TISSUE STAPLER ANVIL FEATURE TO PREVENT PREMATURE JAW OPENING.

摘要

A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger (74) operable to fire a staple driver (24) to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod (38) to which an anvil (40) may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod (140, 230) that inhibits a lockout feature (82, 212) from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube (622, 722)is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess (624) in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab (310) is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly (1300) may include a spring-loaded button (1352) that "pops" out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.