of cartridge plunger 434 is configured for selective connection to proximal end 424a of inner shaft 424. Cartridge plunger 434 further includes a pair of opposed arms 434d supported at the proximal end 434b thereof and which extend in a distal direction along stem 434a and towards distal end 434c. Each arm 434d terminates in a radially extending finger 434e, wherein fingers 434e project from cartridge cylinder 432 when cartridge plunger 434 is disposed within cartridge cylinder 432.

[0157] Drive assembly 430 may also include a collar 437 defining a lumen therethrough and through with inner shaft 424 and stem 434a of cartridge plunger 434 extend. Collar 437 includes an outer annular flange 437a extending therefrom.

[0158] Drive assembly 430 includes a first biasing member 436 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed about cartridge cylinder 432. Specifically, first biasing member 436 is interposed between ring 435 supported on cartridge cylinder 432 and fingers 434e of cartridge plunger 434. First biasing member 436 has a first spring constant “K1” which is relatively more firm or more stiff, as compared to a second spring constant “K2” of a second biasing member 438, as is described in detail below.

[0159] Drive assembly 430 further includes a second biasing member 438 (e.g., a compression spring) supported on stem 434a of cartridge plunger 434 and on collar 437. Specifically, second biasing member 438 is interposed between a flange 437a of collar 437 and proximal end 434b of cartridge plunger 434. Second biasing member 438 has a second spring constant “K2” which is relatively less firm or less stiff, as compared to the first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 436.

[0160] Turning now to FIGS. 26-41, shaft assembly 420 of endoscopic assembly 400 includes at least a spindle 440 slidably supported in lumen 422c of outer tube 422, a wedge plate 460 slidably supported within lumen 422c of outer tube 422 and interposed between the pair of jaws 450 and spindle 440; a clip channel 470 fixedly supported in lumen 422c of outer tube 422 and disposed adjacent the pair of jaws 450 (supported in and extending from distal end 422b of outer tube 422) on a side opposite wedge plate 460, and a pusher bar 480 slidably supported in lumen 422c of outer tube 422 and being disposed adjacent clip channel 470.

[0161] Spindle 440 includes a proximal end 440 defining an engagement feature (e.g., a nub or enlarged head) configured to engage a complementary engagement feature provided in distal end 424b of inner shaft 424. Spindle 440 further includes a distal end 440b operatively connected to a jaw cam closure wedge 442 via a slider joint 444. Jaw cam closure wedge 442 is selectively actuatable by spindle 440 to engage camming features of the pair of jaws 450 to close the pair of jaws 450 and form a surgical clip “C” loaded therewithin.

[0162] Slider joint 444 supports a latch member 446 for selective engagement with spindle 440. Latch member 446 may be cammed in a direction toward spindle 440, wherein latch member 446 extends into a corresponding slot formed in spindle 440 during actuation or translation of spindle 440. In operation, during distal actuation spindle 400, at a predetermined distance, latch member 446 is mechanically forced or cammed into and engage a channel of spindle 440. This engagement of latch member 446 in the channel of spindle 440 allows slider joint 444 to move together with jaw cam closure wedge 442. Jaw cam closure wedge 442 thus can engage the relevant surfaces of the pair of jaws 450 to close the pair of jaws 450.

[0163] As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 39, slider joint 444 is connected, at a proximal end 444a thereof, to a channel formed in spindle 440. A distal end 444b of slider joint 444 defines a substantially T-shaped profile, wherein the distal end 444b thereof is connected to jaw cam closure wedge 442. Latch member 446 functions as a linkage and is disposed to move through an aperture 444c in slider joint 444 to link with another fixed member and prevent slider joint 444 from advancing jaw cam closure wedge 442, and thus preventing the camming of jaw cam closure wedge 442 from camming the pair of jaws 450 to a closed condition during an initial stroke of trigger 104.

[0164] Spindle 440 is provided with a camming feature configured to move a cam link 448 (pivotably connected to a filler component 466, as will be described in greater detail below) a perpendicular manner relatively to a longitudinal axis of spindle 440 during a distal advancement of spindle 440.

[0165] Clip channel 470 of shaft assembly 420 slidably retains a stack of surgical clips “C” therein for application, in seriatim, to the desired tissue or vessel. A clip follower 472 is provided and slidably disposed within clip channel 470 at a location proximal of the stack of surgical clips “C”. A biasing member 474 is provided to spring bias clip follower 472, and in turn, the stack of surgical clips “C”, distally. A clip channel cover 476 is provided that overlies clip channel 470 to retain and guide clip follower 472, biasing member 474 and the stack of surgical clips “C” in clip channel 470.

[0166] As mentioned above, shaft assembly 420 includes a pusher bar 480 for loading a distal-most surgical clip “C1” of the stack of surgical clips “C” into the pair of jaws 450. Pusher bar 480 includes a pusher 480a at a distal end thereof for engaging a backspan of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” and urging the distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws 450. Pusher bar 480 includes a fin or tab 480b extending therefrom and extending into a slot 482a of a trip block 482. Fin 480b of pusher bar 480 is acted upon by a biasing member (not shown) that is supported in trip block 482 to bias pusher bar 480 in a proximal direction.

[0167] In operation, in order for spindle 440 to advance pusher bar 480 during a distal movement thereof, spindle 440 supports a trip lever 484 and a biasing member 486 (e.g., leaf spring). During a distal movement of spindle 440, as illustrated in FIG. 31, a distal nose or tip 484a of trip lever 484 selectively engages pusher bar 480 to distally advance pusher bar 480 and load distal-most surgical clip “C1” into the pair of jaws 450.

[0168] Also as mentioned above, shaft assembly 420 further includes a wedge plate 460 that is biased to a proximal position by a wedge plate spring 462. Wedge plate 460 is a flat bar shaped member having a number of windows formed therein. Wedge plate 460 has a distal-most position wherein a tip or nose of wedge plate 460 is inserted between the pair of jaws 450 to maintain the pair of jaws 450 in an open condition for loading of the distal-most surgical clip “C1” therein. Wedge plate 460 has a proximal-most position, maintained by wedge plate spring 462, wherein the tip or nose of wedge plate 460 is retracted from between the pair of jaws 450.

[0169] As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 38, wedge plate 460 defines a “U” or “C” shaped aperture or window 460b in a side edge thereof. The “C” shaped aperture or window 460b of wedge plate 460 selectively engages a cam link 448 supported on a filler plate 466. Cam link 448 selectively engages a surface of “C” shaped aperture or window 460b of wedge plate 460 to retain wedge plate 460 in a distal-most position such that a distal tip or nose 460a of wedge plate 460 is maintained inserted between the pair of jaws 450 to maintain the pair of jaws 450 splayed apart.

[0170] Shaft assembly 420 further includes a filler component 466 interposed between clip channel 470 and wedge plate 460, at a location proximal of the pair of jaws 450. Filler component 466 pivotably supports a cam link 448 that is engagable with wedge plate 460. In operation, during a distal advancement of spindle 440, a camming feature of spindle 440 engages a cam link boss of cam link 448 to thereby move cam link 448 out of engagement of wedge plate 460 and permit wedge plate 460 to return to the proximal-most position as a result of biasing member 462.

[0171] Trip block 482 defines an angled proximal surface 482b for engagement with a corresponding surface of trip lever 484 that will be discussed herein. As mentioned above, notch or slot 482a of trip block 482 is for receipt of fin 480b of pusher bar 480. In order to disengage trip lever 484 from a window 480c (FIG. 31) of pusher bar 480, and allow pusher bar 480 to return to a proximal-most position following loading of a surgical clip “C” into the pair of jaws 450, angled proximal surface 482b trip block 482 engages trip lever 484 to cam trip lever 484 out of window 480c of pusher bar 480. It is contemplated that spindle 440 may define a first cavity and a second cavity therein for receiving trip lever 484 and trip lever biasing spring 486, respectively. The first cavity may be provided with a pivoting boss to allow trip lever 484 to pivot between a first position and a second position. Trip lever biasing spring 486 may rest in the second cavity.

[0172] Trip lever biasing spring 486 functions to maintain a tip of trip lever 484 in contact with pusher bar 480, and more specifically, within window 480c of pusher bar 480 (FIG. 31) such that distal advancement of spindle 440 results in distal advancement of pusher bar 480, which in turn results in a loading of a distal-most surgical clip “C1” in the pair of jaws 450.

