Patent ID: 7997469
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A staple drive assembly comprising: a cartridge defining retention slots in a plurality of rows for retaining staples and having a proximal end and a distal end; an actuation sled disposed in the cartridge; a plurality of first staple pushers each having a first pusher plate in a first row, a second pusher plate in a second row, and a third pusher plate in a third row, the first staple pushers being adapted to eject three staples and being disposed in the cartridge in between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge, the first pusher plate being laterally and longitudinally offset from the second and third pusher plates; and a second staple pusher having less than three pusher plates, the second staple pusher being adapted to eject less than three staple and being disposed at the proximal end of the cartridge.