Surgical stapling apparatus with articulation brake assembly

Abstract

A surgical stapling apparatus includes an elongated shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly, a drive beam assembly, and a brake assembly. The tool assembly includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The drive beam assembly is selectively advanceable through the tool assembly and positioned to move the tool assembly between an unclamped position and a clamped position. The brake assembly is disposed between the elongated shaft assembly and the tool assembly. The brake assembly includes a movable brake and a fixed brake. The movable brake is positioned to move relative to the fixed brake when the tool assembly moves from the unclamped position to the clamped position. The brake assembly prevents the tool assembly from articulating relative to the longitudinal axis when the moveable brake contacts the fixed brake.

CPC Classifications