Abstract: A surgical instrument including a surgical end effector and a threaded rotary input shaft. An actuator member is in operable engagement with the surgical end effector and is in selective threaded engagement with the threaded rotary input shaft such that when the actuator member is in an engaged configuration, rotation of said threaded rotary input shaft causes the actuator member to move axially to impart an actuation motion to the surgical end effector and when the actuator member is in a disengaged configuration, rotation of the threaded rotary input shaft will not be imparted to the actuator member. A switch may be employed for selectively moving the actuator between the engaged and disengaged configurations. A locking system may be employed for preventing axial movement of the actuator member when the actuator member is in the disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument having an elongate shaft assembly, an articulation joint, and an end effector pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft assembly about the articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally coupled to the first jaw. A replaceable staple cartridge assembly comprises a cartridge body having a deck with a first tissue-facing surface comprising a plurality of staple cavities defined therein and a second tissue-facing surface stepped relative to the first tissue-facing surface. The replaceable staple cartridge further comprises a sled with a cutting surface. The end effector further comprises a drive screw extending longitudinally therewithin and a bearing, wherein a distal end of the drive screw is received by the bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure, such as a laparoscopic appendectomy using a stapler apparatus including a reusable handle portion including a shaft include proximal and distal ends, a disposable end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft of the reusable handle carrying one or more staples. For example, the end effector may include first and second jaws movable relative to one another between open and closed positions, the first jaw carrying a cartridge which includes the one or more staples. A Doppler sensor, a cutting element, and, optionally, a thermal element are also provided on the end effector. The end effector is introduced into a patient's body, tissue is positioned/locked between the jaws, and a plurality of staples are deployed into the tissue. The Doppler sensor is used to confirm that blood flow has discontinued in the stapled tissue, and the cutting element is actuated to sever the stapled tissue.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and/or fastener apparatuses comprising an end effector with a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. At least one of the jaws may comprise a channel for receiving a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. Also, an electrically powered actuator may be for deploying the surgical fasteners and may comprise a power source and a motor. An activation mechanism may be attached to the handle to move the pair of jaws from the open to the closed position and to activate the actuator. A lockout mechanism may be configured to permit current to flow from the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the closed position and to prevent current from flowing to the power source to the motor when the pair of jaws is in the open position.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a cartridge channel supporting a reload. The reload includes a plurality of separate and distinct cartridge units that removably interconnect with one another within the cartridge channel. The cartridge assembly can include a cartridge channel that supports the reload and a hinge assembly that pivotally couples to the cartridge channel.

Abstract: Surgical stapler systems can include a jaw assembly with one jaw defining a reload support capable of receiving and firing multiple disposable reload cartridges in a single surgical procedure. The reload cartridge can be protected by a reload cover engageable therewith. The reload cover can include snap features configured to prevent manual removal of the reload cover from the reload cartridge before proper positioning and installation in the reload support. The reload cover can desirably maintain a plurality of staples within staple pockets in the reload cartridge and can maintain a staple deployment mechanism in an unfired position.

Abstract: A staple driver actuator for a surgical stapler includes a base having at least one bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a plane and is configured to slide longitudinally relative to a jaw of the surgical stapler. The base also has at least one top surface parallel to the plane. The staple driver actuator further includes at least one rail extending upwardly from the base. The rail includes at least one first cam surface. The first cam surface is inclined relative to the plane, and the first cam surface is longitudinally aligned with at least a portion of the at least one top surface.

