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: In various embodiments, an anvil of a disposable loading unit including a first member having staple pockets for deforming staples, a first cover plate secured to the first member, and a second cover plate secured to at least one of the first member and the first cover plate, wherein the first and second cover plates can be configured to support the first member. In at least one embodiment, an anvil can include a first member inserted into a second member, where at least one of the first and second members can be deformed to retain one to the other. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a disposable loading unit comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve can be configured to be slid relative to the staple cartridge and the anvil to hold the anvil in a closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with disposable loading units. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus includes a retraction system that interfaces with an actuation shaft that is movably supported within a handle housing. The actuation shaft is configured to move axially within the handle housing from a fully retracted position to a fully fired position in response to manipulation of a movable handle operably mounted to the handle housing. The retraction system serves to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position when the actuation shaft has moved to the fully fired position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An end effector for use in an endoscopic device. The end effector includes a cup having a longitudinally extending median plane and opposite side walls extending on opposite sides of the median plane. Each of the side walls extends between a front end and a back end. Each of the side walls is spaced a first distance from the median plane at a position between the front end and the back end and spaced a second distance from the median plane different from the first distance at the front end. The cup also has an end wall extending across the front ends of the side walls.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an elongate member having opposite ends, and a clevis attached to one end of the opposite ends. The clevis has a pair of spaced arms. The instrument includes a pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis, and an end effector having a pivot hole receiving the pin extending between the spaced arms of the clevis for pivotal movement relative to the clevis and a control arm for pivoting the end effector about the pin. The instrument also includes an actuator wire having a helical portion connected to the control arm of the end effector.

Abstract: A stamped jaw for use in an endoscopic device. The jaw includes a cup having opposite side walls extending longitudinally along the jaw, and an end wall extending between the side walls. The opposite side walls have a first tooth profile and the end wall has a second tooth profile different from the first tooth profile.

Abstract: A stamped jaw for use in an endoscopic device including a cup having opposite side walls extending longitudinally along the jaw spaced equally from and on opposite sides of a longitudinally extending median plane, and an end wall extending between the side walls. The jaw also includes a hinge extension attached to the cup having a hinge pin opening adapted to receive a hinge pin to pivotally connect the jaw with an identical second jaw, an inner face surrounding the hinge pin opening extending along the median plane, and an outer face positioned to abut a clevis when assembled in the endoscopic device.

Abstract: An end effector for use in an endoscopic device including a cup, and a hinge extension formed separately from the cup and connected to the cup. The hinge extension has a pivot for pivotally connecting the end effector to an identical second end effector.

Abstract: An endoscopic device including an elongate member having opposite ends, and a clevis attached to one end of the opposite ends. The clevis includes a barrel having at least one slot longitudinally extending completely through the barrel. The device includes a pair of jaws mounted on the clevis for pivotal movement. Each of the jaws has an end opposite the elongate member. The device includes an actuator member operatively connected to the pair of jaws for moving the jaws between a closed position in which the end of the corresponding jaw is positioned adjacent the other jaw and an open position in which an end of the jaw is spaced from the other jaw.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic device including an elongate flexible member having opposite ends, an effector assembly mounted on one of the opposite ends of the flexible member, and a handle mounted on the end of the flexible member opposite the effector assembly. The handle includes a fastener for receiving a portion of the flexible member spaced from the end of the member opposite the effector assembly. The device also includes an actuator assembly extending through the flexible member and operatively connected to the effector assembly for actuating the effector.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a medical catheter, a rotatable member, an injection needle, and at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the rotatable member. The medical catheter has a distal end. The rotatable member is connected to the medical catheter and is rotatable with respect to the medical catheter. The injection needle is movable to extend from, and to retract within, the distal end of the medical catheter. A second endoscope adjunct includes a medical catheter, a rotatable member, and at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the rotatable member. The medical catheter has a distal end and has a lumen adapted to receive the injection needle. The rotatable member is connected to the medical catheter is rotatable with respect to the medical catheter.

Abstract: A patient support (10) is provided for supporting a patient. Patient support (10) includes a frame (12), a deck (16), a mattress (18) and siderails (24 and 26).

Abstract: One medical-treatment electrode assembly includes a medical-treatment flexible electrode supported on the outer surface of a sidewall of a flexible tube which is insertable into a patient. Another assembly includes two electrodes supported on the outer surface of a flexible tube, wherein a video camera of a flexible endoscope inserted into the tube can view patient tissue between the two electrodes. An additional assembly includes apparatus for moving patient tissue into a sidewall opening of a tube which supports a medical-treatment electrode to tighten patient tissue outside the tube against the medical-treatment electrode. A method for medical treatment includes moving patient tissue into a sidewall opening of a tube which supports a medical-treatment electrode to tighten patient tissue outside the tube into substantially full contact with the medical-treatment electrode.

Abstract: A first medical instrument includes a medical catheter, a rotatable member, an injection needle, and at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the rotatable member. The medical catheter has a distal end. The rotatable member is connected to the medical catheter and is rotatable with respect to the medical catheter. The injection needle is movable to extend from, and to retract within, the distal end of the medical catheter. A second endoscope adjunct includes a medical catheter, a rotatable member, and at least one medical-treatment electrode supported by the rotatable member. The medical catheter has a distal end and has a lumen adapted to receive the injection needle. The rotatable member is connected to the medical catheter is rotatable with respect to the medical catheter.