Endoscopic cutting instrument

Abstract

An endoscopic cutting instrument to be used in conjunction with endoscopic surgical procedures, includes a housing member elongated tubular member connected to the housing member and extending distally therefrom, a drive member at least partially accommodated within the tubular member and reciprocally longitudinally movable therein, a blade member disposed at a distal end of the drive member and defining a cutting edge for incising tissue and an actuating member associated with the housing member and operatively connected to the drive member. The actuating member is movable to cause corresponding movement of the drive member to at least partially expose the blade member beyond a distal end of the tubular member. The instrument also includes a release member associated with the actuating member. The release member is preferably movable between an engaged position preventing movement of the actuating member and a disengaged position permitting movement of the actuating member and corresponding movement of the drive member to at least partially expose the blade member. The instrument may also include a spring mechanism which automatically retracts the blade member upon release of the actuating member.