Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes a drive transfer assembly, first and second pusher assemblies, a drive member, an extension assembly, and a trocar assembly. The drive transfer assembly includes first, second and third rotatable shafts. Each pusher assembly is operably connected to a rotatable shaft for converting rotational motion from one rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a different function. The drive member is operably connected to the third rotatable shaft for transferring rotational motion from the third rotatable shaft to perform a third function. The extension assembly is operably connected to a distal end of the adapter assembly and includes at least one flexible band assembly operably connected to one of the first and second pusher assemblies. The trocar assembly is configured for releasable engagement with the extension assembly.

Abstract: The cartridge assembly includes a housing, a pusher member, a fastener cartridge body, a circular cartridge buttress member, and a retaining ring member. The pusher member is supported within the housing and movable between a first position and a second position. The fastener cartridge body is supported on the housing and has a tissue engaging surface that extends to an annular edge. One or both of the housing and the fastener cartridge body define an annular containment groove. The circular cartridge buttress member has a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the tissue engaging surface of the fastener cartridge body. The extension portion extends from the body portion and over the annular edge of the tissue engaging surface. The retaining ring member is secured within the containment groove to releasably secure the extension portion of the circular cartridge buttress member to the cartridge assembly.

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 comprises a body, shaft, and end effector. The shaft couples the end effector and body together. The end effector comprises an anvil and lower jaw configured to receive a surgical staple cartridge. The anvil is configured to pivot toward and away from the staple cartridge and lower jaw. The shaft assembly comprises a knife member configured to longitudinally translate to thereby substantially simultaneously cut clamped tissue and staple the severed tissue. The end effector may comprise lockout features configure to prevent longitudinal translation of the knife member. The end effector or staple cartridge may comprise lockout bypass features configured to prevent lockout of the knife member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle, a motor configured to output a rotary motion, a drive system operably responsive to the rotary motion, a power source configured to supply power to the motor, an end effector, a firing member operably responsive to the drive system, and means for monitoring the current supplied to the motor and limiting the current supplied to the motor when the current draw exceeds a predetermined threshold is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating assembly and a surgical instrument using the same. The articulating assembly includes a driver assembly configured to articulate an end effector of said surgical instrument, where said driver assembly includes: a screw portion rotatably mounted in a stationary handle of said surgical instrument, an axis of which is parallel to an axis of an elongated portion of said surgical instrument, wherein said screw portion is provided with at least two segments with opposite threads; two articulation plates in connection with said two thread segments, respectively, wherein a distal end of each articulation plate is in connection with said end effector of said surgical instrument; and a rotating sleeve coaxially sheathed on said screw portion so as to be in connection therewith through a gear assembly when being located at an articulation position.

Abstract: An implantable adjunct for use with a surgical stapling instrument is provided. The implantable adjunct comprises a mechanism for allowing a clinician to determine the degree of skew, if any, that the adjunct may experience when implanted into a subject with a surgical stapling instrument. The implantable adjunct comprises one or more reference systems configured to be compared to the staples, the edges of the adjunct, and/or any other adjunct elements by a clinician once the adjunct has been implanted into the subject. The one or more reference systems comprise references that define one or more zones of the adjunct. A clinician can visually determine what zone, or zones, of the adjunct the staples have satisfactorily, and/or unsatisfactorily, purchased the adjunct.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a control handle having a forward-extending barrel and a stapling device at the distal end of the barrel, where the stapling device has a stapling head part, a stapler body part, and a hinge connection therebetween such that the stapling head part is pivotable relative to the barrel. The stapling head part has a holder region, opposite the hinge connection, configured for holding a surgical staple during positioning and implanting the staple. The proximal end portion of the stapling head part can be pivoted outwardly relative to the barrel to at least about 15° from an at rest position, juxtaposed with the stapler body part, to an active position for implantation of a staple into tissue in a generally proximal direction toward the control handle.

