System for securing a suture

Abstract

A system is disclosed for securing a suture. The system includes a deformable suture clip having a pair of closely spaced panels configured for movement between an open position wherein a suture can pass between the two panels and a closed position wherein the suture can be securely clamped between the two panels. The system further includes a clip applicator having an elongated body defining opposed proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion of the body includes a mounting fixture having structure for supporting the suture clip in an open position. The clip applicator further includes a mechanism for dislodging the suture clip from the mounting fixture, such that the panels of the clip move to the closed position to securely clamp the suture therebetween.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . An applicator for securing a clip to a suture comprising:
 a) an outer body section defining opposed proximal and distal end portions, the distal end portion of the outer body section including a mounting fixture having means for supporting a deformable suture clip in an open position; and   b) an inner body section cooperatively supported within the outer body section, the inner body section having means for dislodging the suture clip from the mounting fixture, such that the suture clip moves to a closed position to engage the suture.   
   
   
       16 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the outer body section includes a slot for accommodating passage of the suture to a remote location. 
   
   
       17 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the mounting fixture includes a projection for maintaining the clip in an open position. 
   
   
       18 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the mounting fixture includes means for aligning the suture clip on the distal end of the applicator. 
   
   
       19 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising means associated with the inner body section for cutting the suture. 
   
   
       20 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the means for dislodging the suture clip from the mounting fixture includes an elongated pusher finger extending from distally from the inner body section. 
   
   
       21 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising means for preventing rotation of the inner body section with respect to the outer body section. 
   
   
       22 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising means for limiting axial translation of the inner body section relative to the outer body section. 
   
   
       23 . An applicator as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising selectively releasable locking means for preventing axial movement of the inner body section relative to the outer body section. 
   
   
       24 - 25 . (canceled)