Patent ID: 8418908
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An end effector for a surgical stapling apparatus comprising: a housing defining a plurality of passageways and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough; a cartridge extending from the housing and including a channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the cartridge having an upper surface with a plurality of retention slots extending therethrough for the reception of surgical fasteners; an elongate member including a plurality of fasteners arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows, the elongate member longitudinally translatable through the housing and the cartridge to move the fasteners from a position proximal of the slots to a position in line with the slots; a plurality of pushers disposed within the cartridge and operatively associated with the plurality of retention slots, the plurality of pushers adapted to support the plurality of fasteners; and a drive member movable through the cartridge and adapted to engage the plurality of pushers to urge the plurality of fasteners through the plurality of retention slots.