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: An end effector for stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a frame comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a plurality of staples, a firing system configured to implant the staples into the patient tissue, an implantable layer comprising a tissue-contacting surface and a support surface, and an array of securement members extending above and below the support surface of the implantable layer. The securement members are detached from the frame concurrently with the firing system being actuated to implant the staples.

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: 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 fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include an anvil and, in addition, a staple cartridge support configured to support a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the jaw can be moved toward the staple cartridge to deform staples contained within the staple cartridge. The anvil can be configured to be translated and/or rotated as the anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the anvil can be configured to float and adjust such that the anvil is moved downwardly in a level manner.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: An end effector for stapling and cutting tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a housing, staples removably stored in the housing, a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue, and a collapsible ring. The ring is deployable between a first configuration and a second configuration to engage the tissue. The end effector further comprises an actuator configured to deploy the ring between the first configuration and the second configuration and pull the tissue within the cutting portion after the ring has been engaged with the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: A surgical end effector for use with a surgical stapler for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector may comprise a frame portion, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a rotation joint. The second jaw member is pivotably movable relative to the first jaw member about the rotation joint. The second jaw member is configured to apply a closing motion against the tissue and a firing motion to deform the staples, wherein both the closing motion and the firing motion are applied to the tissue from the same side of the tissue.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can comprise legs which extend upwardly from the deck wherein the deck can further include supports, or guides, which are configured to hold the staple legs in a particular alignment. In at least one such embodiment, the staple legs can extend upwardly from the supports into a tissue thickness compensator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil selectively coupleable to a stapling head assembly and a trigger operable to fire staples into tissue compressed between the anvil and the stapling head assembly. In some versions, a lockout member may engage a securing feature to prevent actuation of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. For instance, a tab may engage a slot on an actuator, a screen door lock may provide frictional resistance or engage teeth on the actuator, a door may actuate into engagement with one or more recesses, geared teeth may mesh with teeth on the actuator, the lockout member may include a ratcheting assembly to engage actuator, and/or a push button may actuate into a recess while disengaging the lockout member. Alternatively, in some versions, the trigger actuation assembly may be disengaged prior to firing. An anvil position indicator may restrict engagement of the trigger actuation assembly.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler can comprise a cartridge deck and a plurality of staples at least partially positioned within the cartridge deck. In various embodiments, the staples can be supported by a support jaw of the surgical stapler and can comprise legs which can extend upwardly through apertures defined in the cartridge deck. In use, the cartridge deck can be pushed downwardly relative to the staples into a well defined in the support jaw.

Abstract: A staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises a base and a deformable leg extending from said base. The staple cartridge further includes a first region comprising a first density, a second region, and a third region comprising a density greater than said first density, wherein said third region is separable into a plurality of pieces.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a pivotable trigger, and a ratcheting assembly. The ratcheting assembly may include a rotary ratchet coupled to the trigger and a pawl coupled to the body. The rotary ratchet may further include a ramp that disengages the ratchet from the pawl. A release feature may be included to selectively disengage a second member of the ratcheting assembly from a first member. In some versions, the release feature may include a rotation knob or a slidable handle. In another configuration, the ratcheting assembly may have a first member coupled to an actuator and a second member coupled to the body. The assembly may include a lock member coupled to the body that selectively engages a plurality of teeth disposed on the actuator. Alternatively, the assembly may include a pivotable pawl coupled to the actuator that engages one or more notches formed in the body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector having an upper jaw and lower jaw. The upper and lower jaws each include an electrode surface. The apparatus also includes a tissue tacking cartridge coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The tissue tacking cartridge includes at least one fastener positioned outside of the electrode surfaces. The fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge. A tack loading cartridge may also be operable to load the end effector with at least one fastener.