Abstract: An inflatable medical instrument for tissue damage in gastric reduction surgery includes a main chamber composed of a biocompatible material capable of being selectively inflated. The medical instrument also includes a longitudinally extending tab member secured to an outer surface of the main chamber, a series of suction holes are formed along the tab member and an electrode is mounted on the tab member. The present invention also provides a method for forming a tissue junction used in defining a gastric pouch including damaging opposed tissue layers, apposing the tissue layers and fastening the tissue layers to allow the tissue layers to heal together.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector having at least one sensor. The instrument includes a distal stapling unit for performing at least one surgical task operatively connected to a remotely controllable user interface. The instrument further includes an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector, wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The instrument also includes a housing at a proximate end of the shaft configured to receive mechanical or electrical inputs. In addition, the instrument has a receiver unit electrically insulated from the shaft configured to receive and send wireless signals from and to the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector in a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal second drive signal are different over the first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument comprising an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonate frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector in a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal second drive signal are different over the first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument comprising an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonate frequency.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue may comprise a handle, a trigger, an electrical input, and a shaft extending from the handle. The surgical instrument may comprise and end effector first and second tissue engaging surfaces that are slanted with respect to a transection plane. The end effector may, for example, have an electrode defining a V-shaped cross sectional profile. The end effector may comprise a plurality of raised surfaces that are received by a plurality of indentions when the end effector is in the closed position. The end effector may comprise a cutting member having a plurality of bands.

Abstract: A marking apparatus includes a selectively inflatable balloon. The balloon includes an external lumen adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The external lumen includes ports for creating a vacuum at the ports sufficient to draw walls of the gastric cavity into contact with the external lumen. The balloon is further provided with RF energy delivery devices. In accordance with an alternate embodiment, a marking apparatus includes an elongated, hollow body, the hollow body including a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow body includes at least one suction trough in which a plurality of holes is disposed to draw suction on tissue. The at least one suction trough extends along a substantial portion of the hollow body as it extends from its distal end to its proximal end.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element during the operational stroke may be regulated by at least one electromagnet and at least one electromagnetic engagement surface.

Abstract: An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue thereby causing current to flow through the tissue and, as a result, generate heat within the tissue. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fluid circulatory system embedded within at least a portion the end effector wherein, in at least one embodiment, the fluid can be dispensed from the fluid circulatory system and onto the jaws of the end effector and/or the tissue positioned between the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector that has a shaft coupled thereto that is coupled to a robotic system. A tool mounting portion includes an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. A power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor is provided.

Abstract: Various forms of surgical instruments are disclosed. In various embodiments, an end effector having operable and closable jaws is attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft such that portions of the jaws are axially offset from the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are coupled to an actuation arrangement that permits portions of the jaws to be moved out of axial alignment with the elongate shaft. Other jaw embodiments are configured to facilitate tissue dissection. Electrosurgical instruments are also disclosed. One embodiment employs a flexible electrode that is conformable to tissue.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic transducer in a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal is different from the second drive signal over the respective first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator configured to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector having at least one sensor. The instrument includes a distal stapling unit for performing at least one surgical task operatively connected to a remotely controllable user interface. The instrument further includes an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector, wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The instrument also includes a housing at a proximate end of the shaft configured to receive mechanical or electrical inputs. In addition, the instrument has a receiver unit electrically insulated from the shaft configured to receive and send wireless signals from and to the sensor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft includes a first sensor element. An end effector is coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes a second sensor element. A handle is connected to the proximate end of the shaft. The handle includes a control unit. The control unit is in communication with the first sensor element and the first sensor element is in wireless communication with the second sensor element.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector, a shaft connected to the end effector, and a handle connected to the shaft. The handle comprises an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. The handle also comprises a power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor.