Abstract: An improved surgical instrument and sterile clip for ligating the vessel of a mammal. The clip has a pair of legs which are urged apart by the instrument to allow the clip to be placed on the vessel to be ligated.

Abstract: This invention is a therapeutic clamp intended to help males with impotence, or what should be more properly called, erectile dysfunction. The clamp consists of two hinged rods having elastic bands causing the rods to exert pressure on the sides of the penis, thereby restricting flow of blood from the penis in order to maintain an erection without interfering with flow of blood into the penis, or obstructing the urethra.

Abstract: A cerebral aneurysm clip used for clamping an intercerebral blood vessel during a surgical operation. The clip has a pair of opposite clamping blades or arms for clamping a blood vessel, semi-circular engagement portions integrally connected to the proximal ends of the clamping arms, and a resilient wire portion integrally connecting the two engagement portions for exerting a resilient clamping force to the clamping arms via the engagement portions. The clamping arms are opened and closed by manipulating forceps which has at its tip engagement protrusions engaging the engagement portions from the inside. In order to prevent a blood vessel from passing excessively beyond the region between the opposite clamping arms, a U-shaped wire element is attached to the clip. The wire element has a transverse section passed through and across the proximal ends of the clamping arms for preventing ingress of the blood vessel into the space between the engagement portions.

Abstract: A two-part surgical ligation clip includes a track having two substantially symmetrical arms and a clip for slidably receiving the track. The symmetrical arms are connected together at a proximal end to form an apex and have spaced-apart tips at a distal end with first complementary surface. The track also includes a connector connected to the apex and having a second complementary surface. The clip has an extended slot for slidably engaging the track and distal end tips for receiving the connector. A distal end of the clip has a first contour surface for engaging the first complementary surface on the track and locking it in a closed position and a second contour surface for engaging the second complementary surface on the track and locking it in an open position.

Abstract: The invention provides a tissue manipulation system including a tethered clamp and a clamp applicator for positioning the clamp through a trocar sleeve and applying the clamp to a tissue location in the abdominal cavity. In a further embodiment, the tissue manipulation system includes a introducer through which the tether can be withdrawn from the abdominal cavity and a clamp attached to the proximal end of the introducer for clamping the tether in position. The tissue manipulation system further includes an obturator for inserting the introducer into the abdomen, and a tether snare for retrieving the tether and withdrawing it through the introducer.

Abstract: A surgical clamp for the temporary occlusion of a blood vessel during a surgical procedure and forceps-like instruments co-operative with the clamp for application and removal of the clamp in a coherent and rational surgical system is described.

Abstract: A surgical clip having first and second separate pieces for ligating a vessel therebetween, an applicator for applying the clip to the vessel, and a method of use thereof. The surgical clip comprises a first tube having a longitudinal slot formed through the outer wall thereof and communicating with a passage extending therethrough for receiving a second tube into the passage of the first tube and circumferentially ligating a vessel positioned in a second channel transverse to and communicating with the first passage. Tangs or projections extend from the outer wall of the first tube about the longitudinal slot thereof and into the passage of the first tube for engaging the walls about a slot in the second tube and securably positioning the second tube in the passage of the first tube. An applicator includes a main housing having a vessel channel for positioning the first tube therein.

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: A stabilizer for blood vessels including a pair of diverging panels integrally joined at a bight portion which in turn defines a hinge between the panels. The panels have outer edges with extending legs for engagement with and manipulation of skin for the positioning and stabilizing of veins. The stabilizer includes linear forward edges and generally arcuate rear edges for use in varying situations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprises an elongate member provided at a distal end with a clamping member having a pair of opposed jaws. Each of the jaws includes an elongate substantially linear arm. The instrument assembly additionally comprises an actuator mehanism mounted to the elongate member and operatively connected to the jaws for alternately opening and closing the jaws, as well as at least one balloon element attached to the jaws so as to form a cushion upon inflation of the balloon element. An inflation device is operatively connected to the balloon element for inflating the balloon from a collapsed insertion configuration to an expanded use configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprises an elongate member provided at a distal end with a clamping member having a pair of opposed jaws and at least one balloon element attached to the jaws so as to form a cushion upon inflation of the balloon element. An inflation device is operatively connected to the balloon element for inflating the balloon from a collapsed insertion configuration to an expanded use configuration. A closure device is associated with and at least partially coextensive with the elongate member in a longitudinal direction for closing the clamping member about an object such as a section of colon.

Abstract: An improved surgical clip of the type having first and second leg members joined at their proximal ends by a resilient hinge region and terminating at their distal ends in latch means. Each leg member has an outer surface and a clamping inner surface, and the outer surface of each leg member is configured to be accepted by the jaws of the clip applier. The improvement in the clip design specifically relates to a reduction in the mass of the clip in the hinge region. A reduced mass in the hinge region lessens the strain at the hinge region when the clip is in a clamped position, and therefore increases its strength retention.

Abstract: A temporary stent for supporting a region of a vessel in a body comprising a stent portion and an actuator portion and methods for the use and manufacture thereof. The stent portion is comprised of an elongate perfusable vessel supporting portion adapted to be configurable between a reduced size for placement in the vessel and removal therefrom and an expanded size for structurally supporting the vessel and perfusable end portions connected to and forming ends of the vessel supporting portion and adapted to allow fluid flow therethrough. The actuator portion includes a proximal end extending out of the body and a distal end connected to the stent portion and operable by manipulation at the proximal end thereof to configure the support portion into a reduced size and an expanded size.

Abstract: A surgical endoclip intended to be used with conventional instruments for applying surgical clips, such as those marketed by the United States Surgical Corporation (U.S. Surgical), is disclosed in which the clip fits within and is operated by the movable jaws in the U.S. Surgical Applier but the clip is constructed so as to provide a circumferential closing of the clip around the duct or vessel. The conventional movement of the jaws of the applier operates with the initially open surgical clip, which under pressure by the parallel movement of the jaws, closes about the duct or vessel being occluded.

Abstract: A multi-functional surgical device useful, for example, for male and female sterilization procedures. The device can be used for applying an elastic occluding ring onto an anatomical tubular structure, for cutting and cauterizing the cut ends of such a structure, for introducing a gas and/or anesthesia into the surgical field, for a biopsy procedure, for illuminating and viewing the surgical field, for applying a conventional clip to an anatomical tubular structure, and/or for applying a flexible and resilient ligature. An applicator device for applying a flexible and resilient ligature, plug or cap onto an anatomical tubular structure including tissue grasping forceps moved into and out of the distal end of a tubular member which has one or two anatomical tubular structure receiving slots. A flexible and resilient ligature, plug or cap having legs and a base having sufficient elastic memory to close the legs and occlude an anatomical tubular structure.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a strap around a vein at the site of a defective venous valve includes a handle portion and a removable cartridge. One end of the strap is anchored on the anvil of the cartridge and the free end is looped around the vein and passed through an opening in the cartridge to overlie the anchored end. The free end of the strap is connected to a strap puller within the cartridge which is coupled to a strap puller extension within the handle when the cartridge is inserted in the handle. The perimeter of the loop is adjusted by moving the tensioner on the handle. When the loop perimeter is at its desired value, the triggers on the handle are pressed to drive a staple through the overlying portion of the strap. A knife within the cartridge cuts the excess strap from the loop.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical clip is provided having two opposed prong members which are connected by a bridge member. The surface of the prong members are preferably coated with a conductive material while the bridge member is made of a highly resistive material which serves to electrically isolate the prong members from each other. One conductive prong member is adapted to serve as an active electrode through which electrosurgical energy is delivered to tissue while deploying the clip. The other conductive prong member serves as a return electrode, communicating through a conductor wire with an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip to be applied to body structures such as veins, arteries, or the like. The hemostatic clip includes a plurality of preferably semicircular indentations arranged in staggered row configuration on the tissue contacting surface of the legs of the clip.

Abstract: The surgical clip applicator has a pusher bar which positions the foremost clip from a clip carrier into a ready-to-fire position between the jaws prior to squeezing of the handles together. When the applicator is fired, the previously positioned surgical clip can be crimped about a vessel and when the jaws are released, a new clip is placed between the jaws for the next firing. A channel assembly moves over the jaws to close the jaw while the pusher bar is retracted into the clip carrier for delivering the foremost clip from the carrier upon release of the handles. A latch arrangement is provided for locking the channel assembly in place and the handles against movement should the clip carrier be empty.

Abstract: Hemostatic clips and surgical strips made of deformable and preferably absorbable material have opposite elongate portions readily locked or secured together when clamped over a vessel or other bodily part. The elongate portions have opposite facing surfaces provided with a plurality of flexible members comprised of Velcro-like or similar entangling configurations, which become entangled when the surfaces are pressed together over the vessel or other bodily part. Other configurations include one or more strips of deformable material having surfaces provided with flexible members capable of entanglement to form clips or bands useful in a variety of different surgical procedures.

