Patent ID: 8512315
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An in-line surgical instrument having a handle operatively connected to an elongate shaft, the handle comprising: a first handle member; a second handle member pivotably connected to the first handle member near a proximal end of both handle members; and a ratchet mechanism disposed distal relative to the pivotable connection and configured for removably engaging the first and second handle members, the ratchet mechanism comprising first and second ratchet mechanism portions, wherein the first ratchet mechanism portion comprises: an L-shaped ratchet-toothed engagement member; a cammed lever member; and a camming switch; wherein the L-shaped ratchet-toothed engagement member is mounted pivotably to and projects from the first handle member toward the second handle member, the L-shaped ratchet-toothed engagement member comprising a toothed portion generally perpendicular to a lever-arm projection portion; wherein the camming switch is mounted pivotably to and projects from the first handle member away from the second handle member; wherein the cammed lever member comprises a camming end, a levering end, a pivot axis therebetween connecting the cammed lever member pivotably to the first handle member; and wherein the camming switch contacts the camming end of the cammed lever member and the levering end of the cammed lever member contacts the lever-arm projection of the L-shaped ratchet-toothed engagement member; the camming end comprising a protruding camming surface and a depressed camming surface; and