Ratcheting feature on tissue staple trigger to prevent premature jaw opening

摘要

A surgical instrument includes a body, a pivotable trigger, and a ratcheting assembly. The ratcheting assembly may include a rotary ratchet coupled to the trigger and a pawl coupled to the body. The rotary ratchet may further include a ramp that disengages the ratchet from the pawl. A release feature may be included to selectively disengage a second member of the ratcheting assembly from a first member. In some versions, the release feature may include a rotation knob or a slidable handle. In another configuration, the ratcheting assembly may have a first member coupled to an actuator and a second member coupled to the body. The assembly may include a lock member coupled to the body that selectively engages a plurality of teeth disposed on the actuator. Alternatively, the assembly may include a pivotable pawl coupled to the actuator that engages one or more notches formed in the body.

主权项

1. An apparatus for stapling tissue, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a stapling head assembly; and (b) an actuator handle assembly comprising:
i. a body,ii. a trigger pivotably mounted to the body, andiii. a ratcheting assembly comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member is coupled to a drive actuator, wherein the second member is associated with the body, and wherein the trigger is operable to longitudinally actuate the drive actuator relative to the body;wherein the trigger is operable to drive one or more staples out of the stapling head assembly; andwherein the first member and the second member are configured to engage each other to prevent the trigger from pivoting relative to the body in a first direction, wherein the first member and the second member are configured to engage each other to allow the trigger to pivot relative to the body in a second direction.