Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes a frame having a handle at a proximal end thereof, and a support structure at a distal end thereof. The support structure adapted to support a plurality of surgical fasteners and is formed from aluminum.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners. The method uses the step of building a frame with a proximal end and a distal end, and assembling a handle onto the proximal end of the frame. The method then uses the step of building a support structure adapted to support cartridge containing the plurality of surgical fasteners, and assembling the support structure onto the distal end of the frame. The method also uses the step of building a closure member for supporting at least a portion of the plurality of surgical fasteners for movement from the open position to the closed position. Wherein the step of building the closure member uses the step of molding the closure member from a plastic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surgical instrument for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners. The method uses the step of building a frame with a proximal end and a distal end, and assembling a handle onto the proximal end of the frame. The method also involves the step of building a support structure at least partially from aluminum, such that the support structure is adapted to a plurality of surgical staples. The method also involves the step of assembling the support structure onto the distal end of the frame.