Firing system for linear surgical stapler

A surgical stapler comprising:

• (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface includes a plurality of staple forming pockets;
• (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;
• (c) a clamp member operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member;
• (d) a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongate member is clamped against the second elongate member;
• and
• (e) a retaining assembly arranged at a proximal end of the surgical stapler, wherein the retaining assembly comprises:
• (i) a latch member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member, and
• (ii) a detent member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the first longitudinal position.

A surgical stapler comprising:

• (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion that supports an anvil surface, wherein the anvil surface includes a plurality of staple forming pockets;
• (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to receive a staple cartridge;
• (c) a clamp member operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member;
• (d) a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongate member is clamped against the second elongate member;
• and
• (e) a retaining assembly, wherein the retaining assembly comprises:
• (i) a first moveable member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member, and
• (ii) a second moveable member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the first longitudinal position,
• wherein the first moveable member and the second moveable member are moveable independently of one another.