Abstract: Apparatus and method for endoscopically harvesting an elongate structure such as a blood vessel or nerve from a patient's body. A harvesting head defines a channel for receiving a blood vessel or the like and an outer surface for dissecting and retracting connective tissue surrounding a vessel received in the channel. The head may have a substantially ovate shape and may depend from an extended handle. The head has at least one slot that extends between the outer surface and channel for receiving side branches of the vessel. The slot contains a blade for cutting the side branches and electrocauterizing plates for sealing the cut ends of the side branches. An opening may be provided for application of a ligation device to the side branch. The apparatus may be inserted into an incision in a patient's body and advanced along the length of a vessel to endoscopically dissect, ligate and transect the side branches to harvest the main trunk of the vessel to support subsequent surgical procedures.

Abstract: A releasable, surgical clamp (10) for insertion through a surgical introducer sheath (11) and into a cavity (12) of a patient (13) during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The releasable clamp comprises a continuous wire (39) that is shaped for insertion through the surgical sheath and into opposing jaws (14, 15). The jaws have a plurality of open and closed positions. One of the jaws has a retainer (16) that maintains the lateral displacement (17) between the opposing jaws and prevents the clamp from twisting off a vessel. A resilient assembly (18) including a torsion spring (19) and first and second resilient arms (20, 21) extending to the opposing jaws urges the jaws to a closed position. Each of the resilient arms includes a distal portion which cross each other urging the opposing jaws to a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding device for sealing a defect in a wall, such as a septal defect. The device of the present invention has a fluoropolymer membrane that is supported by an embedded wire structure having elastic properties which is capable of being compressed and inserted in the defect by a catheter and thereafter returning to its memory induced configuration. The device of the present invention can be employed in a variety of applications where a small hole needs to be sealed.

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a varity of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: This laparoscopic tissue retrieval forceps is a non-disposable medical device designed to facilitate the removal of surgical tissue specimens from various body cavities through small incisions. It consists of two separate mirror image members. Each member then consists of a blade portion 10, a shank portion 12, a locking mechanism 14, and a handle portion 16. Blade portion 10 and shank portion 12 are of various sizes to accommodate various sizes of incisions and various body cavities. Blade portion 10 of each member is introduced into a body cavity through a small surgical incision along opposing sides of the surgical tissue specimen or retrieval bag/sac. The two members of the device are joined together at locking mechanism 14. Traction is applied to handle portion 16 of the device to facilitate tissue retrieval.

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 multifunctional spring clip for use in endoscopic and open operative procedures includes a body having opposed portions and a base connecting the opposed portions. Each opposed portion includes an outer segment and an inner segment connected to the outer segment and carrying a grasping surface. The clip is normally disposed in a grasping position wherein the grasping surfaces are biased toward one another, is movable from the grasping position to a receiving position wherein the grasping surfaces are moved away from one another to receive a structure therebetween and is movable from the receiving position toward the grasping position due to the bias to grasp the structure between the grasping surfaces. An applicator for the multifunctional spring clip includes a distal end carrying forceps for engaging the opposed portions of the clip.

Abstract: A knotting element for use in surgical procedures to effect a knot in a length of filamentous material includes a body for being attached to a segment of the filamentous material and having opposed legs, an engaging member carried by one of the legs and a recess formed in the other of the legs corresponding to the engaging member. The body is movable from an open position wherein the engaging member is disposed externally of the recess to receive a second segment of the filamentous material to a closed position wherein the engaging member is disposed within the recess to immovably fixate the second segment of filamentous material to the knotting element to effect a knot.

Abstract: The intravenous device of the invention enables a vein to be partially or totally flattened. The device comprises at least two presser rods (1, 2) which are interconnected by means of at least one spreader element (3) having a spring effect, and each of said rods being suitable for bearing against a respective one of two opposite borders of a vein. Said device (4) is substantially planar when in position in a vein.

