Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly having a distal engagement member and configured to supply ultrasonic energy. A waveguide defines a longitudinal axis and has a proximal engagement member configured to threadingly engage the distal engagement member. The waveguide is configured to transmit the ultrasonic energy therealong to a distal end thereof for treating tissue. A torque member is coupled to the transducer assembly and is disposed about the longitudinal axis. The torque member is selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis and relative to the waveguide to threadingly engage the transducer assembly and the waveguide to one another. The torque member includes a plurality of fingers pivotably coupled thereto and movable between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, each finger extends substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis to define a moment arm that facilitates the engagement of the transducer assembly and the waveguide.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector assembly, a drive assembly, and an extension depending from the handle. The extension includes a proximal surface having a first proximal cam portion defining a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second proximal cam portion defining a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Initial actuation of the handle from a non-actuated position causes the first proximal cam portion to contact the first portion of the drive assembly causing a first movement of the at least one jaw member, and a subsequent actuation of the handle causes the second proximal cam portion to contact the first portion of the drive assembly causing a second movement of the at least one jaw member.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw member of an end effector includes providing a metal support base; engaging a plurality of ceramic stops to the metal support base; and coupling an insulative plate and a sealing plate to the metal support base by aligning the plurality of ceramic stops through a plurality of openings defined in the insulative plate and a plurality of openings defined in the sealing plate.

Abstract: A surgical forceps including an end effector assembly has first and second jaw members. At least one of the first or second jaw members has a jaw frame defining a channel therein, an insulative member disposed within the channel of the jaw frame, and an electrically-conductive plate having a tissue contacting surface and at least one folded side portion. The insulative member includes a top portion having a tissue facing surface. The tissue contacting surface of the electrically-conductive plate is disposed on the tissue facing surface of the insulative member. The at least one folded side portion of the electrically-conductive plate is folded over the top portion of the insulative member such that the electrically-conductive plate conforms to a shape of the top portion of the insulative member.

Abstract: A sphincter assist device includes a plurality of interconnected and adjacent links which define a ring. Each link includes a body section and a latch cam. The body section includes a first set of side beams and a first set of snap arms. The latch cam includes a post extending from the body section and a cam disposed at an end portion of the post. The cam is engagable with the first set of snap arms of an adjacent link. Translation of the cam displaces the first set of snap arms and the first set of side beams to transition the sphincter assist device between open and closed configurations. The first set of snap arms, in combination with the first set of side beams, exert a positive non-linear force profile on the cam, thus defining a non-linear force profile of the sphincter assist device between the open and closed configurations.

Abstract: A method of forming a jaw member of an end effector includes providing a metal support base; engaging a plurality of ceramic stops to the metal support base; and coupling an insulative plate and a sealing plate to the metal support base by aligning the plurality of ceramic stops through a plurality of openings defined in the insulative plate and a plurality of openings defined in the sealing plate.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an inner shaft coupled to and extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft, an outer sheath that is fixed to the housing, extends distally from the housing, and is disposed about the inner shaft, and an insulative sleeve. The insulative sleeve is positioned between the inner shaft and the outer sheath. The insulative sleeve is movable relative to the inner shaft and the outer sheath between a storage position, wherein the insulative sleeve is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and a deployed position, wherein the insulative sleeve substantially surrounds the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle movable between first and second positions for transitioning an end effector assembly between states and to a third position for returning the handle. A latch arm coupled to the handle includes one or more engagement members. A latch block defines a guide track having a latching path configured to guide the engagement member(s) therealong, an engagement portion configured to engage the engagement member(s) to latch the handle in the second position, and a return path configured to guide the engagement member(s) therealong. A first step interdisposed between the latching path and engagement portion guides the engagement member(s) into engagement with the engagement portion and inhibits the engagement member(s) from returning along the latching path. A second step interdisposed between the engagement portion and the return path guides the engagement member(s) along the return path and inhibits the engagement member(s) from re-engaging the engagement portion.

Abstract: A battery autoclaving system is provided including a battery pack having a housing, a battery cell disposed within the housing, and an isolation region disposed between the housing and the battery cell. The isolation region may be formed at least partially from at least one of a thermal insulating material, a phase change material or any combination thereof. The system may include a temperature sensor adapted to sense at least one of a temperature of the battery cell temperature of the isolation region. The system may include and an autoclave configured to receive a temperature indication from the temperature sensor and to inhibit autoclaving when the temperature indication exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable between spaced-apart, first approximated, and second approximated positions. A knife is selectively movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is selectively actuatable between a un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position for moving the knife between its respective positions. A control member prevents movement of the trigger when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, permits movement of the trigger to the first actuated position but prevents movement beyond the first actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the first approximated position, and permits movement of the trigger to the second actuated position but prevents movement beyond the second actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the second approximated position.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector assembly, a drive assembly, a support, a roller, and an extension depending from the handle. The end effector assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other jaw member. The drive assembly includes a drive bar extending at least partially through the elongated shaft such that longitudinal translation of the drive bar causes movement of the jaw members. The extension includes a proximal surface and a channel defined therein. The proximal surface is configured to contact a portion of the drive assembly such that movement of the handle with respect to the housing causes longitudinal translation of the drive bar. The channel is positioned for mechanical engagement by the roller.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector assembly, and a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and is configured to longitudinally translate a drive member. The trigger assembly includes a trigger, a gear assembly, a spool, a slider, and a flexible drive member. The trigger is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the gear assembly. The flexible drive member is configured to engage the gear assembly, the spool, and the slider. Movement of the trigger with respect to the housing results in movement of the flexible drive member with respect to the housing and longitudinal movement of the slider with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable between spaced-apart, first approximated, and second approximated positions. A knife is selectively movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is selectively actuatable between a un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position for moving the knife between its respective positions. A control member prevents movement of the trigger when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, permits movement of the trigger to the first actuated position but prevents movement beyond the first actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the first approximated position, and permits movement of the trigger to the second actuated position but prevents movement beyond the second actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the second approximated position.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom, an outer sleeve disposed about the shaft and selectively translatable relative to the shaft, a first drive shaft disposed within the shaft and translatable relative to the shaft independently of the outer sleeve, a second drive shaft disposed within the first drive shaft and coupled to the outer sleeve to translate in conjunction with the outer sleeve, and a rotatable nose wheel. The rotatable nose wheel is mounted about a distal end of the housing and is rotatably coupled to each of the outer sleeve, the shaft, the first drive shaft, and the second drive shaft such that rotation of the rotatable nose wheel effects corresponding rotation of the outer sleeve, the shaft, the first drive shaft, and the second drive shaft in conjunction with one another and relative to the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical navigation system for tracking an instrument relative to a patient. The system can track a portion of the patient, an instrument, and/or both relative to image data, a coordinate system, an atlas, a morphed atlas, or combinations thereof. The system can include a tracking device on the instrument to provide six degree of freedom information regarding the location of the instrument.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members is configured to conduct energy between the jaw members and through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is configured to apply energy to tissue to treat tissue when the insulative tubular member is disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a handle, an elongated shaft, an end effector assembly, a drive assembly, and an extension depending from the handle. The extension includes a proximal surface having a first proximal cam portion defining a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and a second proximal cam portion defining a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Initial actuation of the handle from a non-actuated position causes the first proximal cam portion to contact the first portion of the drive assembly causing a first movement of the at least one jaw member, and a subsequent actuation of the handle causes the second proximal cam portion to contact the first portion of the drive assembly causing a second movement of the at least one jaw member.