Patent ID: 8007513
Filing Date: 2011-08-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for performing a surgical stapling procedure, said method comprising: a. providing a surgical stapler comprising a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween, said proximal end comprising a handle and a distal end comprising a first staple cartridge and an opposing anvil, said first staple cartridge containing a plurality of surgical staples, said surgical stapler further including a first actuator module for deploying staples, said first actuator including a longitudinally movable member for sequentially ejecting staples towards said anvil; b. operating said first actuator module so as to eject said plurality of staples from said first staple cartridge; c. removing said first staple cartridge from said body and discarding said first staple cartridge, inserting a second staple cartridge into said body, said second staple cartridge containing a plurality of surgical staples; d. operating said first actuator module so as to eject said plurality of staples from said second staple cartridge; e. removing said first actuator module from said body and discarding said first actuator module; f. sterilizing said body, inserting a second actuator module and a staple cartridge into said body, and operating said actuator module so as to eject said plurality of staples.