Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an elongate body portion defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector supported on a distal portion of the elongated body portion, and a deployment member extending from the elongate body portion into the end effector. The end effector includes a housing having a base portion and a jaw portion, an anvil assembly supported on the jaw portion, and a cartridge assembly releasably supported on the base portion. The cartridge assembly includes an alignment pin assembly. The deployment member includes a distal portion supporting an abutment member and is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The abutment member is releasably coupled to the alignment pin assembly when the deployment member is in the retracted position and is fixedly secured to the alignment pin assembly when the deployment member is moved from the retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an elongate body portion defining a longitudinal axis, and an end effector supported on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The end effector includes a housing having a base portion and a jaw portion, an anvil assembly supported on the jaw portion, and a cartridge assembly releasably supported on the base portion. A tissue guide member is operably secured relative to the cartridge assembly to facilitate alignment of the cartridge assembly through a firing stroke.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly pivotally coupled to one another. A locking member is rotatably supported on a distal portion of the cartridge assembly and positioned for receipt in a bore defined in a distal portion of the anvil. The locking member is operably coupled to a sled for advancing staples from the cartridge assembly. Advancement of the sled rotates the locking member relative to the bore to approximate the distal portions of the anvil and cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an elongate body portion defining a longitudinal axis, an end effector supported on a distal portion of the elongated body portion, and a deployment member extending from the elongate body portion into the end effector. The end effector includes a housing having a base portion and a jaw portion, an anvil assembly supported on the jaw portion, and a cartridge assembly releasably supported on the base portion. The cartridge assembly includes an alignment pin assembly. The deployment member includes a distal portion supporting an abutment member and is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The abutment member is releasably coupled to the alignment pin assembly when the deployment member is in the retracted position and is fixedly secured to the alignment pin assembly when the deployment member is moved from the retracted position.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly pivotally coupled to one another. A locking member is rotatably supported on a distal portion of the cartridge assembly and positioned for receipt in a bore defined in a distal portion of the anvil. The locking member is operably coupled to a sled for advancing staples from the cartridge assembly. Advancement of the sled rotates the locking member relative to the bore to approximate the distal portions of the anvil and cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An intraoperative lens cleaning device includes a handle component and a tool assembly supported on a distal portion of the handle component. The handle component includes a grip portion and an elongate body portion. The tool assembly includes a distal loop portion that defines an opening and is formed of a resilient material that is deformable to a deformed configuration to be received within a trocar-cannula assembly. A cleaning member is formed from a biocompatible material and is supported on the distal loop portion to cover the opening.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access apparatus includes an integral filter and evacuation port for filtering of fluids, e.g., smoke, from an operating site and removing contaminants and/or odor from the fluids for release of the filtered fluids into the ambient atmosphere. The seal assembly may be a separate subassembly or component which is releasably couplable to the access apparatus or may be integral with the access apparatus. The seal assembly defines its own flow path independent of the insufflation mechanism of the cannula assembly, and is capable of filtering fluids even in the presence of a surgical object positioned within the cannula assembly.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a surgical instrument, particularly, a surgical stapling instrument provides significant mechanical advantages by increasing the length of the firing stroke of the surgical instrument while reducing the degree of movement of the trigger associated with the trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism also reduces the forces required to actuate the trigger thereby enhancing usability and minimizing operator fatigue.