Abstract: Imaging system (100) for enabling instrument guidance in an interventional procedure, comprising: —an input (130) for obtaining an interventional path (220) for use in the interventional procedure, the interventional path being planned based on 3D image data (200) of a patient's interior, and the interventional path being indicative of an entry point (230) on the patient's exterior; —a camera (124-127) for obtaining a camera image (270) of the patient's exterior during the interventional procedure; —a processor (140) for i) establishing a spatial correspondence between the camera image and the 3D image data, ii) based on the spatial correspondence, calculating a view (280) of the interventional path that corresponds with the camera image, and iii) combining the view of the interventional path with the camera image to obtain a composite image (290); and —a display output (150) for displaying the composite image on a display (162).

Abstract: A medical imaging system comprising a C-arm supporting a radiation source and a radiation detector, an external protection cover of said C-arm, wherein said C-arm and said cover are separable from each other and are respectively supported by two different vehicles when separated from each other.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking blood flow within a vessel of a patient are presented. At least one or more medical images of the patient are acquired showing at least one vessel of the patient. A user marks a proximal point and a distal point on a vessel of interest on the medical images. The vessel of interest is tracked and corrections are made to the tracking using a tracking algorithm. A composite image is generated that encodes time to peak contrast agent intensity at each point of the vessel of interest as well as the intensity of the contrast at that time. A graph of time to peak contrast agent intensity versus distance from a proximal point of the vessel of interest is calculated and displayed to a user.

Abstract: Substantial reduction of the radiation dose in computed tomography (CT) imaging is shown using a machine-learning dose-reduction technique. Techniques are provided that (1) enhance low-radiation dosage images, beyond just reducing noise, and (2) may be combined with other approaches, such as adaptive exposure techniques and iterative reconstruction, for radiation dose reduction.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for efficient and accurate, automated detection of a region of interest interior to the ribcage from an in vivo mammalian image. It is found that efficient, automated identification of the region of interest interior to the ribcage can be achieved by the use of both a bone distance mask and a surface distance mask. The technique solves the problem of accurate and fast identification of the region of interest for a wide range of sizes and shapes of mammals, e.g., small mammals such as mice.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to generating a 2D projection image of a vascular system of a body region of interest, including: (1) acquiring a 3D dataset of the body region of interest, (2) acquiring at least one 2D projection image of the body region of interest (S3), (3) generating a modified 3D dataset by eliminating vessels whose size exceeds a predetermined limit value, (4) normalizing the 2D projection image using projection data of the modified 3D dataset, (5) eliminating vessel projections in the normalized 2D projection image whose size exceeds a predetermined limit value, (6) interpolating the areas of the 2D projection image in which the vessel projections have been eliminated, and (7) denormalizing the normalized and interpolated 2D projection image using projection data of the modified 3D dataset.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus for readily imaging an object while reducing radiation exposure doses includes a filter that adjusts distribution of a radiation dose transmitted therethrough from a radiation source, a radiation detection unit that detects a radiation dose transmitted through the filter and through an object, a holder that holds the object, an acquisition unit that acquires information about the holder, and a control unit that controls the distribution of the transmitted radiation does according to the information about the holder acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: In order to provide a technique for simplifying pre-examination input tasks for a medical image imaging apparatus, an imaging support system includes the medical image imaging apparatus 1 generating a medical image of the object 4, the position calculation unit 111 detecting a current position of the medical image imaging apparatus 1, the object candidate search unit 116 searching object candidates to be examined based on the current position, the operation unit 31 receiving a selection operation of an object to be examined from among object candidates, and the imaging condition setting unit 93 setting imaging conditions of the object to be examined.

Abstract: A multi-plane imaging transducer generates a plurality of planes of image data from the ultrasound echo information including at least a first plane, a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, and a third plane orthogonal to the first and second planes. The multiplane imaging transducer may further generate a transverse view, sagittal view, and coronal view from derived from previously stated image planes. The transducer is used in association with a guidewire inside a superficial artery, such as the superficial temporal artery. The guidewire has a distal end formed into a knob and has a bend for steering through the artery. The knob is used to allow snaring for mechanical engagement from a femoral artery catheter.

