Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a switch assembly. The end effector is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongated shaft and includes opposing first and second jaw members. The end effector is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The drive shaft is operably coupled to the end effector to move the end effector between the open and closed configurations. The switch assembly includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact is coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move with the drive shaft. The first electrical contact is configured to engage the second electrical contact in response to a movement of the drive shaft to determine a first angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a trocar for facilitating passage of a surgical instrument into a body cavity, and a reloading module configured to couple to a head of the trocar. The reloading module defines a channel that is coaxial with a channel of the trocar and includes a cartridge storing a plurality of surgical implants. The reloading module allows for an expedited loading of the surgical implants thereof onto an end effector of a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A needle for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a first end portion that is movable relative to a second end portion to allow the needle to convert from a first, mis-aligned orientation to a second, aligned orientation, thereby allowing the length of the needle in the aligned orientation to exceed the height of an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a cartridge alignment mechanism that loads a cartridge onto an engagement portion without having to place the cartridge in proper orientation with the engagement portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an articulation assembly configured for backlash compensation for use with surgical devices. The articulation assembly includes an articulation lever assembly configured to reduce axial backlash. The articulation assembly further includes an articulation joint configured to reduce lateral backlash.

Abstract: A kit for a powered surgical instrument causes the performance of a homing initiation procedure prior to the connection of a connectable component to the powered surgical instrument. The kit includes a powered surgical instrument, and end effector for coupling to the powered surgical instrument, and a blister pack housing at least the powered surgical instrument.

Abstract: A safety cut-off circuit for a surgical instrument includes a liquid detection circuit coupled in parallel to a fuse and a voltage regulator. Power supplied to the voltage regulator is cut-off when liquid comes into contact with the liquid detection circuit.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a switch assembly. The end effector is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongated shaft and includes opposing first and second jaw members. The end effector is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The drive shaft is operably coupled to the end effector to move the end effector between the open and closed configurations. The switch assembly includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact is coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move with the drive shaft. The first electrical contact is configured to engage the second electrical contact in response to a movement of the drive shaft to determine a first angle between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a handle operably coupled to the handle housing, an outer shaft, and an inner shaft. The outer shaft extends distally from the handle housing, and the inner shaft is axially disposed within the outer shaft. At least one of the outer shaft or the inner shaft is selectively movable relative to the other along a longitudinal axis in response to actuation of the handle. A piezoelectric actuator is coupled to the outer shaft or the inner shaft and is configured to adjust an axial position of the outer shaft and/or the inner shaft.

Abstract: A surgical tack applier comprising a handle assembly, an inner tube, a plurality of fasteners and a solution is disclosed. The handle assembly includes an actuator associated therewith. The inner tube extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The inner tube is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The plurality of fasteners are disposed at least partially within the inner tube and are selectively ejectable therefrom. The solution is disposed within the inner tube and is dispensable through a distal opening of the inner tube.

Abstract: A needle for use with an endoscopic stitching device includes a first end portion that is movable relative to a second end portion to allow the needle to convert from a first, mis-aligned orientation to a second, aligned orientation, thereby allowing the length of the needle in the aligned orientation to exceed the height of an end effector.