Surgical suturing devices

Abstract

A surgical stapling device (10) includes a drive assembly (70) and a tool assembly (16). The tool assembly (16) has a pair of jaws (29, 31) that support a staple cartridge assembly (32) and an anvil (30). The drive assembly (70) has a clamping member (74) that is movable through the tool assembly (16) to eject staples from the staple cartridge assembly (32) into the anvil (30) and dissect tissue. The clamping member (74) includes an extension (84) that engages one of the jaws (29, 31) to push the distal end of the engaged jaw (29) relative to the other jaw (31), thereby pushing the tool assembly (16) toward an insertion position to minimize the diameter of the tool assembly (16) at the distal end of the tool assembly (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates generally to surgical stapling devices, and more particularly, to surgical stapling devices for endoscopic use. Background Art

[0002] Surgical suturing devices for endoscopic use are well known and are commonly used to minimize patient trauma and shorten patient recovery time. Typically, an endoscopic suturing device includes a linear tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly, the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly being coupled to each other by a pivot member and movable relative to each other between an open position and a clamped position. In the clamped position, the suturing device defines a tissue gap between the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly to receive the tissue to be treated.

[0003] In use, the tool assembly of the endoscopic suturing device is inserted through a small incision in the skin or through a small diameter cannula. In order to introduce the tool assembly through the cannula with the smallest diameter, the tool assembly is inserted through the cannula in its clamping position. If the tool assembly is not moved to the fully clamped position, the tool assembly will not be able to enter the cannula.

[0004] There is a continuing need in the art for an endoscopic surgical stapling device that includes a tool assembly that, when clamped, moves to its fully clamped position to facilitate insertion of the tool assembly through a cannula. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some aspects, the present disclosure generally relates to a suturing device comprising a tool assembly and a drive assembly having a clamping member that supports a distal extension. The clamping member can be moved from a retracted position to a partially advanced position to move the tool assembly from an open position to a clamped position, thereby defining a tissue gap within the tool assembly. The distal extension is positioned distal to the clamping member and engages the tool assembly to push the tool assembly to an insertion position, in which the tool assembly no longer defines a tissue gap.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a suturing device comprising an elongated body, a tool assembly, and a drive assembly. The elongated body has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion secured to a handle assembly. The tool assembly is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated body and includes an anvil and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly is movable relative to the anvil between an open position and a clamped position, in which the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil define a predetermined tissue gap. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge channel and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge channel includes an outer surface defining an inclined surface. The drive assembly includes a drive beam, a distal end portion, and a clamping member. The clamping member is supported on the distal end portion of the drive beam and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support interconnecting the first and second beams. The drive assembly is movable between a retracted position and a partially advanced position to move the first and second beams into the inclined surface, thereby moving the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position. The drive assembly is movable from the partially advanced position to a fully advanced position to actuate the tool assembly. The first beam of the clamping member engages the anvil, and the second beam of the clamping member engages the staple cartridge channel of the staple cartridge assembly. The second beam supports a distal extension that extends distally of the first and second beams. When the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, the distal extension engages an outer surface of the staple cartridge channel distal of the bevel to move the tool assembly into an insertion position in which a distal end portion of the staple cartridge engages the anvil.

[0007] In aspects of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the staple cartridge channel includes a dimple positioned distal to the ramp, and the distal extension of the second beam engages the dimple when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position.

[0008] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the dimple is supported on a cantilevered portion of the cartridge channel, wherein the cantilevered portion allows the flexible dimple to flex out of the path of the second beam when the drive assembly is moved to the advanced position.

[0009] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the distal extension extends distally of the first and second beams a distance "X," where "X" is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.25 inches.

[0010] In aspects of the present disclosure, the distal extension has a width and the second beam has a width, and the width of the distal extension is less than the width of the second beam.

[0011] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the suturing device includes a rotation knob rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and supporting the elongated body such that rotation of the rotation knob relative to the handle assembly rotates the elongated body and tool assembly relative to the handle assembly.

[0012] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, a suturing device includes a handle assembly having a fixed handle and a trigger.

