Abstract: A surgical instrument and related methods are disclosed. The instrument has a first jaw, a second jaw, and a first actuator. The first actuator has a cam mechanism to engage the first jaw to effectuate movement of the first jaw between an open position, a clamping position, and a closed position. Movement of the first jaw between the open position and the clamping position includes a rotational component. Movement of the first jaw between the clamping position and the closed position is translational.

Abstract: A surgical staple, stapler, and related methods are disclosed. A surgical staple has a pair of staple legs and a backspan positioned between the pair of staple legs, the backspan and the pair of staple legs formed by bending a wire. At least one recess is positioned in the wire to influence a folding direction of at least one staple leg during tissue stapling. The surgical staple is configured to pierce tissue only once with each staple leg during the tissue stapling.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument has a pair of pivotable juxtaposed jaw members and a locking mechanism operatively associated with a second of the jaw members. The locking mechanism has a first position engaged with the second jaw member for preventing movement of the second jaw member between an axially aligned orientation and at least one angled orientation, and a second position. The second position is disengaged from the second jaw member allowing for movement of the second jaw member between the axially aligned orientation and the at least one angled orientation. The instrument has an actuation mechanism operatively connected to a first of the jaw members with the actuation mechanism operable to move the first jaw member between an axially aligned first orientation and at least one angled orientation. An articulation knob is operatively associated with the locking mechanism and effectuates independent operation of the locking and actuation mechanisms.