Abstract: A clip device for a living tissue in a body cavity includes an introducing tube insertable into the body cavity. An operating member of the device is advanceably and retreatably inserted into the introducing tube; the operating member has a distal end portion. An operating wire is advanceably and retreatably inserted into the operating member, and the operating wire has a distal end portion and a retainer attached to the distal end portion of the operating wire. The clip device further includes a clip having a proximal end portion and a pair of arm portions extending from the proximal end portion and provided with a tendency to open. A clip squeezing ring is removably attached to the distal end portion of the operating member for closing the arm portions of the clip by fitting to the arm portions of the clip. And a coupling member is insertable into the clip squeezing ring, and the coupling ring is removably engaged with the retainer.

Abstract: A blood stream adjuster is arranged inside a blood vessel for bypass made of autologous blood vessel, artificial blood and so on when the blood vessel for bypass is transplanted between two blood vessels of the human body. The blood stream adjuster comprises a stricture portion which is located at its axis direction center part and has a smaller inside diameter in comparison with the inside diameters of axis direction both ends. The inside diameter of the stricture portion is set so that quantity, velocity or pressure of blood stream will be suitable for the blood vessel with which the side to receive blood stream in the blood vessel for bypass is anastomosed. Hereby, the occurrence of stricture and obstruction is restrained around the anastomotic portion between the blood vessel for bypass and its anastomotic blood vessel.

Abstract: This is an implantable vaso-occlusive coil which is implanted using minimally invasive surgical techniques. It is a complex, helically wound coil made up of a primary helically wound coil which is then wound into a specific secondary shape. The secondary shape is itself a series of helical turns. At least a portion of the turns in the secondary shape form a cylindrical region and adjacent that region on at least one end is a conical region which tapers from a diameter approximating that of the central cylindrical region to a smaller diameter. The device is desirably self-forming upon exit from the distal end of a delivery catheter. Also, the conical tipped vaso-occlusive device may also utilize thrombus-enhancing filamentary material.

Abstract: To facilitate the production of a surgical vascular clip having two arms with clamping jaws, the arms being resiliently pressable against each other and meeting at an end section of the clip, and also having a tensioning section adjoining the end section in the direction towards the clamping jaws and being surrounded by a ring displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning section, it is proposed that the arms with the clamping jaws, the tensioning section and the end section be designed as a one-piece component.

Abstract: A multifunctional spring clip for use in endoscopic and open operative procedures includes a body having opposed portions and a base connecting the opposed portions. Each opposed portion includes an outer segment and an inner segment connected to the outer segment and carrying a grasping surface. The clip is normally disposed in a grasping position wherein the grasping surfaces are biased toward one another, is movable from the grasping position to a receiving position wherein the grasping surfaces are moved away from one another to receive a structure therebetween and is movable from the receiving position toward the grasping position due to the bias to grasp the structure between the grasping surfaces. An applicator for the multifunctional spring clip includes a distal end carrying forceps for engaging the opposed portions of the clip.

Abstract: A ligating clip having surfaces with slanted ramp members for clamping a tubular vessel. The ligating clip includes a pair of legs, each of which has a proximal end, a distal end and an inner surface. The proximal ends of the legs are joined to define a hinge. The legs may be forced together onto a tubular vessel such that the inner surfaces of the legs are face-to-face in a closed position. A lock tab protrudes inward from the inner surface near the distal end of one of the legs. A lock slot is provided in the inner surface near the distal end of the other leg. The lock slot receives the lock tab to secure the ligating clip in the closed position. A number of ramp members extend angularly inward from the inner surface of each leg in order to keep the tubular vessel from slipping in the distal direction as the ligating clip is closed. A tool for applying the ligating clip is provided with a cutting blade for severing the vessel after the ligating clip has been applied.

Abstract: A surgical clip with advantageous closure characteristics is disclosed which includes a bail portion having first and second back portions joined at an apex, and rectilinear leg portions extending from the back portions. The apex is preferably characterized by an angle of no more than about 100.degree.. Preferably the outer surface of at least one back portion includes a compression ridge to concentrate the compression force applied by the jaws of the applying instrument to a preselected region of the clip. The legs retain their parallelism while the clip is being closed. Additional features include interlocking ridges and/or projections on one of the legs which engage corresponding recesses on the other leg to enhance clip retention on tissue and to help minimize twisting and/or scissoring of the clip legs during closure.

