Patent ID: 8678264
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical stapling instrument, comprising: a handle assembly having a proximal-most end, the handle assembly being configured to be held during typical use of the surgical stapling instrument, the handle assembly having a tapered portion progressively tapering in a distal direction, the tapered portion terminating at a distal terminal end; an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis and extending distally from the handle assembly, the elongated body portion including side walls and a non-tapered diameter portion extending distally from the terminal end of the handle assembly, the elongated body portion having a constant diameter along its entire length; a head portion disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly; and an elongated channel including a proximal opening and a distal opening, the proximal opening being disposed in the side wall of the non-tapered diameter portion of the elongated body portion, distally of a terminal end of the handle assembly and proximally of a longitudinal midpoint of the elongated body portion, and the distal opening being disposed on the shell assembly, wherein substantially a majority of the elongated channel is completely surrounded by the side walls of the elongated body portion.