Patent ID: 7682367
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A surgical stapling apparatus, comprising: a frame; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the frame and defining a longitudinal axis; a clamp handle disposed on the frame and in mechanical cooperation with a drive member; a firing handle disposed on the frame and in mechanical cooperation with at least one firing rod; a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a camming surface, the tool assembly being supported adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion; and a drive beam having a proximal engagement portion disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof and being configured to engage a distal portion of the drive member and having an upper flange portion and a lower flange portion disposed adjacent a distal end of the drive beam, the drive beam configured so that one of the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion engages at least a portion of the camming surface of the tool assembly, the drive beam having a vertical member, whereby actuation of the clamp handle moves the drive beam distally into engagement with at least a portion of the camming surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly; the vertical member of the drive beam having an opening therethrough extending from the proximal end through the distal end and whereby actuation of the firing handle moves the at least one firing rod through the opening to eject surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly; wherein a portion of the drive beam has a cross section including a vertical portion and two horizontal portions; wherein the opening of the drive beam extends through the vertical portion of the cross-section of the drive beam; wherein the vertical portion is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; wherein each of the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion is planar and parallel to one another; wherein one of the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion is configured to engage the anvil and wherein the other flange portion is configured to engage the cartridge assembly.