A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having a cartridge assembly,ananvil assembly, and a stabilization member that is supported on a distalportion of one of thecartridge and anvil assemblies. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assemblyare coupled toeach other by a pivot member such that the tool assembly is movable betweenopen andclamped positions. The stabilizing member is movable when the tool assembly isin theclamped position from a first position disengaged with the other of thecartridge and anvilassemblies to a second position engaged with the other of the cartridge andanvil assembliesto define a predetermined tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and theanvil assembly.