Abstract: A diagnostic device and method for assessing lesion formation by measuring temperature changes during endocardial ablation. Intracardiac echo catheter data is accurately mapped into a model maintained by a visualization, navigation, or mapping system using the position and orientation of the intracardiac echo catheter transducer within the model. For each point in the model, either a frequency shift or echo time shift is calculated from the intracardiac echo data to determine local temperature changes, and the local temperature changes are displayed within a rendering of the model for the user.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a sheath; an ultrasound transducer disposed in the sheath to transmit an ultrasound frequency and to receive an image signal comprising an ultrasound signal and photoacoustic signal; and a plurality of optical fibers interposed between the sheath and ultrasound probe to transmit light; wherein the sheath comprises: a first end configured to accept the ultrasound transducer and plurality of optical fibers; and a second end to pass the ultrasound frequency and light out of the sheath. A process to make the endoscope comprises shaping a material to form a sheath; inserting an ultrasound transducer into the sheath; disposing a plurality of optical fibers into the sheath; and coupling an end of the sheath to the ultrasound transducer. A system for imaging comprises an endoscope; a near-infrared light source coupled endoscope; and an acquisition device to acquire an image signal from the endoscope.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes: a first arm that swings along with rotation of a motor and includes a protrusion; a second arm that rotates along with rotation of a second gear engaged with a first gear attached to a first rotational shaft; a third arm attached to the second arm such that the third arm is rotatable with respect to the second arm; and an ultrasound device connected with the third arm. The protrusion of the first arm is connected with the third arm such that the protrusion is slidable on the third arm along the longitudinal direction of the third arm.

Abstract: A Doppler gate is automatically positioned in spectral Doppler ultrasound imaging. Samples acquired for multiple PW Doppler gates are used for B-mode and/or F-mode detection over time without interleaving transmissions for the PW Doppler. The B-mode and/or F-mode information are used to track gate placement. Alternatively or additionally, characteristics spectra from different gate locations are used to select a gate location. Either tracking may be used to change the locations sampled and/or beam characteristics, such as centering the locations and beam focus on the selected gate location.

Abstract: Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) scanning uses a swept focus in transmit. Using a changing delay or phase profile across the array during the generation of the ARFI pulse, a time varying focus is provided for the ARFI beam. This time varying focus may be used to extend the focus in depth, azimuth, and/or elevation. Less repetition may be needed to measure tissue characteristics from displacements due to the multi or continuous change in foci within a given ARFI transmit beam.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus comprises a position acquisition unit, a data acquisition unit, an alignment unit, a decision unit, and a data generation unit. The position acquisition unit acquires the position of a medical tool in an imaging region with respect to the imaging region at the time of obtaining the medical image. The data acquisition unit acquires volume data corresponding to a three-dimensional region including the imaging region. The alignment unit decides the position of the volume data. The decision unit decides the position of the medical tool with respect to the volume data based on the position of the medical tool and the position of the volume data. The data generation unit generates support volume data by adding support information indicating the position of the medical tool to the volume data.

Abstract: The presented invention provides a detection method for free fluid in the human body. The preprocessing procedure is applied to reduce the speckle noise and enhance tissue volumetric pixels (voxels) intensity levels to make tissue and non-tissue voxels more distinguishable from each other. An initial surface selection step provides flexibility to either manually or automatically selecting a seed point to segment fluid regions in the volumetric data. A kidney and liver organ detection procedure provides a method for determining whether the detected fluid region is a normal fluid-carrying body organ or if it is due to a medical condition as a free fluid region. A combinational approach using a 3-dimensional Snake and Level-Set is utilized to accurately detect fluid regions in the volumetric ultrasound data.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system and method that provide adaptive blood flow visualization by calculating and applying an enhancement factor to each of the pixels in color flow ultrasound image data based on regional flow characteristics detected within the color flow ultrasound image data. The method can include determining for a pixel of a color flow region of interest image, by a processor of an ultrasound system, a lowest percentage of color pixels in a plurality of elongated enhancement analysis windows positioned in the color flow region of interest image. Each of the plurality of elongated enhancement analysis windows includes a pre-defined spatial relationship to an anchor pixel positioned at the pixel. The method includes computing an enhancement factor for the pixel based on the determined lowest percentage of color pixels. The method includes applying the enhancement factor to the pixel.

