Abstract: An assembly for use with a surgical instrument system is disclosed which comprises a cartridge body removably positionable in a channel. The system further comprises staple cavities and a longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body, staples positioned in the staple cavities, and pushers configured to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The system further comprises rotary drivers couplable to the pushers. The system further comprises a rotatable shaft comprising a threaded portion rotatable by a motor and, in addition, a firing member comprising a threaded aperture engaged with the rotatable shaft which is configured to displace the firing member longitudinally when the shaft is rotated. The firing member comprises a first ramp positioned on a first side of the slot configured to actuate a first row of pushers and a second ramp configured to actuate a second row of pushers disposed laterally with respect to the first ramp.

Abstract: A staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck and a bottom surface, and a plurality of staple cavities. Each staple cavity extends into the cartridge body from the deck to the bottom surface. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of wells. Each well comprises sidewalls and a lowermost surface. The sidewalls of each well extend into the cartridge body from the deck to the lowermost surface. The plurality of wells comprises a first well and a second well laterally offset with respect to the first well. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples removably positioned in the staple cavities and a tissue thickness compensator releasably secured to the cartridge body. The tissue thickness compensator comprises a compensator body and a plurality of extensions. The plurality of extensions comprises a first extension compressed between the sidewalls of the first well.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a surgical system is disclosed. The surgical tool comprises a housing containing three drive motors and three non-concentric rotatable output members, a modular shaft assembly comprising three rotatable drive shafts coupled to the three non-concentric rotatable output members, an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, and a motion conversion assembly. The motion conversion assembly is operably coupled to one of the drive motors and an axial drive assembly. The motion conversion assembly is configured to convert a rotational motion of one of the three rotatable drive shafts to an axial motion. The application of the axial motion to the axial drive assembly approximates the first jaw from an open position to a closed position and performs an actuation stroke within the end effector.

Abstract: Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle, and an elongated shaft extending from the handle. An end effector extending from the elongated shaft is in communication with a source of electrosurgical energy and defines an end effector axis. A roll joint couples the end effector to the elongated shaft and includes a first tubular structure extending distally from the elongated shaft and a second tubular structure rotatably coupled to the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure supports the end effector such that the end effector is rotatable about the end effector axis.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling instrument includes anvil and cartridge assemblies movable between open and closed positions. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body defining a tissue contact surface and rows of staples. The cartridge body defines a first firing channel associated with a first row of staples and a second firing channel associated with a second row of staples. A firing cam is positioned within the first firing channel and translates therethrough during a first axial translation to fire the first row of staples. The first firing cam is biased to move into the second firing channel upon retraction after the first axial translation such that the first firing cam translates through the second firing channel upon a second axial translation to fire the second row of staples.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure a surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed including an anvil plate, a cartridge plate, and a knife assembly. The anvil and cartridge plates each include a central longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot of the anvil plate has first and second sides each forming a toothed rack. The knife assembly includes a circular knife adapted to cut tissue is rotatably attached to an I-beam. The knife blade may have a serrated edge configured to interlock with each of the teeth of the toothed racks. The knife assembly may include at least one gear fixedly coupled to the circular knife. The at least one gear may engage the toothed rack to rotate the circular knife.

Abstract: An end effector for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector comprises a cartridge body comprising a deck, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The end effector further comprises an implantable layer positioned intermediate the deck and the anvil. The layer comprises a tissue-facing surface, raised portions, and grooves defined intermediate the raised portions, wherein the raised portions apply localized compression to the tissue, and wherein the layer is releasably attached to the cartridge body.

Abstract: An end effector can comprise, one, a fastener cartridge including a plurality of fasteners stored therein and, two, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners. The anvil can further comprise extensions extending therefrom which can control the flow of tissue relative to the fastener cartridge and/or support the fasteners as they are ejected from the fastener cartridge. The extensions can having different sizes and/or configurations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector. The surgical instrument can further include a first articulation joint and a second articulation joint about which the end effector can be articulated. The surgical instrument can include a firing system which traverses the first articulation joint and the second articulation joint. The firing system can be operated by an electric motor.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed comprising a robotic system comprising an interface portion, an end effector, a housing, a latching arrangement, and a drive system. The end effector is configured to perform a first action in response to a first actuation motion and a second action in response to a second actuation motion. The drive system comprises a drive assembly configured to generate a rotary control motion, a drive transmission, and a motor. The drive transmission applies the first actuation motion to the end effector in response to the rotary control motion when the drive transmission is in a first position. The drive transmission applies the second actuation motion to the end effector in response to the rotary control motion when the drive transmission is in a second position. The motor is configured selectively shift the drive transmission between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a stapling assembly having a curved cartridge deck, a flexible firing bar, and a firing member capable of moving within the curved slot during a firing stroke. The curved cartridge deck has a curved slot, a first step with a first step height, and a second step with a second step height, wherein the height of the first step is different than that of the second step. The stapling assembly has a first row and a second row of staple drivers configured to support staples in a first unfired height and a second unfired height. The first unfired height is different than the second unfired height. The stapling assembly has an anvil with a first and second curved row of forming pockets and an unstepped tissue compression surface extending between the first curved row of forming pockets and the second curved row of forming pockets.

Abstract: A surgical circular fastener apparatus includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a fastener cartridge disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, an anvil retainer releasably mounted relative to the fastener cartridge; and a manually operably release configured to move between a first position corresponding to a secured condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge and a second position corresponding to a release condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical staple and staple cartridge for removably storing the surgical staple. The staple can be formed and/or stamped from a sheet of material. The staple can include a base and staple legs extending from the base. The base can be non-linear and/or laterally contoured intermediate the staple legs.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that is coupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint. A flexible firing beam extends through the articulation joint to interface with a firing member in the surgical end effector to apply a firing motion thereto. In at least one form, a pair of firing beam support members flank the flexible firing beam across the articulation joint. The firing beam support members are movably coupled together to prevent lateral movement away from each other in directions transverse to a shaft axis that is defined by the shaft assembly while permitting the firing beam support members to move axially relative to each other.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that is coupled to a shaft assembly by an articulation joint. A flexible firing beam extends through the articulation joint to interface with a firing member in the surgical end effector to apply a firing motion thereto. In at least one form, the surgical instrument further includes a movable firing beam support assembly that is configured to movably contact the firing beam on each lateral side thereof as the firing beam flexes about the articulation joint.

Abstract: A dissecting tip is provided for use with a surgical stapler or instrument. In one embodiment, the dissecting tip is secured to the end effector of a surgical stapler, e.g., to the anvil assembly or cartridge assembly. The dissecting tip extends distally from the end effector and is configured to dissect or separate target tissue from certain tissue, e.g., adherent, connective, joined or other tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. In general, a surgical device can be configured to prevent at least one of closure of an end effector of the surgical device and firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector. In an exemplary embodiment, the surgical device can include a lockout element configured to prevent at least one of closure of the end effector and firing of fasteners from the end effector when a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector. The locking element can be configured to automatically prevent firing and/or prevent closing of the end effector if a cartridge is not fully seated in the end effector.

Abstract: An end effector for use by a surgeon to staple an anatomical structure of a patient during a minimally invasive procedure includes an anvil and a cartridge. The ends of the cartridge are coupled to the ends of the anvil. Each of the anvil and the cartridge is insertable through a trocar. The end effector is operable from outside the patient. A stapling device includes the end effector coupled to a manipulator via a shaft. The manipulator is accessible to the surgeon. The surgeon uses a clamping mechanism to selectively move the anvil and the cartridge to clamp the anatomical structure. A flexible member extends through the shaft and is coupled to at least one of the anvil and the cartridge and to the clamping mechanism. Operating the clamping mechanism withdraws the flexible member (46) from the end effector and clamps the anatomical structure between the anvil and the cartridge.

Abstract: A staple cartridge that comprises a catridge body, a plurality of staples removably positioned in the cartridge body, and a compressible portion is disclosed. The compressible portion comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a structurally-deficient portion supporting the second portion. The structurally-deficient portion is configured to permit a collapsing motion of the second portion relative to the first portion. The structurally-deficient portion comprises a plurality of cell walls.

