Importance

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Abstract

A method and a repeating instrument are provided for applying a plurality of ligating clips seriatim. Handles are provided for closing a pair of jaws which are normally biased to an open position. A circular magazine is mounted for rotation on the instrument behind the jaws and holds a plurality of clips in a spaced-apart circular array. A flexible pusher member is provided for pushing a clip out of the magazine and into the jaws when the handles are closed. The flexible pusher member is wound on a wheel which is driven by a gear engaged with a gear segment on one of the handles of the instrument. Partial closure of the handles initially withdraws a flexible pusher member from the jaws. Subsequent further closure of the handles acts through a ratchet and pawl mechanism to rotate the magazine to present a new clip in position behind the jaws and in front of the retracted flexible pusher member. At the same time, the jaws of the instrument are squeezed to latch the clip closed about tissue. Subsequent opening of the handles causes the flexible pusher member to be advanced from the magazine to position the new open clip at the jaws.

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First Claim