Importance

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Abstract

A surgical tool includes a shaft having a distal end on which is mounted fixed and movable jaws. The movable jaw is positioned by a control rod which extends into a handle. The handle includes a rod actuator that is pivotably mounted in the handle and is coupled to the control rod such that pivoting movement of the actuator causes a control rod to translate. The handle includes a ratchet pawl that is coupled to the rod actuator, and the ratchet pawl is coupled to a ratchet actuator that is mounted in the handle and positioned to contact the palm of the user when the user grasps the handle and places a thumb on the rod actuator. Axial movement of the rod actuator can be used to move the ratchet pawl past a detent mechanism, to release the ratchet mechanism, or to lock the rod actuator in a predetermined position to facilitate installation and removal of the control rod. The user can apply pressure to the ratchet actuator with the palm to momentarily release the ratchet, or to move the ratchet pawl to an off position, in which it is held by the detent mechanism.

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First Claim