[54] SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATED JAW STRUCTURE AND A DETACHABLE KNIFE
[75] Inventors: Claude A. Vidal; Alan K. Plyley, both of Santa Barbara; Russell J. Redmond; Roger Lagerquist, both of Goleta, all of Calif.
[73] Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation,
Norwalk, Conn.
[21] Appl. No.: 596,938
[22] Filed: Feb. 5, 1996
Related U.S. Application Data
[63] Continuation of Ser. No. 291,331, Aug. 17, 1994, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 55,824, Apr. 30, 1993, abandoned.
[51] Int Cl.6 A61B 17/068
[52] U.S. Cl 606/205; 227/176.1; 227/180.1
[58] Field of Search 606/205-208,
6067210, 142; 128/751; 81/347-351. 355, 112; 294/99.2; 227/180.1, 176.1, 178.1,
901
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Surgical Stapling, Gastic and Small Bowel Procedures, vol. I, by 3M (1988).
Surgical Stapling, Thoracic, Vascular and Esophageal Procedures, vol. n, by 3M )1988).
Surgical Stapling, Bariatric Procedures for Morbid Obesity, vol. IE, by 3M (1989).
Primary Examiner—Michael H. Thaler [57] ABSTRACT
A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure includes a frame and two jaws. The jaws have proximal portions that are mounted to each other for movement in a substantially parallel relation between a fully open position wherein the jaws are separated for receiving tissue therebetween and an approximated position wherein the jaws are closer together. Preferably, the jaws are in the fully open position when the distal portion of at least one of the jaws is located in an extended position and are in the approximated position when the distal portion of the extended jaw or jaws is located in a retracted position. The surgical instrument may further include a detachable knife assembly and knife actuating mechanism.
10 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
