Surgical stapling apparatus with control features

A disposable surgical stapling unit configured for use with an actuation device that has an elongated shaft assembly that defines an elongate axis, the disposable surgical stapling unit comprising:

• a staple cartridge carrier configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein;
• a first articulation joint coupled to said staple cartridge carrier to enable said staple cartridge carrier to be selectively pivotable about a first articulation axis upon application of a first articulation motion from the actuation device to said staple cartridge carrier;
• a tubular spacer member coupled to said first articulation joint;
• a second articulation joint coupled to said tubular spacer member such that said first and second articulation joints are longitudinally spaced from each other, said second articulation joint facilitating further articulation of said staple cartridge carrier upon application of at least one second articulation motion thereto that is not generated by the actuation device;
• a housing coupled to said second articulation joint and having a proximal end configured to be removably coupled to the elongated shaft;
• a first articulation link communicating with said staple cartridge carrier and configured for operable engagement with a first articulation member within the elongated shaft to apply said first articulation motion thereto;
• and
• a drive member operably supported within said staple cartridge carrier, said drive member comprising:
• a cutting edge configured to incise tissue;
• and
• a proximal end configured for operable engagement with a control member operably supported within the elongated shaft to apply actuation motion thereto.

A disposable surgical stapling unit configured for use with an actuation device that has an elongated shaft assembly that defines an elongate axis, the disposable surgical stapling unit comprising:

• a staple cartridge carrier;
• a staple cartridge operably supported within said staple cartridge carrier;
• an anvil supported for pivotal travel relative to said staple cartridge upon application of opening and closing motions applied thereto from the actuation device;
• a first articulation joint coupled to said staple cartridge carrier to enable said staple cartridge carrier to be selectively pivoted about a first articulation axis upon application of a first articulation motion to said staple cartridge carrier;
• a first articulation link communicating with said staple cartridge carrier and configured for operable engagement with a first articulation member within the elongated shaft to apply said first articulation motion thereto;
• a tubular spacer member coupled to said first articulation joint;
• a second articulation joint coupled to said tubular spacer member such that said first and second articulation joints are longitudinally spaced from each other, said second articulation joint coupled facilitating further articulation of said staple cartridge carrier upon application of at least one second articulation motion thereto;
• a housing coupled to said second articulation joint and having a proximal end configured to be removably coupled to the elongated shaft;
• a drive member operably supported within said staple cartridge carrier, said drive member comprising:
• a cutting edge configured to incise tissue;
• and
• a proximal end configured for operable engagement with a control member operably supported within the elongated shaft to apply actuation motion thereto.