Surgical clip having compliant portion

Abstract

A clip is provided that can be used for ligating tissue, such as vessels, other tubular ducts, and the like. The clip has opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of each leg member is connected by an apex. The clip has a compliant portion formed on the inner surface of at least one of the first and second leg members. The compliant portion can fill gaps left by springback of the clip after formation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical clip, comprising:
 a. a rigid portion comprising a pair of opposed first and second leg members having proximal and distal ends with a knee portion formed therebetween;   b. an apex having opposed ends joining the proximal ends of said first and second leg members; and   c. a compliant portion formed on an inner surface of at least one of said first and second leg members, wherein said compliant portion is more compliant than said rigid portion.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said compliant portion fills a gap created between said first and second leg members when said first and second leg members are deformed towards each other into a formed position. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said surgical clip defines a longitudinal centerline, and said compliant portion comprises a plurality of ribs extending away from said inner surface towards said longitudinal centerline. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical clip of  claim 3 , wherein said plurality of ribs extends from said first and said second leg members, and at least a portion of said plurality of ribs interlocks when said surgical clip is in a formed position. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical clip of  claim 4 , wherein said gap has a varying width, and a first portion of said plurality of ribs interlocks and a second portion of said plurality of ribs deform. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said compliant portion is less compliant than tissue to which said surgical clip is applicable. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said one of first and second leg members comprises a groove extending along a portion thereof and said compliant portion is overmolded onto said one of first and second leg members utilizing said groove. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said compliant portion is created from an absorbable material. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said compliant portion is created from a material that swells in the presence of moisture. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said compliant portion has a compliance that varies with the amount of compression undergone by said compliant portion. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical clip of  claim 1 , wherein said compliant portion has a compliance that varies along a longitudinal length of said one of first and second leg members upon which said compliant portion is formed.