[0173] With reference to FIGS. 28, 33 and 36, clip applier 10′ also has a lockout bar 490. Lockout bar 490 includes a first end, and a second opposite hook end. The second hook end of lockout bar 490 is adapted to engage clip follower 472 of shaft assembly 420. Lockout bar 490 is pivotally retained in a slot formed in clip follower 472. Lockout bar 490 does not by itself lockout clip applier 10′, but instead cooperates with the ratchet mechanism 150 of handle assembly 100 to lock out clip applier 10′.

[0174] Lockout bar 490 is adapted to move distally with clip follower 472 each time clip applier 10′ is fired, and clip follower 472 is advanced distally. In operation, each time a surgical clip “C” is fired from clip applier 10′, clip follower 472 will advance distally relative to the clip channel 470.

[0175] Pusher bar 480 defines a distal window therein (not shown). In operation, when clip follower 472 is positioned beneath pusher bar 480 (e.g., when there are no remaining surgical clips), a distal end 490a of lockout bar 490 will deflect upward (due to a biasing of a lockout biasing member 492), and enter a distal window 480d of pusher bar 480 to engage pusher bar 480 at a distal end of distal window 480d. Further, a proximal end 490b of lockout bar 490, defines a hook (FIG. 37), which is rotated into and engages an aperture defined in a floor of clip channel 470.

[0176] With the distal end of pusher bar 480 disposed within distal window 480d of pusher bar 480, pusher bar 480, and in turn, spindle 440 cannot return to a fully proximal position. Since spindle 440 cannot return to the fully proximal position, pawl 152 of ratchet mechanism 150 of handle assembly 100 cannot return to the home or initial position relative to rack 154 thereof. Instead, pawl 154 will remain in an intermediate position along rack 154, thus preventing trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position.

[0177] With continued reference to FIGS. 26-29, an operation or firing of surgical clip applier 10′, including endoscopic assembly 400 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, is shown and described. With endoscopic assembly 400 operatively connected to handle assembly 100, as trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is actuated drive bar 104b of trigger 104 acts on drive plunger 120 to distally advance drive plunger 120. As trigger 104 is actuated, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 begins to engage rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 engaged with rack 152, trigger 104 may not return to a fully unactuated position until trigger 104 completes a full actuation or stroke thereof.

[0178] As drive plunger 120 is distally advanced, a distal end of drive plunger 120 presses against proximal wall 432b of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430 of endoscopic assembly 400 to distally advance cartridge cylinder 432. Due to first spring constant “K1” of first biasing member 436 being larger or greater than second spring constant “K2” of second biasing member 438, as cartridge cylinder 432 is advanced distally, ring 435 acts on first biasing member 436 which in turn acts on fingers 434e of cartridge plunger 434 to push cartridge plunger 434 distally. As cartridge plunger 434 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 434 distally advances inner shaft 424 relative to outer shaft 422. Being that second biasing member 438 is interposed between a flange 437a of collar 437 and proximal end 434b of cartridge plunger 434, as cartridge plunger 434 is distally advanced, cartridge plunger 434 also compresses second biasing member 438.

[0179] As inner shaft 424 is distally advanced relative to outer shaft 422, inner shaft 424 actuates a clip pusher (not shown) which in turn acts on a distal-most surgical clip (not shown) of a stack of surgical clips (not shown) to distally advance the distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws 450. Following loading of the distal-most surgical clip into the pair of jaws 450, the distal advancement of inner shaft 424 effects a closure of the pair of jaws 450 to form the surgical clip loaded therewithin.

[0180] When the pair of jaws 450 have fully closed to form the surgical clip loaded therein, or when the pair of jaws 450 have reached a hard stop, pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 may not have cleared rack 152 thereof, and thus blocks or prevents trigger 104 from returning to a fully unactuated position thereof. Since the pair of jaws 450 cannot close any further, inner shaft 422 is also stopped from further distal advancement. However, as mentioned above, in order to return trigger 104 to the fully unactuated position, trigger 104 must first complete the full actuation stroke thereof. As such, as trigger 104 is further actuated to complete the full stroke thereof, as drive plunger 120 is continued to be driven distally, the distal end of drive plunger 120 continues to press against proximal wall 432b of cartridge cylinder 432 of drive assembly 430 of endoscopic assembly 400 to continue to distally advance cartridge cylinder 432.

