#$%^&*AU2016200265A120160908.pdf#####CIRCULAR KNIFE BLADE FOR LINEAR STAPLERS ABSTRACT In one aspect of the present disclosure a surgical stapling apparatus (100) is disclosed including an anvil plate (123), a cartridge plate (113), and a knife assembly (140). The anvil and cartridge plates (123, 113) each include a central longitudinal slot (125, 114). The longitudinal slot of the anvil plate (123) has first and second sides each forming a toothed rack (128, 129). The knife assembly (140) includes a circular knife (148) adapted to cut tissue is rotatably attached to an Ibeam. The knife blade (148) may have a serrated edge (149) configured to interlock with each of the teeth of the toothed racks (128, 129). The knife assembly (140) may include at least one gear (149') fixedly coupled to the circular knife (148). The at least one gear (149') may engage the toothed rack (128, 129) to rotate the circular knife (148).CM4 CMN
