Patent ID: 8684248
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle assembly including an approximation mechanism and a firing mechanism; an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly; a head portion disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and including a first jaw member and a second jaw member, the approximation mechanism moving the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member between spaced and approximated positions; and a safety mechanism disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly, the safety mechanism preventing actuation of the firing mechanism until the first and second jaw members are in the approximated position and preventing actuation of the firing mechanism if the jaw members are moved from the approximated position toward the spaced position, wherein the safety mechanism includes a lever engageable with the firing mechanism, wherein the lever is movable with respect to the firing mechanism from a first blocking position where the firing mechanism is prevented from being actuated to a second enabling position where the firing mechanism is able to be actuated, and wherein the lever is biased toward its first position.