Surgical stapling apparatus including sensing mechanism

Abstract

A surgical stapling device particularly suited for endoscopic procedures is described. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body extending distally from the handle assembly. The distal end of the elongated body is adapted to engage a disposable loading unit. A control rod having a proximal end operatively connected to the handle assembly includes a distal end extending through the elongated body. A control rod locking member is provided to prevent movement of the control rod until the disposable loading unit is fully secured to the elongated body of the stapling device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A surgical stapling apparatus comprising:
 a tool assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, the anvil assembly having a plurality of staple deforming concavities and a cover plate, the anvil assembly having a longitudinal slot through an anvil portion, the cartridge assembly having a support channel and a staple cartridge containing a plurality of surgical staples, the staple cartridge defining a longitudinal slot;   an articulation link attached to the tool assembly; and   an axial drive assembly for passage through the longitudinal slot of the anvil assembly and the longitudinal slot of the cartridge assembly, the axial drive assembly having an abutment surface for engaging an actuation sled, the actuation sled having cam wedges for contacting pushers, the pushers supporting the surgical staples in the staple cartridge.   
     
     
         3 . The surgical stapling apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the axial drive assembly includes a plurality of stacked sheets. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical stapling apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a handle assembly with an articulation mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical stapling apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the tool assembly is part of a removable loading unit. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical stapling apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the axial drive assembly has a distal end supporting a knife blade. 
     
     
         7 . The surgical stapling apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the axial drive assembly has a retention flange and an upper portion for engaging a cam surface on the anvil portion.