Abstract: A stapling system is disclosed. The stapling system comprises an anvil, a channel, a firing bar, a replaceable staple cartridge, and a locking member. The anvil comprises an anvil ledge. The channel comprises a channel ledge. The firing bar comprises a first projection configured to engage the anvil ledge and a second projection configured to engage the channel ledge. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises staples, a vertical slot configured to receive the firing bar during a staple firing stroke, and a sled movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position. The locking member is movable vertically and spring-biased into a locked configuration which inhibits the firing bar from being advanced through the staple firing stroke. The sled comprises a proximally-extending portion configured to overcome the spring bias of the locking member if the sled is in its proximal unfired position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly comprising an anvil, a firing member, and a replaceable cartridge is disclosed. The replaceable cartridge comprises a longitudinal slot, a first row of staple cavities, a second row of staple cavities, first staples, second staples, staple drivers, and a sled. The sled comprises a plurality of first rails positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a plurality of second rails positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The first rails are configured to lift the drivers toward the anvil to deform the first staples to a first formed height and the second staples to a second formed height. The first formed height is different than the second formed height. At least one first rail of the plurality of first rails comprises a height which is different than the height of another first rail of the plurality of first rails.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for stapling tissue includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an anvil. The shaft assembly includes a stapling head assembly and an actuator. The anvil is configured to be selectively coupled to the actuator. The anvil is configured to cooperate with the stapling head assembly to staple tissue. The anvil comprises a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank includes a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen, and an engagement feature. The engagement feature is in communication with the lumen such that the engagement feature is configured to move relative to the axis in response to the rod being directed into the lumen. The engagement feature is configured to selectively couple the shank to the actuator. The proximal end of the engagement feature is radially fixed relative to the axis.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an anvil, a staple applying assembly, an adjustment member, a user input feature, and a bailout assembly. The staple applying assembly includes a distal surface defining openings and a driver that is operable to drive an annular array of staples through the openings of the distal surface and into tissue. The adjustment member is operable to adjust the position of the anvil to thereby vary a gap distance defined between the anvil and the distal surface. The adjustment member includes a first section and a second section. The user input feature is operable to actuate the driver to thereby drive the staples. The bailout assembly is operable to selectively separate the first section of the adjustment member from the second section of the adjustment member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a drive assembly operably coupled to the end effector, and a replaceable motor cartridge that includes a motor control circuit board and a motor. The surgical instrument further includes a main control circuit board including a processor and a computer-readable storage device storing program instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to detect a malfunction of the motor cartridge. The surgical instrument also includes an interface including a mechanical interface portion configured to releasably couple the motor to the drive assembly and an electrical interface portion configured to releasably couple the motor control circuit board to the main control circuit board.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical fastening apparatus comprising a motorized drive system and an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a channel and a rotary drive shaft. The channel is configured to support a removable staple cartridge including staples that are ejected from the removable staple cartridge as an ejector therein is moved from a starting position to an ending position. The rotary drive shaft defines an axis and is supported by the channel for movement in directions transverse to the axis between an engaged position wherein the rotary drive shaft is rotatable by the motorized drive system and a disengaged position wherein said rotary drive shaft is not rotatable by the motorized drive system. The rotary end effector drive shaft is retained in the disengaged position unless the removable staple cartridge has been operably installed within the channel and the ejector is in the starting position.

Abstract: A stapling system comprising a surgical stapler, a cartridge jaw, and a replaceable staple cartridge is disclosed. The surgical stapler comprises a firing member movable through a firing stroke. The replaceable staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a pan, staples, and a staple driver. The cartridge body comprises a longitudinal slot, a first deck portion, a second deck portion, and three adjacent longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the first deck portion. The pan comprises a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm engaged with the cartridge body in a snap-fit arrangement. Each staple is deployable between an unfired position and a fired position. The firing member is configured to sequentially deploy the staples when the firing member is moved through the firing stroke. The staple driver is configured to simultaneously deploy more than two staples located in the adjacent longitudinal rows of staple cavities.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, an implantable arrangement, first cavities, and second cavities is disclosed. At least one of the first and second jaws is movable to compress tissue between the first jaw and second jaws. The implantable arrangement comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer and the second layer comprise a polymeric composition. The first cavities are defined in the first layer and interconnectedly form a permeable first layer. The first cavities releasably retain a first therapeutic agent configured to induce a first biological response in the tissue. The second cavities are defined in the second layer and interconnectedly form a permeable second layer. The second cavities releasably retain a second therapeutic agent configured to induce a second biological response in the tissue. The first therapeutic agent and the second therapeutic agent are different.

