Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler. The assembly has a cartridge body having a support portion with a plurality of staple cavities with openings. There is also a plurality of staples, wherein at least a portion of each the staple is removably stored within a staple cavity. Each the staple is movable between an unfired position and a fired position, and is deformable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration. The assembly also includes a compressible tissue thickness compensator configured to be captured within the staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator at least partially covers the staple cavity openings. The compressed tissue thickness compensator is configured to assume different compressed heights within different staples. The compressible tissue thickness compensator comprising a lyophilized foam having an anti-microbial agent embedded therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes delivering staples from a surgical staple cartridge of a surgical instrument to a first tissue during a first procedure; removing the surgical staple cartridge from the surgical instrument; and delivering radio-frequency energy from a radio-frequency cartridge of the surgical instrument to a second tissue during a second procedure.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector movable between an open configuration and a clamped configuration, a closure drive configured to place said end effector in the clamped configuration, and a staple firing drive is disclosed. The stapling instrument further comprises a control system which utilizes the closure drive during a staple firing stroke of the staple firing drive to configure the end effector. The control system can also be operated to utilize the staple firing drive to close the end effector in lieu of the closure drive.

Abstract: A surgical compression gauge instrument comprising a compression gauge jaw member and an anvil jaw member for measuring a reactionary force from tissue captured and compressed to a predetermined gap distance between the two jaw members is disclosed herein. The compression gauge jaw member comprises a force gauge assembly for measuring the tissue reactionary force, and a spacer assembly for holding the two jaw members at a predetermined gap distance, which comprises an adjustable spacer member and a stopper for providing a positive stop to the adjustable spacer member. The spacer assembly is configured to selectively adjust the gap distance between the two jaw members.

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. These lockout bypass features may operate to permit longitudinal translation of the knife member once or multiple times. The end effector may comprise features configured to ensure proper alignment of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical compression gauge instrument comprising a compression gauge jaw member and an anvil jaw member for measuring a reactionary force from tissue captured and compressed to a predetermined gap distance between the two jaw members is disclosed herein. The compression gauge jaw member comprises a force gauge assembly for measuring the tissue reactionary force, and a gap sensor for generating an electrical signal indicative of the gap distance between the two jaw members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an end effector, a user interface, and a control circuit. The end effector is configured to deploy staples into tissue grasped by the end effector and cut the grasped tissue during a firing stroke. The control circuit is configured to cause at least one parameter setting associated with the firing stroke to be displayed on the user interface, cause interpreted information relevant to the firing stroke to be displayed concurrently with the at least one parameter setting on the user interface, wherein the interpreted information is based on external data, and recommend an adjustment of the at least one parameter setting through the user interface, wherein the recommended adjustment is based on the interpreted information.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a power source, a handle housing, a motor, an adapter assembly, an end effector, and a correction unit. The motor is disposed within the handle housing and is in electrical communication with the power source. The adapter assembly is operably coupled to the handle housing and supports an input and an output shaft coupled by the universal joint. The input shaft is in mechanical communication with the motor. The end effector is coupled to the adapter assembly and is selectively articulatable relative to the adapter assembly. The correction unit is in electrical communication with the power source and the motor and is configured to adjust the input shaft speed of the input shaft to maintain a substantially constant output shaft speed of the output shaft as the end effector articulates relative to the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The stapling device includes a lockout for prevent operation of the device. The staple cartridge includes a first cam surface configured to move the lockout from a locked position to an intermediate position when the staple cartridge is initially inserted into the device. The staple cartridge further includes a second cam surface configured to move the lockout from the intermediate position to an unlocked position when the staple cartridge is operably seated in the device. The first cam surface is proximal to the second cam surface and may be vertically displaced therefrom.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge comprising a cartridge body comprising a tissue-supporting deck, a longitudinal slot, cavities, and ridges protruding from the tissue-supporting deck is disclosed. The fastener cartridge further comprises fasteners positioned in the cavities, drivers supporting the fasteners, and a sled configured to engage the drivers to fire the fasteners from the cavities during a firing stroke. The sled comprises a central portion and ramps. The ramps comprise a first ramp on a first side of the central portion, a second ramp on the first side of the central portion, a third ramp on a second side of the central portion, and a fourth ramp on the second side of the central portion. The first ramp, the second ramp, and the third ramp are longitudinally-staggered. The central portion comprises a hump intermediate the first ramp and the third ramp, and a stabilizer extending from the hump distally beyond the ramps.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument configured for use with a staple cartridge that contains a plurality of staples configured to be ejected therefrom by a camming assembly supported therein. The surgical stapling instrument includes a first jaw that is configured to removably support the surgical staple cartridge therein. A second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. A cartridge verification member is configured to block distal advancement of the camming assembly from the unfired position unless the cartridge verification member detects a verification feature on the staple cartridge.

Abstract: Illustrated and described is an anastomotic device for forming anastomoses, in particular of intestine anastomoses, with an introducer sheath for insertion into a body lumen, wherein a thrust bearing part is provided for the head section and within the head section an extendable and retractable knife and a retaining pin are arranged. According to the invention at least the actuating part and the head section of inter-connected fluid supply channel and at the head section at least one fluid outlet connected with the fluid supply channel are provided for producing a fluidic connection between the actuating part and the head section while inserting the head section into the body lumen and/or when pushing the introducer sheath into the body lumen, in which the fluidic connection is configured for discharging an inflation liquid into the body lumen.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a shaft, an end effector rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation joint, and a firing system configured to be moved through the articulation joint and the end effector. The surgical instrument further comprises means configured to facilitate the movement of the firing system through the articulation joint and the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a handle assembly, a surgical loading unit, and an adapter assembly interconnecting the handle assembly and the surgical loading unit. The surgical loading unit includes a memory having stored therein instructions, which when executed by a processor of the handle assembly, override instructions stored in a memory of the handle assembly and implement an operating parameter of the surgical loading unit that is unique to a tissue type or a specific surgical procedure to be performed by the surgical loading unit.

Abstract: A handle assembly for actuating of a surgical end effector is provided. The handle assembly includes a friction reducing mechanism. The friction reducing mechanism may be mounted within a housing of the handle assembly and engage a drive member of the handle assembly. Alternatively, the friction reducing mechanism may be disposed on the drive member. The friction reducing mechanism instead or also includes a bearing member disposed between a trigger member and the housing of the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, a shaft coupled to the handle portion, a pair of jaw members operably coupled to the shaft, an inflatable member, and a sensor. The inflatable member is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to apply pressure to tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members. The sensor is associated with one of the jaw members and is configured to measure local perfusion pressure in the tissue disposed between the pair of jaw members.

Abstract: An anvil assembly includes an anvil head pivotally secured to a center rod assembly and a self-retaining backup member disposed with the anvil head assembly. The backup member is moveable between a retracted position in which the anvil head assembly is retained in an operative position and an advanced position in which the anvil head assembly is moveable to a tilted position. The backup member includes a pair of opposed snap tabs for retaining the backup member in its advanced position, a plurality of fingers for engaging a frangible ring of a retaining member, and retaining features for securing a cut ring assembly to the backup member.

Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies are disclosed herein which are an improvement over previous staple cartridge assemblies. Certain embodiments utilize tri-staple drivers which simultaneously eject three staples from a staple cartridge.

