Patent ID: 9022271
Filing Date: 2015-05-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a body portion; a drive member extending through the body portion; a tool assembly positioned at a distal end of the body portion, the tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly which are repositionable in relation to each other; and a closure apparatus operably connected to the drive member and including a pair of end portions of metallic construction configured and dimensioned to engage the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, whereby movement of the drive member effectuates distal advancement of the closure apparatus to move the tool assembly towards a closed position via engagement of the end portions of the closure apparatus with the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly, the closure apparatus further including an intermediate portion positioned between the end portions and a cap member of non-metallic construction associated with at least one end portion to minimize friction between a metallic portion of the closure apparatus and a metallic portion of the tool assembly during distal movement of the closure apparatus, the cap member including a reinforced section extending at least partially into the intermediate portion to reduce inadvertent disconnection of the cap member from the end portion.