Abstract: A surgical device with a powered in-line handle assembly that includes actuators for actuating and articulating an end effector of the surgical device allows for single handed operation of the surgical device. The handle assembly includes a battery that is received in a removable compartment in a battery cover to allow for removal and recycling of the battery following use. The handle assembly also includes a manual release mechanism that allows a firing rod assembly of the handle assembly to be manually retracted in emergency situations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument having an elongated shaft, a movable tool at a distal end of the shaft, a handle with a movable grip part at a proximal end of the shaft, and a force transmission element which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the instrument and is operatively connected to the movable grip part and to the tool such that an actuation of the movable grip part is converted into a movement of the tool. The instrument has a spring assembly that is arranged on the handle and has at least one leg spring, which has at least one winding and two legs, and a pin, wherein the at least one winding extends about the pin. When the movable grip part is actuated, a force is applied to at least one of the legs of the leg spring, said force reducing the friction between the winding and the pin such that the leg spring can be rotated about the pin and the force transmission element and the tool can be moved.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed that includes a first impedance sensing electrode and a second impedance sensing electrode. The first impedance sensing electrode is addressable to apply first energy to tissue positioned in a first zone. The second impedance sensing electrode is addressable to apply a second energy to tissue positioned in a second zone. A control circuit is configured to determine a thickness of the tissue positioned in the first zone based on the first energy and a thickness of the tissue positioned in the second zone based on the second energy. Advancement of a knife through an elongate slot of the staple cartridge is based on the determined thickness of the tissue in the first zone and the determined thickness of the tissue in the second zone.

Abstract: An implant delivery system includes an implant and an inserter releasably connectable to the implant. When the inserter is connected to the implant, actuating the inserter moves the implant between a free state and an elastically deformed state. The implant has a body with a bone facing surface and bilaterally protruding connecting means. The inserter has hooks that engage under the connecting means. The hooks and the rest of the inserter are proximal to the bone facing surface so that the implant may be fully seated against a bone surface while connected to the inserter.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a first layer comprising a first biocompatible material sealingly enclosed in a water impermeable material and a second layer comprising a second biocompatible material comprising at least one encapsulation, wherein the first biocompatible material expands when contacted with a fluid. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a haemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, anti-microbial agent, an anti-adhesion agent, an anti-coagulant agent, a medicament, and/or pharmaceutically active agent. The encapsulation may comprise a biodegradable material to degrade in vivo and/or in situ. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a hydrogel. The reaction product may comprise a fluid-swellable composition. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having a U-shaped frame, an anvil assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The U-shaped frame has a proximal transverse portion, a longitudinal portion, and a distal transverse portion. The distal transverse portion and the proximal transverse of the U-shaped frame and the cartridge assembly have a common shape including a first linear portion defining a first axis, a second linear portion defining a second axis, and a third linear portion defining a third axis, the first axis being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. In embodiments, a first radius of curvature is defined between the first linear portion and the second linear portion such that the first axis and the second axis define an angle ?, and a second radius of curvature is defined between the second linear portion and the third linear portion such that the second axis and the third axis define an angle ?.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held surgical device, operable by a single user, for deploying fasteners to close a wound or incision in tissue. The device includes tissue pinching and folding members operably controlled by the user during actuation of a trigger of the device, which can temporarily secure and expose inner surfaces of two edges of an incision or wound, where one of a plurality of fasteners can be inserted upon further actuation of the trigger, without crushing or causing undue trauma to the tissue.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical tool includes coupling a drive housing to a tool driver of a first robotic surgical system, driving rotation of a drive shaft mounted within the drive housing and thereby commencing a firing sequence of the end effector, and setting a bailout Boolean value as “true” in an internal computer of the drive housing upon commencing the firing sequence, and storing the bailout Boolean value in a memory of the internal computer. Manually bailing out the surgical tool before completing the firing sequence, installing the surgical tool on a tool driver of a second robotic surgical system, and querying the memory of the internal computer with the second robotic surgical system and recognizing the bailout Boolean value as “true”. Initiating one or more remedial actions to ensure safe operation of the surgical tool on the second robotic surgical system.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly for performing anastomoses procedures. The tool assembly includes a reload assembly and an anvil assembly that have oval configurations to facilitate passage of the tool assembly into a body cavity of a patient with minimal trauma.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion extending distally from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion supports larger internal components of the device including a lockout assembly adapted to prevent refiring of the stapler to allow the diameter of the small diameter portion of the device to be minimized to facilitate passage of the small diameter portion of the stapler and the tool assembly through an 8 mm trocar.

Abstract: A surgical stapling anvil is disclosed comprising an anvil body including a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple forming pockets, and a longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot comprises a first portion configured to receive a cutting edge of a firing member therethrough and a second portion configured to receive an anvil-camming portion of the firing member therethrough. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap welded to the anvil body, wherein the anvil cap comprises a welded portion and a non-welded portion, wherein the non-welded portion comprises a non-welded width, and wherein the non-welded width is less than or equal to about 105% of the width of the second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a power transmission including a trigger and a fastener driver operatively coupled to the trigger. Actuation of the trigger from a first configuration to a second configuration moves the fastener driver between at least a first position and a second position. Additionally, an actuation lockout system operatively associated with the power transmission is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuation lockout system prevents movement of the fastener driver from the first position to the second position when the actuation lockout system is in the locked configuration. Actuation of the trigger from the first configuration towards the second configuration moves the actuation lockout system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler has a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle includes a shaft recognition mechanism such that when a reload shaft for use with the surgical stapler is installed, a control system can actuate the drive system with the recognized shaft. The powered handle further comprises a LED light ring driven by a light control scheme to display a handle status. The control system also includes a startup module to assess hardware and control system performance before use. The startup module assesses different criteria depending on whether the handle is new, previously used, or previously reset. The control system of the powered handle further includes a lockout module configured to identify when a lockout has been encountered. The lockout module applies different criteria depending on whether the motor is operating at a maximum speed state or less than a maximum speed state.

Abstract: A method of stapling tissue is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein each staple has a base and a leg extending from the base. The stapling method can also include firing the staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the staples are fired into tissue in a staple line. The staple line can include a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility, wherein the second flexibility is different than the first flexibility. A method of stapling tissue can also include adapting an anvil with an anvil plate having an arrangement of staple-forming pockets that differs from the staple-forming pockets in the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having: a power source, a motor coupled to the power source, and a controller configured to control the motor. The device also includes an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple to the handle assembly. The adapter assembly includes a clamping transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device also includes a reload configured to selectively couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload including a plurality of staples ejectable from the reload. The device further includes an anvil assembly selectively couplable to the distal portion of the adapter assembly and movable relative to the reload. The controller is further configured to control the motor to move the clamping transmission assembly to move the anvil assembly from a distal clamp position to a proximal clamp position and then distally from the proximal clamp position to reduce clamp force.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral regurgitation may include an outer sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the outer sheath, an intermediate sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath, the intermediate sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the intermediate sheath, and an inner sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate sheath, wherein the inner sheath includes a first anchor disposed within a lumen of the inner sheath, the first anchor being configured to penetrate and secure to a first papillary muscle. The intermediate sheath may include a tissue grasping mechanism at the distal end of the intermediate sheath, the tissue grasping mechanism being configured to hold and stabilize the first papillary muscle for penetration and securement of the first anchor to the first papillary muscle.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an elongate body, a tool assembly, a drive assembly, and an articulation mechanism for moving the tool assembly between a non-articulated position and articulated positions. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link, a first pivot link that is positioned on a first side of a flexible beam, and a second pivot link positioned on a second side of the flexible beam. The first and second pivot links are configured to control the path of movement of the flexible beam of the drive assembly as the flexible beam is moved between its retracted and advanced positions in non-articulated and articulated positions of the tool assembly to maintain a predetermined distance of movement of the clamp member within the tool assembly constant.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A system for endoscopically forming an anastomosis between two naturally adjacent points in the digestive tract. The system utilizes elongate magnetic devices that, when connected across a tissue boundary, necrose tissue until an anastomosis forms and the devices are passed naturally. Despite the elongate shape of the devices, the resulting anastomosis is substantially round. As such, round anastomoses can be formed having increased diameters merely by increasing the lengths of the devices, obviating the need for wider endoscopes.

Abstract: A method of applying a buttress to a surgically cut and stapled site uses an end effector with a buttress applier cartridge assembly to load one or more buttress assemblies to the end effector. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The adhesive of the buttress assemblies can include a pattern to assist in both attachment to the end effector and release from the end effector after cutting and stapling a tissue site. The buttress applier cartridge can include features that accommodate end effectors having various tip configurations, including straight tips and curved or bent tips.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to apply an adjunct material to at least one of a first stapling surface or a second stapling surface of a surgical stapler. The apparatus includes a contact structure defining a longitudinal axis and an expansion mechanism. The contact structure includes a first contact member configured to support a first portion of the adjunct material and a second contact member movably coupled with the first contact member that is configured to support a second portion of the adjunct material. The first and second contact members are configured to move away from one another in opposing directions to apply the first portion of the adjunct material to the first stapling surface and the second portion of the adjunct material to the second stapling surface. The expansion mechanism is selectively operable to transition the contact structure from a non-expanded state toward the expanded state.

Abstract: An anvil assembly is provided. The anvil assembly includes center rod assembly, a head assembly pivotal relative to the center rod assembly between an operative position and a tilted position, and a mechanism for selectively maintaining the head assembly in the operative position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and a linear surgical stapler are provided. The instrument includes: a suturing mechanism including an anvil assembly and a mounting part for mounting a staple cartridge assembly, in which the staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge for accommodating staples, and the anvil assembly includes an anvil matched with the staple cartridge; a staple pushing assembly, configured to push the staples so that the staples are sequentially fired; a transmission assembly, configured for driving the staple cartridge assembly to move relative to the anvil assembly and driving the staple pushing assembly to move to push the staples; and a drive assembly, connected to the transmission assembly and configured for driving the transmission assembly to move.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly, a shell, and an anvil assembly. The shell houses the cartridge assembly and defines a passage. The shell includes alignment splines that are disposed within the passage and define channels between adjacent alignment splines. The anvil assembly includes an anvil and a center rod that extends from the anvil. The center rod defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first spline and second splines. The first spline includes a first leading facet that is configured to engage the alignment splines to clock the anvil assembly relative to the cartridge assembly. The second splines are radially spaced apart about the longitudinal axis. Each of the second splines includes a leading end that defines a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The leading end is configured to crash with the alignments spines when the anvil assembly is misaligned with the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A staple apparatus can include a base member substantially coplanar to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The base member can include a trapezoidal shape including two substantially equal length sides and two unequal length sides, the two unequal length sides comprising a first side and a second side with the first side being shorter than the second side and the first side being parallel with the second side on the first axis. The base member can include an aperture passing through a center point of the base member, a first indentation in the first side, and a second indentation in the second side. The staple apparatus can include a first pair of legs protruding from the first side of the base member and a second pair of legs protruding from the second side of the base member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a drive assembly and a knife bar assembly that can be selectively coupled together or uncoupled from each other to place the stapling device in a cutting mode or in a non-cutting mode. The stapling device may also include a locking member that locks a distal portion of the anvil to a distal portion of the cartridge assembly to define a maximum tissue gap between the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a strip of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The strip of staples comprises a plurality of staples, a base strip, and a plurality of connector portions joining the staples to the base strip.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes an actuating device, a tool assembly mounted on the actuating device, and a firing cam bar assembly movable with respect to the tool assembly. The tool assembly articulates between first and second positions. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members having an open position and an approximated position. The firing cam bar assembly includes at least one firing cam bar having a cam surface including a first cam portion and a second cam portion. The second cam portion is connected to and extends from the first cam portion. The first and second cam portions are disposed proximally of a distal end of the at least one firing cam bar. The cam surface is configured to engage the tool assembly to move the first and second jaw members from the open position to the approximated position.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral regurgitation may include an outer sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the outer sheath, an intermediate sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer sheath, the intermediate sheath having a lumen extending to a distal end of the intermediate sheath, and an inner sheath slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate sheath, wherein the inner sheath includes a first anchor disposed within a lumen of the inner sheath, the first anchor being configured to penetrate and secure to a first papillary muscle. The intermediate sheath may include a tissue grasping mechanism at the distal end of the intermediate sheath, the tissue grasping mechanism being configured to hold and stabilize the first papillary muscle for penetration and securement of the first anchor to the first papillary muscle.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors are disclosed. The surgical end effectors can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke. The firing member can include at least one floating flange. The floating flange can be configured to shift or slide relative to a fixed portion of the firing member such as a fixed flange.

Abstract: An electronic tag configured to be attached to a body part of an animal. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to an electronic tag configured to be attached to a body part of an animal. The electronic tag includes a circuit board, a battery holder, a protection cap and a casing. The battery holder is designed to hold a battery, wherein the battery holder is arranged on the circuit board. The protection cap provides a cavity, wherein the protection cap is arranged on top of the circuit board to accommodate the battery holder in the cavity. The casing includes an upper casing half and lower casing half arranged to encapsulate the circuit board and the protection cap in an interior space defined by the casing halves.

Abstract: Medical device bending devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. An embodiment includes a body, a handle in rotatable relationship with the body, and a head that is coupled with the handle in such a way that when the handle is rotated the head is drawn at least partially into the body and towards the handle. A terminal end of the body that is opposite of the handle and the head cooperate as a vise that bends opposing arms of a surgical staple from an inwardly angled configuration to a parallel configuration (or at angles therebetween) when a crown of the surgical staple is clamped in the vise.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a bridge and at least a first leg extending from a first end of the bridge and a second leg extending from the second end of the bridge. The bridge includes a first upper section and a second lower section. The first upper section includes surfaces that are non-orthogonal and taper from a central surface to provide the first upper section with a non-uniform cross-section. The second lower section includes surfaces that are non-orthogonal and taper from a central surface to provide the second lower section with a non-uniform cross-section. The non-uniform cross-sections of the first upper section and the second lower section flatten the profile of the bridge, thereby producing an orthopedic implant with a smooth composite surface.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise improved jaw control. In at least one instance, a surgical instrument is configured to apply an increased clamping force at a distal tip of the instrument. In at least one instance, a surgical instrument is configured to quickly open, or unclamp, a jaw of the instrument.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable is housing is configured to be releasably coupled to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupled to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. A tissue stop has a knife slot that aligns with the knife channel to receive the knife blade. An actuation mechanism advances the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a surgical instrument including a handle assembly and an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and a drive system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a carrier removably couplable to the elongated body, an anvil movably supported for selective movement relative to the carrier in response to drive motions from the drive system, a tissue thickness measuring member movably supported in the carrier and configured to move toward and away from an underside of the anvil in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a sensor arrangement supported between the tissue thickness measuring member and the carrier. The sensor arrangement is configured to interface with an indicator member to provide an indication of a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and the tissue thickness measuring member at a location that is proximal to the anvil when in use.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure. A tissue closure device comprises a pair of legs having compliant surfaces for engaging against opposite sides of the tissue structure. A plurality of axially spaced-apart tissue-penetrating fasteners are delivered from one leg to the other to pierce the intervening tissue and hold the closure device in place on the tissue structure.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a strip of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The strip of staples comprises a plurality of staples, a base strip, and a plurality of connector portions joining the staples to the base strip.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising an anvil, a staple cartridge, a first buttress material, a first adhesive gel, a second buttress material, and a second adhesive gel is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a deck, a slot configured to receive a firing member, staple cavities defined in the deck, staple drivers, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The firing member moves through the staple cartridge during a firing stroke. The staple drivers are configured to drive the staples against the anvil during the firing stroke. A portion of each staple driver is lifted above the deck during the firing stroke. The first buttress material comprises a first film mesh layer. The first adhesive gel releasably holds the first film mesh layer to the staple cartridge. The second buttress material comprises a second film mesh layer. The second adhesive gel releasably holds the second film mesh layer to the anvil.

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: The present invention is directed to devices for inserting bone staples into segments of bone. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are adapted for accurately, selectively and simply providing for decompression of compression staples through application of a decompression force thereon, for placement of the legs of the decompressed compression staple in provided leg holes in adjacent bone segments while the compression staple remain decompressed, and for selective removal of the decompression force. In this respect, a staple inserter configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is beneficial and useful in surgical procedure requiring bone tissue to join or rejoin with adjacent bone segments.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a bridge and at least a first leg extending from a first end of the bridge and a second lee extending from the second end of the bridge. The bridge includes a first upper section and a second lower section. The first upper section includes surfaces that are non-orthogonal and taper from a central surface to provide the first upper section with a non-uniform cross-section. The second lower section includes surfaces that are non-orthogonal and taper from a central surface to provide the second lower section with a non-uniform cross-section. The non-uniform cross-sections of the first upper section and the second lower section flatten the profile of the bridge, thereby producing an orthopedic implant with a smooth composite surface.

Abstract: Medical device bending devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. An embodiment includes a body, a handle in rotatable relationship with the body, and a head that is coupled with the handle in such a way that when the handle is rotated the head is drawn at least partially into the body and towards the handle. A terminal end of the body that is opposite of the handle and the head cooperate as a vise that bends opposing arms of a surgical staple from an inwardly angled configuration to a parallel configuration (or at angles therebetween) when a crown of the surgical staple is clamped in the vise.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smooths out abusive tissue forces.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical instrument. The cartridge may include a cartridge body that has a series of staple pockets therein. A driver is movably supported in each staple pocket and is configured to operably support at least one surgical staple thereon. In one arrangement, at least some of the drivers may be formed with one or more laterally extending features that are configured to be received in correspondingly-shaped grooves in the cartridge body to provide lateral support to the driver as it is operably moved within the staple pocket. In other arrangements, at least one inwardly-extending features is formed in the inner wall surface of the pocket and is configured to be movably supported within correspondingly-shaped groove in the driver.