Patent attributes
A surgical clip applying apparatus comprises an actuator device, a pair of opposing jaws, and an elongate assembly interposed therebetween. A clip driving device disposed in the elongate assembly is actuated by the actuator device to sequentially drive clips through the elongate assembly into engagement with the jaws. A clip control element is disposed in the elongate assembly at a distal end thereof. The clip control element comprises first, second, and third clip control surfaces. The first clip control surface contacts a first end of a clip to cause the clip to rotate about the first end. The second and third clip control surfaces receive a second end of the clip therebetween prior to the clip being driven into engagement with the jaws. A chicane is provided near the distal end of the elongate assembly to provide a diverting path for clips so that as one clip is being rotated, the next clip can be further advanced without contacting the rotating clip.
