Abstract: A surgical stapling system for stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The stapling system comprises a handle, a shaft, an end effector, and a firing system. The end effector comprises an anvil, a staple cartridge, an implantable layer, and anchors. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck surface including a plurality of staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples and a longitudinal slot. The staples comprise a first longitudinal row of staples having a first unformed height and a second longitudinal row of staples having a second unformed height. The firing system comprises a tissue cutting edge and is configured to translate within the longitudinal slot such that the anchors are progressively transected by the tissue cutting edge to progressively release the implantable layer from the cartridge body while the staples are progressively ejected from the staple cavities to staple the patient tissue.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly defines staple forming depressions. One or both of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a first plurality of staples and a second plurality of staples. The first plurality of staples is initially positioned in alignment with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly for ejection from the cartridge assembly. The second plurality of staples is movably supported in the cartridge assembly from a first position misaligned with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly to a second position aligned with the staple forming depressions for subsequent ejection from the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An authentication and information system for use in a surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly having a controller, the controller having at least one program and a memory, an adapter assembly, and a loading unit having a tool assembly mounted for articulation and a member for actuating articulation of the tool assembly, the loading unit having at least one chip assembly having a chip storing data indicating a position of the member when the tool assembly is in a fully articulated position.

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 system is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to capture tissue. The surgical instrument system further comprises a sensor system configured to sense the impedance of the tissue at a plurality of discrete locations, a staple cartridge comprising staple cavities, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, an anvil, a firing system configured to move the staples toward the anvil, an electric motor configured to move the firing system toward the distal end during a firing stroke, and a control system. The control system is configured to evaluate the impedance of the tissue at the discrete locations and control the power applied to the electric motor during the firing stroke as the firing system moves relative to the discrete locations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, a firing system, an electric motor, a power source, and a control system. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to capture tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple cartridge is supported by the second jaw and comprises staples removably stored therein. The firing system is configured to drive the staples toward the first jaw. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the firing system. The power source is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the power source. The control system is configured to determine a first level of power supplied by the power source and apply a second level of power to the electric motor if the first level of power exceeds a predetermined threshold. The second level of power is lower than the first level of power.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of rotary motions, and an end effector operably coupled to the actuation system. The end effector comprises a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners arranged in at least two spaced fastener lines, a drive shaft configured to rotate in response to the rotary motions, a plurality of fastener deploying surfaces, and an actuation member operably interfacing with the drive shaft. The actuation member is translated axially within the fastener cartridge between a starting position and an ending position when the drive shaft is rotated. The fastener deploying surfaces are rotated in response to the actuation member being translated from the starting position to the ending position. The fasteners are sequentially ejected as the actuation member is driven from the starting position to the ending position.

Abstract: A modular shaft assembly is disclosed. The modular shaft assembly includes one or more inputs configured to receive input motions from a surgical instrument system, such as a handle, for example. The shaft assembly further includes one or more on-board inputs configured to generate input motions. The input motions received and generated by the shaft assembly are transferrable to an end effector of the shaft assembly to perform various functions at the end effector. The end effector can include a staple cartridge and a firing member which is movable between a proximal position and a distal position to eject staples from the staple cartridge. The end effector can include a plurality of jaw members and the firing member can comprise camming members which are configured to position the jaw members relative to one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a trigger operable to fire a staple driver to staple tissue. The instrument includes a pointed rod to which an anvil may be coupled. An anvil detection feature is included to determine when the anvil is coupled to the rod. In some versions, the anvil detection feature comprises a translatable rod that inhibits a lockout feature from disengaging. In other versions, an anvil sensing tube is disposed about the pointed rod and interferes with actuation of the trigger in a first position. A recess in the tube permits trigger to actuate when the anvil sensing tube is in the second position. Alternatively, a resilient tab is coupled to the pointed rod and resists actuation of the staple driver. A trigger lockout assembly may include a spring-loaded button that “pops” out when a push rod is actuated, thereby freeing a pivotable lockout feature.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from a jaw of surgical stapling instrument. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body including staple cavities and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. Each of the staple cavities includes a bottom opening and a top opening. The staples include features configured to inhibit the staples from falling out of the bottom openings of the staple cavities. The staple cartridge further comprises a firing member configured to eject the staples from the staple cavities through the top openings of the staple cavities. The firing member further comprises one or more features configured to inhibit the firing member from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body. In various instances, as a result, a cover extending around the bottom of the cartridge body may not be required.

Abstract: A staple cartridge disclosed herein comprises a cartridge body and staples removably stored therein. The staple cartridge further comprises a longitudinal row of staple drivers movable between an unfired position and a fired position to drive the staples toward an anvil and a firing system movable toward a distal end of the cartridge body to sequentially move the staple drivers toward their fired positions. The staple drivers comprise a first staple driver comprising a first bottom drive surface and a first staple support surface, wherein a first driver distance is defined between the first bottom drive surface and the first staple support surface, and a second staple driver comprising a second bottom drive surface and a second staple support surface, wherein a second driver distance is defined between the second bottom drive surface and the second support surface which is different than the first driver distance.

Abstract: A surgical stapler configured for intraoral use. The surgical stapler includes an elongated barrel section that allows for surgical staples to be applied to difficult-to-reach locations within a patient's oral cavity. The distal end of the barrel is configured to releasably engage a cartridge containing a plurality of spring-biased surgical staples. When actuated, the surgical stapler ejects a single staple, which slides along a pair of elongated arms extending from the barrel. The distance between the elongated arms increases towards their distal ends, thereby gradually opening the spring-biased staple as it slides therealong until the staple comes to rest within slots on the arms. The user can then place the staple at the wound site and then unhook the arms from the staple. Once free from the arms of the surgical stapler, the staple then closes around the wound site.

Abstract: A powered surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes at least one sensor to measure at least one parameter associated with the instrument, at least one processor, and a memory operatively associated with the processor. The memory includes machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor the at least one sensor over a predetermined time period and determine a rate of change of the measured parameter.

Abstract: Adjunct materials for delivery to stomach tissue are provided. In general, the adjunct materials can be configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of staples from a cartridge body of a surgical stapler. The adjunct material can have a structure effective to cause a desired reaction in the stomach tissue. The adjunct material can include an effective amount of one or more medicants disposed within and releasable from the adjunct material for delivery to the stomach tissue to encourage the desired reaction. The adjunct material can be in the form of at least one of a film and a foam that is releasably retained on the cartridge body. Methods of using a staple cartridge assembly or an end effector to apply such adjunct materials to stomach tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises staples including a base, staple legs extending from the base, and a platform extending laterally from the base. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises an implantable layer. The platforms of the staples are configured to support the implantable layer when the staples are implanted into the tissue of a patient. Staples are also disclosed which included an implantable adjunct positioned over the platform of the staple. The implantable adjuncts can include one or more compressible pockets. One or more medicaments can be positioned in the compressible pockets.

Abstract: Adjunct materials for delivery to colon tissue are provided. In general, the adjunct materials can be configured to be delivered to colon tissue by deployment of staples from a cartridge body of a surgical stapler to form at least one line of deployed staples. The adjunct material can be formed of a fiber matrix and include an effective amount of one or more medicants for delivery to the colon tissue. The medicant is disposed within and releasable from the adjunct material, and effective to encourage a desired effect on blood vessels, such as angiogenesis and/or vasodilation, along the at least one line of deployed staples. Methods of using a staple cartridge assembly or an end effector to apply such adjunct materials to colon tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Adjunct material to provide drug elution is a variety of different temporal and/or spatial patterns is provided. In general, a biocompatible adjunct having a plurality of distinct regions is configured to be delivered to tissue by deployment of staples in a cartridge body of a surgical stapler. Each of the distinct regions can be disposed at a different location on the adjunct material and can have a different adjunct construction. At least two of the regions releasably retain at least one medicant and each of the at least one medicants is releasable from one of the regions in a non-homogeneous manner with respect to at least one of time of release and location of release.

