Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body. The end effector is in communication with the shaft assembly. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The second jaw is moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The second jaw in the first position is open relative to the first jaw. The second jaw in the second position is positioned such that the distal portion is closer to the first jaw than the proximal portion. The second jaw in the third position is parallel the first jaw.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system having an instrument housing for connecting with a shaft assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector is an articulating end effector and the system includes a cable tensioning system for tensioning the articulation cables. The system includes a clutch mechanism for preventing slippage of a drive cable.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument comprising an anvil shaft, a first anvil assembly disposed at a distal portion of the anvil shaft and a second anvil assembly mountable on the anvil shaft proximally of the first anvil assembly. Also, a method for performing a surgical procedure is provided including the steps of providing a surgical instrument including a first cartridge assembly and a first anvil assembly having an anvil shaft, approximating the first anvil assembly and first cartridge assembly and ejecting staples from the first cartridge assembly. The method further includes removing the first cartridge assembly from the tubular organ, and inserting a second anvil assembly into the tubular organ to engage the anvil shaft of the first anvil assembly and ejecting staples from a second cartridge assembly towards the second anvil assembly.

Abstract: A device is provided for dispensing seeds singly. The device includes a drum, a dispensing disc, a vacuum chamber and a seal of the vacuum chamber, between the drum and the disc. The seal includes a friction insert mounted so as to be immobile in rotation relative to the drum against the periphery of the disc and an elastic seal mounted so as to be immobile in rotation between the drum and the friction insert. The elastic seal maintains the friction insert in a position of leaning against the disc.

Abstract: A described system includes a feature matching circuit that determines a correspondence between a present-location landmark subsurface feature of a body part of an individual patient and a candidate reference landmark subsurface feature of the individual patient body part. The present-location landmark subsurface feature has a first spatial relationship to a distal end portion of a body-insertable device deployed in the individual patient. The candidate reference landmark subsurface feature has a second spatial relationship to a particular selected target region of interest of at least two selected target regions of interest. An event data circuit generates data indicative of a proximity event that includes the distal end portion of a body-insertable device being proximate to the particular target region of interest. A list management circuit adds the proximity event to a proximity event list. A computer-readable media maintains informational data corresponding to the proximity event list.

Abstract: A linear cutting element (1) with an E-shaped guiding element (16) enables the suture and cutting of surgery to be simultaneously conducted when being loaded in a linear cutting anastomat (2). The linear cutting element (1) comprises a knife underlaying plate (10), a nail abutting seat (11), an assembly cover (12), suture nails (13), a nail cartridge (14), a push sheet (15), a guiding element (16), a pin (17) for the guiding element, a cutting knife (18), a knife stand (19), a positioning needle (20), a positioning needle holder (21) and a blank cap (22). The knife underlaying plate (10) and the nail abutting seat (11) are fixedly connected through a front-end groove (101) and rear-end agnails (102, 103) of the knife underlaying plate (10). The nail abutting seat (11) is fixedly connected to the guiding element (16) through the pin (17) for the guiding element.

Abstract: A method for applying and maintaining compression with a staple includes piercing a material with deformable ends of staple legs. The legs enter the material until the material applies a pre-set compressive force within a pre-defined compression range to a compression device disposed at least partly between the legs. The compression device has a compression resistor connected to a compression surface. The compression surface is movably disposed with respect to the bridge. Movement of the compression surface towards the bridge is resisted with a force imparted by the compression resistor. The legs are deformed to maintain at least some of the compressive force between the material and the compression device. Forces greater than the pre-set force are absorbed with the compression resistor. The pre-set compressive force to the material is maintained within the pre-defined compression range throughout a state change of the material.

Abstract: A locking shipping wedge is provided and generally includes a body portion having an elongate transverse member projecting from the body portion which is engageable with a drive assembly of a loading unit. A locking mechanism is provided on the body portion of the shipping wedge which is engageable with locking structure movably mounted within the loading unit.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces. The drive assembly also includes a controller configured to variably control the rate at which the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces in response to the force exerted on the movable handle.

Abstract: In various forms, a sensor-straightened end effector is disclosed. The sensor-straightened end effector may comprise an end effector coupled to a shaft at an articulation point. The end effector may be articulable at an angle with respect to the shaft. A sensor may be disposed on the sensor-straightened end effector, such as on the shaft or on the end effector. The sensor is configured to detect a gross proximal movement. When detecting a gross proximal movement, the sensor may generate a signal to control a motor to begin a straightening process to straighten the end effector with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: An osteosynthesis clip for the cicatrization of bone tissue fragments and an insertion tool for inserting the clip are provided. The clip includes at least two engagement legs extending approximately parallel to one another and including respective distal bridging tips and respective proximal insertion tips to be inserted into the bone tissue fragments; and a connecting bridge coupled to the distal bridging tips of the two engagement legs, the connecting bridge including at least two elongated sections extending along side one another, the elongated sections extending along a non-linear trajectory to form a non-linear deformable region, such as a depression or a dome.

Abstract: A method for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel may involve advancing a guidewire of a surgical stapler into the target vessel through an opening at a first location on the target vessel, coupling a stapler cartridge carrying the graft vessel with an anvil of the surgical stapler, activating the anvil to staple the graft vessel to the target vessel at a second location on the target vessel, removing the guidewire from the target vessel, and closing the opening in the target vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer housing shell defining a cavity. The outer housing shell defines an upper outer housing half and a lower outer housing half. The upper outer housing half defines a longitudinal axis. An instrument module is selectively insertable into the cavity of the outer housing shell. The instrument module includes an inner housing shell, at least one motor disposed within the inner housing shell, a control board being in electrical communication with the at least one motor, and an energy source being in electrical communication with the at least one motor and the control board. The instrument module is inserted into the cavity of the outer housing shell in such a manner that the operative axis of the at least one motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper outer housing half.

Abstract: A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating on tissue. The apparatus includes an end effector having an upper jaw and lower jaw. The upper and lower jaws each include an electrode surface. The apparatus also includes a tissue tacking cartridge coupled to one of either the upper jaw or the lower jaw. The tissue tacking cartridge includes at least one fastener positioned outside of the electrode surfaces. The fastener is operable to be deployed from the tissue tacking cartridge. A tack loading cartridge may also be operable to load the end effector with at least one fastener.

Abstract: A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a distal end, a proximal connection portion configured to attach the end effector to the surgical instrument, a first jaw, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable between an open orientation, a partially-closed orientation, and a closed orientation. The end effector can further comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation of the second jaw and an array of indicators configured to simulate the orientation of the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.