Abstract: An improved surgical clip having first and second leg members joined at their proximal ends by resilient hinge means and terminating at their distal ends in latch means. Each leg member has an outer surface and a clamping inner surface. The outer surface of each leg member is configured to be accepted by the jaws of a clip applier. The improvement in the clip design specifically relates to the design of the clamping inner surface of each leg member of the clip. The clamping inner surface of the first leg member has a convex radius of curvature extending transversely across at least a portion of the width of the first leg member, and the clamping inner surface of the second leg member has a concave radius of curvature extending transversely across at least a portion of the width of the second leg member. The radius of curvature of the clamping inner surface of the first leg member is smaller than, and complementary to, the radius of curvature of the clamping inner surface of the second leg member.

Abstract: An implantable device for occluding a body duct, especially a blood vessel. The device includes a flexible, elongate plate to be fixed around the duct, a plurality of communicating bulbs which are arranged on one side of the plate and have a variable volume, and a connection for supplying fluid to the bulbs for occluding the duct and for evacuating fluid from the bulbs to open the duct after the occlusion. The flexible plate has a perforation at one end and a locking member in the form of a thickened portion at the other end. The locking member is passed through the perforation for safely fixing the device around the body duct.To improve the occlusive function of the device, the bulbs may be made of an elastic material, the thickness of which is smallest at the tops of the bulbs.

Abstract: In a heat sealing operation for environmentally isolating joints and connections, a spring actuated clamp is utilized to provide positive engagement of the heat shrinkable material in the area between the members being connected. The clamp has two juxtaposed clamp arms with opposed convex clamping jaws. The clamp arms are resiliently loaded by a coil spring so the convex surfaces on the clamping jaws are placed into a clamping relationship on the heat shrinkable material.

Abstract: A vascular clamp assembly includes a peripheral frame having an open central area, a support bar mounted on the frame, and a pair of clamps that are slidably mounted on the support bar. Each clamp includes an upper jaw member, a lower jaw member and a tension adjustor plate. The upper jaw member is pivotally mounted on the lower jaw member in a longitudinally overlying relationship with the lower jaw member. The tension adjustor plate is pivotally mounted to the lower jaw member and slidably engageable with the upper jaw member so that the plate may be wedged between the upper and lower jaw members in selectable positions. Each clamp also includes a pair of blades which are disposed in overlying relationship and which are relatively positionable, in accordance with the position of the tension adjustor plate, so that they can receive between them and engage a blood vessel and exert on the vessel a selectable holding force.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device for blocking a blood vessel during surgery includes an elongated tube and a ring like structure which is adapted to fit over and around a blocked vessel. The ring like structure includes an annular balloon and a fabric sheath surrounding the balloon to protect it from overinflation. A stop cock and a syringe are operatively connected through the tube to the balloon so that the balloon can be controllably inflated by the syringe by use of the stop cock. And the degree of inflation can be maintained by closing the stop cock.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping blood vessels or aneurysms has a pair of operational arms and a corresponding pair of hemostatic ends for engaging a blood vessel or aneurysm. The operating arms are attached to each other, without pivot mounting, with a coil spring having at least one winding, by fixedly connecting each end of the coil spring to a different one of the operational arms. The coil spring biases the clamp so that the hemostatic ends of the clamp are opened when the operating arms of the clamp are moved apart from each other. In this manner, visual obstruction of the hemostatic ends of the clamp is significantly reduced during a clamping procedure, and the cost of manufacture of the clamp is reduced by elimination of pivot mounting of the clamp arms.

Abstract: A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved leg members joined at their proximal end by a reduced thickness hinge portion and movable from an open position to a closed position for clamping a vessel between curved opposing inner surfaces which are substantially parallel when the clip is closed. The first leg member has a concave inner surface and a hook portion at its distal end curved toward the second leg member. The clip includes a sharp distal tip on the end of the hook portion and a sharp pointed penetrating member on the outer surface of the distal end of the hook portion. The distal end of the second leg has a longitudinal groove through which the sharp pointed penetrating member and then the sharp distal tip passes when the legs are closed. The second leg member further comprises a pair of sharp penetrating member attached to each side of the distal end on either side of the groove.

Abstract: A vessel occlusion device has a base with a generally flat surface against which a vessel may be positioned. One end of a strap is fastened to the base. The other end of the strap is adapted to be removably attached to the base with the vessel between the base and the strap. The strap is provided with a plurality of attachment holes for selectively attaching the end of the strap to the base at any one of a plurality of adjustable positions. The vessel occlusion device provides a traumatic occlusion with multiple vessel occlusion adjustments.

