Abstract: A fastener cartridge for use with a surgical instrument. The cartridge may include a cartridge body that has a series of staple pockets therein. A driver is movably supported in each staple pocket and is configured to operably support at least one surgical staple thereon. In one arrangement, at least some of the drivers may be formed with one or more laterally extending features that are configured to be received in correspondingly-shaped grooves in the cartridge body to provide lateral support to the driver as it is operably moved within the staple pocket. In other arrangements, at least one inwardly-extending features is formed in the inner wall surface of the pocket and is configured to be movably supported within correspondingly-shaped groove in the driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments comprising a storage verification segment configured to indicate when a surgical instrument has been properly stored and sterilized.

Abstract: A surgical instrument can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing system configured to be advanced relative to the first jaw and the second jaw. The firing system can comprise a firing member including a first portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw in order to position the first jaw and the second jaw relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable stand-alone device (1), particularly suitable for use in surgery, micro-component handling and the like. The invention comprises: a micro-tool that can be removably coupled to a main casing (3); and actuation means for handling the micro-tool (2), associated with servomotors. The aforementioned actuation means comprise: a first actuator associated with a first servomotor (4), providing the micro-tool (2) with a degree of rotational freedom; a second actuator associated with a second servomotor and connected to the first actuator in order to move the micro-tool forwards and backwards in translation; and a third actuator (6) associated with a third servomotor, which oscillates the micro-tool in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first and second actuators. The first, second and third actuators are associated with a control unit (7) for determining the position of the micro-tool in space.

Abstract: An implant insertion system includes a shape memory implant movable between a first shape a second shape and an implant insertion device movable between an implant disengagement position and an implant engagement position. The implant insertion device receives the shape memory implant in its first shape while in its implant disengagement position. Movement of the implant insertion device from its implant disengagement position to its implant engagement position manipulates the shape memory implant from its first shape to its second shape. The implant insertion device maintains the shape memory implant in its second shape until delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone.

Abstract: A tissue thickness compensator comprising at least one woven lattice can be positioned in the end effector of a surgical instrument. A fastener cartridge that is positioned in the end effector can comprise at least one cavity configured to receive a fastener. The fastener can be moveable between an initial position, wherein the fastener is at least partially position in a cavity, and a fired position, wherein the fastener is configured to compress a woven lattice of the tissue thickness compensator. The woven lattice can comprise a resilient material such that compression of the woven lattice generates a restoring force. The woven lattice can also comprise an axis that can laterally traverse the fastener cartridge, diagonally traverse the fastener cartridge, or intersect a deck surface of the fastener cartridge. The woven lattice can comprise a hydrophilic substance, which can expand when the woven lattice is severed by a cutting element.

Abstract: An apparel fastener assembly includes an article of apparel that may be worn on a user. A gun may engage the article of apparel. A fastener cartridge is removably coupled to the gun. A lock cartridge is removably coupled to the gun. A plurality of fasteners is positioned within the fastener cartridge so the gun may selectively dispense one of the fasteners. A plurality of locks is positioned within the lock cartridge so the fastener may engage a selected one of the locks.

Abstract: One exemplary surgical apparatus may include at least one carrier, staples fixed to a corresponding carrier, and a feeder belt to which at least one carrier is frangibly connected. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt, a first plurality of staples fixed directly to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; a plurality of extension arms extending at least partially in the lateral direction away from the feeder belt; and a second plurality of staples each fixed to an extension arm at a location spaced laterally apart from the feeder belt.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a surgical stapler, the end effector comprises a staple cartridge assembly having a tissue contacting surface and an anvil assembly having a tissue contacting surface. A surgical buttress configured and dimensioned to substantially overlie at least a portion of the tissue contacting surface of at least one of the staple cartridge assembly and anvil assembly. A plurality of attachment pads secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the at least one staple cartridge assembly and anvil assembly configured to retain the respective buttress material thereto, wherein the surgical buttress is ultrasonically welded to each of the plurality of attachment pads.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical apparatus. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot and an anvil plate having a tissue contacting surface defining a central longitudinal slot. A surgical buttress releasbly disposed on the tissue contacting surfaces of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate. An adhesive tape is disposed over the central longitudinal slot of each of the staple cartridge and anvil plate and configured retain the respective surgical buttress atop the respective tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: A fastener cartridge can comprise a crushable cartridge body and fasteners embedded within the crushable cartridge body which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein the first jaw can be positioned opposite a second jaw, or anvil. The anvil can be engaged with the fastener cartridge to crush the cartridge body and deform, or otherwise deploy, the fasteners contained therein. As the fasteners are deformed or deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the cartridge body therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened. A fastener cartridge can comprise a compressible cartridge body having a thickness which can be reduced by the compressive pressure applied by the anvil. In certain embodiments, a fastener cartridge can comprise a cartridge body which can collapse from the compressive pressure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system can comprise a surgical instrument and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise a distal end, a proximal connection portion configured to attach the end effector to the surgical instrument, a first jaw, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable between an open orientation, a partially-closed orientation, and a closed orientation. The end effector can further comprise at least one sensor configured to detect the orientation of the second jaw and an array of indicators configured to simulate the orientation of the second jaw.