Abstract: A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapler includes a cartridge body, a deck defined configured to compress tissue against an anvil of the surgical stapler, and a plurality of staple openings formed in the deck. A plurality of staples is disposed within the staple openings, with each staple having a pair of legs. A plurality of staple drivers is also disposed within the staple openings, with the staple drivers being actuatable to drive the staples through tissue and against the anvil to form the legs. Each of the staple drivers includes a driver body, a first pocket disposed on a first lateral side of the driver body, and a second pocket disposed on a second lateral side of the driver body. The first and second pockets are configured to receive the legs of the respective staple when the legs are formed against the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the instrument includes an end effector comprising an elongate channel, a clamping member pivotably connected to the channel, and a moveable cutting instrument for traversing the channel to cut an object clamped in the end effector by the clamping member when the clamping member is in a clamped position. The instrument may also comprise a main drive shaft assembly for actuating the cutting instrument in the end effector, a gear drive train connected to the main drive shaft assembly, and a motor for actuating the gear drive train. The instrument may also includes a closure trigger and a firing trigger, separate from the closure trigger, for actuating the motor when the firing trigger is retracted. Also, the instrument may comprise a mechanical closure system connected to the closure trigger and to the clamping member for causing the clamping member to pivot to the clamped position when the closure trigger is retracted.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system can comprise a replaceable staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, a proximal laterally-protruding lug, and a distal laterally-protruding lug. The system can further comprise a channel configured to receive the replaceable staple cartridge, wherein the channel comprises a sidewall comprising a proximal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the proximal laterally-protruding lug and a distal receptacle positioned and dimensioned to receive the distal laterally-protruding lug.

Abstract: A surgical tool having an elongated shaft having a proximal end and distal end. A surgical end effector is located about the distal end. The surgical end effector has a plurality of effector mechanisms comprising a plurality of degree of freedoms. An effector body is located at the proximal end. The effector body includes a plurality of motor interfaces for driving the plurality of effector mechanisms. A transmission is coupled to the effector body.

Abstract: A circular stapling apparatus includes a buttress and an anvil head assembly. The anvil head assembly includes an anvil head and an anvil cap secured to the anvil head. The anvil cap is positioned to selectively secure the buttress to the anvil head. The anvil cap is flexible and includes an outer ring that is selectively movable relative to the anvil head to release the buttress from the anvil head.

Abstract: The present invention, in accordance with various embodiments thereof, relates to a surgical device for at least one of cutting and stapling a section of tissue. The surgical device includes a housing including at least two drivers. The surgical device also includes an anvil mechanically attachable to the housing and moveable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The first driver operates to move the anvil relative to the housing to an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The second driver operates to move at least a portion of the housing relative to the anvil between the intermediate position and the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope with a shaft, in which at least one working channel is arranged, and with an endoscope head arranged at the distal end of the shaft, wherein a deflection lever is arranged in the endoscope head and is adjustable between a non-deflected starting position and a deflected working position relative to the shaft, and wherein the deflection lever is adjustable via a Bowden wire, the proximal end of which is mounted via a collet on a control handle arranged at the proximal end of the shaft, wherein the collet fixing the proximal end of the Bowden wire is arranged on a slide that is movable proximally out of a housing of the control handle, which slide is coupled to the control handle via a rod. In order to create an endoscope which, having a simple structure, can be easily dismantled, in particular for cleaning purposes, and reassembled, the invention proposes that the slide can be coupled to the rod via a clamping connection.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that comprises an elongate shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis. A surgical end effector is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for selective pivotal travel about an articulation axis that extends transversely relative to the shaft axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation system that comprises a single articulation driver that is supported for longitudinal travel along a path that is laterally offset from the shaft axis. A cross link is coupled to the articulation driver and extends transversely across the shaft axis to be coupled to the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a channel that is configured to support a replaceable surgical staple cartridge therein. An anvil is movably supported on the channel and is configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position. A rotary driven closure system operably interfaces with the anvil and is configured to move the anvil between the open position and the closed position upon application of rotary opening and closing motions thereto. The instrument also includes a rotary driven firing drive shaft and an axially movable firing member that is in driving engagement with the rotary driven firing drive shaft and is configured for sliding engagement with the channel and the anvil upon application of rotary firing motions to the rotary driven firing drive shaft.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system comprising a processor configured to obtain a state signal associated with an instrument, obtain a state signal associated with an imaging device, determine an image pose position of the instrument in dependence on the obtained signals and determine an icon for display in dependence on the determined image pose position.

Abstract: A stapling instrument for use with a robotic surgical system comprising a drive system including at least three motor-driven drivers is disclosed. The stapling instrument comprises a housing, a shaft, an articulation joint, and a loading unit. The housing comprises a drive interface defined on an exterior surface of the housing. The drive interface is operably engageable with the drive system of the robotic system. The drive interface comprises at least three rotatable inputs positioned thereon. Each input is operably engaged with one of the motor-driven drivers. The loading unit comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a staple cartridge, and a drive member. The first jaw and the second jaw are rotatable about the articulation joint by a longitudinally-displaceable articulation actuator. The housing comprises means for converting the rotation of one of the rotatable inputs to the longitudinal motion of the articulation actuator.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system having an instrument housing for connecting with a shaft assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector is an articulating end effector and the system includes a cable tensioning system for tensioning the articulation cables. The system includes a clutch mechanism for preventing slippage of a drive cable.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for assessing a mechanical property of tissue under compression is disclosed herein comprising a handle; an elongated shaft distally disposed to the handle; an end effector distally disposed to the elongated shaft and comprising a first and a second jaw member pivotally engaged with each other to open and close when operated by the handle; a force gauge assembly comprising a compression head and a force transducer; an adjustable spacer assembly disposed on the first jaw member proximally to the force gauge assembly and comprising an adjustable spacer member and a spacer base; a control mechanism supported by the elongated shaft and disposed adjacent to the handle for producing an actuation force for controlling the adjustable spacer assembly; and at least one control link operably coupled with the control mechanism and the spacer base, and configured to transmit the actuation force.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled together and configured to touch at their respective distal ends when fully closed.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly of a surgical stapler includes a chassis defining an elongate channel therein, a first electrical connector coupled to the chassis, a staple cartridge body configured for removable receipt in the elongate channel of the chassis, and a second electrical connector coupled to the staple cartridge body and having a memory. The memory has stored therein a parameter of the staple cartridge body. The first and second electrical connectors are configured to matingly engage one another upon receipt of the staple cartridge body in the elongate channel of the chassis.

Abstract: A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapler is disclosed. The stapling assembly comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, a firing member, and a lockout. The staple cartridge comprises a sled configured to eject staples. The firing member is configured to move distally in response to a rotary motion. The firing member is configured to advance the sled during a firing stroke. The lockout is configured to selectively prevent said firing member from performing said firing stroke.

Abstract: A stapling device includes first and second jaws. The second jaw defines first and second threaded bores. A drive member has a distal end portion supporting a rack. An approximation drive assembly includes a first lead screw received within the first threaded bore. A second lead screw is received within the second threaded bore. A first pinion is supported on the first lead screw. A second pinion is supported on the second lead screw. Moving the drive member from the retracted position toward the advanced position advances the rack to rotate the first pinion and the second pinion, the first lead screw within the first threaded bore, and the second lead screw within the second threaded bore to move the second jaw in relation to the first jaw from an open position to a clamped position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The stapling head assembly includes an annular deck member, a plurality of staples, and a driver. The deck member includes a deck surface that has a curved profile defined by a curve extending from the inner diameter of the deck member to the outer diameter of the deck member. The deck member further includes an outer array of staple openings and an inner array of staple openings. The driver is operable to drive the staples through the staple openings. The anvil is operable to compress tissue against the first deck surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The stapling head assembly includes an annular deck member, a plurality of staples, and a driver. The deck member includes a deck surface that has a curved profile defined by a curve extending from the inner diameter of the deck member to the outer diameter of the deck member. The deck member further includes an outer array of staple openings and an inner array of staple openings. The driver is operable to drive the staples through the staple openings. The anvil is operable to compress tissue against the first deck surface.

Abstract: An anvil for a surgical stapler. In at least one form, the anvil includes an elongate anvil body portion that has an upper portion and a staple forming undersurface. An anvil mounting portion is adjacent to the elongate anvil body and is configured to movably support the anvil on a portion of the surgical stapler. An anvil cap is configured to be mechanically interlocked to the upper portion of the elongate anvil body. At least one weld is provided between the anvil cap and the upper portion of the elongate anvil body portion.

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

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes an anvil and a lower jaw. The anvil is pivotable toward the lower jaw to capture tissue between the anvil and the lower jaw. The staple cartridge is coupled with the lower jaw. The staple cartridge includes a deck and a plurality of staples. The deck faces the anvil. The anvil or the deck (or both) includes a compressible that extends toward the other of the anvil or the deck. The compressible feature of the anvil of the deck is configured to compress tissue against the other of the anvil or the deck.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a firing member, an electric motor, a first lockout, and a control system comprising a second lockout is disclosed. The end effector is configured to support a removable staple cartridge. The firing member is movable toward a distal end of the end effector during a firing motion. The electric motor is configured to drive the firing member during the firing motion. The first lockout is mechanically engageable with the firing member. The control system is configured to prevent delivery of electrical power to the electric motor based on respective states of the first and second lockouts.

Abstract: Stapler cartridges and surgical apparatus that include a stapler cartridge can include a knife that retracts into the stapler cartridge after cutting stapled tissue to prevent an operator being cut by the knife during replacement of the used stapler cartridge with a new stapler cartridge. A stapler cartridge includes a staple pushing shuttle, a knife member slidably coupled with the staple pushing shuttle, and a cartridge body. The staple pushing shuttle is slidably coupled to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a guide track engaged by the knife member and configured so that a cutting blade of the knife member protrudes from the cartridge body during a first portion of a distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle and the cutting blade is retracted into the cartridge body during a second portion of the distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle.

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 instrument including an end effector that has a selectively reciprocatable implement movably supported therein. The implement is selectively advanceable in a distal direction upon application of a rotary actuation motion thereto and retractable in a proximal direction upon application of a rotary retraction motion thereto. An elongate shaft assembly is coupled to the end effector and is configured to transmit the rotary actuation motion and rotary retraction motion to the reciprocatable implement from a robotic system that is configured to generate the rotary actuation motion and said rotary retraction motion.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector assembly comprises a first jaw defining a channel therein, a second jaw, and a threaded rod extending within the channel. The end effector assembly further comprises a replaceable staple cartridge comprising a sled, wherein the replaceable staple cartridge is configured to be seated in the channel, and a firing member operably engaged with the threaded rod, wherein the sled and the firing member are configured to move from a proximal position toward a distal position when the threaded rod is rotated in a first direction.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a buttress material. The cartridge assembly includes pushers configured to eject the respective surgical staples from the cartridge assembly, and an outer wall defining a cavity and having a finger deflectably extending over the cavity. The buttress material includes an annular body and a tab extending proximally from the annular body such that at least a portion of the tab is wrapped around the finger of the outer wall of the staple cartridge assembly. The pushers are movable between a first position in which one of the pushers engages the finger such that the tab is secured against the one of the pushers, and a second position in which the one of the pushers is disengaged from the finger such that a portion of the tab is released from the one of the pushers.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a power transmission including a trigger and a fastener driver operatively coupled to the trigger. Actuation of the trigger from a first configuration to a second configuration moves the fastener driver between at least a first position and a second position. Additionally, an actuation lockout system operatively associated with the power transmission is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuation lockout system prevents movement of the fastener driver from the first position to the second position when the actuation lockout system is in the locked configuration. Actuation of the trigger from the first configuration towards the second configuration moves the actuation lockout system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies are disclosed herein which are an improvement over previous staple cartridge assemblies. Certain embodiments utilize tri-staple drivers which simultaneously eject three staples from a staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use with a robotic system that includes a tool drive assembly that is operatively coupled to a control unit of the robotic system that is operable by inputs from an operator and is configured to robotically-generate output motions. A drive system is configured to interface with a corresponding portion of the tool drive assembly for receiving the robotically-generated output motions and applying the output motions to a drive shaft assembly which is configured to apply control motions to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A manually-actuatable control system operably interfaces with the drive shaft assembly to facilitate the selective application of manually-generated control motions to the drive shaft assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector that is configured to receive various control motions from a robotic system.