Abstract: A surgical clip formed from a continuous, resilient member and having a coil spring and two arms supporting clamping jaws. The coil spring forces the clamping jaws together. One arm has a guide section, through which the guided element of the second arm extends, to guide and restrict movement of the second arm, thereby correctly engaging the clamping jaws.

Abstract: The surgical clip applicator has a pusher bar which positions the foremost clip from a clip carrier into a ready-to-fire position between the jaws prior to squeezing of the handles together. When the applicator is fired, the previously positioned surgical clip can be crimped about a vessel and when the jaws are released, a new clip is placed between the jaws for the next firing. A channel assembly moves over the jaws to close the jaws while the pusher bar is retracted into the clip carrier for delivering the foremost clip from the carrier upon release of the handles. A latch arrangement is provided for locking the channel assembly in place and the handles against movement should the clip carrier be empty.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hemostatic clip formed into a horseshoe shape from material having a generally triangular cross-section. The mating edges of the clip contain a groove used to provide space for the walls of the vessel when the clip is applied. The groove is located approximately in the center of the mating surfaces, and its width is less than one third the width of the mating surfaces. Because the width is less than one third of the mating surfaces, the other two thirds of the mating surfaces are too wide to fit into the groove, should the clip be applied in a misaligned manner. A plurality of slots in the occlusive surface of the clip help to hold the clip in position on a vessel, once the clip has been clamped into place. After the slots have been placed into the clip, the clip is processed in a tumbling operation to remove any serrations around the slots or at any other place on the clip. Thus, no protrusions remain around the slots to puncture a vessel during ligation.

Abstract: A vascular clamp assembly includes a peripheral frame having an open central area, a support bar mounted on the frame, and a pair of clamps that are slidably mounted on the support bar. Each clamp includes an upper jaw member, a lower jaw member and a tension adjustor plate. The upper jaw member is pivotally mounted on the lower jaw member in a longitudinally overlying relationship with the lower jaw member. The tension adjustor plate is pivotally mounted to the lower jaw member and slidably engageable with the upper jaw member so that the plate may be wedged between the upper and lower jaw members in selectable positions. Each clamp also includes a pair of blades which are disposed in overlying relationship and which are relatively positionable, in accordance with the position of the tension adjustor plate, so that they can receive between them and engage a blood vessel and exert on the vessel a selectable holding force.

Abstract: A surgical clamp comprising a pair of arms, each arm being interconnected at one end to one end of the other arm by a flexible, resilient member normally urging said arms apart while maintaining facing surfaces. A clamping strip of resilient material is mounted on the arms, the resilient material being softer than the material of the clamping arms. A releasable ratchet assembly including a ratchet body and flexible tubing is positioned on the opposite end of one of the arms extending toward and being engageable with a holding lip on the other arm, so that when the arms are moved toward each other, the arms can be held in fixed relative positions, mounted to said body.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip for surgical use is disclosed having grooves on the inner surfaces of the legs which form an asterisk type pattern upon closure, knee bends in each leg which are opposed by notches or grooves that enhance the ability of the legs to fully straighten upon closure, and distal flat surfaces on the ends of the clip legs to prevent scissoring and ensure hemostasis when the clip is closed.

Abstract: A surgical hemostatic clip which afford substantially gapless closure includes a longitudinal groove formed in the tissue-contacting surface of one leg, and an opposing longitudinal tongue formed on the tissue-contacting surface of the other leg. In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal tongue and groove do not extend to the distal ends of the legs so as to provide distal flat surfaces on the tissue-contacting distal leg ends. Transverse grooves may be formed across the tongue and in intersection with the longitudinal groove to enhance the tissue-gripping characteristics of the hemostatic clip.

Abstract: A clamp for pinching off a blood vessel or aneurysm comprises a pair of arms pivotally attached at the center and crossing over one another so that opposing hemostatic ends at one end of the arms are open by opening the operational ends at the other ends of the arms, the operational ends of the clamp being grasped by an applying instrument through buttons or recesses on an inwardly directed portion of the operational ends to reduce visual obstruction in the area in which the clamp is used.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip cartridge for automatically moving a plurality of pre-formed clips to a delivery station of the cartridge while reducing jamming of the clips in the cartridge is disclosed. Jamming is reduced both by using a constant force spring and employing flat surfaces on a portion of opposite sides of the clip located in the plane of the clip. Heart shaped clips having such flat surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The one-piece aneurysm clip is fabricated from a predetermined length of round metallic rod or wire. The clip includes a pair of cooperable jaw portions and a coil portion that supplies a closing force to the jaws, doing so through first and second connecting portions. The first connecting portion has a longitudinal slot formed therein and the second connecting portion is U-shaped having a thickness correlated with the width of the slot so that the jaw portions are maintained in alignment. The degree of closing force supplied by the coil is determined by the width and depth of a slot formed in a segment thereof.