Abstract: A surgical clip applicator (1) having a handle (2) with an operating device (4) and a shaft tube (6) mounted to the handle (2) is disclosed in which is arranged a connecting rod (8) longitudinally displaceable by the operating device (4) and restorable by spring tension, a clip magazine (12) containing several clips (10) and receivable in the shaft tube (6), and a jaw member (14) for closing the clips (10) at the distal and (16) of the shaft tube (6).

Abstract: A vascular occluder clip including a resiliently-biased pair of clamping elements extending transversely to longitudinally-extending members. Gripping loops or pads are provided for grasping by the user and compression of the members against the biasing force to separate the clamping elements. The gripping loops or pads extend from the longitudinal members on the opposite side thereof from the clamping elements.

Abstract: A ligating clip having surfaces with slanted ramp members for clamping a tubular vessel. The ligating clip includes a pair of legs, each of which has a proximal end, a distal end and an inner surface. The proximal ends of the legs are joined to define a hinge. The legs may be forced together onto a tubular vessel such that the inner surfaces of the legs are face-to-face in a closed position. A lock tab protrudes inward from the inner surface near the distal end of one of the legs. A lock slot is provided in the inner surface near the distal end of the other leg. The lock slot receives the lock tab to secure the ligating clip in the closed position. A number of ramp members extend angularly inward from the inner surface of each leg in order to keep the tubular vessel from slipping in the distal direction as the ligating clip is closed.

Abstract: A radiation-curable prepolymer of a polyurethane endtipped with an hydroxy (acrylate or methacrylate) is disclosed. The polyurethane is derived from the reaction of a polyfunctional isocyanate with a hydrolyzable oligomer of an anhydrous cyclic ester of an hydroxy acid. Crosslinked polymers prepared by irradiating the prepolymers are also disclosed. The crosslinked polymers are bioabsorbable and biocompatible with bodily tissue, yet still maintain the outstanding mechanical properties one would expect from a polyurethane. The prepolymers and crosslinked polymers are especially well-suited for the fabrication of surgical devices, particularly wound closure devices such as surgical staples and clips, in a stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A vessel occluder for providing permanent occlusion of a vessel in a person utilizes a flexible closure member attached to at least one metallic radially expandable, generally tubular shaped stent, the flexible closure member having a generally tubular shaped cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A parallel jaw clip comprises a barrel base and a barrel cap which when joined together forming an outer barrel, a hollow plunger which fits within the outer barrel, and a spring positioned within the hollow plunger. The outer barrel which permits the plunger to slidably move within the outer barrel and return to its original position, a clamping jaw on the barrel cap and the plunger which are parallel to each other and which face each other to grasp an object. Also disclosed is a method for assembling a parallel jaw clip comprising placing a spring within the barrel base, placing a plunger within the barrel base so that the spring is within the hollow interior of the plunger, placing the barrel cap over the plunger and the barrel base, attaching the barrel cap to the base, and positioning the plunger top so that it remains outside the aperture in the barrel cap.

Abstract: A suture fastening device which includes a first member having a base and first and second legs projecting in a lengthwise direction along the base. The legs are parallel to each other and are resiliently biased toward a spaced apart position in relation to each other. A second member is provided and includes an aperture for receiving the first and second legs of the first member. The first and second members are connected by a hinge portion. A suture is held in serpentine fashion by positioning the suture transversely across both legs and locking the first member to the second member by forcing the legs through the aperture.