Abstract: A shaft being, e.g., flexible, that includes an elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a ring non-rotatably mounted on the at least one rotatable drive shaft and at least one light source mounted within the shaft, such that, upon rotation of the at least one rotatable drive shaft, the ring alternately blocks and allows light from the light source to be detected. The shaft may also include a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath of the shaft and configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. The shaft may include couplings that connect a distal end of the outer sheath to a surgical attachment and a proximal end of the outer sheath to a remote power console.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus and associated method of use is disclosed. The surgical fastening apparatus includes a handle assembly, a central body portion extending from the handle assembly, and a distal head portion including an anvil head assembly. The anvil head assembly includes an anvil head defining an interior recess, an activator plate, a deformable member, and a securing member. The anvil center rod assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotably connected to the anvil head assembly about a pivot axis. The anvil center rod assembly includes a configured to contact the anvil head assembly upon an actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus. Upon the actuation of the surgical fastening apparatus, the deformable member is configured to deform such that the activator plate is advanced distally into the interior recess to facilitate the anvil head pivoting about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An alignment pin assembly for a surgical stapler includes an alignment pin configured to be advanced prior to actuation of a stapler and an end cap defining an opening configured to receive the alignment pin prior to actuation of the stapler. The end cap includes an alignment pin contact area formed about the opening configured to direct the alignment pin into the opening.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a shell assembly and an anvil assembly. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The shell assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The anvil assembly includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tissue-contacting surface of the anvil assembly is configured to align with the tissue-contacting surface of the shell assembly when the anvil assembly and shell assembly are in the approximated position.

Abstract: A stapling device for a surgical endoscopic device provided with at least one flexible portion, comprising a staple-firing portion and an anvil portion, wherein one of the staple firing portions and one of the anvil portions are located longitudinally displaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic device, with at least a part of said flexible portion between them. The parts of the stapling device are in correct working relationship when one or more alignment and/or locking pins or screws that are stored in one of the staple firing portions or one of the anvil portions are extended and engage and lock or screw into receptacles that have been provided on the other of the staple firing portion or of the anvil portion.

Abstract: A staple clip for providing an attachment function in a surgical procedure is described. A center hub has a center hub aperture. The center hub defines a lateral hub plane. A plurality of joining legs each has an inner leg end attached to the center hub and an outer foot defining a lateral foot plane. The inner leg end and outer foot are separated along the leg by an elongate leg body extending laterally outward and longitudinally downward from the center hub. A plurality of lobe pads are attached to the center hub and lie substantially within the lateral hub plane. The inner leg ends and lobe pads alternate with each other around a periphery of the center hub.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device has an elongated body and a removable loading unit and a securing structure for securing the loading unit onto the elongated body. A guiding ramp guides the movement of the loading unit as it is mounted onto the loading portion. The locking structure has a first position for locking movement of the loading unit and enabling firing rod to engage the loading unit. The locking unit has a second position for allowing the loading unit to be disengaged and removed from the device.

Abstract: Improved tissue fasteners are disclosed that can be inserted into (and optionally through) tissue structures underlying a tissue surface for affixing overlapping tissues and tissue planes together, and the like. In some embodiments, an elongate anvil body may protrude distally and/or laterally from a fastener support disposed along the base. The anvil body may have a sharpened end and be configured to penetrate into the tissue, with the elongate anvil body optionally having a bend from a more distal orientation adjacent the clip support to a more lateral orientation adjacent the sharpened end during at least a portion of the deployment. The first leg can be driven through a desired location on the surface of the first tissue and against a receptacle of the anvil body so as to deform the fastener and affix it to the first tissue.

