Abstract

The instrument is generally shaped and operated in the manner of prior clip applying instruments. Shaped like a pair of dog-nosed pliers, the outer ends of the jaws are adapted to hold a clip which may be applied to a blood vessel with the instrument. The rearward portion of the jaws overlap and a rectangular channel is formed in one of them through which clips may be pushed by a pusher extending down the center line of the instrument. One of the jaws is adapted to receive a cartridge containing a stack of U-shaped clips which may be pushed one at a time to the distal end of the jaws by the pusher.The instrument basically comprises only three pivoted members, the pusher and its operating linkage, and one or two springs.Several forms of pusher-actuating means are disclosed, two of these include a bell crank and cam so that the pusher will be operated before the jaws can be closed. The third comprises a free bell crank and a pair of unbalanced springs to achieve the same object.The cartridge is provided with a spring for urging the U-shaped stack of clips down to the pusher channel, and a clip follower for preventing misalignment of the clips in the cartridge.These above and various other features operate together in a synergistic manner to apply a plurality of hemostatic clips in a surprisingly simple, light, instrument providing an almost conventional "feel".