Abstract: An end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a staple cartridge assembly. At least one of the first jaw and the second iaw is movable to compress tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a staple cartridge, a plurality of staples, and a first layer. The staple cartridge includes a deck comprising a plurality of staple cavities. The first layer comprises a composite absorbable material including at least two distinct fibrous materials. The first layer is attached to the first jaw by an attachment system comprised of polyglycolic acid that wraps over the first layer in more than two places. The end effector further comprises a second layer comprising a composite absorbable material including at least two distinct fibrous materials. The second layer is attached to the second jaw in more than two places.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, one or more sensors for sensing the performance of the electric motor, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors. The handle module processor circuit is programmed to monitor a performance parameter of the handle module based on input from the one or more sensors by monitoring whether the performance parameter is outside an acceptable performance band.

Abstract: A device for deploying a staple into desired bone has a staple guide for retaining a bone staple and a spring-loaded plunger shaft having a distal end proximal to the bone staple, the plunger shaft being retained in a proximal orientation by a latch. Depressing an actuator releases the latch, so that the plunger shaft moves to its distal position, striking the staple and deploying the staple distally into a bone site. An additional method step, in the event that one wishes to deploy a differently sized staple, involves detaching the staple guide from the device and attaching a differently-sized staple guide to the device. In order to avoid inadvertent deployment of the staple, a safety cover may be provided, in which case a further method step involves removing a safety cover from the device prior to the depressing step.

Abstract: One example of a surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt, a plurality of staples frangibly connected to the feeder belt, and at least one pull tab extending laterally from the feeder belt. An example of a surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing at least one feeder belt and staples frangibly connected thereto, and at least one wedge movable relative to the feeder belt; moving at least one wedge in a first direction to contact and thereby form and shear at least one staple from at least one feeder belt; and moving at least one wedge in a second direction to engage and advance the feeder belt.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed which comprises a cartridge body, staples cavities defined in the cartridge body, and staples removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cartridge comprises features for properly aligning and preventing the misalignment of the staples within the staple cavities.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed, the instrument including: a handle assembly; a jaw assembly including a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples and an anvil to form the plurality of staples upon firing; a lockout mechanism configured to prevent reuse of the jaw assembly; a drive assembly at least partially located within the handle and connected to the jaw assembly; a motor operatively coupled to the drive assembly; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller configured to control supply of electrical current to the motor and to monitor a current draw of the motor, wherein the controller is further configured to terminate the supply of electrical current to the motor in response to a drop in the current draw.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil half-section having a distal end and a longitudinal axis; a cartridge receiving half-section having a distal end and operatively couplable with the anvil half-section such that the distal ends of the half-sections are in juxtaposed relation; and a deflection control system operatively engaged with and reinforcing the distal end of the anvil half-section when a force is applied to the distal end of the anvil half-section in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

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 fastener applying apparatus includes an end effector assembly having an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly and/or the cartridge assembly is movable relative to the other between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly is configured to retain a plurality of surgical fasteners therein. A fluid-actuated drive assembly including a distal piston member is configured to oscillate between proximal and distal positions. The distal piston member includes a base and a rack extending distally from the base and slidably disposed within the cartridge assembly. A drive beam is configured for translation through the cartridge assembly to eject the surgical fasteners from the cartridge assembly. A pawl assembly couples the drive beam to the rack such that the drive beam is incrementally advanced along the rack and through the cartridge assembly as the distal piston member oscillates between the proximal position and the distal position.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in combination with a percutaneous elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising an attachment mechanism. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the attachment mechanism of the percutaneous elongate shaft. A percutaneous elongate loader comprises an articulating distal end. The distal end comprises a tube with an opening at the distal tip, the tube being dimensioned to receive the surgical end effector. The distal end further comprises an engagement feature capable of frictionally holding the surgical end effector in the tube during in vivo attachment to and in vivo detachment from the percutaneous elongate shaft.

