Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile C-arm system (C1), at least comprising at least three wheels, at least two wheels each having an electric motor, wherein the electric motor has a stator (S) and a rotor (R), the stator (S) being connected to a wheel suspension (T) of the wheel and the rotor (R) being surrounded peripherally by a running wheel (L).

Abstract: A gantry is for a medical imaging facility. An air inflow surface, for air cooling of at least one component of the gantry, is embodied on an outer surface of the gantry. In an operating state of the gantry, the gantry is delimited to the top in an area of the air inflow surface by the air inflow surface.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for estimating the volume of a medium comprising a contrast agent injected to a hollow organ through a catheter during an injection event, the method comprising the determination of the duration of injection during the injection event, the determination of the flow rate based on the procedure type, acquisition type, organ, specificities of the user controlling the injection, patient characteristics, concentration of an contrast agent in the medium, administration route, type of catheter, the size of the catheter, and/or any pre-sets provided, and the calculation an estimate for the volume of medium injected based on the duration of injection and the flow rate.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing fluoroscopic-based three dimensional volumetric data from two dimensional fluoroscopic images including a computing device configured to facilitate navigation of a medical device to a target area within a patient and a fluoroscopic imaging device configured to acquire a fluoroscopic video of the target area about a plurality of angles relative to the target area. The computing device is configured to determine a pose of the fluoroscopic imaging device for each frame of the fluoroscopic video and to construct fluoroscopic-based three dimensional volumetric data of the target area in which soft tissue objects are visible using a fast iterative three dimensional construction algorithm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating tissue for abnormal glucose uptake within a region of interest within a patient. A PET scanner obtains PET imagery including the region of interest and at least part of the liver. An SUV calculator calculates a first set of SUVs representing the region of interest and a second set SUVs representing the liver from the set of at least one PET image. A standardization component calculates a correction value as a function of the second set of SUVs and applies the correction value to either a decision threshold associated with the region of interest or the first set of SUVs. A diagnosis component compares the first set of SUVs to the decision threshold to determine if the glucose uptake within the region of interest is abnormal. A display provides the determination to a user.

Abstract: An imaging system and related method are provided. The imaging system comprises a surface configured to support a portion of a patient's body, compression paddle configured to compress the portion of a patient's body against the surface, the compression paddle movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a compression control in direct or indirect communication with the compression paddle and configured to effectuate displacement of the compression paddle to any position between and including the upper position and the lower position upon receiving a patient input or command. The system may further comprise a feedback device configured to provide, to the patient, information indicative of the quality of the image that would be achieved at a corresponding compression paddle position to assist the patient in selecting a desirable compression paddle position.

Abstract: A method for processing angiography image data by using an imaging catheter path that is directly detected from the angiography data as a co-registration path or using detected marker locations from the angiography data to generate a co-registration path. If the acquired angiography data includes synchronized cardiac phase signals and a predetermined quantity of angiography image frames not including contrast media, then a directly detected imaging catheter path is used as the co-registration path. Otherwise the co-registration path is determined based upon detected marker locations from the angiography image data.

Abstract: The present approach provides a non-invasive methodology for estimation of coronary flow and/or fractional flow reserve. In certain implementations, various approaches for personalizing blood flow models of the coronary vasculature are described. The described personalization approaches involve patient-specific measurements and do not assume or rely on the resting coronary flow being proportional to myocardial mass. Consequently, there are fewer limitations in using these approaches to obtain coronary flow and/or fractional flow reserve estimates non-invasively.

Abstract: A method of imaging motion of an organ that changes volume in a patient including the steps of monitoring change in volume of the organ, and recording multiple in vivo images of the organ, wherein the change of organ volume between the images is constant or of some other predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed are a charging cradle and a portable radiography device including the same, which is capable of displaying the residual battery capacity when the portable radiography device is being charged and even when not being charged and, more specifically, displaying the possible number of times of radiography in real time by using the residual battery capacity, such that a user can exactly determine when to charge. The portable radiography device includes a radiography device main body having a rechargeable battery, a first communication unit provided in the main body to transmit battery charging state information, a charging cradle configured to receive external power to supply charging power to the battery, a second communication unit provided in the charging cradle to receive the battery charging state information from the first communication unit, and a display unit provided in the charging cradle to display the battery charging state information.

Abstract: The radiation system includes a radiation device, a computer, and a substrate configured to relay them. The substrate includes a video signal—Ethernet (registered trademark) conversion unit for converting a video signal from the computer into video data into an Ethernet (registered trademark) protocol and an X-ray imaging apparatus communication unit for transmitting the video data to the X-ray imaging apparatus by communications. The substrate and the radiation device are electrically insulated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and a method are provided for transmitting signals in a medical imaging system. The method includes transmitting signals wirelessly between at least one receive facility and a facility of the imaging system via a radio network.

Abstract: A method is for calibrating an X-ray measuring facility. The method includes preparing the facility for measurement for a resolution of a plurality of different energy intervals; positioning a test object in a beam path of an X-ray beam; irradiating the test object via the X-ray beam, and during the irradiating, an intensity measurement of the test object appropriately resolved according to the energy intervals is carried out by the facility; determining an absorption function of the test object using the intensity measurement; preparing one of the energy intervals as a reference interval such that the absorption function has a negligible energy dependency over the reference interval; determining a correction function of the absorption function, for at least one further energy interval of the energy intervals, using at least one value of the absorption function in the reference interval; and calibrating the facility using the correction function determined.

Abstract: An imaging system and detector for obtaining x-ray images of a region of interest (ROI) within an object is provided that does not require movement of the detector and/or object/patient for alignment with the x-ray source. The detector is formed with an array of detector elements disposed on a substrate that has an area larger than the area of the objects/patients to be imaged. In use, the object/patient is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector and the x-ray source is targeted at the ROI. The control mechanism determines the area of the detector aligned with the x-ray source and ROI and operates the selected detector elements in the area struck by the x-rays from the source passing through the ROI of the object/patient. The control mechanism receives image data from the area of the detector formed by the detector elements in order to form images of the ROI.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which quantifies regurgitant flow through a mitral valve. A flow quantification processor (34) in the ultrasound system produces a mathematical model of a flow velocity field proximal to a regurgitant orifice. The velocity field model produces values of velocity vectors directed toward the regurgitant orifice. These modeled values are modified for the effects of ultrasound physics and ultrasound system operation to produce expected velocity values. The expected velocity values are compared with actual Doppler velocities measured by the ultrasound system, and the differences accumulated to a mean square error which is used to adjust parameters of the model such as the orifice location and flow velocities. When this iterative processing converges with a desired comparison, parameters derived from the finally adjusted model are used to calculate the true orifice location, flow rate, and volume flow.

Abstract: A standard view which satisfies recommendations defined in a guideline on acquisition of standard views is extracted at a time of using information about defined landmarks and a defined landmark geometry in the three-dimensional information. When 3D volume data on a subject is input (S301), an image processing apparatus extracts a landmark geometry including landmarks contained in the 3D volume data on the basis of a position relationship among the landmarks (S302), determines a standard view of the 3D volume data using the landmark geometry and a position relationship that satisfies recommendations in a guideline on the acquisition of the standard views (S303), and outputs the obtained standard view (S304) to display the standard view on a display.

Abstract: A method includes transitioning, via a micro-processor, an ultrasound imaging system (100) running in a first mode (128), in which a first location and a first orientation of an elongate needle (106) of an instrument (102) at a surface (111) of an object (110) is determined based on a first signal from a tracking device (112) at least on the instrument, to a second different mode, in which a second location and a second orientation of the needle within the object is determined based on an ultrasound image representing the object, in response to determining the needle penetrated the surface of the object, wherein a beam steering angle with which the ultrasound image is acquired is determined based on the first location and the first orientation of the needle, and displaying the ultrasound image.

