Abstract: A stapling assembly comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member, a biasing member, and a lock member movable between locked and unlocked positions is disclosed. One of the first jaw and the second iaw is movable relative to the other of the first jaw and the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The staple cartridge comprises staples and a sled configured to be advanced by the firing member during a firing stroke. The firing member comprises a cutting edge, a first camming member configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke, and a second camming member configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke. The firing member is prevented from performing the firing stroke when the stapling assembly is in one of a plurality of lockout states.

Abstract: Surgical instrument systems comprising lockouts are disclosed. The systems comprise a firing member, a staple cartridge assembly, and a lockout member. The lockout member, movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, is configured to prevent the firing member from being advanced through the staple cartridge assembly when the lockout member is in its locked position.

Abstract: A staple cartridge insertable into a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a threaded rod and a firing member configured to move from a proximal unfired position toward a distal position as the threaded rod is rotated in a first direction. The firing member comprises a first portion comprising a first camming member, wherein an anvil of the surgical stapling instrument receives the first portion when the firing member in the proximal unfired position and a second portion comprising a second camming member, wherein a staple cartridge jaw of the surgical stapling instrument receives the second portion when the firing member is in the proximal unfired position, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to maintain a distance between the anvil and the staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to adapter assemblies for use with and to electrically and mechanically interconnect electromechanical surgical devices and surgical loading units, and to surgical systems including hand held electromechanical surgical devices and adapter assemblies for connecting surgical loading units to the hand held electromechanical surgical devices.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes an anvil assembly and an adaptor assembly including a shell assembly. The adaptor assembly includes an anvil retainer including an asymmetric tip. The anvil assembly has a center rod, an anvil head supported on the center rod, and an alignment member. The center rod has a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a channel that extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The alignment member is positioned within the channel and is configured to engage the asymmetric trocar tip of the anvil retainer of the adaptor when the anvil assembly is attached to the anvil retainer to properly align the anvil assembly with the shell assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a firing member movable distally to effect a firing motion at the end effector, wherein the firing member comprises a cam slot, and a lockout pawl. The lockout pawl has a cam feature receivable in the cam slot, wherein the cam slot is configured to guide the cam feature to cause a rotation of the lockout pawl between a first position where the lockout pawl permits the distal movement of the firing member, and a second position where the lockout pawl prevents the distal movement of the firing member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly is disclosed. The surgical instrument assembly comprises a housing, a shaft assembly configured to be operably attached to the housing, a retraction assembly configured to manually retract a firing member, and a lock operably coupled with the retraction assembly and a drive unit.

Abstract: A motor driving device having a lock protection mode includes a rotation speed detecting unit, an operating unit, a driving unit, a floating point selecting unit, a BEMF detecting unit, a control unit, and a lock protection unit. The operating unit enters an operating mode after a motor is stably operated, and generates an operating signal having phases according to a commutation sequence, and the driving unit drives the motor. The BEMF detecting unit detects a BEMF of a first floating phase to generate a detection result. The control unit outputs a commutation signal to cause the driving unit to drive the motor. When the rotation speed detecting unit determines that a rotation speed of the motor exceeds a predetermined rotation speed, the rotation speed detecting unit outputs a switching signal to the lock protection unit to enter the lock protection mode.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector and a shaft assembly that operably interfaces with the surgical end effector. The shaft assembly includes a first shaft actuator and a second shaft actuator that operably interface with the surgical end effector. A first drive system is configured to selectively apply axial actuation motions to the first shaft actuator. A clutch assembly that is supported in the shaft assembly is movable between an engaged position wherein the clutch assembly converts axial actuation motion of the first drive system to a rotary actuation motion that is applied to the second shaft actuator and a disengaged position wherein the axial actuation motion of the first drive system is not applied to the second shaft actuator.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling the display of a knife position of a surgical cutting instrument according to the position of a displacement member. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member movable between a first position and a second position to drive a cutting member between an unfired position and a fire position, a sensor configured to detect a position of the displacement member and provide a signal indicative thereof and a display. The surgical instrument determines whether the knife is retracting and then only begins decrementing the displayed knife position once the displacement member has retracted from the distal or second position of its firing stroke by a particular distance.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft having a proximal structural member and a proximal drive member that is selectively movable with respect to the proximal structural member. A modular end effector is removably coupled to the elongated shaft, and has a distal structural member and a distal drive member that is operatively coupled to a pair of jaw members. A separable joint is defined between the elongated shaft and the end effector. The separable joint includes laterally prominent and laterally indented portions of each of the proximal and distal structural members and of each of the proximal and distal drive members. The structural members are interlocked to resist longitudinal separation and permit lateral separation. The drive members are movable relative to structural members to move the separable joint to a locked configuration wherein the drive members prohibit lateral separation of the structural members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector, a controller, a first actuator, a second actuator, and a display is disclosed. The controller comprises a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first actuator interfaces with the surgical end effector and the controller. The first actuator is configured to apply a first control motion to the surgical end effector during the first operating mode. The second actuator interfaces with the surgical end effector and the controller. The second actuator is configured to apply a second control motion to the surgical end effector during the second operating mode. The controller prevents activation of the second operating mode until the first operating mode is completed. The display interfaces with the controller to display a position of the second actuator during the second operating mode.

Abstract: A loading unit for engagement with a surgical instrument. The loading unit includes a proximal body portion, an end effector, an actuation sled, and pushers. The actuation sled is longitudinally translatable within a cartridge assembly. The pushers are disposed within the cartridge assembly. Each pusher includes a camming surface configured for engagement with the actuation sled. The camming surface of each pusher in a first row is longitudinally aligned with the camming surface of each pusher in a second row. The first row of pushers is laterally offset from the second row of pushers.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly having a body, a shaft assembly having an outer tubular member extending distally from the body, an end effector, an anvil, and a trocar latch assembly. The end effector includes a staple deck fixed relative to the outer tubular member, a staple driver that can actuate relative to the staple deck between an unfired position and a fired position, and a trocar that can actuate relative to the staple deck and the staple driver, the anvil can couple with trocar to move relative to the staple deck to define a gap distance. The trocar latch assembly includes a locking body that can actuate between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration in response to the staple driver actuating between the unfired position and the fired position. The locking body can selective fix the trocar relative to the staple deck in the locked position.

Abstract: A surgical loading unit for use with a handle assembly includes an elongate outer frame defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, an end effector mounted to the distal end of the outer frame, a drive at least partially disposed within the outer frame and operatively coupled to the end effector, and being adapted for longitudinal movement through a plurality of sequential firing strokes to operate the end effector and a rotatable counter mounted to the outer frame. The rotatable counter is adapted for rotational movement through an arc segment of rotation upon movement of the drive through each firing stroke, and has visual indicators for providing visual indicia corresponding to a number of firing strokes completed by the drive.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes an elongated body, a circuit assembly, and an annular member. The elongated body includes a proximal portion configured to couple to a handle assembly, and a distal portion configured to couple to a surgical loading unit. The circuit assembly is disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and configured to be in communication with a handle assembly. The annular member is rotatably disposed within the distal portion of the elongated body and includes an electrical contact. The annular member is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically isolated from the circuit assembly, and a second orientation, in which the electrical contact of the annular member is electrically connected to the circuit assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a battery pack and a battery port. The battery pack includes a latching feature. The battery port is configured to receive the battery pack. The battery port includes a restraining feature. The restraining feature is configured to securely engage the latching feature when the battery port receives the battery pack such that the battery pack becomes fixedly attached to the battery port. At least a portion of the battery port is configured to permanently deform or break upon the removal of the battery pack from the battery port such that the surgical instrument becomes inoperable.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an endoscopic surgical stapler having an articulation locking mechanism that functions to prevent straightening of a tool assembly of the surgical stapler when the surgical stapler is fired with the tool assembly in an articulated position. In embodiments, a mounting assembly supports a notched member on a proximal end of the tool assembly and the notched member defines a series of notches. An articulation member supported adjacent to the mounting assembly includes a locking member defining protrusions or teeth that are movable from a first unlocked position spaced from the notches of the mounting assembly to a second locked position received within the notches to lock the tool assembly in one of a plurality of articulated positions. In embodiments, the locking member is biased towards the unlocked position by a biasing member and is urged toward and retained in the locked position via engagement with a drive assembly of the surgical stapler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an alignment pin pusher, an approximation assembly, and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes a bell crank assembly including a bell crank and a bell crank pin. The bell crank pin is movable from an activated position to a deactivated position. In the activated position, the bell crank pin couples the alignment pin pusher to the approximation mechanism such that movement of the approximation mechanism causes movement of the alignment pin pusher from a retracted position to an advanced position. In the deactivated position, the bell crank pin is moved to a position to uncouple alignment pin assembly from the approximation mechanism.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: An assembly tool for use with an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body portion, a neck, and a head portion. The body portion includes a base and first and second legs extending from the base to define a receiving area therebetween. The neck is attached to the body portion and the head portion is attached to the neck. The head portion defines a central opening. The first and second legs of the body portion are configured to engage a portion of a housing of an ultrasonic surgical instrument received within the receiving area, and the head portion is configured to engage a rotation knob of the ultrasonic surgical instrument received within the central opening to rotationally fix the rotation knob relative to the housing. Kits including the assembly tool and methods of assembling an ultrasonic surgical instrument using the assembly tool are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes tool assembly having a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a stabilization member that is supported on a distal portion of one of the cartridge and anvil assemblies. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are coupled to each other by a pivot member such that the tool assembly is movable between open and clamped positions. The stabilizing member is movable when the tool assembly is in the clamped position from a first position disengaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to a second position engaged with the other of the cartridge and anvil assemblies to define a predetermined tissue gap between the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical cartridge assembly including a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate channel. The elongate channel includes a base and at least one opening within the base. The surgical cartridge assembly further includes a cartridge body configured to be removably received within the elongate channel and a slot configured to receive a cutting member. In addition, the surgical cartridge assembly includes at least one lockout tab extending from the proximal end of the cartridge body, wherein the at least one lockout tab is configured to cover the at least one opening when the cartridge body is received within the elongate channel, and wherein the at least one lockout tab disables a lockout mechanism to allow the cutting member to advance distally through the slot.

