Surgical stapling device

Abstract

A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . A surgical stapling device comprising: 
 a frame having first and second ends;    a body portion defining a handle;    a trigger supported adjacent the handle;    an anvil assembly secured to the second end of the frame;    a cartridge assembly movably supported in relation to the anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions; and    means for strengthening the anvil assembly, wherein the strengthening means is supported at the second end of the frame.    
   
   
       3 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 2 , wherein the strengthening means includes a stiffener plate.  
   
   
       4 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 3 , wherein the stiffener plate is substantially L-shaped, the stiffener plate being secured to the second end of the frame to provide support to the anvil assembly along horizontal and vertical axes.  
   
   
       5 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 4 , wherein the frame includes left and right spaced frame sections.  
   
   
       6 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 5 , wherein the stiffener plate is positioned between the left and right frame sections.  
   
   
       7 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 2 , wherein the stiffener plate is formed of stainless steel.  
   
   
       8 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 2 , wherein the frame includes left and right frame sections.  
   
   
       9 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 8 , wherein the stiffener plate is positioned between the left and right frame sections.  
   
   
       10 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 9 , further including a spacer plate positioned about the stiffener plate between the left and right frame sections.  
   
   
       11 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 3 , wherein the stiffener plate includes a slot adapted to slidably receive an interlock, the interlock being movable from a first position to a second position to prevent distal movement of a thrust bar of the stapling device.  
   
   
       12 . A surgical stapling device comprising: 
 a frame having first and second ends:    a handle supported at the first end of the frame;    a trigger supported adjacent the handle;    an anvil supported on the second end of the frame;    a cartridge assembly movably supported on the second end of the frame, the cartridge assembly being movable in relation to the anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions; and    a stiffener plate supported on the second end of the frame adjacent the anvil, the stiffener plate being substantially L-shaped to provide vertical and horizontal stability to the anvil.    
   
   
       13 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 12 , wherein the frame includes left and right frame sections, the stiffener plate being positioned between the left and the right frame sections.  
   
   
       14 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 12 , wherein the stiffener plate is formed of stainless steel.  
   
   
       15 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 13 , further including a spacer plate positioned about the stiffener plate between the left and right frame sections.  
   
   
       16 . A surgical stapling device according to  claim 15 , wherein the stiffener plate includes a slot adapted to slidably receive an interlock, the interlock being movable from a first position to a second position to inhibit distal movement of a thrust bar of the stapling device.