Importance

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Abstract

A surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle and a trigger pivotally attached and on compression internal to the handle has been invented. The forward portion of the handle contains: a track; a plurality of staples loaded and staple advancing means carried on the track; a track cover mounted onto the track; and an anvil surface mounted and a first bias means movably mounted on the cover. The anvil surface terminates in a perpendicular flange. The forwardmost staple is adjacent the anvil surface. A retainer spring supports the staple and separates it from the perpendicular flange. The staple is formed on the flange. The forward portion of the handle also contains a guide block which is mounted on the track cover adjacent the anvil surface. A forming blade and a second bias means are movably mounted on the guide block. The forming blade and the trigger have coordinating surfaces. On compressing the trigger into the handle, the forming blade pushes the staple downward, the staple displaces the retainer spring and the staple forms on the flange. The retainer spring moves back to its initial position. On releasing the trigger and advancing the instrument the formed staple is separated from the flange. The second bias means returns the trigger and the forming blade to their initial positions.

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First Claim