Surgical clip applier instrument adapter jaws

Claim 1

In a medical instrument for applying a first type of ligating clip wherein said first type of clip has an extension configuration adapted to be engaged by said instrument and wherein said instrument includes two pivotally connected actuating members, each having on one end a handle and on the other end a jaw for receiving, holding, and applying said first type of clip, each of said jaws defining a channel disposed in confronting relationship with the channel of the other jaw and extending a rearwardly from the tip of the jaw, each said jaw including a side wall defining each side wall of the jaw channel, each jaw having a partially cylindrical recess extending across the width of the jaw channel to each jaw side wall, a bore defined through each said jaws side wall in registry with said partially cylindrical recess, the improvement comprising; an adapter assembly provided with an adapter member associated with each said jaw to accommodate a second type of ligating clip having an extension configuration different than that of said first type of clip; said adapter assembly including means for releasably securing said adapter members to said jaws through said bore in each side wall of a jaw; and each adapter member including a clip applying means disposed on the portion of the adapter member extending beyond said means for releasably securing said adapter member to said jaws, said applying means being in facing relationship and adapted to receive, hold and apply said second type of clip.