Surgical stapler handle assembly having actuation mechanism with longitudinally rotatable shaft

A handle assembly for a surgical stapler, the handle assembly comprising:

• a stationary handle;
• a movable trigger pivotably coupled to the stationary handle;
• and
• an actuation shaft operably coupled to the movable trigger, the actuation shaft having a longitudinal axis, the actuation shaft longitudinally slideable along the longitudinal axis within the handle assembly and rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis;
• wherein in an initial configuration, the actuation shaft is in the second orientation and movement of the movable trigger relative to the stationary handle longitudinally slides the actuation shaft between a first position and a second position distal the first position;
• and
• wherein in a firing configuration, the actuation shaft is in the first orientation and movement of the trigger moves the actuation shaft distally of the second position towards a third position distal the second position.

A handle assembly for a surgical stapler, the handle assembly comprising:

• a stationary handle;
• a movable trigger pivotably coupled to the stationary handle;
• and
• an actuation mechanism comprising:
• an opening driver;
• an advancing driver;
• and
• an actuation shaft operably coupled to the movable trigger, the actuation shaft having a longitudinal axis, the actuation shaft longitudinally slideable along the longitudinal axis within the handle assembly and rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis;
• and
• wherein with the actuation mechanism in an initial configuration, the actuation shaft is in the second orientation and the opening driver couples the movable trigger to the actuation shaft such that movement of the movable trigger selectively translates the actuation shaft one of proximally and distally;
• and
• wherein with the actuation mechanism in a firing configuration, the actuation shaft is in the first orientation and the advancing driver couples the movable trigger to the actuation shaft such that movement of the movable trigger sequentially advances the actuation shaft distally in a ratchet-like engagement.