Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.

Abstract: An end effector for stapling and cutting tissue comprising a shaft portion extending along a longitudinal axis, a first jaw, and a second jaw is disclosed. One of the first jaw and the second jaw comprises a plurality of staple cavities arranged in a plurality of curved staple cavity rows, wherein the second jaw is moveable relative to the first jaw between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The second jaw is configured to tilt laterally about the longitudinal axis between the open orientation and the closed orientation. The second jaw comprises an intermediate portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is structured to clamp tissue against the first jaw before the intermediate portion when the second jaw moves from the open orientation toward the closed orientation.

Abstract: A surgical stapler including a safety apparatus, including: a stapler part, a fixed handle, a safety apparatus, a transmission assembly, a propulsion assembly, and a trigger handle. The safety apparatus includes a safety piece and a fixing block. The propulsion assembly includes an ejector sleeve. The safety apparatus is fixed on the propulsion assembly and contacts with a surface of the transmission assembly. The safety piece is disposed inside the fixing block. At least one spring is disposed inside the fixing block to ensure elasticity of the safety piece.

Abstract: A system for introducing a surgical instrument through a tissue lumen having: a surgical instrument; a sheath for preventing contamination of the tissue lumen; a dilator for dilating bodily tissue having an elongated body for positioning the dilator and a tapered section for facilitating dilation of the tissue lumen; and a cone having conical body that tapers from the proximal end to the distal end and facilitates insertion of the cone and the surgical instrument through the tissue lumen, an axial bore that extends longitudinally through the cone and receives an anvil retainer, a collar that engages the distal end of the surgical device and prevents lateral movement of the cone, grooves that engage the surface of the tapered section and reduce the friction between the cone and the tissue lumen, a securing device for securing the cone to the surgical instrument, and a retrieval device for retrieving the cone from a bodily cavity.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw member defining an anvil; a second jaw member configured to receive a cartridge therein, wherein the first jaw member is moveable with respect to the second jaw member; a first sensor coupled to the anvil; and a second sensor configured to measure a second parameter. The first sensor is configured to measure a first parameter. The first parameter and the second parameter are related. The first sensor and the second sensor are in signal communication with a processor.

Abstract: A surgical system can include an electric motor, a sensor and a microcontroller in signal communication with the electric motor and the sensor. In various instances, the microcontroller can adjust the velocity of a firing element when the sensor detects a change in current drawn by the electric motor that exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an assembly for clamping and stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The assembly comprises a housing, a shaft extending from the housing, and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples stored therein and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The assembly further comprises a first rotary drive mechanism configured to change a distance between the staple cartridge and the anvil at a first rate during a first complete clamping cycle and a second rotary drive mechanism configured to change the distance between the staple cartridge and the anvil at a second rate during another complete clamping cycle, wherein the second rotary drive mechanism is further configured to affect the another complete clamping cycle independent of the first rotary drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for use in laparoscopic surgery is provided. The device has a sheath, a surgical action mechanism configured to deliver an action and to limit the device to a single use, at least one telescoping section configured to structurally support the surgical action mechanism, a first spacer, and a second spacer. The surgical action mechanism, the telescoping section, the first spacer, and the second spacer are configured to move within the sheath from a pre-action configuration, to an action configuration, and to a return configuration.

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 surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other one of the first jaw and the second jaw between an open configuration and an approximated configuration. In addition the surgical instrument includes a cutting member movable during a firing stroke to cut tissue captured between the first jaw and the second jaw, the cutting member comprising a cutting surface at a distal portion thereof. In addition, the surgical instrument further includes a sensing module operable to measure a characteristic of the cutting surface.

Abstract: A surgical end effector comprising a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a compressible portion intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil is disclosed. The compressible portion comprises a plurality of tubular members.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis comprises a stapling head assembly, an actuator handle assembly, a shaft assembly, a safety latch, and a locking member. The stapling head assembly includes an anvil that moves relative to a staple holder and a staple driver to drive staples from the staple holder into tissue and against the anvil. The actuator handle assembly has a first actuator that controls motion of the anvil and a second actuator that controls motion of the staple driver. The shaft assembly couples the stapling head assembly to the actuator handle assembly. The safety latch prevents operation of the second actuator when the gap between the anvil and staple holder is outside a predetermined range. The locking member is configured to prevent adjustment of the anvil gap after the desired staple height has been set inside the predetermined range.

