Patent ID: 8011552
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical fastener applying apparatus, comprising: an anvil half-section defining a longitudinal axis and a tissue contacting surface, the anvil half-section including a proximal end and a distal end; a cartridge receiving half-section mechanically coupled to the anvil half-section; and a multi-stage deflection control system mechanically coupled to the anvil half-section, the deflection control system being configured and dimensioned to reinforce the distal end of the anvil half-section upon application of a force thereto, the force acting on the anvil half-section in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the anvil half-section and normal to a plane defined by the tissue contacting surface, such that a rate of deflection of the distal end of the anvil half-section progressively decreases during compression of tissue positioned between the anvil half-section and the cartridge receiving half-section, thereby incrementally stiffening the distal end of the anvil half-section.