Stapler and firing device

Abstract

An improved stapler firing assembly and a surgical stapler are disclosed. The stapler comprises structural members having handle parts with opposite sides and jaw parts projecting from the handle parts. The stapler includes a mechanism for releasable engagement between an elongate locking member and the structural members comprising a lever lock including a hook portion adapted to pass through a slot in a handle part. The lever lock is mounted on the locking member and includes first and second release buttons and actuating means mounting the first and second release buttons on opposite sides of the locking member for movement between first and second positions with respect to the locking member. The stapler firing assembly comprises a pusher adapted to move longitudinally along one of the jaw parts to sequentially press the staples against an anvil. There is also present a firing handle body having opposite end portions and a mechanism mounting the handle body on the pusher for movement relative to the pusher between a first position and a second position so that the firing handle body can be positioned to be manually engaged on either side of the handle parts to move the second end of the pusher along the second jaw to eject and close the staples.