Abstract: Provided herein are medical apparatuses and methods and more particularly devices and methods for positioning and anchoring a lining to a hollow body organ, such as a stomach, intestine or gastrointestinal tract. For example, in one embodiment, an endoluminal applier includes a fastening assembly configured to receive tissue and lining, a suction device configured to acquire tissue and lining, and a stitching mechanism configured to stitch into the fastening cavity and to apply a running suture to the tissue portion and lining.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, an actuator coupled to the end effector and actuating it, a handle coupled to the end effector and having an electric motor disposed therein actuating the actuator when supplied with power, and a post-termination braking circuit including a power supply switch at the handle. The switch has a break-before-make configuration, a power-supplying state in which power is supplied to the motor, and a power-removed state in which power is not supplied to the motor. The braking circuit short-circuits power to the motor when the switch is in the power-removed state. A method for post-termination braking of the motor utilizes the permanent magnetic field to counteract inertia-induced over-stroke of the motor, drive train, and/or actuation assembly after powered operation by short-circuiting the still-spinning motor to create an electrically generated magnetic field in opposition to the permanent magnetic field upon ceasing supply of power.

Abstract: A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of the surgical instrument, e.g., to the cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided and includes an intelligent surgical device having a drive motor supported in the housing and being in electrical communication with the power source; and control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a feedback system for monitoring a condition of the surgical device during a use thereof and for changing an operative parameter of the surgical device when a change in the monitored condition occurs. The surgical system includes a non-intelligent loading unit for selective connection to the housing of the surgical device and which is actuatable by the drive motor, the loading unit having a first and a second condition. During operation, the drive motor actuates the loading unit from the first condition to the second condition; and when the loading unit achieves the second condition, a change in the at least one monitored condition occurs and an operative parameter of the surgical device is changed.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, including: an anvil assembly, a reload assembly, a movable handle, a fixed handle, a transmission assembly, a propulsion assembly, a safety apparatus, and an anti-triggering device. The anti-triggering device includes two rows of holes and clamp strips. The transmission assembly is disposed inside the fixed handle. The clamp strips are arranged in longitudinal symmetry on one side of the anti-triggering device. A row of counterbores and a clamp plate having a structure matching with the clamp strip of the anti-triggering device are arranged at an inner side of the casing of the fixed handle. The safety apparatus is fixed at one side of the propulsion assembly. The anti-triggering device is clamped inside the casing of the fixed handle and is attached to a side surface of the safety apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a motor-powered drive unit that drives a portion of a firing member assembly in an axial direction to actuate a surgical end effector coupled to the instrument. The instrument may further include a retraction system configured to interact with the firing member assembly to permit a clinician to manually retract the portion of the firing member assembly should it become jammed or inadvertently stopped during a firing process. The surgical instrument includes a locking arrangement that interfaces with the retraction system and the motor-powered drive unit to prevent the transfer of the retraction forces generated by the retraction system to the motor shaft without physically separating portions of the motorized drive unit.

Abstract: A powered surgical instrument for cutting and fastening tissue comprises an end effector having first and second jaw members that move relatively between open and closed positions. A control circuit comprises a relay, a firing switch having first and second firing switch positions, and a clamp device that can take first and second states. The clamp device takes a second state when the jaw members are in the closed position such that the clamp device activates the relay. Upon activation of the relay, the firing switch is connected to provide power from a power supply to drive a drive system of the instrument when the firing switch is in a second firing switch position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is configured for use in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The device includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and an end-effector coupled to the shaft assembly. The end-effector comprises of a jaw assembly configured to clamp, staple, and/or cut a target tissue. The handle assembly comprises of a trigger element that can activate a drive assembly to advance a deployment assembly to staple and/or cut the aforementioned target tissue. The deployment assembly comprises of a deployment slide member to either advance the deployment assembly in a first direction or retreat the deployment assembly in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical tool comprising an electromechanical driver and a surgical instrument attachment for use in invasive surgery, including a handle coupled to a flexible sheath which is in turn coupled to a surgical attachment. The handle of the driver includes the electromechanical driver and at least one processor element which controls the actions of the electromechanical driver, and therefore the application elements of the surgical attachment, based on information relayed between the processor element and remotely activateable sensor assemblies in the surgical instrument attachment.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise an end effector, a first drive configured to perform a first end effector function, a second drive configured to perform a second end effector function, and a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft can comprise a first thread, wherein the first drive is engageable with the first thread to perform the first end effector function, and a second thread, wherein the second drive is engageable with the second thread to perform the second end effector function, and wherein the first thread is at least partially co-extensive with or overlaps the second thread.

Abstract: Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus.

Abstract: An introducer accessory for being fitted with a circular stapler is disclosed, and pertains to the technical field of medical instrument. The introducer accessory at least comprises a sleeve portion sleeved around a distal end of the circular stapler and an introducing portion disposed at a distal end of the sleeve portion. And the introducing portion comprises a spiral member in a conical shape with a cavity and a traction member, the traction member extends in the cavity of spiral member to connect with the distal end of the spiral member such that when the traction member is pulled by an external force, the distal end of the spiral member is pulled out by the traction member through the cavity which causes the spiral member to be unwound internally and finally to form a strip body to withdraw through the circular stapler. Thus, the withdrawing process of introducer accessory can avoid injury to patient during surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly is in communication with the body and includes an end effector, first cam gear, second cam gear, and a lock bar. The end effector has an articulation joint. The first cam gear is rotatably positioned within the shaft assembly. The second cam gear is in communication with the end effector at the articulation joint. The lock bar is distally biased to lock against the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a first range of motion to unlock the lock bar relative to the second cam gear. The first cam gear is rotatable through a second range of motion to rotate the end effector at the articulation joint.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. A guiding ramp guides the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the loading portion. The locking structure has a first position for locking movement of the loading unit and enabling firing rod to engage the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be disengaged and removed from the device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (1). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device (1) for an intravascular procedure such as patent foramen ovate closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means (26) which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprising a housing, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a movable handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and movable between a first open position and a second approximated position for affecting a function of the end effector. A ratchet mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the movable handle and is configured to substantially prevent the movable handle from moving towards its first open position until the movable handle reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: A shroud is provided which includes a rounded atraumatic distal configuration. The shroud is configured and dimensioned to be positioned on the distal end portion of a surgical instrument. The shroud is movable between a first position in which a distal portion of the shroud extends beyond a distal end of a tool assembly of the surgical instrument and a second position in which the distal portion of the shroud is positioned proximal to the distal end of the tool assembly.

Abstract: A hand-held gripping device that allows one of a surgeon, a dentist, and an orthodontist to reach interior portions of a person's anatomy, includes a gripping portion having a pair of jaws 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 has a hollow, bendable corrugated with at least one cord extending therethrough.

Abstract: A staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples, wherein each said staple comprises a base and a deformable leg extending from said base. The staple cartridge further includes a first region comprising a first density, a second region, and a third region comprising a density greater than said first density, wherein said third region is separable into a plurality of pieces.

Abstract: A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a housing comprising a rotary drive member, an elongate shaft extending from the housing, wherein the elongate shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and an end effector comprising a jaw configured to support a staple cartridge and an anvil rotatable relative to the jaw between an open position and a fully-closed position, wherein the anvil comprises a cam surface. The stapling system further comprises a closure cam operably coupled with the rotary drive member, wherein the closure cam is configured to move longitudinally to engage the cam surface and transmit a closing motion to the anvil to move the the into the fully-closed position and an opening member configured to move longitudinally to apply an opening force to the anvil at a location other than the cam surface to move the anvil into the open position.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The fastener cartridge and/or surgical instrument can include an anvil. The fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a deck and a plurality of fastener cavities. The fastener cartridge can comprise fasteners at least partially stored within the fastener cavities, and a firing member configured to move the fasteners toward the anvil. The firing member can comprise a first ramp and a second ramp configured to lift the fasteners toward the anvil. In various instances, the first ramp and/or the second ramp can directly lift the fasteners. In certain instances, the fastener cartridge can include fastener drivers which are directly lifted by the first ramp and/or the second ramp.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, in at least one form, includes an end effector and a power module. The power module may include a first motion conversion assembly. The first motion conversion assembly includes a first rotary drive and a first axial drive operably coupled to the first rotary drive. The power module may further include a second motion conversion assembly which may include a second rotary drive and a second axial drive operably coupled to the second rotary drive. The power module may further include a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion to actuate the end effector and a transmission assembly configured to selectively engage the motor with the first rotary drive and the second rotary drive, wherein the motor is concentrically arranged with the first rotary drive and the second rotary drive.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body and a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to the cartridge body. The tissue thickness compensator can comprise a compressible first portion and a second support portion. The second portion can be rigid and can support the first portion when mounted thereto. The properties of the first portion and/or the second portion can be selected so as to prevent the premature deflection and release from the cartridge body. The fastener cartridge can further comprise one or more attachment portions configured to releasably hold the tissue thickness compensator to the cartridge body. The attachment portions can be configured to permit a firing member to pass therethrough. In some circumstances, the tissue thickness compensator can be configured to hold the firing member in an unfired position until a sufficient firing force has been applied to the firing member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a shaft, end effector and movable cutting member. The movable cutting member may comprise a first band comprising a first band slot having a distal portion and a proximal portion. A width of the first band slot at the distal portion may be larger than a width of the first band slot at the proximal portion. The movable cutting member may comprise a second band comprising a second band slot having a distal portion and a proximal portion. A width of the second band slot at the proximal portion may be larger than a width of the second band slot at the distal portion. The movable cutting member may comprise a pin positioned within the first band slot and the second band slot. The pin may comprise a middle portion having a middle portion diameter and at least one outer portion having an outer portion diameter.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a housing tube having a first housing tube portion with a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion with a second stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed in the housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: Surgical clip appliers are provided and includes a channel assembly extending distally from a housing; a clip carrier disposed within said channel assembly and defining a channel and a plurality of windows therein; a plurality of clips slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier; a wedge plate reciprocally disposed within said channel assembly, said wedge plate being operatively connected to said handles and including a plurality of apertures formed along a length thereof; and a clip follower slidably disposed within said channel of said clip carrier and disposed proximally of said plurality of clips, said clip follower being configured and adapted for selective engagement with said windows of said clip carrier and said apertures of said wedge plate. The clip follower is configured and adapted to urge said plurality of clips, in a distal direction relative to said clip carrier, upon reciprocal movement of said wedge plate.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body including a plurality of fastener cavities and a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein. The fastener cartridge can further comprise a firing member including a first ramp surface and a second ramp surface which can be configured to co-operatively lift and eject the fasteners from the fastener cavities. The first ramp surface can initially lift the fasteners. The second ramp surface can then complete the lift of the fasteners. In such circumstances, the fasteners can be transferred from the first ramp surface to the second ramp surface of the firing member. In various circumstances, the first ramp surface and/or the second ramp surface can directly engage the fasteners. In other circumstances, the fastener cartridge can include fastener drivers which are directly lifted by the first ramp surface and/or the second ramp surface. The fastener cartridge can further include an anvil.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an actuator, an extension portion, and a tissue interaction portion. The extension portion is coupled to the actuator and comprises at least first and second telescoping sections with each telescoping section having (i) at least one extended hook section having a head portion and a neck portion, and (ii) at least one body section being one of coupled and integrated to the at least one extended hook section. The at least one extended hook section of the first telescoping section is operatively coupled to the body section of the second telescoping section. The tissue interaction portion is operatively coupled to the extension portion and comprises at least one of a gripping mechanism, a stapling mechanism, and a cutting mechanism. The actuator is adapted to control at least one of the extension portion and tissue interaction portion.

Abstract: A circumcision tool having an outer jaw having front, rear, and medial blade passage channels; front and rear pluralities of skin fasteners; outer front and outer rear staple inserts releasably holding the front and rear pluralities of skin fasteners within the front and rear blade passage channels; front, rear, and medial blades, the medial blade having a cutting edge; slide tracks connecting the front, rear, and medial blades to the outer jaw; a cam connected operatively to the front, rear, and medial blades, for inwardly moving the front, rear, and medial blades toward the front, rear, and medial blade passage channels in alignments with the front and rear pluralities of skin fasteners, and in alignment of the medial blade with the medial blade passage channel; an inner jaw; and a vice grips actuator connected to the inner and outer jaws for alternatively retracting and splaying the inner and outer jaws.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises a handle, a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle; and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a jaw assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The jaw assembly comprises a moveable jaw member and a fixed jaw member. The moveable jaw member is pivotably moveable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the fixed jaw member. In the closed position, the jaw assembly defines a radius of curvature and a smooth taper from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly, a drive assembly, and a lockout mechanism. The handle assembly includes a fixed handle and a moveable handle. The moveable handle includes an internal end defining an opening. The opening includes a toothed rack. The moveable handle has an initial position and a full-squeezed position. In the initial position, the moveable handle is spaced-apart from the fixed handle. In the full-squeezed position, the moveable handle is approximated toward the fixed handle. The drive assembly is disposed within the handle assembly and is engaged by the toothed rack. The lockout mechanism is disposed with in the handle assembly and is engaged with the moveable handle to prevent movement of the moveable handle towards the initial position before the moveable handle reaches the full-squeezed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an articulating portion. An end effector is on the distal end and an actuator is on the proximal end. A rod is in the shaft having a proximal end with a cam follower, a distal end operably connected to the articulation portion, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. A disk is in the actuator rotatable in response to user input in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod. The disk has a cam slot receiving the cam follower such that rotation of the disk moves the rod longitudinally to articulate the elongate shaft at the articulation portion.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a guide suture that is severed during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a housing that has an elongated shaft assembly attached thereto that is configured to be rotated relative to the housing. The surgical instrument further includes a conductor arrangement that facilitates transfer of electrical power or current from a power source which may be located in the housing or external to the housing to a distal portion of the elongated shaft assembly or to a surgical end effector coupled thereto. The surgical instrument may further include a travel limiting arrangement for limiting the amount of rotary travel of the elongated shaft assembly relative to the housing to a predetermined range of rotary travel.

Abstract: A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The loading unit comprises a proximal body portion and a tool assembly. The proximal body portion defines a longitudinal axis. The tool assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion and includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. At least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position to engage tissue therebetween. The cartridge assembly is configured to house a plurality of fasteners therein. The diameter of the tool assembly is less than or equal to about 8 mm.