Abstract: Various surgical hubs are disclosed. A surgical hub comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to: receive a first self-describing data packet from a first data source, the first self-describing data packet comprising a first preamble, a first data payload, a source of the first data payload, and a first encryption certificate, wherein the first preamble defines the first data payload and the first encryption certificate verifies the authenticity of the first data packet; parse the received first preamble; and interpret the first data payload based on the first preamble.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to be coupled to a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an end effector, a threaded drive shaft, a firing member drivable by the threaded drive shaft, a closure system configured to move a iaw of the end effector toward a closed position, and a housing assembly coupleable with the robotic surgical system and comprising an array of electrical contacts. The surgical instrument further comprises a first motor configured to drive the closure system, a second motor configured to drive the threaded drive shaft, a first decoupleable electrical contact configured to supply power to the first motor from a power system, and a second decoupleable electrical contact configured to supply power to the second motor from the power system. The power system is selectively interrupted unless a signal is provided to the power system from the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a motorized end effector, and a control system. The end effector extends distally from the body and comprises a stapling assembly operable to drive staples into tissue. The control system is in communication with the end effector. The control system comprises a motor, a firing trigger, a switch assembly, and a movable member in communication with the firing trigger. A resilient member is engaged with the movable member. The firing trigger and the resilient member are configured to cooperate to move the movable member into engagement with the switch to thereby activate the motor. The switch assembly is configured to couple a power source with the motor to thereby activate the motor in response to actuation of the firing trigger.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for controlling electrosurgical tools are provided. In exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and devices provided herein, a control system can be configured to monitor an electrical parameter during end effector closure, e.g., as jaws of an end effector of an electrosurgical tool move from an open position to a closed position. In response to the electrical parameter dropping to a predetermined minimum parameter threshold, the control system can be configured to cause the end effector to open.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise an improved staple firing and/or tissue cutting member. A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw is disclosed, wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw to capture the tissue of a patient between the first jaw and the second jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a cutting member movable toward a distal jaw end during a cutting stroke. The cutting member comprises a coupling portion comprising a first cam configured to engage the first jaw, a second cam configured to engage the second jaw, and a body connecting the first cam and the second cam. The cutting member further comprises a bar attached to the coupling portion, wherein the bar comprises a cutting edge configured to cut the patient tissue during the cutting stroke.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first jaw member. The first jaw member comprises a first electrode. The first jaw member defines a first aperture at a distal end. The end effector includes a second jaw member. The second jaw member comprises a second electrode. The second jaw member defines a second aperture at a distal end. The second jaw member is operatively coupled to the first jaw member. The first and second apertures are configured to define a single aperture when the first and second jaw members are in a closed position. The first and second electrodes are configured to deliver energy.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing having an input shaft and a drive cable capstan arranged therein. The input shaft includes a drive gear and the drive cable capstan including a driven gear intermeshed with the drive gear such that rotation of the input shaft rotates the drive cable capstan. An elongate shaft extends from the drive housing, and an end effector is operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A drive cable is received within a pulley track defined on the drive cable capstan and extends only partially around a circumference of the drive cable capstan. The drive cable is fed directly into the elongate shaft from the pulley track and extends to the end effector.

Abstract: Surgical stapling systems and methods for stapling tissue during a surgical procedure are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a control system is provided for controlling at least one motor coupled to a drive system on a surgical stapling device for driving one or more drive assemblies. The control system can be configured to communicate with the drive system of the stapling tool and to control and modify movement of one or more drive assemblies based on certain feedback.

Abstract: Surgical tools are provided herein that have a housing and an elongate tool shaft extending from the housing with an end effector on a distal end thereof. The end effectors deliver electrical energy onto and/or through tissue, and the end effectors are configured to display at least one location of one or more paths of the electrical energy through the end effector.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, a parameter sensor coupled to the control circuit and a position sensor coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive a parameter output of the parameter sensor indicative of a force applied to translate the displacement member, determine a duration during which the parameter output is maintained at or above a predetermined fault threshold, receive a position output of the position sensor indicative of at least one position of the displacement member during the duration, and effect a motor control action based on the duration and the at least one position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a waveguide, a transducer, and a coupling assembly. In some versions the coupling assembly translates the transducer to couple the transducer to the waveguide. For instance, a gear having arcuate troughs may engage pins on the transducer and/or waveguide to mate the transducer to waveguide. A pawl may selectively engage and prevent rotation of the gear. Alternatively, lever arms may cam the transducer into the waveguide. The lever arms may selectively couple to a casing to prevent decoupling of the transducer and waveguide. In another configuration, a locking tab can be slid and locked into a slot to couple the transducer and waveguide. Further still, levers with self-locking pins may engage and couple the transducer to the waveguide. In another version, a rotatable body portion may engage a tab on the transducer to rotate and couple the transducer to the waveguide.

Abstract: A method of controlling motor velocity in a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, a position sensor coupled to the control circuit, and a timer coupled to the control circuit. The method includes receiving a first position of a displacement member from a position sensor, starting a timer, advancing the displacement member to a second position by setting a motor velocity to a first velocity, receiving the second position from the position sensor, stopping the timer when the displacement member reaches the second position, receiving elapsed time from the timer, wherein the elapsed time is the time taken by the displacement to move from the first position to the second position, and controlling, by the control circuit, velocity of the motor based on the elapsed time.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a frame for attaching an adjunct to an end effector of a surgical device are provided. In one embodiment, the end effector can include upper and lower jaws, and the frame can include features for releasably engaging one or the jaws. The frame can also include retaining features for coupling an adjunct to a tissue-facing surface of the frame, thereby releasably coupling the adjunct material to the jaw of the end effector. In some implementations, the frame can include a plurality of retaining features that are configured to engage the adjunct material to create a tension in the adjunct material, which can further assist with securing the frame to the jaw. In other embodiments, a removable applicator member is provided for retaining at least one adjunct material and for aligning and coupling the adjunct material to a frame.

Abstract: Surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising missing staple cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockouts. In various instances, such lockouts are positioned in a shaft of the surgical stapling instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an articulation section, an end effector, an articulation connector, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is connected to the articulation section such that the end effector is configured to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly. The articulation connector is configured to translate relative to the shaft assembly to deflect the end effector relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation drive assembly is configured to translate the articulation connector relative to the shaft assembly. The articulation drive assembly includes a rotatable housing and a first lead screw assembly. The first lead screw assembly includes a first half and a second half. The first lead screw assembly is slidably coupled with the shaft assembly and is configured to translate in response to rotation of the rotatable housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a tissue pad attached to the clamping arm. A method for sealing a blood vessel of a patient includes obtaining an ultrasonic surgical shears and positioning the blood vessel between the blade and the tissue pad. The clamping arm is operated to exert an average coaptation pressure between and including 120 psi and 210 psi. The blade is ultrasonically vibrated to transect and seal the blood vessel.