Patent ID: 7988026
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical endocutter, comprising: a staple holder; at least one feeder belt with at least one substantially planar segment having two lateral edges, at least part of at least one said feeder belt extending into said staple holder; and a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises a first end frangibly affixed to a corresponding said feeder belt, wherein each said first end is affixed to said feeder belt at a location laterally spaced from the longitudinal centerline of said feeder belt, and a second free end; wherein said staples form at least one row, each said row including at least two said staples; wherein at least one said staple is affixed to and is out of plane relative to said substantially planar segment of said feeder belt; and wherein a plurality of said staples in at least one said row are organized into a plurality of groups, wherein the corresponding said feeder belt includes blanks between adjacent said groups wherein at least one said blank extends a length along said feeder belt greater than a length between adjacent said staples in adjacent said groups.