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Surgical stapling device having supports for a flexible drive mechanism

  • US 9,999,431 B2
  • Filed: 03/22/2016
  • Issued: 06/19/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A surgical stapler, comprising:

  • a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, wherein said staple cartridge comprises;

    a curved cartridge deck, comprising;

    a first step comprising a first step height;

    a second step comprising a second step height, wherein said first step height is different than said second step height;

    a first curved row of staple cavities defined in said first step;

    a second curved row of staple cavities defined in said second step; and

    a curved slot, wherein the staple cartridge is configured to removably store a plurality of first staples in said first curved row of staple cavities, and wherein said staple cartridge is configured to removably store a plurality of second staples in said second curved row of staple cavities;

    a first row of staple drivers aligned with said first curved row of staple cavities, wherein said first row of staple drivers support a base of the first staples in a first unfired height relative to said first step; and

    a second row of staple drivers aligned with said second curved row of staple cavities, wherein said second row of staple drivers support a base of the second staples in a second unfired height relative to said first step, wherein said second unfired height is different than said first unfired height;

    an anvil configured to deform said plurality of said first staples and said plurality of said second staples, said anvil comprising;

    a first curved row of forming pockets aligned with said first curved row of staple cavities;

    a second curved row of forming pockets aligned with said second curved row of staple cavities; and

    an unstepped tissue compression surface extending between said first curved row of forming pockets and said second curved row of forming pockets;

    a cutting member, wherein said cutting member is relatively movable with respect to said anvil and the staple cartridge, and wherein said curved slot is configured to receive at least a portion of said cutting member and guide said cutting member as it is moved relative to said anvil and the staple cartridge; and

    a flexible driver operably engaged with said cutting member to move said cutting member relative to said anvil and the staple cartridge, wherein said curved slot is further configured to receive at least a portion of said flexible driver and support said flexible driver when it moves said cutting member relative to said anvil and the staple cartridge.

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