Abstract: A removable stapling attachment configured to be operably attached to a surgical device is disclosed. The removable stapling attachment comprises a staple cartridge carrier and a staple cartridge body. The removable stapling attachment further comprises a plurality of staples removably stored in the staple cartridge body, an anvil supported relative to the staple cartridge carrier and movable from an open position to a closed position, and a housing. The housing is removably attachable to the surgical device. The removable stapling attachment further comprises an electric motor attached to the housing. The electric motor is configured to produce rotational motion. The electric motor selectively receives power from a power source only when the housing is coupled to the surgical device. The removable stapling attachment further comprises drive means for converting the rotational motion produced by the electric motor to translational motion to eject the staples from the staple cartridge body.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A disposable loading unit for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The disposable loading unit comprises a cutting member, an anvil, and a first replaceable stapling jaw assembly. The first replaceable stapling jaw assembly comprises a first cartridge body and first staples. The disposable loading unit further comprises a second replaceable stapling jaw assembly comprising a second cartridge body and second staples. The disposable loading unit further comprises a lockout that prevents the first replaceable stapling jaw assembly from being fired after the first replaceable stapling jaw assembly has been at least partially fired. The surgical stapling instrument and the disposable loading unit are configured to deploy the second staples from the second replaceable stapling jaw assembly with which the first replaceable stapling jaw assembly is replaced.

Abstract: A stapling assembly configured to be operably attached to a surgical system comprises a carrier operably supporting a cartridge assembly therein and an anvil. The stapling assembly further comprises a housing removably attachable to the surgical system and an axial drive assembly. The stapling assembly further comprises a motor supported within the housing, wherein the motor is operable to selectively transmit a rotary motion to the axial drive assembly. The motor can only transmit the rotary motion to the axial drive assembly when the housing is coupled to the surgical system and a power source is selectively coupled with the motor.

Abstract: A stapling assembly for use with a stapling system comprises a mounting portion and an elongate shaft. The stapling assembly further comprises a cartridge body and a firing member. The stapling assembly further comprises a motor drive and a power input configured to supply power to the motor drive. The stapling assembly further comprises a first powered state prior to the staple firing stroke and a second powered state in which the power input supplies power to the motor drive to perform the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises an engagement member for removably coupling the housing to a surgical system. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a drive member and a motor positioned in the housing, wherein the motor is operable to selectively move the drive member. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises at least one electrical contact supported by the housing, wherein the at least one electrical contact is operable to supply power from a power source to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the surgical system.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A stapling assembly system for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling assembly system comprises a shaft portion and a first replaceable cartridge jaw that comprises a first retainer configured to prevent first staple drivers from falling out of said first replaceable cartridge jaw. The stapling assembly system further comprises a second replaceable cartridge jaw that comprises a second retainer configured to prevent second staple drivers from falling out of said second replaceable cartridge jaw. The stapling assembly system further comprises a second jaw comprising an anvil, a firing member configured to engage said first staple drivers during a first firing stroke of said firing member and said second staple drivers during a second firing stroke of said firing member, and a lockout configured to selectively prevent said firing member from being advanced through a said firing stroke.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: A detachable motor-powered surgical instrument. The instrument may include a housing that includes at least one engagement member for removably attaching the housing to an actuator arrangement. A motor is supported within the housing for supplying actuation motions to various portions of a surgical end effector coupled to the housing. The housing may include a contact arrangement that is configured to permit power to be supplied to the motor only when the housing is operably attached to the actuator arrangement.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A tension release mechanism is associated with the tension element.

Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.

Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.

Abstract: A marker deployment tool may comprise a marker cannula having a lateral deployment aperture, a push rod slidably disposed within the marker cannula and a scalloped tip coupled to the distal end of the marker cannula. The scalloped tip may have a push rod recess configured to receive a portion of the distal end of the push rod such that the push rod does not appreciably extend out of the lateral deployment aperture when the push rod is actuated distally. The marker deployment tool may further comprise a magnet at or near the distal end. This magnet may be used in combination with a magnet or plurality of magnets disposed about an access chamber in a tissue sample holder to assist the user in aligning the marker deployment tool. The access chamber in the tissue sample holder may also include a valve, two valves, or a removable plug.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a motor, a power source, a vacuum source, and a cutter translation assembly. The needle extends distally from the body and receives tissue. The cutter translates with respect to the needle to sever tissue received by the needle. The motor is disposed within the body and rotates a drive shaft in a first direction. The power source is disposed within the body and powers the motor. The vacuum source is disposed within the body and provides vacuum in at least one of the needle and the cutter. The cutter translation assembly is disposed within the body and translates the cutter proximally and distally with respect to the needle in response to rotation of the drive shaft in the first direction.