US Patent 9775611 Clam shell surgical stapling loading unit

A clamshell stapling end effector includes first and second jaws and defines an end effector axis. The first jaw has proximal, central, and distal portions. The central portion includes a first tissue contacting surface and defines a cavity. The second jaw includes a second tissue contacting surface and is rotatably secured to the first jaw about a rotation axis. The rotation axis is parallel to the end effector axis. The second jaw has a folded position such that the second jaw is positioned within the cavity of the first jaw with the first and second tissue contacting surfaces parallel to one another and facing in the same direction and a clamped position such that the first and second tissue contacting surfaces oppose one another.