Patent ID: 6620161
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical instrument comprising:a) a handle having a distal end; b) a first actuator and a second actuator operably mounted to the handle; c) a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and having a lumen therethrough, the proximal end of the shaft mounted to the distal end of the handle; d) a first jaw and a second jaw mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the jaws each having distal ends being spaced apart when the first actuator is in an open position and being closer together for approximating tissue therebetween in a tissue grasping region when the first actuator is in a closed position; e) a cutting element operably connected to the second actuator and slidably disposed within the shaft, the cutting element comprising a first blade configured to cut tissue when the cutting element is moved proximally and a second blade configured to cut tissue when the cutting element is moved distally f) a sequencing element operationally engaged with the first and second actuators to prevent the second actuator from moving proximally when the first actuator is in the open position.