Abstract: An open linear stapler includes an end effector located at a distal side. The end effector includes a substantially U-shaped stationary jaw located at the distal side and a movable jaw movable relative to the stationary jaw to clamp tissue therebetween. A surface of the stationary jaw opposes the movable jaw and includes an anvil. The movable jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The stationary jaw includes two substantially U-shaped outer anvil clamping plates, and a distal surface of the anvil is fixedly connected to proximal surfaces of the distal ends of the outer anvil clamping plates. The stapler can be more easily inserted into the patient's body and provide a larger free space.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first and second elongate member that can releasably couple together to in order to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue, a latch member that can latch the first and second elongate member to clamp tissue, a firing assembly that can sever and staple clamped tissue, and a clamp force measuring assembly. The clamp force measuring assembly can measure a parameter associated with a clamping force imparted on the first and second stapling surfaces while clamping tissue, and process and communicate the measured parameter to be compared with a predetermined limit associated with successful staple formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a surgical stapler anvil with a first punch having a first plurality of protrusions and an opposing second punch having a second plurality of protrusions. A workpiece having first and second sides is positioned between the first and second punches. The first side is contacted by the first punch, thereby plastically deforming the first side with the first plurality of protrusions to displace material of the first side toward the second side. The second side is contacted by the second punch, thereby plastically deforming the second side to displace material of the second side toward the first side. A plurality of pockets is formed in the first side via the contact of the first punch with the first side and the contact of the second punch with the second side. Each of the pockets is configured to deform a leg of a surgical staple.

Abstract: Methods for resetting a fuse in a surgical instrument are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a surgical stapler anvil with a first punch having a first plurality of protrusions and an opposing second punch having a second plurality of protrusions. A workpiece having first and second sides is positioned between the first and second punches. The first side is contacted by the first punch, thereby plastically deforming the first side with the first plurality of protrusions to displace material of the first side toward the second side. The second side is contacted by the second punch, thereby plastically deforming the second side to displace material of the second side toward the first side. A plurality of pockets is formed in the first side via the contact of the first punch with the first side and the contact of the second punch with the second side. Each of the pockets is configured to deform a leg of a surgical staple.

Abstract: Methods for resetting a fuse in a surgical instrument are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for resetting a fuse in a surgical instrument are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for resetting a fuse in a surgical instrument are disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to an end effector of the surgical instrument during a firing stroke. The firing assembly comprises a fuse configured to interrupt the firing stroke and/or prevent the firing load from being applied to the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector first and second tissue engaging surfaces that are slanted with respect to a transection plane. The end effector may, for example, have an electrode defining a V-shaped cross sectional profile. The end effector may comprise a plurality of raised surfaces that are received by a plurality of indentions when the end effector is in the closed position. The end effector may comprise a cutting member having a plurality of bands.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a handle assembly. The end effector is operable to grasp tissue. The elongate shaft extends between the end effector and the handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a body portion, a trigger, and a trigger return lever. The trigger is movable relative to the body portion from a home position to an actuated position, and is thereby operable to control the end effector to selectively grasp tissue. The trigger includes a cam feature. The trigger return lever is positioned to engage the cam feature of the trigger. The trigger return lever is configured to bias the trigger toward the home position during at least part of a range of motion of the trigger from the home position to the actuated position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are able to clamp tissue. The first jaw and the second jaw define a curved path. The apparatus further includes a blade that is operable to translate along a curved path in the end effector. At least a portion of the blade is precurved. The blade may further include a laminate of sheets that slide relative to each other to accommodate travel along the curved path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector. The end effector may comprise a cammed compression surface. The end effector may comprise an electrode comprising a tapered tissue contacting surface. Some surgical instruments may comprise an overload member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise and end effector first and second tissue engaging surfaces that are slanted with respect to a transection plane. The end effector may, for example, have an electrode defining a V-shaped cross sectional profile. The end effector may comprise a plurality of raised surfaces that are received by a plurality of indentions when the end effector is in the closed position. The end effector may comprise a cutting member having a plurality of bands.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are able to clamp tissue. The first jaw and the second jaw define a curved path. The apparatus further includes a blade that is operable to translate along a curved path in the end effector. At least a portion of the blade is precurved. The blade may further include a laminate of sheets that slide relative to each other to accommodate travel along the curved path.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector. The end effector may comprise a cammed compression surface. The end effector may comprise an electrode comprising a tapered tissue contacting surface. Some surgical instruments may comprise an overload member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise and end effector first and second tissue engaging surfaces that are slanted with respect to a transection plane. The end effector may, for example, have an electrode defining a V-shaped cross sectional profile. The end effector may comprise a plurality of raised surfaces that are received by a plurality of indentions when the end effector is in the closed position. The end effector may comprise a cutting member having a plurality of bands.