Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shiftable transmission is disclosed. The transmission comprises a mechanism for assuring that the transmission is in one of a plurality of predefined configurations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument drive system is disclosed including a shaft assembly configured to be inserted into and attached to an attachment interface, a pulley drive system, an actuation member comprising a linear rack portion, and a bracket attaching the actuation member to the pulley drive system. The pulley drive system comprises a first cable driver, a second cable driver, a pulley, and a cable supported by the pulley and actuatable by the first cable driver and the second cable driver. The pulley drive system is configured to move the actuation member through an actuation stroke. The bracket comprises a mounting portion and a pawl configured to ratchet relative to the linear rack portion while the actuation member is held in position to allow the bracket to move relative to the actuation member to eliminate previously induced cable slack in the pulley drive system.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly comprises a firing member, a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a cartridge channel configured to receive the staple cartridge therein, a lockout configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally from an unfired location when an unspent staple cartridge is not positioned within the cartridge channel, and an exterior access aperture defined in the cartridge channel, wherein the lockout is accessible through the exterior access aperture such that the lockout can be manually defeated to move the lockout into a into an unlocked configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical device for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a shaft and a surgical module mounted to the distal end thereof. The shaft includes a tube and a pair of sliders driven by the tube via a rotary to linear linkage such that a rotation of the tube around the longitudinal axis induces a movement of the sliders along the longitudinal axis, in mutually opposite directions. The surgical device further includes wires that are each connected to a corresponding slider and to the surgical module such that a movement of the sliders, in mutually opposite directions, induces a movement of the surgical module in a first degree of freedom. The tube is also axially moveable towards the proximal end of the shaft inducing a movement of both sliders away from the surgical module, thereby inducing a movement of the surgical module in a second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly extending distally from the body assembly, an anvil, and a stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes at least one annular array of staples, a staple driver, and a trocar. The trocar includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis, an actuating feature coupled with a motor unit, and at least one coupling feature. The motor unit is configured to actuate the actuating feature to move the at least one coupling feature of the trocar in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft between a contracted position and an expanded position. In the contracted position, the shaft of the trocar is configured to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the anvil. In the expanded position, the shaft of the trocar is configured to move together with the anvil along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical system and related methods includes a buttress applier cartridge, a first buttress assembly, and a second buttress assembly. The buttress applier cartridge has a housing and a platform. The first and second buttress assemblies respectively includes first and second buttresses and first and second adhesive layers thereon. The first adhesive layer is parallel to the first buttress and defines a first adhesive pattern having a first outer adhesive profile. The second adhesive layer is parallel to the second buttress and defines a second adhesive pattern having a second outer adhesive profile. The exposed second outer adhesive profile in the transverse direction is the same as the exposed first outer adhesive profile in an opposite transverse direction such that the first and second buttress assemblies are interchangeable with the first and second portions of the end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A reload assembly includes a shell housing, a knife carrier, and at least one engagement member. The shell housing includes an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion that is spaced from the outer housing portion to define an annular cavity. The knife carrier defines a longitudinal axis and supports a knife. The knife carrier also defines a stepped central bore having a distal portion and a proximal portion and has a shoulder positioned between the distal and proximal portions. The at least one engagement member is supported on the knife carrier and is positioned to engage the inner housing portion of the shell housing when the knife carrier is in its retracted position to retain the knife carrier in the retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed that comprises a stapling instrument including a staple firing lockout and a staple cartridge configured to defeat the staple firing lockout when the staple cartridge is seated in the stapling instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a cartridge, and a staple driver actuator. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue. The end effector comprises a lower jaw, a pivotable anvil, and a translating cutter. The translating cutter is operable to translate relative to the lower jaw and the anvil when the anvil is pivoted toward the lower jaw to manipulate tissue. The cartridge is insertable into the lower jaw and includes a plurality of staples. The staple driver actuator is disposed within the cartridge. The staple driver actuator comprises a secondary cutting element. The translating cutter of the end effector is operable to drive the staple driver actuator distally to staple and cut tissue substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a cartridge, and a staple driver actuator. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue. The end effector comprises a lower jaw, a pivotable anvil, and a translating cutter. The translating cutter is operable to translate relative to the lower jaw and the anvil when the anvil is pivoted toward the lower jaw to manipulate tissue. The cartridge is insertable into the lower jaw and includes a plurality of staples. The staple driver actuator is disposed within the cartridge. The staple driver actuator comprises a secondary cutting element. The translating cutter of the end effector is operable to drive the staple driver actuator distally to staple and cut tissue substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled to each other for pivotal travel about a pivot axis between open and closed positions by a dynamic clamping assembly that is selectively movable between a starting position and an ending position relative to the first and second jaws. At least a portion of the dynamic clamping assembly extends proximally beyond the pivot axis when in the starting position to facilitate improved jaw apertures.

