Abstract: A cartridge for storing and retaining a plurality of medical ligating devices such as hemostatic clips and surgical staples, the cartridge having a movable device retaining member situated in each device chamber. The retaining member is adapted to frictionally engage the legs of an open C-shaped device and is further adapted to be displaced away from engagement with the device when it is engaged in the jaws of a forceps-type applier. In one embodiment, the retaining member is adapted to fit between the legs of an open hemostatic clip and is further adapted to be displaced downwardly away from the clip when the clip is engaged by a clip applier. The disclosure further includes a method of storing hemostatic clips in a cartridge, the method incorporating retaining the clip within the cartridge by a separable member which is displaceable from engagement with a clip when the clip is engaged by a clip applier.

Abstract: A kit for protectively sheathing the proximally unenclosed portion of a grasping members pair of a surgical instrument assembly resulting from the sheathing is disclosed, the kit including an applicator for spreading the lumen of an elastic tubular sheath member which is mounted on the surgical instrument over unenclosed portions of the grasping jaws adjacent to the distal body mounting the grasping jaws, the sheath member and body member preferably being formed of dielectric material for electrocauterization.