Surgical stapling apparatus
View Patent ↗A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.
1. A surgical stapling apparatus comprising:
a handle assembly including a movable handle, the movable handle being movable through at least one actuation stroke;
an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly mounted for articulation adjacent a distal end of the elongated body;
a longitudinally movable drive beam to effect the ejection of surgical staples from the tool assembly, the drive beam having a plurality of stacked sheets, each sheet at least partially abutting an adjacent sheet; and
an actuation shaft mounted for longitudinal movement in response to manipulation of the movable handle, the actuation shaft being arranged to move the drive beam longitudinally.
2. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an articulation mechanism mounted adjacent the handle assembly.
3. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the articulation mechanism has an articulation link extending through the elongated body.
4. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the tool assembly includes an anvil member having a longitudinal slot to facilitate passage of the drive beam.
5. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the anvil member has a camming surface positioned to be engaged by the drive beam to facilitate clamping of tissue.
6. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the tool assembly includes a staple cartridge having a longitudinal slot for facilitating passage of the drive beam.
7. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a mounting assembly for mounting the tool assembly for articulation.
8. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the mounting assembly has a pivot member.
9. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the drive beam includes a proximal engagement section having engagement fingers.
10. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the drive beam has a distal end defining a support strut.
11. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the strut supports a knife blade.
12. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the strut includes a flange that projects distally.
13. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the flange supports a cam roller.
14. A surgical stapling apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each sheet abuts at least one other adjacent sheet along the entire length of the stacked sheets.