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: A loading unit coupleable to a surgical stapling system is disclosed. The loading unit comprises an end effector, a firing system, and a shaft assembly extending proximally from the end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a clamped position. The firing system comprises a firing assembly and an indicator. The firing assembly is movable toward a distal position through the end effector in response to a firing motion from the surgical stapling system. The indicator is configured to visually communicate a position of the firing assembly to a user of the surgical stapling system. The shaft assembly is removably couplable with the surgical stapling system and comprises an open slot region aligned with the firing assembly. The open slot region extends proximally with respect to the second jaw.

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 surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprising a firing member, an end effector, a closure member, and a shaft including an attachment interface is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly is configured to be attached to a surgical instrument interface by way of the attachment interface. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising staples configured to be ejected by the firing member. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position, a fully-clamped position, and a collapsed position. The end effector further comprises an interconnection between the first jaw and the second jaw defining a rotational axis about which the second iaw is movable relative to the first iaw. The rotational axis is shiftable toward and away from the first iaw as the second iaw is moved between the open position, the fully-clamped position, and the collapsed 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: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprising a staple cartridge carrier, an anvil, an outer surface, a closure member, a staple cartridge, and a firing system is disclosed. The anvil is rotatable between a first position and a second position. The closure member is slideable along the outer surface to hold the anvil in the second position. The closure member comprises a clearance opening. The staple cartridge is positioned within the staple cartridge carrier. The staple cartridge comprises staples removably stored therein. The staple cartridge and the anvil define a tissue gap therebetween when the anvil is in the second position. The clearance opening is aligned with the tissue gap when the anvil is in the second position. The firing system is configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. The firing system engages the staple cartridge carrier and the anvil during the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.

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: A surgical instrument that comprises a housing, an elongate shaft configured for operable attachment to a surgical end effector, and a selectively lockable rotation system is disclosed. The selectively lockable rotation system comprises a mounting member coupled to the elongate shaft and being rotatably supported on the housing for selective rotation relative to the housing about a longitudinal axis defined by the elongate shaft. The selectively lockable rotation system further comprises a switch member supported for selective longitudinal movement relative to the housing and the mounting member between an unlocked position wherein the mounting member is freely rotatable relative to the housing and a locked position wherein a locking formation on a distal end of the switch member is in retaining engagement with the mounting member to prevent the mounting member and the elongate shaft from rotating relative to the housing.

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: 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 surgical stapling assembly that comprises an end effector, a staple cartridge, a plurality of staples, a shaft assembly, a housing, a rotary motion actuator, a first actuation system configured to cause the end effector to perform a first function, and a second actuation system configured to cause the end effector to perform a second function is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a selector arrangement transitionable between a first orientation and a second orientation. The rotary motion actuator is configured to operably interface with the first actuation system in the first orientation to cause the end effector to perform the first function. The rotary motion actuator is configured to operably interface with the second actuation system to cause the end effector to perform the second function in the second orientation.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system for treating the tissue of a patient is provided. Various embodiments of the surgical stapling system include a handle including a rotary motion generator, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit attachable to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge body including a distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a firing system. The firing system includes a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue. The disposable loading unit includes a lockout configured to block the firing system from moving toward the distal end. The surgical stapling system includes an actuation system configured to regulate a force applied to the firing system.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system for treating the tissue of a patient is provided. Various embodiments of the surgical stapling system include a handle including a rotary motion generator, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit attachable to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge body including a distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a firing system, wherein the firing system includes a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue. The surgical stapling system includes an actuation system configured to regulate a firing force applied to the firing system by the rotary motion generator.

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: 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, 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.