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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 27, 1989
Date of Patent:
November 13, 1990
Assignee:
Ophthalmic Ventures
Inventors:
William D. Richards, John C. Meade, Ernesto E. Blanco