Surgical instrument and loading unit for use therewith

摘要

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND LOADING UNIT FOR USE THEREWITH A surgical instrument (10) is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly (12) having a movable handle; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the handle and defining a longitudinal axis; a pair of jaw members (506, 508); and a drive assembly (560). The jaw members are disposed adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and extend generally distally therefrom. Each jaw member is longitudinally curved with respect to the longitudinal axis. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other between open and approximated positions. A first jaw member includes a channel having a longitudinally-extending slot therein. The drive assembly is advanced distally through at least a portion of the length of the jaw members in response to at least a partial actuation of the movable handle. A lower portion of the drive assembly is configured and dimensioned to travel at least partially within the longitudinally-extending slot of the channel. (