Abstract: An end effector for use with an adapter for a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled to each other and are movable between open and closed positions by a dynamic clamping assembly that is selectively movable between a starting position and an ending position relative to the first and second jaws. A first positive jaw opening feature is provided on the first jaw and a second positive jaw opening feature is provided on the second jaw. The first and second positive jaw opening features are configured for contact by the dynamic clamping assembly as the dynamic clamping assembly is moved in an opening direction to apply opening motions to the first and second jaws. The first and second positive jaw opening features may be longitudinally offset from each other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clamp coagulator apparatus is disclosed including a housing including an actuator, an outer tube, an ultrasonic waveguide, an ultrasonically actuated blade, a clamp member pivotable with respect to the blade, and a force limiting mechanism including a first compression spring having a first spring constant, positioned between the actuator and the clamp arm, and a second compression spring having a second spring constant less than the first spring constant. The first compression spring transfers a force at a first rate as a function of a motion of the actuator to pivotably move the clamp member toward the blade. The second compression spring transfers a force as a function of the tissue thickness positioned between the clamp member and the blade. At least one of the first and second compression springs is pre-compressed to provide a preload less than the respective spring constant.

Abstract: Adjuncts for use with surgical instruments, such as staplers, are provided. In one embodiment, an adjunct can include a plurality of suction members configured to attach the adjunct to an end effector jaw of a surgical stapler using a suction force. The suction members can be configured to generate the suction force when compressed. The suction members can be further configured to release the suction force to decouple the adjunct from the end effector jaw, permitting deployment of the adjunct at a treatment site. In certain embodiments, the suction members can include a plurality of air pockets formed in the bulk of the adjunct or within protrusions extending outward from a surface of the adjunct. The air pockets can be in communication with corresponding openings allowing air to escape the air pockets when compressed.

Abstract: A method of attaching a surgical suture to a needle and testing the attachment includes dispensing a length of suture from a spool by using a first suture gripper, and using a surgical needle gripper for holding a surgical needle stationary. A leading end of the suture is inserted into and attached to a receiving end of the surgical needle. A second suture gripper is located between the first suture gripper and the spool. After the second suture gripper is closed for gripping the suture, the second suture gripper is advanced downstream toward the surgical needle to reduce the tension on the suture. The tension on the suture is reduced by moving the second suture gripper a pre-determined distance. The first suture gripper is opened for releasing the suture and the first suture gripper is moved toward the suture spool for re-grasping the suture at a location between the second gripper and the suture spool.

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

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprised of Oxidized Cellulose (OC), such as oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), and an antibiotic comprised of minocycline, methods of preparation thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: Novel recessed surgical fastening devices are disclosed. The fastening devices have a compressible member and a fastening element disposed at least partially within the compressible member. The fastening element has at least one tissue engagement member that is extensible through the compressible member to engage tissue when a force is applied to the fastening device.

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 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 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 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 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: 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 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 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 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: A device for application onto incisions or wounds with a liquid rapidly polymerizable adhesive for forming skin closure systems, having a flat porous mesh elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an upper side and an opposing lower or wound facing side and a central portion in immediate vicinity of the axis; further having a plurality of pores and windows in said mesh, said windows substantially larger than said pores and arranged along said longitudinal axis in said central portion; a crosslinking or polymerization accelerator or initiator disposed in or on the mesh; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the lower surface of the mesh.

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: The present invention relates to surgical instruments and methods for enhancing properties of tissue repaired or joined by surgical staples and, more particularly to surgical instruments and methods designed to enhance the properties of repaired or adjoined tissue at a target surgical site, especially when sealing an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections so as to improve tissue viability, prevent tissue infection, and to prevent leakage. The present invention further relates to an expandable compression device for application to anastomotically joined tubular tissues, comprising: an upper ring-shaped or disk-shaped flange at a distal end of said device connected to a lower ring-shaped inflatable flange at a proximal end of said device via a hollow cylindrical tubular body, with an opening forming an axial passage through said upper flange, lower flange, and tubular body.