End effectors, surgical stapling devices, and methods of using same

An end effector (40) for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure (10) of a patient during a surgical procedure includes an anvil (42) and a cartridge (44). Each of the anvil (42) and the cartridge (44) has a face that is positionable on the anatomical structure (10). The anvil (42) is coupled the cartridge (44) at first and second ends. The anvil (42) is movable relative to the cartridge (44) to define a first gap between the faces at the first ends that is less than a second gap between the faces at the second ends. A stapling device (100) includes the end effector (40) coupled to a manipulator (102) via a shaft (104). The manipulator (102) is accessible to the surgeon. The surgeon uses a clamping mechanism (122) to selectively move the anvil (42) and the cartridge (44) to clamp the anatomical structure (10). 44a 40 'a/ -104