Patent ID: 8113410

Claim:
A disposable surgical stapling unit configured for use with an actuation device that has an elongated shaft assembly that defines an elongate axis, the disposable surgical stapling unit comprising: a staple cartridge carrier configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein; a first articulation joint coupled to said staple cartridge carrier to enable said staple cartridge carrier to be selectively pivotable about a first articulation axis upon application of a first articulation motion to said staple cartridge carrier; a tubular spacer member coupled to said first articulation joint; a second articulation joint coupled to said tubular spacer member such that said first and second articulation joints are longitudinally spaced from each other, said second articulation joint facilitating further articulation of said staple cartridge carrier upon application of at least one second articulation motion thereto; a housing coupled to said second articulation joint and having a proximal end configured to be removably coupled to the elongated shaft; a first articulation link communicating with said staple cartridge carrier and configured for operable engagement with a first articulation member within the elongated shaft to apply said first articulation motion thereto; and a drive member operably supported within said staple cartridge carrier, said drive member comprising: a cutting edge configured to incise tissue; and a proximal end configured for operable engagement with a control member operably supported within the elongated shaft to apply actuation motion thereto.