Abstract: A stapling assembly system for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling assembly system comprises a shaft portion and a first replaceable cartridge jaw that comprises a first retainer configured to prevent first staple drivers from falling out of said first replaceable cartridge jaw. The stapling assembly system further comprises a second replaceable cartridge jaw that comprises a second retainer configured to prevent second staple drivers from falling out of said second replaceable cartridge jaw. The stapling assembly system further comprises a second jaw comprising an anvil, a firing member configured to engage said first staple drivers during a first firing stroke of said firing member and said second staple drivers during a second firing stroke of said firing member, and a lockout configured to selectively prevent said firing member from being advanced through a said firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, first and second drive elements, a shaft, and a needle applier. The first drive element has a distal portion located at a distal end of the body. The second drive element has a proximal portion located at a proximal end of the shaft. The proximal portion of the second drive element is configured to removably couple with the distal portion of first drive element such that the first and second drive elements are aligned along a common axis and such that the first drive element is configured to communicate motion to the second drive element. The needle applier includes a needle and a drive assembly, which is configured to drive the needle along an orbital path about a rotation axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis, in response to motion of the second drive element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.

Abstract: A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an electronic system comprising an electric motor coupled to the end effector; a motor controller coupled to the motor; a parameter threshold detection module configured to monitor multiple parameter thresholds; a sensing module configured to sense tissue compression; a processor coupled to the parameter threshold detection module and the motor controller; and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor multiple levels of action thresholds and monitor speed of the motor and increment a drive unit of the motor, sense tissue compression, and provide rate and control feedback to the user of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising a housing is disclosed. The housing comprises a first rotatable drive disk. The stapling system further comprises a closure member configured to transmit a closing motion from the first rotatable drive disk to an anvil to move the anvil into a closed position. The stapling system further comprises a second rotatable drive disk, wherein the second rotatable drive disk is operable independently of the first rotatable drive disk and is configured to transmit a second operative motion. The stapling system further comprises a firing member configured to perform a firing stroke in response to the second operative motion. The stapling system further comprises a control system that assures that the closing motion and the firing stroke are separate and distinct and that prevents the firing stroke from occurring prior to the completion of the closing motion.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue in a tissue treatment region. The apparatus can comprise an electrode ring having an interior perimeter and an electrode probe having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the electrode probe can be structured to axially translate relative to the interior perimeter of the electrode ring. The electrode ring and the electrode probe can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of the electrode ring and the electrode probe is energized by an energy source. Further, the energy source can be a Radio Frequency (RF) energy source, a pulsed energy source, an irreversible electroporation energy source, or a pulsed irreversible electroporation energy source. A current from the energy source can be selected to non-thermally ablate tissue in the tissue treatment region.

Abstract: An energy source for use with an electrosurgical system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the energy source includes a power supply, one or more capacitors coupled to the power supply, and a switching component coupled to the one or more capacitors. The switching component is configured to output pulses of a biphasic waveform. The pulses are capable of treating undesired tissue by inducing a change in voltage potential across cell membranes of a plurality of cells in the undesired tissue to promote non-thermal cell death in the plurality of cells. The pulses are also capable of treating the undesired tissue with no or minimal muscle contractions in patient tissue within reach of the biphasic waveform during treatment of the undesired tissue.

Abstract: A surgical kit includes an instrument and two or more cartridges. The instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, and a cartridge receiving assembly. The cartridge receiving assembly has a movable output feature, which is configured to move in response to activation of the actuation input feature. The cartridges may include a first suturing cartridge and a second suturing cartridge, with first and second suture needles, respectively. The second suture needle may extend along an arc that has a larger radius of curvature than an arc associated with the first suture needle. The cartridges may also include a drive assembly that is operable to drive the needle along an orbital path in response to movement of the actuation input feature. The cartridges may also include features that are operable to apply clips or staples. The cartridges may also include features that are operable to grasp or cut.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a removable transducer module. The transducer module includes a waveguide, a locking mechanism, and an electronics assembly including at least one button. The handle assembly includes a trigger assembly configured to actuate the button(s) of the electronics assembly when the transducer module is coupled with the handle assembly. The shaft assembly engages the waveguide of the transducer module and is disposed at the distal end of the handle assembly. The distal end of the shaft assembly includes a harmonic blade. When assembled with the handle assembly, the transducer module is capable of providing ultrasonic energy to the harmonic blade.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the release of satiety hormone in a subject comprises a stimulus device (1) having a tissue engaging portion (2) intended to be placed in contact with a target tissue (3) of a gastrointestinal system of the subject, a movement device (15) linked with the tissue engaging portion (2) and operable to move the tissue engaging portion (2), thereby mechanically stimulating the target tissue (3), and an anchoring device for permanently fastening the stimulus device (1) in a target location at the gastrointestinal system such that the tissue engaging portion (2) engages the target tissue (3).

Abstract: An end effector for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a middle portion intermediate the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein one of the anvil and the staple cartridge is movable relative to the other one of the anvil and the staple cartridge between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The anvil and the staple cartridge are configured to hold the tissue therebetween in the closed configuration. The proximal portion and the distal portion of the anvil are closer to the staple cartridge than the middle portion in the closed configuration. The anvil is pivotally movable relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil is laterally and asymmetrically movable relative to the staple cartridge.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an assembly for clamping and stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The assembly comprises a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples stored therein and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The assembly further comprises a first rotary drive mechanism configured to change a distance between the staple cartridge and the anvil at a first rate during a first complete clamping cycle and a second rotary drive mechanism configured to change the distance between the staple cartridge and the anvil at a second rate during another complete clamping cycle, wherein the second rotary drive mechanism is further configured to affect the another complete clamping cycle independent of the first rotary drive mechanism.

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. 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. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an articulable end effector; a drive shaft connected to the end effector that drives the end effector; an electric motor connected to the drive shaft that drives the drive shaft; a battery unit for supplying power to the electric motor; at least one sensor for sensing a status of the instrument; and an alphanumeric display located on the instrument and in communication with the at least one sensor. The alphanumeric display is for displaying alphanumeric characters that display visually to a user of the instrument a status of the instrument based on an input from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical instrument may generally comprise a blade, and a clamp arm assembly comprising a clamp arm movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the blade, and at least one camming member rotationally attached to the clamp arm, wherein the at least one camming member is configured to rotate relative to the blade as the clamp arm moves from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprised of a stapling end effector having a staple-applying assembly with opposing stapling surfaces defining a closure distance therebetween, wherein at least one stapling surface is movable, and a handle connected to the stapling end effector and comprising a staple-firing assembly that causes the staple-applying assembly to staple tissue between the stapling surfaces. The handle further comprises a power source, electric motor, and closure assembly that has a drive part movable by the motor, detection mechanism, a controller. The drive part is connected to the stapling end effector. When the motor is supplied with power, the drive part advances the movable stapling surface towards the opposing stapling surface. The detection mechanism detects a position of the drive part along the drive-part axis and the controller is configured to prevent stapling unless the drive part is at a position corresponding to a closure distance within a pre-defined range.