Abstract: An endoscope system including a first reusable hand-piece and a second reusable hand-piece. The first reusable hand-piece is a different size than the second reusable hand-piece. The first reusable hand-piece and the second reusable hand-piece are selectively attachable and detachable to the same or a different single-use shaft assembly. Varying sizes of reusable hand-piece assemblies provide for improved user ergonomics. Ergonomic variations may include different size reusable hand-piece assemblies, different size articulation control knobs, and/or different distances between the centerline of the housing of the reusable hand-piece and the knobs and/or between the backstrap of the reusable hand-piece and the knobs, customizable to user preference.

Abstract: Arrangements comprising an endoscope system having an endoscope including a reusable hand-piece, a separable single-use shaft assembly, a single-use cartridge and a console are disclosed. Endoscope assemblies having articulation knobs attached by friction fit, multi-stage rotational distance limiters, and/or elevators are disclosed. Components of same, packaging systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, systems, and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. In particular, endoscopes having controls and/or tool port openings one end of an elongate handle and the insertion tube assembly and umbilical extending to the console at another end of the elongate handle are provided. Fluid control and flow path arrangements in the handle of the endoscope are also described as well as configurations for articulation links and constructions for insertion tubes.

Abstract: An endoscopic system comprising an endoscope having a reusable hand-piece and separable single-use shaft assembly, a single-use cartridge and a console. The single-use shaft assembly includes fluid paths and electrical connectors configured to extend through the single-use cartridge. The single-use cartridge comprises a housing defining fluid paths and electrical connectors. The reusable hand-piece comprises articulation control(s) for articulation of the single-use shaft assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The shaft comprises a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and, in addition, a closure actuator translatable relative to the frame. The closure actuator comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a link rotatably connected to the proximal and distal portions about proximal and distal link axes, wherein the proximal and distal link axes define a longitudinal link axis therebetween. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is articulable between an unarticulated position and an articulated position, wherein the articulation axis is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis, and wherein the longitudinal link axis is not collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in either the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that has a first jaw and a second jaw that is pivotally attached to the first jaw for pivotal travel between a fully open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable closure member. The instrument further includes an axially movably firing member that has at least one jaw engagement feature that is configured to apply additional closure motions to the second jaw as the axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal most position to a distalmost position within the first end effector jaw. When the closure member is in a starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal most position, a distal end of the closure member is distal to a distal end of the at least one jaw engagement feature.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. An axially movable closure member is selectively axially movable in a closure direction to move the second jaw from the fully open position to the fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The axially movable closure member includes a first jaw opening feature that is configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the second jaw and a second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and is configured to apply a second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprising an end effector, a shaft assembly, a closure drive system, and a firing drive system is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a dual lock configured to engage a closure member and a firing member to prevent the firing member from being advanced distally from a proximal firing stroke position before the closure member is in a distal closure stroke position. The dual lock is further configured to prevent the closure member from being retracted from the distal closure stroke position before the firing member is returned to the proximal firing stroke position after the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft and an end effector that is articulatable relative to the shaft is disclosed. First and second independently movable articulation drivers are coupled to the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. The first articulation driver is attached to the surgical end effector by a first link that extends transversely relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The second articulation driver is attached to the surgical end effector by a second link that extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis and the first link.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft and an end effector that is articulatable relative to the shaft is disclosed. First and second independently movable articulation drivers are coupled to the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. The first articulation driver is attached to the surgical end effector by a first link that extends transversely relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft. The second articulation driver is attached to the surgical end effector by a second link that extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis and the first link.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly comprising an end effector, a shaft assembly, a closure drive system, and a firing drive system is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a dual lock configured to engage a closure member and a firing member to prevent the firing member from being advanced distally from a proximal firing stroke position before the closure member is in a distal closure stroke position. The dual lock is further configured to prevent the closure member from being retracted from the distal closure stroke position before the firing member is returned to the proximal firing stroke position after the firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. An axially movable closure member is selectively axially movable in a closure direction to move the second jaw from the fully open position to the fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The axially movable closure member includes a first jaw opening feature that is configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the second jaw and a second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and is configured to apply a second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The shaft comprises a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and, in addition, a closure actuator translatable relative to the frame. The closure actuator comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a link rotatably connected to the proximal and distal portions about proximal and distal link axes, wherein the proximal and distal link axes define a longitudinal link axis therebetween. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is articulatable between an unarticulated position and an articulated position, wherein the articulation axis is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis, and wherein the longitudinal link axis is not collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in either the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that has a first jaw and a second jaw that is pivotally attached to the first jaw for pivotal travel between a fully open position and a fully closed position by an axially movable closure member. The instrument further includes an axially movably firing member that has at least one jaw engagement feature that is configured to apply additional closure motions to the second jaw as the axially movable firing member is moved from a proximal most position to a distalmost position within the first end effector jaw. When the closure member is in a starting position and the axially movable firing member is in the proximal most position, a distal end of the closure member is distal to a distal end of the at least one jaw engagement feature.

Abstract: A clamp having at least first and second elongate clamping portions adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the hollow anatomical structure. The first and second elongate clamping portions respectively include ends coupled together with respective resilient urging members configured to urge at least one of the first and second elongate clamping portions toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions from an open position into a clamping position to occlude the hollow anatomical structure. The clamp includes tissue ingrowth structure on the clamping portions.