Abstract: Circular and curved surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising a circular and curved stapling configurations. A circular staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples arranged in an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. Staples in certain rows can vary in crown width to overlap gaps defined between staples in certain other rows which provide a stretch zone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a tissue clamping system, a staple firing system, and a tissue cutting system. The systems of the surgical instrument can co-operate with one another to prevent the systems from being operated out of order, and/or prevent the systems from being operated in an undesirable order.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the surgical instrument further comprises a lockout configured to prevent the retraction of the staple firing system until the tissue cutting system has been completely actuated. The surgical instrument can also comprise a bypass configured to deactivate the lockout.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. The surgical instrument is configured to permit a surgeon to elect whether to actuate the tissue cutting system after the staple firing system has been actuated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been fully actuated. In certain instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been actuated to sufficiently deform the staples.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module and a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, one or more sensors, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors and the electric motor. The handle module processor circuit is programmed to control the electric motor. The handle module processor circuit is also programmed to track and/or count an end-of-life parameter for the handle module based on input from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, one or more sensors for sensing the performance of the electric motor, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors. The handle module processor circuit is programmed to monitor a performance parameter of the handle module based on input from the one or more sensors by monitoring whether the performance parameter is outside an acceptable performance band.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector with a first jaw and a second jaw. The instrument also includes a first drive assembly, a first motor coupled to the first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, a second motor coupled to the second drive assembly, a control module, and a closure trigger. The first motor is operable to motivate the first drive assembly, and the second motor is operable to motivate the second drive assembly. The control module is operably couplable to the first motor and the second motor. The closure trigger is movable during a closure stroke to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration, and to transition the control module from operable engagement with the first motor to operable engagement with the second motor.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for a circular stapling instrument is provided. The anvil assembly includes a one-piece, polymer anvil and a staple-forming surface. The one-piece, polymer anvil comprises an anvil base surface and an anvil shaft extending from the anvil base surface. The staple-forming surface is attached to the anvil base surface.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument is provided. The circular stapling instrument includes a handle forming a cavity, a reciprocating drive shaft, a carrier cover, and a shaft assembly. The reciprocating drive shaft is detachably secured within the cavity of the handle. The carrier cover covers a portion of the reciprocating drive shaft within the cavity of the handle. The shaft assembly is detachably coupled with the handle.

Abstract: A surgical end effector for use in connection with a surgical instrument. In one form the end effector includes an end effector housing that is configured for operable attachment to the surgical instrument. A first end effector drive system is configured to linearly move a first end effector actuator between a first linear position and a second linear position in response to first rotary motions applied thereto by the surgical instrument. A second end effector drive system is configured to linearly move a second end effector actuator between a beginning and ending position in response to second rotary motions applied thereto by the surgical instrument. The instrument further includes a status assembly arrangement for provide an indication on the end effector housing of a linear location of at least one of the first and second end effector actuators.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw comprising a fastener cartridge, and a closing system. The closing system can comprise a closure member configured to engage the first jaw and move the first jaw toward the second jaw. A pivot can pivotably couple the first jaw to the second jaw. The closure member can engage the first jaw at a location which is distal with respect to the pivot. The closure member and the first jaw can include a cam pin/cam slot arrangement which increases the leverage or mechanical advantage that the closure member applies to the first jaw as the first jaw is moved from an open position to a closed position. The surgical instrument can further comprise a first motor configured to operate the closing system and a second motor configured to operate a firing system configured to eject fasteners from the fastener cartridge.

Abstract: A drive system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The system can comprise a drive assembly, a first output assembly, and a second output assembly. The drive assembly can be coupled to a motor, and can operably transmit a force from the motor to the first output assembly and/or the second output assembly. The drive system can further comprise a shifter assembly, which can shift engagement of the drive assembly between the first output assembly and the second output assembly. A spring-loaded latch for releasably securing a drive member of n handle to a drive member socket of a coupling arrangement in a surgical end effector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument is provided. The circular stapling instrument includes a handle forming a cavity, a reciprocating drive shaft, a carrier cover, and a shaft assembly. The reciprocating drive shaft is detachably secured within the cavity of the handle. The carrier cover covers a portion of the reciprocating drive shaft within the cavity of the handle. The shaft assembly is detachably coupled with the handle.

Abstract: A stapling reload assembly for a circular stapling instrument includes a casing, a staple holder, a staple driver, and an anvil assembly. The staple holder is attached to the casing. The staple driver includes a driver alignment surface. The staple driver is receivable within the casing and is configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The anvil assembly includes an anvil base surface, an anvil alignment surface, and a staple forming surface. The anvil base surface is configured to move from an open position away from the casing to a closed position adjacent the casing. The anvil alignment surface is configured to mate with the driver alignment surface, to rotationally align the staple forming surface with the staple holder, when the anvil base surface is in the closed position.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic device including an elongate flexible member having opposite ends, an effector assembly mounted on one of the opposite ends of the flexible member, and a handle mounted on the end of the flexible member opposite the effector assembly. The handle includes a fastener for receiving a portion of the flexible member spaced from the end of the member opposite the effector assembly. The device also includes an actuator assembly extending through the flexible member and operatively connected to the effector assembly for actuating the effector.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument is provided which includes a reciprocating drive shaft and a firing bar. The reciprocating drive shaft has a first engagement member at a tip of the reciprocating drive shaft and a threaded adjustment member at a base of the reciprocating drive shaft. The firing bar is movably connected at a first end with a firing trigger and movably connected at a second end with a stapling head assembly through a second engagement member. The firing bar forms a first engagement surface which faces a respective second engagement surface formed on the reciprocating drive shaft. The circular stapling instrument also includes a frictional reducing member located in between the first and second engagement surfaces in order to reduce friction between the reciprocating drive shaft and the firing bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.