Abstract: A torsion spring with a coil portion having extensions extending from the ends of the coil for receiving forces for torquing the spring. The spring provides a more balanced stress distribution about the coil which in the preferred embodiment include a region of increased cross-sectional area on one side of the coil and a region of decreased cross-sectional area across the coil from the region of increased cross-sectional area and smooth contouring of the coil between these two regions. A particular use of the torsion spring of the present invention is in a torsion spring-type aneurysm clip for providing more uniform stress distributions about the coil portion of the aneurysm clip and for permitting the aneursym clip to open wider so that it may be used on larger aneurysms.

Abstract: A banding prosthesis comprising an expandable helical member encased within an elongatable outer covering. The ends of the outer covering are sealed and incorporate silk sutures for joining the two ends of the banding prosthesis to form a band about the circumference of a tubular organ such as a blood vessel so as to encircle and constrict the organ lumen. An intraluminal balloon dilator is inserted within the lumen of the organ in the region of the band and is inflated to dilate the banding prosthesis and allow the constricted lumen to expand. The design of the present invention allows for gradual dilation of the banding prosthesis in stages.

Abstract: An improved vessel occluder that is suitable for use in coronary artery surgery, comprising two smooth bullet shaped occluders, thermoformed from extruded tubing, affixed to the each end of a monofilament, which is looped and passed through a length of radiopaque soft plastic tubing which acts as a simple holder is disclosed.

Abstract: A cerebral aneurysm clip composed of blade parts capable of clipping the root of a lump of cerebral aneurysm and a spring part of imparting a clipping force to the said blade parts, which is characterized in that the said blade parts are made of a synthetic resin or ceramic.

Abstract: A vessel occluding loop 10 for occluding the flow of blood in a vessel 30 is disclosed. The loop 10 has an elongate body having an outer surface. The outer surface has a plurality of elongate engaging surfaces 11. The engaging surfaces 11 define a generally planar area of contact for contact with a blood vessel. The engaging surfaces have a first member 12, a second member 13, and third member 14 which form the preferably planar engaging surface. Depressed zones 18 and 19 are formed between the members, wherein the blood vessel may enter the depressed zones 18 and 19 when the loop is wrapped around the blood vessel 30, thereby increasing traction.

Abstract: A clamp to be used during the performance of cerebrovascular thermography wherein said clamp compresses superficial temporal arteries without introducing heat artifacts is disclosed. The clamp is provided with two oppositely disposed contact members, the distance between which is adjustable. Also, one contact member is provided with resiliency means.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a clip which has particular application, for example, in the medical arts. The clip comprises a hollow, cylindrical hub which includes first and second hub sections defined by a plane transverse to the axis of the hub. A pin joins the first and second hub sections and allows them to rotate independently about the pin. First and second legs are joined to the first and second hub sections, respectively, each leg including a clamping surface. The clamping surface on the first leg opposes the clamping surface on the second leg. A spring mechanism biases the clamping surfaces together and includes first and second ends. A mechanism disposed on the first and second hub sections engages the first and second ends, respectively, of the spring, and a lever coupled to the first and second hub sections spreads the clamping surfaces apart.

Abstract: A spring clip including parallel jaws carried by telescopically interengaged carrier members. The jaws are spring biased toward one another by a compression coil spring captured between opposed end caps on the carrier members. One of the carrier members has diametrically aligned slots formed through opposed side walls thereof to enable the other member to passed through said slots and snapped into telescopic receipt within said one member. The end caps are formed integrally with the carrier members. In assembly of the clip, the carrier members are passed into telescopic engagement with the end caps in place and the compression coil spring interposed between the end caps.

Abstract: Apparatus for ligating blood vessels, nerves or other anatomical structures, such as Fallopian tubes, utilizing a modified form of a standard hemostat, including a removable pair of hemostat jaw inserts of non-toxic, substantially rigid material, each releasably secured to a jaw of the hemostat, each insert having removably formed therein at least one clip member, locking structure contained by at least one of said clip members adapted lockingly to engage the other of said clip members, whereby the jaws of the hemostat can be opened to any desired width and then closed, locking the clip members to form a ligating clip over or in a blood vessel or other anatomical structure and opening the jaws causes said joined clip members to break away from the inserts.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, fail-safe structure is provided to ensure that the clip members break cleanly away from the inserts.