Abstract: Methods and devices for using surgical devices with articulating end effectors are provided. Surgical devices with articulating end effectors can provide rotary driven pivoting of the end effector. In some embodiments, the device can include a handle, a first and a second tube extending from the handle, the second tube disposed within the first tube, and an end effector that includes a pair of distal jaws configured to move in response to rotation of the first tube about a longitudinal axis thereof and rotation of the second tube about a longitudinal axis thereof. The jaws can move in two different ways depending on whether the first and second tubes are rotating in a same direction as one another or in different ways than each other. The jaws can open/close and articulate using the same mechanical mechanism. The device can be powered, or the device can be non-powered.

Abstract: An end effector of an instrument is positioned in a patient. An ultrasonic blade of the end effector is positioned against tissue in the patient. The ultrasonic blade is activated to vibrate ultrasonically while the ultrasonic blade is positioned against tissue. At least one electrode of the end effector is positioned against tissue in the patient. The at least one electrode is activated to apply RF electrosurgical energy to tissue against which the at least one electrode is positioned against tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm assembly. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with an acoustic waveguide of the shaft assembly. The clamp arm assembly is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp pad and an electrode. The clamp pad is configured to compress tissue against the ultrasonic blade. The clamp pad has a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of lateral sides extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The electrode is operable to apply RF energy to tissue. The electrode extends along both lateral sides of the clamp pad. The electrode further extends around the distal end of the clamp pad.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw member defining a first longitudinal slot, a second jaw member defining a second longitudinal slot, and a first push rod member having a distally directed end pivotably coupled to the first jaw member and a proximally directed end pivotably coupled at a first pivot point. The surgical instrument additionally comprises a reciprocating member translatable distally and proximally through the first and second longitudinal slots, wherein the reciprocating member comprises a blade, a transverse element, and a first shoulder element coupled to and substantially perpendicular to the transverse element. Upon distal motion of the reciprocating member, the first shoulder element contacts the first push rod member to exert a force on at least the first jaw member causing the first jaw member to translate towards the second jaw member in a substantially parallel motion.

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: Methods and devices for using surgical devices with articulating end effectors are provided. Surgical devices with articulating end effectors can provide rotary driven pivoting of the end effector. In some embodiments, the device can include a handle, a first and a second tube extending from the handle, the second tube disposed within the first tube, and an end effector that includes a pair of distal jaws configured to move in response to rotation of the first tube about a longitudinal axis thereof and rotation of the second tube about a longitudinal axis thereof. The jaws can move in two different ways depending on whether the first and second tubes are rotating in a same direction as one another or in different ways than each other. The jaws can open/close and articulate using the same mechanical mechanism. The device can be powered, or the device can be non-powered.

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: 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: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for stapling tissue comprises a stapling head assembly, a rotary drive shaft, and a mode selector. The stapling head assembly comprises a closure assembly and a firing assembly. The closure assembly is operable to clamp tissue against an anvil. The firing assembly is operable to drive at least one staple through tissue toward the anvil. The mode selector is operable to select between a tissue clamping mode and a firing mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the closure assembly in response to selection of the tissue clamping mode. The rotary drive shaft is operable to actuate the firing assembly in response to selection of the firing mode. The mode selector may translate the rotary drive shaft between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position to select between the tissue clamping mode and the firing mode. The mode selector may comprise a sliding ring.

Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instruments including a handle housing, a switch frame, and a switch assembly are disclosed. The switch assembly may include a first switch arrangement movably supported on a distal portion of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a first switch contact supported by the switch frame. The switch assembly may further include a second switch arrangement including a right switch button movably supported on a right side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a right switch contact supported by the switch frame, and a left switch button movably supported on a left side of the handle housing and selectively movable relative to a left switch contact supported by the switch frame. The first and second switch arrangements may be configured to be selectively actuatable by a single hand supporting the handle housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting and coagulating tissue is provided that includes an elongate sheath and an ultrasonic blade. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic blade is positioned within a sheath such that movement of the sheath relative to the blade results in the dissection and/or coagulation of tissue therebetween. In another embodiment, an ultrasonic blade is positioned within a sheath such that movement of the blade relative to the sheath results in the dissection and/or coagulation of tissue therebetween. The size and shape of distal ends of the blade and sheath determine the size and shape of the tissue being cut and/or removed from a body.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising a first compensation layer, a second compensation layer, and a pocket situated between the compensation layers can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge positioned in the end effector can comprise a fastener moveable between an initial position and a fired position. When the fastener is moved from the initial position to the fired position, the fastener can move through the pocket and can compress a portion of the tissue thickness compensator. A support can be positioned between the first and second compensation layers. When the fastener compresses the tissue thickness compensator, at least one of the support, first compensation layer and second compensation layer can be deformed. The tissue thickness compensator can also comprise a tab and/or a limiting plate to control deformation of the compensation layers and/or the support.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, and a rigidizing member. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The acoustic waveguide is coupled with the transducer. The articulation section is operable to flex to thereby deflect the end effector from a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The rigidizing member is operable to selectively rigidize the articulation section and thereby prevent deflection of the end effector by preventing flexibility of the articulation section. Such rigidization includes removing any “play” or other small movement that might otherwise be provided by the articulation section due to manufacturing tolerances and/or looseness between parts.

Abstract: A dilation system includes a handle, guide member, balloon dilation member, balloon, dilation member movement actuator, and endoscope. The handle is configured to provide single-handed use to a user. The handle includes a first and second body member pivotably coupled together such that the first body member and the second body member are configured to pivot toward and away from one another. The handle includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guide member. The handle further includes a locking feature configured to lock endoscope in position relative to the handle. The handle may further include a rotation limiting feature configured to limit rotation of the guide member and or the body members. The dilation member movement actuator is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the balloon dilation member. One or more components of the dilation system may include a plurality of measure markings.

Abstract: A dilation system includes a handle, a guide member, a balloon dilation member, an actuator, and an endoscope. The handle is configured to provide single-handed use to a user. The guide member is coupled with a distal end of the handle and extends distally therefrom. The balloon dilation member is slidably disposed within the body and the guide member and includes an expandable balloon. The actuator is configured to translate and/or rotate to thereby cause translation and/or rotation of the balloon dilation member. The handle may include a guide member actuator configured to cause translation of the guide member. The handle may further include a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guide member. The handle may also include a housing configured to receive and selectively retain the endoscope. The housing is configured to translate and/or rotate to thereby cause translation and/or rotation of the endoscope.