[0013] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a tool assembly comprising an anvil, a staple cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The staple cartridge assembly is movable relative to the anvil between an open position and a clamped position, wherein the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil define a predetermined maximum tissue gap. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge channel and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge channel includes an outer surface defining an inclined surface. The drive assembly includes a drive beam having a distal end portion and a clamping member. The clamping member is supported on the distal end portion of the drive beam and includes a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical support interconnecting the first beam and the second beam. The drive assembly is movable between a retracted position and a partially advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position, and is movable from the partially advanced position to a fully advanced position to actuate the tool assembly. The first beam engages the anvil and the second beam engages the staple cartridge channel of the staple cartridge assembly. The second beam includes a distal extension extending distally of the first beam. When the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, the distal extension engages an outer surface of the cartridge channel distal to the bevel to move the tool assembly to an inserted position in which the cartridge engages the anvil.

[0014] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a tool assembly comprising an anvil, a staple cartridge assembly, and a drive assembly. The staple cartridge assembly is movable relative to the anvil between an open position and a clamped position, wherein the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil define a predetermined maximum tissue gap. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge channel and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge channel has an outer surface defining an inclined surface. The drive assembly includes a drive beam having a distal end portion and a clamping member. The clamping member is supported on the distal end portion of the drive beam and includes a first beam, a second beam having a first width, and a vertical strut interconnecting the first and second beams. The drive assembly is movable between a retracted position and a partially advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position, and is movable from the partially advanced position to a fully advanced position to actuate the tool assembly. The first beam engages the anvil, and the second beam engages the staple cartridge channel of the staple cartridge assembly. The second beam includes a distal extension extending distally of the first beam. The distal extension has a second width that is less than the first width of the second beam. When the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, the distal extension engages the outer surface of the staple cartridge channel distally of the ramp to move the tool assembly into an insertion position in which the staple cartridge engages the anvil. The outer surface of the staple cartridge channel includes a recess positioned distally of the ramp. When the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, the distal extension of the second beam engages the recess.

[0015] Other features of the present disclosure will be understood from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1is a perspective view of an exemplary aspect of the disclosed surgical stapling apparatus including a tool assembly in an open position;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded side perspective view of a tool assembly of a suturing device shown in FIG;

[0019] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A side perspective view of a staple cartridge channel of a surgical stapling device shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Magnified views of the indicated areas of detail are shown in ;

[0021] Figure 4 is in the open position Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of a tool assembly of a surgical stapling device shown in FIG;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Magnified views of the indicated areas of detail are shown in ;

[0023] Figure 6 In the clamping position Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of a tool assembly of a surgical stapling device shown in FIG;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified views of the indicated areas of detail are shown in ;

[0025] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 a cross-sectional view taken along section line 8-8;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown;

[0027] Figure 10 is a side perspective view of an alternative staple cartridge channel of the disclosed surgical stapling device, illustrating other aspects of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Magnification of the indicated detail area shown in ;

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of a tool assembly of a surgical stapling device shown in FIG, wherein the tool assembly is in a clamped position and the staple cartridge channel is as shown in FIG. Figure 11 shown in; and

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Magnified view of the indicated detail area shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The disclosed surgical suturing device will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure are merely examples of the present disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid making the present disclosure unclear with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but should only be interpreted as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways with virtually any appropriate detailed structure. In addition, directional terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, top, bottom, distal, proximal and similar terms are used to help understand the description and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0032] In this specification, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device that is closer to the clinician, while the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. In addition, the term "endoscopic" is generally used to refer to endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, and / or any other procedure performed through a small diameter incision or cannula. In addition, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0033] The disclosed surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having a pair of jaws that support a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The jaws are pivotally coupled to each other and movable relative to each other between an open position and a clamped position. The stapling device includes a drive assembly having a clamping member that is movable through the tool assembly to eject staples from the staple cartridge assembly into the anvil assembly and dissect tissue. The clamping member includes a first beam and a second beam that are vertically aligned and engage the anvil and staple cartridge assembly to move the anvil and staple cartridge assembly between an open position and a clamped position. In the clamped position, the anvil and staple cartridge assembly define a maximum tissue gap. The clamping member includes an extension that extends distally from the first beam and the second beam and engages one of the jaws to push the distal end of the staple cartridge assembly or anvil assembly supported on the engaged jaw into an insertion position where it engages the other of the staple cartridge assembly or anvil assembly supported on the other jaw, thereby minimizing the diameter of the tool assembly at the distal end of the tool assembly.

