Abstract: Various examples are directed to systems and methods for operating a surgical instrument comprising a firing member translatable proximally and distally along a longitudinal axis between a stroke begin position to a stroke end position distal of the stroke begin position; a knife coupled to the firing member; and a motor coupled to the firing member to translate the firing member between the stroke begin position and the stroke end position. A control circuit may receive a firing signal and begin a firing member stroke by providing an initial motor setting to the motor. The control circuit may maintain the initial motor setting for an open-loop portion of the firing member stroke. The control circuit may receive firing member motion data describing a motion of the firing member during the open-loop portion of the firing member stroke and may select a firing control program based at least in part on the motion of the firing member during the open-loop portion of the firing member stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatable relative to said first jaw, and jaw drive system is disclosed. The jaw drive system comprises a drive screw and a closure member threadably engaged with the drive screw configured to close the second jaw. The jaw drive system further comprises an opening link connecting the closure member to the second jaw which acts to open the second jaw when the closure member is driven in an opposite direction. In the event that the second jaw is not opened by the closure link, the jaw drive system further comprises a pull member which is pushed by the closure member to dislodge the second jaw into its open position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler device comprising an end effector, a shaft, and a firing assembly is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and a staple cartridge comprising staples deployable from the end effector. The firing assembly comprises a firing member, a drive bar, and a compliant portion. The firing member comprises a first camming portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second camming portion configured to engage the second jaw. The compliant portion is selectively movable in a first direction for advancement of the firing member by the drive bar to deploy the staples. The compliant portion is selectively movable in a second direction, opposite the first direction, for retraction of the firing member by the drive bar to permit a transition of the second iaw toward the open configuration.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly, and a reload assembly that is releasably secured to the adapter assembly to facilitate replacement of the reload assembly after each use of the stapling device. The reload assembly includes an authentication chip and printed circuit board assembly that is constructed to provide electrical contacts that are self-supporting to allow for automated assembly of the electrical contacts and provide a more reliable, robust electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the chip.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The staple driver actuator also includes a plurality of rails extending upwardly from the base. Each of the plurality of rails includes at least one cam surface, and each of the cam surfaces is inclined relative to the plane. The plurality of rails includes a laterally-opposed pair of outer rails and a laterally-opposed pair of inner rails. The staple driver actuator further includes a distal nose extending distally from at least a portion of the base and having at least one ledge surface. The ledge surface faces upwardly, is parallel to the plane, and is at least partially positioned distally relative to each of the outer and inner rails.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector is disclosed. The shaft and the end effector are rotatable relative to the handle about a rotation joint and, also, the end effector is rotatable relative to the shaft about an articulation joint. The articulation drive system comprises an indicator which is illuminated in a first illumination state when the shaft and end effector are rotated within a first range of shaft orientations and in a second illumination state when the shaft and end effector are rotated within a second range of shaft orientations. The controls of the articulation drive system produce a first set of responses when the shaft and end effector are in the first range of orientations and a second set of responses when the shaft and end effector are in the second range.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10), comprising: a surgical execution component (100), a linkage part (200), and a manipulation component (300), the distal end of the linkage part (200) being connected to the surgical execution component (100) and the proximal end of the linkage part (200) being connected to the manipulation component (300). The surgical instrument (10) uses the linkage part (200) having two rotational degrees of freedom, such that when the manipulation component (300) drives, by means of the linkage part (200), the surgical execution component (100) to rotate at a fifth rotational degree of freedom (R5) and/or a sixth rotational degree of freedom (R6), the swing directions of the surgical execution component (100) and the manipulation component (300) at a first rotational degree of freedom (R1) and a second rotational degree of freedom (R2) are consistent.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument can include an end effector, comprising an anvil and a staple cartridge. The surgical instrument can further include a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can also include an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint between an unarticulated position and at least one articulated position. The surgical instrument can include means for adjusting the length of a firing stroke as a function of the degree in which the end effector is articulated relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can include a sensor configured to defect shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar that extends through the articulation joint. Additionally or alternatively, the surgical instrument can include a relief feature configured to accommodate shifting of lateral portions of a flexible firing bar.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, a position sensor coupled to the control circuit, and a timer circuit coupled to the control circuit. The timer circuit is configured to measure elapsed time and to to receive, from the position sensor, a position of the displacement member in a current zone during a set time interval, measure displacement of the displacement member at a set time at the end of the set time interval, wherein the measured displacement is defined as the distance traveled by the displacement member during the set time interval at a set command velocity for the current zone, and set a command velocity of the displacement member for a subsequent zone based on the measured displacement of the displacement member within the current zone.