Abstract: A surgical loading unit includes a drive and a rotatable counter that is adapted for rotational movement. The rotatable counter has visual indicators for providing visual indicia corresponding to a number of firing strokes completed by the drive.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member is disclosed. The firing member comprises one or more cams configured to position the first jaw relative to the second jaw. The cams are configured to reduce the strain experienced by the cams, the firing member, and the first and second jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a sled and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an anvil, and a cartridge channel. The staple cartridge includes a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body, and staples supported in the cartridge body, wherein the sled is movable to deploy the staples from the cartridge body against tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The cartridge channel is configured to removably retain the staple cartridge, wherein a load is required to remove the staple cartridge from the cartridge channel, and wherein the sled is configured to reduce the cartridge removal load.

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 instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument, a first end effector, and a second end effector, wherein the end effectors are attachable to the surgical instrument. The first end effector can comprise a first set of stored data pertaining to the first end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the first set of data and enter a first operating state. The second end effector can comprise a second set of stored data pertaining to the second end effector, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to ascertain the second set of data and enter a second operating state. The surgical instrument is further configured to enter a default operating state if said surgical instrument is unable to ascertain a set of stored data from an end effector.

Abstract: Articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument may include an elongated shaft assembly including an articulable portion moveable between a non-articulated configuration and an articulated configuration. First and second articulating shafts of the elongated shaft assembly may be coaxially arranged and axially fixed at an attachment point located distally from the articulable portion. Proximal portions of the first and second articulating shafts may be displaceable in opposing directions to articulate the articulable portion from the non-articulated configuration to the articulated configuration. In another embodiment, an articulation control may be movable from a first position to a second position to move an articulation lock from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration to selectively permit articulation of a surgical instrument. The articulation lock also may be movable from the second position to a third position to articulate the surgical instrument.

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 instrument for use during a surgical procedure includes an instrument body, an ultrasonic transducer assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, a power cord, and a transducer slip joint. The ultrasonic transducer assembly is rotatably mounted within the instrument body about the longitudinal axis and defines a first outer profile. The power cord projects from the instrument body to provide electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer assembly for operating an acoustic waveguide. The transducer slip joint is positioned between the power cord and the ultrasonic transducer assembly and electrically and mechanically connects the power cord to the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The ultrasonic transducer assembly selectively rotates relative to the power cord for inhibiting the power cord from winding upon rotation of the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The transducer slip joint also defines a second outer profile that fits within the first outer profile of the ultrasonic transducer assembly.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising a staple cartridge and an instrument assembly is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body including a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck. The staple cartridge further comprises staple cavities defined in the cartridge body, staples removably stored in the staple cavities, staple drivers, and a sled movable between a proximal position and a distal position during a firing stroke. The sled is configured to lift the staple drivers toward the deck to eject the staples from the staple cavities during the firing stroke. The staple cartridge is attachable to the instrument assembly. The instrument assembly comprises a self-locking shaft configured to place itself in a locked state if the sled is not in the proximal position at the initiation of the firing stroke. The instrument assembly further comprises an anvil extending from the shaft configured to deform said staples.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an implant into soft tissue. The system may include an elongate arm having an implant at a first end of the elongate arm and an actuator at a second end of the elongate arm. The implants may be contained in a cartridge assembly. Methods of inserting an implant may be used during nasal septum reconstruction.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly having a trigger, an endoscopic assembly, a pair of jaw members, a drive bar disposed within the housing of the handle assembly, and a ratchet assembly disposed within the housing of the handle assembly. The drive bar is operatively coupled to the trigger and the pair of jaw members. The ratchet assembly includes a rack disposed on the drive bar, the rack defining a plurality of rack teeth, and a pawl housing slidably mounted within the housing of the handle assembly, the pawl housing having a pawl being selectively engageable with the plurality of rack teeth of the rack, wherein in a first position of the pawl housing, reversal of a direction of movement of the trigger is prohibited, and wherein in a second position of the pawl housing, reversal of the direction of movement of the trigger is permitted.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided. A tool assembly includes first and second jaw members. A cartridge assembly includes an actuation sled and a slide. A drive member having a working end is configured to translate through the tool assembly when the first and second jaw members are in a closed configuration. A lock assembly including a latch is movable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The latch is urged to the locked position to engage the working end to prevent distal translation of the drive member through the tool assembly. The slide is configured to move the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position upon installation of an unspent cartridge assembly onto the first jaw member. The slide is movable by the drive member upon actuation of the stapling apparatus to allow the latch to move back to the locked position.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed which comprise a firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to an end effector. The surgical instruments further comprise a firing force lockout configured to stop and/or prevent a firing stroke of the firing assembly.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a plurality of fasteners, a longitudinal knife slot defined in the cartridge body, and a circuit comprising a plurality of sub-circuits extending across the longitudinal knife slot is disclosed. The longitudinal knife slot is configured to receive a tissue cutting knife. The plurality of sub-circuits comprises a first sub-circuit and a second sub-circuit. The circuit produces a first voltage in response to an applied current when the first sub-circuit and the second sub-circuit are intact. The circuit produces a second voltage in response to the applied current as the tissue cutting knife is advanced distally through the longitudinal knife slot. The first voltage is different than the second voltage.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge for use with a surgical end effector that includes a lock member that is movable between a locked configuration wherein a firing member is prevented from axial travel through the surgical end effector and an unlocked configuration wherein the firing member is axially advanceable. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body that supports a cam assembly therein that is movable between a starting position and an ending position. The cam assembly defines a central axis and includes at least one unlocking feature that is laterally offset from the central axis and is configured to engage the lock member when the cartridge body is seated within the end effector and the cam assembly is in said starting position to thereby move the lock member to the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided which includes a first jaw supporting an anvil assembly and a second jaw supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly supports a firing lockout assembly which includes a latch member having a blocking member. The latch member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the blocking member of the latch member is aligned with the stop surface of the drive member to prevent advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly and in the second position, the blocking member is misaligned with the stop surface of the drive member to permit advancement of the drive member within the tool assembly. A biasing member is positioned to urge the latch member towards the first position. In the retracted position of the drive member, the latch member is in the first position.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapler includes an upper staple cartridge receiving half-section, a lower staple cartridge receiving half-section and a staple cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a cutting groove in which a reciprocating movement cutter is mounted. The cutter includes a bottom surface and a knife blade located at a far end of the cutter. The staple cartridge assembly includes a restricting member mounted therein and an elastic stopper. The elastic stopper abuts against the restricting member when the staple cartridge assembly is in an initial state. The restricting member breaks away from the staple cartridge assembly when the staple cartridge assembly is in a firing complete state, thereby preventing the cutter from sliding towards the far end of the staple cartridge. As a result, misfiring throughout the whole operation of the linear surgical stapler is prevented.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can include an end effector and a staple cartridge which is removably insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes a sled movable from an unfired position to a fired position to eject staples removably stored in the staple cartridge. In various instances, the sled can be inadvertently advanced from its unfired position when the staple cartridge is positioned in the end effector, for example. The surgical instrument system further comprises one or more sensors configured to detect whether the sled is in its unfired position and/or whether the staple cartridge has been mis-inserted into the end effector. The one or more sensors can also determine whether the staple cartridge has been fully seated in the cartridge channel.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes an actuator device including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and a first articulating link. The first articulating link includes a mechanical interface and is movable between a non-articulated position and at least one articulated position. A reload is releasably coupled to a distal end of the body portion. The reload including a second articulating link configured to engage the first articulating link when the reload is coupled to the actuator device. The reload including a tool assembly which is pivotable from a first a position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body portion to at least one position misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The first articulation link and the mechanical interface prevent the reload from being disengaged from the actuator device when the first articulating link is in the at least one articulated position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, a display, and a system or sensor configured to monitor a status of the surgical instrument. The display is configured to display information pertaining to the detected status of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, the display displays a subsequent step of operating the surgical instrument. In another embodiment, the display displays a subsequent step of assembling the surgical instrument. The display is additionally configured to enter a low-power mode.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising an anvil, a channel, a firing member, a lock recess, a replaceable staple cartridge, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The firing member comprises a lock shoulder and a coupling portion configured to couple the anvil and the channel. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises staples and a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position during a firing stroke of the firing member to eject the staples. The lock shoulder is engageable with the lock recess when the sled is not in the proximal unfired position to block the firing stroke from being performed. The sled prevents engagement between the lock shoulder and the lock recess when the sled is in the proximal unfired position to permit the firing stroke to be performed. The staple cartridge is attached to the stapling system distal to the articulation joint.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for indicating that a cartridge has been fired includes an end effector receiving a cartridge having at least one of a knife and a plurality of staples, a shaft assembly connected to the end effector, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly has a handle housing, a firing member configured to selectively actuate from a first position to a second position as a firing stroke, and a feedback generator operatively connected to the firing member. The firing member is configured to actuate the cartridge from an unfired cartridge position to a fired cartridge position when the firing member is actuated. The feedback generator is configured to communicate an audible sound and a visual indicia to an operator indicative of the firing member completing the firing stroke for actuating the cartridge to the fired cartridge position.

