Patent ID: 7122028

Claim:
A reconfigurable surgical apparatus, comprising: a surgical instrument assembly formed with a hollow manipulation shaft internally receiving a prime mover activated by an actuator located at a proximal end of the shaft; a coupler formed about a distal end of the shaft and having a capture ledge; an interchangeable surgical tool attachable to the coupler and including an anchor adapted to cooperate with and mate to the capture ledge, such that a rotational force applied to the prime mover is transmitted between the prime mover and the tool; wherein said anchor is formed with at least one generally hook shaped tine, formed with a frangible portion, that includes an engagment face adapted to cooperate with and non-releasable engage the capture ledge; and wherein said anchor is formed with the frangible portion designed to break in an orientation substantially orthogonal to a direction of translation of the prime mover.