Abstract: A method for producing a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a handle, wherein the handle comprises a distal end comprising a shaft interface surface and a first set of magnetic elements. The method further comprises obtaining a shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a proximal end comprising a handle interface surface, a second set of magnetic elements, and a third set of magnetic elements. The method further comprises attaching the shaft to the handle, wherein the shaft interface surface is configured to engage the shaft at the handle interface surface, wherein an attractive magnetic force is configured to pull the handle towards the shaft when the first set of magnetic elements interact with the second magnetic elements, and wherein a repulsive magnetic force is configured to repel the handle from the shaft when the first set of magnetic elements interacts with the third set of magnetic elements.

Abstract: A powered handle assembly includes a motor assembly, a rack, a spur gear, and a manual retract mechanism. The spur gear is movable from a position engaged with the motor assembly and the rack to a positioned disengaged from the motor assembly and engaged with the rack to facilitate manual retraction of the rack.

Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a shaft portion extending distally from the handle housing, a firing shaft configured to effect a stapling function of an end effector, and a manual lever coupled to the firing shaft for manually retracting the firing shaft and, in turn, opening the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a body portion and a tool assembly extending from the body portion. The tool assembly includes a jaw member, and a first connector assembly disposed within the jaw member. The first connector assembly includes a first connector housing and first and second connector members extending from the first connector housing. The surgical stapling instrument further includes a cartridge assembly selective receivable within the jaw member. The cartridge assembly includes a second connector assembly configured for electrical connection with the first connector assembly. The second connector assembly includes a second connector housing and first and second contact members disposed within the second connector housing. The first and second connector members of the first connector assembly are configured to engage the respective first and second contact members of the second connector housing when the cartridge assembly is received within the jaw member of the tool assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate body, at least one latch member, and a cartridge removal feature. The elongate body is sized and shaped to correspond with a deck of a surgical staple cartridge such that the elongate body is configured to cover a plurality of staple apertures of the surgical staple cartridge. The at least one latch member is configured to removably secure the elongate body to the surgical staple cartridge. The cartridge removal feature is integral with the elongate body. The cartridge removal feature defines a gap that is configured to receive a portion of the surgical staple cartridge. The cartridge removal feature is further operable to remove the surgical staple cartridge from a surgical stapler.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, an elongate shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, an articulation knob, an articulation member, and an articulation lock is disclosed. The end effector is rotatably coupled to the elongate shaft by the articulation joint. The articulation knob is rotatable between an un-rotated position and rotated positions. The articulation lock comprises a lock member configured to move between a locked position where the lock member is engaged with a detent of the end effector and an unlocked position where the lock member is disengaged from the end effector. The lock member is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position by the articulation knob. The articulation member is moved from a proximal position toward a distal position to articulate the end effector when the articulation knob is moved from the un-rotated position toward a rotated position.

Abstract: A buttress device includes an applicator assembly including an applicator body, the applicator body being flexible, and a release liner, the release liner comprising a sacrificial tab. The release liner is coupled to the applicator body. The buttress device includes a buttress positioned on the applicator body, and a buttress fastener, the buttress fastener configured to couple the buttress to an end effector. The buttress fastener is configured to be releasably fastened to the release liner. The buttress device has a first configuration in which the buttress is coupled to the applicator assembly, and a second configuration in which the buttress is uncoupled from the applicator assembly, wherein the sacrificial tab is removed from the applicator assembly in the second configuration.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw that has a pair of laterally aligned vertical slots formed in a proximal end portion thereof. Each vertical slot includes an open upper end. A second jaw is movably supported for selective pivotal travel relative to the first jaw between a fully open and a fully closed position. Pivot members protrude laterally from the second jaw and are each received in a corresponding one of the vertical slots in the first jaw such that the pivot members may pivot therein. A retainer member is configured to operably engage the proximal end portion of the first jaw and retain the pivot members in the corresponding vertical slots as the second jaw moves between the fully open and the fully closed positions.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising a surgical instrument attachment assembly and a transmission assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument attachment assembly comprises a shaft and an end effector. The transmission assembly is configured to be operably attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument attachment assembly is configured to be operably attached to and detached from the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly comprises a drive system comprising a drive member movable in a first direction during a drive stroke and a second direction during a return stroke. The transmission assembly further comprises a manually-operated bailout configured to selectively move the drive member in the first and second directions when the transmission assembly is attached to the surgical robot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a shaft rotatable relative to the handle, and an articulation joint rotatable relative to the shaft. The surgical instrument further comprises a motor-driven articulation system including articulation controls which are flipped by a control system of the surgical instrument when the shaft is rotated upside down relative to the handle.

Abstract: Surgical stapling devices are disclosed herein that improve on the disclosures of previous surgical stapling devices.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for use with a circular stapling instrument includes an anvil center rod and an anvil head. The anvil head includes an anvil housing, a backup member and at least one retainer. The backup member is configured for longitudinal movement from an initial longitudinal position retaining the anvil head in a first operative condition to an advanced longitudinal position permitting pivotal movement of the anvil head to a second tilted condition.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a power source, a first voltage regulator, and a second voltage regulator are disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a power source configured to sequentially power the first voltage regulator and the second voltage regulator.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device by means of a robotic system. In one embodiment, systems and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting.

Abstract: A surgical instrument end effector includes a first jaw configured to receive a staple cartridge and a second jaw that includes an anvil having a plurality of staple forming pockets. The first and second jaws are operable to clamp and staple tissue positioned therebetween. A tip member is movably disposed at a distal end of the anvil and is configured to toggle relative to the anvil between a first discrete position and a second discrete position. The tip member in the first discrete position is oriented angularly toward the first jaw, and the tip member in the second discrete position is oriented angularly away from the first discrete position.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems, devices, and methods for robotic bi-polar instruments are provided. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft, an end effector, a wrist that couples the end effector to the shaft at a distal end of the shaft, and a tool housing coupled to a proximal end of the shaft that is configured to control the operation various features associated with the end effector and to operatively couple to a robotic surgical system.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaws, a drive screw, a lead screw nut, and a drive beam. The drive screw is disposed within the first jaw. The lead screw nut defines a threaded bore that receives the drive screw. The lead screw nut is advanced along the drive screw as the drive screw is rotated in a first direction and is retracted along the drive screw as the drive screw rotates in a second direction. The drive beam is releasably coupled to the lead screw nut when the lead screw nut is in a retracted position. As the lead screw nut is advanced the drive beam is pulled by the lead screw nut. The drive beam is decoupled from the lead screw nut as the lead screw nut is advanced such that the lead screw nut is advanced relative to the drive beam.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is described herein which includes a shaft portion and a tool assembly supported on a distal end of the shaft portion. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge body which rotatably supports a plurality of staples within notches. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. Each of the staples includes first and second legs axially offset from each other and interconnected by an intermediate portion. At least one firing cam is provided to sequentially to engage and rotate each of the staples to fire the staples from the cartridge body. The at least one firing cam includes axially offset cam members.

Abstract: A device including smart sensors with a local signal processor is disclosed. The device includes an end-effector including at least one sensor and a signal processing component corresponding to the at least one sensor; and a handle configured to receive processed information from the signal processing component. The processed information is generated by the signal processing component at the end-effector based on data received from the at least one sensor at the end-effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a proximal end and a distal end and an anvil at the distal end for providing resistance to staples during the stapling operation of the surgical stapler. The anvil may include a number of segments arranged end-to-end. The anvil is elongated in the collapsed state, the anvil being elongated generally in a first direction D1. The anvil is configured such that the segments rotate about a rotation axis along a perpendicular second direction D2 when the anvil is actuated between the deployed and the collapsed states. The anvil is configured such that adjacent segments pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis along a third direction D3 when the anvil is actuated between the deployed and collapsed states. The stapler also includes an actuator mechanism, wherein the actuator mechanism is configured to be controlled from a location on the surgical stapler towards the proximal end.

Abstract: Tissue anchoring devices in the form of microanchors that partially penetrate tissue, thereby avoiding full thickness penetration of the tissue, yet are secure enough to enable reliable device fixation and easy removal of the device while maintaining normal GI tract functions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector configured to clamp, staple or cut tissue, a motor configured to drive the end effector, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive information about at least one tissue property and select a tissue management mode based on the at least one tissue property. The control system controls the motor based on the selected tissue management mode.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a surgical end effector, a housing configured to operably interface with a source of rotary input motions, and a first rotary output member operably supported by the housing. The surgical system further comprises a second rotary output member operably supported by the housing, a knife bar supported for rotational and axial travel, and an axially movable closure member configured to apply closure and opening motions to the second jaw. The surgical system further comprises a knife bar interface, a first rotary control interface between the first rotary output member and the knife bar, and a second rotary control interface between the second rotary output member and the knife bar.

Abstract: A handheld electromechanical surgical device includes a non-sterile power-pack having a drive component(s) including a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom, a main processor configured to control each drive component, a battery configured to power each drive component, an electrical receptacle, and a control interface(s) configured to control a functionality of the drive component. A sterile outer shell housing is configured to removably encase the power-pack to define a sterile barrier thus enabling use in a surgical environment without breaking sterility. The outer shell housing includes a coupler configured to transmit a rotation from the rotatable drive shaft through the outer shell housing, a control button(s) operatively positioned such that actuation of the control button actuates the control interface, and a pass-through connector configured to transmit electrical communications from the electrical receptacle through the outer shell housing.

Abstract: A number of improvements to laparoscopic devices are described herein, primarily to improve the ergonomic functionality of the devices. For example, an articulating rod system is described, a gripping mechanism is described, and an end effector is described.

Abstract: A method of using a surgical modular robotic assembly including an interchangeable motor pack, a hand-held surgical instrument, and a robotic surgical instrument is disclosed. The method includes releasably attaching an interface portion of the interchangeable motor pack to the hand-held surgical instrument, causing the interchangeable motor pack to drive a first surgical tool of the hand-held surgical instrument, stopping the interchangeable motor pack from driving the first surgical tool, disconnecting the interface portion from the hand-held surgical instrument, and releasably attaching the interface portion of the interchangeable motor pack to the robotic surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can determine one or more intersections between a medical device and an image region based at least in part on first emplacement data and second emplacement data. Using the determined intersections, the system can cause one or more displays to display perspective views of image guidance cues, including an intersection ghost in a virtual 3D space.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: An anvil assembly, an end effector, and/or a surgical stapler are suitable for performing curved or circular anastomosis and/or treatment to internal walls of hollow tissue organs. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod and an anvil head secured to a distal end of the anvil center rod. The anvil head includes an anvil plate defining a tissue contact surface and a plurality of staple forming pockets formed in the tissue contact surface of the anvil plate. Each of the staple forming pockets defines an arcuate longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongated channel, an anvil pivotably connected to the elongated channel, a closure member mechanically coupled to the anvil, an electric motor mechanically coupled to the closure member, a motor controller electrically coupled to the electric motor and a control circuit electrically connected to the motor controller. The control circuit is configured to monitor a first predefined event, monitor a second predefined event, provide a stop signal to the motor controller to stop a closing motion of at least one of the elongated channel and the anvil after an occurrence of the first predefined event, and provide a start signal to the motor controller to start the closing motion of the at least one of the elongated channel and the anvil after an occurrence of a second predefined event.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies and related methods are disclosed that provide for decoupling of instrument shaft roll and end effector actuation. A surgical assembly includes a base, an instrument shaft rotationally mounted to the base, an end effector supported at a distal end of the instrument shaft and including an actuation mechanism driven by a rotational motion, a drive shaft rotationally coupled with the actuation mechanism and configured to provide the rotational motion to the actuation mechanism, and a differential rotationally coupled to the drive shaft and receiving a first input motion and a second input motion. The differential combines the first and second input motions to generate an output motion that rotates the drive shaft. The first input motion is rotationally coupleable to an actuation source. The second input motion is coupled to rotation of the instrument shaft relative to the base.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a control unit and a staple cartridge including a transponder. The control unit is configured to transmit a first wireless signal to the transponder and to receive a second wireless signal from the transponder to determine one of a first electronic state and a second electronic state of the transponder based on the second wireless signal.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an end effector and a handle assembly operably coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The surgical stapling device also includes a specimen bag adhered to both the anvil assembly and the elongated support channel of the cartridge assembly. The specimen bag includes a drawstring within a drawstring housing. Once the surgical stapling device is inserted into a patient's body and the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are open, a tissue specimen is placed into the specimen bag. The anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are then closed on the tissue specimen and the surgical stapling device is fired. The specimen bag then separates from the surgical stapling device and both the surgical stapling device and the specimen bag are removed from the patient.

Abstract: A surgical end effector for use with a surgical instrument that includes an elongate shaft assembly that includes a rotary output drive shaft is disclosed. An elongate channel is attached to the elongate shaft assembly. An anvil frame that comprises a proximal end and a distal end is selectively movable between open and closed positions relative to the elongate channel. An anvil concentric drive member is rotatably supported by the anvil frame and is configured to receive rotary drive motions from the rotary output drive shaft of the surgical instrument when the anvil frame is in the closed position. A firing member is in driving engagement with the anvil concentric drive member for linear travel through the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a staple cartridge assembly and a medical stapler using the staple cartridge assembly. A first jaw is provided with a limiting portion; a cutter is provided with a securing portion; when a firing block is located at a proximal end of a staple cartridge assembly, a cutting push rod drives the cutter and the firing block together to move; when the firing block is located at the distal end of the staple cartridge assembly, a driving mechanism drives the cutter and the first jaw to move relative to each other; and the limiting portion and the securing portion resist against each other to restrict the cutter from continuing moving toward the distal end of the staple cartridge assembly. As a result, doctors can be effectively prevented from closing the stapler when the replacement of the fired staple cartridge assembly is not completed.

Abstract: An implant assembly for introducing and positioning implants within patients may comprise an implant device, an implant, and a sheath. The implant device may include a head, an upper beam, a lower beam, and an implant positioning component. The implant may be disposed between the upper beam and the lower beam and may include a first face engaged with the upper beam and a second face engaged with the lower beam. Additionally, the implant may be at least partially disposed around the implant positioning component. The sheath may be disposed around the implant positioning device and the implant.

Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, a knife carrier, and a one-way collar. The knife carrier is movably positioned about an inner housing portion of the shell housing between retracted and advanced positions and supports a snap-ring. The one-way collar is movably supported about the inner housing portion of the shell housing from a retracted position to an advanced position in response to movement of the knife carrier from its retracted position to its advanced position. The snap-ring is movable with the knife carrier to a position proximally of the one-way collar when the one-way collar is in its advanced position to obstruct movement of the knife carrier back towards its advanced position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler that includes a body, a shaft extending from the body, and an end effector in communication with the shaft. The end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes a first jaw; a second jaw opposed from the first jaw, and a tip member. The first and second jaws are operable to transition from an open state to a closed state to clamp tissue therebetween. The tip member is coupled with a distal end of the first jaw. The tip member is selectively rotatable along a rotation axis to toggle between a first discrete position and a second discrete position. The tip member in the first discrete position is configured to assume a first orientation relative to the second jaw, and the tip member in the second discrete position is configured to assume a second orientation relative to the second jaw.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a surgical instrument having one or more sensors at or a near an end effector and configured to aide in the detection of tissues and other materials and structures at a surgical site. The detections may then be used to aide in the placement of the end effector and to confirm which objects to operate on, or alternatively, to avoid. Examples of sensors include laser sensors used to employ Doppler shift principles to detect movement of objects at the surgical site, such as blood cells; resistance sensors to detect the presence of metal; monochromatic light sources that allow for different levels of absorption from different types of substances present at the surgical site, and near infrared spectrometers with small form factors.