Curved end effector for a surgical stapling device

A surgical stapler for stapling tissue, comprising:

• a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge configured to removably store staples therein, the staple cartridge having a first surface defined by a first radius of curvature;
• an anvil configured to deform said staples, said anvil having a second surface defined by a second radius of curvature, wherein said first surface and said second surface are configured to releasably hold said tissue therebetween when said first surface and said second surface are placed in close opposition to each other;
• a cutting member having a cutting edge, wherein said cutting edge defines an axis, and wherein said cutting member is relatively movable with respect to said anvil and the staple cartridge;
• and
• a flexible driver operably engaged with said cutting member to move said cutting member relative to said anvil and the staple cartridge, wherein said driver has an elongate cross-section defined by a width and a height, wherein said width is greater than said height, and wherein said width defines an axis that is not parallel to said cutting edge axis.

A surgical stapler, comprising:

• a channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge configured to removably store staples therein;
• an anvil configured to deform said staples;
• a cutting member having a cutting edge, wherein said cutting edge defines an axis, and wherein said cutting member is relatively movable with respect to said anvil and the staple cartridge;
• and
• a flexible drive bar operably engaged with said cutting member to move said cutting member relative to said anvil and the staple cartridge, said drive bar having a cross-section, said cross-section defining a first moment of inertia with respect to said cutting edge axis and a second moment of inertia with respect to an axis perpendicular to said cutting edge axis, wherein said first moment of inertia is greater than said second moment of inertia.

A surgical stapler configured to be positioned within the thoracic cavity of a patient, the surgical stapler comprising:

• a staple cartridge configured to removably store at least a first staple and a second staple;
• a staple cartridge channel configured to receive said staple cartridge;
• an anvil configured to deform said first staple and said second staple, wherein said first staple is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein said first position and said second position define a first axis, wherein said second staple is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein said first position and said second position of said second staple define a second axis, wherein said first axis and said second axis define an angle therebetween;
• and
• a staple driver configured to move said first staple along said first axis and said second staple along said second axis;
• wherein one of said staple cartridge channel and said anvil is contoured and configured to be positioned intermediate the pulmonary artery and a sidewall of the thoracic cavity of a patient, and wherein said first axis and said second axis converge on a side of the pulmonary artery opposite the thoracic cavity sidewall.