MXPA98004572A - Single-fire ligation clip module - Google Patents

Abstract

A clip module (23) comprises:a module housing (32) which forms a cavity having first and second channels (72, 74) therein to house a ligation clip (26) and a pusher (34);a Y-shaped clip track (28) having two arms and a U-shaped clip body (30) with a slot for slidably engaging the clip track (28) and closing the arms of the clip track (28) about a vessel during application by the applicator (92);a frustoconical section (50) with opposing tapered beveled portions (66) that enhance visibility along the longitudinal axis of the module housing (32) and a reduced diameter section (52) for attachment to the applicator (92). In operation, module (23) is attached to the applicator (92) wherein an advancing element of the applicator (92) forces the pusher (34) inside the module housing (32). The pusher (34) then engages the clip body (30) which slides over the clip track (28) to ligate the vessel between two arms of the track (28).

Description

MODULE FOR LIFTING ON A SINGLE MOVEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to a medical instrument for use with a surgical applicator of ligation clips. More particularly, the invention is directed to a unitary single-movement module for housing a two-part ligation clamp for securing and closing a two-part ligation clamp around a vessel to be occluded.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE TECHNIQUE A surgical ligation staple is used to compress a cut blood vessel to stop blood flow. The one-movement module of the present invention is particularly designed to house and apply a two part surgical ligation staple. The first part generally comprises a clip or track in the shape of a Y having two arms extended to be placed around a vessel to be linked. The second part is a U-shaped staple body with an extended slot for slidable engagement of the track and closure of the arms of the staple track around the cup. The ligation clips REF: 27701 of this type are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,590,937 and U.S. Patent No. 5,306,283, which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and are incorporated herein by reference. There are many types of modules known for use with mechanical applicators to close a conventional ligation clamp around a vessel. The module can be attached to the distal end of a mechanical applicator by a spring-loaded fastener, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,354,304 or another type of fastening means which unusually fixes the module to the applicator. Several examples of other known applicators include the so-called push-pull type, which uses a plunger or a piston, or a fulcrum-type applicator having a handle similar to scissors or similar to pliers. U.S. Patent No. 5,354,304 describes a preferred single-movement mechanical applicator for use with the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent No. 5,354,304 further discloses a single movement module of the prior art for housing the two-part ligation staple prior to its application. The prior art module retains the staple track of the ligation staple in a stationary position as a pusher at the proximal end of the module moves the body of the slide clamp of the ligation staple forward in order to compress the staple track around a patient's glass. The prior art module comprises two substantially identical cartridge halves which are joined together by integral alignment pins which align the two halves together so that the two halves can be welded together during manufacture. The upper and lower metal fasteners, each have an integral spring and rotating supports in opposition, and are housed within the middle portion of the module and rotate in the holes formed in each cartridge half. The integral springs press against the projections that are also formed within each cartridge half and propel the proximal ends of the metal fasteners towards each other so that each of the metal fasteners is compressively housed within the module. The prior art impeller is also provided in the opening of the proximal end of the module for driving the two-part ligation clamp when the applicator is operated by the user. The fasteners are also provided with a V-shaped end portion which engages opposite grooves formed on both sides of the prior art impeller to retain the impeller within the cartridge housing. Although the prior art module provides an efficient and advantageous means to occlude a vessel with a two-part ligation staple., several disadvantages remain. The prior art module is expensive to manufacture because the different parts must be manufactured and placed together during assembly. Specifically, metal fasteners with their cantilevered compression springs are expensive to manufacture and require time to assemble within the previous module since they must be done manually. In addition, the prior art module tends to get stuck because the metal fasteners are improperly assembled or because of defects that occur during the manufacture of the metal fasteners. Finally, the module of the prior art has a broad profile along its longitudinal axis which can block or interfere with the view of the user of the vessel during the application of the two-part clasp, with the applicator. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a one-piece, unitary module to house and apply a ligation staple "in which the module is of a single unit design with no separate parts therein. the need in the art for a one-piece module that is less expensive to manufacture and requires little or no assembly during manufacturing Finally, there is also a need for a one-piece module housing having a low profile that allows a clearer view of the vessel during ligation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved ligation staple module for receiving a ligation staple. Another object of the present invention is to provide a module for housing a two-part ligation clamp, and more particularly, two-part ligation clamps of the type described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,590,937 and 5,306,283. A further object of the present invention is to provide a module for attachment to a ligation clip applier, and more particularly, a ligation clip applier of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 5,354,304. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a module housing of unitary design and fabrication which does not require manual blowing during manufacture and uses fewer parts for its manufacture. Another additional objective of the present invention is to provide a module that is less expensive to manufacture. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a module that does not become lodged during the application of the ligation clip to a vessel during ligation. Another additional objective of the present invention is to provide a module that forms a low profile for better observation along its longitudinal axis. According to one aspect of the invention, a module for mounting a two-part ligation clamp comprises a unitary module housing, a retaining means formed as a cartridge housing part for retaining a first part of the ligation clamp in a stationary position, and a sliding means, also housed in the cartridge housing, for driving a second part of the ligation clip around the first part during application. Therefore, the present invention provides a module for mounting the ligation staple in an applicator.

