A surgical stapler comprises a hollow shaft 10 and a tube 92 slidable
axially within the shaft between a forward position wherein one end 96 of
the tube projects beyond a free end of the shaft to enter a puncture site in a
blood vessel and a rearward position wherein the end of the locator tube is retracted
within the shaft. A surgical staple 40 straddles the tube 92 and
is slidable thereon forwardly towards an anvil 24 against which the staple
may be deformed to staple together the opposite edges of the puncture site. A cam
mechanism drives the staple forwardly along the tube 92 into deforming engagement
with the anvil and at the same time retracts the tube into the shaft in time to
allow the legs of the staple to close onto the puncture site.
