Abstract: An apparatus for applying surgical clips includes a jaw assembly and a jaw opening member. The jaw assembly includes first and second opposing pivotable jaw members that define a variable-width jaw aperture therebetween for receiving a clip. The jaw opening member is movable into engagement with the first and second jaw members for increasing the width of the jaw aperture, thereby improving the release of a clip from the jaw assembly.

Abstract: A surgical clip applying apparatus comprises an actuator device, a ratchet mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a clip driving device. The actuator device comprises an interior and a cam mechanism disposed therein. The cam mechanism comprises an axial cam surface. The locking mechanism is movable by the actuator device within the interior in a distal direction and in a proximal direction. While moving in the distal direction, the locking mechanism contacts the axial cam surface, thereby causing the locking mechanism to engage the ratchet mechanism to limit movement of the locking mechanism in the proximal direction. Continued movement of the locking mechanism in the distal direction causes the locking mechanism to move off the axial cam surface, thereby enabling the locking mechanism to bypass the ratchet mechanism during a return stroke.

Abstract: A surgical clip applying apparatus comprises an actuator device, a pair of opposing jaws, and an elongate assembly interposed therebetween. A clip driving device disposed in the elongate assembly is actuated by the actuator device to sequentially drive clips through the elongate assembly into engagement with the jaws. A clip control element is disposed in the elongate assembly at a distal end thereof. The clip control element comprises first, second, and third clip control surfaces. The first clip control surface contacts a first end of a clip to cause the clip to rotate about the first end. The second and third clip control surfaces receive a second end of the clip therebetween prior to the clip being driven into engagement with the jaws. A chicane is provided near the distal end of the elongate assembly to provide a diverting path for clips so that as one clip is being rotated, the next clip can be further advanced without contacting the rotating clip.

Abstract: A surgical clip applying apparatus comprises an actuator device, a pair of opposing jaws, and an elongate assembly interposed therebetween. A clip driving device disposed in the elongate assembly is actuated by the actuator device to sequentially drive clips through the elongate assembly into engagement with the jaws. A clip control element is disposed in the elongate assembly at a distal end thereof. The clip control element comprises first, second, and third clip control surfaces. The first clip control surface contacts a first end of a clip to cause the clip to rotate about the first end. The second and third clip control surfaces receive a second end of the clip therebetween prior to the clip being driven into engagement with the jaws. A chicane is provided near the distal end of the elongate assembly to provide a diverting path for clips so that as one clip is being rotated, the next clip can be further advanced without contacting the rotating clip.

Abstract: A surgical clip applying apparatus comprises an actuator device, a ratchet mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a clip driving device. The actuator device comprises an interior and a cam mechanism disposed therein. The cam mechanism comprises an axial cam surface. The locking mechanism is movable by the actuator device within the interior in a distal direction and in a proximal direction. While moving in the distal direction, the locking mechanism contacts the axial cam surface, thereby causing the locking mechanism to engage the ratchet mechanism to limit movement of the locking mechanism in the proximal direction. Continued movement of the locking mechanism in the distal direction causes the locking mechanism to move off the axial cam surface, thereby enabling the locking mechanism to bypass the ratchet mechanism during a return stroke.

Abstract: A clip, clip applier and method for ligating a tissue structure is provided. The applier has a two stage actuation. In the first stage, a tissue structure is positioned into the jaws of the clip applier. The jaws close and lock to a preset force to compress and temporarily occlude the tissue structure. If satisfactorily positioned, the second stage is initiated in which a clip is advanced through the shaft of the clip applier in a closed position. At the distal end of the clip applier, the clip is opened slightly to capture the pre-compressed tissue structure, and is placed over the structure. The clip is then dissociated from the business end of the instrument. Preferably the clip comprises two leg members disposed in close proximity to one another joined from opposing directions by a connecting element. The connecting element restricts separation of the leg members with opposing spring members so as to provide substantially uniform parallel deflection of the leg members from each other.

