Surgical stapling apparatus with locking mechanism
First Claim
1. A method of securing a disposable loading unit to a surgical fastener applying apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:
- inserting a proximal end of the disposable loading unit into a distal end of an elongate body portion of the surgical fastener applying apparatus; and
rotating the disposable loading unit relative to the elongate body portion of the surgical fastener applying apparatus to move a locking mechanism associated with the disposable loading unit from a first position, wherein a drive assembly of the disposable loading unit is maintained in a substantially fixed position to prevent firing of the surgical fastener applying apparatus, to a second position, wherein the drive assembly of the disposable loading unit is free to move to permit firing of the surgical fastener applying apparatus, and moving proximal and distal ends of the locking mechanism in opposing radial directions relative to a longitudinal axis of the disposable loading unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism pivotally supported on the housing portion of the loading unit, the locking mechanism having a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position, preferably the axial position, of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit, and the locking mechanism having a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion.
1512 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of securing a disposable loading unit to a surgical fastener applying apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:
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inserting a proximal end of the disposable loading unit into a distal end of an elongate body portion of the surgical fastener applying apparatus; and rotating the disposable loading unit relative to the elongate body portion of the surgical fastener applying apparatus to move a locking mechanism associated with the disposable loading unit from a first position, wherein a drive assembly of the disposable loading unit is maintained in a substantially fixed position to prevent firing of the surgical fastener applying apparatus, to a second position, wherein the drive assembly of the disposable loading unit is free to move to permit firing of the surgical fastener applying apparatus, and moving proximal and distal ends of the locking mechanism in opposing radial directions relative to a longitudinal axis of the disposable loading unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification