Disposable pads for surgical instruments

摘要

A disposable pad for use with a surgical instrument having a supporting element. The pad includes a flexible elongated member having a channel therein for slidably receiving the supporting element. A stop member limits longitudinal insertion of the supporting element into the channel, a retention member prevents lateral movement of the supporting element out of the channel, and a latching member secures the supporting element against longitudinal displacement from the channel. The latching member is normally disposed in a latching position but is shiftable into a releasing position as the elongated member is flexed to remove the pad. The supporting element of the surgical instrument can hold an artery or vein or other body tissue without damage when using the disposable pad.