Abstract: An instrument and method for performing a surgical fastening procedure at a location remote from the location at which the instrument is manipulated. The instrument is at least partly self-powered by self-powering apparatus (e.g., a prestressed spring) adjacent the location at which the fastening procedure is performed, the self-powering apparatus being controlled from the location at which the instrument is manipulated. The relatively large forces required for the surgical fastening procedure are confined to a relatively small portion of the instrument adjacent the location at which the fastening procedure is performed, thereby reducing the cost of the instrument as a whole and making it economical to provide as a disposable item.

Abstract: Apparatus for circular surgical stapling of hollow organs comprising an instrument and disposable cartridge assembly. The instrument comprises a housing with a throughbore in which a tube is received for reciprocation by means of a manually operable squeeze handle. A rod reciprocates within the tube by means of a wing nut cooperating with a threaded part of the rod. A two-part disposable cartridge assembly comprised of an anvil-carrying part and a staple-carrying part are detachably mounted on the rod and housing, respectively. Keys are provided to hold the anvil-carrying part and the staple-carrying part in rotational orientation relative to the rod. Mutually coacting stops on the tube and rod determine the extent of reciprocation which is variable in dependence upon the position of the rod which, in turn, is dependent upon the juxtaposition of the anvil-carrying part with the staple-carrying part when the apparatus is closed on tissue preparatory to effecting a circular anastomoses.

Abstract: Apparatus for circular surgical stapling of hollow organs comprising an instrument and disposable cartridge assembly. The instrument comprises a housing with a throughbore in which a tube is received for reciprocation by means of a manually operable squeeze handle. A rod reciprocates within the tube by means of a wing nut cooperating with a threaded part of the rod. A two-part disposable cartridge assembly comprised of an anvil-carrying part and a staple-carrying part are detachably mounted on the rod and housing, respectively. Keys are provided to hold the anvil-carrying part and the staple-carrying part in rotational orientation relative to the rod. Mutually coacting stops on the tube and rod determine the extent of reciprocation which is variable in dependence upon the position of the rod which, in turn, is dependent upon the juxtaposition of the anvil-carrying part with the staple-carrying part when the apparatus is closed on tissue preparatory to effecting a circular anastomoses.

Abstract: Apparatus for circular surgical stapling of hollow organs comprising an instrument and disposable cartridge assembly. The instrument comprises a housing with a throughbore in which a tube that is received for reciprocation by means of a manually operable squeeze handle. A rod reciprocates within the tube by means of a wing nut cooperating with a threaded part of the rod. A two-part disposable cartridge assembly comprised of an anvil-carrying part and a staple-carrying part are detachably mounted on the rod and housing, respectively. Keys are provided to hold the anvil-carrying part and the staple-carrying part in rotational orientation relative to the rod. Mutually coacting stops on the tube and rod determine the extent of reciprocation which is variable in dependence upon the position of the rod which, in turn, is dependent upon the juxtaposition of the anvil-carrying part with the staple-carrying part when the apparatus is closed on tissue preparatory to effecting a circular anastomoses.