Abstract: An apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections with an annular array of staples includes a staple cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a buttress assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The anvil assembly includes an anvil member and a shaft extending therefrom. The anvil member defines a plurality of staple pockets for deforming the staples. The anvil assembly is movable relative to the staple cartridge assembly between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp tissue between the staple cartridge and the anvil assemblies. The buttress assembly includes a cut ring secured with the anvil member, a buttress member disposed in a superposed relation with the plurality of staple pockets defined in the anvil member, and a retaining member having an attaching member configured to be secured with the cut ring to secure the buttress member with the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument including a stapling forming assembly that is actuated independently from actuation of the cutting assembly is provided. The instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly mounted on a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The knife assembly is selectively fixed relative to the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A system for performing anastomosis includes a plurality of staples, an annular staple support having structure for holding the staples, and a staple closing device for closing the staples to secure the canal ends together. A method for performing anastomosis and staples for performing anastomosis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapler that may have a head assembly, a stapling assembly, a shield, a base head, a handle assembly, and a shaft assembly. A head assembly may have an anvil and anvil shaft, as well as a stapling assembly. A stapling assembly may have a trocar that can be removeably detachable with the anvil, a cannula extension, and a plurality of staples. A shield may be configured to retract from a first extended position where the shield generally covers the stapling assembly or the head assembly, to a second retracted position where the shield generally exposes the stapling assembly or the head assembly. The shield may be integral with the stapler, or provided after-market as an add-on. A surgical stapler may additionally or alternatively include an air or gas pump assembly that can be used to insufflate the rectum and intestinal tract during insertion and advancement of the stapler.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle assembly and an elongated shaft assembly protruding therefrom. Various embodiments of the elongated shaft assemblies include reconfigurable shaft segments that have portions that may be selectively arranged in coaxial alignment with each other and in other configurations wherein at least some portions thereof are not in coaxial alignment with each other. Various locking arrangements are disclosed for releasably locking the reconfigurable shaft segments in desired orientations. A movable closure tube is supported on the elongated shaft segment and is oriented to provide actuation motions to an end effector coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument having an end effector including a housing for holding staples and a sled having a camming surface for ejecting the staples. The instrument has a main drive shaft assembly for pushing the sled through the housing to eject the staples. Also included is a motor operatively coupled to the actuation shaft. The motor includes a drive assembly. The instrument further includes a sensor in the drive assembly to measure an actuation load. The instrument further includes a sensor for measuring a power output of the motor. The instrument further includes a console for remote control of the motor, the console comprising hand manipulated controls. The instrument further includes a means for providing proportionate feedback from the sensors to the hand manipulated controls.

Abstract: Devices for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue include a sheath and a staple push rod. The sheath has a distal end configured to be pressed against the target tissue. The staple push rod is disposed within at least a portion of the sheath and is slidable relative thereto. The staple push rod includes a pair of stakes. Each stake is dimensioned to abut a surface of a staple to apply pushing forces thereto. The stakes are biased to assume a bow-like shape such that an intermediate portion of a staple extends tautly between the first stake and the second stake when the stakes are extending beyond the distal end of the tubular member. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is operable to clamp, cut, and staple tissue. The apparatus includes a stapling head assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the stapling head assembly, and an actuator handle assembly coupled to the shaft assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to clamp tissue, cut tissue, and staple tissue in response to rotation imparted by a single rotary drive shaft extending through the shaft assembly. The actuator handle assembly includes a motor positioned within a motor housing, a rotation knob, and a selection assembly. The rotation knob is coupled to a proximal end of the motor housing. The rotation knob is configured to translate between a proximal position and a distal position. The selection assembly is operable to select between motorized operation of the apparatus or manual operation of the apparatus, based on the longitudinal position of the rotation knob.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a stapling head assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a rotary drive shaft that translates between two longitudinal positions to alternate between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. The stapling head assembly includes a first set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue clamping action when the drive shaft is in a distal position. The stapling head assembly also includes a second set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue cutting/stapling action when the drive shaft is in a proximal position. The drive shaft may be driven manually or by a motor. The stapling head assembly may be provided in a cartridge form that is removable from the shaft assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue includes a head assembly, a handle actuator in communication with the head assembly, and a staple cartridge. The head assembly is operable to drive a plurality of staples in response to actuating the handle actuator. The staple cartridge is in communication with the head assembly. The staple cartridge comprises a first annular ring of apertures and a second ring of apertures. The first annular ring of apertures includes apertures having a different size than the second annular ring of apertures, such that the apertures accommodate staples having different crown lengths. The staples may include pledgets that are configured to provide a greater staple footprint.

Abstract: A stapling reload assembly for a circular stapling instrument includes a casing, a staple holder, a staple driver, and an anvil assembly. The staple holder is attached to the casing. The staple driver includes a driver alignment surface. The staple driver is receivable within the casing and is configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The anvil assembly includes an anvil base surface, an anvil alignment surface, and a staple forming surface. The anvil base surface is configured to move from an open position away from the casing to a closed position adjacent the casing. The anvil alignment surface is configured to mate with the driver alignment surface, to rotationally align the staple forming surface with the staple holder, when the anvil base surface is in the closed position.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being operatively connected and configured to rotate in opposite directions to substantially limit counter torque. The first and second elongated members are flexible shafts. The surgical instrument can be configured to apply fasteners to a tissue portion. This embodiment of the surgical instrument includes a cartridge having a plurality of fasteners, an anvil, said anvil and cartridge being relatively movable between spaced and approximated positions, and a sled disposed in the cartridge. The sled includes a cam member. The cam member is designed to drive the fasteners through tissue and toward the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position capturing the tissue between the first jaw member and second jaw member.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical stapler loaded with at least two sets of surgical fasteners (405, 406) of different types that are delivered in a pre-established order. The invention also relates to a surgical kit comprising such a surgical stapler and a textile prosthesis.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool assembly, the loading adapted to be coupled to the body portion. The instrument also includes a sensor tube movably positioned within the body portion, the sensor tube adapted to engage the loading unit and a load switch coupled to a microcontroller. The load switch is adapted to be actuated by the sensor tube when the sensor tube is engaged by the loading unit being inserted into the body portion.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument is provided which includes a reciprocating drive shaft and a firing bar. The reciprocating drive shaft has a first engagement member at a tip of the reciprocating drive shaft and a threaded adjustment member at a base of the reciprocating drive shaft. The firing bar is movably connected at a first end with a firing trigger and movably connected at a second end with a stapling head assembly through a second engagement member. The firing bar forms a first engagement surface which faces a respective second engagement surface formed on the reciprocating drive shaft. The circular stapling instrument also includes a frictional reducing member located in between the first and second engagement surfaces in order to reduce friction between the reciprocating drive shaft and the firing bar.

Abstract: A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side.

Abstract: A drive system for controlling movement of an elongate member includes a base unit having a first rotatable knob and a second rotatable knob, a follower assembly including a follower slidably coupled to a guide rail, a longitudinal movement wire, and a rotational movement wire. The follower includes a longitudinal movement pulley, a rotational movement pulley, and an alignment element structured to receive an elongate member such that the elongate member is attachable thereto. The longitudinal movement wire operably couples the first rotatable knob to the longitudinal movement pulley such that rotation of the first knob drives the follower in a longitudinal direction along the guide rail. The rotational movement wire operably couples the second rotatable knob to the rotational movement pulley such that rotation of the second knob rotates the alignment element and attached elongate member.

Abstract: A surgical stapler which includes or onto which a tool assembly can be mounted for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners includes a housing having a clamping handle mountable to the housing. The clamping handle is selectively movable to actuate the clamping of tissue. An adapter yoke is included which translates within the housing upon actuation of the clamping handle. The adapter yoke mechanically cooperates with a lead screw to actuate the tool assembly to clamp tissue. A drive assembly is also included for rotating a shaft which mechanically engages the lead screw. Upon selective activation of the drive assembly, the shaft rotates the lead screw to advance a roll nut and force a firing piston into the tool assembly to deform the surgical fasteners through and fasten the tissue.

Abstract: Various implementations of the invention provide for a one-piece surgical stapling apparatus that includes a stapler head and an anvil head assembly. The anvil head assembly is tiltable between a tilted position and a transverse position, and anvil plates of the anvil head assembly are moveable about one or more hinges between a closed and an open position. When in the tilted and closed positions, the anvil assembly has a reduced footprint that allows the anvil assembly to be passed directly through a trocar and holes created in the bodily tissues, which eliminates the need for separate placement of the anvil head. At the site of the anastomosis, the anvil head assembly can be moved to the transverse and open positions, and the stapling head may be engaged to fire staples against the anvil head.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical suture needle assembly is provided including an elongate tube defining a lumen through at least a portion of a length thereof; and a wound treatment material contained within the lumen of the suture structure. The present disclosure further provides for methods of using the surgical suture needle assembly in anastomotic procedures and the like.

Abstract: A medical anastomosis apparatus is provided. The medical anastomosis apparatus includes a cylindrical body which has a hollow portion and extends in a longitudinal direction, a pressing rod which is provided inside of the hollow portion of the body to translate along the hollow portion, a knob which is coupled to the pressing rod to provide a driving force to translate the pressing rod, a guide member which is inserted into one end of the body and simultaneously coupled to expose a portion of the body and has a pressing unit formed therein to move radially upon translation of the pressing rod, and a staple cartridge which is inserted around an outer circumferential surface of the guide member and then coupled to the body and has built-in staple clips that protrude outward upon movement of the pressing unit.

