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.

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.

Abstract: A powered surgical instrument including an end effector, which includes jaws that are configured to transition between various closure states. The surgical instrument includes a sensor configured to measure the closure state of the jaws and a display configured to display information indicative to the detected closure state. The surgical instrument further includes a firing member movable between a first position and a second position to transition the end effector between the plurality of closure states and a motor configured to drive the firing member between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a tip. The second jaw includes an anvil. At least one of the first jaw or the second jaw is configured to move relative to the other of the first jaw or the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The tip is connected with the anvil. The tip includes a deformable member. The tip is movable relative to the anvil between first and second discrete positions using the deformable member. The tip remains in the first discrete position located closer toward the cartridge until the deformable member is acted upon by an external input force. The tip remains in the second discrete position that is located further from the cartridge until the deformable member is acted upon by the external input force.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed a replaceable staple cartridge including a sled and an RFID tag. A lockout member includes a distal end. The distal end contacts a proximal portion of the sled as the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw. A solenoid is configurable in an active configuration and an inactive configuration. The controller places the solenoid in an active configuration when the controller determines the replaceable staple cartridge is compatible for use with the surgical stapling instrument. The controller places the solenoid in an inactive configuration when an RFID scanner receives a signal from the RFID tag indicative that the replaceable staple cartridge is incompatible for use with the surgical stapling instrument. The lockout member pushes the sled distally as the replaceable staple cartridge is seated in the first jaw and the solenoid is in the inactive configuration.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body, and a deck surface positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot is disclosed. The deck surface comprises a plurality of staple cavity openings. The staple cartridge further comprises staples removable stored in the staple cavity openings, a honeycomb extension extending above the deck surface, and a plurality of through holes defined in the honeycomb extension. Each through hole is aligned with a corresponding staple cavity opening. Each through hole is larger than the corresponding staple cavity opening. The through holes are configured to prevent the flow of tissue when the staples are ejected from the staple cavity openings during a staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range.

Abstract: A method of controlling a firing system of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The firing system comprises a firing member and a motor configured to drive the firing member between a proximal position and a distal position. The surgical instrument further comprises a sensor configured to measure a firing force experienced by the firing system. The method comprises driving the firing member toward the distal position, measuring the firing force experienced by the firing system, pausing motion of the firing member based on the firing force reaching or exceeding a firing force threshold, resuming motion of the firing member toward the distal position based on occurrence of an event, and retracting the firing member toward the proximal position based on the firing force reaching or exceeding the firing force threshold a threshold number of times.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a body portion and a tool assembly. The body portion includes a base member that defines a longitudinal slot and spaced keyways. The tool assembly includes a mounting member that defines a channel having an open end that is dimensioned to receive the base member of the body portion. The mounting member includes locking tabs that are positioned within the channel. Each of the locking tabs is configured to be received within one of the spaced keyways of the base member to releasably secure the tool assembly to the body portion.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a mounting assembly that is pivotably supported on a distal portion of a housing about a pivot axis and movable between a non-articulated position and an articulated position. A drive assembly includes a flexible body having a working end and an articulation assembly includes an active articulation link that is coupled to the mounting assembly and movable between a retracted position and an advanced position to pivot the mounting assembly about the pivot axis. A gate assembly defines a channel that receives the flexible body of the drive assembly. The active articulation link is positioned to engage the gate assembly when the active articulation link moves between its retracted and advanced positions to move the gate assembly to a position to increase the bending radius of the flexible body of the drive assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical instrument with a robotics system, a memory device and an end effector having an elongate channel, knife position sensor(s) and a firing bar coupled to a knife. In response to drive motions initiated by the robotics system, the firing bar may translate within the elongate channel. As the firing bar translates, the sensor(s) transmit a signal to the memory device. The position of the knife may be determined from the output signals and may be communicated to the robotics system or instrument user. The sensors may be Hall Effect sensors.

