Patent ID: 7694865
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical apparatus, comprising: a handle assembly; an elongate body extending from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, the elongate body having a drive member extending therethrough; a tool assembly supported adjacent a distal end of the elongate body, the tool assembly including a staple cartridge having surgical staples; a drive assembly arranged for longitudinal movement with the drive member and arranged for engagement with the tool assembly for applying the surgical staples; and a locking mechanism having a pivoting member with a first end, a second end and an intermediate pivot point, the first end being movable from an initial position, in which the pivoting member is in engagement with a portion of the drive assembly to substantially prevent longitudinal movement thereof, to at least one subsequent position, in which the pivoting member is disengaged from the drive assembly to allow longitudinal movement thereof, the pivoting member being movable from the initial position to the at least one subsequent position in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis, the second end being radially movable in directions opposite to the first end to actuate the locking mechanism, wherein the elongate body has a surface for engaging the pivoting member when the loading unit is loaded to the elongate body.