Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

This invention provides a linear stapling instrument for use in surgical procedures including, inter alia, a staple housing. The housing includes a plurality of staple openings and a plurality of staples disposed in the staple openings. The housing further includes a plurality of staple drivers. The staple drivers have an upper surface bearing on a staple and a lower camming surface. The staple drivers are slidably mounted in the housing for movement from an initial lower position to an upper position. They also are arranged such that their lower camming surfaces are disposed in one or more spaced rows. The housing also includes a sled slidably mounted in the housing for movement from an unfired position to a fired position. The sled has at least one camming surface. The camming surface is disposed on the sled such that movement of the sled from its unfired to its fired position causes the camming surface to contact in sequence the lower camming surface of the staple drivers in at least one the row. The staple drivers, thus, are cammed from their lower to their upper positions, and they in turn eject the staples from the staple openings.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim