Insertion device for surgical apparatus

Abstract

An insertion device is provided for use with surgical tissue fastening apparatus. The insertion device includes a head having an atraumatic leading surface and a shaft extending proximally therefrom. The shaft includes attachment structure for detachable engagement with surgical tissue fastening apparatus. The atraumatic leading structure aids in insertion of the surgical apparatus during a stapling procedure. The shaft, in combination with the head, can also be dimensioned and configured to prevent activation of a surgical tissue fastening apparatus while installed thereon. The insertion device can also include structure to protect and retain fasteners contained within the surgical tissue fastening apparatus. Further, the disclosed insertion devices can be constructed so as to reduce overall weight and alleviate suction effects associated with insertion and retraction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.