Abstract: A speculum drape for use in ophthalmic procedures. The speculum drape has at least a first sleeve made of surgical drape material and being is to envelop at least a first retaining portion of a speculum or retractor. The sleeve is an elongate hollow structure with first and second open ends through which at least the first retaining portion is insertable. The sleeve is adapted and arranged such that, with the first retaining portion of the speculum or retractor inserted into the sleeve and with the speculum or retractor in an operating position with the respective retaining portions of the speculum or retractor engaged with opposite edges of an eyelid of a patient, the sleeve (i) envelops the inserted first retaining portion (ii) is maintained in a disposition between the inserted retaining portion and the eyelid of the patient solely by compressive force and (iii) covers an eyelash of the patient.

Abstract: A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises an anvil jaw, a firing member, and a replaceable cartridge jaw comprising a tissue-supporting deck including a first longitudinal step and a second longitudinal step. The first longitudinal step is positioned above the second longitudinal step. The replaceable cartridge jaw further comprises a longitudinal slot, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, a second longitudinal row of staple cavities, a plurality of first staples, a plurality of second staples, a plurality of drivers, and a sled. The sled is configured to lift the drivers toward the anvil jaw to deform the first staples to a first formed height and the second staples to a second formed. The first formed height is different than the second formed height.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical tool for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a housing, a shaft, an end effector, a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion, a modular adapter, a motion conversion assembly, and a lockout sensor. The end effector comprises a circular stapler. The modular adapter is coupled to the housing and the robotic system and comprises at least three rotary shaft interfaces configured to actuate a closing motion and a firing motion of the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is operably coupled to the motor and the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to at least one axial motion. The lockout sensor is operable to lockout the firing motion when the lockout sensor senses a spent condition of an interchangeable staple cartridge supported by the circular stapler.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an interchangeable shaft assembly is disclosed. The interchangeable shaft assembly comprises a shaft portion, an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, a firing assembly movable from a firing home state to deploy the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge, and an articulation assembly movable from an articulation home state to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft portion. The surgical instrument further comprises a housing detachable from the shaft portion, a circuit configured to transmit a home state input signal in response to an action performed to decouple the housing from the shaft portion, and a controller configured to cause the firing assembly to return to the firing home state and the articulation assembly to return to the articulation home state in response to the home state input signal.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure, the anatomical structure having a first side and a second side, the end effector including an anvil, a cartridge that is configured to house a plurality of staples, and a compression mechanism that movably couples the anvil to the cartridge.

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: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument system comprising an end effector, an elongate shaft, a motor-powered closure member, and a motor-powered firing system is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil and a cartridge channel. The cartridge channel is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The motor-powered closure member is moveable between a first position and a second position during a closure stroke. The motor-powered closure member couples the anvil and the channel during the closure stroke. The motor-powered firing system comprises a first flange configured to engage the anvil during a firing stroke, a second flange configured to engage the cartridge channel during the firing stroke, and a rotatable drive screw operable to transmit the firing stroke. The first and second flanges couple the anvil and the channel during the firing stroke. The motor-powered closure member and the motor-powered firing system are separately actuatable.

