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An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. The ends of the cartridge are coupled to the ends of the anvil. Each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar. The end eff

An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. The ends of the cartridge are coupled to the ends of the anvil. Each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar. The end effector is operable from outside the patient. A stapling device includes the end effector coupled to a manipulator via a shaft. The manipulator is accessible to the surgeon. The surgeon uses a clamping mechanism to selectively move the anvil and the cartridge to clamp the anatomical structure. A flexible member extends through the shaft and is coupled to at least one of the anvil and the cartridge and to the clamping mechanism. Operating the clamping mechanism withdraws the flexible member (46) from the end effector and clamps the anatomical structure between the anvil and the cartridge.

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1. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable

1. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge, wherein the anvil and the cartridge slidably receive the flexible member;wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure. 2. The end effector of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cartridge includes a cam tube, wherein the flexible member passes into the cam tube such that tensioning the flexible member pulls the anvil into the cam tube. 3. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cartridge includes a cam tube, wherein the anvil includes at least one pin and the cam tube includes at least one channel to receive the at least one pin to facilitate alignment between the anvil and the cartridge when the anvil enters the cam tube. 4. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cartridge includes a cam tube, wherein the anvil includes a lever and the cam tube includes a slot to receive the lever to facilitate alignment between the anvil and the cartridge when the anvil enters the cam tube. 5. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cartridge includes a cam tube, further including a screw, wherein the cam tube is operably coupled to the screw and rotating the screw moves the cam tube along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 6. The end effector of claim 5, wherein, when the cam tube moves along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a gap between the anvil and the cartridge changes. 7. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge;wherein the anvil and the cartridge slidably receive the flexible member;wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, a strut mechanism that slidably cooperates with the flexible member and that includes a strut member that is coupled to one of the anvil and the cartridge between the first end and the second end thereof and is pivotal with respect thereto between a disengaged position in which the strut member is substantially parallel with the anvil and the cartridge and an engaged position in which the strut member extends transversely to the anvil and the cartridge. 8. The end effector of claim 7, wherein a hinge pivotally couples the second end of the anvil to the second end of the cartridge, wherein one of the anvil and the cartridge further includes a stud at the first end, the flexible member being configured to couple to the stud. 9. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, wherein one of the anvil and the cartridge includes at least one alignment pin extending outwardly from the face thereof and the other of the anvil and the cartridge includes a mating recess configured to receive the alignment pin as the anvil and cartridge are moved toward one another, wherein the flexible member extends through the mating recess and is coupled to the alignment pin such that retraction of the flexible member moves the alignment pin into the recess. 10. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, further comprising a compression mechanism that operably couples the anvil to the cartridge, is separate from the flexible member, and is configured to apply compressive force to the anatomical structure, wherein the compression mechanism includes a wedge that extends from the anvil and a collar that is engageable with the wedge and is movable relative to the cartridge, wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the wedge is positioned to engage the collar, and when the collar is moved relative to the cartridge, the wedge engages the collar to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 11. The end effector of claim 10, wherein the compression mechanism further includes a second wedge that extends from the anvil and a cam tube that is engageable with the second wedge and is movable relative to the cartridge, wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the second wedge is positioned to engage the cam tube, and when the cam tube is moved relative to the cartridge, the wedge engages the cam tube to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 12. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, wherein the end effector includes an alignment mechanism configured to facilitate alignment between the anvil and the cartridge as the anvil is moved toward the cartridge, wherein the alignment mechanism includes:a knife that has a first flange, a second flange, and a web connecting the first and second flanges and includes a cutting edge;a housing that extends from the cartridge adjacent the first end, the knife residing in the housing when the anvil and the cartridge are moved toward one another;a recess in the anvil that is adjacent the first end of the end effector, the recess receiving the housing;a first slot in the anvil that is open to the anvil face and to the recess and that is configured to slidably receive the web during cutting of the anatomical structure with the cutting edge; anda second slot in the cartridge that is open to the cartridge face and that is configured to slidably receive the web during cutting of the anatomical structure with the cutting edge. 13. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge;a second flexible member that movably couples the second end of the anvil to the second end of the cartridge;wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure,wherein the first and second flexible members are independently operable such that a gap between the first ends of the anvil and the cartridge is capable of being different from a gap between the second ends of the anvil and the cartridge. 14. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge,wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure; wherein the anvil and the cartridge are coupled by a latch at the second end;wherein the latch is a projection from one of the anvil and the cartridge and includes a notch and the other of the anvil and the cartridge includes a recess configured to receive the latch, a pin for engaging the notch, and a spring for biasing the pin into engagement with the notch; further including a release cable coupled to the pin and operable to release the pin from the notch. 15. A stapling device for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the stapling device comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge;wherein the second end of the anvil is movably coupled to the second end of the cartridge, each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, a manipulator that is configured to be accessible to the surgeon outside of the patient and that includes a shaft coupled to the end effector and a clamping mechanism for selectively moving the anvil and the cartridge toward one another to clamp the anatomical structure; andwherein the flexible member extends through the shaft to the end effector and to the clamping mechanism such that operating the clamping mechanism withdraws the flexible member from the end effector and clamps the anatomical structure between the anvil and the cartridge. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of selectively tensioning the flexible member to clamp the anvil and the cartridge to the anatomical structure with a first stage clamping force that permits the end effector to be repositioned relative to the anatomical structure. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the first stage clamping force is between about 0.1 g/mm2 and about 4 g/mm2. 18. The device of claim 16, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of selectively tensioning the flexible member to clamp the anvil and the cartridge to the anatomical structure with a second stage clamping force that substantially prevents the end effector from moving relative to the anatomical structure during the medical procedure. 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the second stage clamping force is between about 4 g/mm2 and about 70 g/mm2. 20. The device of claim 15, wherein the manipulator includes a handpiece that at least partially houses the clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism further includes a lever that is pivotable relative to the handpiece and is operable to activate the clamping mechanism. 21. The device of claim 15, wherein the clamping mechanism includes: a first push bar that is pivotably coupled to the lever;a second push bar that is pivotably coupled to the first push bar; anda pin that is coupled to the second push bar, the flexible member extending around the pin,wherein rotation of the lever relative to the handpiece moves the pin and withdraws the flexible member from the end effector. 22. The device of claim 15, wherein the clamping mechanism includes: a hub that is pivotable relative to the handpiece with the lever extending from the hub;a torque arm that extends outwardly from the hub;a push bar that is pivotably coupled to the torque arm at a first end;a clamping rod that is pivotably coupled to the push bar at a second end and is slidably engaged with the handpiece; andtwo or more additional rods that are fixed in relation to the clamping rod with the clamping rod between at least two additional rods,wherein the flexible member is in contact with the clamping rod and with two of the additional rods such that, when the clamping mechanism is engaged, the clamping rod slides relative to the at least two additional rods and withdraws the flexible member from the end effector. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the manipulator further includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the clamping mechanism in an engaged position in which the anvil and the cartridge clamp the anatomical structure. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a locking arm that extends from the hub;a release lever that is pivotably coupled relative to and that projects from the handpiece; anda locking finger that extends from the release lever and is biased into engagement with the locking arm,wherein rotation of the lever to engage the clamping mechanism engages the locking arm with the locking finger. 25. The device of claim 15, wherein the manipulator includes a stapling mechanism that has an actuator coupled to an actuator plate that is slidable relative to the end effector and at least one wedge coupled to the actuator plate, wherein activating the actuator slides the actuator plate and the at least one wedge in the direction of the end effector to force the wedge into engagement with staples. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the actuator is a thumb plate. 27. The device of claim 25, wherein the actuator is a lever and the stapling mechanism further includes a chain consisting of a plurality of links coupled to the actuator plate, the lever being operably coupled to the chain such that rotation of the lever moves the chain and the actuator plate. 28. The device of claim 25, wherein the manipulator further includes a cutting mechanism having a knife push bar that is slidably coupled to the actuator plate and a cutting edge at one end of the knife push bar, wherein, when the stapling mechanism is engaged, the actuator plate slides relative to the knife push bar for a predetermined distance during which the knife push bar is substantially stationary and after which the actuator plate engages the knife push bar. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the wedge is engaged over the predetermined distance. 30. The device of claim 25, wherein the manipulator includes a cutting mechanism that is configured to cut the anatomical structure and is coupled to the actuator plate and, when the actuator is engaged, the stapling mechanism begins stapling the anatomical structure prior to the cutting mechanism cutting the anatomical structure. 31. The device of claim 15, wherein the end effector is pivotable relative to the shaft. 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the end effector further includes an articulation mechanism that includes a clevis and a rotation collar, the rotation collar frictionally coupling the end effector to the clevis. 33. The device of claim 32, further comprising: a compression mechanism that operably couples the anvil to the cartridge, that is separate from the flexible member, and that is configured to apply compressive force to the anatomical structure, the compression mechanism including a hook member that extends from the anvil, a pin that is engageable with the hook member, and a compression slide that carries the pin and is selectively slidable relative to the cartridge,wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the hook member is positioned to engage the pin and, when the compression slide is forcibly moved relative to the cartridge, the pin engages the hook member to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 34. The device of claim 32, further comprising: a compression mechanism that operably couples the anvil to the cartridge, that is separate from the flexible member, and that is configured to apply compressive force to the anatomical structure, the compression mechanism including a wedge that extends from the anvil and a collar that is engageable with the wedge and is movable relative to the cartridge,wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the wedge is positioned to engage the collar, and when the collar is moved relative to the cartridge, the wedge engages the collar to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 35. An end effector coupled to a manipulator having a shaft, the end effector being for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure;a housing that extends from one end of the anvil or the cartridge, that includes a flange, that defines a longitudinal axis;a clevis that is coupled to the shaft and operable to pivot relative to the shaft; anda rotation collar that is rotatably coupled to the flange and is coupled to the clevis, the flange being capable of rotating within the rotation collar,wherein each of the anvil, the cartridge, the housing, the clevis, and the rotation collar is insertable through a trocar, the end effector is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, is pivotable relative to the shaft at the clevis, and is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure. 36. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the first end of the cartridge is movably coupled to the first end of the anvil and the second end of the cartridge is movably coupled to the second end of the anvil. 37. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the first end of the anvil is configured to extend beyond one of a proximal end or a distal end of the anatomical structure, the second end of the anvil is configured to extend beyond the other of the proximal end or the distal end of the anatomical structure, the first end of the cartridge is configured to extend beyond one of the proximal end or the distal end of the anatomical structure, and the second end of the cartridge is configured to extend beyond the other of the proximal end or the distal end of the anatomical structure. 38. The end effector of claim 35, further comprising: a flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge. 39. The end effector of claim 38, wherein the flexible member movably couples the second end of the anvil to the second end of the cartridge. 40. The end effector of claim 38, wherein at least one of the anvil and the cartridge slidably receives the flexible member when the end effector is clamped onto the anatomical structure. 41. The end effector of claim 38, wherein the anvil and the cartridge slidably receive the flexible member. 42. The end effector of claim 38, wherein the flexible member is anchored to the anvil. 43. The end effector of claim 38, wherein the flexible member is anchored to the cartridge. 44. The end effector of claim 38, further comprising: a tensioning device operable by the surgeon for selectively tensioning the flexible member to provide at least a portion of the clamping force on the anatomical structure. 45. The end effector of claim 44, wherein the tensioning device includes a spring operably coupled to the flexible member. 46. The end effector of claim 38, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cartridge includes a cam tube. 47. The end effector of claim 46, wherein the flexible member passes into the cam tube such that tensioning the flexible member pulls the anvil into the cam tube. 48. The end effector of claim 46, wherein the cam tube includes a first arcuate surface and the anvil includes a second arcuate surface that is configured to cooperate with the first arcuate surface. 49. The end effector of claim 46, wherein the anvil includes at least one pin and the cam tube includes at least one channel to receive the at least one pin to facilitate alignment between the anvil and the cartridge when the anvil enters the cam tube. 50. The end effector of claim 46, wherein the anvil includes a lever and the cam tube includes a slot to receive the lever to facilitate alignment between the anvil and the cartridge when the anvil enters the cam tube. 51. The end effector of claim 46, wherein the cam tube is slidable along an axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 52. The end effector of claim 46, wherein the cam tube includes a wedge-shaped surface and the anvil includes a tapered surface on one end thereof that engages the wedge-shaped surface when the anvil enters the cam tube. 53. The end effector of claim 46, further including a screw, wherein the cam tube is operably coupled to the screw and rotating the screw moves the cam tube along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge. 54. The end effector of claim 53, wherein, when the cam tube moves along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, a gap between the anvil and the cartridge changes. 55. The end effector of claim 38, wherein one of the anvil and the cartridge further includes a retraction tab coupled to an end of the flexible member. 56. The end effector of claim 38, wherein the flexible member extends in a non-linear path from proximate the first end to proximate the second end of one of the anvil and the cartridge. 57. The end effector of claim 38, further comprising: a strut mechanism that slidably cooperates with the flexible member and that includes a strut member that is coupled to one of the anvil and the cartridge between the first end and the second end thereof and is pivotal with respect thereto between a disengaged position in which the strut member is substantially parallel with the anvil and the cartridge and an engaged position in which the strut member extends transversely to the anvil and the cartridge. 58. The end effector of claim 38, further comprising an adjustment mechanism coupled to the flexible member that adjusts a gap between the anvil and the cartridge. 59. The end effector of claim 58, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a knob and a spring in line with at least one end of the flexible member. 60. The end effector of claim 38, wherein one of the anvil and the cartridge includes at least one alignment pin extending outwardly from the face thereof and the other of the anvil and the cartridge includes a mating recess configured to receive the alignment pin as the anvil and cartridge are moved toward one another. 61. The end effector of claim 60, wherein the flexible member extends through the mating recess and is coupled to the alignment pin such that retraction of each flexible member moves the alignment pin into the recess. 62. The end effector of claim 38, further comprising: a compression mechanism that operably couples the anvil to the cartridge, that is separate from the flexible member, and that is configured to apply compressive force to the anatomical structure. 63. The end effector of claim 62, wherein the compression mechanism includes a hook member that extends from the anvil, a pin that is engageable with the hook member, and a compression slide that carries the pin and is selectively slidable relative to the cartridge, wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the hook member is positioned to engage the pin and, when the compression slide is forcibly moved relative to the cartridge, the pin engages the hook member to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 64. The end effector of claim 62, wherein the compression mechanism includes a wedge that extends from the anvil and a collar that is engageable with the wedge and is movable relative to the cartridge, wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the wedge is positioned to engage the collar, and when the collar is moved relative to the cartridge, the wedge engages the collar to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 65. The end effector of claim 62, wherein the compression mechanism further includes a second wedge that extends from the anvil and a cam tube that is engageable with the second wedge and is movable relative to the cartridge, wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the second wedge is positioned to engage the cam tube, and when the cam tube is moved relative to the cartridge, the wedge engages the cam tube to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 66. The end effector of claim 35, wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the cartridge includes a cam tube. 67. The end effector of claim 66, wherein the first end of the cartridge includes a first cam tube and the second end of the cartridge includes a second cam tube. 68. The end effector of claim 67, wherein the first and second cam tubes are configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and when at least one of the first and second cam tubes moves, a gap between the anvil and the cartridge changes. 69. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the end effector includes an alignment mechanism configured to facilitate alignment between the anvil and the cartridge as the anvil is moved toward the cartridge. 70. The end effector of claim 69, wherein the alignment mechanism includes a pin on one of the anvil and the cartridge and a recess on the other of the anvil and the cartridge. 71. The end effector of claim 69, wherein the alignment mechanism includes: a knife that has a first flange, a second flange, and a web connecting the first and second flanges and includes a cutting edge;a housing that extends from the cartridge adjacent the first end, the knife residing in the housing when the anvil and the cartridge are moved toward one another;a recess in the anvil that is adjacent the first end of the end effector, the recess receiving the housing;a first slot in the anvil that is open to the anvil face and to the recess and that is configured to slidably receive the web during cutting of the anatomical structure with the cutting edge; anda second slot in the cartridge that is open to the cartridge face and that is configured to slidably receive the web during cutting of the anatomical structure with the cutting edge. 72. The end effector of claim 35, wherein each of the first ends and the second ends of the anvil and the cartridge are coupled together by a hinge joint, a flexible member, a latch, or combinations thereof. 73. The end effector of claim 35, wherein a hinge pivotally couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge and a flexible member movably couples the second end of the anvil to the second end of the cartridge. 74. The end effector of claim 73, further including a spring operably coupled to each of the anvil and the cartridge biasing the anvil and the cartridge away from each other. 75. The end effector of claim 73, wherein one of the anvil and the cartridge further includes a stud at the second end, the flexible member configured to couple to the stud. 76. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the anvil and the cartridge are coupled by a snap fit connection at the first end. 77. The end effector of claim 35, wherein one of the anvil and the cartridge includes a hook on the first end, the other of the anvil and the cartridge includes a lever at the first end, and the hook is configured to engage the lever to couple the anvil and the cartridge at the first end. 78. The end effector of claim 35, further comprising: a first flexible member that movably couples the first end of the anvil to the first end of the cartridge, anda second flexible member that movably couples the second end of the anvil to the second end of the cartridge. 79. The end effector of claim 78, wherein the first and second flexible members are independently operable such that a gap between the first ends of the anvil and the cartridge is capable of being different from a gap between the second ends of the anvil and the cartridge. 80. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the anvil and the cartridge are coupled by a latch at one of the first and second ends and a flexible member at the other of the first and second ends. 81. The end effector of claim 80, wherein the latch is a projection from one of the anvil and the cartridge and includes a notch and the other of the anvil and the cartridge includes a recess configured to receive the latch, a pin for engaging the notch, and a spring for biasing the pin into engagement with the notch. 82. The end effector of claim 81, further including a release cable coupled to the pin and operable to release the pin from the notch. 83. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the anvil and the cartridge are curved. 84. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the end effector is insertable through a trocar. 85. The end effector of claim 35, wherein the second end of the anvil is coupled to the second end of the cartridge by a hinge joint, a flexible member, a latch, or a combination thereof. 86. A stapling device for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the stapling device comprising: the end effector of claim 35;a manipulator that is configured to be accessible to the surgeon outside of the patient and that includes a shaft coupled to the end effector and a clamping mechanism for selectively moving the anvil and the cartridge toward one another to clamp the anatomical structure; anda flexible member that extends through the shaft to the end effector and is operably coupled to at least one of the anvil and the cartridge and to the clamping mechanism such that operating the clamping mechanism withdraws the flexible member from the end effector and clamps the anatomical structure between the anvil and the cartridge. 87. The device of claim 86, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of selectively tensioning the flexible member to clamp the anvil and the cartridge to the anatomical structure with a first stage clamping force that permits the end effector to be repositioned relative to the anatomical structure. 88. The device of claim 87, wherein the first stage clamping force is between about 0.1 g/mm2 and about 4 g/mm2. 89. The device of claim 87, wherein the clamping mechanism is capable of selectively tensioning the flexible member to clamp the anvil and the cartridge to the anatomical structure with a second stage clamping force that substantially prevents the end effector from moving relative to the anatomical structure during the medical procedure. 90. The device of claim 89, wherein the second stage clamping force is between about 4 g/mm2 and about 70 g/mm2. 91. The device of claim 86, wherein the manipulator includes a handpiece that at least partially houses the clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism further includes a lever that is pivotable relative to the handpiece and is operable to activate the clamping mechanism. 92. The device of claim 91, wherein the clamping mechanism includes: a first push bar that is pivotably coupled to the lever;a second push bar that is pivotably coupled to the first push bar; anda pin that is coupled to the second push bar, the flexible member extending around the pin,wherein rotation of the lever relative to the handpiece moves the pin and withdraws the flexible member from the end effector. 93. The device of claim 91, wherein the clamping mechanism includes: a hub that is pivotable relative to the handpiece with the lever extending from the hub;a torque arm that extends outwardly from the hub;a push bar that is pivotably coupled to the torque arm at a first end;a clamping rod that is pivotably coupled to the push bar at a second end and is slidably engaged with the handpiece; andtwo or more additional rods that are fixed in relation to the clamping rod with the clamping rod between at least two additional rods,wherein the flexible member is in contact with the clamping rod and with two of the additional rods such that, when the clamping mechanism is engaged, the clamping rod slides relative to the at least two additional rods and withdraws the flexible member from the end effector. 94. The device of claim 86, wherein the manipulator further includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the clamping mechanism in an engaged position in which the anvil and the cartridge clamp the anatomical structure. 95. The device of claim 94, wherein the locking mechanism includes: a locking arm that extends from the hub;a release lever that is pivotably coupled relative to and that projects from the handpiece; anda locking finger that extends from the release lever and is biased into engagement with the locking arm,wherein rotation of the lever to engage the clamping mechanism engages the locking arm with the locking finger. 96. The device of claim 86, wherein the manipulator includes a stapling mechanism that has an actuator coupled to an actuator plate that is slidable relative to the end effector and at least one wedge coupled to the actuator plate, wherein activating the actuator slides the actuator plate and the at least one wedge in the direction of the end effector to force the wedge into engagement with staples. 97. The device of claim 96, wherein the actuator is a thumb plate. 98. The device of claim 96, wherein the actuator is a lever and the stapling mechanism further includes a chain consisting of a plurality of links coupled to the actuator plate, the lever being operably coupled to the chain such that rotation of the lever moves the chain and the actuator plate. 99. The device of claim 86, wherein the manipulator further includes a cutting mechanism having a knife push bar that is slidably coupled to the actuator plate and a cutting edge at one end of the knife push bar, wherein, when the stapling mechanism is engaged, the actuator plate slides relative to the knife push bar for a predetermined distance during which the knife push bar is substantially stationary and after which the actuator plate engages the knife push bar. 100. The device of claim 99, wherein the wedge is engaged over the predetermined distance. 101. The device of claim 86, wherein the manipulator includes a cutting mechanism that is configured to cut the anatomical structure and is coupled to the actuator plate and, when the actuator is engaged, the stapling mechanism begins stapling the anatomical structure prior to the cutting mechanism cutting the anatomical structure. 102. The device of claim 86, wherein the end effector is pivotable relative to the shaft. 103. The device of claim 102, wherein the end effector further includes an articulation mechanism that includes a clevis and a rotation collar, the rotation collar frictionally coupling the end effector to the clevis. 104. The device of claim 103, further comprising: a compression mechanism that operably couples the anvil to the cartridge, that is separate from the flexible member, and that is configured to apply compressive force to the anatomical structure, the compression mechanism including a hook member that extends from the anvil, a pin that is engageable with the hook member, and a compression slide that carries the pin and is selectively slidable relative to the cartridge,wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the hook member is positioned to engage the pin and, when the compression slide is forcibly moved relative to the cartridge, the pin engages the hook member to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 105. The device of claim 103, further comprising: a compression mechanism that operably couples the anvil to the cartridge, that is separate from the flexible member, and that is configured to apply compressive force to the anatomical structure, the compression mechanism including a wedge that extends from the anvil and a collar that is engageable with the wedge and is movable relative to the cartridge,wherein the compression mechanism is engageable when the wedge is positioned to engage the collar, and when the collar is moved relative to the cartridge, the wedge engages the collar to compress the anatomical structure separate from the flexible member. 106. An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector comprising: an anvil that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the first side of the anatomical structure;a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples and that includes a first end, a second end, and a face that is positionable on the second side of the anatomical structure, the first end of the cartridge is separably coupled to the first end of the anvil and the second end of the cartridge is separably coupled to the second end of the anvil; andwherein each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar and the end effector is remotely operable from outside the patient with at least a portion of one of the anvil and the cartridge being movable toward the other to clamp the end effector to the anatomical structure, wherein the first end of the cartridge includes a first cam tube and the second end of the cartridge includes a second cam tube. 107. The end effector of claim 106, wherein the first and second cam tubes are configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and when at least one of the first and second cam tubes moves, a gap between the anvil and the cartridge changes. 108. The end effector of claim 106, wherein the first and second cam tubes are configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and when at least one of the first and second cam tubes moves, a gap between the anvil and the cartridge changes.