Abstract: A surgical system for use with a surgical robot is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a housing comprising an attachment portion configured to be mounted to the surgical robot and a plurality of rotary drive members configured to transmit rotary motions. The surgical system further comprises an elongate shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, a first closure system, a second closure system, and a camming member. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, a removable fastener cartridge, and a drive screw configured to rotate in response to a rotary motion. The first closure system is configured to actuate a cable in response to a rotary motion. The second closure system comprises a coupling member operably attached to the drive screw and configured to move the first jaw toward a clamped position when actuated. The camming member is configured to eject fasteners from the fastener cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument comprising a housing, an end effector, and a firing system is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, and a replaceable staple cartridge. The first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw. The firing system comprises a firing actuator, a firing member movable from an unfired position toward a fired position during a firing stroke, and an electric motor operable by the firing actuator to advance the firing member through the firing stroke and retract the firing member back into the unfired position during a retraction stroke. The firing actuator is operable to slow the retraction stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a cartridge, and a staple driver actuator. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue. The end effector comprises a lower jaw, a pivotable anvil, and a translating cutter. The translating cutter is operable to translate relative to the lower jaw and the anvil when the anvil is pivoted toward the lower jaw to manipulate tissue. The cartridge is insertable into the lower jaw and includes a plurality of staples. The staple driver actuator is disposed within the cartridge. The staple driver actuator comprises a secondary cutting element. The translating cutter of the end effector is operable to drive the staple driver actuator distally to staple and cut tissue substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A circular stapler is disclosed. The circular stapler comprises a handle assembly, an elongate body, and a cartridge assembly. The elongate body extends from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The cartridge assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongate body. The cartridge assembly includes a pusher assembly and a knife assembly. The pusher assembly is movable to cause staples to be ejected from the cartridge assembly. The knife assembly is selectively movable relative to the pusher assembly to distally translate a knife. A knife carrier of the knife assembly includes at least one latch thereon. The at least one latch is configured to contact an engagement surface of the pusher assembly in response to movement between the knife carrier and the pusher assembly. The at least one latch is prevented from distally translating beyond the engagement surface.

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: An end effector includes first and second members that each have a tissue contacting surface and are moveable relative to one another. The first and second members are configured to clamp tissue therebetween when in an approximated configuration. The tissue contacting surface of the first member defines a first groove. The end effector also includes a bladder that is defined within the first groove and is configured to receive and retain fluid.

Abstract: An end effector for use with an adapter for a surgical instrument. The end effector includes first and second jaws that are pivotally coupled to each other and are movable between open and closed positions by a dynamic clamping assembly that is selectively movable between a starting position and an ending position relative to the first and second jaws. A first positive jaw opening feature is provided on the first jaw and a second positive jaw opening feature is provided on the second jaw. The first and second positive jaw opening features are configured for contact by the dynamic clamping assembly as the dynamic clamping assembly is moved in an opening direction to apply opening motions to the first and second jaws. The first and second positive jaw opening features may be longitudinally offset from each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapling anvil is disclosed comprising an anvil body including a tissue-facing surface, a plurality of staple forming pockets, and a longitudinal slot. The longitudinal slot comprises a first portion configured to receive a cutting edge of a firing member therethrough and a second portion configured to receive an anvil-camming portion of the firing member therethrough. The anvil further comprises an anvil cap welded to the anvil body, wherein the anvil cap comprises a welded portion and a non-welded portion, wherein the non-welded portion comprises a non-welded width, and wherein the non-welded width is less than or equal to about 105% of the width of the second portion.

Abstract: An agricultural planter and tractor combination which has a connection therebetween which comprises a stationary support arm coupled to the tractor and a pivoting support arm coupled to the agricultural planter with a connecting threaded member extended therethrough and a rotation-limited intermediate member with two protrusions extending into voids in the pivoting support arm so that the pivoting support arm will not rotate around the connecting threaded member and the connecting threaded member further translated through a portion of a hex-headed bushing and rotationally advanced through another portion, and a terminal nut also rotationally advanced over the connecting threaded member. The rotation-limited intermediate member is made of a harder more durable material than the connecting threaded member, the stationary support arm and the pivoting support arm.

Abstract: A circular stapling device includes a shell assembly and an anvil assembly. The shell assembly includes a housing, a staple cartridge supported on the housing, an annular knife supported within the housing, and a biasing member supported within the housing. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and an anvil head that supports a cut ring that is axially aligned with the annular knife. The biasing member is positioned within the housing and extends to a position distally of the annular knife when the annular knife is in the retracted position to shield the annular knife. The anvil assembly is movably supported in relation to the shell assembly between an unapproximated position and an approximated position, wherein in the approximated position, the biasing member is engaged with the cut ring and urges the cut ring in a distal direction.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongate tubular body, a loading unit including an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assembly, and a reload assembly. The reload assembly includes a staple cartridge releasably disposed within the staple cartridge assembly of the loading unit, a cartridge buttress releasably secured to the staple cartridge, and an anvil buttress including a proximal portion releasably secured to the staple cartridge and a distal portion releasably coupled to the anvil assembly of the loading unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a surgical end effector are provided. The end effector can include upper and lower jaws, and an anvil assembly configured to be releasably coupled to the upper and/or lower jaws. The anvil assembly can include an anvil plate that mates and aligns with the jaw, and staple pockets that align with staple cavities formed in the cartridge for formed staples fired from the cartridge. An adjunct material can be releasably secured to either the cartridge or anvil assembly, such as with one or more sutures.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use with a surgical instrument including a cartridge, a longitudinal channel, a first row of slots, and a second row of slots. The cartridge has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The longitudinal channel extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The first row of slots is disposed on a first side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the first row of slots is empty. The second row of slots is disposed on a second side of the longitudinal channel. At least one slot in the second row of slots has a staple disposed therein.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device includes: a jaw assembly including a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw; and an articulating assembly removably coupled to the proximal end of the jaw assembly, the articulating including a distal joint member, a proximal joint member, and a pivot pin fixedly coupled to the distal joint member and rotatably coupled to the proximal joint member, wherein the jaw assembly and the distal joint member define a first longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the jaw assembly and a distal end of the distal joint member, and the proximal joint member defines a second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising: (A) a first joint comprising a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be repositionable with respect to the second member in an X-Y plane; (B) a second joint operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint comprising a third member and a fourth member, the third member configured to be repositionable with respect to the fourth member in a Y-Z plane perpendicular to the X-Y plane; and, (C) a controller operatively coupled to the first joint and the second joint, the controller including a first control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the first member and the second member, and a second control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the third member and the fourth member.

Abstract: Drive assemblies for surgical clamping and cutting instruments, as well as surgical clamping and cutting instruments using these drive assemblies, are disclosed. The drive assemblies may include a drive member, a locking member mounted to the drive member, and a spring. The drive member may be configured to releasably engage at least one of a knife or a shuttle of a surgical clamping and cutting instrument for translating the knife and/or shuttle in a distal direction through a firing stroke. The locking member may be movable from a first position permitting distal translation of the drive member through the firing stroke, and a second position inhibiting distal translation of the drive member through the firing stroke. The spring may be configured to bias the locking member toward the second position.

Abstract: A medical stapler according to the present invention is provided with: a staple housing provided with a gripping surface from which a staple for suturing tissue is ejected, and a cutter that cuts the tissue by being made to protrude from the gripping surface; an anvil that is disposed facing a direction in which the staple is ejected, and that is configured so that the tissue can be gripped between the gripping surface and the anvil; and a receiving member that is provided in the anvil, and that has a receiving surface that receives a cutting edge of the cutter, wherein the receiving surface of the receiving member has a shape in which only a portion thereof comes into contact with the cutting edge of the cutter at individual time points during a cutting step over the entire length of a cut length of the tissue.

Abstract: Various surgical tools with bailout mechanisms are provided that allow direct engagement with one or more actuators to provide rapid and effective bailout (such as release, reversal, and/or retraction) of surgical tools while minimizing the amount of force and/or time to complete the bailout. Robotic surgical tools generally have a housing and an elongate tool shaft extending from the housing and having an end effector on a distal end thereof. The housing has a plurality of actuators for causing various functions of the end effector, such as rotation, articulation, clamping, firing, stapling, etc. The housing attaches to a tool driver on a robotic arm that electromechanically drives the actuators to control the end effector. A bailout mechanism can extend from the housing into the elongate shaft and directly engage the actuators to apply a force thereto to retract an actuator.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. An axially movable closure member is selectively axially movable in a closure direction to move the second jaw from the fully open position to the fully closed position and in an axial opening direction to move the second jaw from the fully closed position to the fully open position. The axially movable closure member includes a first jaw opening feature that is configured to apply a first jaw opening motion to the second jaw and a second jaw opening feature is axially spaced from the first jaw opening feature and is configured to apply a second jaw opening motion to the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion with a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. The surgical device also includes a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion. A driver is configured to cause relative movement of the jaw portion and the shaft portion. The driver may be configured to cause the jaw portion to pivot relative to the shaft portion about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to first and second longitudinal axes defined by the jaw portion and the shaft portion, respectively. The driver may also be configured to cause at least a portion of the jaw portion to rotate relative to the shaft portion about the first longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the surgical device includes a surgical member, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within the first jaw.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of controlling a surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument can include one or more sensors that are configured to detect or measure parameters associated with the use of the instrument and a display. A control circuit can be configured to detect whether the instrument is articulating, firing, clamping, and so on according to relationships between the detected parameters. The control circuit can further cause the display to display an image or sequences of images according to the particular operational state of the instrument. The images can provide alerts, instructions on how to use the instrument, or information detected by the one or more sensors, such as the position of the knife during transection.

Abstract: An anvil introduction system is operable to provide smooth insertion of an anvil of a surgical stapling device through a bodily lumen such as the esophagus. The anvil introduction system is coupled to the anvil and includes a dilation feature. The dilation feature has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The dilation feature may cover staple pockets and an outer edge of the anvil with the dilation feature is in the expanded position. The anvil may be inserted through the bodily lumen with the dilation feature in the expanded position. The dilation feature may then be collapsed in order to complete an end-to-end anastomosis of the bodily lumen.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprises an outer tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one first staple cavity. The at least one first staple cavity is configured to receive at least one first staple that includes a first staple leg with a first tip protruding beyond the outer tissue-contacting surface when the at least one first staple is in an unfired position. The staple cartridge includes an inner tissue-contacting surface comprising at least one second staple cavity. At least one pocket extender protrudes from the outer tissue-contacting surface, wherein the at least one pocket extender is configured to conceal the first tip when the at least one first staple is in the unfired position. The inner tissue-contacting surface cooperates with the outer tissue-contacting surface and the at least one pocket extender to define a contoured frame configured to reduce friction against tissue as the staple cartridge is moved relative to tissue.

Abstract: Medical device for transcatheter heart valve repair comprising a grasping tweezer (1) and a plicating tweezer (2), said grasping tweezer (1) being adapted to grasp a leaflet rim (3) and said plicating tweezer (2) comprising two rotatable flaps (4,5) and a central shaft (6) around which said flaps (4,5) may rotate in a “butterfly manner”, in such a way that the plicating tweezer (2) may adopt a closed or an open configuration. The invention also relates to a method for using this medical device.

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: A surgical stapler includes an anvil channel member, an anvil surface, and a cartridge channel member that releasably couples with the anvil channel member and includes a distal portion that receives a staple cartridge. The stapler further includes first and second latch features. The second latch feature moves between an open position and a closed position in which it engages the first latch feature and fixes the channel members together. A latch lockout member of the stapler is movable between a lockout state in which the lockout member locks the second latch feature in the open position, and a release state in which the lockout member permits the second latch feature to move to the closed position. The latch lockout member is configured to move from the lockout state to the release state in response to being engaged by the first latch feature.

Abstract: A surgical buttress for use in a surgical stapling apparatus is provided and includes an elongate rectangular body portion defining a width; a neck portion integrally formed with and extending from a distal end of the body portion, the neck portion defining a width; a head portion integrally formed with and connected to a distal end of the neck portion, the head portion defining a width; and a tail portion integrally formed with and extending from a proximal end of the body portion, the tail portion defining a width. The width of the tail portion is less than the width of the body portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a first jaw and a second jaw that is coupled to the first jaw for selective pivotal travel relative thereto between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A closure member is configured to apply closure motions to the second jaw as the closure member is axially movable in a distal direction from a starting position corresponding to the fully open position of the second jaw to an ending position corresponding to the fully closed position of the second jaw. The closure member is configured to move distally from the starting position through an initial predetermined axial closure distance before applying the closure motion to the second jaw.

Abstract: Interchangeable surgical tool assemblies are disclosed. The interchangeable surgical tool assemblies can include an end effector including a first jaw, a second jaw, and a sled configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw. The interchangeable surgical tool assemblies can also include a firing member comprising a first flange configured to engage the first jaw and a second flange configured to engage the second jaw. The interchangeable surgical tool assemblies can further include a pusher plate and a firing bar selectively coupled to the pusher plate, wherein the firing bar is configured to move through a plurality of successive firing strokes including a first distal firing stroke, a first proximal firing stroke, a second distal firing stroke, a second proximal firing stroke. Additionally or alternatively, the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies can include a rotatable end effector and a flexible spine.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, an end effector, a firing assembly, and a release assembly. The handle assembly includes first and second arms and a latching lever. The end effector includes first and second jaws. The firing assembly is configured to sever tissue captured between the jaws. The release assemble is configured to urge the latching lever away from the first arm to pivot the second jaw from a fully closed position to a partially closed position.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical implant delivery system for positioning and affixing a surgical implant (e.g., a surgical mesh, a surgical buttress, etc.) covering a surgical margin. The system includes a cartridge releasably holding the surgical implant and a plurality of fixation elements associated with the surgical implant. The system also includes a introducer having an elongate body, a head pivotably coupled to receive the cartridge forming a combined head and cartridge, and a handle including a grip and an in-line trigger. The introducer also includes an actuation mechanism connected with the in-line trigger of the handle configured to affix the surgical implant to the surgical margin using the one or more fixation elements.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a first jaw member, a second jaw member, a clamping member and a clamp apparatus is disclosed. The clamping member is slidably positioned to translate at least partially through the first jaw member. The clamping member engages the first jaw member and the second jaw member, and has a knife blade for cutting tissue. A flange of the clamping member is configured to engage a cam surface to pivot the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member from an open position toward an approximated position. The clamp apparatus is movable from a retracted position to an advanced position for preventing a gap between proximal portions of the first jaw member and the second jaw member from exceeding a predetermined distance. The clamping member and the clamp apparatus are separately movable.

Abstract: A surgical stapler configured to clamp, staple, and cut tissue is disclosed. The surgical stapler comprises a housing, a shaft, a staple cartridge, an expandable anvil, and a distal head portion. The shaft extends from the housing and comprises three concentric actuators. The three concentric actuators are operable independently of each other. The three concentric actuators are actuatable relative to the housing and are configured to perform three separate and distinct end effector functions. The staple cartridge comprises a unitary cartridge body. The distal head portion is configured to rotate relative to the shaft. One of the separate and distinct end effector functions comprises rotating the distal head portion to expand the anvil.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The stapling instrument comprises an end effector including a staple cartridge comprising a circular array of staple cavities and staples removably stored in the staple cavities and, in addition, an anvil configured to deform the staples which is movable toward the staple cartridge to clamp tissue therebetween. The anvil is movable away from the staple cartridge to release the tissue after the tissue has been stapled. The stapling instrument further comprises a lockout configured to prevent the anvil from being moved toward the staple cartridge once again until the staple cartridge has been replaced with an unfired staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly and a shaft assembly configured to removably couple with the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly has a cartridge housing, a staple deck, a plurality of staples, a staple driver, a cylindraceous knife, and a trocar. The shaft assembly has a safety mechanism and a compression limiter. The safety mechanism is operatively connected to the staple driver and the cylindraceous knife and configured to prevent firing of the staple driver and the cylindraceous knife when the force load received is below a predetermined minimum force load. The compression limiter is operatively connected to the anvil to prevent proximal translation of the anvil when the force load received is greater than a predetermined maximum force load calibrated to a predetermined maximum tissue compression between the anvil and the staple deck.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly with at least a portion of the stapling head assembly is configured to removably couple with a portion of a shaft assembly and a first locking feature. The stapling head assembly has a cartridge housing, a staple deck, a plurality of staples, a staple driver, a cylindraceous knife, and a drive member. The drive member is configured to receive a rotary drive element thereagainst and drive distal translation of at least one of the staple driver or the cylindraceous knife in response to rotation of the rotary drive element in a first direction. The first locking feature is operatively connected to the cartridge housing and positioned proximally from the staple deck and configured to be removably coupled against the portion of the shaft assembly for selectively coupling and decoupling the stapling head assembly relative to the portion of the shaft assembly.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly with at least a portion thereof configured to removably couple with a portion of a shaft assembly. The stapling head assembly has a cartridge housing, a staple deck, a plurality of staples, a staple driver, a cylindraceous knife, a trocar, a first drive member, and an anvil. The first drive member is configured to receive a rotary drive element thereagainst and drive distal translation of at least one of the staple driver, the cylindraceous knife, or the trocar. The anvil is configured to releasably couple to the trocar and includes an anvil shaft and an anvil head. The anvil shaft has proximal and distal shaft end portions. The anvil head is pivotally connected to the distal shaft end portion and has a proximal face with a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to respectively receive the plurality of staples thereagainst.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly and a shaft assembly having a distal end portion configured to removably couple with the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly has a cartridge housing, a staple deck, a plurality of staples that includes first and second staples, a staple driver with a first driver portion and a second driver portion configured to respectively receive the first and second staples thereagainst, a cylindraceous knife, a trocar, and an anvil. The first and second driver portions are configured to respectively direct the first and second staples against the anvil to form the first staple with a first formation height and the second staple with a different, second formation height. The shaft assembly has a safety mechanism configured to prevent firing of the staple driver and the cylindraceous knife when the force load received is below a predetermined minimum force.