Importance

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Abstract

A surgical clip and method for anastomosing a gastrointestinal tract, the clip being formed at least partly of a shape memory alloy, the clip including: a first length of a wire defining a closed geometrical shape having a central opening; a second length of a wire defining a closed geometrical shape similar in configuration and magnitude to that of the first length of wire, wherein, when placed in side-by-side registration, the first and second lengths of wire fully overlap; an intermediate portion located between the first length of wire and the second length of wire, the intermediate portion formed of a shape memory alloy; a cutting element associated with the first length of wire; a counter element associated with the second length of wire and arranged for cutting engagement with the cutting element; wherein when at a first temperature or higher, the first and second lengths of wire are positioned in a side-by-side closed position and the shape memory alloy is in an elastic state, and further, when at a second temperature or lower, below the first temperature, the shape memory alloy is in a plastic state, thereby enabling the first and second lengths of wire to be moved into and to retain a spaced apart position, and upon heating of the clip to a temperature at least equal to the first temperature, the first and second lengths of wire return to the side-by-side closed position, thereby to apply a compressive force to tissue located therebetween.

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First Claim