Patent ID: 11890029
Assignee: CILAG GMBH INTERNATIONAL
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 13:
14. A surgical stapling instrument, comprising:
an elongate shaft assembly;
an articulation joint;
an end effector pivotally coupled to said elongate shaft assembly about said articulation joint, wherein said end effector comprises:
a first jaw; and
a second jaw pivotally coupled to said first jaw, wherein said second jaw is movable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;

a replaceable staple cartridge assembly, comprising:
a cartridge body, comprising:
a deck, comprising:
a first tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined therein; and
a second tissue-facing surface stepped relative to said first tissue-facing surface;

a plurality of staples movably positioned in said plurality of staple cavities; and
a sled comprising a cutting surface;

a drive screw extending longitudinally within said end effector, wherein a rotation of said drive screw in a first direction causes said sled to translate distally through a staple firing stroke; and
a bearing, wherein a distal end of said drive screw is received by said bearing, wherein said drive screw extends proximally from said bearing and projects proximally from said cartridge body, and wherein said bearing permits said drive screw to freely rotate with respect to said end effector.