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Surgical stapling device

  • US 8,418,904 B2
  • Filed: 01/11/2012
  • Issued: 04/16/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A surgical stapling device comprising:

  • an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis;

    a tool assembly pivotally supported at the distal end of the elongated body, the tool assembly including an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, the anvil assembly and cartridge assembly being movably mounted in relation to one another 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; and

    a first support member positioned adjacent a 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 having a central portion defining a vertically oriented opening allowing the first support member to flex with respect to the pivot axis when the tool assembly pivots.

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