Patent ID: 7431190
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical stapler comprising: a. an elongated handle portion having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end; b. an end effector disposed at said distal end of said handle, said end effector comprising a staple cartridge housing a plurality of staples, and an anvil, said end effector having an open position wherein said staple cartridge and said anvil are spaced apart, and a closed position wherein said staple cartridge and anvil are closely adjacent to each other; c. an elongated trigger having a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end of said trigger being pivotably attached to said handle between said handle's distal and proximal end, said trigger having an open position wherein said proximal end of said trigger is spaced apart from said handle, and a closed position wherein said proximal end of said trigger is closely adjacent said handle, said trigger being linked to said end effector such that moving said trigger from its open to its closed position moves said end effector from its open to its closed position; and d. an actuator for ejecting all of said plurality of staples simultaneously from said cartridge towards said anvil in a direction substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said handle, said actuator comprising a rotatable knob mounted onto said distal end of said handle, such that progressive rotation of said knob in a predetermined direction progressively ejects said staples.