Importance

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Abstract

A surgical stapler instrument is disclosed for applying linear parallel rows of staples through compressed living tissue having a replaceable anvil. The stapler has a mechanism for (a) preventing the jaws from being clamped on tissue, and/or (b) preventing the stapler from being fired if the anvil has been removed. In one aspect, the surgical stapler includes a replaceable anvil having specially shaped surfaces for forming staples, and cartridge and anvil retention portions. The cartridge and anvil retention portions are relatively moveable between a closed position in which the cartridge and anvil retention portions are in closely spaced relationship for clamping tissue to be stapled therebetween and an open position in which the cartridge and anvil retention portions are spaced farther from each other than in the closed position. The stapler also includes a cartridge housing for enclosing staples, and a firing assembly for firing the staples that is moveable between a pre-fired and a fired position.

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First Claim