Abstract: Sold-state intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to compact and efficient circuit architectures and electrical interfaces for an ultrasound transducer array used in a solid-state IVUS system. In one embodiment, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate member; an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the ultrasound scanner assembly including an ultrasound transducer array; an interface coupler disposed at a proximal portion of the flexible elongate member; and a cable disposed within and extending along a length of the flexible elongate member between the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler. The cable includes four conductors electrically coupling the ultrasound scanner assembly and the interface coupler.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical system comprising a tracking probe and a catheter is used for tracking a target inside human body. The ultrasonic probe has additional ultrasound sensors embedded around its main transducer array. A catheter is built with ultrasound transmitters at its distal end and sends active sound signals during each probe scanning cycle. The probe sensors track the 3D position of the target catheter using triangulation principle. The target position is rendered in the 3D anatomic context defined by the ultrasound images.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic endoscope in which the position of an ultrasonic oscillator can be easily adjusted with respect to a surgical-tool guide opening provided to a leading end part body of an insertion unit, and a method of manufacturing the ultrasonic endoscope. According to the present invention, an ultrasonic oscillator can be positioned with respect to and temporarily fixed to an ultrasonic-oscillator housing part by using spacers and or protrusions. With this configuration, in an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, the position of the ultrasonic oscillator can be adjusted with respect to the ultrasonic-oscillator housing part by using the spacers or the protrusions. Accordingly, the position of the ultrasonic oscillator can be adjusted with respect to a surgical-tool guide opening provided to a distal end part body of an insertion unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound system (1) is disclosed that comprises a probe (10) including an array (110) of CMUT (capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer) cells (100), each cell comprising a substrate (112) carrying a first electrode (122), the substrate being spatially separated from a flexible membrane (114) including a second electrode (120) by a gap (118); and a bias voltage source (45) coupled to said probe and adapted to provide the respective first electrodes and second electrodes of at least some of the CMUT cells with a monotonically varying bias voltage including a monotonically varying frequency modulation in a transmission mode of said probe such that the CMUT cells are operated in a collapsed state and transmit at least one chirped pulse during said transmission mode. Such a system for instance may be an ultrasound imaging system or an ultrasound therapeutic system. An ultrasonic pulse generation method using such as system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Changes in tissue stiffness have long been associated with disease. Systems and methods for determining the stiffness of tissues using ultrasonography may include a device for inducing a propagating shear wave in tissue and tracking the speed of propagation, which is directly related to tissue stiffness and density. The speed of a propagating shear wave may be detected by imaging a tissue at a high frame rate and detecting the propagating wave as a perturbance in successive image frames relative to a baseline image of the tissue in an undisturbed state. In some embodiments, sufficiently high frame rates may be achieved by using a ping-based ultrasound imaging technique in which unfocused omni-directional pings are transmitted (in an imaging plane or in a hemisphere) into a region of interest. Receiving echoes of the omnidirectional pings with multiple receive apertures allows for substantially improved lateral resolution.

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processor uses an excitation generator to cause displacement of a membrane or surface while a series of ultrasound pulses are applied to the membrane or surface. Phase differences between a transmitted signal and received signal are examined to determine the movement of the membrane or surface in response to the applied excitation. An examination of the phase response of the membrane or surface provides a determination as to whether the fluid type behind the membrane or surface is one of: no fluid, serum fluid, or purulent fluid.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing displacement and strain maps of human tissue of a subject in vivo or other objects includes applying a mechanical deformation for a target area, imaging tissues while deformation is applied on the target area, measuring the axial and lateral displacements and axial, lateral, and shear strains of tissue in the target area, differentiating between tissues of different stiffness and strain responses, and labeling tissues of different stiffness and strain responses. In some embodiments, displacement and strain imaging are performed using a high-resolution, high-speed, highly-accuracy hierarchy recursive displacement tracking from conventional ultrasound brightness mode images. Particularly, this invention relates to the reconstruction of displacement and strain images from conventional ultrasound B-mode images acquired using any ultrasound machine of different manufacturers without the need to use carrier signals.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for intravascular imaging. Some systems may be configured to generate a screening image of a section of a patient's vessel, identify one or more sub-sections of the screening image that each include a diagnostically significant characteristic of the vessel, and imaging the one or more sub-sections. Some systems may be configured to automatically identify the one or more sub-sections and/or to allow a user to manually identify the one or more sub-sections. Some systems may be configured to automatically image the one or more sub-sections after the one or more sub-sections are identified. In some examples, the system may be configured to displace blood during imaging of the sub-sections to enhance image quality. The system may be configured to minimize the period of time blood is displaced by synchronizing imaging and blood displacement.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a cine buffer in which image frames produced during an examination are stored. A processor is programmed to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator for approval and inclusion in a patient record or other report. The operator can accept the proposed image frames or can select one or more other image frames from the cine buffer. The processor may select image frames at spaced intervals in the cine buffer for presentation. Alternatively, the processor compares image frames in the cine buffer with one or more target image frames. Image frames that are similar to the target image frames are presented to the operator to confirm. Alternatively, image frames can be selected by the processor that contain a specific feature or that are similar to image frames that were previously selected by the operator when performing a particular type of examination.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing caliper measurements in a multi-frame 2D image and an anatomical M-mode image is provided. The method may include selecting a frame of a multi-frame 2D image of a region of interest. The method may include positioning a first caliper measurement on the selected frame. The method may include generating an anatomical M-mode image based on a direction of the first caliper measurement. The method may include automatically overlaying a second caliper measurement on the anatomical M-mode image, the second caliper measurement corresponding with the first caliper measurement on the selected frame. The method may include presenting the selected frame having the first caliper measurement simultaneously with the anatomical motion mode image having the second caliper measurement at a display system.

Abstract: In multi-modality imaging fusion with ultrasound, one transducer is used for registering ultrasound scan data with scan data from another mode. This registration is used to then align scan data from a different ultrasound transducer with the scan data of the other mode. The alignment may account for differences in position sensing between the two transducers.

Abstract: For noise reduction in elasticity imaging, frequency compounding is used. Displacements caused by the acoustic radiation force impulse are measured using signals at different frequencies, either due to transmission of tracking pulses and reception at different frequencies or due to processing received signals at different sub-bands. The displacements are (a) combined to compound and the compounded displacements are used to determine elasticity or (b) are used to determine elasticity and the elasticities from information at the different frequencies are compounded.

Abstract: A biopsy needle has a cylindrical shell outer cannula and a stylet consisting of an inner stylet and outer stylet, both of which are inserted into the cylindrical cannula. The outer stylet has a series of strain relieved slits which provide bending over a deflection region in one direction, and the outer stylet is formed from a material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a superelastic phase. The deflection is generated by an SMA wire spanning a deflection extent and attached to the outer stylet on either side of the deflection extent. The inner stylet, when positioned inside the outer stylet, has one or more actuation fibers which couple optical energy into the SMA wire, causing a deflection of the outer stylet over the deflection extent, with the optical energy provided to the actuation fibers for control of the deflection.

Abstract: Devices and methods for organizing a plurality of end effectors and selectively delivering them through surgical trocars are described herein. In one embodiment, a surgical end effector loading device is provided that includes at least one mating element to interface with a surgical trocar, a deployment lumen positioned to align with a working channel of a surgical trocar, an end effector repository having a plurality of end effector lumens formed therein to receive end effectors, the repository being configured to selectively align any of the plurality of end effector lumens with the deployment lumen, and an advancer coupled to the repository and configured to advance an end effector from the repository through the deployment lumen.

Abstract: For the purpose of firmly clamping a medical guide wire which can be rotated and displaced in a longitudinal opening of an accommodating body, a clamping mechanism is present either just at one end of the longitudinal opening or at each end of the longitudinal opening, the clamping mechanism having a widened opening region, which runs transversely to the longitudinal opening, and a clamping-member arrangement, which is connected to the accommodating body in an elastically flexible manner and has an edge part, which is located in the opening region and against which the guide wire, once pivoted out of the longitudinal opening, can be brought into abutment at the relevant end of the accommodating body and at the clamping-member arrangement, with the capability of the guide wire to be displaced and/or rotated being blocked in the process.

Abstract: A safety isolation bag is a pneumoperitoneum device for intra-abdominal, endoscopic procedures, power morcellation and vaginal morcellation for facilitating safe removal of body mass from within the abdominal cavity. It comprises of an expandable and collapsible enclosed internal space (5) having a neck portion (4) with mouth (3) having retractor means (2) and provided with markings, colour coded indicating how much the bag is to be pulled out for the removal of large, medium and small tissue mass, and also having one or more non-return valves (6) attached with long looped threads (8) on one of the surface in the wall of the safety isolation bag below the neck as a means for introducing the surgical instruments and accessories into the enclosed internal space at the right place and to close the puncture hole after the procedure. It is made of one or more layers of flexible biocompatible/medical grade plastic film.

Abstract: A device for occluding an aperture in a body of a patient includes a frame that includes a plurality of elongate members and a hub component that includes a plurality of attachment members, wherein for each elongate member of the plurality of elongate members a first end of the elongate member is fixedly attached to an attachment member of the plurality of attachment members at an attachment region. The frame and the hub component together form at least one occlusive element. Each receptacle of the plurality of attachment members is configured to pivot with respect to the hub component, such that each attachment region is movable with respect to the hub component.

Abstract: A retractor system with a closed loop control includes a retractor having one or more sensors, which measure parameters associated with a retracted tissue. The system further includes a positioning mechanism connected to the retractor and a controller which receives feedback signals from the sensors. Based on the feedback signals from the sensors, the retractor is actuated by the positioning mechanism so that the tissue can be retracted while maintaining the parameters associated with the retracted tissue above a threshold level or within a desired range. Another retractor system includes a retractor with a force sensor and at least one additional sensor, which can be used without a closed loop control arrangement.

Abstract: Devices and methods to attach soft tissue to bone include, for example, forming a transosseous bone tunnel, and forming a suture construct securing soft tissue to the bone wherein the suture construct extends from the soft tissue to the first opening, through the first opening, through the bone tunnel, through the second opening, and outside of the bone tunnel to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A system for deploying a suture implant includes a delivery device and a suture implant coupled with the distal end of the delivery device. The suture implant includes a suture and a slip knot that defines a suture loop, the slip knot defining a dynamic end of the suture loop that is located opposite a closed end of the suture loop. The suture implant includes a tissue anchor having first and second openings, whereby the closed end of the suture loop passes through the first and second openings for securing the tissue anchor to the suture loop. A tensioner is secured to the first end of the suture, and a pledget, located between the tensioner and the tissue anchor, is secured to the second end of the suture. Pulling the tensioner away from the tissue anchor slides the pledget and the slip knot toward the tissue anchor for shortening the length of the suture loop and reducing the distance between the pledget and the tissue anchor.

Abstract: Suture delivered patches adapted for interposition, augmentation or repair devices for use in tendon and ligament repair, including rotator cuff repair, have been developed as well as methods for their delivery using suture guided arthroscopic methods. The repair patches may be provided from suitable biocompatible materials. The patches may be delivered using anchored sutures already in use during a surgical repair including, open, minimally invasive, endoscopic, and arthroscopic repair procedures. Additionally, fixation of the suture delivered repair patch is secured along with the normal suture securing workflow of the one or more sutures used to deliver the patch.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a heart valve can comprises a leaflet-plicating mechanism configured to plicate a leaflet of a heart valve and a helical needle comprising a plurality of coils. The needle can be configured to implant a suture to extend helically through plicated tissue of the heart valve. The leaflet-plicating mechanism can comprise first and second leaflet-capture arms, which can be configured to move toward and away from each other between an open position and closed position. The leaflet-capture arms can be configured to plicate the leaflet as the leaflet-capture arms are moved from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a cannula assembly, an obturator assembly, and a catch arm. The cannula assembly has a housing, a cannula, and a working channel defining a longitudinal axis from a proximal opening to a distal opening. The obturator assembly includes a proximal head, a distal tip, and a shaft extending therebetween. The catch arm is selectively moveable from a retracted position to a first and second deployed positions and is configured to releasably capture a suture thread. In the retracted position, the catch arm is positioned radially inward from the first deployed position. In the first deployed position, the catch arm is positioned radially outward from the retracted position. In addition, the catch arm is configured to be moved a predetermined distance from the first deployed position to the second deployed position and release the captured suture thread therefrom.

Abstract: A fastener delivery tool may comprise a sheath assembly having at least one position retention member proximate a distal end of the sheath assembly, and a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the sheath assembly, the handle assembly comprising a housing, a trigger handle, and an insert connector. An external force applied to the trigger handle may cause displacement of the trigger handle relative to a rest position, and displacement of the trigger handle from the rest position within a first displacement range may impart a first amount of force on the insert connector relative to the applied external force and displacement of the trigger handle from the rest position within a second displacement range may impart a second amount of force on the insert connector relative to the applied external force, with the first amount of force being greater than the second amount of force.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes a handle and an articulating shaft extending from the handle including proximal and distal shaft sections and an articulating joint interconnecting the proximal and distal shaft sections. The proximal shaft section has a proximal outer tube and a proximal inner member, and the distal shaft section includes a distal outer tube and a distal inner member. An incompressible member interconnects the proximal and distal inner members to form an inner shaft member having a fixed length. Distal movement of the proximal outer tube relative to the proximal inner member articulates the distal shaft section relative to the proximal shaft section via the articulating joint. As the articulating shaft moves between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration the distance between a distal-most end of the distal outer tube and the handle changes while the length of the inner shaft member remains fixed.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed, the end effector comprises a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal axis and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body. The staple cavities comprise a first annular row of staple cavities extending around the longitudinal axis and a second annular row of staple cavities extending around the longitudinal axis. The end effector further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities and a ramp rotatable about the longitudinal axis to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cavities.

Abstract: A surgical device that comprises a tissue compression device that applies a compression force to tissue, a tissue-compression-measurement device having a mechanically-biased switching element disposed in line with the tissue compression device, wherein the tissue-compression-measurement device indicates when an amount of the compression force applied to the tissue reaches a pre-determined optimal compression force, and a feedback controller electrically connected to the tissue-compression-measurement device and receiving the indication from the tissue-compression-measurement device. A staple firing procedure is permitted to be carried out on the compressed tissue only when the feedback controller receives the indication that the pre-determined optimal compression force has been reached.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed which comprises staples formed from one or more sheets of material. The staples are removably stored in a cartridge body comprising a deck configured to support the tissue of a patient. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a sled configured to sequentially engage the staples and lift the staples between unfired and fired positions. The staples comprise a tissue engaging surface which is deployed above the deck when the staples are moved into their fired positions.

Abstract: A shaft assembly is disclosed which comprises an end effector configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration, a closure system configured to transition the end effector toward the closed configuration during a closure stroke, a firing member movable through a firing stroke, and a frame. In various instances, the shaft assembly comprises a first bailout configured to shift the frame in order to open the end effector and a second, independent, bailout configured to retract the firing member during and/or after the firing stroke. In certain instances, the closure system is expandable to perform the closure stroke. In at least one such instance, the closure system comprises a proximal portion mounted to the frame and a distal portion movable relative to the proximal portion. In at least one instance, the firing member engages the closure member to expand the closure system.

Abstract: A method of stapling tissue is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein each staple has a base and a leg extending from the base. The stapling method can also include firing the staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the staples are fired into tissue in a staple line. The staple line can include a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility, wherein the second flexibility is different than the first flexibility. A method of stapling tissue can also include adapting an anvil with an anvil plate having an arrangement of staple-forming pockets that differs from the staple-forming pockets in the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft extends distally from the body. The end effector is located at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector includes an active feature configured to operate on tissue. The body includes a drive feature operable to drive the active feature of the end effector. The body is operable to selectively couple with a variety of power sources such that the drive feature may receive electrical power form a battery or from a corded power source, based on a user's preference. The body may include a handpiece that has a socket configured to receive a battery or cable adapter. The body may removably receive various kinds of shaft assemblies to provide various operating modalities. The shaft assemblies may include user interface features.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and/or fastener apparatuses comprising an end effector with a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. At least one of the jaws may comprise a channel for receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. Also, an electrically powered actuator may be for deploying the surgical fasteners and may comprise a power source and a motor. An activation mechanism may be attached to the handle to move the pair of jaws from the open to the closed position and to activate the actuator. A lockout mechanism may be configured to permit current to flow from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the closed position and to prevent current from flowing to the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the open position.