Ligating clip and clip applier package

Claim 1

A package comprising: (a) a sterile instrument for applying a plurality of ligating clips; (b) means disposed within said instrument for holding a plurality of said ligating clips in spaced apart relationship to facilitate dispensing of the clips sequentially; (c) a plurality of sterile, dry, hydrolyzable surgical ligating clips disposed in spaced apart relationship in said holding means, each of said clips having a narrowed resilient hinge portion, said hinge portions being more sensitive to hydrolysis than the remainder of said clip; (d) absorbing means adjacent to said holding means said absorbing means having a greater affinity for moisture than any portion of said clip whereby any moisture present in said package, including moisture in the area around each clip, is preferentially absorbed by said absorbing means, said absorbing means having sufficient absorbent capacity to maintain the clips dry and sterile while in the unopened package; (e) and moisture impermeable outer wrap disposed in sealing relationship with respect to the instrument the holding means, clips, and moisture absorbing means, whereby said initially dry and sterile clips are maintained dry and sterile until the package is opened to maintain the resiliency of the hinge portion of the clips for an extended shelf life period.