Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two pluggable end effectors and a pair of spring latches. The two end effectors are moveable end effectors having a jaw portion, an off-center portion, and a base portion in one embodiment. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge may further include a fastener to rotatably couple the end effectors together.

Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge is provided to couple to a mechanical wrist of a surgical instrument for a robotic surgical system. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge includes two pluggable end effectors and a pair of spring latches. The two end effectors are moveable end effectors having a jaw portion, an off-center portion, and a base portion in one embodiment. The replaceable electrosurgical end effector cartridge may further include a fastener to rotatably couple the end effectors together.

Abstract: A method of deforming a plurality of surgical fasteners is provided. The method includes the step of providing a surgical instrument having a loading unit supporting the plurality of surgical fasteners in an array, the surgical instrument having a handle, a distal link, an intermediate link, and a proximal link. The method further includes the steps of moving the handle in a direction to pivot the intermediate link to a position in which the distal link, intermediate link, and proximal link have a fully-extended position, compressing a spring disposed adjacent the proximal link, deforming the surgical fasteners, moving the handle further in the direction, pivoting the intermediate link to another position in which the distal link, intermediate link, and proximal link have a deflected position and releasing the surgical fasteners from the loading unit.

Abstract: A sterile drape, system, and method for draping portions of a telerobotic surgical system are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes an exterior surface adjacent to a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure, and an interior surface forming a cavity for receiving the non-sterile portion of a robotic surgical system, such as a manipulator. The drape further includes an integral cuff including a permanently turned-up fold of the exterior and interior surfaces at an open end of the cavity and a marker on the permanently turned-up fold designating a sterile side and a non-sterile side of the drape.

Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of the handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: A tissue retaining ring for use with a plurality of surgical fasteners mounted within a disposable loading unit utilized during a vascular anastomosis inlcudes a genrally circular, semi-pliable material having a series of alternating loops and arcuate portions. Each of the loops defines an aperture therein which is dimensioned to receive a distal end of one of the plurality of surgical fasteners. When the instrument is fired, the surgical fasteners are simultaneously deformed through the tissue ring and through the tissue. The tissue retaining ring holds the tissue in place along the surgical fastener and reduces the chances of tissue slippage after deformation.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed including a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion releasably mating with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator for sequentially interacting with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engageable with the wedged actuator. A locking mechanism having a locking member and a biasing member is included in the second body portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends and an actuator disposed therebetween. The actuator includes a handle and a link assembly, the link assembly being movable through a firing stroke in response to movement of he handle. The instrument also includes a disposable loading unit releasably attached to the distal end of the housing in mechanical cooperation with the actuator. The disposable loading unit supports a plurality of surgical fasteners, which deform upon movement of the actuator and the link assembly through the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed including a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion releasably mating with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator for sequentially interacting with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engageable with the wedged actuator. A locking mechanism having a locking member and a biasing member is included in the second body portion.

Abstract: A tissue retaining ring for use with a plurality of surgical fasteners mounted within a disposable loading unit utilized during a vascular anastomosis inlcudes a genrally circular, semi-pliable material having a series of alternating loops and arcuate portions. Each of the loops defines an aperture therein which is dimensioned to receive a distal end of one of the plurality of surgical fasteners. When the instrument is fired, the surgical fasteners are simultaneously deformed through the tissue ring and through the tissue. The tissue retaining ring holds the tissue in place along the surgical fastener and reduces the chances of tissue slippage after deformation.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed which includes a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator configured to enter into and translate through the cartridge to sequentially interact with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engagable with the wedged actuator, whereby longitudinal movement of the actuation member causes the wedged actuator to interact with the ejectors, driving the surgical fasteners from the cartridge to be formed against the anvil plate.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing tissue, which includes a housing, an elongated body which extends from the housing and forms an opening at a distal end, the elongated body further forming a tissue receiving cavity in communication with the opening, a cutting member operatively associated with the housing and movable transverse to the elongated body in proximity to the opening, and a tissue retaining member positioned in proximity to the opening and the cutting member, the retaining member being selectively movable from a retracted position to a deployed position, wherein when positioned in the deployed position, the tissue retaining member obstructs at least a portion of the opening at the distal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed which includes a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator configured to enter into and translate through the cartridge to sequentially interact with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engagable with the wedged actuator, whereby longitudinal movement of the actuation member causes the wedged actuator to interact with the ejectors, driving the surgical fasteners from the cartridge to be formed against the anvil plate.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing tissue, which includes (i) an elongated body defining an opening at a distal end and forming a tissue receiving cavity in communication with the opening (ii) a blunt dilator at least partially disposed in the tissue receiving cavity and (iii) a cutting member operatively movable transverse to the elongated body in proximity to the opening.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is disclosed which includes a first body portion supporting an anvil plate defining a fastener forming surface, and a second body portion configured to releasably mate with the first body portion. A disposable loading unit is removably supported in the second body portion and includes a cartridge defining a plurality of slots, a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in the slots, a plurality of ejectors positioned adjacent the surgical fasteners, and a wedged actuator configured to enter into and translate through the cartridge to sequentially interact with the ejectors. An elongated actuation member is mounted for longitudinal movement within the second body portion and is releasably engagable with the wedged actuator, whereby longitudinal movement of the actuation member causes the wedged actuator to interact with the ejectors, driving the surgical fasteners from the cartridge to be formed against the anvil plate.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for securing a needle extending therethrough includes a post having a channel therein mounted to a base. The post is positioned in operative alignment with the needle mounted on the base. A locking member is associated with the post in operative alignment with the needle. The locking member defines an opening therethrough to receive the needle, and the locking member is operable between a needle receiving position wherein the needle may be inserted or removed from the locking member and a needle retaining position wherein the needle is retained in at least one direction of movement.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for securing a needle extending therethrough includes a post having a channel therein mounted to a base. The post is positioned in operative alignment with the needle mounted on the base. A locking member is associated with the post in operative alignment with the needle. The locking member defines an opening therethrough to receive the needle, and the locking member is operable between a needle receiving position wherein the needle may be inserted or removed from the locking member and a needle retaining position wherein the needle is retained in at least one direction of movement.