Abstract: A tool apparatus and a method for actuating a tool apparatus are disclosed. The tool apparatus includes an actuator housing, and an elongate tool manipulator extending outwardly from the actuator housing and having a plurality of control links extending along a length of the tool manipulator. The control links are operable to cause movement of a distal end of the tool manipulator in response to movement of the control links in an actuating direction generally aligned with the length of the tool manipulator. The apparatus also includes a plurality of actuators, each actuator being associated with at least one of the control links and being mounted in the actuator housing to facilitate a range of travel in a transverse direction substantially orthogonal to the actuating direction, and a plurality of linkages. Each linkage is associated with one of the control links and extends between the control link and the respective actuator and is operable to transmit drive forces between the actuator and the control link.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly having an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The articulation mechanism has a cam mechanism operative to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed which comprises cartridge body and a layer. The layer is implantable against tissue by staples deployed from the cartridge body and deformed by an anvil. The cartridge and the layer comprise co-operating features which reduce relative movement between the cartridge and the layer. Such co-operating features can also releasably retain the layer to the cartridge body. The layer can comprise buttress material and/or a tissue thickness compensator, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a motorized end effector, and a control system. The end effector extends distally from the body and comprises a stapling assembly operable to drive staples into tissue. The control system is in communication with the end effector. The control system comprises a motor, a firing trigger, a switch assembly, and a movable member in communication with the firing trigger. A resilient member is engaged with the movable member. The firing trigger and the resilient member are configured to cooperate to move the movable member into engagement with the switch to thereby activate the motor. The switch assembly is configured to couple a power source with the motor to thereby activate the motor in response to actuation of the firing trigger.

Abstract: A retainer for assembling tissue thickness compensators to a surgical stapler can comprise a grip, a first surface for supporting a first tissue thickness compensator, a second surface for supporting a second tissue thickness compensator, and clips for aligning and attaching the retainer to the surgical stapler. The clips may align and attach the retainer to a staple cartridge of the surgical instrument. The clips may align the retainer with an anvil of the surgical instrument. An insertion tool may be used in combination with the retainer to insert the retainer into the surgical stapler and to push the tissue thickness compensators against the anvil and/or the staple cartridge of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for guiding surgical fasteners. In general, the devices and methods can facilitate guidance of fasteners during deployment of the fasteners into tissue. In general, the surgical device can include one or more guidance features configured to facilitate guidance of the fasteners during ejection of the fasteners from the cartridge. The one or more guidance features can be configured to reduce lateral movement of the fasteners during deployment thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more guidance features can be configured to support a fastener on three sides thereof during deployment of the fastener. The one or more guidance features can be formed on the cartridge, e.g., formed on a surface thereof or formed on a sled disposed in the cartridge, and/or can be formed on a jaw that seats the cartridge.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises an anvil including a staple forming portion, a cutting member, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body, an elongate slot, and a deck. The deck comprises a first deck surface and a second deck surface, wherein one of the first deck surface and the second deck surface is stepped up from the other one of the first deck surface and the second deck surface. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of first staple cavities, a plurality of second staple cavities, and a plurality of third staple cavities, a driven element, a securement member releasably engaged with the deck, an implantable portion, and a plurality of staples deployable concurrently into tissue captured between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a motor, and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle and/or the shaft can define a longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a fastener cartridge comprising a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein, an anvil configured to deform the fasteners, a closure drive configured to move the anvil toward and away from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, and a firing drive configured to deploy the fasteners from the fastener cartridge which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument can further comprise a transmission comprising a first operating configuration which connects the motor to the closure drive and a second operating configuration which connects the motor to the firing drive.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge assembly for use with a surgical end effector. The fastener cartridge assembly can comprise a cartridge body, fasteners, and a layer of material releasably secured to the cartridge body. The layer of material can be a tissue thickness compensator. The cartridge body, the fasteners, the tissue thickness compensator and/or the end effector can comprise various features to releasably secure the tissue thickness compensator relative to the cartridge body. For example, the cartridge body can comprise slots, projections, cavities, drivers, locks, and/or keys, the fasteners can comprise barbs, and/or the tissue thickness compensator can comprise mounts and/or connectors.

Abstract: An anvil-attachable layer for use with a surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, wherein a proximal end portion of the layer is attached to a staple cartridge assembly, for example. The layer may be attached to the staple cartridge assembly by an adhesive, weld, or a staple-cartridge-based clamp, wherein the attachment is weak enough to allow the layer to pull away from the staple cartridge assembly with stapled tissue. Alternatively, the layer can include two or more lateral slits that define a connector region that can be cut by a knife of a surgical stapler to release the layer.

Abstract: A stapling assembly comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw. The stapling assembly comprises a detachable cartridge portion comprising a plurality of staples and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The stapling assembly comprises a staple firing member comprising a first cam configured to engage the first jaw and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw when the staple firing member is advanced from an initial position, and wherein the first jaw comprises a clearanced opening configured to receive the first cam when the staple firing member is in the initial position such that the first cam is not engaged with the first jaw when the staple firing member is in the initial position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed which comprises cartridge body and a layer. The layer is implantable against tissue by staples deployed from the cartridge body and deformed by an anvil. The cartridge and the layer comprise co-operating features which reduce relative movement between the cartridge and the layer. Such co-operating features can also releasably retain the layer to the cartridge body. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the anvil and the layer comprise co-operating features which reduce relative movement between the anvil and the layer. Such co-operating features can also releasably retain the layer to the anvil. In certain instances, the layer can be positioned against the anvil, but releasably attached to the cartridge. The layer can comprise buttress material and/or a tissue thickness compensator, for example.

Abstract: A stapling assembly system for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling assembly system comprises a shaft portion and a first replaceable cartridge jaw that comprises a first retainer configured to prevent first staple drivers from falling out of said first replaceable cartridge jaw. The stapling assembly system further comprises a second replaceable cartridge jaw that comprises a second retainer configured to prevent second staple drivers from falling out of said second replaceable cartridge jaw. The stapling assembly system further comprises a second jaw comprising an anvil, a firing member configured to engage said first staple drivers during a first firing stroke of said firing member and said second staple drivers during a second firing stroke of said firing member, and a lockout configured to selectively prevent said firing member from being advanced through a said firing stroke.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a closure ring. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw. The second jaw has a proximal end with a first ramped surface and a second ramped surface distal of the first ramped surface. The closure ring is coupled with the second jaw to engage the first and second ramped surfaces of the second jaw. The closure ring translates from a proximal position to a distal position to engage the first ramped surface of the second jaw and then the second ramped surface of the second jaw. The camming engagement of the closure ring with the first and second ramped surfaces of the second jaw pivots the second jaw toward the first jaw. The closure ring may also provide camming engagement to pivot the second jaw away from the first jaw.

Abstract: An end effector comprising a first jaw, a plurality of staple cavities, a first slot, a first longitudinal row of first staples, a second longitudinal row of second staples, a second jaw, an anvil comprising forming pockets, a staple driver, and a firing member is disclosed. The staple driver supports a first staple removably stored in said first longitudinal row and a second staple removably stored in said second longitudinal row. The staple driver and said anvil are configured to co-operate to deform said first staple to a first fired height and to deform said second staple to a second fired height. The firing member comprises a first portion configured to extend through said first slot and a second portion configured to engage said anvil. The anvil further comprises a second slot including a lateral portion extending behind a longitudinal row of said forming pockets.

Abstract: A surgical end effector for use with a surgical stapler for stapling tissue is disclosed. The end effector may comprise a frame portion, a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a rotation joint. The second jaw member is pivotably movable relative to the first jaw member about the rotation joint. The second jaw member is configured to apply a closing motion against the tissue and a firing motion to deform the staples, wherein both the closing motion and the firing motion are applied to the tissue from the same side of the tissue.

Abstract: Motor driven surgical instruments that include a first rotary drive system and a second rotary drive system. Various forms include a transmission assembly that is selectively shiftable between a first drive position wherein rotary motion generated by the motor is transferred to the first rotary drive system and a second drive position wherein rotary motion generated by the motor is transferred to the second rotary drive system. Various forms further include a locking assembly configured to mechanically prevent rotation of the second rotary drive system when the transmission assembly is in the first drive position as well as to prevent rotation of the first rotary drive system when the transmission assembly is in the second drive position.

