Patent ID: 7147140
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument adapted for stapling tissue in a highly controlled manner, comprising: a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, with a handle positioned at the proximal end and an end effector positioned at the distal end; the end effector shaped and dimensioned for selectively receiving a cartridge module containing a plurality of surgical fasteners; a firing mechanism associated with the end effector and the cartridge module for selective actuation of the surgical fasteners; the cartridge module includes a cartridge housing in which the surgical fasteners are housed and an anvil shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the surgical fasteners to facilitate stapling, the cartridge housing and anvil being relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another; a retainer removeably positioned between the anvil and the cartridge housing to prevent undesired movement of the cartridge housing toward the anvil, wherein the retainer includes a disengagement structure and the disengagement structure includes a tab which contacts the end effector for release of the retainer upon insertion of the cartridge module within the end effector.