Abstract: An ultrasound inspection apparatus includes a region setting section setting a plurality of regions within the inspection object; a sound velocity calculator calculating a sound velocity of each of the plurality of regions; a sound velocity obtainer obtaining a preliminary sound velocity of a region of interest; and an image quality determiner determining an image quality of the region of interest based on the preliminary sound velocity. The preliminary sound velocity obtained by the sound velocity obtainer is employed as a sound velocity of the region of interest when a determination result made by the image quality determiner is positive, and the sound velocity of the region of interest is calculated by the sound velocity calculator when the determination result is negative.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for generating a motion-corrected 2D image of a target. The method comprises acquiring a 3D static image of the target before an interventional procedure. During the procedure, a number of 2D real time images of the target are acquired and displayed. A slice of the 3D static image is acquired and registered with one 2D real time image and then the location of the 3D static image is corrected to be in synchrony with body motion. The motion corrected 2D image of the target is then displayed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system and method that provide sequential needle recalibration by correlating a sequence of calibration data for a tracking system to a plurality of corresponding ultrasound probe positions during a calibration sequence such that the appropriate calibration data is retrieved and applied based on the position of the ultrasound probe during a procedure. The method can include acquiring a sequence of calibration data for a tracking system at a plurality of different ultrasound probe positions. The sequence of calibration data may be acquired from a tracking sensor attached to or within the ultrasound probe. The tracking system can include the tracking sensor and a tracking emitter attached to or within a surgical instrument. The method may include generating, by a processor of the ultrasound system, an index correlating each of the sequence of calibration data to a corresponding one of the plurality of different ultrasound probe positions.

Abstract: A medical imaging device that uses electromagnetic or acoustic information to generate a patient image is remotely maintained. A set of operational characteristics for the device is maintained by a maintenance system disposed remotely from the device. Data from sensors disposed local to the device are received over a network at the maintenance system. A set of parameter measures is derived from the received data and analyzed in comparison with the set of operational characteristics to identify a predicted malfunction of a component of the device. The maintenance system is thus able to initiate a repair of the medical imaging device by generating an alert in response to identification of the predicted malfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system, method, and device for analyzing, localizing and/or identifying tissue types. The method includes analyzing, localizing and/or identifying one or more tissue samples, characterized in that the method comprises: (a) generating gaseous tissue particles from a site in the one or more tissue samples, (b) transporting the gaseous tissue particles from the site to an analyser, (c) using the analyser for generating tissue-related data based on the gaseous tissue particles, and (d) analyzing, localizing and/or identifying the one or more tissue samples based on the tissue-related data. The invention can either be used in close conjunction with a surgical procedure, when one or more surgical tools are an integrated part of ionization, or as a separate mass spectrometric probe for the analysis of one or more tissue parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy device (1) for obtaining a tissue sample. The biopsy device comprises an elongated tube shaped drill (2), extending along a longitudinal axis A, and comprising a cutting edge arrangement (3) at a distal end (4) of said drill (2). The drill (2) further comprises at least one flute (5) extending helically, along said longitudinal axis A, at an outer surface (6) of said drill (2), wherein said flute (5) extends from said distal end (4) and along a substantial part (7) of said outer surface (6) of said drill (2). The drill (2) is provided with an opening (10) at its distal end (4), wherein said opening (10) being in communication with a cavity (16) adapted to receive said tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biopsy assembly (1), for obtaining a tissue sample. The assembly (1) comprises an elongated tube shaped sleeve (2), extending along a longitudinal axis A. The sleeve (2) comprises a first cutting edge arrangement (3) at a distal end (4) of said sleeve (2), said sleeve (2) being provided with an opening (5) at said distal end (4), wherein said opening (5) being in communication with a cavity (6) adapted to receive said tissue sample. The assembly (1) further comprises an elongated drill unit (7), adapted to be removably arranged in said sleeve (2), and extending along a longitudinal axis B, said elongated drill unit (7) comprising a second cutting arrangement (8) arranged at a distal tip (9) of said drill unit (7).

