Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a power source; a motor coupled to the power source; and a controller configured to control the motor. The surgical device also includes an adapter assembly configured to selectively couple to the handle assembly; a reload configured to selectively couple to a distal portion of the adapter assembly, the reload including a plurality of fasteners; and an anvil assembly selectively couplable to the distal portion of the adapter assembly, the anvil assembly being movable relative to the reload. The controller is further configured to control the motor to move the anvil assembly from a starting position to a compressed position thereby compressing tissue at a target clamping force between the anvil assembly and the reload.

Abstract: An anastomotic coupler is provided. A ring can include a receiving portion. A fixation device includes a cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners. Upon actuation of the fixation device, the fasteners puncture the tubular structure. The fasteners are received by the receiving portions such that the tubular structure is coupled with the ring.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a compressible adjunct and a staple cartridge. The compressible adjunct comprises attachment regions. The staple cartridge comprises a proximal end, a distal end, a deck, a longitudinal row of staple cavities, staples, bonding zones, and barbs. The attachment regions of the compressible adjunct are configured to be secured to bonding areas defined by the bonding zones. The barbs protrude from the deck, and the barbs are configured to maintain an initial alignment between the attachment regions and the bonding zones prior to attachment of the compressible adjunct to the deck.

Abstract: A surgical fastener instrument (30) includes an outer delivery tube (36); an inner delivery shaft (42), disposed at least partially in the outer delivery tube (36); and a handle (44) coupled to a proximal portion (46) of the outer delivery tube (36), and including a user control element (48) arranged to rotate the inner delivery shaft (42) with respect to the outer delivery tube (36). A suture fastener (32) is removably disposed in the outer delivery tube (36) in an unlocked conical helical configuration. Distal advancement of the inner delivery shaft (42), when one or more portions of one or more sutures (22) pass through respective portions of the suture fastener (32), transitions the suture fastener (32) from the unlocked configuration to a locked planar spiral configuration, in which the one or more sutures (22) are fixedly coupled to the suture fastener (32). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cartridge body having cavities defined therein forming a pattern of openings in the deck of the cartridge body. The pattern can include longitudinally-repeating clusters of cavity ends. The assembly can also include fasteners removably positioned in the cavities. The pattern of openings can comprise openings on a first side of the cartridge body comprising inner openings each defining an inner proximal-to-distal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, outer openings each defining an outer proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an outer angle, and intermediate openings each defining an intermediate proximal-to-distal axis obliquely-oriented relative to the longitudinal axis at an intermediate angle, wherein the intermediate angle is different than the outer angle.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprised of a stapling end effector having a staple-applying assembly with opposing stapling surfaces defining a closure distance therebetween, wherein at least one stapling surface is movable, and a handle connected to the stapling end effector and comprising a staple-firing assembly that causes the staple-applying assembly to staple tissue between the stapling surfaces. The handle further comprises a power source, electric motor, and closure assembly that has a drive part movable by the motor, detection mechanism, a controller. The drive part is connected to the stapling end effector. When the motor is supplied with power, the drive part advances the movable stapling surface towards the opposing stapling surface. The detection mechanism detects a position of the drive part along the drive-part axis and the controller is configured to prevent stapling unless the drive part is at a position corresponding to a closure distance within a pre-defined range.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for stapling the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical stapler comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a plurality of staple clusters, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a tissue compression surface and an anvil movable toward the tissue compression surface during a closing stroke, an anvil closing system configured to move the anvil through the closing stroke, and a staple firing system configured to deploy a staple cluster positioned in the end effector during a staple firing stroke. The surgical stapler further comprises a tissue cutting system configured to cut the patient tissue during a tissue cutting stroke and a propulsion system configured to move the end effector relative to the patient tissue during a propulsion stroke.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods described herein relate to endovascular devices for delivering sutures for securing grafts or other objects to patient vessels. In some embodiments, a suture includes a set of two legs having proximal ends joined to each other and elongate bodies that extend parallel to one another such that the set of two legs form a U-shaped structure. A suture delivery system can include a housing configured to contain a suture in a flattened configuration, and a deployment element having a ribbon-shaped distal portion disposed in the housing and including a set of formations, where the housing and the set of formations of the deployment element are configured to collectively constrain the suture in the flattened configuration until the suture is released through the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprising a drive housing having first and second ends, a lead screw extending between the first and second ends and rotatably coupled to the first end at a drive input, a carriage mounted to the lead screw at a carriage nut and movable within the drive housing between the first and second ends, and an instrument driver arranged at an end of a robotic arm and matable with the first end. A drive output is matable with the drive input such that rotation of the drive output correspondingly rotates the drive input and the lead screw to thereby translate the carriage nut along the lead screw. A fin may be connected to the carriage and accessible by a user from an exterior of the drive housing to manually translate the carriage along the lead screw and thereby backdrive the drive output.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stapling tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil and a trocar selectively coupled with the anvil. The anvil may have an inner opening and a plurality of staple pockets aligned around a surface of the anvil. The anvil may be inserted trans-orally through an esophagus prior to being coupled with the trocar. The trocar may include a shaft and a locking assembly. The locking assembly may secure the anvil in position relative to the trocar when the locking assembly is in the expanded position. The apparatus may also include an alignment assembly to align the staple pockets of the anvil relative to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include an introduction assembly to guide the anvil through the esophagus.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil defining a plurality of staple forming pockets and a stapling head assembly configured to drive a plurality of staples against the staple forming pockets of the anvil. The stapling head assembly comprises a coupling member configured to actuate the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly, a firing assembly configured to drive the plurality of staples against the staple forming pockets of the anvil, and a deck member. The deck member includes a deck surface extending radially between an inner circular edge and an outer circular edge, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the deck surface. The plurality of staple openings define at least one cross shape.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system includes an adapter assembly, a trocar assembly attachable to the adapter assembly, a processor, and memory. The memory includes instructions executable by the processor to cause the trocar assembly to move relative to the adapter assembly and determine whether the trocar assembly is properly attached to the adapter assembly. Such determination is based on an amount of force applied between the trocar assembly and the adapter assembly, an amount of current detected in the surgical stapling system, or an amount of time the trocar assembly moves relative to the adapter assembly without an indication that the amount of force is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly or a heating assembly along with an anvil assembly, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a working member and a laser probe that is pivotally supported on the working member and emits a laser beam. The laser probe is positioned between the cartridge and anvil assemblies such that the laser beam extends across a tissue gap of the tool assembly when the tool assembly is in the clamped position.

