MULTIPLE CLIP APPLIER APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A surgical clip applier (10) includes a train of clips (59) disposed in a plane with a single clip (57) removed from the train of clips (59) and disposed in a staging position. A pair of jaws (18) are adapted to receive the single clip (57) from the staging position by operation of a jaw loader (101) moveable outside the plane of the train of clips (59). In an associate method, a handle assembly (14) is provided, which is moveable in an open stroke and a closed stroke. A source (12) of surgical clips are provided along with a pair of jaws (18) which are adapted to receive one of the clips (57). As the handle assembly (14) is moved in an open stroke, the jaws (18) are opened to receive the clip (57). Following the opening of the jaws (18), a jaw loader (101) is extended to a position between the jaws (18) to move the clip (57) into the jaws (18). The handle assembly (14) is moveable in a closed stroke during which the jaws (18) are closed to crimp the clip (57).Prior to this closing of the jaws (18), the jaw loader (101) is retracted from the position between the jaws (18) leaving the clip (57) in the jaws (18).