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 staple configured to close an opening in tissue is provided. The surgical staple includes a base including first and second base portions and first and second legs extending from respective first and second base portions. The first and second base portions form a bendable connection therebetween. The staple has a first substantially open position in which the first base portion defines an angle with the second base portion and a second substantially closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an elongate shaft assembly that that defines a shaft axis and includes a surgical end effector that is operably coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The surgical instrument further includes a rotary articulation member that is supported for rotation travel about a rotary axis that is transverse to the shaft axis. A first distal articulation driver assembly and a second distal articulation driver assembly operably interface with the surgical end effector and the rotary articulation member such that rotation of the rotary articulation member causes the first and second distal articulation drivers to articulate the surgical end effector relative to the shaft axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising a staple cartridge assembly configured to be attached to the surgical stapling instrument, staples removably stored within the staple cartridge assembly, and a first jaw is disclosed. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises a lock system configured to permit the second jaw to move to the unlocked position when the staple cartridge assembly is attached to the surgical stapling instrument, and wherein the lock system is further configured to lock the second jaw in the locked position when the staple cartridge assembly is not attached to the surgical stapling instrument.

Abstract: A buttress is applied to an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress is loaded on a platform of a buttress applier cartridge. The end effector is closed upon the platform. An adhesive layer of the buttress secures the buttress to the end effector. The buttress is thus adhered to the end effector when the end effector is opened. The end effector is then actuated on tissue of a patient, thereby stapling the buttress to the tissue.

Abstract: An adapter assembly configured to be coupled to a surgical loading unit includes a switch, an elongated member, and an annular member. The switch is configured to be toggled in response to the surgical loading unit being coupled to the adapter assembly. The elongated member is in communication with the switch and is resiliently biased in a distal direction toward a locking position in which the switch is toggled. The annular member is disposed adjacent the elongated member and is rotatable between a first orientation, in which the annular member prevents distal movement of the elongated member, and a second orientation, in which the elongated member moves distally to toggle the switch.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises staple cavities and a longitudinal slot. The surgical instrument further comprises staples removably positioned in the staple cavities, a cutting member movable within the longitudinal slot, a firing system configured to elect the staples from the staple cavities to staple the tissue, a cutting system configured to move the cutting member within the longitudinal slot to cut the tissue, and a control system configured to operate the firing system and the cutting system independently of one another.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system for stapling patient tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapling system comprises an end effector and an actuation system. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a movable jaw operably attached to the first jaw, and a plurality of staples. The actuation system is configured to actuate the movable jaw toward the first jaw to clamp the patient tissue against the first jaw while the movable jaw progressively drives the staples against the first jaw to staple the patient tissue.

