Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) including a housing, elongated member, and a reload is disclosed. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a clamp member operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. A distal portion of the first elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets. A distal portion of the second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. A firing assembly of the surgical stapler is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongate member is clamped against the second elongate member. A retaining assembly of the surgical stapler includes a first retaining member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member, and a second retaining member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the first longitudinal position.

Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments having surgical stapling cartridges are disclosed. At least one embodiment includes an end effector that has an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and an anvil that is movably supported on the elongate channel between an open position and closed positions in response to an application of opening and closing motions applied thereto. An anvil lock member cooperates with the anvil to retain the anvil in an open position when a staple cartridge has not been installed in the elongate channel and prevent the anvil from moving to a closed position until the staple cartridge has been seated within the elongate channel. Surgical staple cartridges are configured to move the anvil from an open position to an actuatable position when the cartridge has been installed in the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising an actuator system operable to generate independent motions and a stapling end effector responsive to the independent motions generated by the actuator system is disclosed. The stapling end effector comprises a staple cartridge jaw comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein, an anvil jaw, and a firing member. The firing member comprises an anvil-engaging portion and a cartridge jaw-engaging portion configured to engage the staple cartridge jaw.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to deploy the staples during a staple firing stroke is disclosed. The staple cartridge further comprises a spent cartridge lock switchable into a locked state during the staple firing stroke. The spent cartridge lock in its locked state prevents the sled from beign returned back into its unspent position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector including a jaw closure actuator which is actuated by an initial stroke of a staple firing drive is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly pivotally secured to the cartridge assembly and movable between open and clamped positions. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member, a staple cartridge supported in the channel member, and an actuation sled positioned within the staple cartridge. The actuation sled is movable from a first position to a second position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The tool assembly further includes a drive assembly having a clamping member movable from an initial position to an advanced position to move the actuation sled from the first position to the second position, and a lockout member secured to the channel member and moveable between a relaxed condition and a flexed condition. Movement of the actuation sled from the first position towards the second position causes the lockout member to move to the flexed condition to permit advancement of the drive assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing assembly, and a release assembly. The handle assembly includes first and second arms and a latching lever. The end effector includes first and second jaws. The firing assembly is configured to sever tissue captured between the jaws. The release assemble is configured to urge the latching lever away from the first arm to pivot the second jaw from a fully closed position to a partially closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a shipping wedge. In embodiments, the shipping wedge is configured to disable the use of a staple reload if the staple reload does not have an actuation sled. In other embodiments, the actuation sled includes a readable identifier that facilitates confirmation of the presence of an actuation sled within a staple reload from a location externally of the staple reload.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a shipping wedge. In embodiments, the shipping wedge is configured to disable the use of a staple reload if the staple reload does not have an actuation sled. In other embodiments, the actuation sled includes a readable identifier that facilitates confirmation of the presence of an actuation sled within a staple reload from a location externally of the staple reload.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel and a removable assembly in releasable engagement with the channel. The removable assembly includes a cartridge body and a support plate. The cartridge body includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The support plate is configured to mechanically engage the cartridge body and includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The engagement structure of the cartridge body is configured for longitudinal alignment with the engagement structure of the support plate. The engagement structures of the cartridge body and the engagement structure of the support plate are configured to mechanically engage the engagement structure of the channel when the removable assembly is engaged with the channel.

Abstract: A stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member configured to perform a firing stroke, a biasing element, and a rotary drive shaft is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises staple cavities, staples, staple drivers, and a sled. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first camming member, and a second camming member. The biasing element comprises a spring and is movable between an initial position and a displaced position. The rotary drive shaft is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the elongate channel. The rotary drive shaft is moved from the first position to the second position by the staple cartridge when the staple cartridge is inserted into the elongate channel and moves the biasing element to the displaced position against a distal biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed comprising a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge positionable in the cartridge channel, and a firing assembly configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge is not positioned in the cartridge channel. Moreover, the firing assembly is configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge has been at least partially spent.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing assembly, and a lockout assembly. The handle assembly includes first and second arms and a latching lever. The end effector includes first and second jaws and a staple cartridge. The firing assembly is configured to actuate from a pre-fired proximal position toward a distal position in order to staple and sever tissue captured between the first jaw and the second jaw. The lockout assembly is configured to prevent distal translation of the firing assembly in a locked configuration and allow distal translation of the firing assembly in an unlocked configuration. The latching lever is configured to actuate the lockout assembly from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to the latching lever pivoting the second jaw from a partially closed configuration to a fully closed configuration while the firing assembly is in the pre-fired proximal position.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a locking mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus (10) including a cartridge supporting section (200), an anvil supporting section (100) having a longitudinal axis and including a distal anvil portion (104) and a proximal handle portion (102), including a first longitudinally extending slot (109) extending therealong. A clamping lever (300) having a proximal portion and a distal portion is movable from an undamped position to a clamped position to releasably secure the anvil supporting section in close approximation with the cartridge supporting section. A firing assembly (500) includes a firing knob (552), the firing knob movable within the longitudinally extending slot from a first proximal position to a second distal position to fire fasteners (402) supported in the cartridge supporting section.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a channel and a removable assembly in releasable engagement with the channel. The removable assembly includes a cartridge body and a support plate. The cartridge body includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The support plate is configured to mechanically engage the cartridge body and includes an engagement structure disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof. The engagement structure of the cartridge body is configured for longitudinal alignment with the engagement structure of the support plate. The engagement structures of the cartridge body and the engagement structure of the support plate are configured to mechanically engage the engagement structure of the channel when the removable assembly is engaged with the channel.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a mechanism configured to overcome an empty/missing cartridge lockout is disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus includes an end effector; and a handle operationally connected to the end effector, the handle including a trigger and a mode button; where the mode button is first in a neutral position in which actuation of the trigger causes the end effector to move to a clamped configuration; and where the mode button is movable laterally to a second position in which actuation of the trigger causes the end effector to deploy staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. The stapler includes a housing, elongated member, and a reload. A cartridge is configured to selectively couple to a first jaw member of the reload and includes one or more resilient members thereon. An anvil operably supported on a second jaw member of the reload is configured to compress one or more fasteners ejected from the cartridge. The anvil includes one or more locking members thereon. A knife is configured to translate through the cartridge and anvil when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. Engagement between the knife and the resilient member(s) causes the resilient member(s) to move from an initial configuration that allows the knife to travel distally past the locking member(s) to a final configuration that allows the locking member(s) to engage the knife.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise, one, a surgical instrument including a handle, a shaft comprising a distal end, and a trigger and, two, an end effector attachable to the shaft. The instrument can further include a firing member and a motor configured to move the firing member toward the distal end, wherein the trigger is configured to operate the motor. The surgical instrument system can further include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more error conditions, a plurality of indicators, and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensors and the indicators, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the indicators to indicate the error conditions detected. A surgical instrument can comprise a plurality of actuators and a plurality of actuator locks, wherein the controller can actuate one or more of the actuator locks to indicate the error condition detected.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise an end effector comprising, one, stored data regarding parameters of the end effector and, two, a stored checksum. The system can further comprise a surgical instrument which can comprise means for ascertaining the stored data and the stored checksum, calculating a calculated checksum using the stored data, and comparing the calculated checksum to the stored checksum, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to generate an error response if the calculated checksum does not match the stored checksum. An end effector can comprise a start bit, stored data regarding the end effector, and an end bit which can be transmitted to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can be configured to identify the start bit and the end bit and generate an error response if at least one of the start bit and the end bit are not identified.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus (10) including a cartridge supporting section (200) and an anvil supporting section (100). The cartridge supporting section includes a distal section (206) and a proximal section (210) and the anvil supporting section and cartridge supporting section are configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The anvil supporting section has a distal fastener receiving region (102), a proximal clamping region (104) and an intermediate region (106) between the fastener receiving region and the clamping region. The proximal clamping region is positioned on a first side of the cartridge supporting section and the fastener receiving region is positioned on a second opposing side of the cartridge supporting section.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus particularly suited for sequentially applying a plurality of fasteners to body tissue and simultaneously incising tissue is provided. A handle assembly includes a movable handle. The movable handle is movable through an actuation stroke. An elongate body extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The elongate body has a distal end adapted to releasably engage both articulating and non-articulating disposable loading unit types. An actuation shaft is supported at least in part within the handle assembly and is mounted for longitudinal movement in response to manipulation of the actuation handle. An energy activated firing lockout system prevents operation of the surgical apparatus under a plurality of conditions.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument includes a casing, an anvil assembly, a staple driver, and a locking mechanism. The anvil assembly is configured to move back and forth between an open position away from the casing and a closed position adjacent the casing. The staple driver is configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The locking mechanism is configured to, whenever the anvil assembly is in the open position, automatically lock the staple driver in the pre-fired position preventing the staple driver from being moved to the fired position. The locking mechanism is also configured to, whenever the anvil assembly is in the closed position, automatically unlock the staple driver from the pre-fired position to allow the staple driver to be moved to the fired position.

