#$%^&*AU2018232991A120181011.pdf#####SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH LOCKOUT MECHANISM ABSTRACT A method of adjusting the minimum tissue gap between a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly (410) of a surgical instrument (100), the method comprising: providing a surgical instrument (100) comprising a handle assembly (200), an elongated portion (300) extending distally from the handle assembly (200) and defining a longitudinal axis (X-X), a head portion (400) disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion (300) and comprising a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly (410), wherein a tissue-contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and a tissue-contacting surface of the anvil assembly (410) define a tissue gap therebetween rotating the handle assembly (200) with respect to the elongated portion (300) such that the cartridge assembly moves along the longitudinal axis (X-X) with respect to the handle assembly (200) and affixing the handle assembly (200) to the elongated portion to prevent future movement therebetween.
