Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling motorized surgical devices are provided. In general, the methods and devices can allow a surgical device to grasp and cut tissue. In some embodiments, the device can include at least one sensor and a motor, and an output of the motor can be configured to be adjusted based at least in part on an output from the at least one sensor. The output of the motor can be configured to provide power for translation of a cutting element along an end effector of the device. Adjusting the motor's output can cause the cutting element to translate through the end effector at different speeds, thereby allowing the cutting element to cut through tissue being grasped by the end effector at different speeds.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a staple cartridge and a datum portion positioned proximal to the staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and an articulation joint configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. In addition, the surgical instrument can further comprise a firing member configured to deploy a plurality of staples from the staple cartridge and a drive assembly including a drive member configured to move the firing member. The drive assembly may also include a stop configured to engage the datum portion to limit the movement of the drive member after the plurality of staples are fired.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for preventing binding between components of a drive assembly of a surgical device. In an exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a ball-and-socket joint that allows bending of various drive shafts relative to the handle without causing movement of a drive rack disposed within the handle. Since the drive rack does not move in response to bending of the shaft, the drive gear and rack will remain aligned thus preventing jamming of the device.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for auto return of articulated end effectors are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The device can include an actuator configured to be actuated to move the end effector from an articulated position to an unarticulated position. In at least some embodiments, the actuator can also be configured to be actuated to move the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to rotate the end effector about a longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft having the end effector at a distal end thereof. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to articulate the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For example, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongate shaft that has first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. The device also includes a cutting assembly configured to cut tissue engaged between the first and second jaws and a drive shaft that moves the cutting assembly. A gear box is provided in the device that is coupled to the drive shaft, and a motor is coupled to the gear box for driving the gear box. The device has a normal mode in which power can be provided to the motor to drive the gear box, and the device has a bailout mode in which the motor and gear box can be manually rotated as a unit.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for retracting a cutting assembly in the event of a failure on a motorized electrosurgical device. For instance, a surgical device is provided that includes a handle portion with an elongated shaft having first and second jaws. The device includes a cutting assembly configured to cut tissue engaged between the first and second jaws. A motor is included to drive the cutting assembly, and a processor is coupled to the motor. An actuator on the device is configured to receive an input from a user that causes power to be supplied to the motor. The device has a normal mode in which the processor controls the motor, and the device has a bailout mode in which the processor is bypassed and power is delivered directly to the motor.

Abstract: A first subassembly includes a body and an ultrasonic blade. A second subassembly is configured to removably couple with the first subassembly and includes a first clamp arm and a first clamp arm actuator. The first clamp arm is configured to be located on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the body, and the first clamp arm actuator is configured to be located on a second side of the longitudinal axis, when the second subassembly is coupled with the first subassembly. The third subassembly is similar to the second subassembly except that the second clamp arm of the third subassembly is configured to be located on the second side of the longitudinal axis of the body when the third subassembly is coupled with the first subassembly.

