Patent ID: 6644532
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical apparatus comprising:a) an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis; b) a staple applying assembly pivotal about a pivot point adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion, the staple applying assembly including: i) a cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge having a plurality of surgical staples disposed therein; and ii) an anvil member having a staple forming surface thereon, the anvil member being movable between an open position wherein at least a portion of the staple forming surface is spaced from the staple cartridge and a closed position wherein the staple forming surface is in close cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge; and d) an articulation mechanism operatively connected to the staple applying assembly, which includes: a rotatable member; and at least one coupling member operatively associated with the rotatable member and the staple applying assembly, wherein rotation of the rotatable member causes the staple applying assembly to pivot from a first position having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion to a second articulated position wherein the longitudinal axis of the staple applying assembly is positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion.