Abstract: An auxiliary return system for use with a bipolar electrosurgical device includes a tissue guard defining open proximal and distal ends and a body extending therebetween. The body includes outer and inner peripheral surfaces, the inner peripheral surface defining a lumen extending between the open proximal and distal ends, the outer peripheral surface including an elongated channel defined therein configured to receive a ground wire, a distal end of the elongated channel includes a pocket defined between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the body. An electrically conductive rivet includes a proximal end configured to engage the inner peripheral surface of the body and a distal end configured to engage the outer peripheral surface of the body to secure the rivet within the pocket. The distal end including a connector configured to engage the ground wire to provide electrical continuity between the ground wire and the rivet.

Abstract: A clip applier includes an end effector that is adapted to releasably engage a clip cartridge. The end effector includes spring arms that are deflectable outwardly to receive and retain the clip cartridge within the end effector. The clip applier includes an outer tube that is movable from an advanced position encompassing the end effector to prevent separation of the clip cartridge from the end effector, to a retracted position spaced proximally of the spring arms. In the retracted position, the spring arms can deflect outwardly from the clip cartridge to disengage the clip cartridge from the end effector.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical pencil includes an insulative core configured to support an active wire around a peripheral surface thereof and a ground electrode coupled about the insulative core and adapted for insertion within an electrosurgical pencil. A hypotube is disposed between the ground electrode and the active pin and encapsulates the active pin to insulate the active pin from the ground electrode. An active pin is included that is adapted for insertion within the pencil and has a tensioning assembly including: a set screw with threads that engage grooves of the active pin such that, upon rotation, the set screw advances to secure the active wire within the active pin; and a nut is fixed within the hypotube that includes grooves that engage threads of the active pin such that, upon rotation, the active pin translates proximally to tension the active wire about the insulative core.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly includes a tissue specimen bag having an open proximal end and a closed distal end, the proximal end including a cuff defined therein and extending therearound. A flexible bag brim is disposed within the cuff and is transitionable between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The flexible bag brim includes a cross section configured to facilitate both furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bag brim when the bag brim is disposed in the second, expanded configuration and securing the tissue specimen bag in a desired furled configuration. The flexible bag brim includes a plurality of scallops defined along an inner peripheral surface thereof configured to facilitate furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself.

Abstract: Polymeric ligation clips and a clip applier for applying a polymeric ligation clip to tissue are disclosed herein. More particularly, the polymeric ligation clips include separate first and second beams that can be coupled to each other and are movable from a reduced diameter open position in which minimal strain is placed on the ligation clip to a clamped position and to a clip applier for delivering such a ligation clip to a surgical site.

Abstract: An endoscopic stapling device for tissue resection has an asymmetrical tool assembly that delivers a greater number of staples, or rows of staples, to healthy tissue that remains in a patient, and fewer number of staples, or rows of staples, to diseased or damaged tissue to be resected and removed from the patient. The tool assembly includes an asymmetric cartridge assembly and an asymmetric anvil assembly for applying the staples to the resected and healthy tissues. The endoscopic stapling device also includes an asymmetric drive assembly for actuating the tool assembly.

Abstract: A stitching device includes an end effector having first and second jaw members and first and second pins, a stationary cam, and a rotary cam. The first pin is supported on the first jaw member and the second pin is supported on the second jaw member. The stationary cam defines a first cam slot, and the rotary cam defines a second cam slot. The first and second cam slots receive the first and second pins and are configured to releasably secure one of the first or second jaw members to the rotary cam such that the first and second jaw members rotate about the stationary cam in alternating fashion. During each revolution of the rotary cam, the one of the first or second jaw members rotates with the rotary cam a substantially full revolution while the other of the first or second jaw members remains stationary.

Abstract: A smoke evacuator for use with a surgical access device includes an evacuation ring having an inner peripheral surface defining one or more channels therein disposed in fluid communication with an operating cavity. A connection port is disposed thereon in fluid communication with the channel(s) and adapted to connect to a smoke evacuation system. The evacuation ring includes a profile having an inner flange that forms part of the inner peripheral surface of the evacuation ring and one or more lower flanges, the inner flange is configured to mechanically engage a rim of an access device and the lower flange(s) is adapted to mechanically engage a wound guard, wherein engagement of the inner flange of the evacuation ring atop the access device and engagement of the lower flange(s) with the wound guard secures the access device, the wound guard and the smoke evacuation ring within the operating cavity.

Abstract: A buttress assembly for use with a surgical stapling device includes a buttress material and a loading assembly. The buttress material includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion defines proximal bores and a proximal slot. The distal portion defines distal bores and a distal slot. The loading assembly includes proximal and distal wings and proximal and distal cups. Each of the proximal wings includes a proximal peg configured to be received in a corresponding one of the proximal bores of the buttress material. Each of the distal wings includes a distal peg configured to be received in a corresponding one of the distal bores of the buttress material. When the proximal pegs are received in the proximal bores, the proximal cup is in registration with the proximal slot, and when the distal pegs are received in the distal bores, the distal cup is in registration with the distal slot.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end adapted to connect to an energy source and the distal end adapted to receive an end effector assembly therein, the end effector assembly defining a surface area along a length thereof. An activation switch is operably associated with the housing and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the end effector assembly upon actuation thereof. An air control valve is operatively coupled to the activation switch and is configured to simultaneously deliver a gas from a gas source to the surface area around the end effector upon actuation of the activation switch. One or more vents are defined in the distal end of the housing and are configured to direct the gas towards the surface area of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a loading unit and a surgical buttress assembly. The loading unit includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge having a tissue facing surface including staple pockets and a central longitudinal slot defined therethrough and a hook assembly extending outwardly from the tissue facing surface. The surgical buttress assembly includes an anvil buttress and a cartridge buttress. Each of the anvil and cartridge buttresses includes a body, a proximal tab, and a distal tab. The anvil and cartridge buttresses are interconnected at a junction of the proximal tabs and the surgical buttress assembly is folded at the junction such that the proximal tabs substantially overlie one another. The proximal tabs are engaged with the hook assembly to releasably secure the proximal tabs of the anvil and cartridge buttresses to the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device for laparoscopic procedures includes a plurality of barbed threads, the barbed threads having an elongate body, a distal portion, a proximal portion, and barbs extending from the elongate body. The distal portions of the barbed threads are circumferentially affixed to a centering ring and a space is formed within a circumference of the barbed threads. A tissue specimen to be removed from a patient is placed within the space and the proximal portions of the barbed threads are pulled in a proximal direction to reduce the volume of the space within which the tissue specimen has been placed, so that the barbed threads come into contact with the tissue specimen, thereby securing the tissue specimen within the space. The specimen retrieval device may then be removed from the patient's body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector having a first jaw member and a second jaw member movably coupled to one another; a wrist assembly having a distal end portion supporting the end effector; and a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and have a distal end supporting the wrist assembly. The wrist assembly includes a plurality of joint members rotatably connected to one another in tip-to-tail fashion, wherein each joint member defines a central rotational axis, and wherein adjacent joint members are rotatably connected to one another in a plane which is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the central rotational axes of the adjacent joint members. The wrist assembly includes also includes a plurality of concentric drive tubes extending through the plurality of joint members, wherein each drive tube includes a distal end keyed to a respective joint member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a buttress assembly. The tool assembly includes first and second jaw members that are transitionable between closed and open configurations. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a retention assembly including a support defining a recess. The buttress assembly includes a buttress material and a spine. The buttress material includes first and second portions. The spine includes an elongate portion extending along a length of the first and second portions of the buttress material and an engaging portion attached to the elongate portion in an orthogonal relation. The engaging portion is detachably received in the recess of the support of the retention assembly of the at least one of the first or second jaw members.

Abstract: A purse string suture instrument includes an end effector with first and second jaws disposed at a distal portion of an elongate tubular shaft. The first and second jaws are pivotably coupled to each other and to the elongate tubular shaft. The first and second jaws are spaced apart and define a gap therebetween. First and second pluralities of teeth extend perpendicularly from the first and second jaws respectively, and the first plurality of teeth is longitudinally offset from the second plurality of teeth. The first and second jaws are transitionable between open and approximated configurations. The approximated configuration is adapted to clamp tissue in the gap between the first and second jaws, thereby displacing sections of tissue outwardly between the first and second pluralities of teeth.

Abstract: A surgical fastening instrument includes an elongate shaft extending from a handle. An end effector is coupled to one end of the elongate shaft. The end effector has a first jaw with retainer strips disposed thereon. Each retainer strip includes rows of receptacles and each receptacle has a passageway leading to a chamber formed in the first jaw. The end effector also includes a second jaw with fastener strips disposed thereon. The first jaw is pivotally coupled to the second jaw. Each fastener strip includes rows of fasteners and each fastener is slidably positioned on a lance extending from a surface of the second jaw. The lances are aligned with the receptacles and each fastener has barbs configured to be retained in one of the chambers.

Abstract: An adapter for releasably connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly includes a proximal drive shaft, a distal drive shaft, and a shear pin connecting the proximal drive shaft to the distal drive shaft. The proximal drive shaft includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the proximal drive shaft is configured for releasable connection to the handle assembly. The distal drive shaft includes proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of the distal drive shaft being configured for releasable connection to the loading unit. The shear pin is configured to rotationally fix the proximal drive shaft to the distal drive shaft and is configured to fracture to permit rotation of the proximal drive shaft independent of rotation of the distal drive shaft when a predetermined torque is applied to the distal drive shaft.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a cannula and a retention anchor including an annular body and a washer secured to the annular body. The annular body includes an inner side surface defining an opening therethrough, and the washer includes an inner terminal edge defining an opening therethrough that is aligned with the opening of the annular body. The elongated shaft of the cannula extends through the openings. The washer is transitionable between a first configuration in which the inner terminal edge of the washer is coincident with or disposed radially outwardly of the inner side surface of the annular body so that the retention anchor is slidable along the elongated shaft, and a second configuration in which the inner terminal edge of the washer extends radially inwardly of the inner side surface of the annular body and engages the elongated shaft to fix the retention anchor to the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a drive assembly for actuating the tool assembly. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly that supports a lockout mechanism. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body and an actuation sled and knife assembly that includes an actuation sled and a knife. The actuation sled and knife assembly is movable in relation to the cartridge body to eject staples from the cartridge body and to cut tissue. The anvil assembly supports a lockout mechanism that includes a lockout member that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The drive assembly is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the actuation sled and knife assembly from its retracted position to its advanced position. In the locked position, the lockout member obstructs movement of the drive assembly from its retracted position towards its advanced position.

Abstract: A ligation clip applier includes first and second jaw members and an elongated shaft assembly secured thereto. The elongated shaft assembly includes a tube supporting clips therein and a tab assembly supported within the tube and including angled tabs engaged with the clips for moving the clips through the tube in response to movement of the tab assembly relative to the tube. The tab assembly is positionable to load a distal-most clip into the end effector when the tab assembly moves relative to the tube. The tube is selectively engageable with an outer surface of the first and second jaw members to clamp the distal-most clip between the first and second jaw members.