Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a circular stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a circular stapler is provided having an elongate shaft with a stapling apparatus coupled thereto. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling apparatus relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the stapling apparatus, thereby driving one or more staples, preferably in a substantially curved pattern, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a surgical stapler. In one embodiment, a surgical stapler is provided having a stapling mechanism or end effector that is movably coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the stapling mechanism relative to the elongate shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to actuate the staple applying assembly, thereby driving one or more staples, and preferably at least two linear rows of staples, into tissue. The actuator can alternatively or additionally drive a blade distally to cut tissue being stapled.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device. According to various embodiments, the stapling device comprises an end effector and a plurality of stacked actuatable wedge band sets. The end effector comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface and a staple cartridge facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a plurality of staple drivers moveable supportable within the staple cartridge. Each staple driver is in contact with one of the staples and configured such that when the staple drivers are actuated, the staple drivers drive the staples through the staple cartridge so that the staples are formed against the staple forming surface of the anvil. Each stacked wedge band set comprises at least two different-level wedge bands for axially traversing the end effector. Each wedge band comprises a wedge cam at its distal end for driving certain ones of the staple drivers when the wedge band is actuated.

Abstract: A method of securing a suture includes the steps of inserting the suture through a passageway into a body of a patient, inserting the suture into and back out of tissue, tying a knot along a length of the suture, and fusing the knot.

Abstract: A suture has a fluid delivery line for improved retention of a suture line. The suture includes a suture body including a central lumen. The suture body further includes an inner surface along the central lumen and an exterior surface. Spaced perforations are formed along the suture body for maintaining the lumen in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the suture body. When fluid is pumped into the suture, the perforations allow the fluid to be distributed along the length of the exterior surface of the suture body both internal and external to the opposed tissue secured by the suture.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument to be used with an endoscope. The instrument includes an elongated tube having a distal end and a proximal end, an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongated tube, and a handle attached to the proximal end. The handle includes a mechanism for attaching the instrument to a first vacuum source. The handle further includes a second vacuum source integral with the handle for amplifying the first vacuum source, whereby the first and second vacuum sources combine to operate the end effector.

Abstract: A method for inserting an instrument through a natural orifice. The instrument has a low profile orientation and a deployed orientation which is larger than the size of the natural orifice through which it is to be inserted. The method is achieved by coupling the instrument to an endoscope and placing the instrument in its low profile orientation, insetting the endoscope and the instrument through a natural orifice to a target position within a body while the instrument is in its low profile orientation, actuating the instrument to it is deployed orientation, and returning the instrument to its low profile orientation and withdrawing the instrument from the body through the natural orifice.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument. The instrument also includes a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector. The instrument also includes a handle comprising a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, a motor for actuating the gear drive train, a closure trigger for causing the end effector to clamp an object positioned in the end effector when the closure trigger is retracted, and a firing trigger separate from the closure trigger for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. The instrument further comprises means for articulating the end effector.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for attaching one or more ancillary devices to an endoscope. The ancillary device can be any device that is used in conjunction with endoscopic procedures, such as, by way of non-limiting example, an accessory channel, tube, or sleeve, an indwelling tube or feeding tube, and surgical tools such as graspers, snares, etc. The ancillary device(s) can be positioned adjacent to and along side an external surface of an insertion portion of an endoscope for inserting into a body lumen, and one or more attachment devices can be used to mate the ancillary device(s) to the endoscope at one or more attachment locations. In use, the attachment device(s) will allow the ancillary device to move in coordination with the endoscope, thus allowing the endoscope and the ancillary device(s) to be introduced and guided through a tortuous pathway. In certain exemplary embodiments, the attachment device(s) can be configured to prevent radial movement, i.e.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprising an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a plurality of staple drivers moveable supported within the staple cartridge. Each staple driver is in contact with one of the plurality of staples such that when the staple drivers are actuated, the plurality of staples are formed against the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the staple drivers have a first height and a second quantity of the staple drivers have a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height such that the staples driven by the first quantity of staple drivers have a longer formed length than the staples driven by the second quantity of staple drivers.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device. The device comprises an end effector that comprises an anvil having a staple forming surface defining a plurality of staple forming pockets. A first quantity of the plurality of staple forming pockets has a first depth and a second quantity of the plurality of staple forming pockets has a second depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapling device. The stapling device has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil that is moveable between open and closed positions. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a first plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver has an upper staple supporting surface for supporting one of the staples such that, when actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the anvil. The upper staple supporting surface supports staples of different wire diameters in an upright position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.