Preferably, the module is manufactured primarily from hard flexible plastic or other similar inexpensive and disposable material. In addition, the different module sizes for mounting ligation clips of variable size can be interchangeably connected to the same reusable applicator. The module is connected to an elongated and slender hollow body that houses a slidable advancer. A manual assembly connected to the other end of the body drives the advancer to slide it axially inside the body and to couple the impeller placed in the module. The module retains the staple track of the ligation staple in a stationary position as the pusher pushes the slidable staple body forward to compress the staple track around a vessel. These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the ligation staple module of the prior art; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ligation staple module according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective side view of the module housing according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the module housing according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the module housing according to the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the module housing according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the ligation staple module according to the present invention together with a partial perspective of the distal end of the prior art ligation stapler applicator; Figure 8 is a side elevational view, partly in vertical cross section of the ligation stapler applicator of the prior art illustrating the manner in which the ligation staple module according to the present invention is attached to the portion of the stapler. applicator neck; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ligation staple module showing a perspective view of the ligation staple and the impeller in the initial position after assembly according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ligation staple module showing a perspective view of the ligation staple and the impeller with the ramps of the fastener coupled with the curved surface of the impeller according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ligation staple module showing a perspective view of the ligation staple and the impeller with the fully assembled and released ligation staple, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the ligation staple module showing the perspective view of the ligation staple and the impeller with the module in the "through-shot" position, in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As indicated above, the module 23 of the single-motion ligation clamp of the present invention is specifically designed to house and apply a ligation clamp of two parts of the types described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,590,937 and 5,306,283, both which are incorporated herein by reference. For convenience, however, the invention will be described with reference to the two-part ligation staple described in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,283. In addition, the module 23 of the present invention can be used with the ligation clip applier described in U.S. Patent No. 5,354,304, which is also incorporated herein by reference. Figure 1 shows the single movement ligation staple module of the prior art and comprises a cartridge housing 10 including first and second substantially identical halves 12 and 14 that are joined by integral alignment bolt engagement. (not shown) in a cartridge half and otherwise soldering or fixing the halves 12 and 14 together. The first and second fasteners 16 and 18 each have first and second integral springs 20 and 22, respectively, and rotating supports 19 in opposition which rotate in the holes 21 in both cartridge halves 12 and 14. The first and second integral springs 20 and 22 press against the inner surface of each cartridge half and drive the proximal ends of the fasteners 16 and 18 toward each other. The first and second fasteners 16 and 18 further include holding holes 17 at their distal end which are connected to a post 36 of the ligation staple 26. The ligation staple 26 comprises a U-shaped staple body 30 slidably connected to a Y-shaped staple track 28 through the post 36 which is located at the apex of the staple track 28. The post 36 extends and joins the holes 17 of the first and second fasteners 18 and 20. The attachment of the holes 17 to the post 36 keeps the staple track 28 stationary when the staple track 28 is removed within the body 30 of Snap during the application. An impeller 24 of the prior art travels on a track provided in the opposite halves 12 and 14 of the cartridge. The impeller 24 contacts against the proximal end of the clasp body 30 in the initial assembled condition within the cartridge housing 10 and is used to urge the staple body 30 onto the staple track 28 when it is actuated by the staple applicator 92. of ligation during ligation.

In Figure 2 a module 23 according to the present invention is shown. The module 23 comprises a housing 32 of unitary module comprising a section 50 in the form of a truncated cone and a section 52 of reduced diameter. During manufacture, the impeller 34 is positioned within the cavity 65 at the proximal end of the housing 32 of the module. The impeller 34 comprises a bevelled front end 40 at its distal end, and a rear portion 48 at its proximal end. Opposed radius surfaces 44 are formed in the upper and lower portions of the impeller 34 while fins 42 are laterally opposed at an acute angle from the side portions of the impeller 34. In addition, a pair of flanges 46 located at the proximal end of the impeller 34 extend from the top and bottom of the impeller 34. Finally, a ligation staple 26 is attached as described above to the distal end of the impeller 26 during manufacture. A more detailed description of the module housing 32 is shown in Figures 3 to 5. The module housing 32 is of unitary construction in contrast to the construction of two parts of the cartridge housing 10 of the prior art. The module housing 32 is preferably made of polycarbonate, however, any hard plastic material suitable for receiving and applying a ligation staple is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the truncated cone-shaped section 50 of the module housing 32 has opposite beveled and tapered portions 66, each forming an opposite fastener 54 with the distal end of each fastener 54 forming an orifice. 62 in it. Preferably, the module housing 32 has two opposing fasteners 54, although in alternative embodiments, the housing 32 may have one fastener or more than two fasteners. The distal end of the truncated cone-shaped section 50 also forms opposite extending arms 38 which are in perpendicular relationship with the fasteners 54. As can be seen again in Figure 2, the distal end of the extended arms 38 includes tips. 68 opposed forming ridges that produce a channel 41. The channel 41 serves to protect the staple track 28 housed therein during the application of the ligation staple 26. The reduced diameter section 52 of the module housing 32 has a bevelled rear end 70 and two opposed transverse grooves 56 that are diametrically opposed to each other along the distal portion of the reduced diameter section 52. The transverse slots 56 are used to attach the module 23 to an applicator 92 ligation clips, as will be explained in more detail in the following. As can be seen in Figure 4, a side view of the module housing 32 shows the opposed fasteners 54 of the truncated cone-shaped section 50 having an upper profile as compared to the opposite bevelled portions 66. The section 50 in the form of a truncated cone has a shape that tapers gradually along substantially its entire length toward its distal end. This gradual tapering of the truncated cone-shaped section 50 in combination with the beveled portions 66 allows a clearer observation along the longitudinal axis of the module 23 while observing its distal end since the beveled portions 66 of the cut-off portions of the Section 50 would normally obstruct vision along this particular axis. The opposite transverse grooves 56 of the reduced diameter section 52 include each window 60 which extends into the cavity 65 of the housing 32 of the module. Diametrically opposed groove guides 58 are formed on the outer surface of the reduced diameter section 52 and are used to properly orient the module 23 during the attachment of the module 23 to the ligation stapler applicator 92.

As shown in Figure 5, the distal end of the module housing 32 shows the slot guides 58 in diametrically opposed positions around the reduced diameter section 52. A rear opening 64 is interposed between the two guides 58 and has a cross-like configuration leading to the interior of the cavity 65 within the housing 32 of the module. The cross-like configuration of the rear opening 64 is shaped to receive the driver 34 during assembly of the module 23, wherein the driver 34 is inserted into the rear opening 64 until the opposite fins 42 of the driver 34 engage the the respective opposition windows 60 in the module housing 32. As can be seen in Figure 6, the cavity 65 forms a first larger channel 72 towards the rear opening 64 of the housing 32 of the module which is in communication with a second smaller channel 74 at the distal end of the housing 32. The first larger channel 72 includes a conduit channel 80 that slidably engages the opposed fins 42 of the impeller 34 and a track 35 that also slidably engages the flanges 46 of the impeller 34. Opposite windows 60 are provided on the side walls of the actuator. section 52 of reduced diameter and form an opening that allows observation of the cavity 65 from diametrically opposite positions around the section 32 of reduced diameter. During assembly of the module 23, the impeller 34 is inserted into the rear opening 64 of the module housing 32 until the opposite fins 42 engage the respective opposite windows 60. In this orientation, the opposite fins 42 prevent backward movement of the impeller 34 so that the impeller 34 can not be removed from the module housing 32 through the rear opening 64. In addition, the junction between the first larger channel 72 and the second smaller channel 74 form a shoulder 78 which is designed to be in contact with the flanges 46 of the driver 34 during the application of the ligation clip 36 and prevent any further movement forward of the impeller 34 therethrough. The integral fasteners 54 form the upper and lower portions of the second smaller channel 74 while the extension arms 38 of the truncated cone-shaped section 52 form the side portions of the channel 74. As shown again in FIG. slots 55 separate the lateral and upper and lower portions of the second smaller channel 74 formed between the integral fasteners 54 and the extended arms 38. The inner portion of the second smaller channel 74 formed by the integral fasteners 54 also includes opposite clamping ramps 76 which further restrict the size of the channel 74 leading to a front opening 73 of the housing 32 of the module. Figure 7 illustrates the method of joining the module 23 to the ligation stapler applicator 92 of the prior art. The ligation clip applier 92 connects the module 23 to a hollow body 88 of the applicator 92. This connection is made in a specific orientation controlled by the arrangement of the slot guides 58 which are positioned in diametrically opposite positions around the section 52 of reduced diameter. One of the two slot guides 58 must be properly aligned with a guide (not shown) formed on the inner surface of the hollow body 88 of the ligation clip applier 92 so that the module 23 is attached to the applicator 92. An orientation Inadequacy of the slot guide 58 will prevent any connection between the module 23 and the ligation stapler applicator 92. The body 88 also includes a spring-loaded fastener 86 that is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 90 positioned on the body wall 88. The distal end of the hollow body 88 is provided with a ratchet 84. The reduced diameter section 52 is placed inside the open distal end of the hollow body 88. To fix the module 23 in the hollow body 88, the proximal end of the clip 86 loaded with a spring is pressed downward to lift the pawl 84, as shown by dashed lines in Figure 8. The module 23 is then inserted and the spring-loaded clip 86 is released in a manner that the pawl 84 retains the transverse groove 56 in the reduced diameter section 52 to securely secure the module 23 to the distal end of the hollow body 88. Advantageously, the ratchet 84 can be provided with a cam surface 82 that is raised on, the proximal end of the reduced diameter section 52 of the module housing 32. In this way, the cam surface 82 of the ratchet 84 is automatically guided to the slot 56 when the module is inserted into the hollow body 88. An additional discussion related to the joining of module 23 is found in U.S. Patent No. 5,354,304, previously incorporated by reference. Figure 9 shows the ligation staple 36 loaded in the module housing 32 and ready to be placed by the ligation stapler applicator 92. The ligation clip 36 is of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 4,590,937 and more specifically in U.S. Patent No. 5,306,283. As explained in detail in the '283 patent, the ligation staple 36 is closed by removing the staple track 28 in the staple body 30 so that the legs 31 of the body 30 propel the extensions 29 of the track 28 to join. The staple body 30 slides inside and is fixed within the conduit channel 80 within the module housing 32. The driving channel 80 is defined by straight projections on both sides of the module housing 32. As briefly described in the foregoing, a post 36 extends from the clip track 28 and is configured to engage in the holes 62 of the clip formed at the distal ends of the integral fasteners 54. In the loaded position shown in Figure 9, the staple body 30 is positioned within the conduit channel 80 and the Y-shaped staple track 28 projects into the opposite arms 38 and the tips 68 extended into the module housing 32, only one of which is shown in Figure 9. Opposite arms 38 of the module housing 32 can be used to manipulate tissue when the ligation staple 26 is placed around a vessel to be ligated. The staple track 28 is also held stationary by the post 36 which is in contact with the holes 62 of the fastener in the fasteners 54 during manufacture. In the loaded position, the impeller 34 is placed behind, and in contact with the staple body 30, and the opposite fins 42 engage within the windows 60 in such a way that the detachment of the impeller 34 through the rear opening 64 of the module housing 32. In Figure 10, the ligation staple 26 is shown in a position around a vessel to be ligated after the applicator 92 of the ligation staple has been actuated. During actuation, the cylindrical portion 83 of the ligation stapler applicator 92 contacts the rear portion 48 of the impeller 34, thereby urging the impeller 34 forward so that the beveled front end 40 of the impeller 34 makes contact with the driver. proximal end of the staple body 30 while at the same time contacting the fastener ramps 76 of the opposite fasteners 54. The advance of the impeller 34 also decouples the opposite fins 42 from the windows 60. Confound me the impeller 34 moves forward, the opposite fins 42 move in the conduit channel 80. In this position, the ligation staple 26 is almost completely assembled and the glass is almost completely bound. In Figure 11, the ligation staple 26 has now been completely assembled, and the post 36 is decoupled from the holes 62 of the fastener of the opposite fasteners 54., thereby freeing the staple 26 from the module housing 32. The release is carried out by the curved surfaces 44 of the impeller 34 which contact the ramps 76 of the fastener as the impeller 34 is propelled forward, through the cavity 65 by the cylindrical portion 83. This engagement of the curved surfaces 44 against the ramps 76 of the fastener lever the opposing fasteners 54 and release the post 36 from the staple body 30 from the fastening holes 62. During decoupling of the ligation staple 26, the flanges 46 of the impeller 34 contact the shoulder 78 of the first larger channel 72, thereby stopping the forward movement of the impeller 34. After the release of the staple 26 ligation, the ligation stapler applicator 92 may still have a sufficient residual drive to remain on the trigger (not shown) of the applicator 92, especially if the user does not fully pull the trigger during actuation. This condition places the ligation stapler applicator 92 in the "through firing" mode, whereby the user can further press the trigger of the applicator 92 and apply residual drive to the module 23. In this way, the cylindrical portion 83 of the applicator will drive the impeller 34 further through the second smaller channel 74, so that the flanges 46 of the impeller 34 are wedged through the smaller opening of the second smaller channel 74, beyond the flange 78.

As illustrated in Figure 12, the "through-firing" mode of the applicator 92 of the ligation clips causes the flanges 46 of the impeller 34 to be bent inwardly as the flanges 46 are driven through a smaller opening in the second. channel 74 smaller. As the impeller is forcedly forced through the second smaller channel 74, the bent flanges 46 are permanently lodged against the side walls of the channel 74 and the further advancement of the impeller 34 is stopped. The impeller housing 34 within the second smaller channel 74 prevents the driver 34 from being ejected through the front opening 73 of the housing 32 of the module and causing possible injury to the patient or the user. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that the module 23 is constructed in any suitable size and configuration commensurate with the above description to place different types and sizes of ligation clips. Preferably, the module 23 of the present invention is adapted to accommodate and apply any ligation clamp from 8 mm to 12 mm used to ligate a vessel. Although a preferred and specific embodiment of the present invention has been described in great detail in the foregoing, it will be understood that this description is for purposes of illustration only. Various modifications and equivalent structures corresponding to the described aspects of the preferred embodiments in addition to those described in the above can be carried out by those familiar with the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, which is defined in the following claims, scope of which should be considered as its broadest interpretation to cover such modifications and equivalent structures. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (22)

1. A module for mounting a two-part ligation staple having a first part formed to close around a vessel, and a second part that can move relative to the first part to cause the first part to close, the module is operable together with a ligation clip applier and comprises: a module housing; at least one fastener formed as an integral part of the module housing, the fastener retains the first part of the ligation staple in a stationary position relative to the housing of the module; and sliding means, mounted to move forward the module housing, to drive the second part of the ligation clamp relative to the first part to close the first part, wherein the sliding means include an axially slidable impeller in the housing of module, the impeller includes opposite fins to retain the impeller in the module housing.

The module according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing of the module is formed with a beveled and tapered surface, the beveled and tapered surface allows a clearer view along the longitudinal axis of the housing of the module.

The module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one fastener includes a fastener ramp, the impeller engages the fastener ramp as the impeller is axially slid through the module housing, the fastener releases the fastener. first part of the ligation clamp when the impeller engages with the ramp of the fastener.

The module according to claim 1, characterized in that the module housing is formed with opposite arms to encompass at least a portion of the first part of the ligation staple.

The module according to claim 4, characterized in that the opposite arms terminate in opposite directed hooks, to encompass at least a portion of the first opposite inwardly directed hooks, to manipulate tissue to be bound.

The module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one fastener is adapted to hold the first part of the ligation clip, the first part of the ligation clip has at least one post projecting transversely, and wherein at least one fastener is formed with a hole to receive the post, whereby clamping action is provided.

7. A module for mounting a two-part ligation staple having a first part formed to be closed around a vessel, and a second part movable relative to the first part to cause the first part to close, the module is operable together with a ligation stapler applicator and comprising: a module housing, the module housing forms opposed tapered beveled surfaces, wherein the opposite tapered beveled surfaces allow a clearer view along the longitudinal axis of the module housing; at least one fastener formed as an integral part of the module housing for retaining the first part of the ligation staple in a stationary position relative to the module; and sliding means, mounted to advance movement to the housing of the module, to drive the second part of the ligation clamp relative to the first part to close the first part, wherein the first part of the ligation clamp has for at least one post projecting transversely and in which at least one fastener is formed with a hole for receiving the post, thereby providing the retention action.

The module according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one fastener includes a clamping ramp, the impeller engages the clamping ramp as the impeller slides axially through the housing of the moduleAt least one fastener releases the first part of the ligation clamp when the impeller engages the clamping ramp.

The module according to claim 7, characterized in that the module housing is formed with opposing arms to encompass at least a portion of the first part of the ligation clamp.

10. The module according to claim 9, characterized. because the opposite arms terminate in opposite inwardly directed hooks to encompass at least a portion of the first opposite inwardly directed hooks for manipulating woven to be bound.

11. The module according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one fastener is adapted to hold the first part of the ligation clamp, the first part of the ligation clamp has at least one post projecting transversely and in the that at least one fastener is formed with a hole for receiving the post, whereby clamping action is provided.

12. A ligation clip applicator for applying a two-part ligation clip to a vessel, the ligation clip includes a first part formed to close around a vessel, and a second movable portion relative to the first portion causes the first part is closed, the applicator is characterized in that it comprises: a module for supporting a two-part ligation staple, the module further includes at least one fastener for retaining the first part of the ligation staple in a stationary position in relation to the applicator, and an impeller for coupling and advancing the second part of the ligation clamp in relation to the first part to close the first part; drive means, mountable with the module, for driving the impeller, wherein at least one fastener forms an integral part of the module housing for holding the first part of the ligation staple; wherein the module housing forms opposed tapered beveled surfaces.

The applicator according to claim 12, characterized in that the module is formed with opposing arms to encompass at least a portion of the first part of the ligation staple. 1 .

The applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that the opposite arms end in opposing inward hooks to manipulate tissue to be bound.

15. The applicator according to claim 12, characterized in that the opposed tapered beveled surfaces allow a clearer view along the longitudinal axis of the housing of the module.

The applicator according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one fastener includes a clamping ramp, the impeller engages the clamping clamp as the impeller slides axially through the module housing during driving of the impeller, at least a fastener releases the first part of the ligation clamp when the impeller engages the clamping ramp.

17. A module for mounting a two-part ligation staple having a first part formed to close around a vessel, and a second movable part relative to the first part to cause the first part to close, the module is operable together with a ligation clip applicator, and is characterized in that it consists of: a module housing; at least one fastener formed as an integral part of the module housing, the fastener retains the first part of the ligation staple in a stationary position relative to the housing of the module, and a sliding means, mounted for advancing movement in the module housing, for driving the second part of the ligation clamp relative to the first part for closing the first part, wherein the sliding means includes an axially slidable impeller in the module housing.

18. The module according to claim 17, characterized in that the housing of the module is formed with a beveled and tapered surface, the beveled and tapered surface allows a clearer view along the longitudinal axis of the housing of the module.

19. The module according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one fastener includes a clamping ramp, the impeller engages the clamping ramp as the impeller slides axially through the housing of the module, the ramp releases the first part of the clamp. ligation when the impeller is coupled with the clamping ramp.

20. The module according to claim 17, characterized in that the module housing is formed with opposing arms to encompass at least a portion of the first part of the ligation staple.

The module according to claim 20, characterized in that the opposite arms end in opposite inwardly facing hooks to encompass at least a portion of the first opposite inwardly facing hooks for manipulating tissue to be bound.

22. The module according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one The fastener is adapted to hold the first part of the ligation clamp, the first part of the ligation clamp has at least one post projecting transversely and in which at least one fastener is formed with a hole for receiving the post , so clamping action is provided.