[0034] Figure 1Exemplary aspects of the disclosed surgical stapling device, generally shown as a stapling device 10, are shown. Stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, an elongated body 14 defining a longitudinal axis "X", and a tool assembly 16. Handle assembly 12 includes a fixed handle 18 and a trigger 20, which is movable relative to fixed handle 18 to actuate tool assembly 16. In aspects of the present disclosure, stapling device 10 includes a knob 22 and an articulation rod 24. Knob 22 is coupled to handle assembly 12 and elongated body 14 so that elongated body 14 and tool assembly 16 rotate around longitudinal axis "X" relative to handle assembly 12. Articulation rod 24 is coupled to tool assembly 16 to articulate tool assembly 16 from a position aligned with longitudinal axis "X" to a position defining an acute angle with longitudinal axis "X". In some aspects of stapling device 10, handle assembly 12 includes a retraction knob 26 for retracting the drive assembly of stapling device 10. For a more detailed description of exemplary aspects of the handle assembly 12 of the suturing device 10, see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,241,139 ("the '139 patent"). Although the handle assembly 12 is shown as a manually operated handle assembly, it is contemplated that the handle assembly 12 may be a motorized handle assembly as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,055,943.

[0035] Figure 2 The suturing device 10 ( Figure 1 ) tool assembly 16, which includes a first jaw 29 supporting anvil 30 and a second jaw 31 supporting a staple cartridge assembly 32. The first jaw 29 and the second jaw 31 are coupled together by a pivot member 36 so that the staple cartridge assembly 32 can be moved relative to the anvil 30 in an open position ( Figure 1 ) and clamping position ( Figure 8 ). Although the staple cartridge assembly 32 is shown as pivoting toward the fixed anvil 30, it is contemplated that the anvil 30 may pivot toward the fixed staple cartridge assembly 32.

[0036] The staple cartridge assembly 32 includes a staple cartridge channel 38 and a staple cartridge 40. The staple cartridge 40 includes a staple cartridge body 42 that defines a knife slot 40a and supports an actuation sled 43 ( Figure 9 ), a plurality of staples (not shown) and a pusher (not shown). For a detailed description of an exemplary staple cartridge, see, for example, the '139 patent.

[0037] Figure 2AThe staple cartridge channel 38 is shown and includes a body 50 having an outer wall 52 and spaced-apart sidewalls 54. The outer wall 52 defines an elongated recess 56 and an elongated slot 56a extending within the recess 56 from a position adjacent the distal end of the staple cartridge channel 38 to a position adjacent the proximal end of the staple cartridge channel 38. The recess 56 includes a ramp 60 positioned on opposite sides of the elongated slot 56 adjacent the proximal end of the staple cartridge channel 38. The body 50 of the staple cartridge channel 38 is configured to releasably receive a staple cartridge 40. Upon firing the stapling device 10, the spent or used staple cartridge 40 can be removed from the staple cartridge channel 38 and replaced with a fresh or new staple cartridge 40 to facilitate reuse of the stapling device 10.

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 shows a drive assembly 70 of the suturing device 10. The drive assembly 70 includes a drive beam 72 and a clamping member 74 secured to a distal end portion 72a of the drive beam 72. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the drive beam 72 is formed from stacked sheets of a flexible material (e.g., stainless steel), and the clamping member 74 is secured to the distal end portion 72a of the drive beam 72. Figure 3 ) is coupled to the drive beam 72. The clamping member 74 includes a first beam 76, a second beam 78 and a vertical strut 80 that interconnects the first beam 76 and the second beam 78. The first beam 76 is vertically aligned with the second beam 78 and engages with the anvil 30. The second beam 78 is received in the elongated recess 56 of the staple cartridge channel 38. The vertical strut 80 extends through the knife slot 40a in the staple cartridge 40 and through the slot 56a in the staple cartridge channel 38. The drive assembly 70 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position along the tool assembly 16 to move the tool assembly from its open position to its clamped position and subsequently eject staples (not shown) from the staple cartridge 40. In the clamped position, the clamping member 74 is configured to define a predetermined tissue gap "G" between the anvil 30 and the staple cartridge 40. In some aspects of the present disclosure, vertical strut 80 supports a blade 82 that is aligned with the tissue gap defined between anvil 30 and staple cartridge 40 to cut tissue clamped therebetween.

[0039] As described above, the first beam 76 and the second beam 78 of the clamping member are substantially vertically aligned. More specifically, the first beam 76 is positioned above the second beam 78 and is spaced apart from the second beam 78 by the vertical support 80 so that the distal end of the first beam 76 is substantially vertically aligned with the distal end of the second beam 78.

