Patent ID: 8074861
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising: an anvil half-section having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion including an anvil which defines a fastener forming surface against which surgical fasteners are driven; a cartridge receiving half-section having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the cartridge receiving half-section being configured and adapted to releasably mate with the anvil half-section, the anvil half-section and the cartridge receiving half-section being relatively movable from an unclamped position to a fully clamped position to clamp tissue therebetween, the cartridge half-section including a pivotable clamping lever, wherein movement of the clamping lever from a first position to a second position moves the cartridge receiving and anvil half-sections to the fully clamped position, the anvil half-section and the cartridge half-section defining a gap between their respective distal ends when in the fully clamped position; a gap adjustment mechanism disposed between the anvil half-section and the cartridge receiving half-section and configured and adapted to vary the size of the gap between the distal end portions of the anvil half-section and the cartridge receiving half-section, wherein the gap adjustment mechanism defines an axis of rotation that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of surgical fastener applying apparatus, and wherein the gap adjustment mechanism is rotated to adjust the gap; and a cam lock configured and adapted to engage the gap adjustment mechanism and to prevent movement of the gap adjustment mechanism after adjustment of the gap.