Laparoscopic instrument with attachable end effector

A surgical device, comprising:

• a) an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end;
• b) a surgical end effector;
• and
• c) a means for selectively attaching in vivo the surgical end effector to the distal end of the elongate shaft.

A laparoscopic surgical device, comprising:

• a) an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis, the shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end;
• b) a plurality of arms project distally from the distal end of the elongate shaft, the arms each comprising a lateral notch, the arms being axially slideable relative the elongate shaft and being medially deflectable;
• c) an elongate pin positioned medially relative the arms, the elongate pin being axially slideable relative the arms between a locked position preventing medial deflection of the arms and an unlocked position allowing medial deflection of the arms;
• and
• d) a surgical end effector selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the mating feature of the arms, the surgical end effector comprising jaws that open and close in response to the axial movement of the two arms when attached to the surgical end effector.