Abstract: An actuator for a treatment tool including: a tube having a distal end configured to rotatably support the treatment tool; a twisting wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the tube, the twisting wire having a distal end and a proximal end, the treatment tool being connected to the distal end of the twisting wire, the twisting wire being actuated by applying a tensile force at the proximal end, the twisting wire converting the tensile force into rotation of the treatment tool around the longitudinal axis of the tube; and at least one wire movable in a longitudinal direction to actuate the treatment tool, the at least one wire actuating the treatment tool separately from actuation of the twisting wire to rotate the treatment tool.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide configured to acoustically couple with an ultrasonic transducer. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm and a clamp pad. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The clamp arm is pivotally coupled with the shaft assembly. The clamp pad is configured to removably couple with the clamp arm while the clamp arm is pivotally coupled to the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided.

Abstract: An articulating drill system is provided that includes a hand-held portion and a drill portion. At least two actuators are provided for controlling at least two axes of the drill portion. A navigation system is provided to control the at least two actuators. In some embodiments, a tool is provided with the drill portion and adapted to interact with patient tissue. The drill portion can be modified to include at least two rigid objects in communication with the actuators and attached to the drill portion. The system can be used to make any linear cut within a deviation of 1.0 mm and 1.0?, or better in patient tissue.

Abstract: A surgical grasper includes a first handle arm, a second handle arm pivotally coupled to the first handle arm, a tool body pivotally coupled to both the first handle arm and the second handle arm, a first jaw member pivotally coupled to the tool body, a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the tool body, a first tension element coupled to both the first handle arm and to the first jaw member, a second tension element coupled to both the second handle arm and to the second jaw member, and a lock that locks relative movement between the first and second handle arms. Rotational movement of the first and second handle arms generates correlated rotational movement of the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An instrument for locking and unlocking a head of a bone anchor relative to a receiving part of a polyaxial bone anchoring device includes a tube assembly with an inner tube and an outer tube at least partially around the inner tube, and an actuator assembly including an actuating mechanism movable from a first orientation to a second orientation to displace the inner tube and the outer tube relative to one another between a first axial position configured to unlock the bone anchoring device such that the head is pivotable relative to the receiving part, and a second axial position configured to lock the head. The actuator assembly is adjustable between a first configuration where the tube assembly assumes the first axial position when the actuating mechanism is moved, and a second configuration where the tube assembly assumes the second axial position when the actuating mechanism is moved.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are described where the devices are configured to ablate a single nerve branch or multiple nerve branches of the posterior nasal nerves located within the nasal cavity. A surgical probe may be inserted into the sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall and advanced towards a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate or an inferior nasal turbinate into a position proximate to the posterior nasal nerve where neuroablation of the posterior nasal nerve may be performed with the surgical probe. The probe device may utilize a visible light beacon that provides trans-illumination of the sub-mucosal tissue or an expandable structure disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the probe shaft to enable the surgeon to visualize the sub-mucosal position of the distal end of the surgical probe from inside the nasal cavity using, e.g., an endoscope.

Abstract: A reload assembly is disclosed that includes a proximal body portion having an indicator that is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to provides a visual indication to a clinician of the state of the reload assembly, i.e., whether the reload assembly is loaded with staples and ready for use or depleted of staples. A tool assembly of the presently disclosed reload assembly may also include a cartridge assembly, an anvil and a drive assembly. In embodiments, one or both of the cartridge assembly, the anvil, and/or the drive assembly may support an illuminating device. In embodiments, the illuminating device, which may be an LED, is adapted to change color when the reload assembly has been fired to provide an indication to a clinician that the reload assembly is spent. Since the illuminating device is illuminated when reload assembly is in both the unused and spent states, the illuminating device also improves visualization during placement and use of the reload assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an end effector. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a push plate coupled to the trigger, wherein actuation of the trigger rotates the push plate, a clamp plate operably coupled to the push plate, wherein actuation of the trigger to a first rotation rotates the clamp plate, and a firing plate operably coupled to the push plate, wherein actuation of the trigger between the first rotation and a second rotation rotates the firing plate. The end effector includes a jaw assembly which includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member, wherein rotation of the clamp plate transitions the jaw assembly between an open configuration and an approximated configuration by moving at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member relative to the other one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.

Abstract: A medical device includes two device units having two functional units that can be coupled to each other to actuate the second functional unit via the first functional unit. The first functional unit has a mechanical coupling segment which can be brought into a coupling position to couple with the second functional unit. A detector for detecting a relative position of the two device units or a distance between the two device units is provided on at least one device unit. The electrical or electronic control of the first functional unit is configured such that the mechanical coupling segment of the first functional unit can be brought into the coupling position only if the two device units are in a certain position with respect to each other or fall below a minimum distance from each other.

Abstract: A locator of a surgical port of a surgical robot system, the surgical robot system comprising an instrument attached to a robot arm, the instrument having an instrument shaft able to pass through the surgical port to a surgical site, the locator comprising: an interface configured to couple to the surgical port; a mechanism configured to permit relative linear and/or rotational motion of the interface and the instrument shaft; and a controller comprising a processor operable to estimate the position of a part of the robot arm, the controller configured to control the mechanism in dependence on the estimated position of the part of the robot arm such that as the robot arm retracts the instrument from the patient, the locator moves the port away from the robot arm and provides a reaction force to keep the port in place.

Abstract: A forceps includes at least one shaft and a housing defining a cavity. An end effector assembly is attached to the shaft(s) and includes first and second jaw members movable relative to one another from a spaced apart position to a closer position. A knife channel defined within the jaw members is configured to receive a knife. A trigger assembly is disposed within the cavity and includes a trigger having a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the trigger and slidingly engaged to a second link at the other end. The second link includes a first end telescopically slideable relative to the first link upon actuation of the trigger through a range of motion and a second end pivotably coupled to a third link which, in turn, couples to the knife. Actuation of the trigger translates the knife through the knife channel.

Abstract: An atraumatic microsurgical forceps may include an actuation structure, an actuation sleeve having an actuation sleeve distal end and an actuation sleeve proximal end, a surgical blank, and atraumatic forceps jaws of the surgical blank having atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends and atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. The surgical blank may be disposed within the actuation sleeve wherein at least a portion of the atraumatic forceps jaws extends from the actuation sleeve distal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually extend the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. An extension of the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends may be configured to gradually close the atraumatic forceps jaws wherein the atraumatic forceps jaws initially contact at the atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends.

Abstract: An instrument, particularly a medical endoscopic instrument or technoscope, includes a shank (2) and an instrument head (6). The instrument head includes at least one joint part (12) articulated on the distal shank end in an angularly bendable manner and a tool carrier (14) which at the distal side is articulated on the joint part (12) in an angularly bendable manner in the angular bending plane of the joint part (12). A toothing is meshed with a toothed body (26) rotatably mounted in the shank (2) and is coupled in movement to a pull cable pair for the movement control of the instrument head (6). The toothing is formed at the proximal end of the joint part (12).

Abstract: Various embodiments of tool assemblies are provided having at least one rotary input coupling and at least one linear input coupling for allowing either a rotary output or a linear output (e.g., from a tool driver on a surgical robot) to activate at least one mechanism of the tool assembly. For example, mechanisms of the tool assembly can include a clamping assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and a roll assembly. The clamping assembly can open and close jaws of an end effector, the firing assembly can translate a knife assembly through the end effector to fire staples and cut tissue, the articulation assembly can articulate the end effector, and the roll assembly can rotate the elongate shaft and/or the end effector.

Abstract: Tissue ablation devices are provided. Aspects of the tissue ablation devices include an elongated member having a proximal and distal end. At the distal end are first and second jaws that are configured to apply ablation energy to tissue disposed between the jaws during use. Each jaw includes a surface proximal radiofrequency (RF) ablation energy component and a surface distal thermal ablation energy component. Also provided are systems that include a tissue ablation device operatively coupled to an energy source, as well as kits that include the devices and methods of using the devices in tissue ablation applications, including cardiac tissue ablation applications.