Abstract: A surgical stapler end effector comprises a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a buttress assembly. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a deck. The staple cartridge is operable to drive the staples through the deck. The anvil is movable from an open position toward the staple cartridge to reach a closed position. The anvil includes an underside having staple forming surface configured to receive staples driven through the deck. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material comprises a polymer. The polymer is bioabsorbable. The polymer comprises a gel.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument. The electrosurgical instrument includes a first arm, a second arm and a coupling system. The first arm includes a first jaw. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm and includes a second jaw, a cutting member movable within the first and second jaws, and a cutting member trigger. The coupling system includes a coupling member mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger. The coupling member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically uncoupled from the cutting member trigger. In the second position of the coupling member, the cutting member is mechanically coupled to the cutting member trigger.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A powered surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a motor, a shaft extending from the housing, an end effector extending from the shaft, a power source, a processor, a motor controller, and a control circuit. The control circuit comprises a first segment configured to supply the processor with a first voltage from the power source, and a second segment configured to supply the motor controller with a second voltage from the power source. The second voltage is different than the first voltage. The powered surgical instrument further comprises means for shifting power to the first segment when the second segment experiences a power drop due to high power demand from the motor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of controlling the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft that extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft and a drive mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive mechanism mechanically cooperates with the firing rod to move the firing rod. A motion sensor senses a change in the electric field (e.g., capacitance, impedance, or admittance) between the firing rod and the elongated shaft. The measurement unit determines a parameter of the motion of the firing rod, such as the position, speed, and direction of the firing rod, based on the sensed change in the electric field. A controller uses the measured parameter of the motion of the firing rod to control the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An anvil assembly is provided. The anvil assembly includes center rod assembly, a head assembly pivotal relative to the center rod assembly between an operative position and a tilted position, and a mechanism for selectively maintaining the head assembly in the operative position.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A surgical buttress releasably disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. An adhesive tape is disposed over the central longitudinal slot of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured retain the respective surgical buttress atop the respective tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed. The surgical instrument system comprises an end effector configured to be articulated between a first position and a second position, a motor configured to provide a vibratory force to a user of the surgical instrument system when the end effector moves into the first position and when the end effector moves into the second position, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to sense a first condition of the end effector when the end effector moves into the first position, sense a second condition of the end effector when the end effector moves into the second position, and send a signal to the motor indicative of the first condition and the second condition when one of the first condition and the second condition is sensed. The signal comprises one of the group consisting of a square wave signal and a sine wave signal.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical instrument including a cartridge, a longitudinal channel, a first row of slots, and a second row of slots. The cartridge has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The longitudinal channel extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The first row of slots is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the first row of slots is empty. The second row of slots is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the second row of slots has a staple disposed therein.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A circumcision tool for securely holding and cutting the prepuce of a penis includes a forceps body and a prepuce clamp. The forceps body includes a first arm and a second arm that are pivotally connected to each other to form a dual-lever body. A first handle is terminally connected to the first arm, while a second handle is terminally connected to the second arm, allowing for manipulation of the first arm and the second arm. The prepuce clamp includes a first hinged clamp and a second hinged clamp; the first hinged clamp being connected to the first arm opposite the first handle and the second hinged clamp being connected to the second arm opposite the second handle. The first hinged clamp and the second hinged clamp are ring shaped members that can be laterally separated to fit around the penis.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises an elongated shaft and an end effector comprising an open configuration, a closed configuration, an anvil, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of first staple drivers movable from an unactuated position to an actuated position. Each first staple driver defining a first staple support cradle for supporting a staple. Each first staple support cradle is located a first staple forming distance from a portion of the anvil when the end effector is in the closed configuration. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of second staple drivers laterally positioned with respect to the first staple drivers. Each second staple driver defining a second staple support cradle for supporting a staple. Each second staple support cradle is located a second staple forming distance from another portion of the anvil when the end effector is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A method for using a surgical instrument comprises translating a first translatable member to unlock an articulation joint, translating a second translatable member to articulate and end effector at the articulation joint, and translating the second translatable member again to lock the articulation joint. The first and second translatable members may be translatable independently of each other. The act of unlocking an articulation joint may include moving a locking feature along a plane that is parallel to both the longitudinal axis of a shaft assembly and an articulation axis of the articulation joint. The locking feature may move longitudinally along the articulation axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A surgical implant for fixing a soft tissue to a bone comprising a staple and a plate. The staple and the plate are positionable on an instrument in such a way that the plate may be manipulated with the instrument to hold the soft tissue against the bone and in such a way that the staple is fixable to the bone with the plate positioned between a bridge of the staple and the soft tissue when legs of the staple are driven through the plate and into the bone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument disclosed herein comprises an elongate channel, a staple cartridge operably supported in the elongate channel, and an anvil movably supported relative to the elongate channel. The instrument further comprises a tissue cutting implement movable relative to the elongate channel, a drive shaft operably interfacing with the tissue cutting implement for transmitting motion to the tissue cutting implement, and an electric motor comprising a rotatable output operably engaged with the drive shaft. The instrument further comprises, one, a controller configured to control the electric motor and, two, a sensor configured to detect resistive forces experienced by the tissue cutting implement as the tissue cutting implement is driven through tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil, wherein the sensor is in signal communication with the controller.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. An end effector mounting assembly may be movably coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective articulation about an articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. First and second jaws may be movably coupled to the end effector mounting assembly such that the first and second jaws are each movable relative to each other and the shaft axis about a common pivot axis between an open position and closed positions. The first and second jaws may close at different closure rates upon the simultaneous application of closure motions thereto.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate body, a toothed rack, and an end effector. The elongate body has a proximal end and a distal end and defines a first longitudinal axis. The toothed rack is disposed within the elongate body and is movable in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The end effector has a proximal end pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongate body. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and supports a gear operatively associated with the rack. Longitudinal movement of the rack effects pivotal movement of the end effector relative to the elongate body from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the second longitudinal axis is aligned with the first longitudinal axis. In the second position, the second longitudinal axis is misaligned with the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising staples with different unformed heights is disclosed.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal cartridge end, a distal cartridge end, a deck, and a staple cavity. The staple cavity comprises a proximal cavity end, a distal cavity end, a proximal guide extending above and below the deck, a distal guide extending above and below the deck, and a connecting slot extending between the proximal cavity end and the distal cavity end. The proximal guide and the distal guide extend laterally with respect to the connecting slot. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises a staple removably stored in the staple cavity. The staple comprises a proximal leg positioned within the proximal guide, a distal leg positioned within the distal guide, and a base extending between the proximal leg and the distal leg. The base is positioned in the connecting slot.

