Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed including a surgical instrument, a replaceable staple cartridge, and an RFID tag including stored information. The replaceable staple cartridge includes a sled configured to translate along an elongate slot and drive staples out of a cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The RFID tag is inoperable after a predefined action of said surgical instrument. An RFID scanner is configured to transmit a first signal to said RFID tag and receive a second signal from said RFID tag in response to said first signal. A controller prevents at least one operation of said surgical instrument when said RFID scanner does not receive said second signal from said RFID tag.

Abstract: A surgical method is provided, comprising: providing an information structure in a computer readable storage device that associates an indication of surgeon skill level in at least one surgical activity performed using the surgical instrument with a surgical instrument actuator safety state of the surgical instrument for use during performance of the at least one surgical activity using the surgical instrument by a surgeon having the indicated skill level; tracking surgical instrument actuator state of a surgical instrument during performance of a surgical procedure by a surgeon; and transitioning the surgical instrument actuator state of the surgical instrument to the surgical instrument safety state during performance of the at least one surgical activity by the surgeon using the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting assembly, an outer tubing, and a flexible torque component. The cutting assembly extends from a first proximal end to a first distal end. The cutting assembly includes an outer cannula defining a cutting window and an inner cannula disposed within the outer cannula. The outer tubing extends from a proximal tubing end to a distal tubing end. The distal tubing end is coupled to the outer cannula. The outer tubing is configured to receive a torque at the proximal tubing end and transmit the torque to the outer cannula to rotate the outer cannula. The outer tubing includes a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires each including more than eight wires and less than twenty four wires. The flexible torque component is coupled to a third proximal end of the inner cannula to rotate the inner cannula.

Abstract: A sphincterotome device can be used to achieve appropriate positioning within the biliary duct during cannulation. The sphincterotome device enables performance of a “double-wire” or multiple wire procedure without the need for removal and reintroduction of the sphincterotome device, thereby allowing for a shorter procedure.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes cable pairs respectively wound around input spindles and connected to actuate degrees of freedom of an instrument shaft structure. The cables may connect so that rotating the input spindles actuates corresponding degrees of freedom. First pulleys in the instrument may receive first cables from the input spindles and redirect the first cables toward the instrument shaft, and second pulleys may receive second cables from the input spindles and redirect the second cables toward the instrument shaft. In one configuration, the first and second pulleys are respectively mounted at first and second levels, and the second pulleys redirect the second cables through the first level. Additionally or alternatively, one level of cables may cross while the other level of cables does not.

Abstract: A surgical end effector assembly includes a pair of jaw members, a knife defining a longitudinal slot, a pivot pin coupling the jaw members to one another, and a drive member including a drive pin that is engaged to the jaw members. The pivot pin and/or the drive pin extends through the longitudinal slot of the knife to couple the knife to the jaw members and/or the drive member. The end effector assembly is transitionable between a use position, wherein the knife and drive member are generally aligned with one another to facilitate releasable engagement of the end effector assembly with a surgical instrument, and a cleaning position, wherein the jaw members, knife, and drive member are fanned apart from one another to facilitate cleaning of the end effector assembly. Methods of disengaging and sterilizing end effector assemblies for reuse are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steerable and curvable drill that can be used for various applications including vertebroplasty. The drill can include an elongate, tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending therethrough; a deflectable zone on the distal end of the tubular body including one or more laser cuts, deflectable through an angular range; an insertable wire insertable into at least a portion of the central lumen of the elongate, tubular body; a handle on the proximal end of the tubular body; a deflection control on the handle; a drill control on the handle; a drive shaft within the elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end; and a boring element on the distal end of the device for creating a cavity within bone. The boring element can be operably connected to the distal end of the drive shaft via a crimping mechanism. Systems and methods involving the drill are also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument for securing a knot disposed in surgical suture is provided. The instrument includes a side-loading channel disposed along the side of a knot pusher, the side-loading channel configured to receive the suture into the knot pusher. A method of operation is disclosed.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical tool includes a distal clevis, first and second jaws rotatably mounted to the distal clevis at a first axle, and a proximal clevis rotatably coupled to the distal clevis at a second axle. An electrical conductor extends through the proximal clevis and terminates at the distal clevis to supply electrical energy to one or both of the first and second jaws.

