US Patent 11744580 Long stapler reloads with continuous cartridge

An end effector for a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel supporting a reload. The reload includes a plurality of separate and distinct cartridge units that removably interconnect with one another within the cartridge channel. The cartridge assembly can include a cartridge channel that supports the reload and a hinge assembly that pivotally couples to the cartridge channel.