Abstract: Methods and devices for ophthalmic tissue closure and fixation of ophthalmic prostheses are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, devices for both grasping and clipping a plurality of ocular tissue and ocular prostheses are provided. Various device embodiments are provided for both malleable clips and delivery of normally closed clips (i.e. shape memory). The device may accommodate a plurality of clips which include, but are not limited to: malleable metals, absorbable, shape memory, drug-eluting, and adhesive dispensing. The clips may be pigmented to match the colors of associated tissue (cornea, iris, conjunctiva, sclera, retina) to serve to camouflage fixation clips for healing duration or permanently. According to one aspect, shallow angle access to anatomy may be provided by specialized angulation of device shaft and closure jaws that are intended to access the eye through a small self-healing cornea incision and/or any ocular tissue.

Abstract: This medical manipulator is provided with a distal-end moving section including an end effector. The distal-end moving section includes a rotating sleeve (a distal-end rotator) which is able to rotate integrally with the end effector about a roll axis and has a hollow cylindrical portion, and a distal-end fulcrum block (rotary support cylinder) which is provided so as to be able to change orientation in relation to the axial direction of a shaft and rotatably supports the rotating sleeve at an inner peripheral section. A part of an opening/closing driving transmission section (actuating means) for transmitting an opening/closing driving force to the end effector is disposed inside of the distal-end moving section.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system including a shaft assembly transmits actuation motions from an actuator and an end effector compresses and staples tissue. The end effector comprises a channel; an anvil having a staple forming surface is moveable relative to the channel between open and closed positions; the anvil having a magnet at a distal end; and a staple cartridge removably positionable within the channel. The staple cartridge comprises a body supported for a confronting relationship with the anvil in its closed position; a plurality of staple drivers located within the cartridge body support a staple; a Hall effect sensor located at the distal end of the body; and a microprocessor in communication with the Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor and the microprocessor receive power when the staple cartridge is positioned within the channel, and the system is operable to identify a staple cartridge.