Patent ID: 7757925

Claim:
A surgical stapler comprising: a) a handle assembly including a stationary handle and a trigger configured to manipulate a cam member through an actuating stroke; b) an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis; c) a staple cartridge supported adjacent the distal end of the elongated body and containing a plurality of staples; d) an anvil pivotally mounted in relation to the cartridge adjacent the distal end of the elongated body, the anvil having a fastener forming surface thereon and being mounted for pivotal movement in relation to the cartridge between an open position having a distal end spaced from the staple cartridge and a closed position in close cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge; e) an actuation sled supported within the cartridge, the actuation sled being moveable to urge the plurality of staples from the cartridge; f) a drive assembly including a body having a working end and a cam member supported on the working end, the cam member being positioned to translate relative to the anvil to maintain the anvil in the closed position during firing of the stapler; g) wherein the trigger is operatively connected to a power cell, the cell being operably connected to a motor of the drive assembly such that manipulation of the trigger actuates the power cell such that the power cell powers the drive assembly to effect translation of the cam member relative to the anvil; h) a channel for supporting the staple cartridge; i) the motor of the drive assembly controlling the actuation sled supported within the cartridge, wherein the actuation sled urges the plurality of staples from the cartridge when the anvil is in the closed position and in cooperative alignment with the staple cartridge; and j) a protective housing connected to an outside surface of the stationary handle, the motor of the drive assembly and the power cell disposed in the protective housing, the protective housing is releasably coupled to the assembled stationary handle of the stapler.