Self-powered surgical fastening instrument

摘要

An instrument and method for performing a surgical fastening procedure at a location remote from the location at which the instrument is manipulated. The instrument is at least partly self-powered by self-powering apparatus (e.g., a prestressed spring) adjacent the location at which the fastening procedure is performed, the self-powering apparatus being controlled from the location at which the instrument is manipulated. The relatively large forces required for the surgical fastening procedure are confined to a relatively small portion of the instrument adjacent the location at which the fastening procedure is performed, thereby reducing the cost of the instrument as a whole and making it economical to provide as a disposable item.