Abstract: An end effector includes a distal clevis, an axle mounted to the distal clevis, a first jaw holder and corresponding first jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle, and second jaw holder and corresponding second jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle. A cylindrical sleeve axle having opposing first and second ends and defining a central passageway extending between the opposing first and second ends, the sleeve axle providing a continuously straight and uninterrupted outer surface extending entirely between the opposing first and second ends. The axle is received within the central passageway and the sleeve axle is rotatable relative to the axle.

Abstract: An end effector includes a wrist having a distal clevis rotatably coupled to a proximal clevis, a shaft coupled to the proximal clevis and defining a radial shoulder, one or more jaw members rotatably mounted to the distal clevis, and a protective sleeve extendable over the wrist and a portion of the shaft and providing a cylindrical body having opposing distal and proximal ends, the protective sleeve being made entirely of a same flexible, and the cylindrical body defining an aperture at the distal end through which the jaw members protrude. An inner surface of the protective sleeve is smooth and forms an interference fit with an outer surface of the portion of the shaft. A positive indicator is discernible when the protective sleeve has moved from an assembled position, where the proximal end of the protective sleeve engages the radial shoulder, to a migrated position.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaws movable between open and closed positions, a guide track defined in the second jaw, and a cutting element extendable into the guide track and longitudinally movable within the guide track. A retention feature is positioned within the guide track and operatively couples the cutting element to a drive rod. The drive rod is actuatable to move the cutting element within the guide track, and the retention feature is larger than a width of an opening to the guide track such that the retention feature is retained within the guide track as the cutting element moves.

Abstract: An end effector includes a distal clevis, an axle mounted to the distal clevis, a first jaw holder and corresponding first jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle, and second jaw holder and corresponding second jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle. A cylindrical sleeve axle having opposing first and second ends and defining a central passageway extending between the opposing first and second ends, the sleeve axle providing a continuously straight and uninterrupted outer surface extending entirely between the opposing first and second ends. The axle is received within the central passageway and the sleeve axle is rotatable relative to the axle.

Abstract: An end effector includes a distal clevis, an axle mounted to the distal clevis, a first jaw holder and corresponding first jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle, and a second jaw holder and corresponding second jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle. A sleeve axle has a first end, a second end, and a central passageway that extends between the first and second ends. The axle is received within the central passageway and the sleeve axle is rotatable relative to the axle.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical tool includes a distal clevis, first and second jaws rotatably mounted to the distal clevis at a first axle, and a proximal clevis rotatably coupled to the distal clevis at a second axle. An electrical conductor extends through the proximal clevis and terminates at the distal clevis to supply electrical energy to one or both of the first and second jaws.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaws movable between open and closed positions, a guide track defined in the second jaw, and a cutting element extendable into the guide track and longitudinally movable within the guide track. A retention feature is positioned within the guide track and operatively couples the cutting element to a drive rod. The drive rod is actuatable to move the cutting element within the guide track, and the retention feature is larger than a width of an opening to the guide track such that the retention feature is retained within the guide track as the cutting element moves.

Abstract: An end effector includes a distal clevis, an axle mounted to the distal clevis, a first jaw holder and corresponding first jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle, and a second jaw holder and corresponding second jaw member rotatably mounted to the axle. A sleeve axle has a first end, a second end, and a central passageway that extends between the first and second ends. The axle is received within the central passageway and the sleeve axle is rotatable relative to the axle.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical tool includes positioning the surgical tool adjacent a patient for operation, the surgical tool including a wrist having a distal clevis rotatably coupled to a proximal clevis, a shaft or the shaft adapter coupled to the proximal clevis, and an end effector having one or more jaw members rotatably mounted to the distal clevis. Portions of the wrist and the end effector are insulated with a protective sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end and defining an aperture at the distal end through which the one or more jaw members protrude. When the protective sleeve moves axially from an assembled position to a migrated position, a positive indicator is provided.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical tool includes a distal clevis, first and second jaws rotatably mounted to the distal clevis at a first axle, and a proximal clevis rotatably coupled to the distal clevis at a second axle. An electrical conductor extends through the proximal clevis and terminates at the distal clevis to supply electrical energy to one or both of the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A surgical kit can be used to manipulate tissue within the body of a patient to create a working space within the body to allow a surgeon to easily access and work within the body using various surgical instruments. A surgical kit can include an implant comprised of a magnetic material which can be engaged with tissue within the body. The kit can further include a surgical instrument having a magnet which can be used to manipulate the implant and tissue engaged therewith. A surgical kit can include an anchor and a hanger configured to engage tissue at different locations within the body and a connection member engaged with the anchor and the hanger such that the connection member can be pulled to move the anchor toward the hanger. A surgical instrument which utilizes a vacuum provided to one or more movable members can also be used to manipulate tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for forming a fully tied knot to fasten bodily tissue is disclosed. The instrument has a handle assembly for actuating first and second actuators. The first actuator remotely effects movement of a grasping jaw from an open position to a closed position relative to a suture cartridge contained in a cartridge carrier at the distal end of the instrument. Accordingly, the first actuator is capable of causing the manipulation of bodily tissue or suture filament contained in the suture cartridge. The second actuator is operatively connected to the suture filament in the suture cartridge. A portion of the suture filament is configured into a partially tied knot, and when the second actuator is actuated, it causes the proximal end of the filament to be pulled for converting the partially tied knot into a fully formed knot.