[0040] In aspects of the present disclosure, the second beam 78 supports an extension 84 that is secured to the distal end of the second beam 78 and extends distally a distance "X" from the distal end of the second beam 78, where "X" is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.25 inches. Figure 3In some aspects of the present disclosure, the extension 84 is integrally or monolithically formed with the second beam 78 .

[0041] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The tool assembly 16 is shown in an open position, wherein the drive assembly 70 ( Figure 2 ) is in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the first and second beams 76, 78 of the drive assembly 70 and the distal extension 84 of the clamping member 74 are positioned proximal to the inclined surface 60 of the staple cartridge channel 38. In this position, the staple cartridge assembly 32 is pivoted outwardly from the anvil 30.

[0042] Figures 6 to 9 The tool assembly 16 is shown in a clamped position, with the drive assembly 70 ( Figure 2 ) is advanced in the direction of arrow "A" to a partially advanced position. In the clamping position, the second beam 78 of the clamping member 74 engages the ramp 60 on the staple cartridge channel 38, and the first beam 76 engages the anvil first jaw 29 supporting the anvil 30. In addition, the extension 84 on the second beam 78 extends distally of the ramp 60 and engages the outer surface of the staple cartridge channel 38 within the recess 56. When the second beam 78 of the clamping member 74 engages and moves along the ramp 60, the staple cartridge channel 38 and the staple cartridge 40 supported within the staple cartridge channel 38 are moved along the Figure 6 Pivot in the direction of arrow "B" to move the tool assembly 16 from the open position ( Figure 4 ) moves to the clamping position. The extension 84 on the second beam 78 extends forward of the ramp 60 and engages the cartridge channel 38 to push the cartridge channel 38 toward the anvil 30 to the insertion position ( Figure 8 ), in which position the staple cartridge 40 engages the anvil 30 to close the tissue gap "G" defined between the staple cartridge 40 and the anvil 30, and / or at least maintains the staple cartridge channel 38 in a position spaced no greater than the predetermined tissue gap "G" from the anvil 30, i.e., the extension 84 prevents the staple cartridge channel 38 from deflecting outward, which would allow the tissue gap "G" to exceed the predetermined tissue gap "G". This is particularly important in stapling devices for multiple firings, where outward deflection of the staple cartridge channel 38 may occur due to previous use on thick tissue. In aspects of the present disclosure, the width of the distal extension 84 is less than the width of the second beam 78.

[0043] Figures 10 to 13 A tool assembly 116 is shown that includes an alternative staple cartridge channel, generally shown as staple cartridge channel 138, which includes other aspects of the present disclosure. The staple cartridge channel 138 is substantially similar to the staple cartridge channel 38 ( Figure 3 ), but includes flexible dimples 140 on the outer surface of the cartridge channel 138. The dimples 140 are supported on cantilevered portions 142 of the cartridge channel 138. When the drive assembly 70 ( Figure 3 )exist Figure 13 Advance in the direction of arrow "C" to move tool assembly 16 ( Figure 8 ) is moved to the clamping position, the recess 140 defines a raised surface and an extension 84 ( Figure 13 ) engagement. The engagement between the recess 140 and the extension 84 increases the force exerted by the extension 84 on the staple cartridge assembly 32 to move the staple cartridge assembly 132 ( Figure 12 ) is pushed toward the anvil 30 to an insertion position in which the distal end portion of the staple cartridge 40 engages the distal end portion of the anvil 30 and / or the tool assembly is held in a clamped position in which the tissue gap between the staple cartridge assembly 32 at the distal end of the tool assembly 16 and the anvil 30 does not exceed a predetermined tissue gap "G". The cantilever portion 142 allows the pocket 140 to be extended in the direction of arrow "D" from the second beam 78 ( Figure 13 ) is bent inwardly. When the clamping member 74 advances to fire the staples from the suturing device 10, this allows the clamping member 74 to cross over the recess 140.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It is conceivable that the elements and features shown or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, based on the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate other features and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited by what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suturing device comprising: an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion being secured to the handle assembly; a tool assembly supported on the distal end portion of the elongated body, the tool assembly including an anvil and a staple cartridge assembly, the staple cartridge assembly being movable relative to the anvil between an open position and a clamped position, wherein the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil define a predetermined tissue gap in the clamped position, the staple cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge channel and a staple cartridge having a distal end portion, the staple cartridge channel including an outer surface defining a bevel; as well as a drive assembly comprising a drive beam having a distal end portion and a clamping member supported on the distal end portion of the drive beam and comprising a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical strut interconnecting the first beam and the second beam, the drive assembly being movable between a retracted position and a partially advanced position to move the first beam and the second beam into the ramp to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position, and being movable from the partially advanced position to a fully advanced position to actuate the tool assembly with the first beam engaging the anvil and the second beam engaging the staple cartridge channel of the staple cartridge assembly; wherein the second beam supports a distal extension that extends distally of the first and second beams, and when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, the distal extension engages the outer surface of the cartridge channel distal to the ramp to retain the tool assembly in the clamped position, wherein the outer surface of the cartridge channel includes a recess positioned distal to the ramp, the distal extension of the second beam engaging the recess when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, and The pocket is supported on a cantilevered portion of the cartridge channel, the cantilevered portion allowing the flexible pocket to flex out of the path of the second beam when the drive assembly is moved to the fully advanced position.