Abstract: A linear stapler comprises a support base having a proximal end and a distal end; a trigger located at the proximal end of the support base; an end effector located at the distal end of the support base, fired by the trigger and including a cartridge. The cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes staple slots for accommodating staples; and a cartridge lockout which is forced into an open position to abut against an outer side of a staple driver when the cartridge is not fired and which springs back toward the inside direction of the cartridge body after the staples in the cartridge are fired by the staple driver. Another linear stapler comprises a support base having a proximal end and a distal end; a trigger located at the proximal end of the support base; an end effector located at the distal end of the support base, fired by the trigger and including a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a cartridge body including a spent cartridge indicator.

Abstract: A locking shipping wedge is provided and generally includes a body portion having an elongate transverse member projecting from the body portion which is engageable with a drive assembly of a loading unit. A locking mechanism is provided on the body portion of the shipping wedge which is engageable with locking structure movably mounted within the loading unit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame and defines a longitudinal axis. The firing rod is disposed at least partially with the elongate portion and is proximally and distally translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector includes a knife and is disposed at a distal portion of the elongate portion. Distal movement of the firing rod causes a distal end of the firing rod to link with the knife. Proximal movement of the firing rod moves the linked knife proximally to a first predetermined position. The knife is unlinked from the firing rod when the firing rod has been translated proximally to a second predetermined position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector movable relative to the shaft, a locking mechanism configured to engage the shaft and/or end effector to fix the relative relationship between the shaft and end effector, and a closure system configured to close the end effector and engage the locking mechanism to prevent it from becoming unlocked. The instrument can further include a firing drive comprising a trigger, a firing member, and a pawl, where the pawl is rotatable between a first position in which the pawl is disengaged from the firing member and a second position in which the trigger can advance the pawl and firing member toward the end effector. The instrument can also include a reel, a band, where the band can be wound around the reel to retract the firing member, and a return mechanism for selectively engaging the trigger with the firing member and the reel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a cutting member configured to incise tissue positioned captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil and, in addition, means for stopping the cutting member prior to a distal end datum, wherein the distal end datum can be defined by the distal-most staple cavity in the staple cartridge. In such embodiments, the incision within the tissue may not extend beyond the portion of the tissue that has been stapled.

Abstract: A locking shipping wedge is provided and generally includes a body portion having an elongate transverse member projecting from the body portion which is engageable with a drive assembly of a loading unit. A locking mechanism is provided on the body portion of the shipping wedge which is engageable with locking structure movably mounted within the loading unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism pivotally supported on the housing portion of the loading unit, the locking mechanism having a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position, preferably the axial position, of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit, and the locking mechanism having a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion.

