Surgical stapling apparatus

摘要

A stapling system for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a staple cartridge, a staple cartridge carrier, and a first articulation joint defining a first articulation axis. The stapling system further comprises a second articulation joint defining a second articulation axis, an elongate shaft, and a shaft portion extending between the first articulation joint and the second articulation joint, wherein the shaft portion is pivotable relative to the elongate shaft about the second articulation axis. The stapling system further comprises, one, means for articulating the staple cartridge carrier about the first articulation axis and, two, a drive member operably supported with the staple cartridge carrier, wherein the drive member is selectively operable to eject staples from the staple cartridge.

主权项

1. A disposable surgical stapling unit configured for use with an actuation device that has an elongate shaft that defines an elongate axis, said 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 spacer member coupled to said first articulation joint; a second articulation joint coupled to said spacer member such that said first articulation joint and said second articulation joint 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 comprising a proximal end configured to be removably coupled to the elongate shaft; an articulation link communicating with said staple cartridge carrier and configured for operable engagement with a first articulation member within the elongate shaft to apply said first articulation motion thereto; and a drive member operably supported within said staple cartridge carrier, said drive member comprising a proximal end configured for operable engagement with a control member operably supported within the elongate shaft to apply an actuation motion thereto.