Abstract: In one general aspect, the present invention is directed to a surgical instrument. According to one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an end effector comprising a movable firing member. A first sensor transponder may be positioned to sense a position of the movable firing member. A firing trigger may actuate the movable firing member. A motor may be mechanically coupled to the firing trigger. A control unit may be configured to wirelessly receive at least one input from the first sensor transponder; and control the motor based on the at least one input, wherein, via the coupling between the motor and the firing trigger, movements of the motor cause a force applied to the firing trigger.

Abstract: A stapling reload assembly for a circular stapling instrument includes a casing, a staple holder, a staple driver, and an anvil assembly. The staple holder is attached to the casing. The staple driver includes a driver alignment surface. The staple driver is receivable within the casing and is configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The anvil assembly includes an anvil base surface, an anvil alignment surface, and a staple forming surface. The anvil base surface is configured to move from an open position away from the casing to a closed position adjacent the casing. The anvil alignment surface is configured to mate with the driver alignment surface, to rotationally align the staple forming surface with the staple holder, when the anvil base surface is in the closed position.

Abstract: A staple inserter (12) for use with a surgical staple (10) during a surgical procedure, the surgical staple (10) including a middle section (14) and two side sections (16) that cantilever away from the middle section (14), the surgical staple (10) being selectively movable between a relaxed configuration and an opened configuration, the staple inserter (12) comprising a staple holder assembly (20) that is rotatable in a first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10). The staple holder assembly (20) includes (i) a first engagement member (32) that is rotatable in the first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10), and (ii) a second engagement member (32) that is rotatable in the first direction relative to the surgical staple (10) to selectively engage and retain the surgical staple (10).

Abstract: The main idea for the tongue debulking stapler is to introduce a new surgical procedure for tongue size reduction in cases of macroglossia and in concern for cases of moderate and sever OSA as a one of the minimally invasive procedures that will have a better outcome and less intraoperative and postoperative complications than the conventional procedures. The tongue debulking stapler did not used before in the field of otolaryngology. The stapler has 3 parts (hand—body—stapling cutting part) and for each parts there specific protection elements.

Abstract: A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction.

Abstract: A staple pocket arrangement on the anvil portion of a surgical stapler device includes pairs of staple pockets corresponding to each one of a plurality of staples to be closed. The staple pockets may have a generally triangular shape when viewed from above. Each respective staple leg is received at a longitudinal end of the staple pocket that provides a relatively wide target area for receiving the staple leg to eliminate or at least minimize the likelihood that a staple leg will miss the staple pocket due to, e.g., misalignment between a first jaw of the surgical stapler having the anvil and a second jaw of the surgical stapler having a cartridge configured to fire the staples. The staple pockets may be arranged in rows, each row of staple pockets being longitudinally offset from another row, such that each staple pocket in a first row of staple pockets is nested with a staple pocket from an adjacent row of staple pockets to make more efficient use of space on the anvil.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; at least one staple including a crown fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt, the crown having a first width, and a free end extending from the crown; and at least one pad wider than the first width, wherein each pad is associated with a corresponding crown. An exemplary surgical method using that exemplary apparatus may include placing the feeder belt in proximity to tissue; penetrating the free end of at least one staple into tissue, such that tissue is positioned between the free end and the crown; compressing the free end of at least one staple toward the crown, such that a compressive force is exerted toward the crown; distributing the compressive force across the pad of at least one staple; and shearing at least one staple from the feeder belt.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments of the present invention can include a motorized surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a drive shaft, a motor selectively engageable with the drive shaft, and a manual return mechanism configured to operably disengage the motor from the drive shaft and retract the drive shaft. In at least one embodiment, a surgeon, or other operator of the surgical instrument, can utilize the manual return mechanism to retract the drive shaft after it has been advanced, especially when the motor, or a power source supplying the motor, has failed or is otherwise unable to provide a force sufficient to retract the drive shaft.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding a fastener including a housing having a longitudinal axis and at least one fastener within the housing. The fastener has a crown and at least two legs extending therefrom. The fastener is disposed within the housing in a first plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. The mechanism includes an elongated actuator disposed within the housing. The actuator has a shaft substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mechanism and rigidly spaced from the fastener in a second plane. The actuator has at least one radially extending advancer disposed along a length thereof, and a mechanism for rotating the actuator so that the advancer engages the fastener.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for delivering an article formed of a shape memory alloy to a surgical implantation site. The apparatus may include a body having a passage for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage. An exemplary involves placing the distal portions of legs of a staple in at least one passage in a constraining device that substantially constrains the legs from deforming; and placing the proximal portions of the legs of the staple in at least one passage in an apparatus that, independently of the constraining device, substantially prevents the legs from deforming.

Abstract: A tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a channel member for supporting a staple cartridge therein and an anvil to deform a plurality of staples ejected from the staple cartridge thereagainst. The tool assembly also includes a sled which is movable to force the staples from the cartridge against the anvil to staple tissue disposed between the anvil and the staple cartridge. A dynamic clamping member is included which has a pin which movably engages the anvil and a flange which movably engages the channel assembly. The dynamic clamping member is mounted to and movable with the sled. The pin and the flange of the dynamic clamping member cooperating to oppose the forces associated with clamping and stapling tissue and also to maintain a substantially uniform gap between the anvil and the staple cartridge during stapling of the tissue.

Abstract: A stapling cartridge assembly for a circular stapling instrument includes a casing, a staple driver, and a blade. The staple driver is receivable within the casing and configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The blade is attachable to the staple driver. The blade includes a cutting edge and a breakaway washer attachment member for fixedly attaching to a breakaway washer when the staple driver is moved from the pre-fired position to the fired position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

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 tissue acquisition and fixation system is described that includes a staple applying assembly having first and second jaws, and a tissue acquisition member that extends substantially parallel to a plane running through the first and second jaws. The tissue acquisition member is effective to engage and position tissue between the first and second jaws, and the jaws are effective to apply at least one staple to the tissue engaged therebetween.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having systems for securing buttress material to the anvil and staple containing cartridge associated with the surgical instrument. The system includes a retainer configured to engage the anvil or the staple containing cartridge and capture the buttress material between the retainer and the anvil or staple containing cartridge. The disclose retainer engages the anvil or staple containing cartridge in snap fit or friction fit fashion. The buttress material includes a circumferential perforation line enabling the center of the buttress material to be stapled to tissue while the remainder of the buttress material remains with the anvil or staple containing cartridge.

Abstract: A buttressed anvil assembly is provided for use with a surgical stapling instrument. The buttressed anvil assembly generally includes an anvil member having a strip of buttress material attached thereto by a pair of sutures. A tensioning mechanism is provided to secure or tension the buttress material to the anvil member prior to use and allow for release of the buttress material after stapling of tissue. The tensioning mechanism includes a cinch track engageable with one of the pair of sutures.

Abstract: A stapling apparatus for performing anastomosis on hollow organs which includes an adjacent aligned pair of stapling jaws for respectively retaining hollow organ ends together in aligned registration for stapling the ends together to form an anastomosis. Each of the stapling jaws has opposing hinged hemostat jaws operable for clamping respective hollow organ ends therebetween prior to stapling. The hemostat jaws include a stapling mechanism for stapling the retained hollow organ ends together.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated portion defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, an end effector, and a pin. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent the elongated portion and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The pin is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first jaw member and includes an engaging section. In operation, the pin moves between a first position and a second position. While in the first position, the engaging portion of the pin is spaced from the second jaw member. In the second position, the engaging portion of the pin engages the second jaw member. The second jaw member includes a locking structure configured to maintain the position of the second jaw member with respect to the first jaw member during actuation of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus including a fastener receiving frame including a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therein and a fastener supporting member containing a plurality of surgical fasteners extending therefrom. The surgical fasteners are engagable with the plurality of openings to mate with the fastener receiving frame to fasten tissue therebetween. The fasteners are engageable with the openings in a plurality of positions dependent on a tissue thickness between the fastener receiving frame and the fastener supporting member.