Abstract: A surgical instrument handle operates a microsurgical instrument on a surgical instrument head by manipulation of the instrument handle. The instrument handle has an elongate center rod with a ring mounted on the rod for reciprocating movement. The ring is operatively associated with the surgical instrument head for operation of the microsurgical instrument of the head. A plurality of resilient arms extend along the length of the rod and engage against a sliding surface of the ring. The inward and outward movement of the plurality of arms reciprocates the ring on the handle rod to cause operation of the surgical instrument head.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. The instruments include a mucosal resection device, a tissue grasper and a snare. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing rotational torque during end effector articulation are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The end effector can be configured to move between different angular orientations relative to an elongate shaft of the device having the end effector at a distal end thereof. The elongate shaft and the end effector can be configured to be rotated relative to a handle portion of the device. The device can include at least one friction member configured to provide increased resistance to rotation of the elongate shaft and the end effector when the end effector is articulated as compared to when the end effector is not articulated. The at least one friction member can thus be configured to increase rotational torque when the end effector is articulated as compared to when the end effector is not articulated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for performing a procedure on a heart valve in which a loop of material contacts at least a portion of the annulus or the leaflets of a valve. Anchors are distributed about the loop and configured for implantation into the annulus or the leaflets in a forward direction and resist extraction in a backwards direction. The anchors each have a pointy front end and a back end, and two panels of material with cylindrically curved outer surfaces. A slot runs in a front-to-back direction between the two panels of material. After the anchors are implanted into the annulus or the leaflets, the loop can be used to retain a replacement valve or to constrict the annulus.

Abstract: A left atrial appendage closure device that includes two clamping jaws (2) fixed to a bow (3) having a flange with a cut slot, where each of the edges of the slot is connected with a clamping jaw (2). The jaws (2) contain internal channels (5). In a section perpendicular to the symmetry axes of the internal channels (5), a line (a) connecting the symmetry axes of the internal channels (5) is distant from an imaginary line (b) connecting the centers of sections of the bow (3) arms by a distance (14). The bow (3) has in the central part of its periphery a larger section (6) than a section (7) in the places where the bow (3) arms are connected with the jaws (2). The jaw (2) wall (9) from the adjacent jaw (2) side is the thinnest, whereas the wall (9) from the side of fixing the clamping jaw (2) to the bow (3) is the thickest.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a proximal end and a distal end, a first linking member coupled to a user interface positioned near the proximal end, a second linking member coupled to a clamp tool positioned near the distal end, an elongate shaft extending between the first and second linking members, and at least one cable set extending through the elongate shaft and coupling the first and second linking members such that movement of the first linking member causes corresponding movement in the second linking member. The user interface includes a handle having a first part connected to the first linking member, a second part pivotably connected to the first part, and a rotational element connected to the handle. The first linking member includes a first articulating portion and the second linking member includes a second articulating portion including a plurality of discrete links defining a plurality of lumens.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with an ultrasonic transducer via an acoustic waveguide that extends through the shaft assembly. The clamp arm is configured to pivot about a first pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade along a first angular path from a first position to a second position to thereby provide a tissue sealing mode of operation. The clamp arm is further configured to pivot about a second pivot point toward and away from the ultrasonic blade along second angular path from the second position to a third position to thereby provide a tissue cutting and sealing mode of operation. The second pivot point is proximal to the first pivot point.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is presented that may include a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector and an articulation joint coupled to the shaft assembly and the end effector. The surgical instrument also may include an articulation control mechanism configured to: control movement of the articulation joint between a first and second maximum articulation angle; determine that the articulation joint has articulated to the first maximum articulation angle; provide a first indication that the articulation joint has articulated to the first maximum articulation angle; determine that the articulation joint has articulated to the second maximum articulation angle; and provide a second indication that the articulation joint has articulated to the second maximum articulation angle.

Abstract: A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A coupler apparatus for coupling electrical signals between an actuator and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector is disposed at a distal end of an elongate articulated positioner and used to position the end effector for performing surgical operations. The articulated positioner has a central lumen and the apparatus includes an elongate body sized to be slidingly received within the central lumen of the articulated positioner, at least a portion of the body being operable to flex during movement of the articulated positioner. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrical conductors extending through the body, and a plurality of proximal electrical contacts disposed at a proximal end of the body for removably connecting each of the electrical conductors to respective electrical signal lines at the actuator.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided.

Abstract: Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided.