Abstract: A stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adaptor assembly extending from the handle assembly, and a reload assembly supported on a distal end portion of the adaptor assembly. The reload assembly includes a shell housing, a staple cartridge, a first seal, a staple actuator, and a knife carrier. The first seal is disposed within a cavity of the shell housing and defines a staple actuator opening and a knife carrier opening. The staple actuator includes a proximal leg extending proximally therefrom and through the staple actuator opening of the first seal to provide a fluid seal therebetween. The knife carrier includes a proximal body portion extending proximally therefrom and through the knife carrier opening of the first seal to provide a fluid seal therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly having a shell housing including a plurality of shell splines having an A-frame configuration. The shell splines include a triangular tip that defines an apex and is positioned to engage splines on an anvil shaft of the anvil assembly to properly align the anvil assembly with the shell assembly. The A-frame splines are spaced from each other to define primary channels that are dimensioned to receive the splines of the anvil assembly to properly align the anvil assembly with the shell assembly. The A-frame splines also define secondary channels that are positioned proximally of and in axial alignment with the apex of the A-frame splines. In situations in which an apex of the splines on the anvil assembly “crash” into the apex of the A-frame splines of the shell assembly, i.e.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongated shaft that defines defining a central axis. The elongated shaft may have a distal end portion that is configured to operably support a circular staple cartridge therein. A tissue acquisition shaft may be axially movable within the elongated shaft such that a distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft may be distally advanced beyond the distal end portion of the elongated shaft. At least one tissue acquisition member may be pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the tissue acquisition shaft such that at least one tissue acquisition member is selectively pivotable about a corresponding acquisition axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis from a retracted position to deployed positions upon application of a deployment motion thereto. Various embodiments include an annular cutting member that is supported by the distal end of the elongated shaft for selective axial travel relative thereto.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body comprising a longitudinal slot, a deck surface, and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the cartridge body is disclosed. The cartridge body further comprises a plurality of projections extending from the deck surface. A surface of each projection is flush with one of a proximal end wall and a distal end wall of each staple cavity. The staple cartridge further comprises staples removably stored in the staple cavities.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a handle assembly, an elongate body portion that extends distally from the handle assembly, a shell assembly supported on a distal end of the elongate body portion, an anvil retainer assembly extending through the shell assembly, and an anvil assembly supported on the anvil retainer assembly. The anvil retainer assembly includes a retainer member including a retainer body and an engagement member that is pivotally supported on the retainer body. The engagement member is movable axially in relation to the retainer body from a retracted position to an advanced position to move the engagement member to from a locked position to an unlocked position in relation to the retainer body. In the unlocked position, the engagement member is movable from a non-articulated position to an articulated position in relation to the retainer body.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a reload assembly that include at least one locking tab to retain a knife carrier of the reload assembly in a retracted position after the stapling device is fired. The at least one locking tab is disposed on the knife carrier and is configured to engage a stop surface of a staple actuator to prevent readvacement of the knife carrier relative to the staple actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical stapler. An example surgical stapler can include a handle assembly and a body portion extending from the handle portion, the body portion having a staple cartridge assembly, the staple cartridge assembly defining a first row of staple receiving slots, the staple receiving slots have an outer edge, wherein the staple receiving slots are arranged in a generally radial orientation with respect to the center axis of the staple cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Interlock assemblies for attaching a loading unit to a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The interlock assemblies are formed on a proximal end of a shell member and on a distal end of an adapter assembly. The interlock assemblies may include a collar member for selectively securing the shell member to the adapter assembly. The collar member may be mounted on the shell member or on the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, a staple cartridge, a staple actuator, and a knife carrier. In embodiments, the knife carrier or the shell housing defines a locking groove and the other of the knife carrier and the shell housing supports a locking member. In other embodiments, the knife carrier or the staple actuator defines a locking groove and the other of the knife carrier and the staple actuator supports a locking member. The locking member is received within and movable through the locking groove to prevent readvancement of the knife carrier after the reload assembly is fired.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the shaft comprises a longitudinal axis and the end effector comprises a tissue gap, wherein the tissue gap faces the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its first orientation, and wherein the tissue gap extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its second orientation. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft and a dampener configured to prevent the end effector from being back-driven from its second orientation into its first orientation.

Abstract: A device for safely approaching vertebral disc space utilizing stereotactic guidance, clearing material from the disc space, a device for expanding the disc space, stereotactic methods for implant planning and monitoring articulating instrument end effectors and a device for implantation into the disc space for the purpose of fusion or disc replacement.

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 comprises a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation drive assembly. The shaft has a longitudinal axis. The end effector is operable to staple tissue. The articulation joint couples the shaft with the end effector. The end effector is pivotable at the articulation joint to selectively deflect the end effector away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly is operable to pivot the end effector at the articulation joint. The articulation drive assembly comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is longitudinally translatable relative to the shaft assembly. The distal end of the first link is pivotably coupled with the proximal end of the second link. The distal end of the second link is pivotably coupled with the end effector. The articulation drive assembly articulates the end effector in response to longitudinal translation of the first link.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system comprising a housing, an end effector, a replaceable staple cartridge, a driver element, a motor-powered firing element, a remote user-controlled console, and a retraction assembly is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw into a closed position. The driver element is translatable distally in response to a firing motion. The motor-powered firing element is advanceable from a proximal position to a fired position to apply the firing motion to the driver element. The motor-powered firing element is retractable from the fired position toward the proximal position. The remote user- controlled console is capable of controlling the actuation of the motor-powered firing element. The remote user-controlled console comprises apparatus for sensing the closure of the first jaw and apparatus for sensing the advancement and retraction of the motor-powered firing element.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a drive assembly; and a trigger operatively connected to the drive assembly. The shaft assembly extends from the handle assembly and includes an articulating neck assembly; and an end effector assembly supported on a distal end of the articulating neck assembly and being configured to form a surgical clip in place on the body tissue.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a controller and a motor. The surgical device also includes an adapter assembly having: a tubular housing having a proximal end portion configured to couple to the handle assembly and a distal end portion; and an actuation assembly configured to couple to the motor. The surgical further includes a reload configured to couple to the distal end portion of the adapter assembly; and an anvil assembly including an anvil head pivotally coupled to an anvil shaft, the anvil assembly configured to couple to the actuation assembly and the reload. The controller of the surgical device is configured to control the motor to actuate the actuation assembly to move the anvil assembly in a distal direction for a distance based on a dimension of one of the reload or the anvil head, thereby pivoting the anvil head relative to the anvil shaft while maintaining engagement of the anvil assembly to the reload.

