Stapling device with continuously parallel jaws

A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device, comprising:

• a first jaw having a first surface;
• a second jaw having a second surface facing the first surface, the second jaw defining first and second bores, the second jaw movable in relation to the first jaw between an open position and a clamped position;
• a drive member supporting a rack having a first side and a second side, the drive member movable from a retracted position to an advanced position;
• and
• an approximation drive assembly including a first lead screw received within the first bore, a second lead screw received within the second bore, a first pinion supported on the first lead screw, and a second pinion supported on the second lead screw, the first pinion engaging the first side of the rack and the second pinion engaging the second side of the rack,
• wherein movement of the drive member from the retracted position toward the advanced position advances the rack to rotate the first pinion and the second pinion, and wherein rotating the first pinion rotates the first lead screw within the first bore and rotating the second pinion rotates the second lead screw within the second bore to move the second jaw in relation to the first jaw from the open position to the clamped position.

A surgical stapling device, comprising:

• an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
• and
• a reload assembly including a proximal body portion and a tool assembly, the proximal body portion adapted to be releasably coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body, and the tool assembly being supported on the proximal body portion, the tool assembly including:
• a first jaw having a first surface;
• a second jaw having a second surface facing the first surface, the second jaw defining first and second bores, the second jaw movable in relation to the first jaw between an open position and a clamped position;
• a drive member supporting a rack having a first side and a second side, the drive member movable from a retracted position to an advanced position;
• and
• an approximation drive assembly including a first lead screw received within the first bore, a second lead screw received within the second bore, a first pinion supported on the first lead screw, and a second pinion supported on the second lead screw, the first pinion engaging the first side of the rack and the second pinion engaging the second side of the rack,
• wherein movement of the drive member from the retracted position toward the advanced position advances the rack to rotate the first pinion and the second pinion, and wherein rotating the first pinion rotates the first lead screw within the first bore and rotating the second pinion rotates the second lead screw within the second bore to move the second jaw in relation to the first jaw from the open position to the clamped position.