Abstract: A stapler having a spine structure between a staple carrying head assembly and a manually operable actuator assembly that can be made either flexible or rigid as desired during use of the stapler.

Abstract: A flexible surgical stapler assembly includes a staple firing head assembly and a handle actuator assembly connected to the staple firing head assembly through a flexible spine. The staple firing head assembly includes an anvil assembly defining an anvil surface which provides an array of staple forming depressions. A staple housing on the staple firing head assembly carries an array of staples to be formed. A staple pusher means on the staple firing head assembly is provided for exerting a force on the staples in the staple housing to eject the staples from the housing and form the staples against the anvil surface. The handle actuator assembly includes a housing which defines an inner cavity. A cable carrier is provided within the cavity and is freely slidable within the cavity. A length of flexible cable is connected at one of its ends to the cable carrier and at its other end to the anvil assembly of the staple firing head assembly.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for use in a fluid flow system for accurately sensing the temperature of fluid delivered through a lumen of a housing of the device. A temperature sensor element is isolated from the fluid in the lumen by its reception in an enclosure extending through a portion of the wall of the housing into the lumen. The temperature sensor is provided in association with a connector including suitable leads for transferring the electrically generated signal from the sensor to a cable connected to a computer for use in making thermodilution determinations. By permitting the expensive temperature sensor structure to be reusable without the need for repeated sterilization thereof while permitting the flow-through housing to be disposable, long, troublefree life at low cost is provided.