(i9) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication
Milliman et al.
(54) SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDICATOR
(76) Inventors: Keith L. Milliman, Bethel, CT
(US); Thomas R. Hessler, Bethel,
CT (US); Stephen R. Paul,
Hartford, CT (US); Thomas
Wenchell, Durham, CT (US)
Correspondence Address:
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
60 MIDDLETOWN AVENUE
NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473 (US)
(21) Appl.No.: 12/697,519
(22) Filed: Feb. 1, 2010
Related U.S. Application Data
(63) Continuation of application No. 12/544,479, filed on Aug. 20, 2009.
(60) Provisional application No. 61/093,753, filed on Sep. 3, 2008.
(57) ABSTRACT
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion. The handle assembly includes a firing trigger and a firing indicator. The firing trigger is movable between a first non-actuated position and a second actuated position. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. Engagement structure of the firing trigger moves the firing indicator from a first position to a second position when the firing trigger is moved from its first non-actuated position toward its second actuated position.
