Patent ID: 7438718
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels, comprising: a housing having distal and proximal ends and a horizontal axis and an actuator disposed therebetween, the actuator including: a handle which is moveable from a first position relative to the housing to at least one subsequent position in closer proximity to the housing; and a link assembly mechanically engaged with the handle and being moveable through a firing stroke in response to the movement of the handle from the first position to the at least one subsequent position, the link assembly includes a three bar link assembly at least three links linked together; a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator, the disposable loading unit including a plurality of surgical fasteners which are deformed and released upon movement of the actuator through the firing stroke, wherein the firing stroke of the handle and the link assembly includes: a first stage wherein: an intermediate stage wherein: a third, post-firing stage wherein: