plastic ligating clips of absorbable or nonabsorbable materials are formed by two legs joined with a resilient hinge . one leg terminates in a hook member which secures the other leg when the clip is closed . each leg of the clip is provided with a raised cylindrical boss extending across its width near the distal end which secures the clip in the applier and allows the clip to rotate about its hinge during closure . the clip applier is a forceps - type instrument having channeled jaws especially adapted to receive and close the plastic clip .