A tool
assembly having a pair of jaws is disclosed. Each of the jaws has a proximal end and a distal end and the first jaw is movable in relation to the second jaw between a spaced position and an approximated position. First and second
cam followers are supported on the first jaw. An approximation member is movable in relation to the first jaw and includes at least one
cam surface positioned to engage the first and second
cam followers. The approximation member is movable in relation to the first jaw to move the at least one cam surface in relation to the first and second cam followers to effect movement of the first and second jaws from the spaced position to the approximated position. The at least one cam channel is configured to approximate the distal ends of the first and second jaws prior to approximation of the proximal ends of the first and second jaws. In another preferred embodiment, the tool
assembly includes an articulation and firing
actuator. The articulation and firing
actuator includes a flexible band having a first end portion extending at least partially through the body portion and through the
cartridge assembly, a central portion extending from the first end portion operably associated with the dynamic clamping member and a second end portion extending from the central portion through the
cartridge assembly and at least partially through the body portion to a position adjacent the first end. The articulation and firing
actuator is operably associated with the tool assembly such that movement of either the first end portion or the second end portion of the flexible band proximally and independently of the other end portion effects pivoting of the tool assembly in relation to the body portion, and movement of both the first and second end portions of the flexible band simultaneously effects movement of the dynamic clamping member to eject the staples from the
cartridge assembly.