Abstract: A buttress material and mounting structure assembly is provided for use with a circular surgical stapling device. The assembly comprises a ring-like mounting structure sized to have an outer diameter that frictionally engages a radial inner surface of a staple cartridge assembly, wherein the mounting structure is disposed within the radial inner surface of the staple cartridge assembly; an annular buttress material overlaying a tissue facing surface of the staple cartridge assembly, the annular buttress material defining an outer radial terminal edge extending radially beyond a pair of annular arrays of staple receiving slots, and a radial inner terminal edge extending across the mounting structure; and at least one suture securing the buttress material to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a housing, an elongate shaft, an end effector for performing a surgical operation, a firing drive, an advancement assembly, and a retraction assembly is disclosed. The end effector operably supports a firing member that is movable from a proximal position to a fired position during a firing stroke in response to a longitudinal firing motion applied thereto. The firing drive is configured to transmit the longitudinal firing motion to the firing member upon actuation of a firing control actuator. The advancement assembly is supported by the housing and configured to transmit a rotary motion which is exclusively dedicated to the advancement of the firing member through the firing stroke. The retraction assembly is configured for manual rotary actuation about a longitudinal retraction axis. The retraction assembly is exclusively dedicated to the retraction of the firing member from the fired position to the proximal position.

Abstract: A powered handle for a surgical stapler can have a drive system including an electric motor. The powered handle can include a manual articulation mechanism to articulate a jaw assembly coupled to a reload shaft connected to the handle. The manual articulation mechanism can include a ball screw mechanism that translates an articulation member responsive to rotation of an articulation knob. The articulation mechanism includes a release function that allows the jaw assembly to return to a longitudinally centered orientation. The powered handle includes a battery pack serving as a power supply for the drive system. A control system can control actuation of the motor based on user inputs and operating parameters of the stapler. The powered handle can include a manual return mechanism.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a surgical stapler can comprise a rotatable actuation shaft. The actuation shaft can have a first rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a repeatable open and close mode, a second rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a staple firing mode, and a third rotational orientation in which it can actuate a jaw assembly in a reversing mode. The handle assembly can include an articulation mechanism including a ball screw to selectively articulate the jaw assembly relative to an elongate shaft.

Abstract: A surgical device for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical device includes an elongate shaft including a first interface, an enclosure, a first control system, a second control system, and a firing system. A loading unit is operably couplable to the first interface. The enclosure includes a second interface that includes a first rotary driven element, a second rotary driven element, and a third rotary driven element. The first control system is configured to effect a first control motion based on rotation of the first rotary driven element. The second control system is configured to effect a second control motion based on rotation of the second rotary driven element. The second control motion includes a decoupling motion. The firing system is configured to provide a firing motion to a firing member of the loading unit based on rotation of the third rotary driven element.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a retrieval suture that is separable from the anvil head following delivery of the anvil assembly. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly, a delivery assembly secured to the anvil assembly, and a retrieval suture selectively secured to the anvil assembly for retrieving the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle and a rotatable shaft is disclosed. The handle comprises a rotatable actuator configured to rotate the shaft. In various instances, the rotatable actuator is mounted to the handle in proximity to a grip of the handle so that a clinician can easily rotate the actuator while holding the handle. The direction in which the actuator is rotated corresponds to the direction in which the shaft is rotated.