[0181] With inner shaft 422, and in turn cartridge plunger 434, stopped from any further distal advancement, as cartridge cylinder 432 is continued to be advanced distally relative to cartridge plunger 434, cartridge cylinder 432 begins to and continues to compress first biasing member 436 until such time that pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 of handle assembly 100 clears and disengages rack 152 thereof. With pawl 154 of ratchet assembly 150 clear and disengaged from rack 152, trigger 104 may be released and returned to the fully unactuated position by hand, by a return spring (not shown) of trigger 104 or handle assembly 100 and/or by first biasing member 436 and second biasing member 438 of endoscopic assembly 400.

[0182] In accordance with the present disclosure, the trigger stroke length for trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant or fixed, while the closure stroke length of the pair of jaws 450 of endoscopic assembly 400 connected to handle assembly 100 is different than, for example, the closure stroke of the pair of jaws 250 of endoscopic assembly 200. For example, endoscopic assembly 400 may require the pair of jaws 450 thereof to travel a relatively greater or smaller distance as compared to the pair of jaws 250 of endoscopic assembly 200 in order to complete a full opening and closing thereof. As such, universal handle assembly 100 may be loaded with, and is capable of firing, either endoscopic assembly 200 or endoscopic assembly 400.

[0183] In accordance with the present disclosure, while the trigger stroke length of trigger 104 of handle assembly 100 is constant, the closure stroke length for the pair of jaws 250, 450 of each endoscopic assembly 200, 400 is unique for each respective endoscopic assembly 200, 400. Accordingly, each drive assembly 230, 430 of respective endoscopic assemblies 200, 400 functions to accommodate for the variations in the closure stroke lengths for the pair of jaws 250, 450 of respective endoscopic assemblies 200, 400.

[0184] To the extent consistent, handle assembly 100 and/or endoscopic assemblies 200, 400 may include any or all of the features of the handle assembly and/or endoscopic assemblies disclosed and described in International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/080845, filed Jun. 5 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Reposable Surgical Clip Applier,” International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/091603, filed on Oct. 10, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Surgical Clip Applier,” and/or International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2015/093626, filed on Nov. 3, 2015, entitled “Endoscopic Surgical Clip Applier,” the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by reference.

[0185] Surgical instruments such as the clip appliers described herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

[0186] The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

[0187] The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).

[0188] The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 42, a medical work station is shown generally as work station 1000 and generally may include a plurality of robot arms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled with control device 1004. Operating console 1005 may include a display device 1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensional images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a person (not shown), for example a surgeon, may be able to telemanipulate robot arms 1002, 1003 in a first operating mode.

[0190] Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011, to which may be attached, for example, a surgical tool “ST” supporting an end effector 1100, in accordance with any one of several embodiments disclosed herein, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0191] Robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives (not shown) that are connected to control device 1004. Control device 1004 (e.g., a computer) may be set up to activate the drives, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that robot arms 1002, 1003, their attaching devices 1009, 1011 and thus the surgical tool (including end effector 1100) execute a desired movement according to a movement defined by means of manual input devices 1007, 1008. Control device 1004 may also be set up in such a way that it regulates the movement of robot arms 1002, 1003 and/or of the drives.

[0192] Medical work station 1000 may be configured for use on a patient 1013 lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by means of end effector 1100. Medical work station 1000 may also include more than two robot arms 1002, 1003, the additional robot arms likewise being connected to control device 1004 and being telemanipulatable by means of operating console 1005. A medical instrument or surgical tool (including an end effector 1100) may also be attached to the additional robot arm. Medical work station 1000 may include a database 1014, in particular coupled to with control device 1004, in which are stored, for example, pre-operative data from patient/living being 1013 and/or anatomical atlases.

[0193] Reference is made herein to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0116416, filed on Nov. 3, 2011, entitled “Medical Workstation,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation of an exemplary robotic surgical system.

[0194] It is contemplated, and within the scope of the present disclosure, that other endoscopic assemblies, including a pair of jaws having a unique and diverse closure stroke length thereof, may be provided with a drive assembly, similar to any of the drive assemblies described herein, for accommodating and adapting the closure stroke length for the pair of jaws thereof to the constant trigger stroke length.

[0195] Accordingly, various endoscopic assemblies, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, may be provided which are also capable of firing or forming or closing surgical clips of various sizes, materials, and configurations, across multiple platforms for multiple different manufactures.

[0196] 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. 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.