Abstract: A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a first one of the curved jaws including a stapling mechanism and a second one of the jaws including a staple forming anvil surface, the stapling mechanism including staple slots through which staples are fired arranged in a row extending from a proximal end of the first jaw to a distal end thereof in combination with a control handle which, when the operative head is in an operative position within one of a patient's stomach and esophagus, remains outside the patient, the control handle including a first actuator for moving the jaws relative to one another and a second actuator for operating the stapling mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector can comprise a shaft and a pair of jaws. The surgical end effector can further comprise a housing and a drive system, which can be positioned within the housing. The drive system can comprise a proximal assembly and a distal assembly, wherein the proximal assembly can be releasably coupled to the distal assembly by a pin.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body and staples is disclosed. The cartridge body comprises a tissue-facing deck wherein a slot extends along at least a portion of the tissue-facing deck, staple cavities arranged in a plurality of rows comprising an inner row and an outer row on a first side of the slot, and projections extending from the tissue-facing deck. The staples comprise a first staple comprising a first staple height and a second staple comprising a second staple height greater than the first staple height. The first staple is positioned in an unfired position in a staple cavity in the inner row and the second staple is positioned in an unfired position in a staple cavity in the outer row. At least one projection is positioned to provide localized tissue compression on the first side of the slot intermediate the first staple and the second staple.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a housing, a shaft extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the shaft, a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion, a modular adapter coupled to the housing and the robotic system, and a motion conversion assembly. The end effector comprises a circular stapler configured to support an interchangeable staple cartridge. The motor comprises at least two windings. The modular adapter comprises at least three rotary shaft interfaces. The at least three rotary shaft interfaces are configured to actuate a closing motion and a firing motion of the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is operably coupled to the motor and the circular stapler. The motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to at least one axial motion.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion, a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint, and a first drive gear disposed within the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a diameter and a length. The length of the distal body portion is substantially the same as the diameter of the distal body portion.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion, having a first jaw in opposed correspondence with a second jaw, the second jaw including a surgical member. The surgical device may include a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion and at least one motor configured to rotate the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, to move the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, move the first jaw relative to the second jaw and move the surgical member within the second jaw. The surgical member may be prevented from moving within the second jaw unless the first jaw is in a closed position relative to the second jaw. Advantageously, the surgical member may include one or both a cutting element or a stapling element, disposed within one of the jaws.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing. The surgical instrument includes an elongated portion extending distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. An end effector operably couples to the elongated portion. A first pivoting member pivotably couples to a distal end of the elongated portion. The first pivoting member defines a first pivot axis intersecting the longitudinal axis when the first pivoting member is rotated. A distal mounting assembly pivotably couples to the first pivoting member and operably couples to the end effector. The distal mounting assembly defines a second pivot axis intersecting the first pivot axis and the longitudinal axis when the proximal mounting assembly is rotated.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repairing the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a paddle and a gripping member. The paddle is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gripping member has a weakened portion and a barbed portion. The barbed portion is configured to secure the gripping member to valve tissue of the native valve of the patient. A gripper control mechanism is configured to move the gripping member between an open position and a closed position. The gripper control mechanism comprises a suture removably attached to the gripping member at a first connection point and a pushing member configured to engage the gripping member at a second connection point. The weakened portion is between the first and second connection points.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured for operation in connection with a robotic system. The surgical tool includes a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member from a closed position to an open position in response to at least one axial motion. In addition, the surgical tool includes a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion and a motion conversion assembly operably coupled to the motor and the second jaw member, wherein the motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to the at least one axial motion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a head portion and an elongated channel. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The elongated channel includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The proximal opening is disposed distally of a proximalmost end of the handle assembly and proximally of the shell assembly. The distal opening is disposed on the shell assembly.

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 surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a staple fastening assembly (4) in the distal region of said instrument, the staple fastening assembly (4) including a cartridge device (8) which comprises at least one closed row (17, 18) of staples and defines a wavy distal end surface (14), and an anvil (9) which defines a wavy proximal staple forming surface (20) substantially matching the distal end surface (14) and which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge device (8) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge device (8), wherein the distal end surface (14) and the staple forming surface (20) have a globally wavy shape including two opposite peaks (21) and two opposite valleys (22) angularly spaced at about 90° from the adjacent peaks (21) and in that said two-peaks-two-valleys wavy shape is formed by a stepped configuration of said surfaces (14, 20).

Abstract: Adjunct material to promote tissue growth is provided. In general, an implantable adjunct can be configured to be applied to tissue by a surgical stapler in conjunction with staples. The adjunct can have one or more medicants releasably retained therein that are effective to provide a desired effect on tissue in-growth in a predetermined manner. One or more characteristics associated with the adjunct can be altered between various implementations to promote organized tissue remodeling in a desired manner during wound healing, such as by encouraging tissue growth to be in a certain direction and/or by discouraging tissue growth in a certain area and/or on a certain structure.

Abstract: A travel clip is provided for use with a surgical staple cartridge. The travel clip includes a cover having first and second side edges which varying in distance from a centerline of the cover and a longitudinally extending rib projecting perpendicularly along the centerline of the cover. The first and second side edges include areas of maximum distance from the centerline of the cover and areas of minimum distance from the centerline of the cover. The space between adjacent areas of maximum distance from the centerline of the cover provide cutouts or openings for viewing, inspection and verification of structure retained within the surgical staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for treating tissue comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft, and a firing member configured to be moved relative to the end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation member operably coupled with the end effector, wherein the articulation member is selectively engageable with the firing member such that the articulation member is operably engaged with the firing member in an engaged configuration and such that the articulation member is operably disengaged from the firing member in a disengaged configuration, and wherein the firing member is configured to move the articulation member relative to the end effector to articulate the end effector when the articulation member and the firing member are in the engaged configuration.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.