Patent ID: 8875972
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A disposable surgical stapling unit configured for use with an actuation device that has an elongated shaft assembly that defines an elongate axis and operably supports a control rod therein, the disposable surgical stapling unit comprising: a staple cartridge carrier configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein, said staple cartridge carrier having an end connector configured to be removably coupled to the elongated shaft assembly in a transverse direction that is substantially transverse to the elongate axis and be detached therefrom without disassembling the elongated shaft assembly, said end connector having a key member that is configured to engage a corresponding key member on the elongated shaft assembly such that when engaged together, said key members prevent relative axial movement between said disposable surgical stapling unit and the elongated shaft assembly; an anvil having at least one staple-deforming cavity therein, said anvil supported for pivotal travel relative to the staple cartridge carrier in response to closing and opening motions applied thereto by the elongated shaft assembly; and a drive member operably supported within said staple cartridge carrier, said drive member comprising: