Backup latch release for surgical instrument

A surgical instrument comprising:

• a proximal control mechanism that includes an instrument control surface, the instrument control surface providing an opening through which a resilient latch arm can be inserted into the proximal control mechanism;
• a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism, the fixed latch structure providing a lead-in ramp positioned to guide the resilient latch arm onto a locking surface of the fixed latch structure;
• and
• a release channel that extends from an area on an outer periphery of the instrument control surface that remains uncovered when the resilient latch arm is on the locking surface of the fixed latch structure and extends beyond the opening through which the resilient latch arm can enter the proximal control mechanism, the release channel providing a fulcrum for a release tool for the resilient latch arm at a position where the release channel is joined to the outer periphery of the instrument control surface.

A surgical instrument comprising:

• a proximal control mechanism that includes an instrument control surface, the instrument control surface providing an opening through which a resilient latch arm of an instrument sterile adapter can be inserted into the proximal control mechanism to attach the surgical instrument to the instrument sterile adapter;
• a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism, the fixed latch structure providing a lead-in ramp positioned to guide the resilient latch arm onto a locking surface of the fixed latch structure;
• and
• a release channel that extends from an area on an outer periphery of the instrument control surface that remains uncovered when the instrument sterile adapter is attached to the surgical instrument and extends beyond the opening through which the resilient latch arm can enter the proximal control mechanism, the release channel providing a fulcrum for a release tool for the resilient latch arm at a position where the release channel is joined to the outer periphery of the instrument control surface.