Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for performing a surgical stapling procedure by providing a stapler comprising a handle and a staple cartridge with an opposing anvil. The staple cartridge contains a plurality of surgical staples. The stapler also has an actuator module for deploying staples, wherein the actuator has a longitudinally movable member for sequentially ejecting staples towards the anvil. The method involves operating the actuator module so as to eject the plurality of staples, and removing the actuator module from the body and discarding the actuator module. The method also involves sterilizing the body.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.

Abstract: A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about an arcuate path in a first direction in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and an anti-backup mechanism associated with the needle for preventing movement of the needle in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: An insert is provided to be attached to a shield on a surgical trocar obturator handle. The insert is actuated by the surgical trocar cannula handle so that it causes the shield to expose the sharpened obturator tip after insertion of the obturator and shield within the cannula. After usage, the insert is deactivated so that the shield again covers the obturator. The obturator can then be removed from the cannula handle and obturator shield, and the obturator handle can be discarded safely.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided which employs a highly pressurized gas as its source of energy. The highly pressurized gas is conducted to means for indicating the presence of the pressurized gas and to a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator controllably develops gas pressurized to a desired operating pressure. The pressure regulator supplies gas at a fixed or variable pressure to a tissue clamping mechanism and to the trigger mechanism of the instrument. In response to actuation of the trigger mechanism gas at the desired stapling pressure is supplied to a stapling mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized gas is maintained at the stapling mechanism until the trigger mechanism is reset for a subsequent stapling procedure.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having safety and sequencing features to mandate proper operation of the instrument during surgical clamping and stapling of tissue. The instrument is powered by pressurized gas, and includes a manual control for supplying gas to a clamping mechanism in the stapler head and a trigger for actuating a stapling mechanism therein. The instrument prevents actuation of the trigger until the tissue has been clamped. The trigger may not be actuated to implant staples until a trigger safety has been actuated. Following actuation of the stapling mechanism, the instrument is either automatically reset to its initial condition, or may require manual control by the user to restore the clamping and stapling mechanisms to their initial conditions. The instrument affords correct sequencing of operation and prevents inadvertent stapling.