2. The suturing device of claim 1 , wherein the distal extension extends a distance "X" distal to the first and second beams, wherein "X" is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.25 inches.

3. The suturing device of claim 1 , wherein the distal extension has a width and the second beam has a width, the width of the distal extension being less than the width of the second beam.

4. The suturing device according to claim 1 further includes a rotating knob, which is rotatably connected to the handle assembly and supports the slender body, wherein rotation of the rotating knob relative to the handle assembly realizes rotation of the slender body and the tool assembly relative to the handle assembly.

5. The suturing device of claim 1, further comprising a handle assembly having a fixed handle and a trigger.

6. A tool assembly comprising: anvil; a staple cartridge assembly movable relative to the anvil from an open position to a clamped position wherein the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil define a predetermined maximum tissue gap, the staple cartridge assembly comprising a staple cartridge channel and a staple cartridge having a distal end portion, the staple cartridge channel including an outer surface defining a ramp; and a drive assembly comprising a drive beam having a distal end portion and a clamping member supported on the distal end portion of the drive beam and comprising a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical strut interconnecting the first beam and the second beam, the drive assembly being movable between a retracted position and a partially advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position, and being movable from the partially advanced position to a fully advanced position to actuate the tool assembly, the first beam engaging the anvil and the second beam engaging the staple cartridge channel of the staple cartridge assembly; wherein the second beam includes a distal extension extending distally of the first beam, the distal extension engaging the outer surface of the cartridge channel distal to the ramp to retain the tool assembly in the clamped position when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, wherein the outer surface of the cartridge channel includes a recess positioned distal to the ramp, the distal extension of the second beam engaging the recess when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position, and The pocket is supported on a cantilevered portion of the cartridge channel, the cantilevered portion allowing the flexible pocket to flex out of the path of the second beam when the drive assembly is moved to the fully advanced position.

7. The tool assembly of claim 6, wherein the distal extension extends distally of the first and second beams a distance "X," wherein "X" is between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 0.25 inches.

8. A tool assembly comprising: anvil; a staple cartridge assembly movable relative to the anvil between an open position and a clamped position, wherein the staple cartridge assembly and the anvil define a predetermined maximum tissue gap in the clamped position, the staple cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge channel and a staple cartridge having a distal end portion, the staple cartridge channel including an outer surface defining a ramp; as well as a drive assembly comprising a drive beam having a distal end portion and a clamping member supported on the distal end portion of the drive beam and comprising a first beam, a second beam, and a vertical strut interconnecting the first beam and the second beam, the second beam having a first width, the drive assembly being movable between a retracted position and a partially advanced position to move the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position, and being movable from the partially advanced position to a fully advanced position to actuate the tool assembly, the first beam engaging the anvil and the second beam engaging the staple cartridge channel of the staple cartridge assembly; The second beam includes a distal extension extending distally of the first beam, the distal extension having a second width less than the first width of the second beam, the distal extension engaging the outer surface of the cartridge channel distal to the ramp when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position to retain the tool assembly in the clamped position, wherein the outer surface of the cartridge channel includes a dimple positioned distal to the ramp, the distal extension engaging the dimple when the drive assembly is in the partially advanced position. The pocket is supported on a cantilevered portion of the cartridge channel, the cantilevered portion allowing the flexible pocket to flex out of the path of the second beam when the drive assembly is moved to the fully advanced position.

9. The tool assembly of claim 8, wherein the distal extension extends distally of the first and second beams a distance "X," wherein "X" is between about 0.1 inches and about 0.25 inches.

Images