Patent ID: 7922726
Filing Date: 2011-04-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical tool handle, which comprises: a) a surgical tool handle; b) a reinforcing member comprising a first length extending from a distal reinforcing member portion having a distal end to a spaced apart proximal reinforcing member portion connectable to the tool handle; and c) a locking mechanism comprising a locking pawl having a second length extending from a distal locking pawl portion to a proximal locking pawl portion pivotably attached to the tool handle, wherein the locking pawl is pivotable between a locked position with the distal locking pawl portion seatable in a catch of a surgical tool head secured to the tool handle with the reinforcing member received in an internal bore of the tool head, and an unlocked position with the distal locking pawl portion free of the tool head catch; and d) wherein in the locked position, the distal locking pawl portion seatable in a catch of a surgical tool head is spaced from the tool handle by a first distance that is less than a second distance measured from the distal end of the reinforcing member to the tool handle.