Patent ID: 7001408
Filing Date: 2006-02-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical stapling device for stapling tissue with a plurality of staples, said stapling device comprising: a. an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end extending therefrom, and an elongated end effector having a proximal end attached to said distal end of said shaft, a distal end extending therefrom and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; b. said end effector comprising a first jaw having a plurality of staples therein and a second jaw, opposing said first jaw, having an anvil thereon said jaws movable with respect to each other from an open position, wherein the jaws are spaced apart, to a closed position wherein the jaws are in close approximation to one another; c. at least one of said jaws having an expandable member on a back side thereof for selectively increasing a height of said at least one jaw.