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: A surgical anvil assembly for use with a circular stapling instrument includes an anvil center rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head pivotally coupled to the anvil center rod and movable between a first operative condition and a second tilted condition. The anvil assembly further includes a locking assembly configured to selectively lock the anvil head in each of the first and second conditions.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, staples, an inner staple driver, an intermediate staple driver, an outer staple driver, and a wedge sled. The inner staple driver comprises an inner staple support surface, the intermediate staple driver comprises an intermediate staple support surface, and the outer staple driver comprises an outer staple support surface. The wedge sled is configured to move each of the inner staple driver, the intermediate staple driver, and the outer staple driver between an unfired position and a fired position. One of the inner staple support surface, the intermediate staple support surface, and the outer staple support surface extends above the others when the inner staple driver, the intermediate staple driver, and the outer staple driver are in their unfired positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatable relative to said shaft about an articulation joint, an articulation system configured to rotate the end effector, and an articulation lock. The articulation lock is configured to selectively couple the articulation system to a frame of the shaft. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument further comprises a lock plate movable within the shaft frame. In such embodiments, the articulation lock is configured to lock the articulation system to the lock plate.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising an elongate shaft and an end effector is disclosed herein. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw. The surgical system further comprises a first rotatable drive system configured to close the first jaw and a second rotatable drive system. The second rotatable drive system comprises a drive screw, a drive member movable between a proximal position and a distal position during a staple firing stroke, and a sled configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. The sled is not pulled proximally by the drive member when the drive member is retracted. The end effector, the drive screw, and the sled comprise a replaceable assembly.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical assembly is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first input from a first RFID scanner indicative of a first information stored in a first RFID chip of a first modular component of the surgical assembly, receiving a second input from a second RFID scanner indicative of a second information stored in a second RFID chip of a second modular component of the surgical assembly, determining an operational parameter of a motor of the surgical assembly based on the first input and the second input, and causing the motor to effect a tissue treatment motion of the first modular component.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly including an anvil head assembly pivotally secured to an anvil center rod. The anvil head assembly includes a housing having a post and a cut ring assembly supported about the post and movable between retracted and advanced positions. A cut ring retainer is positioned about the post and movable between a retracted position in which the cut ring retainer retains the cut ring assembly in its retracted position and an advanced position to permit movement of the cut ring assembly to its advanced position. In its retracted position, the cut ring retainer can be received in a retainer slot formed about the post. The cut ring retainer can be ring shaped and/or formed of a resilient material to facilitate movement of the cut ring retainer into and out of the retainer slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections includes a staple cartridge assembly including an annular wall, an anvil assembly, a buttress member, and a fastening member. The annular wall of the staple cartridge assembly defines an inner aperture in an inner surface thereof and an outer aperture in an outer surface thereof. The buttress member is configured to be positioned on a distal surface of the staple cartridge assembly. The buttress member defines a cutout on a peripheral portion thereof. The fastening member has a first end securely affixed to the inner aperture of the annular wall of the staple cartridge assembly and a second end securely affixed to the outer aperture of the annular wall of the staple cartridge assembly to secure the buttress member on the staple cartridge assembly. The cutout of the buttress member is in registration with the outer aperture of the annular wall.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes structure to position an anvil assembly in proper alignment with a cartridge assembly prior to firing of the stapling device. The stapling device includes an anvil assembly, a cartridge assembly including a staple cartridge and shell housing, and an anvil retainer that has a proximal portion including a longitudinal rib and a distal portion including at least one second longitudinal rib. The first longitudinal rib is received within a slot formed within the shell housing to prevent rotation of the anvil retainer in relation to the shell housing. The at least one second longitudinal rib is received within a longitudinal channel of the anvil assembly to prevent rotation of the anvil assembly in relation to the anvil retainer. The presently disclosed structure obviates the need for splines and the disadvantages associated with the use of splines.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a sled configured to drive the staples out of the cartridge body is disclosed. In use, the staple cartridge is seatable in a jaw of a stapling instrument which is positioned opposite a movable jaw. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure lockout which prevents the movable jaw from being closed if the staple cartridge is not seated in the stapling instrument. The surgical instrument also comprises a firing lockout which prevents the stapling instrument from being fired if the sled is not in a proximal unfired position when the staple firing stroke is initiated.

Abstract: A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method can comprise inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument, receiving a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge with an RFID reader system, receiving a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge with the RFID reader system, comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for a compatible staple cartridge, and locking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal do not match the stored data for a compatible staple cartridge.

Abstract: A wound closure device for closing a surgical wound in a tissue, wherein the wound closure device includes a first jaw, a second jaw and a handle. The first jaw is arranged for receiving a first cartridge including a plurality of slots for holding wound closers and wherein the second jaw is provided with a plurality of tracks. The plurality of tracks guide a respective one of the male ends and a respective one of the female ends towards each other and to an interlocked state where the respective one of the male ends and the respective one of the female ends are interlocked with each other.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system and accessory having a robotic base or hand piece having a plurality of motors and a mechanical actuator each for operating a mechanical positioning arm in a different degrees of freedom. The robotic base is reusable and provides the platform for the system. The drive system has a port that interfaces with the robotic base and allows for insertion of surgical instruments into the base.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an actuation sled assembly that includes an actuation sled and a knife movably supported on the actuation sled. The tool assembly includes structure for moving the knife in relation to the actuation sled between extended and retracted positions in response to movement of the actuation sled through a staple cartridge of the tool assembly. Movement of the knife moves a cutting edge of the knife in relation to the actuation sled within a tissue gap defined by the tool assembly to impart a degree of vertical motion to the cutting edge of the knife. This enables the tool assembly to leverage micro-serrations on the cutting edge of the knife to enhance cutting efficiency of the knife.

