Abstract: A self contained motor-powered disposable loading unit for use with a surgical cutting and stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may contain a battery that is retained in a disconnected position when the disposable loading unit is not in use and is moved to a connected position when the disposable loading unit is coupled to the surgical cutting and stapling apparatus to permit the motor to be selectively powered thereby. Indicators may be supported on the disposable loading unit to indicate when the axial drive assembly thereof is in a starting position and an ending position. Another indicator may be provided to indicate when the anvil assembly is in a closed position.

Abstract: Surgical staple cartridges and methods for manipulating the severed ends of divided tissue. In various forms, the staple cartridge has at least one base material temporarily supported thereon that is oriented to be stapled to a corresponding end of the divided tissue. At least one elongated tether is non-removably affixed to each piece of base material. Once the base material is stapled to the corresponding piece of divided tissue, the clinician may manipulate that pieced of divided tissue by applying manipulation motions to the tether. Corresponding grooves or pockets may be provided on the cartridge body for temporarily supporting the tethers therein.

Abstract: The anastomotic apparatus is equipped, in a fork which extends in the stapling direction, with an organ gripping mechanism which has a first gripping teeth plate member, a second gripping teeth plate member, a housing, and a clamping teeth drive section connected to at least the aforementioned first gripping teeth plate member or the second gripping teeth plate member to move the first gripping teeth plate member and the second gripping teeth plate member relative to each other by one unit space in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to clamp near a section of an organ to be stapled; an extroverting mechanism configured to move the aforementioned organ gripping mechanism within a turn-out movement range; and a grip controlling mechanism. With the anastomotic apparatus, the burden on the organ tissue can be reduced.

Abstract: A cartridge for a surgical apparatus includes a housing having a slot configured to accommodate a blade. A plurality of fasteners is configured to be deployed by the housing. A first row of the plurality of fasteners is positioned on a first side of the slot and a second row of the plurality of fasteners is positioned on a second side of the slot. The first row of the plurality of fasteners is the nearest row of fasteners to the slot on the first side of the slot that are deployed by the housing, and the first row of the plurality of fasteners is spaced apart from the slot such that an undamaged tissue margin is formed on a section of tissue during operation of the surgical apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical tool system includes a surgical tool for cutting and stapling tissue and a tactile feedback system integrated onto a handle of the tool that generates relevant feedback in at least the form of haptic effects to the user. The tactile feedback alerts the user of tissue properties, i.e., the type of tissue or other structures located within the jaws of the stapler, whether the quantity or thickness of tissue located within the jaws of the stapler is appropriate for the selected stapler cartridge, whether the proper length of staples has been fired based on the length of tissue located in the jaws, whether a blood vessel is located within the jaws of the stapler, whether the stapling process has successfully sealed the tissue located within the jaws of the stapler, the position of the cutting element, and/or when the stapling procedure or firing cycle is completed.

Abstract: A surgical system is provided and includes an intelligent surgical device having a drive motor supported in the housing and being in electrical communication with the power source; and control circuitry. The control circuitry includes a feedback system for monitoring a condition of the surgical device during a use thereof and for changing an operative parameter of the surgical device when a change in the monitored condition occurs. The surgical system includes a non-intelligent loading unit for selective connection to the housing of the surgical device and which is actuatable by the drive motor, the loading unit having a first and a second condition. During operation, the drive motor actuates the loading unit from the first condition to the second condition; and when the loading unit achieves the second condition, a change in the at least one monitored condition occurs and an operative parameter of the surgical device is changed.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an actuator, an extension portion, and a tissue interaction portion. The extension portion is coupled to the actuator and comprises at least first and second telescoping sections with each telescoping section having (i) at least one extended hook section having a head portion and a neck portion, and (ii) at least one body section being one of coupled and integrated to the at least one extended hook section. The at least one extended hook section of the first telescoping section is operatively coupled to the body section of the second telescoping section. The tissue interaction portion is operatively coupled to the extension portion and comprises at least one of a gripping mechanism, a stapling mechanism, and a cutting mechanism. The actuator is adapted to control at least one of the extension portion and tissue interaction portion.

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: In various embodiments, an assembly of a surgical instrument is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing, a cutting member relatively movable with respect to the housing, and an agent cartridge connected to the housing. The agent cartridge houses a medical agent. The assembly is configured to deliver the medical agent proximate a cutting surface of the cutting member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical fastener applying apparatus for sequentially applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical fastener applying apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge assembly receivable in a distal end portion of a cartridge receiving half-section, the cartridge assembly including a safety lockout pivotably disposed along the upper surface of the cartridge assembly and movable from an unlocked orientation permitting assembly of an anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving half-section, to a locked orientation preventing assembly of the anvil half-section to the cartridge receiving-half section.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.

Abstract: A powered endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided and includes a handle including a housing, a power source supported in the housing; an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing of the handle; an end effector assembly coupled to a distal end of the endoscopic portion, the end effector assembly including a pair of jaws configured to perform a surgical function; a driving member; a drive source including a motor powered by the power source and connected to the driving member; and a gear assembly engaged with the motor. The gear assembly including a gear rack provided on the driving member; and a main gear operatively connected with the gear rack, the motor spinning the main gear such that rotary motion of the main gear moves the driving member in an axial direction such that the driving member actuates the end effector to perform the surgical function.

Abstract: A tissue fastener includes a bridge section and two cannulated leg sections. The tissue fastener is a single piece of material, and the material can be a bioabsorbable material. Each of the two leg sections can include at least one barb for resisting dislodgement from tissue after the fastener is inserted into tissue. The bridge can be flexible, and the leg sections can receive needles to allow insertion of the fastener into tissue from above a surface of the tissue. Various insertion devices and mechanisms are possible to deploy the fastener into a wound in a patient's skin from above the surface of and generally perpendicular to the skin.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt configured as a continuous loop; staples fixed to and shearable from the continuous feeder belt; apertures defined in the continuous feeder belt; and a gear positioned at the distal end of the feeder belt within the continuous loop, where the gear engages at least one of the apertures to move the continuous feeder belt around the gear. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; a plurality of staples fixed to and shearable from the continuous feeder belt; and a plurality of teeth defined on the continuous feeder belt. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a continuous belt assembly that has a flexible rack with two ends, and a feeder belt with two ends, each end of the feeder belt connected to a corresponding end of the flexible rack; and staples fixed to and shearable from the continuous feeder belt.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the compression of tissue include clamping tissue between a first clamping member and a second clamping member by driving at least one of the clamping members with an electric motor toward a predetermined tissue gap between the clamping members and, during the clamping, monitoring a parameter of the electric motor indicative of a clamping force exerted to the tissue by the clamping members. The method and device include, during the clamping, controlling the electric motor, based on the monitored parameter, to limit the clamping force to a predetermined maximum limit.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical instrument incorporating driving force mechanisms capable of transmitting a driving force through an articulated section of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, a series of racks connect with a transfer gear to pass forces around the articulated section. In an alternative embodiment a series of cable sections and wheels or pulleys are provided to transmit a driving force through the articulated section of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including a handle assembly, an endoscopic portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a first longitudinal axis. The end effector defines a second longitudinal axis and includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is supported adjacent a distal end of the endoscopic portion and includes a dissecting tip extending therefrom. The cartridge assembly is pivotably mounted adjacent the distal end of the endoscopic portion. The cartridge assembly is mounted for pivotal movement in relation to the anvil assembly between open and approximated positions.

Abstract: A staple cartridge includes outer and inner rows of retention slots that are adapted and configured to retain staples. The staple cartridge further includes a staple pusher including a plurality of pusher plates. A staple pusher includes pusher plates that are laterally spaced apart to engage staples within the outer rows of at least three rows of retention slots.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a loading unit having proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion of the loading unit is configured to be attached to an actuation apparatus. The surgical device further includes a flexible shaft interconnecting the proximal portion and the distal portion of the loading unit. Additionally, the surgical device has a tool assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the distal portion of the loading unit. The tool assembly is configured to articulate upon activation of the actuation apparatus. In a further embodiment, the surgical device includes a guiding member operatively connected to the tool assembly. The guiding member has a body and a bore extending through the body. The bore slidably receives a suture.

Abstract: Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical fasteners, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical fasteners containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body organ/tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image.

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

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus comprises a handle assembly, an actuation shaft having a connector, and a retraction mechanism positioned within the handle assembly. The retraction mechanism includes a motor coupled to a transmission shaft, a first gear rotatably mounted on the transmission shaft, the first gear configured to engage a second gear, a clutch operatively attached to the second gear, a main shaft rotatably connected to the clutch, and a pulley coupled to the main shaft, the pulley being operatively attached to the connector. The connector and the pulley may be attached via a cable. The retraction mechanism may include a spring motor for maintaining the cable in tension. The spring motor may have a spring element wrapped around and interconnecting at least two arbors.

Abstract: A surgical stapler instrument has surgical stapler jaws, at least one staple line reinforcement material, and a fastener including a hook and a loop. The hook can be disposed on one of the surgical stapler jaws and the loop can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material. Alternatively, the hook can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material and the look on one of the surgical stapler jaws.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical fastener applying instrument including a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The second jaw member includes first and second cartridges each containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, wherein each of the first and second cartridges is configured to move independently with respect to the first jaw member between a proximal position and a distal position.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system can comprise a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener can comprise, one, a base and, two, a leg extending from the base, wherein each leg can comprise a tip. The fastener system can further comprise a retention matrix comprising a first side facing toward the bases of the fasteners, a second side facing away from the bases of the fasteners, and a plurality of retention members configured to engage the legs. The fastener system can further comprise a cover configured to cover the staple tips, wherein the cover can comprise a sheet of material and/or a plurality of caps.

Abstract: An instrument for applying one or more surgical fasteners includes a tubular shaft having a distal end through which each fastener is deployed. A delivery system is contained within the tubular shaft for advancing the surgical fasteners along, and out of, the instrument. An actuator is operatively associated with the delivery system. One or more wall structure modifications in the tubular shaft, such as openings, reliefs or cut-outs, interact with the delivery system. An outer tubular shaft is mounted over the wall structure modifications to reinforce the instrument against permanent deformation or inward distortion if excessive forces are encountered.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopic plicators passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed plicators allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver sutures, staples or other means for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications is formed, medical devices may be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongate member extending from the handle assembly, a loading unit extending from the elongate member, a drive assembly operatively associated with the handle assembly and configured to translate through the loading unit upon actuation of the handle assembly, the drive assembly including a drive beam and an end member projecting distally from the drive beam, wherein a portion of the end member has a different thickness than the drive beam and a first jaw and a second jaw extending from the loading unit and operatively coupled to the drive assembly, at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw movable in response to translation of the drive assembly.

Abstract: A fastener applying device including a staple housing having a proximal end attached to a handle, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. There is at least one fastener within the housing. The device also includes an anvil movable within the staple housing. The anvil has a proximal position and a distal position, wherein when in the distal position a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing by a distance. The device also includes an adjustment nut connecting the staple housing to the handle. Rotation of the adjustment nut changes the distance.

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 cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a tool assembly attachable to a distal end of the medical instrument is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces for clamping tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes a housing having a fixed handle and a movable handle mounted to the housing and selectively movable relative to the fixed handle from a first position in spaced relation relative to the fixed handle to a second position closer to the fixed handle to actuate the clamping of tissue. The instrument further includes a selectively activatable drive assembly including a power source and a motor which is operatively coupled to the movable handle, wherein upon actuation the motor actuates the pair of opposing tissue engaging surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument. The instrument comprises an end effector and a shaft connected to the end effector. The shaft comprises a drive train for powering the end effector. The instrument also comprises an electric, DC motor connected to the drive train for powering the drive train. The instrument also comprises a torque-limiting device connected between to an output pole of the motor and an input pole of the drive train.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tissue contacting surface and a buttress attachment feature. The buttress attachment feature permits selectively securing a surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surface, which may be disposed on a cartridge assembly or an anvil plate of the surgical stapling device. The buttress attachment feature may include a shape memory alloy, such as a nickel titanium alloy, that is responsive to a temperature change to allow the buttress attachment feature to move between a first position where a free end of the buttress attachment feature is substantially spaced from the tissue contacting surface, and second position where the surgical attachment feature is approximated with respect to the tissue contacting surface.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including an actuator knob which can be moved from one side of the stapling instrument to another side in order to reposition the actuator knob without having to reposition the stapling instrument within a surgical site. A stapling instrument can include a pusher bar, a housing having a first side and a second side, and an actuator knob rotatably mounted to the pusher bar wherein the actuator knob can be configured to be rotated between a first position in which the actuator knob can be moved along the first side of the housing and a second position where the actuator knob can be moved along a second side of the housing. Alternatively, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise one or more actuator knobs which can be operably engaged and disengaged with a pusher bar in order to selectively utilize the actuator knobs.

Abstract: An end-effector assembly configured to be attached to a surgical instrument. The end-effector assembly comprises a first jaw and a second jaw comprising a staple cavity. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw is movable relative to the other jaw. The end-effector assembly comprises a staple removably positioned within the staple cavity and an electrically-conductive driver configured to move the staple between a first stored position in which the staple is at least partially positioned within the staple cavity and a second position in which the staple is at least partially deployed from the staple cavity into tissue positioned intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw. The staple comprises an electrode.

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 surgical fastener applying device having a handle with a trigger pivotably attached thereto and movable within a trigger plane. The trigger has a bottom portion extending from the handle and a top portion disposed within a housing of the handle. The device has a staple housing with a proximal end attached to the handle, a distal end extending therefrom and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The housing has a firing bar disposed within, and the trigger is coupled to the firing bar. The device has a link member with a first end pivotably attached to the top portion of trigger, the link member has a second end comprising a slidable pin. The pin engages a three dimensional cam path disposed within the housing. The link member follows distal and proximal movement of the top portion of the trigger, and the pin slides perpendicular to the trigger plane to follow the three dimensional cam path.

Abstract: An anvil assembly for use therewith a surgical fastener applying apparatus including an anvil plate and an anvil head configured and dimensioned to support the anvil plate. The anvil plate and the anvil head may be formed from different materials. The anvil plate can include a tapered outer side wall allowing the anvil assembly to realize a substantially uniform proximal-most surface upon assembly.

Abstract: A surgical device is described herein that can be used to fire different types and sizes of disposable loading units. In a preferred embodiment, the device applies parallel rows of surgical fasteners to body tissue and concomitantly forms an incision between the rows of staples during an endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical procedure. The device can be utilized with disposable loading units configured to apply linear rows of staples measuring from about 15 mm in length to about 60 mm in length and can be used to fire disposable loading units containing surgical clips and individual staples.

Abstract: A surgical fastener apparatus including a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector comprising a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position, and a cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners. An electrically activated reverse mechanism for moving the elongated member from a distal most position within the end effector to a proximal position, the electrically activated reverse mechanism moves the elongated member proximally after the elongated member has moved to the distal most position by moving the trigger to the open position, and wherein after activation of the reverse mechanism proximal movement of the elongated member can be stopped by returning the trigger to its closed position.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. The shell assembly includes a pusher movable distally to advance staples from the shell assembly into contact with the anvil assembly. First and second alignment pins operatively associated with the pusher have distal ends positioned distally of the pusher, the alignment pins movable between a first non-engaged position spaced from the anvil assembly and a second position in engagement with the anvil assembly.

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 fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator including a power source and a motor. Means for electrically adjusting the amount of spacing between the jaws when the end effector is in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate portion, a pair of opposed jaw members and a tissue stop is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the handle assembly, and the pair of opposed jaw members extend distally from the elongate portion. The pair of opposed jaw members include first and second jaw members. The tissue stop cammingly engaged with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where at least a portion of a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member and a second position where the portion of the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member.

Abstract: A device for clamping tissue includes a first jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first wing and a second wing. The device also includes a second jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first slot and a second slot, the first slot disposed between a middle structure and a first lateral structure, the second slot disposed between the middle structure and a second lateral structure. The first jaw is rotatably coupleable to the second jaw with the first wing extending into the first slot and the second wing extending into the second slot.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical apparatus for treating tissue may include an anvil; a jaw pivotally connected to the anvil; and a first cartridge detachably connected to the anvil, holding staples of a first size; where a first clamp gap between the anvil and first cartridge is set by the connection between the first cartridge and jaw. An exemplary cartridge for a surgical stapler may include a cartridge housing; a plurality of staples held within the cartridge housing; and a sled slidable within, and retained by, the cartridge housing, including a central platform, at least one wedge connected to the central platform, and a knife rotatable relative to the central platform.