Abstract: A connecting device for a surgical instrument having at least one mobile cutting element which is reciprocally movable relative to a fixed jaw by operation of a resiliently loaded mobile grip wherein the connecting device includes an indexing mechanism which can be moved to a first position to permit mounting or removal of the mobile cutting element and a second position to permit independent mounting or removal of the mobile grip.

Abstract: An applicator for setting a needle secured to a suture thread, a method of assembling the applicator and a method of using the applicator. The applicator includes an elongated sleeve comprising a bore, a first end and a second end, the needle being disposed within the bore near the second end, a rod having a first end and a second end, the second end being adapted to slide within the bore and rest adjacent the needle, and a retaining mechanism for maintaining the position of the rod with respect to the elongated sleeve. The method of assembling includes securing the suture thread to the needle, placing the needle and a portion of the thread into the bore of the elongated sleeve, introducing the second end of the rod into the bore until it is positioned adjacent the needle, retaining the first end of the rod on the retaining mechanism, and retaining the first end of the elongated sleeve on the retaining mechanism.