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: 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: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw pivotably coupled to said first jaw. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The end effector further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge, a wedge sled assembly comprising a knife, and a drive screw extending longitudinally through the end effector, wherein a rotation of the drive screw in a first direction distally-advances the wedge sled assembly through the end effector during a staple firing stroke. A bearing rotatably supports a distal portion of the drive screw.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a housing, an elongate shaft, an end effector for performing a surgical operation, a firing drive, an advancement assembly, and a retraction assembly is disclosed. The end effector operably supports a firing member that is movable from a proximal position to a fired position during a firing stroke in response to a longitudinal firing motion applied thereto. The firing drive is configured to transmit the longitudinal firing motion to the firing member upon actuation of a firing control actuator. The advancement assembly is supported by the housing and configured to transmit a rotary motion which is exclusively dedicated to the advancement of the firing member through the firing stroke. The retraction assembly is configured for manual rotary actuation about a longitudinal retraction axis. The retraction assembly is exclusively dedicated to the retraction of the firing member from the fired position to the proximal position.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that includes an elongate channel that is attached to a handle assembly by an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate channel is configured to receive a cartridge and has a pivotally translatable anvil attached thereto and a knife bar supported therein. The anvil may be selectively opened and closed by manipulating a closure trigger supported by the handle assembly. The knife bar may be distally advanced through the elongate channel by actuating a firing trigger that cooperates with a reversible rotary drive supported by the handle assembly. The knife bar may also be retracted to its starting position by actuating the firing trigger after the reversible rotary drive has been shifted to a retraction orientation.

Abstract: A stapling instrument for use with a robotic surgical system comprising a drive system including at least three motor-driven drivers is disclosed. The stapling instrument comprises a housing, a shaft, an articulation joint, and a loading unit. The housing comprises a drive interface defined on an exterior surface of the housing. The drive interface is operably engageable with the drive system of the robotic system. The drive interface comprises at least three rotatable inputs positioned thereon. Each input is operably engaged with one of the motor-driven drivers. The loading unit comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, and a drive member. The first jaw and the second jaw are rotatable about the articulation joint by a longitudinally-displaceable articulation actuator. The housing comprises means for converting the rotation of one of the rotatable inputs to the longitudinal motion of the articulation actuator.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising an end effector, a sensing system, a housing, and a control system is disclosed. The end effector comprises a firing member configured to move at least partially through the end effector and a stop configured to create a lockout condition by impeding the advancement of the firing member through the end effector. The sensing system is configured to detect the lockout condition. The housing comprises an electric motor-driven element configured to transmit a force to the firing member. The control system is configured to control the electric motor-driven element. The sensing system is in communication with the control system. The control system controls the electric motor-driven element to adjust the force transmitted to the firing member when the lockout condition is communicated to the control system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a shaft, an end effector, a firing member, a sensor system, an electric motor, a trigger coupled to the electric motor, and a control system is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw. The firing member comprises a first portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw and control a position of the second jaw relative to the first jaw. The sensor system is configured to detect positions of the firing member. The electric motor is configured to move the firing member through a firing stroke. The control system is in communication with the sensor system, the electric motor, and the trigger. The control system is configured to limit a maximum movement of the trigger based on a signal generated by the sensor system.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprising an end effector, an elongate shaft, and a handle is disclosed. The end effector comprises an elongate channel, an anvil, a cartridge including a longitudinal slot, fasteners removably stored in the cartridge, a sled, and a cutting member including a laterally extending member. The handle comprises a motor configured to output a rotary motion, an adaptive control system configured to control the rate of the rotary motion, a switch for energizing the motor, and a power source configured to supply a first power to the motor and a second power to the motor. The first power and the second power are different. The first power is proportionate to a first force experienced by the end effector and the second power is proportionate to a second force experienced by the end effector. The first force is different than the second force.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that includes an elongate channel that is attached to a handle assembly by an elongate shaft assembly. The elongate channel is configured to receive a cartridge and has a pivotally translatable anvil attached thereto and a knife bar supported therein. The anvil may be selectively opened and closed by manipulating a closure trigger supported by the handle assembly. The knife bar may be distally advanced through the elongate channel by actuating a firing trigger that cooperates with a reversible rotary drive supported by the handle assembly. The knife bar may also be retracted to its starting position by actuating the firing trigger after the reversible rotary drive has been shifted to a retraction orientation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising an end effector, a firing member, a handle, and a motor is disclosed. The end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration when a closing motion is applied to the end effector. The firing member is configured to perform a staple firing stroke when a firing motion is applied to the firing member. The motor is configured to generate the firing motion. The surgical instrument system further comprises means for preventing the firing member from performing the staple firing stroke prior to sensing the closing motion. The means comprises a circuit switch.

Abstract: A stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge jaw including staples removably stored therein, an anvil configurable in an unclamped condition and a clamped condition, a closing member configured to move the anvil to the clamped condition, a firing member movable to eject the staples from the staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the firing member is disclosed. The closing member is operably isolated from the rotatable drive member. The stapling instrument further comprises an electric motor operably engaged with the firing member, a battery electrically couplable to the electric motor, a handle, and a sensing system. The electric motor and the battery are positioned in the handle. The sensing system is responsive to the clamped condition of the anvil and the movement of the firing member. The sensing system comprises a lockout configured to prevent a function of the stapling instrument.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.