Abstract: A surgical end effector for use in connection with a surgical instrument. In one form the end effector includes an end effector housing that is configured for operable attachment to the surgical instrument. A first end effector drive system is configured to linearly move a first end effector actuator between a first linear position and a second linear position in response to first rotary motions applied thereto by the surgical instrument. A second end effector drive system is configured to linearly move a second end effector actuator between a beginning and ending position in response to second rotary motions applied thereto by the surgical instrument. The instrument further includes a status assembly arrangement for provide an indication on the end effector housing of a linear location of at least one of the first and second end effector actuators.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include an absolute position sensor system. The absolute position sensor system includes a sensor element operatively coupled to a movable drive member of the surgical instrument. A position sensor is operably coupled to the sensor element and is configured to sense the absolute position of the sensor element.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge for creating a flexible fastener line is disclosed. The fastener cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners removably stored therein wherein at least some of the fasteners are oriented in directions which are transverse or oblique to an incision created by a cutting member passing through the fastener cartridge. Once these fasteners are deployed into tissue, the fasteners can translate and/or rotate within the tissue when the tissue is stretched.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes: a jaw assembly comprising a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw and an elongated body removably coupled to a proximal end of the jaw assembly. The elongated body includes an actuation bar movable upon engagement of the jaw assembly with the elongated body to secure the jaw assembly thereto; a release button coupled to the actuation bar such that the release button is movable by the actuation bar upon engagement of the jaw assembly with the elongated body and the release button is configured to move the actuation bar to allow for removal of the jaw assembly from the elongated body; and a lockout button in mechanical cooperation with the release button, the lockout button configured to prevent actuation of the release button.

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: Coupling systems for removably coupling dual rotary drive shafts of a surgical instrument to corresponding driven shafts of a surgical end effector. The surgical instrument may include a first rotary drive shaft that includes a first drive shaft axis and a second rotary drive shaft that includes a second drive shaft axis. The second drive shaft axis may be offset from and parallel with the first drive shaft axis. The coupling systems may facilitate simultaneous operable attachment of the first and second drive shafts of the surgical instrument with corresponding first and second driven shafts of a surgical end effector such that rotation of the first drive shaft rotates the first driven shaft and rotation of the second drive shaft rotates the second driven shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an end effector and a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The end effector includes a first jaw and second jaw. The first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The distal end of the shaft has an articulation joint that pivots the end effector from a first position aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shaft to a second position angled from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation joint includes at least one articulation band that bends outwardly within the shaft when the end effector is in the first position. The articulation band then bends inwardly when the end effector is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The shaft includes an outer closure tube having a neck-down region that promotes a greater range of pivotal movement within a surgical passageway.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a removable transducer module. The transducer module includes a waveguide, a locking mechanism, and an electronics assembly including at least one button. The handle assembly includes a trigger assembly configured to actuate the button(s) of the electronics assembly when the transducer module is coupled with the handle assembly. The shaft assembly engages the waveguide of the transducer module and is disposed at the distal end of the handle assembly. The distal end of the shaft assembly includes a harmonic blade. When assembled with the handle assembly, the transducer module is capable of providing ultrasonic energy to the harmonic blade.

Abstract: A handle includes a first operation input body provided on a handle main body and configured to rotate in first and second directions to operate a first end effector; an interlock body rotatable relative to the first operation input body; an engaging portion provided in the interlock body and configured to be engaged with the handle main body and to restrict rotation of the first operation input body in the second direction when the first operation input body is rotated in the first direction; and a second operation input body configured to rotate to operate a second end effector, and disengage the engaging portion from the handle main body by pressing the interlock body.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument. Various embodiments include an actuation system for selectively generating a plurality of control motions. A surgical end effector is operably coupled to the actuation system. The actuation system interfaces with an actuation member configured to operably engage rotatable camming members to fire staples within the end effector into forming contact with an anvil portion of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a stowing knife blade includes an elongated shaft, an end effector coupled to the shaft and including two opposed jaws, a housing included in one of the jaws, a first member mounted in the housing and movable distally, a knife pivotally coupled with the first member, and a second member. The knife is configured to cut when advanced distally. The first and second members are moved distally at the same rate during a cutting motion of the knife and the second member blocks a rotation of the knife relative to the first member during the cutting motion of the knife. After moving through the first distance, relative movement between the first and second members occurs so as to permit or induce the previously blocked rotation of the knife so that the knife can be stowed.

Abstract: A transecting fastener is operable to cut and secure tissue. The transecting fastener comprises a plurality of legs configured to grip tissue. The transecting fastener further comprises a crown portion and at least one blade. The crown portion joins the plurality of legs and is malleable. The at least one blade is positioned on each of the plurality of legs. The at least one blade is operable to cut tissue. A fastener deploying instrument may be used to deploy the transecting fastener. The fastener deploying instrument may deploy the fasteners in parallel pairs, in an end to end manner.

Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.