Driven Surgical Stapler Improvements

Abstract

A surgical fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator having a power source and a motor. A first trigger attached to the handle for moving the end effector from the open to the closed position, and a second trigger attached to the handle for activating the actuator. A first lockout mechanism for preventing current from flowing from the power source to the motor unless the end effector is in its closed position a second lockout mechanism having a locked and unlocked position, the second lockout mechanism for preventing movement of the second trigger until the second lockout mechanism is moved to the unlocked position.

1 . A surgical fastener apparatus comprising:
 a. a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to said handle and a distal end extending therefrom, an end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, said cartridge attached to said end effector;   b. an electrically powered actuator for deploying said surgical fasteners, said actuator comprising a power source and a motor;   c. a first trigger attached to said handle for moving said end effector from said open to said closed position, and a second trigger attached to said handle for activating said actuator;   d. a first lockout mechanism for preventing current from flowing from said power source to said motor unless said end effector is in its closed position; and   e. a second lockout mechanism having a locked and unlocked position, said second lockout mechanism for preventing movement of said second trigger until said second lockout mechanism is moved to said unlocked position.