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: A loading unit for a surgical stapling device has a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly, the cartridge assembly including a channel and a staple cartridge having a plurality of surgical staples therein. An axial drive assembly has a clamping member, the clamping member having an upper flange for engaging the anvil assembly, and a lower flange for engaging the channel. The axial drive assembly is movable through the staple cartridge to drive the staples out of the staple cartridge and against the anvil assembly. Mechanical features are defined in the channel for indicating an end of stroke for the axial drive assembly, the mechanical features having a first pattern and a second pattern.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing system configured to be advanced relative to the first jaw and the second jaw. The firing system can comprise a firing member including a first portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw in order to position the first jaw and the second jaw relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus includes a fastener retaining frame having a first annular portion having a plurality of retainers circumferentially disposed thereon and a second annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially arranged perforations. The fastener retaining frame is detachably secured to a supporting structure. After the plurality of surgical fasteners has been mated with the plurality of retainers, an annular blade severs the perforations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a materials delivery system for use with a surgical stapling instrument having at least one jaw including a knife slot. The materials delivery system includes a series of treatment material receiving pockets positioned adjacent the knife slot such that a portion of each pocket is open to the knife slot. A source of treatment material is positioned within the pockets such that passage of the knife blade adjacent to the pockets repeatedly coats the knife blade with the treatment material.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprises a body, an end effector, a cutting member, and a shaft. The end effector includes a pair of jaws that are operable to deliver RF energy to tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The cutting member is operable to sever tissue that is clamped between the jaws. The shaft extends between the body and the end effector. The shaft includes an articulation section that is operable to selectively position the end effector at non-parallel positions relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Some versions include a rotation section that is distal to the articulation section. The rotation section is operable to rotate the end effector relative to the articulation section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may comprise a drive system that is configured to electrically generate a plurality of discrete rotary control motions. In at least one form, the surgical instrument may include an elongate shaft assembly that is operably couplable to the drive system for receiving a first rotary control motion therefrom for rotating the elongate shaft assembly about a shaft axis. The elongate shaft assembly may be further configured to receive and transmit a second rotary control motion from the drive system to a surgical end effector that is operably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly to cause the surgical end effector to rotate about the shaft axis relative to the elongate shaft assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting misfire of a surgical staple cartridge and for indicating such misfire to a user on a user interface. An actuation force applied to a staple cartridge is measured and compared to a threshold actuation force. In response to the comparison, a controller determines if there has been a misfire of the surgical staple cartridge. A determination that misfire has occurred is made when the measured actuation force is greater than a maximum threshold force or less than a minimum threshold force, and under such circumstances, the controller terminates the staple firing sequence.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an elongated member and a disposable loading unit. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a first grasping mode of operation and a second clamping mode of operation. The handle assembly includes a rotation control member and an articulation lever. The rotation control member is configured to facilitate rotation of the elongated member with respect to the handle assembly. The articulation lever is configured to facilitate articulation of the tool assembly about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of elongated member. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly configured to clamp and staple tissue in the second clamping mode of operation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circular anastomosis stapler kits that deliver a therapeutic agent followed by stapling of tissue. Each device has a stapling head with a shaft extending from said stapling head and a removable anvil and an interchangeable delivery head for delivering a therapeutic agent into the tissue. The present invention also relates to methods for using the kits and devices therein.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed to ultrasonic blades. For example, an ultrasonic blade may comprise a proximally positioned straight section extending along a longitudinal axis and a distally positioned curved section coupled to the straight section and curved away from the longitudinal axis. The curved section may define a radius of curvature and subtend a first angle. A point of tangency between the curved section and the straight section may be positioned at either a node of the ultrasonic blade or an anti-node of the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft housing a firing bar, an end effector comprising an anvil, a lower jaw, and a stapling and severing assembly responsive to a longitudinal closing motion produced by the handle portion and the shaft. The lower jaw is configured to receive a removable cartridge. The cartridge includes a housing, a plurality of staples disposed in the housing, a deck disposed over the plurality of staples, and a fastener insert tip including a plurality of hooks. The deck defines apertures, with each aperture being substantially disposed over each staple. The instrument includes a fastener insert including hooks, and the fastener insert is removably received in the anvil. A buttress is attached to one or both of the anvil and the cartridge via the hooks.

Abstract: A cleat for securing suture to tissue, the cleat comprising an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a distal slot extending proximally into the elongated body, and the proximal end having a proximal slot extending distally into the body; the distal slot comprising a wide section and a narrow section, wherein the wide section has a width such that the suture is slidably accommodated therein and the narrow section has a width such that the suture is bound therein, and further wherein the wide section is disposed distally of the narrow section.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler includes upper and lower jaws, an anvil and a cartridge respectively mounted on opposite far ends of the upper and lower jaws, a handle portion, a slider, and a button base relatively fixed to the slider. The lower jaw therein includes a staple drive bar and a cutter pusher. The slider is mounted with the button base. Each lateral side of the button base is pivotally associated with an operation button which is rotatable between a first status where an operating surface of the operation button is perpendicular to an axis of the linear surgical stapler, and a second status where the operating surface of the operation button is parallel to the axis of the linear surgical stapler. Since the operation buttons can be simultaneously collapsed adjacent to the jaws, the profile of the whole instrument and the packaging costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a motor, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a closure trigger, wherein actuation of the closure trigger causes the end effector to clamp an object. The surgical instrument further comprises a firing trigger distinct from the closure trigger for actuating the motor, a run motor sensor capable of communicating with the motor and configured to sense actuation of the firing trigger, and a tactile feedback system for applying a feedback force to the firing trigger.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a shaft portion coupled to a handle, the handle defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical device also includes a first driver configured to actuate a rotational movement via a first drive shaft and a second driver configured to actuate an articulation movement via a second drive shaft. The surgical device also includes a controller having a first dial and a second dial, the first dial actuated by the first driver and the second dial actuated by the second driver, the second dial positioned within the first dial.

