Patent ID: 11944302
Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 10:
11. A surgical instrument comprising:
an end effector comprising first and second jaws configured to move relative to each other from an open position to a closed position;
a drive member configured to translate distally through the end effector; and
a staple cartridge coupled to one of the first or second jaws and comprising:
a housing comprising a sidewall with an opening, the housing having a longitudinal axis; and
at least one staple assembly comprising a staple pusher and a staple, wherein the staple pusher comprises a projection configured to retain the staple pusher to the housing and to allow the drive member to force the staple pusher to move relative to the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the projection comprises an outer inclined surface, wherein at least a portion of the outer inclined surface extends through the opening in the housing, the outer inclined surface tapering inward in the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being sized to allow forced movement of the staple pusher in said direction such that said outer inclined surface is cammed along an edge of the opening.