Abstract: Surgical staple cartridges and end effectors for surgical stapling instruments. In various embodiments, a cartridge support member is coupled to a portion of an implantable staple cartridge body. The cartridge support member is configured to be removably coupled to an elongated channel portion of a surgical instrument. When the stapling process has been completed, the implantable cartridge body remains stapled to the tissue and is separated from the cartridge support member which remains affixed to the elongated channel to provide the surgeon with an indication that no cartridge is present within the elongated channel. In other embodiments, a closure lockout arrangement is provided to prevent the advancement of a closure member to a fully fired position when a staple cartridge is not present within the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame and defines a longitudinal axis. The firing rod is disposed at least partially with the elongate portion and is proximally and distally translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector includes a knife and is disposed at a distal portion of the elongate portion. Distal movement of the firing rod causes a distal end of the firing rod to link with the knife. Proximal movement of the firing rod moves the linked knife proximally to a first predetermined position. The knife is unlinked from the firing rod when the firing rod has been translated proximally to a second predetermined position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument to cut an object and a motor coupled to the end effector. The motor actuates the cutting instrument in response to a current therethrough, causing the cutting instrument to move between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position. The instrument includes an interlock coupled to the end effector and to the motor to prevent actuation of the cutting instrument based on the current through the motor.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a latch for securing first and second jaw members together, a cutting member which can be advanced and/or retracted relative to first and second jaw members, and, in addition, a lock which can prevent, or at least inhibit, the cutting member from being moved, or at least advanced, relative to the first and second jaw members before the latch has been closed. In at least one embodiment, the latch can be configured to engage the lock as the latch is moved from a fully open position to a fully closed position and operably disengage the lock from the cutting member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a frame, an elongate portion, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the frame and defines a longitudinal axis. The firing rod is disposed at least partially with the elongate portion and is proximally and distally translatable with respect to the elongate portion. The end effector includes a knife and is disposed at a distal portion of the elongate portion. Distal movement of the firing rod causes a distal end of the firing rod to link with the knife. Proximal movement of the firing rod moves the linked knife proximally to a first predetermined position. The knife is unlinked from the firing rod when the firing rod has been translated proximally to a second predetermined position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a loading unit for use with and/or supportable on a distal end of a surgical stapling apparatus. The loading unit includes a housing portion including a distal end and a proximal end, a drive assembly slidably supported within the housing portion of the loading unit, and a locking mechanism pivotally supported on the housing portion of the loading unit, the locking mechanism having a first position wherein the locking mechanism engages a portion of the drive assembly and maintains the position, preferably the axial position, of the drive assembly relative to the housing portion of the loading unit, and the locking mechanism having a second position wherein the locking mechanism disengages the drive assembly and enables the drive assembly to move relative to the housing portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an E-beam firing bar engages the channel and selectively engages the anvil during distal firing movements, wherein the tissue is severed and stapled driven upward from the staple cartridge to form against the anvil. In particular, a wedge integral to the staple cartridge is driven distally by a middle pin of the firing bar to effect stapling. A single lockout of the staple channel responds to the presence of the wedge sled in its unfired position to allow the firing bar to fire. Otherwise, the single lockout prevents firing when the staple cartridge is missing or spent. Further, some versions include an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) actuator that presents an abutting surface, or acts as a trapdoor to a ramped recess in a staple channel to block the firing bar, as an active approach to preventing firing for one or more conditions.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue includes an anvil structure and a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. The cartridge housing and anvil structure are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second position in close approximation with one another. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge housing to be driven against the anvil structure. A lockout mechanism interacts with the cartridge housing for selective activation and deactivation. The lockout mechanism includes a swing gate tab secured to the cartridge housing at a position adjacent a lockout lever, such that firing of the linear surgical stapler rotates the swing gate tab releasing the lockout lever for preventing further firing of the used cartridge housing.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A firing member reciprocates within an elongate shaft to the end effector to transfer this firing motion. A retraction spring retracts the firing member after full firing. Between firing strokes as the firing trigger is released, an anti-backup mechanism activates an electrical actuator (e.g., elecroactive polymer actuator) that is physically grounded to the handle to bind the firing member preventing inadvertent retraction.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A spring-biased side pawl firing mechanism is enabled by activation of an Electroactive Polymer (EAP) block actuator that overcomes a disengagement spring bias and moves a linked rack into proximity with a side pawl firing mechanism. Thereby, various sensed or commanded inputs may be incorporated to prevent inadvertent firing.

Abstract: A trigger lockout device for a clip applying instrument. The lockout device includes a displaceable slider actuable by squeezing a trigger slidable in first and second directions a longitudinal axial direction within the barrel, and a block disposed within the barrel. When a first number of clips have not been applied and when the trigger is squeezed, the slider slidably engages and displaces the block and slides along a path in the axial direction to retrieve a clip of the first number of clips, and to insert the clip into the pair of jaws, and when a second number or none of the clips have not been applied, the slider engages the block to substantially prevent the slider from sliding along the path in at least one of the first or second directions such that the triggery cannot be unsqueezed.

Abstract: Palm-size staplers for surgical procedures are proposed. The staplers include cartridge and slider assemblies with the cartridge assembly containing staples. As the slider assembly advances step-wise incrementally it provides a staple ejection force causing ejection of staples. Optionally, a blade element may be included for cutting. An anvil member is operable in closed and open positions with respect to the cartridge assembly. When in a closed position, the anvil member holds a portion of tissue against the cartridge assembly, ejected staples passing through the held tissue. Actuation of the staplers is effected by a lever member. A locking mechanism, when in its locked position, holds the anvil member adjacent to the cartridge assembly allowing closure of the staple to occur. The devices are intended for one hand use.