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SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE

  • US 20100200639A1
  • Filed: 03/26/2010
  • Published: 08/12/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2001
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A surgical stapling device comprising:

  • an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis, and having proximal and distal ends;

    a tool assembly pivotally supported at the distal end of the elongated body portion about a pivot axis which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion such that the tool assembly is pivotable in first and second directions, the tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, the anvil assembly being movably mounted in relation to the cartridge assembly between open and closed positions;

    a flexible drive assembly having a distal end configured to translate through the cartridge assembly to eject the staples therefrom, the flexible drive assembly being bendable relative to the longitudinal axis when the tool assembly pivots in the first direction; and

    a first support member positioned adjacent the pivot axis on a side of the flexible drive assembly, the first support member having a first end fixedly attached to the tool assembly and a second end fixedly attached to the elongated body portion, the first support member defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and including a U-shaped portion positioned between the first and second ends, the U-shaped portion extending transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first support member, and being configured to effect lengthening of the first support member at the U-shaped portion when the tool assembly pivots.

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