摘要 |
A latching mechanism for forceps (10) including first latch portion (30) on one forcep handle (16) and a second latch portion (60) on the other forceps handle (22) and a bias spring (23,80,82) for placing the handles (16,22), and thus the jaws (14,20), in a first predetermined spacing. The first latch portion (30) has a cam surface (38), a shelf (40) and a slot (42). The second latch portion (60) has a transverse projection (66) which engages the cam surface (38) as the handles (16, 22) close and then engages the shelf (40) and upon further closing of the handles (16, 22) and then springs through the slot (42) to disengage the latching mechanism (30, 60) and return the handles (16, 22) to the original position controlled by the bias spring (23,80,82). The first position allows a surgical assistant to load an aneurysm clip (26) into the jaws (14,20) of the forceps (10). The second predetermined position allows the surgical assistant to partially close the handles (16, 22) sufficient to hold the aneurysm clip (26) firmly in place. The surgeon then takes the forceps (10) and inserts the aneurysm clip (26) by further closing the handles (16; 22) and releases the latching mechanism (30,60) by relaxing the grip. |