Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies are disclosed herein which are an improvement over previous staple cartridge assemblies. Certain embodiments utilize tri-staple drivers which simultaneously eject three staples from a staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling anvil is disclosed comprising an anvil body including a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple forming pockets, and a longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot comprises a first portion configured to receive a cutting edge of a firing member therethrough and a second portion configured to receive an anvil-camming portion of the firing member therethrough. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap welded to the anvil body, wherein the anvil cap comprises a welded portion and a non-welded portion, wherein the non-welded portion comprises a non-welded width, and wherein the non-welded width is less than or equal to about 105% of the width of the second portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed comprising a firing member, a motor configured to advance the firing member, a current sensor, and a control system configured to set a target firing speed range of the firing member based on a current draw of the motor sensed by the current sensor, set a threshold current draw range corresponding to the target firing speed range of the firing member, advance the firing member at a firing speed within the target firing speed range, monitor a current draw of the motor as the firing member is driven, compare the monitored current draw to the threshold current draw range, and adjust the firing speed of the firing member based on the monitored current draw crossing below a first non-zero current value corresponding to the threshold current draw range or above a second non-zero current value corresponding to the threshold current draw range.

Abstract: Methods for operating a surgical end effector that includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled together and are selectively movable between a fully open position and fully closed position. At least one method includes moving a dynamic clamping assembly through a closure stroke to apply a closure motion to the first and second jaws to move the first and second jaws from the fully open position to the fully closed position. A method also includes moving the dynamic clamping assembly through a firing stroke to perform a surgical function until the dynamic clamping assembly reaches an ending position within the closed first and second jaws. A method also includes moving the dynamic clamping assembly in direction configured to contact at least one positive jaw opening feature on at least one of the first and second jaws with to move the first and second jaws to the fully open position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument having an elongate shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly about the articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw. A replaceable staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body having a deck with a first tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined therein and a second tissue-facing surface stepped relative to the first tissue-facing surface. The replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a sled with a cutting surface. The end effector further comprises a drive screw extending longitudinally therewithin and a bearing, wherein a distal end of the drive screw is received by the bearing.

Abstract: Various robotic surgical systems are disclosed. A robotic surgical system comprises a first motor; a second motor; and a robotic surgical tool. The robotic surgical tool comprises: a first rotary driver configured to receive a first rotary motion from the first motor; a second rotary driver configured to receive a second rotary motion from the second motor; an output drive; and a shifter configured to selectively couple the first rotary driver and the second rotary driver to the output drive. The first rotary driver and the second rotary driver are configured to concurrently supply torque to the output drive in a high-torque operating state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. In one form, the surgical instrument includes a housing that has an interchangeable shaft assembly removably attached thereto. The interchangeable shaft assembly includes an elongate shaft that has a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto for selective articulation relative to the elongate shaft. An articulation system is configured to selectively apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector when the articulation system is in an actuated orientation. A locking arrangement prevents detachment of the interchangeable shaft assembly from the housing when the articulation system is in the actuated orientation.

Abstract: A modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular shaft assembly includes one or more inputs configured to receive input motions from a surgical instrument system, such as a handle, for example. The shaft assembly further includes one or more on-board inputs configured to generate input motions. The input motions received and generated by the shaft assembly are transferrable to an end effector of the shaft assembly to perform various functions at the end effector. The end effector can include a staple cartridge and a firing member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The end effector can include a plurality of jaw members and the firing member can comprise camming members which are configured to position the jaw members relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising an end effector and a system configured to feed staples into the end effector is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: An interactive control unit is disclosed. The interactive control unit includes an interactive touchscreen display, an interface configured to couple the control unit to a surgical hub, a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive input commands from the interactive touchscreen display located inside a sterile field and transmit the input commands to the surgical hub to control devices coupled to the surgical hub located outside the sterile field.

Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies are disclosed herein which are an improvement over previous staple cartridge assemblies. Certain embodiments utilize tri-staple drivers which simultaneously eject three staples from a staple cartridge.

Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument comprises a plurality of sensors, and a status module releasably connected to the surgical instrument. The status module comprises a plurality of contacts, a circuit, and a plurality of indicators. Each individual contact is in electrical communication with a different sensor. The circuit is in electrical communication with at least one of the contacts. At least one of the indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument having an elongate shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly about the articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw. A replaceable staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body having a deck with a first tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined therein and a second tissue-facing surface stepped relative to the first tissue-facing surface. The replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a sled with a cutting surface. The end effector further comprises a drive screw extending longitudinally therewithin and a bearing, wherein a distal end of the drive screw is received by the bearing.

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: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an end effector that comprises a staple channel and an anvil that is movably translatable relative to the staple channel. A tool mounting portion is configured to interface with a robotic system and operably communicate with the end effector. The instrument further includes a first sensor that has an output that represents a first condition of a portion of the robotic system. A second sensor has an output that represents a position of the anvil. A third sensor has an output that represents a position of a reciprocating knife within the end effector. An externally accessible memory device communicates with the first, second and third sensors.