Importance

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Abstract

A surgical clip applier for use in applying ligation as well as fixation surgical clips or fasteners to a vessel or other tissue at a surgical site. The clip applier includes an elongated hollow outer body having a proximal end attached to an actuating mechanism and a distal end. A pair of generally opposing jaws are coupled to the distal end of the outer body and are configured with guide slots for receiving a surgical clip. Means are provided for advancing a clip from within the outer body into the guide slots. Movement of the actuating mechanism moves the jaws between an open position, a first closed position and a second and fully closed position. The jaws are placed over a section of tissue and closed to the first closed position such that the tissue is compressed. The clip site is tested for proper ligation, and if acceptable, a clip is advanced into the jaw members. A pair of shims are moved distally within the elongated outer body and inserted between the guide slots and the clip such that the clip is compressed over the tissue. The jaws are then moved to the second closed position to fully compress the clip over the tissue and the shims withdrawn. A V-shaped surgical clip of the present invention is provided in a semi-closed configuration to minimize the required overall outer diameter or width of the surgical clip applier.

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First Claim