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible core biopsy system uses a biopsy device having intuitive graphical displays and a detachable remote keypad that advantageously allows convenient control even within the close confines afforded by a localization fixture installed within a breast coil that localizes a patient's breast and guides a probe of the biopsy device relative to the localized breast. A control module for interactive control and power generation are remotely positioned and communicate and transmit rotational mechanical energy via sheathed cable.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly configured for use with a tissue biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy needle assembly may be configured to be advanced to a predetermined tissue sample, sever the tissue sample, and extract the tissue sample from a body tissue of a patient. The biopsy needle assembly may be further configured to minimize or eliminate the length of dead space at or adjacent a position of the tissue sample extraction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique surgical handpiece having improved operation, durability and reliability. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a motorized handheld surgical instrument having one or more sensors for sensing motion, position, pressure, humidity, and various other environmental conditions relevant to the operation and maintenance of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates a closure device implant for sealing an opening formed through biological tissue including a plug, a rigid wire including a plastically deformable portion configurable between an unrestrained position and a restrained position relative to the plug, wherein a distal end of the wire is substantially spherically shaped, and a footplate attached to the wire, wherein the footplate comprises an elongated plate portion including a wire channel. The present invention also relates to a closure device deployment device including an elongated housing, a sheath assembly connected to the housing, and at least two sliding members slidably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist in closing an incision through body tissue that comprises a tubular body sized for introduction through the incision and carrying a plurality of stabilizer elements at the distal end thereof. The stabilizer elements are configured to be deployed within the body cavity to engage the lowermost tissue layer. In one method, the device is pulled with the stabilizer elements deployed to retract the body tissue away from adjacent body structure. In another method, a plurality of needle tips carrying sutures are guided through the body tissue to a retention device at the ends of the stabilizer elements. With the needle tips captured in the retention devices, the device is withdrawn from the incision so that the sutures form ligatures that can be tied off to close the incision.

Abstract: Configurations are described for conducting minimally invasive medical diagnoses and interventions utilizing elongate instruments and assemblies comprising one or more imaging devices, and one or more remote retraction and distraction devices. Retraction and distraction devices, such as balloons, mechanical retraction members, and/or trocar screw geometries may be utilized to access, investigate, and intervene at the joint capsule, or inside of the joint capsule. Imaging devices, such as optical image capture devices, ultrasound transducers, and optical coherence tomography fibers, may be utilized to assist with navigation of the pertinent tools during diagnostic and interventional steps.

Abstract: A method for performing a laparoscopic procedure may include inserting a bag through an opening. The method may also include delivering tissue into the bag, sealing the bag, and inflating the bag to create an artificial pneumoperitoneum that extends the abdomen and provides additional working and viewing space. Further, the method may include carrying out a procedure on the tissue located in the inflated bag.

Abstract: Described herein are suture anchors systems and methods for installing suture anchor systems in bone. Suture anchor systems described herein include a plurality of annular ribs formed around an elongated cylindrical body, a tip adapted for inserting into a bone, one or more longitudinal channels defined by one or more notches in at least one of the annular ribs, and a transverse bore adapted to receive at least one suture and in communication with the longitudinal channel(s). The suture anchor system is partially inserted into the bone, the sutures are adjusted, and insertion is completed, securing the suture anchor and the suture in the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reattaching the opposed ends of a member, such as a tendon, ligament or bone, during preparing and healing of the member using a surgical repair device that can be securely attached to the member and then safely guided through tortuous anatomy for reattachment and repair. The repair device further includes structural means so as to secure opposed ends of the member against separation during healing. Devices for aiding in the positioning of the surgical repair device are provided.

Abstract: Techniques and reconstruction systems for soft tissue surgical repairs. The biceps tenodesis technique of the present invention provides fixation of a single diameter of the biceps tendon in a socket without the need for externalizing the tendon and without the need to pass any suture (or similar material) through any portion of the tendon (i.e., without the need to stitch or whipstitch any area/portion of the tendon). The technique improves the biomechanics of the combined fixation and helps overcome surgeons' concerns about rapid return to ADLs.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical suturing device has a shaft; a needle slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end; and a guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture and moveably coupled to the shaft for selectable movement between a retracted position and an enabled position. In a related method, a distal shaft end, having a guide tip in a retracted position, is passed through a minimally invasive entry point and into a body cavity. The guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture is actuated into an enabled position such that an insertion profile of the guide tip and shaft in the enabled position is larger than an access dimension of the minimally invasive entry point. A needle, slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end, is advanced on a path substantially parallel to the shaft, toward and in alignment with the ferrule receiving aperture.

