Abstract: A method for making a braided medical device may involve positioning an insert inside a braided material, processing the braided material to form the braided medical device, dissolving and/or crushing the insert into multiple pieces, and removing the multiple pieces from the braided medical device. In some embodiments, the insert is made of gypsum. A braided medical device for occluding a defect in a heart may include a right disc for residing in a right side of the heart, a left disc having a partially circular shape for residing in a left side of the heart, and a waist extending between the right disc and the left disc and having a smaller diameter than that of either the right disc or the left disc.

Abstract: A surgical retractor and configured to minimize tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The surgical retractor has a handle, a blade, and a plurality of retraction elements. The retraction elements may be fixed to the blade but arranged in a specific configuration that a minimizes tearing of the gloves without compromising the ability to grip tissue. The retraction elements may also be made deployable by having a deployed configuration in which the retraction elements are exposed, and a stowed configuration in which the retraction elements are hidden.

Abstract: An ophthalmic speculum includes arms, a locking mechanism, and an air-flow system. The arms include a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a retractor shaped to conform to an eyelid of a pair of eyelids of an eye. The retractors are substantially symmetrical about a lateral axis. The locking mechanism is coupled to the arms. The locking mechanism moves the arms to allow the retractors to retract the pair of eyelids, and fixes the arms into place to maintain retraction of the pair of eyelids. The air-flow system is coupled to at least one arm, and moves air in a region disposed outwardly from a surface of the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Abstract: An orthopedic stabilization device is provided having a first button and a suture. The first button includes a base portion and a locking loop extending from a distal surface thereof, and a locking member slidably receiving the locking loop. At least a portion of the suture extends through the locking loop superior the locking member in the axial direction and at least a portion of the suture extends through the locking loop inferior the locking member in the axial direction such that a portion of said suture is frictionally retainable between said locking member and said locking loop when the suture is tensioned. The device may include a second button with the suture disposed between the first and second buttons such that the suture may be held in tension therebetween.

Abstract: A set of devices and associated methodology for percutaneously closing a puncture through the wall of an artery. The method includes inserting a guide wire through a percutaneous entry and into the artery; using the guide wire to guide an insertion of an introducer catheter into the artery; inserting a balloon catheter through the introducer catheter and into the artery; obtaining a tube having a clamp configured to selectively clamp to the introducer catheter; loading the tube with a plurality of fasteners, each fastener individually tethered to a suture; clamping the tube loaded with fasteners onto the introducer catheter, thereby aligning the puncture with a distal working end of the tube; ejecting two or more of the fasteners from the tube to attach onto the artery; percutaneously tying together the tethered sutures of the attached fasteners to draw the attached fasteners together, closing the puncture.

Abstract: A flexible portal cannula for use in arthroscopic surgery. Distally positioned flaps extend radially outwardly from the outer surface of the cannula and are resiliently foldable to lie against the outer surface of the cannula during insertion into a surgical portal, and resiliently biased to return to the radially outwardly extending position when unconstrained. Slots disposed around the perimeter of the flaps for anchoring and sorting sutures.

Abstract: A suture device includes a suture ring that defines an arcuate channel extending therein. A first arcuate needle passer is slidingly disposed within a first side of the arcuate channel and a second arcuate needle passer is slidingly disposed within a second side of the arcuate channel. An arcuate needle is passable between the first arcuate needle passer and the second arcuate needle passer and includes a first latching feature adapted to releasably secure the arcuate needle to the first arcuate needle passer and a second latching feature adapted to releasably secure the arcuate needle to the second arcuate needle passer.

Abstract: An Achilles tendon repair device comprises a handle for physician gripping and base having a first set of tendon rods disposed in an arcuate or U-shaped pattern about the base to engage the posterior surface of the tendon and impart a contour, or drape, the tendon in the posterior-anterior plane to increase the surface area for suturing. A second set of suture guide rods extend from the sides of the base and are spaced apart to allow insertion of suture needles along the entire length of the suture guide rods, and at any angle. A suture needle housing guide can be slidingly attached to the suture guide rods and includes sidewalls with predefined suture holes/angles. An adjustable clamping arm can engage the tendon's posterior surface such that the device grasps the tendon on both the anterior and posterior tendon surfaces simultaneously, while increasing posterior-anterior plane surface area to facilitate suturing.

Abstract: A method for closing a wound in a tubular organ using a suture thread attached to a suture needle. The method includes grasping a first part of the suture thread by a grasper inserted in the tubular organ after the suture thread has been passed through tissue surrounding the wound at a first position; moving the first part away from the first position by moving the grasper grasping the first part along a longitudinal axis of the grasper; grasping a second part of the suture thread located between the first part and the first position by the grasper; and moving the second part away from the first position by moving the grasper grasping the second part along the longitudinal axis of the grasper.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatably connected to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulation drive is disclosed. The articulation drive comprises a lock configured to hold the end effector in position when the articulation drive is not being operated. The articulation lock self-unlocks when the articulation drive is actuated.

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.

Abstract: A surgical device having at least one rotary input screw in the end effector is provided. A rotary input screw can extend through a central longitudinal portion of the end effector. The end effector can include an improved closure system, firing systems, leveraging and alignment features between the staple cartridge and the surgical device, staple cartridges having multi-staple drivers, single-firing knifes and lockout/safety features for the same, and/or modified staple patterns, for example. Certain components can be 3D-printed components.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly, an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a firing drive screw coupled to a firing nut. The elongated shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis and has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is selectively attached to the housing assembly. The anvil assembly is supported on the distal end portion of the elongated shaft assembly. The cartridge assembly is selectively attached to the anvil assembly to secure the cartridge assembly to the elongated shaft assembly. The firing nut is coupled to a firing tube. The firing tube is coupled to a firing rod. The firing rod is positioned to advance a drive beam assembly through the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed that includes a first impedance sensing electrode and a second impedance sensing electrode. The first impedance sensing electrode is addressable to apply first energy to tissue positioned in a first zone. The second impedance sensing electrode is addressable to apply a second energy to tissue positioned in a second zone. A control circuit is configured to determine a thickness of the tissue positioned in the first zone based on the first energy and a thickness of the tissue positioned in the second zone based on the second energy. Advancement of a knife through an elongate slot of the staple cartridge is based on the determined thickness of the tissue in the first zone and the determined thickness of the tissue in the second zone.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed comprising a firing member, a motor configured to advance the firing member, a current sensor, and a control system configured to set a target firing speed range of the firing member based on a current draw of the motor sensed by the current sensor, set a threshold current draw range corresponding to the target firing speed range of the firing member, advance the firing member at a firing speed within the target firing speed range, monitor a current draw of the motor as the firing member is driven, compare the monitored current draw to the threshold current draw range, and adjust the firing speed of the firing member based on the monitored current draw crossing below a first non-zero current value corresponding to the threshold current draw range or above a second non-zero current value corresponding to the threshold current draw range.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and end effectors therefor are disclosed. In various implementations, the surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector that comprises a lower jaw and an upper jaw that are supported for movable travel toward and away from each other. The instrument may further include a firing member that is operably supported for selective operable travel within the surgical end effector. The instrument may also include a first jaw closure system that operably interfaces with the lower jaw and is configured to selectively move the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A second jaw closure system operably interfaces with the upper jaw and is configured to selectively move the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw. A firing system operably interfaces with the firing member and is configured to apply firing motions to the firing member to move the firing member within the end effector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a staple cartridge for a surgical instrument having a staple and a staple pusher. The staple pusher has a recess forming a pocket in its top surface for receiving at least the backspan of the staple. The pocket is at least partially surrounded by a circumferential supporting element in the staple pusher body to support the backspan. The pocket provides additional vertical space and support for the staple such that a smaller staple cartridge may provide a substantially similar performance as conventional staple cartridges, allowing for a more compact and maneuverable surgical instrument. In addition, the pocket in the staple pusher allows for a staple having a larger bend radius than conventional staples, thereby providing additional support for the staple and minimizing malformation of the staple during use.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: A compressible adjunct for use with a staple cartridge is provided and includes a biocompatible adjunct material configured to be releasably retained on a staple cartridge and configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of staples in the staple cartridge. The adjunct material is formed from a porous polymer body and is configured to exhibit a first stiffness in compression that is approximately constant during a first time period from contact with the tissue. The adjunct material is further configured to exhibit a second stiffness in compression during a second time period following the first time period. The second stiffness is less than the first stiffness and is configured to decrease with time as a function of at least one of oxidation, enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis, and change of pH resulting from interaction with at least one physiological element released from the tissue during healing progression of the tissue.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The surgical instrument may also include a fastener deployment system for deploying fasteners from the elongated shaft assembly including a reciprocating driveshaft disposed within the elongated shaft assembly. The driveshaft may include an internal channel and at least one guide surface shaped and arranged to maintain an orientation of at least one fastener in the channel of the driveshaft. In other embodiments, the fastener deployment system may include a follower disposed within the elongated shaft assembly for displacing one or more fasteners within the elongated shaft assembly towards a distal fastener deployment position.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods for tissue resection in a body lumen of a patient, and may include an endoscope and a backstop delivery device extendable through the endoscope. The backstop delivery device may deliver a backstop to a location of selected tissue for resection. A backstop may include a covering being deployable in a patient. The covering may have one or more anchoring mechanisms disposed on an edge of the covering. A tissue resecting device may be extendable through the endoscope for resecting the selected tissue for resection. The covering may be deployable to an outer surface of the body lumen, such that the anchoring mechanism may secure the covering to the outer surface of the body lumen and the covering may expand to cover the selected tissue for resection.

Abstract: A tissue-manipulating system including a tissue-manipulating device having shaft and a tissue grasper assembly. The tissue grasper assembly has at least one grasper arm resiliently expandable from a closed configuration, within and extending along the longitudinal axis of a shaft, to an open configuration outside the shaft with the grasper arm expanded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In the open configuration, the at least one grasper arm may be engaged with tissue wall to manipulate or move the tissue wall, such as to move a distal tissue wall closer to a proximal tissue wall. The tissue grasper assembly may be deployable (such as by being separated from the shaft), such as to remain in place holding two tissue walls in apposition.

Abstract: A force sensor arrangement for use in a surgical device includes a support block supported within the surgical device and defining a support block surface; a load sensor disposed axially adjacent the support block, the load sensor defining a sensor surface; and a spherical disc interposed between the support block and the load sensor, and in contact with the support block surface and the sensor surface, wherein the spherical disc defines a first side in contact with the sensor surface, and a second side in contact with the support block surface, wherein the second side of the spherical disc has a spherical profile and the support block surface has a complimentary spherical profile.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a body member having a distal end. The distal end is configured to be fixedly secured to an annular deck member having a plurality of staple openings. The body member is configured to slidably house a staple driver member. The body member includes a radially expandable collar having at least one latching feature. The surgical stapling instrument also includes a shaft assembly, including a proximal sheath portion, a distal sheath portion, and at least one protrusion extending radially outwardly from the distal sheath portion. The at least one protrusion includes at least one abutment surface configured to engage the at least one latching feature of the radially expandable collar for coupling the body member to the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling assembly and an anvil configured to cooperate to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The stapling assembly includes a deck member having a deck surface that faces distally and includes a plurality of staple openings configured to receive a plurality of staples, and a knife member having a distal end that defines a cutting edge. The anvil includes an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to form the staples, and a washer positioned adjacent to the anvil surface and having a proximal face. The cutting edge of the knife member is configured to cut through the tissue and the proximal face when the surgical instrument is fired. The proximal face includes a tissue gripping feature configured to stabilize and inhibit the tissue from translating across the washer and the anvil surface during firing.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a manually operated trigger (24) that is adapted to allow staple formation to occur prior to cutting of tissue during a single actuation of the firing trigger (24). The stapling device (10) minimizes stretching and movement of tissue during staple formation to improve staple formation. The stapling device (10) also reduces the amount of force required to move the firing trigger (24) through a firing stroke by separating the staple formation and tissue cutting functions of the stapling device (10) to reduce stress on a clinician's hand during actuation of the stapling device (10).

Abstract: Described herein are the use of fluid complex coacervates that produce solid adhesives in situ to anchor medical devices such as catheters in a blood vessel. The anchored devices permit the targeted delivery of bioactive agents. The anchored devices can perform as an embolic agent by reducing or preventing blood flow in the vessel. Additionally, the embolic produced from the solid adhesive produced in situ can also include one or more bioactive agents that can be released in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A device includes a clip including a capsule and a pair of clip arms, proximal ends of which are slidably received within a channel of the capsule to move the clip arms between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The clip arms are aligned relative to one another via a pin received within openings extending through proximal ends of the clip arms. A proximal portion includes a flexible shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end including a bushing releasably coupled to the capsule. A control member extends longitudinally through the flexible shaft from a proximal end to a distal end releasably coupled to the proximal ends of the clip arms, the distal end of the control member including a pair of holding jaws, each of which include a pair of fingers extending about the pin along opposing sides thereof to grip the pin therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical saw blade is disclosed for improved resection and cutting of tissue. The surgical saw blade may include a front side, an opposite back side, a top side, an opposite bottom side, a right side, and an opposite left side. The surgical saw blade may further include a cutting tooth extending from the back side and having a cutting edge oriented toward one of the right side and the left side, the cutting tooth associated with an aperture through the saw blade between the front and back sides. The back side may be a single direction cutting side and the front, top, bottom, right, and left sides may be non-cutting sides. The surgical saw blade may further include a saw connection feature near the bottom side.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for drilling holes (420, 422) in a target bone (414) are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool (330), a navigation system (310) configured to track a position of the cutting tool, and a computer-assisted surgical (CAS) system (340) operably connected to the cutting tool and the navigation system. The CAS system can be configured to determine an implant component (100) to be implanted on the target bone (414), determine a cutting block position for preparing the target bone to receive the implant component, determine a plurality of pin locations (420, 422) for securing the cutting block (416) based upon the determined cutting block position, and selectively provide instructions to the cutting tool to cut a hole when the cutting tool is in a position adjacent to at least one of the determined plurality of pin locations.

Abstract: A mill head for replaceable attachment to a base so as to collectively form a bone mill. The mill head includes shell with: a first opening in which bone stock is introduced into the head; and a second opening through which the bone chips are discharged. A cutting device is mounted in the shell to both rotate and move laterally. Attached to the cutting device are coupling features for engaging a drive spindle able to rotate the cutting device. Also attached to the housing is an alignment feature. The alignment feature engages a complementary alignment feature associated with the drive spindle so as a result of the engagement of the alignment features, the cutting device moves within the shell so that the cutting device coupling features are positioned to engage the drive spindle.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece system for performing measurement functions and surgical operations. The system includes a handpiece assembly. The handpiece has a handpiece housing and a drive cannula rotatably coupled to the handpiece housing. The drive cannula extends along an axis and is configured to receive torque from a motor. A surgical attachment module has an attachment housing removably coupleable to the handpiece housing. The surgical attachment module has a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the surgical attachment housing and configured to receive torque from the drive cannula to operate an end effector. A measurement module has a measurement housing removably coupleable to the handpiece housing. The measurement module is configured to perform measurement functions associated with operation of the handpiece assembly.

Abstract: A system for harvesting bone material from a bone may include a rotary cutter defining a rotary cutter longitudinal axis extending between a rotary cutter proximal end and a rotary cutter distal end. The rotary cutter may have a drive shaft configured to receive input torque, and an osteochondral cutter configured to cut the tissue and receive the tissue material in response to rotation of the osteochondral cutter under pressure against the tissue. The system may further include a bone port defining a bone port longitudinal axis extending between a bone port proximal end and a bone port distal end. The bone port may have a bone port cannulation sized to closely fit over the osteochondral cutter. At least one of the bone port proximal end and the bone port distal end may be securable to the tissue. A stratiform tissue graft may be delivered through the bone port.

Abstract: Methods of harvesting cancellous bone and bone marrow include extracting loosened cancellous bone and bone marrow—including a liquid component thereof—to a collection container that has a first cup and a suction port to which a suction source is connected. After extraction, the suction source is disconnected and a lid of the collection container is removed and replaced with a lid having a plunger with a press head that is configured to filter the extracted liquid by depressing the plunger toward a bottom of the first cup. The filtered liquid is poured through a suction port into a second cup while depressing the plunger, thereby separating the liquid from a semi-solid mass of cancellous bone that remains. The bone is extracted through a cortical opening in the femur, tibia, or calcaneus, or from an intermedullary canal that is preferably formed by reaming of the tibia using an orthopedic reamer.

Abstract: A kit (4000, 5100) including a guiding system and a cannulated bone material removal device, the bone material removal device (4004, 5200) having a longitudinal shaft (4024, 5202) and comprising on the longitudinal shaft a radially expandable cutting portion (4028, 5208) having a longitudinally-oriented cutting edge (2124), the radial expansion comprising an increase of a cross-sectional diameter of the bone material removal device at the longitudinal position of the expandable cutting portion; and the guiding system including an arcuate element (4008, 5102), a guiding element (4010, 5104) configured to be attached to the arcuate element, and a cannula (4002, 5106), slidably insertable into a portion of the arcuate element; wherein the bone material removal device is axially displaceable within said cannula. The kit can be used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Abstract: A surgical tool guide comprises an anchor body extending between a proximal end and a distal end along an anchor axis. The anchor body has a piercing element at the proximal end. An angle adjustor arcuately extends between two opposed ends. The angle adjustor is mounted to the anchor body between the proximal end and the distal end. A guide body is cannulated along a longitudinal length thereof to define a guide passage extending along a guide axis. The guide body is mounted to the angle adjustor such that the guide axis intersects the anchor axis at a target surgical point and an angle is defined between the anchor axis and the guide axis. The anchor body and/or the guide body is displaceable relative to the other along the angle adjustor to vary at least one of the angle and a depth of the target surgical point.

Abstract: A method of repairing plantar plate tears of an individual through augmentation that includes cutting an incision above a damaged area of a plantar plate on an individual, spreading the tissue with a plantar plate joint distractor, inserting a drill insertion member into the plantar drill guide and at a drilling angle over tissue at or near the damaged area of the plantar plate, drilling, with a drill bit and at the drilling angle, into the tissue at or near the damaged area of the plantar plate, attaching a K-wire to a graft, pulling, with the K-wire, the graft across a damaged area of the plantar plate augmenting the damaged area of the plantar plate, and manipulating an interference-type screw through the plantar plate and either or both the K-wire and the graft to engage and compress the graft for fixation.

Abstract: The invention describes catheter systems and methods for accessing the brain during endovascular/neurointervention procedures in the treatment of ischemic stroke. More specifically, a multi-axial catheter system and kit is described that improves the process of accessing a carotid artery particularly in patients having a tortuous aortic arch and thereafter improves the process of gaining access to the brain to enable the insertion of aspiration and/or the deployment clot retrieval devices. In addition, methods of utilizing these systems are described.

Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: Mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses (devices, systems, etc.) and methods for deploying and/or positioning them within a vessel and/or using them and/or removing a thrombus, e.g., clot, from within a vessel using them.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

Abstract: A system to deliver energy to treat a mobile calculus, the system can include a drill and a lateral energy emitter. The drill can be configured to drill a recess into the mobile calculus or a passage through the mobile calculus. The lateral energy emitter can be configured to be advanced into the recess or the passage and to transmit the energy internal to the mobile calculus to fragment the mobile calculus. In some examples, the system can include a deployable capture portion to constrain a stone relative to the capture portion.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes an expandable member configured to expand radially outward from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The expandable member is configured to be expanded and contracted in a controlled manner, e.g., in response to user actuation or automatically under the control of control circuitry of a device. For example, in some examples, control circuitry of a device can be configured to control the expandable member to expand and contract according to a predetermined expansion frequency or according to an expansion frequency determined based on a cardiac cycle of a patient.

Abstract: Inverting tube thrombectomy apparatus for removing clot that are configured to prevent compression of the apparatus that may separate the distal end of the apparatus from the clot and may make it difficult to advance the apparatus to engage with the clot, particularly in a tortious vessel. The apparatuses and methods of using them described herein may be adapted to prevent tension in the flexible tube that is rolling and inverting over the distal end of the inversion support catheter when capturing a clot. Also described herein are inverting tube thrombectomy apparatus that are configured to reload either automatically or manually within the vessel to capture additional clot material.

Abstract: A hand-held gripping device that allows a surgeon to reach interior portions of a person's anatomy, includes a gripping portion having a pair of jaws and/or nets movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that is hollow and corrugated, with a cord extending therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel target detecting device comprising an excitation transducer generating a low frequency pulses of weakly focused ultrasonic energy and a sensing transducer. The present invention also includes a method of aligning a treatment transducer to a target by mapping the target in situ by sending a low frequency ultrasound signal and receiving reflected signals from the target. These inventions provide a simpler way of determining the location of a target and aligning a treatment transducer without the need to generate and interpret an image and then translate the image back onto the target.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly including: (a) a latch unit comprising: (A) a hook latch, having a home position, (B) a forward bias constraint, (C) a rearward bias constraint, and (D) a bias member extending between the forward bias constraint and the rearward bias constraint so that the bias member has a pre-load when the hook latch is in the home position; (b) a movement unit including a bar that is movable relative to the latch unit so that the bar is movable in a prescribed motion into contact with the latch unit to create a locked state; and wherein the bar moves into contact with the hook latch driving the hook latch in a first direction, away relative to the home position, and then the hook latch is moved by the bar in a second direction relative to the home position, and a loading of the bias member is increased from the pre-load when the hook latch is moved in either the first direction away from the home position or the second direction away from the home position.

Abstract: A jaw closure transmission system is presented comprising an input sub-system, output sub-system and a transmission sub-system.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for a forceps includes first and second jaw members, each including a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each proximal flange defines an aperture extending therethrough configured to receive a pivot assembly including first and second pivot pins. The second proximal flange includes a U-shaped cross section having first and second legs defining a slot therebetween. A guard is disposed between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members and includes a U-shaped cross section with first and second legs configured to receive the proximal flange of the first jaw member and seat within the slot of the second jaw member. The guard is configured to eliminate gaps between the proximal flanges of the first and second jaw members during angular rotation of the first and second jaw members between a first, spaced apart position to a second, closer position.