Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a drive wheel, and a wheel stop. The drive wheel can be connected to the body and can be operable to move the mobile cleaning robot about an environment. The wheel stop can be movable with respect to the body and the drive wheel between a stop position and a release position. The wheel stop can be engageable with the drive wheel in the stop position to limit vertical travel of the drive wheel with respect to the body.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a cyclone. The cyclone air inlet is provided at a first juncture of the cyclone sidewall and an end wall of the cyclone chamber. The cyclone also has a vortex finder that is provided on the end wall. The vortex finder has a vortex sidewall that meets the first end wall at a second juncture. The vortex sidewall is spaced radially inwardly from the cyclone sidewall by a radial distance that is greater than the width of the air inlet. One of the first and second junctures is rounded.

Abstract: A method of providing customized cleaning information, a vacuum cleaner, and a control method thereof are disclosed. The method of providing customized cleaning information includes obtaining information related to a cleaning module from a sensor of a vacuum cleaner, determining whether the cleaning module is in use among pre-registered cleaning modules based on the information related to the cleaning module, storing last used time information of the cleaning module based on the information related to the cleaning module, obtaining current time information, comparing the last used time information with the current time information to determine whether unused time of the cleaning module exceeds an unused time threshold specified for the cleaning module, and providing an indication that the cleaning module needs to be used when the unused time of the cleaning module exceeds the unused time threshold.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit and a portable surface cleaning unit. The floor cleaning unit includes a surface cleaning head, an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an upright storage position and a rearwardly inclined floor cleaning position, a charger having an energy storage member, and an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a floor cleaning unit air outlet. The portable surface cleaning unit is connectable to the floor cleaning unit, and includes a portable surface cleaning unit air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit air outlet, a main body, an air treatment member, a suction motor, a handle and a capacitor. When fully charged, the energy storage member stores sufficient stored power to recharge the capacitor at least twice.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises: establishing, by a wireless wearable computer worn by a user, a wireless communication connection with a fitness machine; obtaining machine data from the fitness machine while the user is engaged in a workout session on the fitness machine; obtaining, from a heart rate sensor of the wireless device, heart rate data of the user; determining a work rate caloric expenditure by applying a work rate calorie model to the machine data; determining a calibrated maximal oxygen consumption of the user based on the heart rate data and the work rate caloric expenditure; determining a heart rate caloric expenditure by applying a heart rate calorie model to the heart rate data and the calibrated maximal oxygen consumption of the user; and sending to the fitness machine via the communication connection, at least one of the work rate caloric expenditure or the heart rate caloric expenditure.

Abstract: A longitudinal-positioning indicator, improved marking grid, and a method of use. The longitudinal-positioning indicator includes a substrate that has a first side on which a set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines are disposed, the set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines configured to indicate a position along a length of the longitudinal-positioning guidelines based on a cross-section of the longitudinal-positioning indicator taken substantially orthogonally to the set of longitudinal-positioning guidelines. The substrate also has a second side that is at least partially coated with an adhesive.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for providing image data of a hollow organ. The method includes applying a first contrast agent to a lumen of the hollow organ, to obtain a contrast agent filling of the lumen; applying a second contrast agent to a blood vessel system, the blood vessel system supplying a wall of the hollow organ, the second contrast agent having a different absorption spectrum than the first contrast agent; generating spectrally resolved computed tomography data of an examination area, the examination area including the hollow organ; calculating first image data indicative of a presence of the first contrast agent and second image data indicative of a presence of the second contrast agent by applying a material separation algorithm onto the spectrally resolved computed tomography data; and providing the image data of the hollow organ including the first image data and the second image data.

Abstract: Proposed is a banana clip for removing hemorrhoids, and a surgical tool set including the banana clip. The banana clip includes a clip main-body having a first clip arm and a second clip arm, connected to each other by a flexible bending portion in a manner that maintains a predetermined bend angle with respect with each other, which are closed with an outside force in a state where the hemorrhoids to be removed are interposed therebetween and thus are tied tightly around the hemorrhoids; and a holding guide, guiding relative motions of the first clip arm and the second clip arm when the clip main-body is bent inward.

Abstract: An electrosurgical connection unit for a surgical robot arm to connect an electrosurgical instrument attached to the arm to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical connection unit includes an input port connectable to the electrosurgical generator, the input port configured to receive a driving electrosurgical signal and output one or more activation signals; an output port connectable to the electrosurgical instrument, the output port configured to output the driving electrosurgical signal received on the input port; one or more activation switch units, wherein activation of an activation switch unit causes an activation signal to be output from the input port indicating a driving electrosurgical signal with a desired waveform is to be activated; and a control unit configured to selectively activate one of the one or more activation switch units in response to a control signal.

Abstract: Medical devices for sympathetic nerve modulation are disclosed. An example medical device for sympathetic nerve modulation may include a catheter shaft having a distal region. An expandable member may be coupled to the distal region. A flexible circuit assembly may be attached to the expandable member. The flexible circuit assembly may include a first electrode strip, a second electrode strip, and a sensor strip disposed between the first electrode strip and the second electrode strip. The first electrode strip may include a first electrode. The second electrode strip may include a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may define a pair of bipolar electrodes.

Abstract: A method may be provided to operate a surgical robotic system including a robotic arm configured to position a surgical end-effector with respect to an anatomical location of a patient. Position information may be received where the position information is generated using a sensor system remote from the robotic arm and remote from the patient. The position information may include position information relating to a tracking device affixed to the patient and position information relating to the surgical end-effector. The robotic arm may be controlled to move the surgical end-effector to a target trajectory relative to the anatomical location of the patient based on the position information generated using the sensor system.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus relays communication of control signals between a controller and a plurality of processing modules, and includes: a communication device configured to perform communication of the control signals with the plurality of processing modules; a plurality of first storages provided respectively to correspond to the plurality of processing modules, the plurality of first storages being configured to store the control signals written by the controller; a second storage configured to store: address information indicating each communication address assigned to each of the plurality of processing modules; and correspondence information indicating correspondence relationships between the plurality of first storages and a plurality of module-side storages respectively included in the plurality of processing modules; and a synchronization processor configured to synchronize the plurality of first storages with the plurality of corresponding module-side storages via the communication device bas

Abstract: An objective of an endoscope can be evaluated by collecting a series of differently focused images and digitally stitching them together to obtain a final image for the endoscope that can be then evaluated. Movable optics and/or a camera can be used to collect the series of differently focused images. Image processing algorithms can be used to evaluate the collected images in terms of image sharpness and identify the areas at which each image is in relatively good focus. Once the areas of good focus are identified, the image processing algorithms can extract the areas of good focus. The digital stitching algorithms can be used to assemble the extracted areas of good focus to form a final image where most of the target scene should be in focus. The final image is then reviewed to determine the acceptability of the objective.

Abstract: A surgical hub is disclosed. The surgical hub includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive first image data from a first image sensor, the first image data represents a first field of view, receive second image data from a second image sensor, wherein the second image data represents a second field of view, and display, on a display coupled to the processor, a first image rendered from the first image data corresponding to the first field of view and a second image rendered from the second image data corresponding to the second field of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modal sensing of three-dimensional position information of the surface of an object are disclosed. In particular, multiple visualization modalities are each used to collect distinctive positional information of a surface of an object. Each of the computed positional information is combined using weighting factors to compute a final, weighted three-dimensional position. In various embodiments, a first depth may be recorded using fiducial markers, a second depth may be recorded using a structured light pattern, and a third depth may be recorded using a light-field camera. Weighting factors may be applied to each of the recorded depths and a final, weighted depth may be computed.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to closed-loop medical imaging for a medical environment. Various embodiments provide for a surgical camera, such as an endoscopic camera, comprising one or more image sensors. The image sensors may be configured to capture multispectral image data including one or more images of biological tissue (e.g., surfaces), and may be specifically configured to capture imagery within a surgical environment. For some embodiments, different biological tissues may be visible when illuminated by different wavelengths of a multispectral light source. The wavelength setting for the multispectral light source may be determined based upon a first wavelength setting associated with a first set of multispectral image data and a second wavelength setting associated with a second set of multispectral image data.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a processor, an imaging device, and a light source. The processor is configured to determine whether or not the imaging device has gone out of space of which at least part is surrounded by an object when the imaging device is performing imaging after the imaging device is inserted into the space. The processor is configured to execute power-saving control when the processor determines that the imaging device has gone out of the space. In the power-saving control, the processor is configured to make power consumption of a control target less than power consumption of the control target before the power-saving control is executed. The control target is at least one of the imaging device and the light source.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein that improve control of a shapeable or steerable instrument using shape data. Additional methods include preparing a robotic medical system for use with a shapeable instrument and controlling advancement of a shapeable medical device within an anatomic path. Also described herein are methods for altering a data model of an anatomical region.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion support apparatus includes a generation section configured to generate propriety information regarding a propriety of a twisting operation of a flexible tube in accordance with a force quantity of an external force applied to the flexible tube when the flexible tube is twisted in a counterclockwise direction or a clockwise direction around a central axis of the flexible tube. The external force is detected by at least one external force detector that is disposed on the flexible tube to be inserted into the subject and configured to detect the external force. The flexible tube insertion support apparatus also includes an output section configured to output the propriety information generated by the generation section.

