Abstract: A method of operating a surgical stapler includes advancing a knife assembly at a first velocity until a predetermined force is detected, advancing the knife assembly at a second velocity when the predetermined force is detected, the second velocity being less than the first velocity, and continuing to advance the knife assembly at the second velocity until the knife assembly travels a cutting stroke distance.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a visualization device that extends through a body of the stapling device to facilitate visualization of tissue that surrounds an end effector of the stapling device. An anvil assembly of the surgical stapling device is adapted to facilitate passage of the visualization device through the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical stapler includes advancing a knife assembly at a first velocity until a predetermined force is detected, advancing the knife assembly at a second velocity when the predetermined force is detected, the second velocity being less than the first velocity, and continuing to advance the knife assembly at the second velocity until the knife assembly travels a cutting stroke distance.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an intrusion detection device includes a magnetic field activated sensor and a cascading circuit. The magnetic field activated sensor is operable to detect movement of a corresponding component by sensing a magnetic flux variation of a magnetic device coupled to the component and generate a signal indicating that the corresponding component has moved. The cascading circuit is coupled to the magnetic field activated sensor and is operable to receive the signal generated by the magnetic field activated sensor and to generate a tamper detection signal if the signal indicating that the corresponding component has moved is received or if another tamper detection signal generated by another intrusion detection device is received.