Sealing Clip, Delivery Systems, and Methods

Abstract

A sealing clip for sealing or holding punctures or openings in tissue closed is applied from the inner surface of the tissue. A delivery apparatus is used to releasably hold the clip in one configuration for introduction of the clip through the puncture or opening and expand the clip to a more open configuration for pulling the clip through the tissue as the delivery apparatus is retracted. Further retraction of the delivery apparatus causes the edges of the tissue surrounding the opening to move along the clip and come together after which the clip is released and closed to hold the tissue edges of the opening together. In the case where the clip has a memory set closed shape, the clip returns toward that shape after being released to hold the tissue edges of the opening together, thereby holding the opening closed.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . Surgical clip delivery apparatus for delivering a surgical clip, said apparatus comprising:
 a body member having an opening adapted to allow said surgical clip to pass therethrough for release thereof; a clip holder disposed in said body and adapted to releasably hold said surgical clip; and   a controller having multiple actuator engaging surfaces disposed in said body member, said multiple surfaces configured to engage said clip actuators to adjust the force that the biasing member applies to said clip.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein said controller has a slot formed therein which is adapted to receive said elongated member. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein said controller slot is arranged so that said actuators engage at least two of said engaging surfaces when the elongated member of said surgical clip is positioned in said slot. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein said body member has a distal end and a proximal end and said body member opening comprises a slot, which is formed in said body member and extends from said distal end, said body slot being aligned with said controller slot. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein said engaging surfaces include sloped surfaces. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein said engaging surfaces further include parallel surfaces. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 16  further including tissue piercing member removal mechanisms coupled to said body member, said tissue piercing removal mechanisms having portions adapted to capture tissue piercing members when coupled to said clip. 
     
     
         23 . A surgical system for closing an opening in tissue comprising:
 a self-dosing clip as described in claim  1 ;   a body member having an opening adapted to allow said surgical clip to pass therethrough for release thereof;   a clip holder disposed in said body member and adapted to releasably hold said surgical clip; and   a controller having multiple actuator engaging surfaces disposed in said body member, said multiple surfaces configured to engage said clip actuators to adjust the force that the biasing member applies to said clip.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  wherein said controller has a slot formed therein which is adapted to receive said elongated member. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 24  wherein said controller slot is arranged so that said actuators engage at least two of said engaging surfaces when the elongated member of, said surgical clip is positioned in said slot. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25  wherein said body member has a distal end and a proximal end and said body member opening comprises a slot, which is formed in said body member and extends from said distal end, said body slot being aligned with said controller slot. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 23  wherein said engaging surfaces include sloped surfaces. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27  said engaging surfaces further include parallel surfaces. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 27  further including tissue piercing member removal mechanisms coupled to said body member, said tissue piercing removal mechanisms having portions adapted to capture tissue piercing members when coupled to said clip. 
     
     
         30 . A surgical system for closing an opening in tissue comprising:
 an elongated body member having a proximal end and a distal end adapted for introduction into a tissue opening, said elongated body member further having an opening therein; and   a surgical clip having ends, an open configuration and a closed configuration, said surgical clip being releasable’ coupled to said elongated body member and arranged so that when in said open configuration said clip ends extend from said elongated body opening at diametrically opposed portions of said body member and generally point toward the proximal end of said body member so that when said body member is introduced into the tissue opening and the surgical clip moved to said open configuration, the ends of said surgical clip can penetrate the tissue adjacent the opening-therein when the body member is retracted.   
     
     
         31 .- 38 . (canceled)