Surgical stapling device including a loading unit alignment indicator

A surgical stapling device comprising:

• a handle assembly;
• an elongate body having a proximal portion coupled to the handle assembly and a distal portion;
• and
• an end effector coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body, the end effector including:
• a frame having a U-shaped configuration and including:
• first and second transverse portions, the first transverse portion being spaced from the second transverse portion to define a recess;
• and
• a longitudinal portion interconnecting the first and second transverse portions, the longitudinal portion defining a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal portion including a coupling portion including a visual indicator;
• and
• a loading unit removably supported on the frame, the loading unit including:
• an anvil plate supported on the first transverse portion of the frame;
• a base portion extending from the anvil plate, the base portion including opposing flanges configured to receive the coupling portion of the longitudinal portion between the opposing flanges and conceal the visual indicator when the loading unit is in registration with the frame;
• and
• a cartridge assembly supported on the base portion and movable in relation to the anvil plate between spaced and clamped positions.