Abstract: An instrument includes a body, a shaft, and an end effector. The shaft extends from the body and defines a shaft axis extending longitudinally along the shaft. The end effector is operable to compress, staple, and cut tissue. The end effector includes first and second opposing jaws, a staple cartridge, and a placement tip. At least one of the jaws is movable relative to the other jaw between an open position and a closed position. The staple cartridge is coupled with the second jaw. The placement tip extends from a distal end of one of the jaws and includes proximal and distal portions. The distal portion includes an asymmetric profile along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal portion includes a tip axis defined by a tip of the distal portion. The shaft axis and the tip axis define an angle that is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: End effectors for driving tools at surgical sites along trajectories maintained by surgical robots. A tool has interface and working ends. An end effector has a mount to attach to the surgical robot, and an actuator configured to generate torque. A drive assembly with a geartrain translates rotation from the actuator into rotation of a drive conduit supported about an axis. A rotational lock operatively attached to the drive conduit releasably secures the tool for concurrent rotation about the axis, and an axial lock releasably secures the tool for concurrent translation with the drive conduit along the trajectory maintained by the surgical robot. The axial lock is operable between a release configuration where relative movement between the drive assembly and the tool is permitted along the axis, and a lock configuration where relative movement between the drive assembly and the tool is restricted along the axis.

Abstract: A surgical shaving instrument (1) comprises a main body (2), a hollow elongate shaft (4) extending from the main body (2). The elongate shaft (4) defines an elongate inner open volume through the shaft. A tip portion (18) extends from the distal end region of the elongate shaft (4). A driveshaft extends through the elongate shaft (4) from the main body (2) to the distal end region of the elongate shaft (4). A cutter head (12) is attached to the driveshaft and located in the tip portion (10), the cutter head (12) extends at least partially out of the tip portion (18). The aperture of the tip portion (18) is defined by an inner edge, and a portion of the inner edge defines a fixed shaver blade (40) for the instrument, the fixed shaver blade (40) having a cutting angle which is substantially constant along the inner edge.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cutting tool comprising a pair of pivotable blades that are mechanically operable as scissors or pliers. The blades have electrodes capable of delivery RF and/or microwave energy to cut or coagulate tissue between them. The tool combines the actuation and energy delivery mechanisms in a compact arrangement that enables the tool to be inserted through an instrument channel of a surgical scoping device, such as an endoscope, gastroscope or laparoscope. Each blade may comprise a planar body made of dielectric material that separates a first conductive element from a second conductive element. The blades may rotate relative to each other in the plane of the blades.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter device includes an expandable portion which has a plurality of struts and is secured to a flexible catheter tube. A tip member is attached to a distal portion of a sleeve and a distal portion of the struts. Axial retraction of the tip member moves the expandable portion from a closed position where the struts extend parallel with a centerline of the expandable portion to an opened position where the struts bow outwardly. An incising element is associated with at least one of the struts. The incising element extends parallel with the centerline when the expandable portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: A handle device, in particular a surgical-tool handle device, with a first handle element and a second handle element, and with a shear joint by means of which the two handle elements are connected pivotably and separably, and with a coupling unit, which is configured to keep the two handle elements together counter to a separation direction and which comprises at least one coupling element that is configured to establish, depending on a relative position of the handle elements, a form-fit connection of the handle elements counter to the separation direction. The at least one coupling element is embodied as a centering element for centering the form-fit connection.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and apparatuses for surgical forceps for an easier and safer retrieval of foreign bodies in passages for better quality of care for patients.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting a first tissue and detecting a second tissue includes a shaft, a cutting member, and a tissue monitor system. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a shaft lumen and a shaft opening. The cutting member is disposed within the shaft lumen and configured to cyclically move from a first position to a second position relative to the shaft. The cutting member is further configured to cut a tissue portion of the first tissue for removal therefrom. The tissue monitor system is associated with at least one of the shaft or the cutting member configured to detect the second tissue distinct from the first tissue for selectively cutting and removing the first tissue relative to the second tissue.

Abstract: A surgical device controllable by a surgical robotic system is provided. The surgical device includes a housing capable of being coupled to the surgical robotic system, a drive system at least partially mounted in the housing; and a shaft rotatably coupled to the drive system at a first end of the shaft. The surgical device further includes a tissue-removal assembly coupled to the second end of the shaft. The tissue-removal assembly includes a first cutting member having a plurality of rotatable blades. The first cutting member is coupled to a second end of the shaft. The tissue-removal assembly further includes a second cutting member, one or more support elements slidably or fixedly coupled to the second cutting member, and one or more extendable elements slidably or fixedly coupled to the second cutting member.

