CLIP APPLIER CARTRIDGE WITH INTERNAL RATCHET

摘要

A clip applier (10) for applying a surgical clip (26) in a patient comprising a disposable cartridge (12) and a reusable actuating mechanism (14). The cartridge includes an elongate tube (12) having a proximal end and a distal end, a pair of opposing jaw members (34) extending outwardly from the distal end of the elongate tube, and a one-way ratchet mechanism providing a full actuating stroke. The actuating mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate tube to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. The ratchet mechanism may be formed from injection molded plastic. The cartridge further comprises a push member (24) for advancing the clip into the jaw members, a biasing spring (22) for maintaining the push member against the clip, and a drive coupling (38) operatively connected to a sliding ratchet pawl for engaging with mating teeth formed on an inner surface of the elongate tube, wherein the ratchet pawl (4) includes a cantilever arm (46) that engages with the mating teeth (44), and wherein the drive coupling provides a central connection of the ratchet pawl allowing pivoting and improved seating of the mating teeth.