Abstract: An optical system includes in order from an object side, an objective optical system, a ?/4 wavelength plate including one birefringent material, a polarizing beam splitter which splits light from the objective optical system into two, and an image sensor which picks up two images split. The polarizing beam splitter causes to occur an axial astigmatism of an opposite sign with respect to an axial astigmatism occurred due to the ?/4 wavelength plate, the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied. 1.1?Fno/(d/|?n|)?49??(1) where, Fno denotes an effective F-number of the objective optical system, d denotes a thickness of the ?/4 wavelength plate, and ?n denotes a birefringence of the ?/4 wavelength plate for an e-line, provided that, |0.01|<?n.

Abstract: An accessory device for an endoscope includes a cap attached to a shaft of the endoscope, the cap extending along a first axis, a first tip coupled to the cap and movable relative to the cap between a deployed configuration and a non-deployed configuration, and a first shaft defining a lumen and extending proximally from the first tip. In the deployed configuration, the first tip extends along a second axis that is offset from the first axis, and in the non-deployed configuration, the first tip extends along a third axis that is offset from the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions whereby two luminal structures in the body may be drawn toward each other and a fluid conduit formed in between. The device may have a hollow central member to which is coupled a distal retention member and in one embodiment a proximal retention member. The retention members may each be positioned inside one of the luminal structures and expanded from a first condition to an expanded second condition having an increased radius. The length of the central member may be shortened and its diameter expanded to approximate the two retention members and thereby the luminal structures.

Abstract: A handle of an endoscope may comprise a body portion that defines a first chamber having a first feature configured to support at least a first component of a steering assembly, and a second chamber having a second feature configured to support at least one fluidic component or electronic component.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal-end constituting portion provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion; a distal end cover attachable to and detachable from the distal-end constituting portion; a movable portion provided in the distal-end constituting portion; a connecting member provided at the movable portion; a pulling and relaxing member that drives the movable portion by being pulled or relaxed; a connecting body provided to the pulling and relaxing member, and attachable to and detachable from the connecting member, the connecting body being detachable from the connecting member in a state where the distal end cover is removed from the distal-end constituting portion; and a tube having flexibility through which the pulling and relaxing member is inserted, the tube including a distal end and a proximal end and being disposed in the distal end portion, the proximal end being detachably connected to the distal-end constituting portion.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a main body portion that has a housing recession portion that houses an elevator, a drive member arrangement space that houses a drive member and is closed off from the housing recession portion, a lid insertion space that puts the drive member arrangement space and an outer space into communication, and a lid member that can be inserted into the lid insertion space and liquid-tightly closes off the lid insertion space when inserted. Also provided is a fitting/holding member that is fitted to the lid member inserted into the lid insertion space and is fixed to the main body portion, wherein the lid member has a protruding portion, and the fitting/holding member can be inserted into the drive member arrangement space in a direction that is different from a protruding direction of the protruding portion of the lid member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an image processor (26) and a medical observation device (1), such as a microscope or endoscope, for observing an object (4) containing a bolus of at least one fluorophore (12). The object (4) is preferably live tissue comprising several types (16, 18, 20) of tissue. According to the method, a set (34) of component signals (36) is provided. Each component signal (36) represents a fluorescence intensity development of the fluorophore (12) over time in a different type of tissue. A time series (8) of input frames (10) is accessed, one input frame (10) after the other. The input frames (10) represent electronically coded still images of the object (4) at subsequent time. Each input frame (10) contains at least one observation area (22) comprising at least one pixel (23).