Abstract: A gripping mechanism includes: two gripping pieces pivoted relative to each other about a pivot axis; a base supporting at least one of the gripping pieces; a pulley rotatably supported about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis; a wire wound around the pulley, causing tensile forces that move the rotation axis in one direction to act, and transmitting a pressing force; and a force-receiving portion receiving the pressing force. The pulley is disposed so that a resultant force of the tensile forces of the wire acting on the rotation axis generates a moment causing the gripping pieces to be pivoted in a direction causing the gripping pieces to be closed. The force-receiving portion is disposed so that the pressing force applied from the wire generates a moment causing the gripping pieces to be pivoted in a direction causing the gripping pieces to be opened.

Abstract: A biopsy device has a flexible sheath having a terminus with a distal chamber. The distal chamber is configured with a forward facing cutting edge. The forwarding facing cutting edge has multiple movable blades, in which the movable blades are two counter rotating blades configured perpendicular or angular to a long axis of the distal chamber. Each counter rotating blade is configured to pivot from a separate axis. The biopsy has a manipulation end controllable by the user to plunge the forward facing cutting edge at a set depth or a depth selected by the user, and to engage a cutting action by the multiple movable blades at the set depth or the selected depth. The movement of the forwarding facing cutting edge enables the biopsy device to acquire a plurality of specimens for storage in the distal chamber.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of assembly with a predetermined alignment includes first and second modular assemblies and an electrical lockout. The first modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector configured to manipulate a tissue. The second modular assembly includes a transducer power circuit and an activation switch electrically connected to the transducer power circuit. The electrical lockout is electrically connected to the transducer power circuit and configured to inhibit the activation switch from powering the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies misaligned from the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in a locked-out state. The electrical lockout is further configured to allow the activation switch to power the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies in the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in an operational state.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall to at least partially surround the occlusion, and removing at least a portion of the surrounded occlusion from the lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue includes an anastomosis device having an anvil and a tubular body portion, wherein the anvil is selectively attachable to the tubular body portion by a shaft; and a support structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue. The support structure includes a body defining an aperture therein for receiving the shaft. The body has an outer terminal edge. The support structure includes at least one layer of expandable material disposed at the outer terminal edge of the body.

Abstract: A uterine fibroid tissue removal device includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube and configured to be translated and rotated relative to the outer tube, and a separately formed unitary distal tip member attached to a distal end of the inner tube, such that the distal tip member translates and rotates relative to the outer tube along with the inner tube, wherein a distal facing open cutting end of the distal tip member in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the distal tip member translates across a tissue resection window in a sidewall of the outer tube so as to sever tissue extending therethrough, the distal tip member axial lumen being in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the inner tube, wherein an outer diameter of the distal tip member is greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.

Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are provided for monitoring and regulating tissue compression and cutting to improve tissue effect. In general, these devices include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft and configured to engage tissue. In one embodiment, one or more sensors can be positioned at various locations on the device and can determine a force applied to tissue engaged by the end effector. When the force exceeds a threshold, a notification signal can be issued to a user. In another embodiment, a sensor can determine an amount of current moving between jaws of the end effector and a controller can slow a speed of the cutting element when the sensed current exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive surgical instrument having an articulation immobilising structure. The present invention is a s minimally invasive surgical instrument and includes a shaft, an end effector connected towards one end of the shaft, a wire for controlling the articulated movement of the end effector, and an immobilising structure adapted to immobilise the state of articulated movement of the end effector. The immobilising structure includes a resilient member covering the wire, and the resilient member holds the wire when an internal space therein contracts.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes: a handle assembly; a jaw assembly comprising a staple cartridge containing a plurality of staples and an anvil to form the plurality of staples upon firing; a drive assembly at least partially located within the handle and connected to the jaw assembly and the lockout mechanism; a motor disposed within the handle assembly and operatively coupled to the drive assembly; and a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller configured to control supply of electrical current to the motor and to monitor a current draw of the motor, wherein the controller is further configured to terminate the supply of electrical current to the motor in response to a rate of change of the current draw indicative of a mechanical limit of at least one of the jaw assembly, the drive assembly, or the motor.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter having an inner shaft which rotates a distal rotary tissue borer with a helical cutting surface which enables the catheter to out it and cross a CTO. Additionally, the atherectomy catheter has a distal cutting element rotated by an outer drive shaft configured to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pushed distally through the treatment site. The atherectomy catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting element and rotary tissue borer. The atherectomy catheter may include means to direct material cut from the treatment site into the collection chamber, means to break down larger portions of material that may block or clog the collection chamber and means of transporting the material collected from the treatment site to a proximal opening in the atherectomy catheter.

