Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: Bowel retractor devices. In various forms, the bowel retractor devices are configurable from a collapsed position wherein the retractor may be inserted through a trocar cannula or other opening in a patient's body to a second expanded position wherein at least a portion of the patient's bowel may be advantageously supported in a desired position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an articulation control assembly. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section that is configured to deflect a distal end portion from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly includes an articulation control member and a transmission assembly. The articulation control member is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is operatively connected between the articulation control member and the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to transmit selective manipulation of the articulation control member to the articulation section and selectively actuate the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft including a distal portion and an articulatable portion is disclosed. The articulatable portion, positioned proximal to the distal portion, includes a plurality of joint members. A first articulation cable extends through each first channel of each of the plurality of joint members and a second articulation cable extends through each second channel of each of the plurality of joint members to the distal portion. The first and second articulation cables are transitionable between: (i) an unlocked state, where the first and second articulation cables are free to translate distally and proximally and the plurality of joint members are slidable relative to one another to pivot the distal portion away from a longitudinal axis, and (ii) a locked state, where translation of the first and second articulation cables is locked, causing a position of the distal portion relative to the longitudinal axis to be locked.

Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments having angularly and/or linearly off-set blades are described. The angularly and/or linearly off-set blades may facilitate increased surgical site access, visibility, and manipulability.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The acoustic waveguide includes a flexible portion. The articulation section is coupled with the shaft. A portion of the articulation section encompasses the flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation section includes a first member and a second member. The second member is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The rigidizing member is configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the articulation section to thereby selectively provide rigidity to the articulation section.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a first fibrous, woven material and a second fibrous, woven material. The first fibrous, woven material comprises a density which is different than the density of the second fibrous, woven material. The tissue thickness compensator is configured to expand upon contact with a fluid in order to apply a compressive force to tissue captured within staples.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system for treating a patient is disclosed including a surgical tool movable relative to the patient and a user input device including a base and a controller movable relative to the base to effect a motion. The robotic surgical system further includes a control circuit configured to receive a user selection signal indicative of a selection between a first motion scaling profile of the motion of the surgical tool and a second motion scaling profile of the motion of the surgical tool, receive a motion control signal from the user input device indicative of a user input force, and cause the surgical tool to be moved in response to the motion control signal in accordance with the first motion scaling profile or the second motion scaling profile based on the user selection signal. The first motion scaling profile is different than the second motion scaling profile.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed including a surgical tool, a motor operably coupled to the surgical tool, and a control circuit coupled to the motor. The control circuit is configured to receive an instrument motion control signal indicative of a user input, cause the motor to move the surgical tool in response to the instrument motion control signal, receive an input signal indicative of a distance between the surgical tool and tissue, and scale the movement of the surgical tool to the user input in accordance with the input signal.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system for treating a patient is disclosed including a surgical tool movable relative to the patient and a user input device configured to remotely control the surgical tool. The surgical tool includes a shaft and an end effector. The user input device includes a base and a controller movable to effect a first control motion a second control motion. The controller includes a first accessibility mode and a second accessibility mode. The robotic surgical system further includes a control circuit configured to receive a motion control signal from the user input device, determine a controller accessibility mode, permit the first control motion in response to the motion control signal in the first accessibility mode and in the second accessibility mode and permit the second control motion in response to the motion control signal in the second accessibility mode but not the first accessibility mode.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system is disclosed including an end effector movable relative to a tissue of a patient. The robotic surgical system further includes a control circuit configured to determine a distance between the end effector and the tissue and cause the end effector to be transitioned between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration based on the distance.

Abstract: An input control device is disclosed. The input control device can be configured to operate in different modes depending on proximity data provided by a proximity detection system. The input control device can include a feedback generator configured to generate feedback in response to the input control device switching between operational modes, the proximity data provided by the proximity detection system, and/or other conditions of the surgical procedure, robotic surgical tool, surgical site, and/or patient. The input control device can include a variable resistance assembly for resisting input control motions applied to an actuator thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the input control device can include an end effector actuator assembly for repositioning the end effector actuator based on feedback from a paired robotic surgical tool.

Abstract: An input control device is disclosed. The input control device includes a central portion coupled to a multi-axis force and torque sensor, which is configured to receive input control motions from a surgeon. The central portion is flexibly supported on a base. The input control device also includes a rotary joint coupled to a rotary sensor. The input control device is configured to provide control motions to a robotic arm and/or a robotic tool based on input controls detected by the multi-axis force and torque sensor and the rotary sensor.

Abstract: An input control device is disclosed. The input control device includes a central portion coupled to a multi-axis force and torque sensor, which is configured to receive input control motions from a surgeon. The central portion is flexibly supported on a base. The input control device also includes a rotary joint coupled to a rotary sensor. The input control device is configured to provide control motions to a robotic arm and/or a robotic tool based on input controls detected by the multi-axis force and torque sensor and the rotary sensor.

Abstract: An input control device is disclosed. The input control device can be configured to operate in different modes depending on proximity data provided by a proximity detection system. The input control device can include a feedback generator configured to generate feedback in response to the input control device switching between operational modes, the proximity data provided by the proximity detection system, and/or other conditions of the surgical procedure, robotic surgical tool, surgical site, and/or patient. The input control device can include a variable resistance assembly for resisting input control motions applied to an actuator thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the input control device can include an end effector actuator assembly for repositioning the end effector actuator based on feedback from a paired robotic surgical tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an articulation control assembly. The shaft assembly includes an articulation section that is configured to deflect a distal end portion from the longitudinal axis. The articulation control assembly includes an articulation control member and a transmission assembly. The articulation control member is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is operatively connected between the articulation control member and the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The transmission assembly is configured to transmit selective manipulation of the articulation control member to the articulation section and selectively actuate the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an active feature configured to operate on tissue. The body includes a drive feature operable to drive the active feature of the end effector. The body is operable to selectively couple with a variety of power sources such that the drive feature may receive electrical power form a battery or from a corded power source, based on a user's preference. The body may include a handpiece that has a socket configured to receive a battery or cable adapter. The body may removably receive various kinds of shaft assemblies to provide various operating modalities. The shaft assemblies may include user interface features.

Abstract: A dilation catheter system is provided to dilate the ostium of a paranasal sinus or some other anatomical passageway (e.g., within the ear, nose, or throat, etc.). The system may include a dilation catheter, a dilator, a guide catheter, and an inflator. The dilation catheter may be positioned between the dilator and the inflator. The guide catheter is configured to guide the dilator into the affected passageway. The inflator may then be actuated to transfer fluid from the inflator, through the dilation catheter, and into the dilator. The transfer of fluid may inflate the dilator to an expanded state to open or dilate the affected passageway. The inflator may include a body, a plunger assembly, and locking features that selectively secure the position of the plunger assembly relative to the body by moving along a path that is transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the plunger assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue, the shaft assembly is in communication with the end effector and a portion of the shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector. The interface assembly is in communication with the shaft assembly. The interface assembly comprises a housing portion, a shaft cartridge, and a base portion. The housing portion can engage the shaft cartridge. The shaft cartridge is able to rotate and articulate the end effector, and the shaft assembly extends from the shaft cartridge. The base portion and the housing portion are able to enclose the shaft cartridge.