Abstract: A method for endoscopic imaging including: capturing white light images with a video endoscope under white light illumination; evaluating the captured white light images for a structure having a predefined characteristic, when the presence of the structure having the predefined characteristic is found in a white light image, setting a special light imaging mode in which a light source generates special light illumination using the at least one special light and one or more images of a video stream are captured under the special light illumination and subjected to image processing in the set special light processing mode; identifying a subregion of the at least one white light image that contains the structure with the predefined characteristic and reading out only the subregion of a CMOS image sensor associated with the video endoscope, and processing the image data read out from the subregion as one or more special light images.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: a semiconductor package including an optical system, an imaging sensor, and connection terminals; a rigid substrate including first connection lands respectively connected to the connection terminals; and an electronic component mount region including second connection lands on which a capacitor is mounted, and an inner lead mount region including third connection lands; and a flexible printed board including inner leads extended from one end of the flexible printed board in a bent manner and respectively connected to the third connection leads in the inner lead mount region; and cable connection leads arranged on another end of the flexible printed board and respectively connected to the inner leads. The rigid substrate and the flexible printed board are arranged in a projection plane in an optical axis direction of the semiconductor package. The third connection lands are arranged along one side of the rigid substrate.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: a metal barrel holding an objective lens; a substrate barrel formed of a circuit formed product having insulation property; an image sensor having a chip size package; plural electrodes formed in a penetrating manner from an inside of a substrate barrel to a proximal end side in an exposed manner, the plural electrodes being electrically connected to an image sensor in the substrate barrel; an electric conductive portion formed on an outer surface of the substrate barrel, having an insulation property with respect to the metal barrel, and having a predetermined creepage distance by which a current such as static electricity can be discharged; a ground electrode electrically connected to the electric conductive portion; and a cable provided with plural wires connected to a ground wire connected to the ground electrode and plural wires connected to the plural electrodes.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: a planar light emitter that includes a light-emitting face and a light-emitter terminal; a power supply cable that is connected to the light-emitter terminal and that supplies electric power to the planar light emitter; a solid-state image sensing device that captures an image of an illumination object that is irradiated with light emitted from the light-emitting face; a coaxial cable that is electrically connected to the solid-state image sensing device; a light shield that is disposed between the solid-state image sensing device and the planar light emitter; and a light guide that guides light emitted from the light-emitting face to an outside of the imaging module. The planar light emitter, the solid-state image sensing device, part of the light shield, and the light guide constitute a rigid portion of the imaging module.

Abstract: A collapsible sample collection device with a novel, collapsible 3D capture open affinity net dispersed throughout the volume of the container, said net with tethered affinity moieties, is designed to address the need for low-cost, simple harvesting and concentration of diagnostic analytes that generally does not require any ancillary equipment. The collection device generally permits analytes of interest to be efficiently harvested from body fluid samples, in one step, concentrated, collapsed into a flat mailing size, and protected from degradation without the need for traditional cold chain technologies. The concentration factor will increase sensitivity by several orders of magnitude when coupled with any type of downstream analyte measurement, including point of care testing. The collection device, in various embodiments, obviates the need for handling transport or storage of the fluid portion of the body fluid sample (e.g. blood, urine, saliva, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosures describe devices and methods to repair cartilage defects using arthroscopic surgical methods. The disclosed devices include a cannula assembly including a cannula body, a dam seal sub-assembly disposed proximally from the cannula body, and an obturator inserted coaxially through both the cannula body and the dam seal sub-assembly; an articulated arthroscopic cutting tool; a ring curette; a square curette; a rake curette; a matrix shuttle delivery device for delivering a cell-seeded support matrix including chondrocytes; and an applicator tool.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an instrument set and an instrument drive unit removably coupled to the instrument set. The instrument set includes an instrument set housing; an elongate outer cannula having a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof; an elongate inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula lumen; an aspiration vent fluidly coupling the outer cannula lumen to atmosphere; and an aspirate valve in the aspiration vent, and configured such that the outer cannula lumen is vented to atmosphere only when the aspirate valve is open. The instrument drive unit includes a drive unit support structure removably coupled to the instrument set housing; a motorized inner cannula driver configured to axially oscillate the inner cannula relative to the outer cannula to sever tissue extending through the tissue receiving opening; and an actuating member configured to selectively mechanically prevent the aspirate valve from closing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular closure device, comprising a self-expanding tubular vascular closure element, a retaining element surrounding the vascular closure element, the retaining element being arranged to hold the vascular closure element in the lumen of the retaining element in a configuration where the vascular closure element is not fully self-expanded, a tether that is threaded through the lumen of the retaining element, the tether being arranged so that, upon application of a first force to the tether which is greater than a threshold force, the tether disintegrates the retaining element so as to allow the vascular closure element to freely expand. It also relates to a system for delivering such a vascular closure device and to a method of closing a vascular access hole using a corresponding device.

Abstract: Retractors for surgical procedures such as spinal surgical procedures includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction. Methods of use for the retractors during surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue manipulation device including a securing member pivotably coupled to a handle portion and is pivotably displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A distal end of a wire is coupled to an end effector of the tissue manipulation device, and the proximal end of the wire is removably coupled to an engagement portion of the securing member when the securing member is in the engaged position and is disengaged from the engagement portion of the securing member when the securing member is in the disengaged position. When the securing member is in the engaged position, the wire couples the securing member and the end effector such that when the securing member is displaced from a first securing member position to a second securing member position, the end effector is displaced from a undeployed position to a deployed position.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing includes an inner strut, a spiral suturing needle, a driving mechanism, a recovery mechanism, a suture-taking-up mechanism, and a suture-feeding mechanism. Grooves are distributed on periphery with respect to an axial direction of the inner strut, a path of the groove is consistent with a path of a metallic stent to be sutured, and a width of the groove matches an outer diameter of the spiral suturing needle; the spiral suturing needle is an elastic retractable structure and a length of the spiral suturing needle without deformation is longer than a length of the path of the groove, and a suturing needle tip is arranged on a head portion of the spiral suturing needle and a suture-piercing hole is arranged on a tail portion of the spiral suturing needle.

Abstract: The present invention is a surgical suturing device that assists in applying an open-looped, pre-knotted suture around a targeted area of application. The surgical suturing device contains a handle, a grasping mechanism, a first jaw, a second jaw, a first coupler, and a second coupler. The first jaw and the second jaw each contains a jaw body and a coupler receiver. The first coupler and the second coupler each contains a strand receiver. The handle is operatively connected to the first jaw and the second jaw through the grasping mechanism. The coupler receiver is positioned adjacent to the jaw body, opposite to the grasping mechanism along the jaw body. The first coupler is removably positioned within the coupler receiver of the first jaw. The strand receiver traverses into the first coupler and the second coupler. The second coupler is removably positioned within the coupler receiver of the second jaw.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a curved needle, a suture, an elongate body, an actuator and a curved needle holder. The suture connects with the curved needle. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The curved needle holder extends away from a distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body. The curved needle holder includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip. The curved needle holder includes an inner surface defining a needle passage for holding the needle and a distal opening. The curved needle has a curved needle radius and the curved needle passage has a curved needle passage radius that is different than the curved needle radius and the curved needle frictionally engages the inner surface when the needle is in a retracted position.

Abstract: An orthopaedic stapler (1) comprising orthopaedic pliers (3) and an orthopaedic staple (2) integrally formed at the distal ends of the pliers (3). The orthopaedic staple (2) comprises a beam portion (4) and two insertion brackets (5) at the two opposite ends (6) of the beam portion (4) and substantially transverse with respect to the beam portion (4). The orthopaedic pliers (3) comprise two lever arms (12) integrally connected to the orthopaedic staple (2) by means of connection portions (15) at the two opposite ends (6) of the beam portion (4). The connection portions (15) are breakable along breakage sections (24). The lever arms (12) comprise at least one first projecting element (19), at least one second projecting element (20), the first projecting element (19) on one lever arm (12) being directed towards the second projecting element (20) on the other lever arm (12). The first projecting element (19) and the second projecting element (20) are provided with a reciprocal engaging mechanism (21).

Abstract: A surgical instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: Surgical instruments that have articulation joints that include a distal joint member and a central joint member that is selectively articulatable relative to the central joint member about a distal articulation axis that is transverse to a shaft axis. The articulation joints may further include a proximal joint member that operably interfaces with the central joint member such that the central joint member is selectively articulatable relative to the proximal joint member about a proximal articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and the distal articulation axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly can include a first jaw, a second jaw, an articulation joint, a closure drive comprising a first flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint, and a firing drive comprising a second flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint and rotatable independent of the first flexible rotary drive. The surgical stapling assembly can further include a 3D-printed component. The 3D-printed component can include a plastic body and one or more metal substrates with interlocking features embedded in the plastic body. The surgical stapling assembly can include a firing member having a flexible portion configured to flex more readily that adjacent portions of the firing member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a rotatable and translatable firing member is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device (10) includes a reload assembly (300) having a cartridge assembly (100) and a shipping cap (200) releasably attached to the cartridge assembly (100). The cartridge assembly (100) includes an alignment pin assembly (140) having an alignment pin (144) defining a key hole slot (151) and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The shipping cap (200) includes a locking pin (230) received through the key hole slot (151). When the alignment pin (144) is in the locked position, the alignment pin (144) prevents separation of the shipping cap (200) from the replaceable cartridge assembly (100) and when the alignment pin (144) is in the unlocked position, the alignment pin (144) permits separation of the shipping cap (200) from the replaceable cartridge assembly (100).

Abstract: A loading unit removably loadable into a surgical instrument positioned within a body of a patient having an elongated member, first and second jaws at a distal portion and a firing mechanism movable within the elongated member to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. The loading unit is insertable into a proximal opening of the instrument and through a lumen in the shaft of the instrument while the instrument is positioned in the body of the patient. The first and second jaws extend distally of the shaft of the instrument and the loading unit is actuable by the instrument. A surgical instrument to receive the loading unit and a method for reloading the instrument are also provided.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator may generally comprise a first layer comprising a first biocompatible material sealingly enclosed in a water impermeable material and a second layer comprising a second biocompatible material comprising at least one encapsulation, wherein the first biocompatible material expands when contacted with a fluid. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a haemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antibiotic agent, anti-microbial agent, an anti-adhesion agent, an anti-coagulant agent, a medicament, and/or pharmaceutically active agent. The encapsulation may comprise a biodegradable material to degrade in vivo and/or in situ. The tissue thickness compensator may comprise a hydrogel. The reaction product may comprise a fluid-swellable composition. Articles of manufacture comprising the tissue thickness compensator and methods of making and using the tissue thickness compensator are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument, such as a tissue sealing instrument, with an elongate shaft and an end effector movably coupled to the shaft with a joint or wrist assembly. The wrist assembly includes a first outer link, a second outer link, and an inner link. The first outer link is connected to the elongated shaft and movably coupled to the second outer link by the inner link. The inner link includes a pair of posts, and the first and second outer links each include a recess configured to receive a respective one of the pair of posts. The posts and recesses defining a rocking hinge, which permits the wrist assembly to accommodate a reduction in the size of the rolling radius to reduce the likelihood of grabbing and pinching tissue during articulation of the end effector without sacrificing the internal bend radius of the hinge joint.