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 stapling system includes a hand-held instrument, an adapter assembly, a pair of stapling reloads having end effectors, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is longitudinally movable through one of the end effectors to fire staples therefrom. The drive mechanism extends through a support block positioned to move across a mounting member of the adapter assembly as the mounting member articulates the end effectors.

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 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: A buttress material for use with a surgical staple cartridge. In various forms, the buttress material comprises a buttress body that is sized to be operably received on a deck of the surgical staple cartridge. The buttress body includes at least four edges and a central portion. At least two of the edges have a plurality of edge notches formed therein. The central portion may include a plurality of cutout openings therein.

Abstract: A method of securing a head assembly of the anvil assembly in a delivery position for trans-oral delivery includes tying a suture such that lengths of suture extending between an adapter assembly and the head assembly are in contact with one another and/or are parallel.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly having an anvil, a cartridge assembly movable in relation to the anvil between open and clamped positions, a drive member, and a biasing mechanism or member. The biasing mechanism or member is configured to urge the cartridge assembly in relation to the anvil assembly to its fully open position to provide access to tissue during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed comprising a cartridge channel, a staple cartridge positionable in the cartridge channel, and a firing assembly configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge is not positioned in the cartridge channel. Moreover, the firing assembly is configured to lock itself if the staple cartridge has been at least partially spent.

Abstract: A shaft assembly is disclosed which is selectively attachable to a variety of surgical systems, such as a handle of a surgical instrument and an arm of a robotic system, for example. The shaft assembly comprises, one, a firing member operably couplable with the surgical systems which is configured to perform a firing stroke and, two, a manually-operable crank for retracting the firing member after a portion of the firing stroke has been performed.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied without the need to use different sizes of staples.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a toothed rack, a tab configured to provide a reverse mode of operation for the toothed rack by engaging a reverse gear, and a trigger gear connected to the reverse gear and to a movable handle member configured to reverse the toothed rack linearly in a proximal direction in response to actuation of the movable handle member.

Abstract: A buttress assembly for use with a surgical stapled site has a buttress and an adhesive on one side of the buttress. The adhesive on the buttress is applied in a pattern where the adhesive extends near or along the edges of the buttress while a center region of the buttress remains relatively free of adhesive. The adhesive is applied such that it extends continuously along the buttress and has a height such that the adhesive creates a sealing attachment with an end effector. The adhesive can be applied in an uneven distribution such that there is more adhesive applied at one end of the buttress than the other. The adhesive can also be applied in a symmetric or asymmetric distribution about a longitudinal axis of the buttress.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly includes, one, a plurality of staples movable between unfired positions and fired positions and, two, a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator and/or a buttress material, for example, wherein the staples are configured to at least partially capture the layer when the staples are moved between the unfired positions and the fired positions. The layer can include a cushioning member at least partially extending around a peripheral portion of the tissue thickness compensator. The layer can include features which create a flexible transition between the tissue supported by the layer and the staples and the unsupported tissue.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a surgical clip to a patient's tissue has a frame assembly with an applicator tube having a distal end configured to releasably receive the surgical clip. The applicator has a surgical-clip opening assembly including a clip-opening trigger, a clip-opening rod disposed in the applicator tube and a clip-opening jaw. Activation of the clip-opening trigger displaces the clip-opening rod proximally opening the clip-opening jaw. A surgical-clip closing assembly has a clip-closing trigger, a clip-closing rod disposed in the applicator tube and a clip-closing beam. Activation of the clip-closing trigger displaces the clip-closing rod distally closing the clip-opening jaw. A surgical-clip ejection assembly has a clip ejection knob, a clip-ejection rod disposed in the applicator tube and a clip ejection beam. Activation of the clip-ejection knob ejects the surgical clip. The clip-opening trigger, clip-closing trigger and clip ejection knob are independently activatable.

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 including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and 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 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.