Abstract: According to the present invention, apparatus are provided for applying surgical clips to body tissue with a safety stop for preventing tissue damage resulting from closure of the clip closing mechanism when a clip is not present therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; means for closing clips having a pair of forming surfaces, and means for limiting closure of the closing means when a clip is absent therefrom such that a gap separates the forming surfaces in the closed position.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a surgical clip applier includes means for preventing closure of the clip closing mechanism when no clips are left in the applier. The clip applier includes a shaft having distal and proximal ends, means in the shaft for advancing clips to the distal end, means at the distal end for closing clips and a jam clip carried by the advancing means proximally of the surgical clips, wherein the jam clip is positioned in the clip closing means and prevents closure thereof after all surgical clips have been applied.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical clip for use in conjunction with a clip applier. The clip may be closed in a curved shape, has improved gripping capabilities, and maximizes the gripping surface relative to clip size. The clip preferably includes a longitudinal channel through the gripping surfaces of the clip legs, the channel having at least one sidewall inclined to form an undercut, such that the channel is wider at its floor than at its opening in the gripping surface. The clip further may have one leg longer than the other such that the clip may be closed in a curved shape with the legs parallel and the tips of the legs substantially even. The clip may also have one or more inverse arcuate portions on at least one of its legs to improve the tightness of clip closure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, improved apparatus and methods are provided for applying surgical clips to body tissue in inaccessible places and at various angles with particular usefulness in laparoscopic surgery. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; means for advancing clips along the shaft toward the distal end with the legs of the clip oriented in a distal direction; means at the distal end of the shaft for rotating the clips relative to the shaft to orient the legs in a lateral direction and means for closing the legs of the clips after the rotation. The means for advancing usually comprises a movable belt disposed in the shaft having a plurality of retainers for holding clips; means for closing typically includes an anvil mounted at the distal end of the shaft and a hammer movable against the anvil.