Surgical staple cartridge with locking mechanism and stapler

摘要

A surgical stapler (20) for effecting simultaneous cutting and stapling of tissue includes a frame (30,50) and a staple cartridge (60) positionable in the frame. The stapler includes a knife blade (44) mounted for movement distally of the staple cartridge, with the cartridge including a rotatable member (66) which cooperates with the knife blade for preventing use of the stapler unless it is fitted with a fresh, unused staple cartridge. The rotatable member on the staple cartridge is configured to facilitate convenient and efficient use of the stapler by reducing the force required for operation of the device.