Importance

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Abstract

A surgical microstapler is disclosed which does not require the use of a staple bending anvil that must be retracted after the staple is implanted. The surgical microstapler utilizes a stapler head comprising a staple magazine that consists of a series of staples attached to and supported by a plurality of frame members. The stables have a predetermined shape characterized by a spine portion and two opposite legs. The staples and frame members are formed as part of a sheet metal continuum and are joined by a plurality of tabs which coact with the frame members to hold the staples in proper spaced relationship within the magazine. The stapler head also comprises means for advancing the magazine so as to position its leading staple in a predetermined dispensing position in line with an ejection slot through which the staple is ejected and inserted into tissue, and staple driving means for implanting the leading staple. The leading staple is held to the magazine at its spine as it is engaged by the staple driving means. The staple driving means is shaped so as to contact the opposite legs of the staple and to deflect them downward following a curved trajectory with closely resembles the motion of a surgeon's suturing needle. The stapler head is adapted to be connected to a driver which provides the driving force required to cause the staple driving means to separate the leading staple from the magazine and implant it into the tissue.

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First Claim