Abstract: An actuation element guide for a surgical instrument comprises a first piece, a second piece, at least one guide channel defining a twisted path about a longitudinal axis of the guide. The guide channel may be between the inner piece and the outer piece. A cross-section of the at least one guide channel, at a location along an axial length of the guide, may be defined by a surface portion of the first piece and by a surface portion of the second piece. Exemplary embodiments further regard medical devices including an actuation element guide and methods of manufacturing an actuation element guide.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods designed to make it easier to couple end effectors to surgical instruments are provided. A variety of features are disclosed, which can be used independently or in conjunction with each other. The resulting benefits include enhanced visualization, more secure coupling, easier communication that coupling has occurred, self-clocking components with respect to each other, and more component modularity. In one exemplary embodiment, an end effector assembly having an end effector and an attachment arm includes a terminal end surface of the attachment arm having a three-dimensional configuration such that a portion of the end surface extends further away from a set location than another portion of the end surface extends from the location. In another exemplary embodiment, end effector assemblies include chambers having curved configurations that assist in self-clocking the assemblies with respect to surgical devices. Other features, devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical tool may include a housing, a jaw support shaft, jaw members, an articulation member, and cam pulleys. The jaw members may be supported on the support shaft and may be pivotable about a pivot axis. The articulation member may have a slot and include articulation pins extending from it that are coupled to the jaw members. The slot may be adapted to receive the jaw support shaft to support the articulation member between the jaw members. The articulation member may be rotatable about the jaw support shaft to articulate the jaw members relative to the longitudinal axis. The cam pulleys may be mounted to the housing and coupled to the jaw members. The cam pulleys may be rotatable about the pivot axis to pivot the pair of jaw members between open and closed conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hand held electromechanical powered surgical handle assemblies for use with surgical end effectors capable of clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue and methods of use thereof. The surgical device includes a handle assembly and a drive unit assembly removably and selectively connectable to a selected first connecting feature and second connecting feature of the handle assembly. The drive unit assembly includes a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor.

Abstract: A manipulator comprises a hollow shaft, wires provided on the shaft and a working unit disposed on one end of the shaft and being driven by at least one wire of the wires, the working unit having a tip tool including a rolling mechanism which rotates about an axis Or directed to a distal end thereof. A tip side surface of a proximal end member and a cover of a distal end member are relatively rotated by the rolling mechanism. The cover has a rotation identifier for indicating a degree of relative rotation of the tip side surface. The tip side surface has an alignment indicator for indicating an initial position of the cover.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange and a distal jaw body defining a tissue-treating surface. The second jaw member is both proximally offset and spaced-apart from the first jaw member. One or more resilient bands extends between and interconnects the proximal flanges of the jaw members. The resilient band(s) is configured to bias the first and second jaw members towards an open position. The resilient band(s) is configured to flex in response to distal translation of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to thereby move the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member to a closed position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. In the closed position, the second jaw member is disposed in an aligned orientation and is approximated relative to the first jaw member.

Abstract: A device for compressing a glenoid prosthesis against a scapula bone while cement is drying during a shoulder replacement surgery may include a compression arm pivotally attached to a grab arm; a compression pad attached to a first end of the compression arm; and a grabbing structure attached to a first end of the grab arm, wherein the first end of the compression arm is aligned with the first end of the grab arm such that the grabbing structure extends from the grab arm past the compression pad to releasably engage with a shoulder bone.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for performing a procedure on a heart valve in which a loop of material (160) is configured to contact at least a portion of the annulus or the leaflets of a valve. A plurality of anchors (16) are distributed about the loop and configured for implantation into the annulus or the leaflets in a forward direction. The anchors are configured to resist extraction in a backwards direction. A plurality of linking members (150) are affixed to the loop of material and at least a portion of each linking member passes through a slot (17) in a respective anchor so that the linking members can slide with respect to the slots. The anchors are then implanted into the annulus or the leaflets. The loop can then be used to retain a replacement valve or to cinch the annulus. A number of particularly advantageous anchor configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive surgical instrument having an articulation immobilizing structure. The present invention is a minimally invasive surgical instrument and includes a shaft, an end effector connected towards one end of the shaft, a wire for controlling the articulated movement of the end effector, and an immobilizing structure adapted to immobilize the state of articulated movement of the end effector. The immobilizing structure includes a resilient member covering the wire, and the resilient member holds the wire when an internal space therein contracts.

