Clip applicator, spreadable clips and method for applying the clips

摘要

A manual applicator for the application of spreadable surgical clips comprises a clip magazine which releasably retains therein a plurality of spreadable clips, and a spreader mounted at the discharge end of the clip magazine by a support, e.g., a rail. The spreader has an inlet section disposed adjacent to the discharge end of the magazine, and at its opposite end a discharge tip which is wider in the clip-spreading direction than its inlet section. The spreadable clips, which are resilient so that they can be spread-apart and will close upon release of the spreading force, include an opening in the rear or bight portion enabling the clip to pass over the spreader. The clips may also have a radial slot, enabling them to pass over the rail member, when the latter is not a cantilevered rail member on which the clips are threaded. The spreader has a wedge-shaped profile so that dislodgement of the spreadable clips from the magazine onto the spreader spreads the dislodged clip for ejection of the spread clip over the discharge tip of the spreader and onto the tissue to be clipped or clamped.P PIn the method of use, the surgeon or operator slides the clips, one at a time, onto the spreader to spread the clips on the spreader, and then discharges the spread clips over the discharge tip and onto tissue to be engaged by the clip.