Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure such as cholecystectomy procedures. The apparatus includes means for effecting a partial closing stroke of the handle mechanism to correspond to a partial closure of the jaw members, and permits a partial opening stroke to release the partially closed clip in the jaw mechanism. Other features of the invention include means for preventing over advancement of a clip to the jaw mechanism, means for cradling the clip as it is advanced from the clip supply to the jaw mechanism, means for preventing splaying of the jaws in the event of a clip-over-clip application, and a novel rotation collar. The instrument of the present invention provides the surgeon with visual, audible, and tactile indication of the positioning of the jaw members to effect the application of a partially closed clip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed for use in a wide variety of roles including grasping, dissecting, clamping, or retracting materials or tissue during surgical procedures performed either in open surgery or within the abdominal cavity. The surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a tubular body portion extending from the handle portion and defining a longitudinal axis, and tool structure associated with a distal portion of the tubular body portion. A rotation assembly is provided for effectuating rotation of the tool structure about the longitudinal axis of the body portion. Rotation locking structure is provided to lock the rotation assembly at a predetermined orientation such that it cannot be rotated with respect to the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying surgical clips which includes provisions for applying a partially closed clip to ducts or shunts during a surgical procedure such as cholecystectomy procedures. The apparatus includes means for effecting a partial closing stroke of the handle mechanism to correspond to a partial closure of the jaw members, and permits a partial opening stroke to release the partially closed clip in the jaw mechanism. Other features of the invention include means for preventing over advancement of a clip to the jaw mechanism, means for cradling the clip as it is advanced from the clip supply to the jaw mechanism, means for preventing splaying of the jaws in the event of a clip-over-clip application, and a novel rotation collar. The instrument of the present invention provides the surgeon with visual, audible, and tactile indication of the positioning of the jaw members to effect the application of a partially closed clip.

Abstract: A surgical stapling or fastening instrument for applying surgical fasteners to tissue having an adjustable closure mechanism to linearly approximate the distance between the jaw members of the instrument. The adjustable closure mechanism consists of a retaining mechanism and a linkage structure which is actuable to linearly urge the jaw members towards each other. A coupling arrangement is also provided which permits firing of the staples or fasteners only when the jaw members are approximated a predetermined distance towards each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anvils for surgical fastener applicators having a fastener forming surface for forming surgical fasteners, an intermediate surface formed of a metallic alloy disposed on at least a portion of the fastener forming surface and a polytetrafluorethylene coating disposed on the intermediate surface. The polytetrafluorethylene coating is provided to reduce the force necessary to form the fasteners.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is provided for manipulating body tissue during endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures which includes a handle assembly, an elongated body extending from the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly operatively associated with the body and defining a curvilinear tissue manipulation surface having an area which is selectively variable. In operation the retractor assembly is movable between a first position wherein the area of the tissue manipulation surface is minimized and a second position wherein the area of the tissue manipulation surface is maximized. The retractor can be designed for one handed operation.

Abstract: A self contained gas powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil member and a surgical fastener cartridge member mounted to the distal end of an elongated endoscopic portion. A tubular collar of the endoscopic portion moves distally to engage the anvil member and bias the anvil member and the cartridge member into cooperative alignment, thereby clamping body tissue to be fastened between the anvil member and the cartridge member. A self contained pneumatic system is disposed in the surgical apparatus and is actuable to eject and/or form the surgical fasteners in the clamped body tissue. The apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism for preventing firing of the instrument after it has been fired a predetermined number of times. A counter for displaying the number of times the apparatus has been fired may be provided.