Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, which comprises a first jaw and a second jaw transitionable between open and closed configurations. The first jaw comprises a first grasping surface that forms a first electrode configured to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy and the second jaw comprises a second grasping surface that forms a second electrode configured to receive the RF energy. Each jaw comprises grasping features that are configured to cooperate with the opposing grasping features. The surgical instrument further includes a tissue adhering portion disposed on an exterior of the end effector. The end effector is attached to the shaft by an articulation joint comprising a multi-axial range of movement.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly includes one or more wire staples and one or more staples formed from a sheet of material. For example, the staple cartridge assembly can include an arrangement of diverse staples. A first type of staple can be arranged in a first longitudinal row and a second type of staple can be arranged in a second longitudinal row. The first type of staple can be wire staples supported by staple drivers. The second type of staples can be formed from a flat sheet of material and can each include an integral driver. A sled can be configured to engage the staple drivers to eject the first type of staples and to directly engage the integral drivers of the second type of staples to fire the arrangement of diverse staples from the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A powered surgical stapler comprising a handle including an electric motor configured to output rotary motions, a shaft extending from the handle, an end effector extending from the shaft, a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, and a firing member operably responsive to the rotary motions is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The firing member is configured to move the second jaw into the closed position. The firing member is further configured to move distally within the end effector at a first rate to eject the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge. The firing member is further configured to move proximally within the end effector at a second rate that is different from the first rate.

Abstract: A surgical visualization system is disclosed. The surgical visualization system is configured to identify one or more structure(s) and/or determine one or more distances with respect to obscuring tissue and/or the identified structure(s). The surgical visualization system can facilitate avoidance of the identified structure(s) by a surgical device. The surgical visualization system can comprise a first emitter configured to emit a plurality of tissue-penetrating light waves and a second emitter configured to emit structured light onto the surface of tissue. The surgical visualization system can also include an image sensor configured to detect reflected visible light, tissue-penetrating light, and/or structured light. The surgical visualization system can convey information to one or more clinicians regarding the position of one or more hidden identified structures and/or provide one or more proximity indicators.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising an end effector, a sensing system, a housing, and a control system is disclosed. The end effector comprises a firing member configured to move at least partially through the end effector and a stop configured to create a lockout condition by impeding the advancement of the firing member through the end effector. The sensing system is configured to detect the lockout condition. The housing comprises an electric motor-driven element configured to transmit a force to the firing member. The control system is configured to control the electric motor-driven element. The sensing system is in communication with the control system. The control system controls the electric motor-driven element to adjust the force transmitted to the firing member when the lockout condition is communicated to the control system.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis at a predetermined frequency. In various embodiments, an ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. In various embodiments, the ultrasonic blade includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is movable relative to the longitudinal axis by the vibrations produced by the transducer.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a staple cartridge that defines a stepped deck. The surgical instrument further includes a staple comprised of seamless unitary structure. The staple is configured to be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple includes a base and staple legs. A staple drive surface is integrally formed in the base, and a sled is configured to directly contact the staple drive surface to directly drive the staple.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation system which are configured to provide various mechanical advantages.

Abstract: A low-hazardous electropolishing process has been developed to remove oxide layer(s) from the surface of nitinol needles. Low concentrations of citric acid and sulfamic acid are mixed with medium concentrations of sulfuric acid to use as an electrolyte solution. The process can be easily fitted into current suture needle manufacturing processes as well as into processes require electropolishing of nitinol-containing medical devices.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system is disclosed comprising an end effector configurable in an open configuration and a clamped configuration. The end effector comprises a firing member that moves toward an ending position in response to a firing motion. A sensor is configured to produce a signal corresponding to the configuration of the end effector. A rotatable drive screw is drivable by an electric motor and is threadably engaged with the firing member such that rotary motion is converted to the firing motion. A control system is configured to evaluate the signal produced by the sensor and allows the electric motor to provide the firing motion to the firing member if the end effector is in the clamped configuration. The control system does not allow the electric motor to provide the firing motion to the firing member if the end effector is in the open configuration.

Abstract: Articulation joints for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint include at least one flexible driven member to articulate the surgical implement relative to the handle assembly of the instrument.

Abstract: A robotic surgical arm includes a puck containing motors to drive an end effector. A tool assembly attached to the puck generates ultrasonic and/or radio frequency energy to apply to tissue disposed between the jaws of the end effector. The tool assembly can include modular components such as a modular shaft that can include an ultrasonic transducer, nonvolatile memory, wireless interface, and/or a power source. The power source allows the modular shaft to communicate wirelessly with the robotic arm. The tool assembly can be moved from one robotic arm to another while remaining powered by the power source. The tool assembly can include sensors to determine a location or movement of the tool assembly after being detached from the robotic surgical arm. The modular shaft can be moved from a robotic arm to a handle manually controlled by a surgeon and back again to the robotic arm.

Abstract: A surgical tool and control system therefor is provided. The surgical tool can include an instrument mount configured to engage with a robotic manipulator assembly, which can include a gear assembly configured to be actuated by the robotic manipulator assembly. The surgical tool can include an end effector coupled to the gear assembly, which is configured to be actuated by the gear assembly. The surgical tool can include a lockout configured to transition between a first state in which the lockout is physically engaged with the gear assembly to prevent a movement thereof and a second state in which the lockout is disengaged from the gear assembly. The surgical tool can include a control circuit configured to determine whether the end effector is in an energized state or a de-energized state and in the energized state, cause the lockout to transition between the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed which comprises first staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a first distance and, in addition, second staples including a drive portion and a clenching portion offset from the drive portion by a second distance which is different than the first distance.

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 end effector includes a first and second jaw member each comprising a first and second electrode. The first and second jaw members are movable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position. An electrically conductive member is located at the distal end of the first jaw member. The electrically conductive member is sized and configured to define a minimum distance between the first and second electrodes along the length of the first and second electrodes. An electrically insulative member is located on one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member. The electrically insulative member is sized and configured to engage tissue and has a dimension extending from one of the first jaw member or the second jaw member. The dimension is less than the minimum distance.

Abstract: Various example embodiments described herein are directed to articulating surgical instruments for treating tissue comprising an end effector and a shaft extending proximally from the end effector along a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the shaft comprises a plurality of transverse spacer members as well as first and second rotatable members extending through at least a portion of the plurality of transverse spacer members. The first and second rotatable members may both be biased away from the longitudinal axis such that their respective directions of bias vary with rotation of the first rotatable member. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members oppose one another, the shaft may be substantially straight. When the respective directions of bias of the first and second rotatable members are aligned with one another, the shaft may articulate away from the longitudinal axis in the direction of the alignment.

Abstract: A trocar assembly that includes a trocar and a seal cartridge configured to be releasably coupled to the trocar. The seal cartridge includes a top cap that includes a main body and a latch ring. The latch ring is grounded to the main body at a first angular position and has a latch located at a second angular position angularly offset from the first angular position. Applying a radial load on the latch causes the latch ring to flex in torsion at an intermediate portion that angularly interposes the first and second angular positions.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises an instrument body, an end effector, and a control module. The end effector is in communication with the handle assembly. The end effector is operable for use in a surgical procedure. The control module is in communication with the end effector. The end effector with the control module is able to deliver surgical energy as well as nerve excitation energy to a surgical site. A surgeon may detect stimulation of nervous tissue by visually observing the tissue twitch, and may adjust surgical technique accordingly. A sensor may be used to detect excitation of nervous tissue based on excitation caused by the nerve excitation energy.