Abstract: Described are medical devices useful for applying a bolster material to a surgical fastening device such as a stapler, and related methods of manufacture and use. The devices include an applicator element for receipt between arms of the stapler, and a bolster material, desirably a remodelable extracellular matrix material, coupled to the applicator element. In certain embodiments, the bolster material is held by the applicator element, for example having at least a portion looped around or received through or over a portion of the applicator element. Also described are unique implantable materials including coatings of dried, reversible adhesive.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a layer of material can comprise a body, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion can be releasably secured to a staple cartridge of a surgical end effector, and the distal end portion can be releasably secured to an anvil of the surgical end effector. The layer of material can comprise a tissue thickness compensator.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, an anvil, a backing member, and a concave surface. The housing has a plurality of staples and the anvil is opposed from the housing such that the anvil and the housing are configured to cooperate to clamp tissue. The anvil is configured to form staples ejected from the housing into the clamped tissue. The backing member is coupled with the anvil and the concave surface defines a gap between the backing member and an adjacent component of the apparatus. The anvil is configured to deflect in a direction towards the gap in response to actuation of the apparatus to at least one of clamp tissue or staple tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a platform, an adjunct material, and an engagement feature. The platform includes an upper support and a lower support. The adjunct material is positioned on the upper support or the lower support. The upper support is configured to move relative to the lower support to apply the adjunct material to a jaw of an end effector incorporated into a surgical stapler. The engagement feature is configured to interact with a predetermined portion of the end effector to permit movement of the upper support relative to the lower support and thereby apply the adjunct material to the jaw of the end effector. The engagement feature is further configured to inhibit movement of the upper support relative to the lower support when the engagement feature is disengaged from the predetermined portion of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing, a closure tube that extends from the drive housing, an end effector arranged at an end of the closure tube and having opposing jaws, and a closure yoke mounted to the closure tube and having a projection extending therefrom. A gearing assembly includes one or more spur gears attached to a corresponding one or more drive shafts such that rotation of the one or more drive shafts correspondingly rotates the one or more spur gears, and a closure cam gear positioned to intermesh with the one or more spur gears and defining a profile that receives the projection. Rotating the one or more spur gears causes the closure cam gear to rotate, which causes the projection to traverse the profile, and the projection traversing the profile urges the closure yoke and the closure tube to linearly displace and thereby actuate the jaws.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient includes a surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an upper jaw and a lower jaw configured to pivot to receive a tissue of the patient therebetween. The upper and lower jaws respectively have upper and lower crush surfaces, which extends generally parallel with a centerline and are configured to receive the tissue thereagainst. The upper jaw also includes an anvil, whereas the lower jaw includes a staple cartridge and a deck facing the anvil. In addition, the lower jaw has a plurality of staple opening formed through the deck with a plurality of staples received therein. The upper and lower crush surfaces are configured to compress the tissue therebetween with a crush pressure configured to sever the tissue along the upper and lower crush surfaces.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for stabilizing fasteners post-deployment. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating ejection of surgical fasteners from a cartridge. Devices and methods are also provided for guiding surgical fasteners. Devices and methods are also provided for facilitating closing and clamping of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for securing fasteners and adjunct materials to tissue. Devices and methods are also provided for removably coupling a cartridge to an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for locking a surgical device based on loading of a fastener cartridge in the surgical device. Devices and methods are provided for adjusting a tissue gap of an end effector of a surgical device. Devices and methods are also provided for manually retracting a drive shaft, drive beam, and associated components.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly that includes a surgical end effector that has first and second jaws that are movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position relative to each other. A proximal closure member is configured to move through a first closure stroke distance upon application of a closure input motion thereto. A closure reduction linkage operably interfaces with the proximal closure member and a distal closure member such that when the proximal closure member moves through the first closure stroke distance, the closure reduction linkage causes the distal closure member to axially move through a second closure stroke distance that is less than the first closure stroke distance.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector selectively detachable from the shaft assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member supports a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the first jaw member between an extended position and a retracted position. The lever is in contact with a leaf spring to spring bias the lever to the extended position. The second jaw member supports a drive beam that is selectively engagable with the lever to facilitate a pivotal movement of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member between an unapproximated state and an approximated state.

Abstract: A loading unit for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including single and double retention slots. At least one single retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a first pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a second pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, a third retention guiding surface configured to engage a third pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, and a fourth retention guiding surface configured to engage a fourth pusher guiding surface a the single pusher retained therein. At least one double retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a first pusher guiding surface of a double pusher retained therein, and a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a second pusher guiding surface of a double pusher retained therein.

Abstract: A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer further comprises an authentication key that is oriented in a first configuration to defeat a lockout in the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The authentication key is movable to a second configuration after the cartridge assembly is removed from the stapling device such that the authentication key is unable to return to the first configuration.

Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing, a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies, and an opening configured to accommodate a curved tip of the end effector when clamping the end effector onto the platform to transfer the buttress assemblies to the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical treatment device includes: a treatment portion including a treatment surface that treats biological tissue by supplying at least one type of energy; a heat insulation coating that covers at least a part of an outer surface of the treatment portion; and a protection coating that is provided in a manner to cover the heat insulation coating and is higher in coating strength than the heat insulation coating.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical instrument having an end effector, the end effector including a first jaw having a first end, a second end, and an anvil, the anvil having an anvil face, a second jaw having a first end, a second end, and a cartridge to house a plurality of staples, the cartridge having a cartridge face, a first coupling that couples the first end of the first jaw to the first end of the second jaw, and a second coupling that movably couples the second end of the first jaw to the second end of the second jaw, where the second coupling includes a rigid link, an elongate tube, where a distal end is coupled with the end effector, a handle, where a distal end of the handle is coupled with a proximal end of the elongate tube, and a drive assembly comprising a motor.

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: A staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, staple cavities, and a longitudinal knife slot comprising a proximal stop and a distal stop. The staple cavities comprise a distal-most staple cavity. At least a portion of the distal-most staple cavity is distal to the distal stop. The staple cartridge further comprises staples, staple drivers, and a firing member movable between an unfired position and a fired position during a staple firing stroke. The proximal stop is configured to prevent the proximal movement of the firing member. The firing member comprises at least one ramp configured to sequentially engage the staple drivers during the staple firing stroke and a tissue cutting knife configured to extend above the deck and travel within the longitudinal knife slot during the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a replaceable staple cartridge is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a longitudinal slot and three longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined alongside the longitudinal slot with staples removably stored therein. A double staple driver supports one staple from the first row and one staple from the second row. A single staple driver supports one staple from the third row. A sled comprises a first camming surface configured to contact the double driver, a second camming surface configured to contact the single driver, and a central portion movable through the longitudinal slot during a staple firing stroke. The first camming surface comprises a first width, and the central portion comprises a third width. The third width is greater than the first width. The firing member translates into a lockout recess when the sled is not in a proximal position prior to performing the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing and a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies. The buttress applier cartridge further includes a predefined pocket in the platform between each buttress assembly that allows a curved tip of the end effector to pass through. The platform is thinner along a central axis and becomes progressively thicker in the lateral direction. In some examples the predefined pocket is a slit in the platform.

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

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a platform, a buttress assembly and a lockout feature. The housing defines a gap that is configured to receive a portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler. A portion of the platform is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The buttress assembly is positioned on the platform. The buttress assembly is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The lockout feature is configured to enable an end effector with an unspent staple cartridge to clamp onto the platform and thereby engage the first buttress assembly. The lockout feature is further configured to prevent an end effector with a spent staple cartridge from clamping onto the platform to thereby engage the first buttress assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes a surgical stapler having a staple cartridge, an anvil, a cutting member having a cutting surface, and a driver operably engaged with the cutting member to move the cutting member relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, one of the anvil and the staple cartridge defines a slot which is configured to receive at least a portion of the cutting member and guide the cutting member as it is moved relative to the anvil and the staple cartridge. In these embodiments, the slot can also be configured to receive a portion of the driver operably engaged with cutting member and support the driver when it moves the cutting member. In at least one embodiment, the slot is defined by at least one radius of curvature.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device comprises a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a stapling head assembly. The shaft assembly comprises a rotary drive shaft that translates between two longitudinal positions to alternate between a tissue clamping mode and a tissue cutting/stapling mode. The stapling head assembly includes a first set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue clamping action when the drive shaft is in a distal position. The stapling head assembly also includes a second set of rotary drive elements that convert rotary motion of the drive shaft into a tissue cutting/stapling action when the drive shaft is in a proximal position. The drive shaft may be driven manually or by a motor. The stapling head assembly may be provided in a cartridge form that is removable from the shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a robotic surgical system that includes a control circuit configured to detect a condition at an end effector during a closure phase. The control circuit detects a condition at an end effector during a closure phase. The control sets command velocity of a motor coupled to a displacement member coupled to the end effector based on the detected condition at the end effector during the closure phase. The control circuit fires the displacement member at the set command velocity and detects a condition at the end effector during a firing phase. The control circuit sets command velocity of the motor based on the condition detected at the end effector during the firing phase.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft assembly and an end effector extending from the shaft assembly along a jaw centerline. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first and second jaws are configured to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The first jaw and the second jaw define a straight portion of the end effector and an arcuate portion of the end effector. The arcuate portion extends distally from the straight portion such that the arcuate portion of the end effector is configured to provide access to tissue within a patient for treatment. The first jaw has an anvil that is configured to form a plurality of staples pressed against the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and articulatable about an articulation axis. The surgical instrument further comprises an actuator configured to rotate and articulate the end effector.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly includes staple pockets, staples deployable from the staple pockets into tissue, and staple drivers movable from a starting position to deploy the staples into the tissue. The staple drivers comprise deformable retention features configured to maintain the staple drivers at the starting positions.

Abstract: A buttress applier cartridge assembly includes buttress assemblies and a buttress applier cartridge for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler. The buttress assemblies each include a buttress to support a staple formed therein as well an adhesive for adhering to the end effector. The buttress applier cartridge includes a housing, a platform that extends longitudinally and supports the buttress assemblies, and an opening to accommodate a curved tip of the end effector when clamping the end effector onto the platform to transfer the buttress assemblies to the end effector. A proximal alignment feature of the buttress applier cartridge contacts the end effector to align the end effector with the buttress assemblies prior to attaching the buttress assemblies to the end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body assembly, an end effector, and a firing assembly. The body includes a handle portion and a shaft portion. The end effector includes a staple driver. The firing assembly includes a driver actuator and a trigger. The driver actuator is configured to actuate the staple driver. The driver actuator is slidably housed within the shaft portion. The trigger includes a lever and an integral spring member. The lever is pivotally coupled to the handle portion via a pivot boss of the handle portion. The trigger is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position to slide the driver actuator within the shaft portion, to thereby actuate the staple driver. The integral spring member is at least partially housed within a spring channel of the handle portion and is configured to resiliently bias the trigger toward the first position.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors having an empty and missing cartridge lockout are disclosed. The surgical end effectors can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a multi-function firing member configured to translate during a firing stroke, wherein the firing member comprises a notch. The surgical end effectors can also include a lockout spring comprising a hook. The notch in the firing member can be aligned to receive the hook during the firing stroke unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw. A sled assembly of the unfired staple cartridge can be positioned to deflect the hook out of alignment with the notch.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit includes a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling anvil for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The anvil comprises an anvil body comprising a tissue-facing surface and a longitudinal cavity. The longitudinal cavity comprises a first cavity portion configured to receive at least a portion of a cutting edge of a firing member of the surgical instrument therethrough, a second cavity portion configured to receive an anvil-engaging portion of the firing member therethrough, and a third cavity portion comprising a first angular surface which flares outward relative to the second cavity portion. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap comprising a first section positioned within a portion of the second cavity portion and a second section positioned within the third cavity portion, wherein the second section comprises a second angular surface corresponding to the first angular surface, and wherein the first angular surface and the second angular surface are welded together.

Abstract: An adjunct loading system is provided that can include at least one adjunct material configured to be transferred from an adjunct loading member to first and second jaws of an end effector. The loading system can also include a supporting member configured to releasably retain the adjunct material. The loading system can further include an adhesive depot having an adhesive configured to transition from a non-flowable state to a flowable state upon application of heat when the adjunct material is released from the adjunct loading member and transferred to the jaw to retain the adjunct material on the jaw. The adjunct material is released from the adjunct loading member when load is applied thereto. The adhesive depot can be in the form of an adhesive feature formed on a polymer attachment layer or in the form of reservoirs in the supporting member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and a locking assembly is disclosed. The handle portion includes a movable handle. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion and defines a first longitudinal axis. The articulating tool assembly defines a second longitudinal axis and is movable from a first position where the second longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the first longitudinal axis to at least a second position where the second longitudinal axis is at an angle to the first longitudinal axis. The locking assembly includes a member that is advanceable distally with respect to the body portion. The member engages the articulating tool assembly upon manipulation of the movable handle to move an anvil and a cartridge assembly in approximation with one another to help maintain the articulating tool assembly in its first position.

Abstract: A stapling device including a replaceable loading unit is provided. The loading unit includes an elongated body and a stapling assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw of the stapling assembly includes an anvil assembly. The second jaw of the stapling assembly includes a releasably mounted cartridge assembly having a detent connection with the stapling assembly. Also provided is a tool for removing facilitating the separation of a replaceable cartridge assembly from a loading unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming and securing a tissue plication. More particularly, the devices and methods of the present invention can be used to create multiple tissue folds on an anterior and posterior wall of a stomach cavity to reduce the volume thereof. In one aspect, a method of gastric volume reduction is disclosed that includes advancing a tissue acquisition and fixation device endoscopically into a stomach, manipulating the device to form a first fold of tissue on an interior surface of an anterior wall of the stomach, and manipulating the device to form a second fold of tissue on an interior surface of a posterior wall of the stomach, where the second fold is not attached to the first fold.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a platform, and a buttress assembly. The housing defines a gap configured to receive a portion of an end effector of a surgical stapler. A portion of the platform is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The buttress assembly is positioned on the platform. The buttress assembly is exposed in the gap defined by the housing. The platform is configured to apply at least two different amounts of pressure against the first buttress assembly in response to a clamping action of an end effector positioned in the gap defined by the housing.

Abstract: A loading unit for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including single and double retention slots. At least one single retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a first pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a second pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, a third retention guiding surface configured to engage a third pusher guiding surface of a single pusher retained therein, and a fourth retention guiding surface configured to engage a fourth pusher guiding surface a the single pusher retained therein. At least one double retention cavity includes a first retention guiding surface configured to engage a first pusher guiding surface of a double pusher retained therein, and a second retention guiding surface configured to engage a second pusher guiding surface of a double pusher retained therein.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and a plurality of drive cables extending within the elongate shaft between the drive housing and the end effector. A cable tensioner includes an inner hub and a cable guide assembly, and the cable guide assembly includes a central body arranged on the inner hub, and a plurality of cable guides arranged on the inner hub and engageable with the plurality of drive cables. Each cable guide is arranged to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of drive cables, and one or more biasing devices are engageable with the central body to bias the plurality of cable guides into constant engagement with the plurality of drive cables and thereby maintain constant tension in the plurality of drive cables.

Abstract: Various exemplary surgical tool and robotic surgical system interfaces are provided. In general, a sterile barrier can be positioned between a robotic surgical system and a surgical tool releasably coupled to the robotic surgical system. The surgical tool can be in a sterile environment on one side of the sterile barrier, and the robotic surgical system can be in a non-sterile environment on the other, opposite side of the sterile barrier. The robotic surgical system can be configured to control movement of the surgical tool releasably coupled thereto using a magnetic field that extends across the sterile barrier between the surgical tool and the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle assembly, and an end effector selectively detachable from the shaft assembly. The end effector includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member supports a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the first jaw member between an extended position and a retracted position. The lever is in contact with a leaf spring to spring bias the lever to the extended position. The second jaw member supports a drive beam that is selectively engagable with the lever to facilitate a pivotal movement of the second jaw member relative to the first jaw member between an unapproximated state and an approximated state.

Abstract: A buttress assembly is configured to temporarily adhere to a wet surgical stapler end effector. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body and a humidity tolerant adhesive material. The humidity tolerant adhesive material is applied to at least one side of the buttress body. The humidity tolerant adhesive material is configured to hold the buttress body to an underside of an anvil or a deck of a staple cartridge for at least five minutes in an environment of 100% relative humidity at approximately 37° C.

Abstract: A surgical stapler has a body, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body, and an end effector coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector has a stapling head assembly, an anvil, and a vacuum port. The vacuum port is operable to draw tissue between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The anvil is operable to move toward and away from the stapling head assembly to thereby capture the tissue drawn between the stapling head assembly and the anvil. The stapling head assembly comprises a plurality of wheel assemblies and staple cartridges. At least one wheel assembly is operable to rotate to thereby move the anvil toward and away from the body. The remaining wheel assemblies are operable to rotate to thereby drive staples through the captured tissue. The body includes user input features operable to drive the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A staple cartridge includes a plurality of staples and a deck defining a plurality of openings. Each opening of the plurality of openings is associated with a corresponding staple of the plurality of staples, such that each staple is configured to pass through a corresponding opening of the plurality of openings. The deck further includes a first mechanical coupling feature and a buttress assembly. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body and a second mechanical coupling feature. The second mechanical coupling feature is configured to engage the first mechanical coupling feature to releasably couple the buttress body to the deck.