BACKUP LATCH RELEASE FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

摘要

A surgical instrument includes a proximal control mechanism having an instrument control surface. The instrument control surface has an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted to engage a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism. The fixed latch structure provides a lead-in ramp that forces the resilient latch arm onto a locking surface. The resilient latch arm is contained entirely within the proximal control mechanism when engaged. A release channel extends from an outer periphery of the instrument control surface to the opening through which the resilient latch arm enters, and provides a passage through which a release tool can be inserted to engage the resilient latch arm and release it from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure. A section of the release channel may be shaped to provide a fulcrum for the release tool.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument comprising:
a proximal control mechanism that includes an instrument control surface, the instrument control surface providing an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted into the proximal control mechanism; a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism, the fixed latch structure providing a lead-in ramp that forces the resilient latch arm onto a locking surface of the fixed latch structure; and a release channel that extends from an outer periphery of the instrument control surface to the opening through which the resilient latch arm can enter the proximal control mechanism, the release channel providing a passage through which a release tool can be inserted to engage the resilient latch arm and release it from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure.