Patent attributes
A laparoscopic clip applier can have a geared clip feed mechanism and a direct jaw clamping mechanism to provide smooth operation over a clip application stroke of a movable handle. The geared clip feed mechanism can include an idler gear and two drive gear racks to advance a feed slider feeding a clip to a jaw assembly. The two drive gear racks can be positioned to provide different gearing during clip feed and firing portions of the clip application stroke, allowing efficient packaging of the clip feed mechanism. A spring can rapidly withdraw the feed slider once the clip has been fed and before clamping begins. The movable handle can have a direct connection to a clamping slider to enhance user feedback during clamping of the clip. After clamping the clip, the movable handle can also assist in returning the clamping slider to an initial position for firing another clip.
