Abstract: A suction and irrigation valve for a robotic surgical system includes a shaft assembly, a rotary drive, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly is operatively connected to the rotary drive member and includes a valve body and a valve plug. The valve body has a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, and an outlet. The valve plug is received with the valve body and is configured to rotate about a plug axis relative to the valve body to a first position, a second position, and a third position. The valve plug has at least a first conduit configured to selectively fluidly communicate with each of the outlet and at least one of the first or second fluid inlets.

Abstract: Devices are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. An anastomosis compression assembly includes a first portion and a second portion, each including two or more segments securely fixed together by a pair of degradable joining members, and each further including interlocking mechanisms. The first portion and second portion are configured to be coupled together from different locations within the intestinal tract by the application of force. Once aligned, the first and second portions are securely attached to one another by engaging their respective interlocking mechanisms. After completion of the anastomosis procedure, the degradable links degrade and separate the anastomosis compression assembly into smaller fragments for ease of passage through the patient's intestinal tract.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and is configured to provide an anvil for forming staples. The anvil has staple forming pockets. Each staple forming pocket comprises first and second staple forming surface regions configured to receive respective first and second staple legs. The first and second staple forming surface regions each have a respective length that is greater than half of the length of the staple forming pocket. The staple forming surface regions may include convex surfaces that drive staple legs laterally. The pocket minimizes re-entry of staple leg tips into tissue.

Abstract: Devices are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. An anastomosis compression assembly includes a first portion and a second portion, each including two or more segments securely fixed together by a pair of degradable joining members, and each further including interlocking mechanisms. The first portion and second portion are configured to be coupled together from different locations within the intestinal tract by the application of force. Once aligned, the first and second portions are securely attached to one another by engaging their respective interlocking mechanisms. After completion of the anastomosis procedure, the degradable links degrade and separate the anastomosis compression assembly into smaller fragments for ease of passage through the patient's intestinal tract.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical instrument comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw and is configured to provide an anvil for forming staples. The anvil has staple forming pockets. Each staple forming pocket comprises first and second staple forming surface regions configured to receive respective first and second staple legs. The first and second staple forming surface regions each have a respective length that is greater than half of the length of the staple forming pocket. The staple forming surface regions may include convex surfaces that drive staple legs laterally. The pocket minimizes re-entry of staple leg tips into tissue.

Abstract: Surgical staple cartridge and channel assemblies for attachment to a surgical cutting and stapling instrument.

Abstract: Surgical staple cartridges and end effectors for assessing a size of tissue stapled by the staple cartridge or otherwise manipulated by the end effector. In various forms, the staple cartridge has at least one series of measurement indicia on the deck base that may be viewed from above the deck surface when the anvil is clamping the tissue onto the staple cartridge. Other embodiments include structure for forming a mark on the cartridge deck that corresponds to a size of the tissue supported thereon. Methods for severing and stapling tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical staple cartridge and channel assemblies for attachment to a surgical cutting and stapling instrument.