Abstract: An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, an irrigation member positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade, and a second fluid port in communication with the irrigation member. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm assembly, and a detent assembly. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp arm pivotably coupled with the body at a pivot assembly. The clamp arm is operable to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The detent assembly is configured to provide tactile resistance to pivotal movement of the clamp arm relative to the body beyond a predefined pivot angle.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a single surgical instrument configured for grasping tissue, performing sealing procedures using electrosurgical or ultrasonic energy, suctioning fluid, and providing irrigation. An end effector of the surgical instrument may include multiple members arranged in various configurations to collectively perform the aforementioned functions. The suction and irrigation elements may comprise one or more fluid paths configured to deliver fluid to or evacuate fluid from a surgical field. In this way, a user, such as a clinician or surgeon, may rely on a single surgical instrument to perform these tasks typical in surgery while having an extra hand available and so as to not need to divert his or her concentration away from the surgical site in order to access multiple devices. Further, the timing for performing each of the functions may be made quicker, due to not needing to switch using multiple devices.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a resilient member. The body includes an electrical conductor and defines a longitudinal axis. The clamp arm is pivotably coupled with the body at a pivot assembly. The clamp arm is operable to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm includes an electrode operable to apply RF energy to tissue, wherein the clamp arm is configured to be loaded onto and removed from the body at the pivot assembly along a path that is transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the body. The resilient member is located within the pivot assembly. The resilient member is configured to provide electrical continuity between the electrode of the clamp arm and the electrical conductor of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a first handle, and a second handle. The second jaw is pivotally coupled with the first jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are configured to grasp tissue. The jaws provide offset electrode surfaces that are operable to deliver bipolar RF energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. The apparatus is further operable to sever tissue. A lockout feature selectively prevents tissue severing, based on an energization state of the jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an outer sheath, upper and lower jaws connected at a pivot point, and a firing beam comprising a distal pair of flanges. The firing beam is configured to be received within slots defined in the upper and lower jaws to close the jaws. A proximal portion of the upper jaw defines a lever arm, and a free end of the lever arm extends proximally past a distal end of the lower jaw and proximally past the pivot point. The lever arm includes a pair of segments defining a portion of the slot of the upper jaw. The segments are configured for receipt through an outer sheath aperture. The pair of segments are operable to abut a distal end of the distal pair of flanges or be driven by the distal pair of flanges to assist with closure of the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, end effector and movable cutting member. The movable cutting member may comprise a first band comprising a first band slot having a distal portion and a proximal portion. A width of the first band slot at the distal portion may be larger than a width of the first band slot at the proximal portion. The movable cutting member may comprise a second band comprising a second band slot having a distal portion and a proximal portion. A width of the second band slot at the proximal portion may be larger than a width of the second band slot at the distal portion. The movable cutting member may comprise a pin positioned within the first band slot and the second band slot. The pin may comprise a middle portion having a middle portion diameter and at least one outer portion having an outer portion diameter.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described herein that provide improved motor control and feedback, thereby combining advantages of manually-operated and powered surgical devices. In one embodiment, a surgical device includes a proximal handle portion that includes a motor, a distal end effector coupled to the handle portion, and a cutting element configured to cut tissue engaged by the end effector, wherein the motor is configured to supply power that moves the cutting element. The device also includes a motor control mechanism configured to cause the amount of the power to dynamically change in response to a manual user input when the cutting element is moving.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is in communication with the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The second jaw is moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The second jaw in the first position is open relative to the first jaw. The second jaw in the second position is positioned such that the distal portion is closer to the first jaw than the proximal portion. The second jaw in the third position is parallel the first jaw.

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 including a lockout mechanism is provided. The surgical tool may include an instrument mounting portion including a shaft assembly coupled to and extending distally from the instrument mounting portion and an end effector including a reciprocatable element coupled to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The surgical tool may further include an energy source configured to deliver energy to the end effector and an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the end effector. The actuation mechanism may be configured to reciprocate the reciprocatable element of the end effector. The lockout mechanism may be operably interfaced with the actuation mechanism to control reciprocating movement of the reciprocatable element.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described herein that provide improved motor control and feedback, thereby combining advantages of manually-operated and powered surgical devices. In one embodiment, a surgical device includes a proximal handle portion that includes a motor, a distal end effector coupled to the handle portion, and a cutting element configured to cut tissue engaged by the end effector, wherein the motor is configured to supply power that moves the cutting element. The device also includes a motor control mechanism configured to cause the amount of the power to dynamically change in response to a manual user input when the cutting element is moving.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an end effector and a trigger that is actuatable between a first position and a second position. An actuation drive is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position in response to actuation of the trigger. A toggle assembly is transitionable between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the toggle assembly is configured to motivate the actuation drive to effectuate a movement in the end effector in the folded configuration. The toggle assembly being configured to bypass the actuation drive when in the expanded configuration. A resetting member is operable to return the toggle assembly to the folded configuration.