Non-metallic, bio-compatible hemostatic clips with interlocking latch means

Claim 1

A sterile hemostatic clip for application to a blood vessel and the like by utilizing a clip applying instrument, said clip comprising first and second leg members, each member having first and second sides joined by an outer surface and an elongated vessel clamping inner face in opposition to a vessel clamping inner face of the other leg member, said leg members being connected at their proximal ends by a resilient hinge means, said first leg member terminating at its distal end in a return bend hook portion, said second leg member terminating at its distal end in a complementary latch means for engagement by said hook portion of said first leg member, the hook portion of the distal end of said first leg member including a protrusion which is engagable in a recess in the distal end of said second leg member when said clip is in a closed position and said second leg member including a protrusion adjacent the distal end thereof which is engagable in a recess adjacent the distal end of said first leg member; said clip having each of said protrusions in each of said recesses contiguous with the same side of said first and second sides so that when said clip is in the closed position, with engagement between respective protrusions and recesses, lateral movement between said vessel clamping inner face is prevented.