Abstract: Improved techniques for remotely monitoring and managing fasteners and fastener driver conditions, are provided. In some aspects of the invention, conditions of a fastener and/or structural material(s) held by the fastener and/or connector, are monitored by a control system including sensor(s) at least partially embedded in, on or throughout the fastener and/or structural material(s). When an adverse condition is sensed, a torque may be remotely applied to the fastener, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, other remedial actions may be taken by the control system. In some embodiments, such sensor(s) include a magnetizable array, which may include one or more charge-carrying and/or otherwise magnetic wires or particles on, about, or embedded within, the fastener and/or structural material. In some embodiments, such remote monitoring includes testing a magnetic signature of the fastener and/or structural material (e.g., via remote scanning and/or testing).

Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises a surgical end effector, a handle that is connected to the surgical end effector and has a controller, and an interchangeable part removably connected to the surgical end effector and having an encryption device in electrical communication with the controller. The encryption device is programmed to authenticate the interchangeable part when the interchangeable part is at the surgical end effector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical system, comprising an end effector configurable between an open state and a clamped state. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical system further comprises a drive system, comprising a motor and a drive assembly movable by the motor to effect a tissue-treatment motion at the end effector. The surgical system further comprises a motor control system comprising motor control electronics. The motor control system is configured to transmit a motor drive signal that causes the motor to move the drive assembly to effect the tissue-treatment motion at the end effector and control the motor control electronics to modify the tissue-treatment motion independent of the motor drive signal.

Abstract: Surgical instruments that include an articulation joint that is a configured to establish an upper pathway and a lower pathway through the articulation joint. The upper pathway and the lower pathway are parallel to each other when the surgical instrument is in an unarticulated position and the upper pathway and the lower pathway are concentric to each other when the surgical instrument is articulated. An upper flexible firing assembly slidably extends through the upper pathway and a lower flexible firing assembly slidably extends through the lower pathway. The upper and lower flexible firing assemblies interface with a firing member and a differential drive assembly configured to apply axial drive motions to the upper flexible firing assembly and the lower flexible firing assembly.

Abstract: A surgical system may include tiered-access features. The surgical system may be used to analyze at least a portion of a surgical field. Based on a control parameter, the system may scale up or down various capabilities, such as visualization processing, endocutter communication, endocutter algorithm updates, smart cartridge connectivity, smart motor control for circular stapler, smart energy control, cloud analytics, hub connectivity control, and/or hub visualization and control interactions. The control parameter may include system aspects such as processing capability or bandwidth for example and/or the identification of an appropriate service tier.

Abstract: A wound closure device in the form of a force modulating deep skin staple. The deep skin staple includes a bridge portion extending along a longitudinal axis to support a first set of staple legs and an opposing second set of staple legs. Each staple leg coupled to the bridge portion via a spring arm. Each staple leg angled towards a middle section of the bridge portion. The staple legs designed to modulate forces with a wound down into the reticular dermis layer when applied to the wound.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of movable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of movable particles may comprise at least one medicament. A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a compressible core comprising a plurality of crushable particles, and a wrap surrounding the compressible core. The plurality of crushable particles may comprise at least one medicament. The compressible core may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. The wrap may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a biocompatible material. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose drill system, the multipurpose drill system comprising: a drilling rig adapted to drive a drilling assembly; and two or more power sources, wherein at least one of the two or more power sources is a high pressure power source, wherein the drilling assembly is adapted to be in communication with either or both of the two or more power sources.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning system is associated with a wire rope feed system of a drilling rig for applying tension to the hoist and pulldown ropes during hoist and pulldown operations. The hydraulic tensioning system includes a hydraulic tensioning circuit with a hoist hydraulic circuit directing hydraulic fluid to a hoist actuator applying tension to the hoist wire rope and a pulldown hydraulic circuit directing hydraulic fluid to a pulldown hydraulic actuator applying tension to a pulldown wire rope. A hydraulic control valve can selectively direct flow to the hoist and pulldown hydraulic circuits.

Abstract: A medical device may include a main shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end; an actuator at a proximal portion of the medical device; an end effector positioned at a distal end of the main shaft and comprising a first jaw and a second jaw; a motor; and a torque amplification system. The torque amplification system may include a driveshaft coupled to the motor; a spring coupled to the driveshaft and configured to expand or contract in a proximal or a distal direction relative to the driveshaft; a hammer moveably coupled to the driveshaft; and an anvil coupled to the end effector and abutting the hammer. The anvil may be configured to provide a rotational power output to the end effector to move the first jaw and/or the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a controller and an adapter assembly including a tubular housing having a proximal end portion configured to couple to the handle assembly and a distal end portion. The adapter assembly also includes a load sensing assembly disposed with the tubular housing. The load sensing assembly is configured to measure a load exerted on the tubular housing and includes: a sensor body having a pocket defined therein; a load sensor circuit disposed within the pocket and coupled to the sensor body; and a signal processing circuit disposed within the pocket and electrically coupled to the load sensor circuit. The load sensing assembly further includes a cover disposed over the pocket and enclosing the load sensor circuit and the signal processing circuit therein, the cover being coupled to the sensor body thereby forming a first hermetic seal therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a wick is disclosed. The wick is disposed within an outer sleeve of the elongated portion and is made from a fibrous material. The wick is configured to transfer moisture from a first portion of the wick to a second portion of the wick.

Abstract: Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s).

Abstract: A method for establishing signal and power communication between a surgical instrument and a staple cartridge is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an adapter assembly and a reload assembly. The adapter assembly includes an elongate body and a channel member coupled to the elongate body. The reload assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge body and a channel extension. A proximal portion of the cartridge body is received within the channel member to secure the reload assembly to the adapter assembly. The channel extension is received about a distal portion of the cartridge body and is engaged with the channel member to support the cartridge body.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck, wherein the staples are deployable into tissue captured against the compressible adjunct, and wherein the compressible adjunct comprises a first biocompatible layer comprising a first portion, a second biocompatible layer comprising a second portion, and crossed spacer fibers extending between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a staple sled which can be advanced and/or retracted relative to first and second jaw members, wherein the staple sled can be configured to deploy staples from a staple cartridge in one of the first and second jaw members. In at least one embodiment, the other of the first and second jaw members can include an anvil having at least one forming surface which can be configured to deform the staples as they are deployed from the staple cartridge. In at least one form of the invention, the anvil can be movably adjustable relative to the staple cartridge in order to adjust the distance in which the staples are deformed. In various embodiments, the anvil can be adjusted by a slidable adjusting plate and/or a rotatable cam.

Abstract: A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an elongate member and a loading unit. The loading unit includes a tool portion and a body portion including a first portion having a first length, a second portion having a second length, and a third portion having a third length. The first portion is configured to be releasably secured with the elongate member. The second portion is distal of the first portion and dimensioned to be received in the elongate member. The third portion is distal of the second portion. At least the second or third portion is configured to engage the elongate member in a sealing relation. The second length is greater than the first and third lengths. The third portion of the body portion is dimensioned to be flush with the elongate member when the first and second portions are received in the elongate member.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly capable of coupling with a cartridge channel of a surgical stapler. The staple cartridge includes a staple cartridge body, a swing gate pivotably coupled with the staple cartridge body, and a bridge member extending across the central slot and located proximally relative to the swing gate. The staple cartridge body defines a central slot dimensioned to slidably receive a firing beam of the surgical stapler. The staple cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a staple deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The staple deck defines staple openings. The swing gate can pivot between a first position and a second position. The swing gate extends across the central slot in the first position, while the swing gate extends alongside the central slot in the second position. The bridge member defines a closed proximal end of the central slot.