Patent ID: 7845535
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a handle portion; a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis; a movable handle disposed on the handle portion and in mechanical cooperation with a drive member; a tool assembly including an anvil and a cartridge assembly and a portion of the tool assembly defining a first contact surface and another portion of the tool assembly defining a second contact surface, the first contact surface and the second contact surface being at least partially formed of metal, the tool assembly being supported adjacent a distal end of the body portion; a drive beam having a proximal engagement portion disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof and being configured to engage a portion of the drive member; a closure apparatus disposed adjacent a distal end of the drive beam being configured to engage the first contact surface and the second contact surface of the tool assembly, whereby at least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally so that a first portion of the closure apparatus moves into engagement with the first contact surface and a second portion of the closure apparatus moves into engagement with the second contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly, the closure apparatus being formed of metal, and at least the first portion and the second portion of the closure apparatus each including a plastic overmold, wherein the plastic overmolds included on the first and second portions of the closure apparatus minimize friction between the first and second portions of the closure apparatus and the first and second contact surfaces of the tool assembly.