Abstract: A device for clamping tissue includes a first jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first wing and a second wing. The device also includes a second jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first slot and a second slot, the first slot disposed between a middle structure and a first lateral structure, the second slot disposed between the middle structure and a second lateral structure. The first jaw is rotatably coupleable to the second jaw with the first wing extending into the first slot and the second wing extending into the second slot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. The movable handle is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a plurality of layers and at least one layer has a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. At least one of the layers of the drive beam is affixed to an adjacent layer of the drive beam via at least one spot weld.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electromechanical surgical systems configured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or single use loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue. A force transmitting assembly of surgical instrument transmits a rotation of a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument to the rotation receiving member of the end effector. A distal neck assembly of the surgical instrument includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly is configured to enable off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly. The rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a stop member is disclosed. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one jaw member is movable with respect to the other jaw member between spaced and approximated positions. The first jaw member includes an upper tissue-contacting surface and a lower shelf portion. The shelf portion includes a groove disposed therein. The stop member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the first jaw member and is pivotable with respect to the first jaw member between a first position, a significant portion of the stop member being positioned external to the first jaw member, and a second position where a lower portion of the stop member being positioned at least partially within the groove.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly, the anvil retainer being movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions, a tube surrounding a portion of the anvil retainer, wherein the anvil retainer includes a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging an anvil assembly and wherein the anvil assembly includes a center rod.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion, a body portion extending distally from the handle portion and defining a first longitudinal axis and an articulating tool assembly defining a second longitudinal axis and having a proximal end. The articulating tool assembly is disposed at a distal end of the body portion and is movable from a first position in which the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position in which the second longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis. The instrument also includes an articulation mechanism configured to articulate the articulating tool assembly, the articulation mechanism including an articulation sensor assembly configured to transmit a sensor signal to a microcontroller which is configured to determine an articulation angle of the articulation assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device and method for joining tissue portions are provided including a handle assembly, an elongate body extending from the handle assembly, a cartridge assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body, and an anvil assembly at a distal end of the surgical stapling device. The anvil assembly includes a shaft for removably coupling the anvil assembly to the cartridge assembly and a head pivotally mounted to a distal end of the shaft. A sleeve member is slidably disposed about the shaft of the anvil assembly and is transitionable between a first position, where the sleeve member engages the head of the anvil assembly to secure the head in an un-tilted condition, and a second position, where the sleeve member is disengaged from the head of the anvil assembly to allow the head to tilt.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The staple cartridge is configured to be used to staple tissue within an optimal tissue thickness range. An anvil is movably coupled relative to the staple cartridge. A tissue thickness sensing module is located adjacent to the distal end of the staple cartridge. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to generate a tissue thickness signal indicative of a thickness of the tissue located between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The controller is in signal communication with the sensor. The controller comprises means for identifying a staple cartridge type. The staple cartridge type and the thickness measurement are used to determine if the thickness of the tissue is within the optimal tissue thickness range.

Abstract: A surgical kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a surgical instrument, a loading unit, and a plurality of cartridge members. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, and an elongated portion extending distally from the handle assembly and defining a longitudinal axis. The loading unit is configured for selective engagement with a distal portion of the elongated portion. The loading unit including an anvil assembly and a cartridge channel. Each cartridge member includes a plurality of retention slots with at least some of the slots including fasteners therein. Each cartridge member is configured for selective mechanical engagement with the cartridge channel, and includes a longitudinal length and a working length. The working length is the longitudinal distance along retention slots having fasteners therein. The longitudinal length of each cartridge member is substantially the same, and the working length of at least two of the plurality of cartridge members is different.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and its method of use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly extending distally from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion with an articulation direction. The elongated shaft assembly may also include a tubular member with a flexible portion with a preferential bending direction and a direction of bending resistance. The tubular member may permit articulation of the elongated shaft assembly when the preferential bending direction is aligned with the articulation direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may be operated compensating for the effect of splay in flexible knife bands on transection length of a powered surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a processor and a memory. A relationship between articulation angle of an end effector and effective transection length distal of an articulation joint is characterized. The characterization data is accessed by the processor from the memory of the surgical instrument. The articulation angle of the end effector is tracked by the processor during use of the surgical instrument. The target transection length is adjusted by the processor based on the known articulation angle and the stored characterization data.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system is disclosed. The surgical stapling system comprises a housing comprising a motor and a battery configured to supply power to the motor. The surgical stapling system further comprises a firing actuator operably coupled with the motor and a stapling assembly comprising a plurality of staples and a distal end. The surgical stapling system further comprises a shaft configured to support the stapling assembly, a firing member configured to transmit a firing motion from the motor to the stapling assembly, and a firing member sensor system configured to detect the position of the firing member within a detectable range of positions relative to the end of the stapling assembly.