Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body including a deck and projections extending from the deck is disclosed. When used with a surgical stapling instrument, the deck of the staple cartridge can be compressed against patient tissue before the staples contained in the staple cartridge are ejected. The projections are engaged with the patient tissue and hold the patient tissue in place. The staple cartridge further comprises an electrical trace defined on the deck that extends between at least two of the projections. The electrical trace is part of a sensor system that detects properties of the patient tissue positioned against the projections.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a flex circuit comprising a sensor system.

Abstract: Methods of operating a surgical instrument are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

Abstract: Methods of operating a surgical instrument are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a flex circuit comprising a sensor system.

Abstract: Articulation joint arrangements for facilitating multi-axis articulation of a surgical end effector relative to a shaft assembly of a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a flex circuit comprising a sensor system.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot joints and surgical instrument drive shafts formed using additive manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been fully actuated. In certain instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been actuated to sufficiently deform the staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been fully actuated. In certain instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been actuated to sufficiently deform the staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a jaw closure lockout system. The first jaw can comprise a pivot pin slot and a slide pin slot. The second jaw can comprise an anvil and, in addition, a mounting portion comprising a pivot pin, which can be movably positioned in the pivot pin slot. A shiftable guide can be movably positioned in the first jaw and can comprise a body and a barrier wall. The body can comprise a slide pin movably positioned in the slide pin slot. The barrier wall can be aligned with a portion of the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned within a range of positions in the slide pin slot, and the barrier wall can be offset from the pivot pin slot when the slide pin is positioned outside the range of positions.

Abstract: Multi-axis pivot joints and surgical instrument drive shafts formed using additive manufacturing methods.

Abstract: Articulation joint arrangements for facilitating multi-axis articulation of a surgical end effector relative to a shaft assembly of a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been fully actuated. In certain instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been actuated to sufficiently deform the staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapling attachment configured to clamp, staple, and cut tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapling attachment comprises an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly comprises a firing system configured to cut tissue only after the tissue has been stapled.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been fully actuated. In certain instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been actuated to sufficiently deform the staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed which comprises a staple firing system and a tissue cutting system. In various instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been fully actuated. In certain instances, the instrument is configured to prevent the tissue cutting system from being operated before the staple firing system has been actuated to sufficiently deform the staples.