Abstract: A method of occluding a vessel including: cinching the vessel with a ligature comprising a flexible elongate base structure having a longitudinal axis, a needle end, and a second end, a collar for receiving a needle and affixed elongate base structure, positioned on the second end, and a node for interacting with the collar, the node positioned on the elongate base structure, between the needle and second ends, transverse to the longitudinal axis and having a proximal and a distal edge with respect to the needle end of the flexible elongate base structure, a portion of the node's proximal edge relative the needle end of the flexible elongate base structure being perpendicular to the elongate base structure's longitudinal axis. The method is ideally suited for performing a tubal (fallopian tube) ligation for reproductive control.

Abstract: This laparoscopic tissue retrieval forceps is a non-disposable medical device designed to facilitate the removal of surgical tissue specimens from various body cavities through small incisions. It consists of two separate mirror image members. Each member then consists of a blade portion 10, a shank portion 12, a locking mechanism 14, and a handle portion 16. Blade portion 10 and shank portion 12 are of various sizes to accommodate various sizes of incisions and various body cavities. Blade portion 10 of each member is introduced into a body cavity through a small surgical incision along opposing sides of the surgical tissue specimen or retrieval bag/sac. The two members of the device are joined together at locking mechanism 14. Traction is applied to handle portion 16 of the device to facilitate tissue retrieval.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip for application to body tissue is disclosed which includes opposed leg portions connected by a bail portion with each leg portion having a tissue contacting surface defined thereon. A pair of projections and a pair of recessed areas are defined on each tissue contacting surface and are disposed in an alternating arrangement such that the movement inhibiting structures on one leg portion are in juxtaposed alignment with those on the opposed leg portion.

Abstract: A vascular clamp for occluding a blood vessel or duct in a human or animal. The vascular clamp includes a pair of pivoting arms, with a clamping jaw rigidly attached to a distal end of each pivoting arm. A concave substantially semi-cylindrical chamber is formed in each clamping jaw. The clamping jaws are movable between an open position and a closed position, and are aligned so as to form a substantially cylindrical chamber in the closed position. A balloon is mounted in the concave semi-cylindrical chamber of each clamping jaw. Each balloon includes a substantially semi-cylindrical rigid shell conforming to the concave semi-cylindrical chamber and a thin, elastic material pre-filled with a liquid or gaseous fluid at a predetermined pressure. The balloons are configured to completely surround and occlude the blood vessel or duct in the closed position of the vascular clamp. The rigid shell of each balloon is attached to its associated clamping jaw.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method for treating a varicose vein is provided. Generally, the method includes the opening of at least one small incision through a skin layer of the patient adjacent to the varicose vein. The varicose vein is then at least partially obstructed through the small incision. Thereafter, the incision is closed by conventional techniques. More specifically, the vein is at least partially obstructed by threading a suture through the small incision that extends through at least a portion of the vein. A plurality of small incisions in close proximity with the vein are opened with at least one of the plurality of small incisions being substantially centered over the vein. The suture is threaded through the substantially centered incision so that the suture penetrates through at least a portion of the vein. The suture is then withdrawn through another one of the plurality of small incisions.

Abstract: A minimally invasive percutaneous ligation method for treating a varicose vein is provided. The junction between the varicose vein and the deep veins of the patient's leg are first ligated by conventional techniques. Then, a sterile closure is pierced through a skin layer adjacent to a varicose region of the vein such that at least a portion of the sterile closure remains external to the skin layer. The varicose vein is at least partially obstructed with the sterile closure to promote intentional scarring of the vein. Finally, the sterile closure is removed back through the skin layer after a sufficient amount of scarring of the vein has occurred. The sterile closure may comprise a surgical staple, a pin or a screw.

Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting veins from the body. The methods and devices allow vein harvesting using endoscopic procedures. A working space is created over the vein using standard endoscopic procedures and a side-hooked wire is inserted into the working space and twisted to insert the side-hook under the vein. The wire is then pulled or drawn along the vein to separate the vein from the surrounding tissue. In an alternative embodiment, vein separation is accomplished by threading a soft rubber tube under the vein, grasping the ends of the tube so as to surround the vein, and then pulling the tube along the vein. In other embodiments, the working space is created with everting balloons.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula for insertion into an artery having a main channel fluidly connected to an intra-aortic portion and in fluid connection with an aortic perfusion line of a cardiopulmonary bypass. The cannula includes a first side port to which an extra-aortic balloon pump may be connected or through which an intra-aortic balloon pump may be inserted. Also, there is a blood pressure port which can be connected to a blood pressure monitoring device without removal of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical ligation clip is preformed from a continuous piece of metal wire to assume a shape having a reduced cross-sectional area. A clamping arm of the clip is alternately moveable from a clamped to an unclamped position above a vessel support member. A tension coil joins the vessel support member to the clamping arm and provides the hemostatic clamping force from the clip to the targeted blood vessel.

Abstract: An aortic valve supporting device having an annular portion located around a central axis with stenting arms extending axially from the annular portion. A hiatus is formed in the annular portion to permit the annular portion and the stenting arms to be positioned around the aorta with the stenting arms in position to apply a supporting force to the aortic valve.

Abstract: An atraumatic occluder for the temporary occlusion of tubular vessels in the human body. The occluder includes a first jaw and a second jaw, each of which have a pressure face. A mounting member joins the jaws so that the pressure faces are opposed to one another. Spacer members are located on at least one of the pressure faces and rise to a known height above the pressure face so as to contact the other pressure face when the jaws are brought together. The height of the spacer members is approximately equal to twice the wall thickness of a vessel to be clamped so that the vessel is compressed and its lumen closed to flow when the spacer members make contact with the pressure face. A plurality of spacer members are spaced from one another along the pressure faces so as to prevent a vessel held therebetween from slipping from the jaws. The spacer members are spaced from one another at least and approximately the width of the vessel to be clamped.

Abstract: The present invention features a device to prevent the unwanted flow of urine in incontinent human males. This penile clamp is designed to provide safety and comfort to the user, while restricting involuntary urine flow. This device includes a cushioned, easily disinfected clamp that is hinged at one end and provided with an adjustable tensioning closure device at its other end. Designed as a hinged clamshell, the penis clamp is easily openable by one-handed pressure release. This screw-type adjustment is easily set and is easily disassembled by a quick-release apparatus. While the clamp can be closed over the penis of an incontinent male to prevent urination, it does not appreciably restrict blood flow therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for performing less-invasive surgical procedures within a body cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a system and method for temporarily occluding a blood vessel in an arterial graft in a thoracoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. The system comprises a clamp (2) and an introducer (1) for introducing the clamp through a percutaneous penetration into the body cavity and applying the clamp to a tissue structure such as a blood vessel. The clamp has a pair of movable jaws (65, 67) coupled to one another, each jaw having a distal portion for engaging the tissue structure and a proximal portion having a camming surface (66, 68). The introducer has a longitudinal shaft (3) with a clamp engaging member (25) slidably coupled to the distal end of the shaft for releasably holding the clamp. A handle (11) is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-pulmonary embolism filter of the pe made of a remanent spring effect resilient wire, characterized in that it is shaped into a spiral (1) having three non-touching turns (2, 3, 4) with the middle turn (3) having a diameter (d3) greater than the diameters (d2, d4) of the other two turns, and in that this diameter (d3) is selected to be close to the half-circumference of the vena cava in the zone where the filter is to be implanted so as to ensure that the function of holding the filter in place by flattening of the vena cava is optimized.

Abstract: A clip for use in surgery which comprises a lower and an upper portion interconnected by a flexible bridge portion wherein the lower clip portion has at its free end a pin with pointed end extending toward the upper clip portion and the upper clip portion has at its free end a rounded protector nose and has, adjacent thereto, an opening adapted to receive and engage the pin when the upper and lower clip portions are pressed together and the bridge portion is deformable at two points essentially at right angles such that, upon final deformation of the bridge portion, with the clip closed the lower and upper clip portions extend essentially parallel and are, at the bridge portion closer together than they are by simply closing the clip before the final deformation of the bridge portion.

Abstract: A blood vessel clamp has a pair of arms (2,4) each supporting a respective jaw (8,12). The arms are pivotally interconnected by a box joint (26) formed by an intermediate portion (22) of one arm (2) extending through a slot in an intermediate portion of the other arm (4) and imprisoned therein by a pivot pin (28). The internal wall of the slot is provided with a protrusion (30) at a location remote from the pin (28) such that as a part (32) of the intermediate arm (22) enters the slot during the last stages of closure of the jaws (8, 12) it engages the protrusion (30) and forces the opposite walls of the slot apart against their own resilience. This creates an increase stiffness in the joint (26) so that the jaws will remain in any desired position until a predetermined force is applied to over the stiffness whereupon they can be moved to a new position.

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 asesmbly in place and the handles against movement should the clip carrier be empty.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip for application to body tissue is disclosed which includes opposed leg portions connected by a bail portion with each leg portion having a tissue contacting surface defined thereon. A pair of projections and a pair of recessed areas are defined on each tissue contacting surface and are disposed in an alternating arrangement such that the movement inhibiting structures on one leg portion are in juxtaposed alignment with those on the opposed leg portion.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip is provided for application to body tissue which includes a clip body defining first and second opposed leg portions and a connecting bail portion. The leg portions each have an elongated tissue contacting surface defined thereon. The tissue contacting surface on the first leg portion has a longitudinally extending tongue formed thereon. The tissue contacting surface on the second leg portion has a longitudinally extending groove formed therein. The tongue and groove are asymmetrically disposed with respect to one another such that, upon approximation of the first and second leg portions, the tongue and groove cooperate in such a manner as to securely clamp body tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is provided which is adapted to be secured in a closed position about body tissue by a fastener-applying instrument. The surgical fastener comprises first and second leg members, each having distal and proximal ends. A resilient hinge connects the first and second leg members at their proximal ends. A latch mechanism is associated with the distal ends of the first and second leg members for locking the first and second leg members in a closed position about the body tissue. Lateral extensions are provided on the first and second leg members for engaging with the fastener-applying instrument to allow the instrument to move the first and second leg members toward one another until the latch mechanism locks the first and second leg members in a closed position about the body tissue. The first leg member and its associated lateral extensions and the second leg member and its associated lateral extensions may each define a substantially T-shaped, trapezoidal or bell-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A temporary clip for controlling blood flow comprises a balloon for exerting clipping or clip-releasing force when inflated. A tube is connected to the balloon to inject into or sucks fluid from the balloon to inflate or deflate the balloon. The fluid pressure in the balloon is remote-controlled.

Abstract: A ring-handled bypass clamp provide a spoon-shaped blade insertable through a temporary incision in the ascending aorta and a cooperating ring positionable on the exterior of the aorta opposite to the blade. An aortotomy is performed on the portion of the aorta wall inside the ring to provide an annular portion of the wall to which a graft is sutured.

Abstract: A surgical clip for occluding an anatomical structure is disclosed. The clip has a hinge portions and at least three legs projecting from the hinge portion with a slot portion present between at least two of the legs. The hinge portion affords easy removal of the clip.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in a ligating procedure in which a looped suture is slidably secured by a securement member. In a preferred embodiment a loop is formed in a suture and the end of the suture is slidably secured relative to the suture body portion by a shrinkable tubing. One or more slip knots are contemplated within or adjacent the shrinkable tubing. The second suture end may be secured to a shaft member in a traditional manner.

Abstract: A vessel occluder for providing permanent occlusion of a vessel in a person utilizes a flexible closure member attached to at least one metallic radially expandable, generally tubular shaped stent, the flexible closure member having a generally tubular shaped cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A latchless surgical clip provides effective hemostasis while avoiding or minimizing the risk of injury to the tissue site to which the clip is applied. The clip includes a hinge region having an elastic spring back property so that the legs are spread apart to engage opposing sides of the tissue and then released to return to their tissue clamping (closed) position. A method for forming the latchless surgical clip and a fixture for use therein are also described.

Abstract: A surgical clip 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 and firmly holds the duct in place by capturing the duct between upper and lower arms of the clip.