Patent ID: 6986451
Filing Date: 2006-01-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A disposable loading unit for utilization with a surgical stapler, the stapler having a handle portion, an elongated body extending distally from the handle portion, and an actuation assembly operatively associated with the handle portion and the elongated body, the disposable loading unit comprising: a) a carrier having a proximal end portion including a coupling for releasable engagement in a distal end portion of the elongated body; b) a staple cartridge supported in the carrier and containing a plurality of surgical fasteners and a plurality of fastener pushers for ejecting the fasteners from the staple cartridge; c) an anvil supported on the carrier and mounted for movement with respect to the staple cartridge between an open position and a closed position, the anvil having a fastener forming surface against which the surgical fasteners are driven when ejected from the staple cartridge by the fastener pushers and a camming surface opposite the fastener forming surface; d) an actuator mounted to translate through the staple cartridge to sequentially interact with the fastener pushers; and e) a drive beam having a proximal engagement portion configured to mate with a distal end portion of the actuation assembly of the stapler and a distal working end portion including an abutment surface for engaging the actuator and a camming member for engaging the camming surface of the anvil, whereby operation of the actuation assembly moves the drive beam through the carrier causing the camming member to progressively close the anvil as the actuator translates through the staple cartridge to sequentially interact with the plurality of fastener pushers.