A
surgical device is disclosed which includes a
handle portion, a central body portion and a Simple Use Loading Unit (“SULU”) [SULU]. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool
assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool
assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool
assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation
actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes. The
handle portion includes a spindle and
barrel assembly drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member positioned in the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a
cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly.