Abstract: A cordless surgical knife comprises an enclosure and a blade extending from the enclosure. The enclosure contains a differential amplifier circuit configured to provide an RF signal, an output monitor feedback circuit, a return monitor feedback circuit, and a microprocessor that receives data from the feedback circuits and adjusts the RF signal. The enclosure contains a receiving antenna that is operable to receive a wireless signal associated with the RF signal from tissue of a patient. A transmitting antenna may be in electrical contact with tissue of the patient and transmit the wireless signal. Optionally, both the receiving antenna and transmitting antenna include at least two separate inductive circuits aligned on different planes, or each of the receiving antenna and the transmitting antennas is encapsulated inside an enclosure floating in a liquid so that the antennas are aligned by gravity.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device (10) includes a drive assembly (70) and a tool assembly (16). The tool assembly (16) has a pair of jaws (29,31) supporting a cartridge assembly (32) and an anvil (30). The drive assembly (70) has a clamping member (74) that is movable through the tool assembly (16) to eject staples from the cartridge assembly (32) into the anvil (30) and to dissect tissue. The clamp member (74) includes an extension (84) that engages one of the jaws (29,31) to urge the distal end of the engaged jaw (29) in relation to the other jaw (31) to urge the tool assembly (16) towards an insertion position to minimize the diameter of the tool assembly (16) at a distal end of the tool assembly (16).

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly including a processor, an adapter assembly including a trocar assembly and a strain gauge assembly, a reload assembly operably secured to the adapter assembly, the reload assembly including a staple cartridge, and an anvil assembly releasably secured to the trocar assembly and moveably positioned relative to the staple cartridge between a spaced position and a clamped position. The processor includes software for determining when tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly has achieved a predetermined tissue relaxation percent. A method of optimizing tissue relaxation during a stapling procedure includes clamping tissue between an anvil assembly and a reload assembly, calculating a tissue relaxation percent of the clamped tissue, and initiating a stapling sequence when the tissue relaxation percent equals or is less than a predetermined tissue relaxation percent.

Abstract: A surgical anvil assembly for use with a circular stapling instrument includes an anvil center rod defining a longitudinal axis and an anvil head pivotally coupled to the anvil center rod and movable between a first operative condition and a second tilted condition. The anvil assembly further includes a locking assembly configured to selectively lock the anvil head in each of the first and second conditions.

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 stapling instrument includes a body member having a distal end. The distal end is configured to be fixedly secured to an annular deck member having a plurality of staple openings. The body member is configured to slidably house a staple driver member. The body member includes a radially expandable collar having at least one latching feature. The surgical stapling instrument also includes a shaft assembly, including a proximal sheath portion, a distal sheath portion, and at least one protrusion extending radially outwardly from the distal sheath portion. The at least one protrusion includes at least one abutment surface configured to engage the at least one latching feature of the radially expandable collar for coupling the body member to the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly including a processor, an adapter assembly including a trocar assembly and a strain gauge assembly, a reload assembly operably secured to the adapter assembly, the reload assembly including a staple cartridge, and an anvil assembly releasably secured to the trocar assembly and moveably positioned relative to the staple cartridge between a spaced position and a clamped position. The processor includes software for determining when tissue clamped between the staple cartridge and the anvil assembly has achieved a predetermined tissue relaxation percent. A method of optimizing tissue relaxation during a stapling procedure includes clamping tissue between an anvil assembly and a reload assembly, calculating a tissue relaxation percent of the clamped tissue, and initiating a stapling sequence when the tissue relaxation percent equals or is less than a predetermined tissue relaxation percent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a surgical staple defining a median folding zone which is continued by a pair of branches, each branch having a pointed fastening end and an intermediate clamping zone situated between the median folding zone and the pointed fastening end. The staple is deformable so that each branch can be folded relative to the median folding zone by causing each fastening end to approach the other branch, the staple being formed by a metal cutout pre-shaped by folding, and is of constant thickness. Intermediate clamping zones of the two branches are cut out such as to form at least two teeth, the edges of which form two complementary clamping surfaces, parallel to the median plane when the staple is folded. The cross-section of clamping surfaces correspond to the cross-section of the metal cutout.

Abstract: A stop member for use with a surgical stapling device includes a plurality of sections that are releasably coupled to each other. Each of the sections includes a coupling member that can be selectively coupled to a tool assembly of the surgical stapling device to limit an actuation stroke of a drive assembly of the stapling device. Sections of the stop member can be removed from the stop member to change the position of a stop surface of the stop member on the tool assembly to change the effective stroke length of the clamp member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed which includes a handle assembly, an endoscopic body portion and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is rotatably and pivotally supported on a distal end of the endoscopic body portion. A tool assembly rotation mechanism is provided which includes a rotation knob, a substantially rigid tube and a flexible member interconnecting the rigid tube to the tool assembly. The substantially rigid tube translates rotation of the rotation knob to rotation of the flexible member and provides a channel for passage of other components of the surgical stapling device.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured for coupling with an instrument drive unit that drives an actuation of the surgical instrument and operatively supports the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate body extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongate body, and a plurality of driven members rotatably fixed and longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate body. The plurality of driven members are longitudinal moveable relative to one another. Each driven member of the plurality of drive members is coupled to a respective cable that is attached to the end effector. The plurality of driven members is configured for engagement with an instrument drive unit.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having an anvil including a plurality of staple forming pockets for forming staples. The staple forming pockets include first and second staple forming cups configured to receive first and second legs of a staple respectively. The first staple forming cup within each staple forming pocket has a different depth from the second staple forming cup within that staple forming pocket.

Abstract: A surgical stapling attachment configured to clamp, staple, and cut tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapling attachment comprises an attachment portion, a shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector assembly. The end effector assembly comprises a firing system configured to cut tissue only after the tissue has been stapled.

Abstract: An anvil assembly having a sliding sleeve is provided. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod assembly, a head assembly pivotally secured to the anvil center rod assembly, and a sleeve member slidably disposed about the anvil center rod assembly. The sleeve member is configured to slide relative to the anvil center rod assembly as the head assembly pivots relative to the anvil center rod assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an articulating tool having a head that articulates and is capable of maintaining an angle for drilling or placing a fastener into a bone. The articulating tool includes a housing, an articulating head, a rotatable drive shaft, and a driver tip connected to the distal shaft portion. The articulating tool may be constructed and arranged to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position and the second position the articulating head and the rotatable drive shaft are at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: An applicator instrument for dispensing surgical fasteners includes an elongated shaft, a housing connected with the elongated shaft, a trigger, a gear train, and a firing system disposed in the housing. The trigger is squeezed for commencing a firing cycle. The firing system includes a storage reel, a spool connected to the storage reel, a drive wheel located distal to the storage reel and the spool, a constant torque spring having a proximal end connected to the spool and a distal end connected to the drive wheel, and a flexible member in contact with the drive wheel. The flexible member has a proximal end connected to the storage reel and a length configured to be driven by the drive wheel toward the distal end of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus including a cartridge supporting section and an anvil supporting section. The cartridge supporting section includes a distal section and a proximal section and the anvil supporting section and cartridge supporting section are configured to clamp tissue therebetween. The anvil supporting section has a distal fastener receiving region, a proximal clamping region and an intermediate region between the fastener receiving region and the clamping region. The proximal clamping region is positioned on a first side of the cartridge supporting section and the fastener receiving region is positioned on a second opposing side of the cartridge supporting section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a shaft axis and first and second jaws that are configured to move relative to each other about a fixed jaw axis between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A firing member is configured to move between a starting position and an ending position. A first jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing member. Each first jaw engagement member is oriented along a first jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis. A second jaw engagement member extends laterally from each lateral side of the firing member. Each second jaw engagement member is oriented along a second jaw engagement axis that intersects the shaft axis and the first jaw engagement axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured for coupling with an instrument drive unit that drives an actuation of the surgical instrument and operatively supports the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate body extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongate body, and a plurality of driven members rotatably fixed and longitudinally moveable relative to the elongate body. The plurality of driven members are longitudinal moveable relative to one another. Each driven member of the plurality of drive members is coupled to a respective cable that is attached to the end effector. The plurality of driven members is configured for engagement with an instrument drive unit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector that is articulatable relative to an elongate shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The second jaw is movable between an open position and closed positions when a closure member is moved in a closing direction. An articulation lock is configured to move from a locked configuration wherein the end effector is prevented from articulating and an unlocked configuration wherein the end effector is articulatable. The articulation lock is configured to move from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration when the closure member is moved from the open position in the closing direction.

Abstract: A sled for use with an anvil assembly delivery system is provided which includes a body defining a concavity dimensioned to receive an anvil head of an anvil assembly and a recess dimensioned to receive a center rod of the anvil assembly. The body has a smooth outer profile to facilitate atraumatic trans-oral insertion of the anvil assembly to a surgical site. The body further defines a first suture channel on each side of the recess to facilitate securement of the body to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and stapling end effector. Various embodiments comprise a channel that is configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge. A rotary end effector drive shaft is supported within the channel and is configured to move a firing assembly longitudinally within the end effector to cause the sled to eject surgical staples from the staple cartridge. The firing assembly is prevented from moving distally through the channel unless a surgical staple cartridge that has a sled in a starting position has been seated within the channel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising 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. An articulation driver is supported for selective longitudinal travel relative to the elongate shaft assembly. A central articulation link is pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly for pivotal travel relative thereto. An intermediate link is movably coupled to the articulation driver and the central articulation link. An end effector driver is movably coupled to the central articulation link and the surgical end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying tacks to tissue. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an outer tube, an end effector, a rotation assembly, and a rotation-limiting structure. The rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about a first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly. The rotation assembly includes a rotation knob rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The rotation-limiting structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and is configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for surgically joining a tissue includes a handle assembly, an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a pair of opposed jaw members, and a tissue stop. The tissue stop is mechanically engaged with a first jaw member and is configured to retain the tissue between the jaw members. The tissue stop is movable between a first position, where a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member, and a second position, where the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member. A portion of the tissue stop is made of stamped metal section and a portion of the tissue stop is made of an overmolded plastic section.

Abstract: An anchor delivery system configured for single patient, multiple use applications. The system includes reloading linkages which cooperate with needle, suture and anchor subassemblies and devices. Reloading actions accomplish the acceptance of a subsequent anchor cartridge and the readying of delivery structure.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another between open and clamped configurations about a pivot axis. The first and second jaw members each define a pivot hole which defines the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members also each define an articulation axis that is orthogonal to the pivot axis and position distal of the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members are articulatable about the articulation axis between straight and fully articulated configurations.

Abstract: An anvil assembly having a sliding sleeve is provided. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod assembly, a head assembly pivotally secured to the anvil center rod assembly, and a sleeve member slidably disposed about the anvil center rod assembly. The sleeve member is configured to slide relative to the anvil center rod assembly as the head assembly pivots relative to the anvil center rod assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can include an anvil and, in addition, a staple cartridge support configured to support a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the jaw can be moved toward the staple cartridge to deform staples contained within the staple cartridge. The anvil can be configured to be translated and/or rotated as the anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the anvil can be configured to float and adjust such that the anvil is moved downwardly in a level manner.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly 80 made of paper pulp products or other eco-friendly material. The handle assembly and components of the staple mechanism housing are designed to accommodate the decreased material strength of the handle assembly. Handle retainer ears 110 are attached to the staple mechanism housing and prevent flexing of the lever grip. The retainer ears in combination with a raised circular boss 16 of the handle assembly facilities the use of lower strength materials, such as paper pulp products. An efficient staple housing mechanism includes a new return spring 120, a visual guide rod or alignment indicator 150 and a flattened stapler guide 130. An improved lever grip includes concentrically trimmed arc in the lever grip sidewalls 117. An improved lever grip includes an extended arched rear section 113 to comport with a new positive mating area 115 of the handle.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument can comprise, one, a handle comprising an actuator and, two, an end effector comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The end effector can further comprise a first jaw configured to support staples comprising staple legs and, in addition, a second jaw supporting a matrix element opposite the staples, wherein one of the jaws is movable toward the other in order to engage the matrix element with the staple legs. The stapling instrument can further comprise a cam operably coupled with the actuator, wherein the cam is movable along the longitudinal axis to deform the staple legs.

Abstract: An anvil assembly includes a retaining member having a body portion and a frangible portion connected to the body portion, where the frangible portion is positioned to engage a backup member and separates from the body portion during movement of the backup member from a first, proximal position to a second, distal position. The retaining member keeps the backup plate in the proximal position prior to firing of the stapling assembly, and upon separation of the frangible portion allows the backup plate to move to the distal position during firing of the stapling assembly. Proximal force on the backup plate after firing of the stapling assembly is avoided, thereby helping to ensure titling of the anvil assembly.

Abstract: An anvil assembly suitable for trans-oral delivery includes an anvil head configured to receive a guide suture that is severed during a stapling procedure. An anvil delivery assembly includes the anvil assembly and a suture guide assembly secured to the anvil assembly.

Abstract: The present invention involves new interventional methods and devices for reconfiguring a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged, approximated and fastened to create one or more tissue folds forming one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes a housing, an elongated member, an end effector, and a staple formation circuit. The elongated member extends from the housing. The end effector is disposed on an end of the elongated member and has first and second jaws. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples. Each of the staples has first and second legs. The second jaw has a plurality of staple forming pockets. The staple formation circuit may be disposed on the second jaw. The staple formation circuit communicates a signal to a controller coupled to the staple formation circuit. The signal is representative of one or more of a formation, a malformation, and a nonformation of one or both of the first and second legs of one or more of the staples within one or more of the staple forming pockets.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is provided. The surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adapter assembly removably and selectively attachable to the handle assembly, and a loading unit removably and selectively attachable to the adapter assembly. The adapter assembly extends from the handle assembly for transmitting actuating forces from the handle assembly to the loading unit. The adapter assembly includes a connector assembly. The loading unit includes a shell member and a housing extending from an inner surface of the shell member. The surgical stapling device further includes a chip assembly disposed within the housing and moveable relative to the shell member to facilitate connection with the connector assembly of the adapter assembly.

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

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to articulate an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can comprise at least one electromagnet which can be selectively activated, or polarized, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate a second magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet and/or an iron core, for example, mounted to the end effector. In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to open and/or close an end effector of the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to advance and/or retract a firing bar, cutting member, and/or staple sled within the surgical instrument in order to incise and/or staple tissue positioned within an end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners, an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge, the cartridge and anvil sections clamping tissue therebetween. The first and second cam members are movable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners. A cam member supporting member fixed within the cartridge section has an upper surface on which the cam members are slidable. The upper surface of the cam member supporting member has a first upper surface portion on a first plane and a second lower surface portion in a different substantially parallel second plane such that the first and second cam members slide in offset planes on the upper surface to fire the fasteners.

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.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle assembly having a proximal end, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes a shell and a staple guide housing a plurality of staples. A flexible engagement structure attaches the staple guide to the shell.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a housing that has an elongated shaft assembly attached thereto that is configured to be rotated relative to the housing. The surgical instrument further includes a conductor arrangement that facilitates transfer of electrical power or current from a power source which may be located in the housing or external to the housing to a distal portion of the elongated shaft assembly or to a surgical end effector coupled thereto. The surgical instrument may further include a travel limiting arrangement for limiting the amount of rotary travel of the elongated shaft assembly relative to the housing to a predetermined range of rotary travel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a motor-powered drive unit that drives a portion of a firing member assembly in an axial direction to actuate a surgical end effector coupled to the instrument. The instrument may further include a retraction system configured to interact with the firing member assembly to permit a clinician to manually retract the portion of the firing member assembly should it become jammed or inadvertently stopped during a firing process. The surgical instrument includes a locking arrangement that interfaces with the retraction system and the motor-powered drive unit to prevent the transfer of the retraction forces generated by the retraction system to the motor shaft without physically separating portions of the motorized drive unit.

Abstract: A control system having speed management control. The control system can be in signal communication with a battery, and the battery can be coupled to a motor. The speed management control can include a pulse width modulation circuit, which can control the duration of pulses supplied from the battery to the motor. The motor can include a primary set of coils and a secondary set of coils. The control system can direct surplus current to the secondary set of coils to maximize the torque generated by the motor.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for attaching body tissue to body tissue or another material to body tissue. The fastener includes a head portion, a body portion, and an anchoring element. The anchoring element is on the distal end of the fastener, and has one or more barbs or similar anchoring devices that are configured to prevent removal of the fastener once it is attached to the body tissue. The head is located on the proximal end of the fastener, and anchors the body tissue or other material when the fastener is attached to the body tissue. The disclosure also provides a driver apparatus for inserting the fasteners. The applicator device includes an indexer for sequentially indexing one or more fasteners, and a driver for applying an insertion force to a fastener that is sufficient to insert the fastener and attach it to body tissue. The disclosure also provides a method of using the fastener and applicator device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprising a housing, an elongated portion, an end effector, and a movable handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the housing and movable between a first open position and a second approximated position for affecting a function of the end effector. A ratchet mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the movable handle and is configured to substantially prevent the movable handle from moving towards its first open position until the movable handle reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: A stapling device for forming multiple tissue plications without needing to reload the device between plications is described. The device includes staple and anvil housings that move toward and away from a tissue-capture position. A cartridge holder in the staple housing supports a cartridge with multiple groups of offset staple slots, where the slots in each group are circularly arrayed about a cartridge center axis. A staple driver in the staple housing carries a plurality of arms for engaging and ejecting the staples in a first group of staples in the cartridge, when a tissue fold is captured between the cartridge assembly and anvil in the anvil housing. When the staple driver is retracted, after a tissue plication is formed, the cartridge assembly and tissue drive are indexed to eject the next-up group of staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapler having a remote motorized staple head is provided and generally includes a handle having a control button and a highly flexible cable extending distally from the handle. A housing incorporating a staple assembly is affixed to a distal end of the flexible cable. The housing may incorporate articulating structure to position the staple assembly relative to the remainder of the housing.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly, an elongated member, and a tool assembly. The handle assembly includes a mode selection mechanism configured to alternate the surgical device between a grasping mode of operation and a clamping mode of operation. The tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly. The tool assembly is configured to grasp and release tissue in the grasping mode of operation and configured to clamp and staple tissue in the clamping mode of operation. The mode selection mechanism includes a switch and a pawl. When a moveable handle of the handle assembly is compressed with the switch held in a depressed position, the device is in the grasping mode of operation. When the moveable handle is compressed with the switch in a neutral position, the device is in the clamping mode of operation.