Abstract: A medical device for installing sutures to close an incision in tissue or human skin is disclosed. The suturing device may provide first and second arcuate needles. Once properly positioned, the first and second arcuate needles are driven through the sub-dermal layer, or alternatively through a superficial surface, of two sections of skin to be joined. This is done in arcuate fashion and at identical and symmetrical rates of angular displacement. In so doing, the sections of skin are pushed toward one another thus assuring horizontal and vertical alignment of the two sections of skin. During the driving or retraction process of the first and second arcuate needles, a suture is positioned within both the first and second sections of skin and transformed from a planar or a multi-planar serpentine orientation to a helical orientation.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a suture thread with suture needle that has little dispersion in pull-out load and is user-friendly. A blind hole (14) is opened along the length of an eyeless suture needle (10) from a base end surface (13) of the eyeless suture needle (10), a suture thread (18) is inserted in the blind hole (14), and then caulked and formed. A caulking force according to size of diameter of the blind hole (14) is added, cross-sectional form of a caulking part is nearly circular, and the axial length of the caulking part is less than the diameter of the eyeless suture needle (10). According to such a structure, the suture thread (18) may be pulled out from the eyeless suture needle due to a pull-out load within a predetermined force range, and dispersion in pull-out force may be reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tissue fixation/attachment/reattachment using a knotless tensionable suture construct. The knotless tensionable suture construct is a self-tensioning suture loop that can be tensioned and retensioned after the repair and can be cycled few times. The self-tensioning suture loop is formed of: (i) a simple metal surgical needle with a thin loop off the base of it to allow suture to slide through it; (ii) a single strand of surgical suture which can be of various sizes and colors; (iii) a large knot which is tied to create a large bulge to fix the construct to the device (this can be a knot or secondary piece of material, like a button); (iv) a splice formed by the single strand of suture going back through itself, the splice locking the suture in place; and (v) a suture tail that is pulled to reduce the loop size of the construct and tension the repair.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector selectively detachable from the shaft assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member supports a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the first jaw member between an extended position and a retracted position. The lever is in contact with a leaf spring to spring bias the lever to the extended position. The second jaw member supports a drive beam that is selectively engagable with the lever to facilitate a pivotal movement of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member between an unapproximated state and an approximated state.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical assembly includes a surgical device, an adapter, and a filter. The surgical device includes a connecting portion having a distal facing recess including an electrical plug. The adapter includes a proximal facing cap configured to mate with the recess of the surgical device, the proximal facing cap including an electronic assembly including a plurality of electrical contact pins configured for electrical connection with the electrical plug. The filter is removably positioned within the recess of the surgical device. The plurality of electrical contact pins extend through the filter when the adapter is connected to the surgical device.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. The therapy delivery element has an outer diameter and an outer surface about which the anchor is disposable. The body member has a first inner diameter defined by the lumen in a relaxed state and a second inner diameter defined by the lumen in a radially stretched state. The first inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the therapy delivery element, which is smaller that the second inner diameter. The lumen is configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the therapy delivery element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and its method of use in delivering surgical tissue connectors into an area of the body and removing the surgical tissue connectors from the body area. Svlore specifically, the present invention is directed to a surgical tissue connector apparatus having at least two tissue connectors connected by a length of cord and a delivery and removal tube. At least one of the tissue connectors has a base with a tapered, beveled or chamfered surface projecting from one end of the base. A hook or other type of tissue connector projects from the opposite side of the base. The hook is positioned on the base where a peripheral side surface of the base shields the hook from unintentionally snagging objects. The base peripheral surface is also dimensioned to slide easily through an interior bore of the tube. This enables the base and the projecting hook to be easily delivered through the tube into an area of the body.

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 piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.