Patent ID: 7645287
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument operable to implant an anastomotic ring, wherein the anastomotic ring comprises a plurality of petals, the instrument comprising: a handle comprising a first actuator and a second actuator; a ring deployment mechanism configured to receive and deploy the anastomotic ring, wherein said ring deployment mechanism defines a longitudinal axis, wherein said ring deployment mechanism comprises: an elongate shaft connecting the handle to the ring deployment mechanism, wherein the elongate shaft is configured to transfer actuating force from the handle to the ring deployment mechanism, wherein the elongate shaft comprises: a joint actuator operable to effect articulation of the elongate shaft at the flexible joint; wherein the finger joints of each of said plurality of fingers are radially movable inwardly and outwardly relative to said longitudinal axis; wherein each finger of said plurality of fingers is configured to alternately assume a retracted position and an extended position relative to said longitudinal axis; wherein each finger of said plurality of fingers is configured to engage and radially inwardly restrain a respective petal of said plurality of petals on a first portion of the anastomotic ring when in the plurality of fingers are in said retracted position; wherein each finger of said plurality of fingers is further operable to release the respective petal of said plurality of petals when the plurality of fingers are moved to said extended position; wherein movement of said first actuator in a proximal direction causes said proximal ring to travel towards said middle ring and said first plurality of fingers to actuate outwardly by flexing at the corresponding finger joints; wherein movement of said second actuator in a distal direction causes said distal ring to travel towards said middle ring and said second plurality of fingers to actuate outwardly by flexing at the corresponding finger joints; wherein the first plurality of fingers are moveable independently relative to the second plurality of fingers.