Importance

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Abstract

A microsurgical stapling system for suturing delicate tissue. The system comprises a staple magazine and a stapler. The magazine has a framework to which a plurality of pre-formed staples are integrally attached in parallel, spaced-apart formation. The stapler comprises a housing, a staple support and ram assembly, a driver body and a driver assembly. The magazine is disposed within the housing and is advanced toward the staple support and ram assembly. The staple support and ram assembly comprises a front wall that engages the front edge of the leading staple in the magazine and a rear wall that engages the trailing edge of the leading staple, whereby the leading staple can be captivated between the front and rear walls. The front wall may not be movable; the rear wall is movable so that it can move down to engage the rear side of a staple which has just passed beneath the rear wall. The staple support and ram assembly also comprises a ram plate slidably mounted between the front and rear walls for driving the leading staple downwardly between the front and rear walls. An ejection slot is formed in the housing through which the leading staple is ejected into the tissue to be sutured. The rear wall and ram plate are coupled to and driven by the driver assembly. The driver assembly retracts the rear wall and ram plate from the inserted staple at the same time the assembly advances the staple magazine toward the front wall.

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First Claim