Patent ID: 7708181

Claim:
A medical instrument for applying a fastener to a tissue comprising: a fastener device comprising: a first member having a staple housing and a fastener holder that is independently moveable with respect to the staple housing, the holder carrying at least one fastener; a second member having an anvil housing and an anvil carried on the anvil housing; a drive assembly including a drive member operatively connected to the fastener holder for movement within the staple housing from a retracted position to an extended position the drive member including a feature positioned to move into contact with a stop when the drive member reaches the extended position, such that the stop prevents further movement of the drive member; and an arm assembly operatively coupled to the first and second members such that movement of the drive member from its retracted to its extended position is effective to (i) move the fastener holder with respect to the staple housing toward the anvil, and (ii) move the second member toward the first member.