Abstract: A method of applying a buttress to a surgically cut and stapled site uses an end effector with a buttress applier cartridge assembly to load one or more buttress assemblies to the end effector. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The adhesive of the buttress assemblies can include a pattern to assist in both attachment to the end effector and release from the end effector after cutting and stapling a tissue site. The buttress applier cartridge can include features that accommodate end effectors having various tip configurations, including straight tips and curved or bent tips.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing access to a file. The methods and systems may include locking access to the file using a password accessible security setting. The methods and systems may include designating a password as an unlock password. The methods and systems may include communicating the password to a first group of users. The methods and systems may include providing a prompt to input the unlock password upon a request to access the file. The methods and systems may include providing access to the file in response to inputting the unlock password. The methods and systems may include authenticating each unauthenticated user that inputs the unlock password. The methods and systems may include deactivating the password as the unlock password. The methods and systems may include removing authentication from a user in response to the user meeting a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured to compensate for battery pack and drivetrain failures. One method includes generating a firing sequence, determining whether a subset of rechargeable battery cells is damaged during the firing sequence, and stepping-up an output voltage of the battery pack to complete the firing sequence in response to a determination that a subset of the rechargeable battery cells is damaged. Another method includes generating a mechanical output to motivate a drivetrain to transmit a motion to a jaw assembly of the surgical instrument, activating a safe mode in response to an acute failure of the drivetrain, and activating a bailout mode in response to a catastrophic failure of the drivetrain. Another method includes driving a drivetrain, sensing and recording vibration information from the drivetrain, generating an output signal based on the vibration information, and determining a status of the surgical instrument based on the output signal.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed comprising a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge positionable in the cartridge channel, and a firing assembly configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge is not positioned in the cartridge channel. Moreover, the firing assembly is configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge has been at least partially spent.

Abstract: A catheter having a distal tip with an inner layer formed of a polymeric material having a coefficient of friction and surface energy which are relatively low, such that the inner layer has a lubricious, non-polar inner surface repulsive to polar liquids. As a result, blood coagulation in the distal tip, and adherence of the distal tip on the guidewire are prevented or minimized.