A medical device comprises a control handle (2) having a stapling actuator (3), an articulation joint actuator (4) and a body through which the stapling actuator (3) and the articulation joint actuator (4) traverse. The medical device further comprises a surgical stapling end effector (1, 20, 30) and a passive articulating joint (10) connecting the stapling end effector (1, 20, 30) to the control handle (2) and articulating about an articulation axis. The articulation joint actuator (4) holds the passive articulating joint (10) and the surgical stapling end effector (1, 20, 30) in a substantially fixed articulation position when it is in its unactuated state, while the articulation joint actuator (4) releases the passive articulating joint (10) into a freely articulating state when it is in its actuated state.