Abstract: A surgical end effector including a first jaw that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw between open and closed positions. A firing member is supported for axial movement within the first jaw along a shaft axis between a starting position and an ending position. A firing member lockout system is movable between an unlocked position wherein the firing member lockout system is out of engagement with the firing member and a locked position wherein the firing member lockout system is configured to prevent the firing member from being distally advanced from the starting position unless an unfired staple cartridge comprising a cam assembly that is located in an unfired position is supported within the first jaw. The firing member lockout system is configured to be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the second jaw is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus (stapler) is provided and is configured to couple to a reload. The reload includes a first jaw member releasably supporting a cartridge that includes a slide deflector that is movable from a first position to a second position. One or more lockout steps are provided on one of the first and second jaw members of the reload. A drive member includes a working end urged to move toward the lockout step. In the first position, the slide deflector is positioned to prevent engagement of the working end of the drive member with the lockout step, and in the second position the slide deflector is positioned to allow engagement of the working end with the lockout step to prevent further advancement of the working end. Distal translation of the working end causes the slide deflector to move from the first position to the second position.

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 surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, a trigger, and a lockout assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which translates relative to the body to thereby adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. The trigger is operable to actuate the stapling head assembly. The lockout assembly includes an electrically powered braking feature. A method of operating the surgical instrument includes providing the lockout assembly in a first state to permit translation of the translating member. The translating member is then translated. The lockout assembly is then transitioned to a second state to prevent further translation of the translating member.