Patent ID: 8221449
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising: a shaft assembly having a proximal end and a distal end and being operable to perform a surgical function at the distal end; a handle assembly coupled to the proximal end of the shaft assembly and being moveable to operate the shaft assembly; a first outer surface defining a proximal handle of the handle assembly; a second outer surface defining a distal handle of the handle assembly, the distal handle having a pivotal relationship with the proximal handle; a third outer surface defining a spring disposed between the proximal handle and the distal handle of the handle assembly; the spring biasing the handles to an operating state; a boss carried by one of the proximal handle and the distal handle the boss maintained generally coaxially with the spring, and the boss comprising a plurality of supports axially supporting the spring in a non-bearing relationship with the spring; a pin engaging the proximal handle and the distal handle along particular surfaces which comprises the only bearing surfaces of the handle assembly; and the first, second, and third surfaces of the handle assembly, except for the particular surfaces, being substantially exposed in order to facilitate sterilization; wherein the shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a flange extending generally longitudinally with respect to one of the proximal handle and the distal handle and wherein the boss extends from the flange generally perpendicularly to the flange.