Patent ID: 8066168

Claim:
A surgical instrument with articulated jaw structure for capturing tissue of a body, the instrument comprising: a handle portion; an elongated frame having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the frame supported by the handle portion; and an actuating mechanism extending through the frame for operating a tool portion, the tool portion comprising: a fixed jaw defining a jaw axis, the fixed jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the fixed jaw being rigidly mounted to the distal end of the frame; a movable jaw having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the movable jaw axially movable in a proximal direction with respect to the fixed jaw between an open position wherein the movable jaw is substantially spaced from the fixed jaw and an approximated position wherein the movable jaw is substantially closer to the fixed jaw; and a staple cartridge supported by one of the fixed jaw and the movable jaw, the staple cartridge supporting a plurality of staples.