Abstract: A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod, a head assembly, and a torsion spring configured to pivot the head assembly relative to the center rod. The head assembly has a locking collar defining a locked position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly, and an unlocked position allowing pivotal movement of the head assembly. The torsion spring selectively engages the locking collar to maintain the locking collar at either the locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument (1) comprises a staple fastening assembly (4) in the distal region of said instrument, the staple fastening assembly (4) including a cartridge device (8) which comprises at least one closed row (17, 18) of staples and defines a wavy distal end surface (14), and an anvil (9) which defines a wavy proximal staple forming surface (20) substantially matching the distal end surface (14) and which is adapted to cooperate with the cartridge device (8) for forming the ends of the staples exiting from the cartridge device (8), wherein the distal end surface (14) and the staple forming surface (20) have a globally wavy shape including two opposite peaks (21) and two opposite valleys (22) angularly spaced at about 90° from the adjacent peaks (21) and in that said two-peaks-two-valleys wavy shape is formed by a stepped configuration of said surfaces (14, 20).

Abstract: A surgical fastening apparatus having a fastener retaining frame including a first annular portion having a plurality of retainers circumferentially disposed thereon and a second annular portion having a plurality of circumferentially arranged perforations. The fastener retaining frame is detachably secured to a supporting structure. After the plurality of surgical fasteners have been mated with the plurality of retainers, an annular blade severs the perforations.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an end effector including a channel configured to support a staple cartridge and, in addition, an anvil pivotable between open and closed positions relative to the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a closure tube configured to at least partially surround the anvil and the staple cartridge channel to hold the anvil in a closed position. The closure tube can extend around the anvil a greater distance than the staple cartridge channel. The surgical instrument can further comprise a shaft and, in addition, an articulation joint pivotably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The articulation joint can further comprise a floating guide member which can guidably support a knife bar extending into the end effector and, at the same time, move independently of the end effector and the shaft to provide such support.

Abstract: Surgical stapling methods and tools which allow a surgeon to create several different predetermined amounts of tissue constriction using the same staple (11) loaded in such a tool (31). A stapling tool (31) holding one or more staples in an effector section (35) contains a mechanism for spreading the pointed ends of a staple to one of several spaced apart distances as controlled by an actuator-indicator (43). Depending upon the distance the pointed ends have been spread when the staple is implanted into tissue (51), the amount of constriction accomplished by the staple is varied. An improved staple construction (61) of increased rigidity is also shown.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, in which the first and second jaws are aligned within a plane, and a second position, in which the second jaw is in non-parallel correspondence to the plane. The surgical device may include a surgical member, e.g., a cutting and/or stapling element, disposed within the first jaw, and a second driver configured to cause relative movement of the surgical member in a direction parallel to the plane. The first and second jaws may include a camming arrangement that is configured to move the second jaw between the first and second positions. The camming arrangement may include a channel disposed along at least a portion of one or both of the first and second jaws, a ball bearing disposed within the channel.

Abstract: A surgical staple including a crown comprised of a dissolvable, bioabsorbable, or biofragmentable material, a first deformable member, and a second member. In at least one embodiment, the crown connects the first member and the second member, however, after the crown has been dissolved, the first member is unconnected to the second member and, as a result, the first and second members can move relative to each other. Accordingly, the staple can be rigid during the early stages of healing and can be flexible during the latter stages of healing, for example. In various embodiments, the first and second members of the staple are also comprised of a dissolvable, bioabsorbable, or biofragmentable material. In these embodiments, the first and second members can be constructed so that the crown and first and second members dissolve at different rates and/or dissolve away at different times.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted into a surgical site for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue includes an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein. An anvil is coupled to the elongate channel and is configured to interact therewith such that at least a mounting portion of the anvil can seatingly engage corresponding portions of the elongate channel at any one of a discrete number of predetermined locations to adjust a tissue clamping space between the anvil and the elongate channel in response to a thickness of tissue received between the elongate channel and the anvil and application of a closing motion to the anvil.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder and an anvil connected to the staple holder, where the anvil includes an anvil body and an anvil plate that floats relative to the anvil body. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder, an anvil connected to the staple holder, and at least one sensor fixed to at least one of the staple holder and the anvil, where at least one sensor is configured to measure stress and/or strain. An exemplary surgical method for treating tissue may include providing an end effector that includes a staple holder and an anvil connected to the staple holder, closing the end effector onto tissue, exerting force on that tissue during closing, and adjusting the gap between the anvil and staple holder during closing along at least a portion of the anvil.