Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus is provided for applying a surgical clamp during endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures which includes a handle portion, an endoscopic portion extending longitudinally from the handle portion, and a surgical clamp detachably mounted adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The surgical clamp includes opposed cooperating jaw members which are movable between an initially closed position and an open position. Structure is associated with the endoscopic portion of the apparatus for detachably engaging the surgical clamp and a mechanism is provided for moving the opposed cooperating jaws between the initially closed position and the open position and for moving the engaging structure between a disengaged position and an engaged position. Preferably, a distal end portion of the endoscopic portion of the apparatus is adapted to articulate relative the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic portion for increasing the range of operability of the apparatus during surgical procedures.

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First Claim