Abstract: A surgical tool may include a circular surgical stapler and an anvil initially disconnected and separate from the surgical stapler; where at least one of the circular surgical stapler and the anvil is magnetic.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion and a preload assembly is disclosed. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The preload assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shell assembly and enables longitudinal movement of the shell assembly with respect to the elongated body portion.

Abstract: A head for a stapler used during a mucosectomy is disclosed that includes an external body, an internal body, an anvil, and a blade. The internal body includes a central hole into which a rod is slidingly inserted. One or more annular grooves are formed on a lateral surface of the rod, and are intended to receive a portion of mucosa which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod. By retracting the rod in the central hole of the internal body, the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal body.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle assembly having a proximal end, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes a shell and a staple guide housing a plurality of staples. A flexible engagement structure attaches the staple guide to the shell.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, a safety mechanism, an elongated body portion and a head portion is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a stationary handle, an approximation mechanism, and a firing trigger. A lever of the safety mechanism is movable between a first position where the firing trigger is prevented from being actuated, and a second position where the firing trigger is able to be actuated. A first jaw member of the head portion is movable in relation to a second jaw member of the head portion between spaced and approximated positions. Movement of the first jaw member in relation to the second jaw member from the approximated position towards the spaced position causes the lever of the safety mechanism to move from its second position to its first position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is designed for clamping, cutting, and/or joining tissue. This surgical instrument includes a handle portion, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle portion, first and second jaw members disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion, a shaft movable upon actuation of the handle portion, and a knife bar operatively coupled to the shaft. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The knife bar has a curved profile and moves along at least one of the jaw members upon movement of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion shaft selectively attachable to the anvil shaft; and a seal structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue including a hub configured to engage attachment structure on at least one of the anvil shaft and the body portion shaft. The attachment structure is positioned so that the seal structure is located between the intestinal sections of tissue when the circular surgical stapler is disposed within the intestinal sections of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a head portion and an elongated channel. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The elongated channel includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The proximal opening is disposed distally of a proximalmost end of the handle assembly and proximally of the shell assembly. The distal opening is disposed on the shell assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. Various embodiments include an elongated shaft that defines a central axis and has a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. At least one detection member may be operably supported within the elongated shaft. Each detection member may have a distal portion that is radially deployable away from the central axis upon application of a deployment motion thereto. The distal end portions may have a bumper or light mounted thereto.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An introducer assembly for use with a surgical stapler is provided. The introducer assembly includes an elongated main body portion, one or more mounting mechanisms associated with the main body portion, and a plurality of petals or fingers positioned at a distal end of the elongated main body portion. The one or more mounting mechanisms are adapted to detachably mount with respect to the surgical stapler. The plurality of petals or fingers define a distal junction and a proximally-directed mounting member that is adapted to detachably engage a distal portion of the surgical stapler. The plurality of petals or fingers define an inner region that accommodates a distal end of the surgical stapler. The distal junction and the proximally-directed mounting member associated with the plurality of petals or fingers are adapted to disengage upon application of a requisite proximally-directed force to the elongated body portion. Methods and combinations that utilize the introducer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member, the first elongated member and the second elongated member being operatively connected and configured to rotate in opposite directions to substantially limit counter torque. The first and second elongated members are flexible shafts. The surgical instrument can be configured to apply fasteners to a tissue portion. This embodiment of the surgical instrument includes a cartridge having a plurality of fasteners, an anvil, said anvil and cartridge being relatively movable between spaced and approximated positions, and a sled disposed in the cartridge. The sled includes a cam member. The cam member is designed to drive the fasteners through tissue and toward the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a knife member. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. A tissue treatment member is positionable between the first and second tissue clamping members. The tissue treatment member comprises a rupturable pouch or baffle that is configured to receive a medical fluid including at least one tissue cell. The tissue treatment member may have a spiral shape, an annular disc shape, or an elongate sleeve shape. The tissue treatment member may also include outwardly extending tabs. The tissue treatment member may also include an injection port. In use, the staples and/or the knife pierce the tissue treatment member to release at least a portion of the medical fluid held by the tissue treatment member.

Abstract: A system and method for use in NOTES is provided for reducing surgical invasiveness. An insertion body that is connected by an anvil assembly and joined to a thin wire guide or electric guide wire, is inserted via a natural orifice into a hollow organ so as to incise and remove a diseased or defective site from the hollow organ by using a pair of or front-end/rear-end linear cutters of a linear cutting/stapling device or linear stapler, after which the two cut ends of the tract are anastomosed and recovered by a circular anastomosis surgical stapler that is provided with the system.

Abstract: A surgical fastener for use with an anastomosis of two tissues includes a base leg and an upright leg. The base leg is selectively deformable and includes a traumatic tip for piecing tissue. The surgical fastener also includes at least one capillary disposed on the base leg which has a reservoir defined therein for retaining a liquid, e.g., bioadhesive, bonding agent, medicament, etc. Each of the capillaries is ruptureable upon deformation of the surgical fastener to dispense the liquid to the anastomosis site.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument having a first cartridge assembly configured to deploy a first set of fasteners and a second cartridge assembly disposed distally of the first cartridge assembly. The second cartridge assembly is configured to move between an open position and an approximated position relative to clamp tissue. A central rod extends between the first cartridge assembly and the second cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation shaft, a second member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, and a flexible shaft having proximal and distal portions. The flexible member is operatively coupled to the first and second members. Upon rotation of the articulation shaft, at least one of the first and the second members moves longitudinally with respect to the other of the first and second members between a first position where the first and second members are approximated to each other and a second position where the first and second members are spaced apart from each other. This longitudinal motion causes the distal portion of the flexible member to articulate relative to the proximal portion.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; at least one staple including a crown fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt, the crown having a first width, and a free end extending from the crown; and at least one pad wider than the first width, wherein each pad is associated with a corresponding crown. An exemplary surgical method using that exemplary apparatus may include placing the feeder belt in proximity to tissue; penetrating the free end of at least one staple into tissue, such that tissue is positioned between the free end and the crown; compressing the free end of at least one staple toward the crown, such that a compressive force is exerted toward the crown; distributing the compressive force across the pad of at least one staple; and shearing at least one staple from the feeder belt.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector having a receiving portion for removably receiving therein an interchangeable part. The receiving portion has a communication connection. A handle connected to the end effector actuates the end effector. The handle has a controller electrically connected to the communication connection for authenticating the interchangeable part when placed at the end effector. An interchangeable part is removably connected to the receiving portion and has an encryption device electrically removably connected to the communication connection when placed at the receiving portion. The encryption device authenticates the interchangeable part when queried by the electric controller.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device and method for joining tissue portions are provided including a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body, and an anvil assembly at a distal end of the surgical stapling device. The anvil assembly includes a shaft for removably coupling the anvil assembly to the cartridge assembly and a head pivotally mounted to a distal end of the shaft. A sleeve member is slidably disposed about the shaft of the anvil assembly and is transitionable between a first position, where the sleeve member engages the head of the anvil assembly to secure the head in an un-tilted condition, and a second position, where the sleeve member is disengaged from the head of the anvil assembly to allow the head to tilt.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is configured to be used to form a tissue seal having an arcuate portion. The surgical stapling assembly comprises an end-effector extending from the distal end of the shaft. The end-effector comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a first face at least partially surrounding the aperture, a staple cavity defined in the first face, a staple removably positioned within the staple cavity, and a first electrode positioned one of on and proximate to the first face. The second portion comprises a second face, an anvil pocket defined in the second face, and a second electrode positioned one of on and proximate to the second face, and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode each comprise an arcuate portion. The first electrode has a different polarity than the second electrode.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprises a cartridge device with a row of staples and a wavy first tissue interface, and an anvil having a wavy second tissue interface which cooperates with the first tissue interface for clamping tissue therebetween and forming the staples exiting from the cartridge device, a staple driving device adapted to drive the staples out of the cartridge device towards the anvil, wherein the staples are non-symmetrical U-shaped with two legs protruding toward the anvil and a transverse basis connecting the legs, wherein the basis is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the legs and has a length greater than the staple projection on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the legs.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding a fastener including a housing having a longitudinal axis and at least one fastener within the housing. The fastener has a crown and at least two legs extending therefrom. The fastener is disposed within the housing in a first plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. The mechanism includes an elongated actuator disposed within the housing. The actuator has a shaft substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism and rigidly spaced from the fastener in a second plane. The actuator has at least one radially extending advancer disposed along a length thereof, and a mechanism for rotating the actuator so that the advancer engages the fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing endoluminal anastomosis of an organ comprises an operative head including an endoscope receiving lumen for slidably receiving a flexible endoscope therein, the operative head including an annular tissue receiving space extending around a circumference of a distal end thereof and a stapling mechanism for firing staples around an entire circumference of the tissue receiving space and a tissue gripping mechanism for drawing into the tissue receiving space a portion of tissue extending around an entire circumference of the organ.