The present invention relates to a novel system for applying for surgical clamps or clips which incorporates a novel disposable cartridge assembly detachably mounted on an instrument.
Applicators for applying surgical clips or clamps which utilize or include a cartridge are known in the art, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,777,538; 3,232,089; and 2,968,041. The advantages of applicators of this type are enumerated at length in the specifications of the three patents noted above. The prior art, however, does not suggest a system for applying surgical clips which incorporates a disposable cartridge detachably mounted on an instrument in the unique manner of the present invention.