#$%^&*AU2006236073B220121220.pdf#####ABSTRACT A surgical stapler having a selectively bendable end effector is provided. A staple holding jaw of the end effector is coupled to another jaw for grasping tissue to be stapled. The stapler can adapted to drive staples into tissue having a pattern conforming with the selected shape of the end effector. In particular, the end effector can be adapted to drive staples in a linear pattern when the end effector orients staples in a substantially linear configuration. The end effector can also be adapted to drive staples in a non linear pattern when the end effector orients staples in a non linear configuration. Methods of stapling tissue with a stapler having a bendable end effector are also discussed.4/11 FIG. 4A 430 260 30 210 40 410 250 450-410 340 33033 330 351 360 3031232
