Right angle clip applier apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A clip applier comprising:
- a clip applying mechanism configured and dimensioned to advance a plurality of clips along an axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the clip applier in a distal direction;
a hammer in direct contact with the clip applying mechanism;
an anvil cooperatively engageable with the hammer;
a stop structure positioned adjacent a distal portion of the clip applying mechanism; and
an empty clip indicator located proximally of a proximal-most clip in the plurality of clips, wherein translation of the clip applying mechanism advances the empty clip indicator in the distal direction such that the empty clip indicator engages the stop structure to prevent continued distal advancement of the clip applying mechanism, and thereby disable the clip applying mechanism the empty clip indicator including two legs and a cross member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A clip applier comprising:
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a clip applying mechanism configured and dimensioned to advance a plurality of clips along an axis parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the clip applier in a distal direction; a hammer in direct contact with the clip applying mechanism; an anvil cooperatively engageable with the hammer; a stop structure positioned adjacent a distal portion of the clip applying mechanism; and an empty clip indicator located proximally of a proximal-most clip in the plurality of clips, wherein translation of the clip applying mechanism advances the empty clip indicator in the distal direction such that the empty clip indicator engages the stop structure to prevent continued distal advancement of the clip applying mechanism, and thereby disable the clip applying mechanism the empty clip indicator including two legs and a cross member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21)
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11. A clip applier comprising:
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a clip applying mechanism rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the clip applier, the clip applying mechanism including a cartridge having a plurality of elements for retaining a plurality of clips; a translatable feed rod slidingly engaged with the cartridge, the feed rod including a plurality of elements positioned thereon for distally advancing the plurality of clips; a hammer in direct contact with the feed rod; an anvil positioned to receive the clips, the anvil being configured and dimensioned to engage the hammer to apply a distal-most clip in the plurality of clips to target tissue; a stop structure positioned adjacent a distal portion of the clip applying mechanism, the stop structure being fixed relative to translation of the feed rod; and an empty clip indicator including at least one proximally extending leg aligned with the longitudinal axis, the empty clip indicator being located proximally of a proximal-most clip in the plurality of clips such that distal translation of the feed rod causes corresponding translation of the empty clip indicator, the empty clip indicator being, configured and dimensioned for engagement with the stop structure to prevent continued distal advancement of the feed rod to thereby disable the clip applying mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22)
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18. A clip applier comprising:
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a clip applying mechanism including a feed rod translatable along a central longitudinal axis, and a distal portion fixed relative to the translation or the feed rod, the feed rod being configured and dimensioned to distally advance a plurality of clips positioned therewith, wherein a clip is rotated relative to the distal portion in a plane that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis prior to firing of the clip applier; an anvil cooperatively engageable with a hammer positioned on the feed rod for applying a first clip at an angle of application transverse to the central longitudinal axis; a stop structure positioned adjacent the distal portion of the clip applying mechanism; and an empty clip indicator having a body with a protrusion extending therefrom, the empty clip indicator being located proximally of a proximal-most clip in the plurality of clips, wherein translation of the feed rod advances the empty clip indicator in a distal direction such that the protrusion engages the stop structure to prevent continued distal advancement of the feed rod and thereby disable the clip applying mechanism, wherein subsequent to engagement of the protrusion and the stop structure, the protrusion is substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis the empty clip indicator including two legs and a cross member. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 23)
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Specification