Abstract: A clip, clip applier and method for ligating a tissue structure is provided. The applier has a two stage actuation. In the first stage, a tissue structure is positioned into the jaws of the clip applier The jaws close and lock to a preset force to compress and temporarily occlude the tissue structure. If satisfactorily positioned, the second stage is initiated in which a clip is advanced through the shaft of the clip applier in a closed position. At the distal end of the clip applier, the clip is opened slightly to capture the pre-compressed tissue structure, and is placed over the structure. The clip is then dissociated from the business end of the instrument. Preferably the clip comprises two leg members disposed in close proximity to one another joined from opposing directions by a connecting element. The connecting element restricts separation of the leg members with opposing spring members so as to provide substantially uniform parallel deflection of the leg members from each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to staple a hernia patch to tissue inside a body cavity. The endoscopic surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge pivotally mounted on the distal end of a support tube extending from a handle provided with an actuator mechanism for actuating a staple forming mechanism inside the staple cartridge to fasten staples to the tissue. The staple cartridge is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support tube. The staple actuator mechanism is operable to actuate the staple cartridge in any of the angular orientations. The support shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle to adjust the rotational orientation of the support shaft and the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support shaft to adjust the rotational position of the staple cartridge relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument according to the present invention includes a handle, an elongated tube, an end effector, a pair of wireform conductors extending through the elongated tube from the handle to the end effector and a working tool such as, for example, a knife blade. The working tool being connected to the handle through a push bar which passes through the elongated tube. In an electrosurgical instrument according to the present invention, the push bar is positioned between the wireform conductors and is axially moveable with respect to the wireform conductors. In addition, in an electrosurgical instrument according to the present invention, the handle includes a coupling element to allow the wireform conductors and push bar to rotate with respect to the handle and to allow the push bar to move axially with respect to the wireform conductors and the handle.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument which has an elongated staple cartridge and anvil is disclosed. The anvil is movable relative to the cartridge from rearward to forward positions for insertion of tissue between these two components and clamping the tissue, respectively. A pair of spaced-apart ribs protrude from the anvil, and when the anvil is moved from its rearward to forward positions, these ribs are received into and slide within a groove embedded on the surface of the cartridge. In this manner, misalignment of the anvil and cartridge when tissue is being clamped is prevented or appreciably reduced, therefore reducing the chances of misforming the staples when the instrument is fired. The alignment features also act as tissue abutment surfaces to prevent the migration of tissue into a region where tissue is transected but not stapled.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle and a trigger is designed to be closed and latched by the operator, and includes a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a latch on the grip, a latch knob including a latching notch on the trigger and a latch guide on the trigger to guide the latch hook into the latching notch.

Abstract: A clip applier and method for ligating a tissue structure is provided. The applier has a two stage actuation. In the first stage, a tissue structure is positioned into the jaws of the clip applier The jaws close and lock to a preset force to compress and temporarily occlude the tissue structure. If satisfactorily positioned, the second stage is initiated in which a clip is advanced through the shaft of the clip applier in a closed position. At the distal end of the clip applier, the clip is opened slightly to capture the pre-compressed tissue structure, and is placed over the structure. The clip is then dissociated from the business end of the instrument. Preferably the clip comprises two leg members disposed in close proximity to one another joined from opposing directions by a connecting element. The connecting element restricts separation of the leg members with opposing spring members so as to provide substantially uniform parallel deflection of the leg members from each other.

Abstract: A clip, clip applier and method for ligating a tissue structure is provided. The applier has a two stage actuation. In the first stage, a tissue structure is positioned into the jaws of the clip applier The jaws close and lock to a preset force to compress and temporarily occlude the tissue structure. If satisfactorily positioned, the second stage is initiated in which a clip is advanced through the shaft of the clip applier in a closed position. At the distal end of the clip applier, the clip is opened slightly to capture the pre-compressed tissue structure, and is placed over the structure. The clip is then dissociated from the business end of the instrument. Preferably the clip comprises two leg members disposed in close proximity to one another joined from opposing directions by a connecting element. The connecting element restricts separation of the leg members with opposing spring members so as to provide substantially uniform parallel deflection of the leg members from each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to staple a hernia patch to tissue inside a body cavity. The endoscopic surgical stapler includes a staple cartridge pivotally mounted on the distal end of a support tube extending from a handle provided with an actuator mechanism for actuating a staple forming mechanism inside the staple cartridge to fasten staples to the tissue. The staple cartridge is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support tube. The staple actuator mechanism is operable to actuate the staple cartridge in any of the angular orientations. The support shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle to adjust the rotational orientation of the support shaft and the staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the support shaft to adjust the rotational position of the staple cartridge relative to the support shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a curved shaft to an actuator handle assembly and incorporates an improved actuator mechanism for transmitting the required operating forces and movements from the actuator handle assembly through the curved shaft to an anvil and staple driver of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a longitudinally movable trocar detachably secured by one or more retainer clips on a hollow shaft of the anvil. When the trocar is retracted, the anvil shaft slides into a central support tube which aligns the anvil axially and circumferentially with a staple holder on the stapling head assembly. The retainer clips are locked against the trocar by the support tube and transmit tension from the trocar to the anvil with no tension load on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a curved shaft to an actuator handle assembly and incorporates an improved actuator mechanism for transmitting the required operating forces and movements from the actuator handle assembly through the curved shaft to an anvil and staple driver of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a longitudinally movable trocar detachably secured by one or more retainer clips on a hollow shaft of the anvil. When the trocar is retracted, the anvil shaft slides into a central support tube which aligns the anvil axially and circumferentially with a staple holder on the stapling head assembly. The retainer clips are locked against the trocar by the support tube and transmit tension from the trocar to the anvil with no tension load on the anvil shaft.

Abstract: An endoscopic clip applying system as described which contains a venting system and a clip applying support system which prevents closure of the mechanism before firing. The applier's jaws are spaced apart no further than the width of the applier shaft, even when holding a clip. Also, the system ensures proper loading of the clips and prevents them from falling out during loading. Further, the system describes an easily manufacturable, positively opening system which has minimized size requirements. Furthermore, a lock-out mechanism is provided so that the mechanism may not be inadvertently fired. The shaft resists excessive torque as well as holds the clip in place during firing. There are provisions for sealant and non back-up of the clips, as well as features which make the clip properly placed for closure. In an alternate embodiment, the clip applier shaft rotates about its handle mechanism.