#$%^&*AU2009251134B220120906.pdf#####SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE Abstract A surgical stapling device (10) for applying an array of surgical staples (56) to tissue is provided. The stapling device (10) includes an approximation mechanism for 5 moving a cartridge assembly (20) and an anvil assembly (22) between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples (56) from the cartridge assembly (20). A single trigger (16) is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device (10). The device (10) also includes an alignment pin assembly (68) which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly (22) to includes a stiffener plate (30) which allows the device (10) to have a reduced head portion profile.