Surgical stapling apparatus including sensing mechanism
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorsKeith L. Milliman, Frank J. Viola, Joseph P. Orban, Randolph F. Lehn
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Abstract
A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
Claims21
1-10. (canceled)
A disposable loading unit removably connectable to a surgical fastener applying apparatus, the disposable loading unit comprising:
- a housing portion;
- a tool assembly supported distally of the housing portion for articulation about a pivot axis;
- a drive member movable through the housing portion, the drive member being positioned such that a first portion of the drive member is located proximally of the pivot axis, and a second portion of the drive member is located distally of the pivot axis, the drive member being configured as a beam;
- and
- at least one plate member positioned within the housing portion such that a first portion of the at least one plate member is located proximally of the pivot axis, and a second portion of the at least one plate member is located distally of the pivot axis, the at least one plate member being positioned laterally adjacent the drive member to inhibit lateral bulging of the drive member during articulation of the tool assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.