Abstract: A removable electrode assembly for use in combination with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting movement of the end effectors relative to one another. The electrode assembly includes a housing which is removably engageable with the forceps and a pair of electrodes which are attachable to a distal end of the housing. The electrodes are removably engageable with the end effectors of the forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation relative to one another. The electrode assembly also includes a cover plate which is removably attachable to the housing and at least one stop member for controlling the distance between the opposing electrodes. The stop member is selectively engageable with the electrodes.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter of 3.0 mm or smaller, and a coaxial surgical instrument having a shaft which extends through the outer hollow needle. The coaxial surgical instrument includes end effectors at the end of the shaft which are biased to an open position such that when the end effectors of the surgical instrument extended out of the needle they open, and they are closed by relative movement of the needle over them. The assembly preferably includes a first fixing element which is used to fix the relative location of the surgical instrument and the needle. The assembly also preferably includes a second fixing element which moves relative to the needle and is located on the outside thereof and which is used to fix the relative location of the needle to the patient.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to surgical devices, systems, and methods. The system may include an end-effector assembly. The end-effector assembly may comprise an instrument assembly and a wrist assembly. The instrument assembly may comprise an instrument for performing a surgical action. The instrument assembly may further comprise an instrument driven portion configurable to be driven in such a way as to move the instrument relative to a first axis. The instrument assembly may further comprise an instrument insulative portion providable between the instrument and the instrument driven portion. The instrument insulative portion may be configurable to electrically isolate the instrument from at least the instrument driven portion when the instrument insulative portion is provided between the instrument and the instrument driven portion. The wrist assembly may include a wrist driven portion configurable to be driven in such a way as to move the instrument relative to a second axis.

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 heart valve annulus repair device having a tissue engaging member and a plurality of anchors. The tissue engaging member includes a loop of wire. Each of the anchors has a pointy front end and a back end and a slot that runs in a front-to-back direction. The anchors are distributed about the loop of wire with the front ends of the plurality of anchors facing the heart valve annulus and with the loop of wire passing through the slots. The device further includes means for implanting the anchors into the heart valve annulus tissue so that the tissue engaging member becomes affixed to the heart valve annulus.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, namely surgical scissors. The surgical instrument has liquid-tight heat-shrunk protective covering located at the business end of the surgical instrument which prevents contamination and damage to moving parts of the instrument which otherwise typically occurs between an extended tube portion of the surgical instrument and a head portion of the surgical instrument. Further, the liquid-tight heat shrunk protective covering provides electrical insulation all the way to the distal tip of a clevis of the surgical instrument by use of a rubber (for example silicone) seal. The surgical instrument has a first blade and a second blade secured to the clevis. The first blade and second blade both have a triangular-shaped back end which allows the blades to fully extend without the back ends extending outside of the instrument.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system including a control system that controls the movement of a robotic arm coupled to a tool assembly having an end effector is described. The control system can also assist with controlling either the articulation or rotation of the end effector. Furthermore, the control system can detect and monitor one or more properties (e.g., articulation, rotation, etc.), which can be used by the control system to determine one or more appropriate movement parameters of either the robotic arm (e.g., velocity of movement) or the tool assembly coupled to the robotic arm (e.g., rotational speed of the end effector). The control system can detect any number of characteristics related to the end effector and use such information to control a variety of movement parameters associated with either the robotic arm or the tool assembly.

Abstract: Surgical instrument with a manual control device for actuation with a hand, wherein the control device can be displaced between a closed position and an opened position and the control device has: a finger lever with a first point of articulation and a second point of articulation, a central element with a third point of articulation and a fourth point of articulation, a connecting lever, which is pivotably arranged at the first point of articulation and at the third point of articulation, and a thumb lever, which is pivotably arranged at the second point of articulation and at the fourth point of articulation.

Abstract: A delivery system (100) for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a body (120) extending in a longitudinal direction and a sheath (130) slidable relative to the body. A compartment (155) is defined inside the sheath and is adapted to receive the collapsible prosthetic heart valve in a collapsed condition. The system includes an articulating joint having a first portion operatively connected to the compartment and a second portion operatively connected to the body. The first portion is pivotable relative to the second position so as to pivot the sheath from a first orientation extending in the longitudinal direction to a second orientation extending transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a handle assembly having a closure trigger, a closure actuator coupled to the closure trigger at a first pivot, and a closure spring. The closure actuator moves proximally on a longitudinal axis in response to actuation of the closure trigger. The closure spring applies a force vector to the closure spring tangential to the longitudinal axis. A shaft assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. An end effector is coupled to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a jaw assembly comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member is pivotally moveable with respect to the second jaw member. At least one of the first and second jaw members are operatively coupled to the closure actuator.

Abstract: A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function; and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes a rotatable drive screw having a coupling member at a proximal end thereof; and a flexible drive cable rotatably supported therein and extending therefrom, wherein the flexible drive cable receives rotational forces and transmits said rotational forces to the drive screw to actuate the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; and a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted for operative connection with the end effector. In use, when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly, the flexible drive cable extends through the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing.