Surgical stapling device with dissecting tip

Abstract

A tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. The tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue, or to facilitate passage of the end effector past tissue.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A dissecting tip for use with a surgical stapler, the dissecting tip comprising: 
 a body having a proximal portion configured to engage an end effector of a surgical stapler, and a distal portion, the distal portion having a first substantially linear section, a second substantially linear section and a curved transition section interconnecting the first and second linear sections.    
     
     
         2 . A dissecting tip according to  claim 1 , wherein the second linear section includes a distal blunt tip.