Abstract: A powered surgical stapler includes a motor unit, a movable member, a controller, a sensor assembly, an anvil, and an opposing deck surface. A method of operating the stapler includes controlling the motor unit to actuate the movable member to move from the open position towards the closed position. The method also includes sensing closure data using the sensor assembly. The closure data includes an initial tissue contact position, a gap formed between the anvil and the opposing deck surface, and an axial force on the anvil. The method also includes communicating the closure data to the controller. The method also includes determining at least one of an adjusted closure rate or an adjusted closure stroke using the closure data. The method also includes controlling the motor unit using at least one of the adjusted closure rate or the adjusted closure stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for stapling the tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical stapler comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector. The end effector comprises a tissue compression surface, a plurality of staples, and an anvil comprising staple forming pockets, wherein the anvil is movable toward the tissue compression surface during a closing stroke to clamp the patient tissue against and tissue compression surface. The surgical stapler further comprises an anvil closing system configured to move the anvil through the closing stroke, a staple firing system configured to deploy the staples during a staple firing stroke, and means for clamping and holding the patient tissue during the staple firing stroke and moving the end effector relative to the patient tissue after the staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument, which comprises providing a surgical instrument handle, electrically connecting a controller disposed within the surgical instrument handle to a communication connection of a receiving portion of the surgical instrument, removably securing an interchangeable part at the receiving portion, the interchangeable part having an encryption device electrically connected to the communication connection when the interchangeable part is at the receiving portion, authenticating the interchangeable part upon an exchange between the controller and the encryption device, and after at least a partial use of the interchangeable part, storing within the encryption device a used status of the interchangeable part.

Abstract: An end effector that can have an upper jaw and a lower jaw. A wrist can connect the end effector to an elongated shaft. A beam member can be arranged to translate within the upper and lower jaw. An actuation assembly can have a pushing assembly configured to transfer compressive force to the beam member and a pulling assembly configured to transfer tensile force to the beam member.

Abstract: A delivery system for trans-oral insertion of an anvil assembly is provided. The anvil delivery system includes a flexible tube configured for trans-oral insertion into a patient, and a light assembly disposed within the flexible tube configured to emit a light.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a distally extending shaft assembly, and a distal stapling assembly configured to clamp, staple, and cut tissue. A first user feedback element is configured to visually inform a user of a first condition of the stapling assembly, and a second user feedback element is configured to visually inform the user of a second condition of the stapling assembly. A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board, a first light source configured to illuminate the first user feedback element, a second light source configured to illuminate the second user feedback element, and a light guide feature. The light guide feature is configured to direct light from the second light source toward the second user feedback element and simultaneously inhibit light emitted by the first light source from illuminating the second user feedback element.

Abstract: A reload assembly a shell housing, a staple cartridge, a pusher assembly, a knife carrier, an annular knife, and a spring clip. The shell housing includes an inner housing portion that defines a central bore. The knife carrier includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and a cutout and is movable within the shell housing between advanced and retracted positions. The spring clip is supported on the inner housing portion of the shell housing and has a locking tang and an engagement portion. The spring clip is movable from a first position in which the locking tang is received within the cutout of the knife carrier to obstruct advancement of the knife carrier to a second position in which the locking tang is removed from the cutout of the knife carrier.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a removable trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a locking assembly configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve. The locking assembly includes first and second button members and corresponding first and second locking members for releasably securing the trocar assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a powered surgical stapler having a motor unit, a controller. and a stapling assembly having a closure member, a staple driver member, and a knife member. The controller receives a user input that indicates a tissue gap to be defined by the stapling assembly in a closed state. Based on the user input, the controller controls the motor unit to actuate the closure member to transition the stapling assembly to the closed state to define the tissue gap and clamp tissue therein. The controller then controls the motor unit to actuate the staple driver member to drive staples into the clamped tissue. In response to determining that the staple driver member has reached a predetermined longitudinal position, the controller controls the motor unit to initiate actuation of the knife member to cut the clamped tissue.

Abstract: A circular stapling instrument is provided. The circular stapling instrument includes a handle forming a cavity, a reciprocating drive shaft, a carrier cover, and a shaft assembly. The reciprocating drive shaft is detachably secured within the cavity of the handle. The carrier cover covers a portion of the reciprocating drive shaft within the cavity of the handle. The shaft assembly is detachably coupled with the handle.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a circular stapler apparatus permits alignment of the staple forming pockets of the anvil assembly and the staples of the staple cartridge assembly regardless of the relative orientation of the components. The end effector assembly includes a cartridge housing, a staple retainer having a plurality of staples arranged in a circular array, a staple pusher at least partially disposed within the cartridge housing and configured for movement through a firing stroke to eject the staples from the staple retainer, an anvil rod configured for coupling relative to the cartridge housing, and an anvil head including at least one continuous circular staple forming pocket. The staple forming pocket is in registration with the staples for at least partial reception of the staples during the firing stroke. The staple forming pocket is configured for at least partially deforming the staples.

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 stapling instrument is disclosed. The surgical stapling instrument includes an anvil configured to clamp a tissue, a circular stapling head assembly comprising a first row of staples and a second row of staples, a first staple driver configured to drive the first row of staples, a second staple driver configured to drive the second row of staples, wherein the first and second staple drivers are independently actuatable. A motor is coupled to the anvil. The motor is configured to move the anvil between a first position and a second position. A control circuit coupled to the motor. The control circuit is configured to set a stroke length for the first and second staple drivers to a first length, detect a malformed staple in the first row of staples, and set the stroke length for the second staple driver to a second length.

Abstract: A circular stapler and a staple head assembly thereof are disclosed. The staple head assembly comprises a staple barrel assembly and an anvil assembly. The anvil assembly includes an anvil ring and an anvil shaft which are fixedly connected to each other, where the anvil shaft is capable of sliding along the longitudinal direction in an expansion-stopping tube. The staple barrel assembly includes a staple barrel, a staple pusher piece arranged within the staple barrel and a staple cartridge fixed at a distal end of the staple barrel.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula comprise an elongate member, a distal member connected to the elongate member and movable relative to the elongate member, and a heating member disposed on at least one of the movable distal member and the elongate member. The distal member comprises structure for capturing tissue to be cut to create the fistula, and the heating member is adapted to cut through the tissue to create the fistula. The elongate member comprises an elongate outer tube. A shaft connects the distal member to the elongate member, and is extendable and retractable to extend and retract the distal member relative to the elongate member.

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

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

Abstract: A loading unit including a shipping member is provided. The loading unit includes a housing, a staple pushing assembly, a knife assembly, and a staple cartridge. The shipping member is configured to be selectively secured to the housing of the loading unit and prevents advancement of the staple pushing assembly and the knife assembly. The shipping member also retains staples within the staple cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an anvil, a closure assembly, a firing assembly, and a casing assembly. The firing assembly includes a staple driver and an annular array of staples. The casing assembly includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first handle portion, a first shaft portion, and a tubular casing. The tubular casing slidably houses the staple driver. The first section defines a homogenous continuum of material along the length of the first handle portion, the first shaft portion, and the tubular casing. The second section includes a second handle portion and a second shaft portion. The second handle portion is laterally coupled with the first handle portion. The second shaft portion is laterally coupled with the first shaft portion. The second section defines a homogenous continuum of material along the length of the second handle portion and the second shaft portion.