Abstract: A cannulated retrograde reamer that is adjustable to create tunnels of multiple different diameters. The cannulated retrograde reamer substantially reduces the risk of tunnel malposition and/or misalignment, and can be adjusted to create a range of tunnel diameters, thereby allowing inventory levels to be reduced for a surgical case.

Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus for performing an ocular surgery may include a vitrectomy probe body graspable by a user and a cutter extending from the body and comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube may be moveable relative to the outer tube. The apparatus also may include an actuator within the body and configured to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. A valve may be carried by the body and may be configured to selectively direct a pressurized fluid to the actuator to actuate the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: An extended blade of a surgical cutting instrument is provided. The blade may comprise a distal cutting end, a distal non-cutting end, and an intermediate portion that extends coaxially from the distal cutting end to the distal non-cutting end. The distal cutting end may be located outside of a housing of the instrument; the distal non-cutting end may be located at a posterior end of a suction portion inside the housing; and the intermediate portion may extend coaxially from the distal cutting portion, completely through a chamber portion of the housing, and to the suction portion to the distal cutting end. This configuration allows for biological material to be cut and aspirated completely through the disposable blade and housing to a suction source, avoiding contamination and improving instrument sterilization for surgeries.

Abstract: A surgical drilling device (10) with integrated nerve monitoring capabilities comprising a bur (1) fitted with a drilling tip (12), and that is actuated in rotation by a rotating shaft (11) driven by a motor (5) wherein the rotating shaft (11) is electrically connected at a rear end (11B) thereof to a coupling device (21) of a nerve monitoring module (20) for the transmission of electrical nerve stimulation signals (S) through axial contacting.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a resectoscope and a generator. The resectoscope includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode movable relative to the fixed electrode, and first and second switches actuated in first and second positions of the movable electrode, respectively. The generator is configured to supply energy to the fixed electrode and/or the movable electrode when the movable electrode is moving from the first position to the second position and to inhibit the supply of energy when the movable electrode is moving from the second position to the first position. The generator is configured to determine a direction of movement of the movable electrode based upon signals received from the first and second switches.

Abstract: A monitoring system may include a processor and display system for displaying results from the monitoring. A user may be in a sterile field away from the processor and display system and selected input devices. A controller may be physically connected to the monitoring system from the sterile field to allow the user to control the monitoring system.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the present apparatuses and methods are configured to create microfractures with smaller transverse dimensions (e.g., diameters) and greater depths than previously known. Some of the present apparatuses and methods comprise a penetrator removal tab coupled to the penetrator and configured to retract the penetrator relative to the cannula.

Abstract: A guide and protection element for bone removal instruments comprises a cylindrical body (2), suitable to be fitted over a bone removal instrument, having a first end (2a) that is completely open and a second end (2b) that is at least partially closed. The cylindrical body (2) is provided on a lateral surface (2c) with at least one window (5) to allow the bone removal instrument to operate on a bone to be treated.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising: a shaft; an articulation at a distal end of the shaft for articulating an end effector, the articulation driveable by a pair of driving elements; and an instrument interface at a proximal end of the shaft, the instrument interface comprising an instrument interface element for driving the pair of driving elements, the instrument interface element displaceable over a first displacement range, the instrument interface element comprising a body receivable in a drive assembly interface element of a robot arm when the robotic surgical instrument engages with the surgical robot arm, the drive assembly interface element displaceable over a second displacement range, the length of the body in the displaceable direction being greater than one of the maximum travel of the body over the first displacement range and the maximum travel of the drive assembly interface element over the second displacement range.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for applying tacks to tissue includes a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an outer tube, an end effector, a rotation assembly, and a rotation-limiting structure. The rotation assembly is configured to rotate at least a portion of the outer tube about a first longitudinal axis and with respect to the handle assembly. The rotation assembly includes a rotation knob rotationally fixed to a proximal portion of the outer tube. The rotation-limiting structure is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the rotation assembly and the handle assembly, and is configured to limit an amount of rotation of the outer tube with respect to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A discectomy tool comprising: a) a cannula having an outer surface having a longitudinal bore therein, a proximal end and a distal end; b) a steering wire disposed in the longitudinal bore; c) a flexible, hollow transmission shaft disposed in the cannula, the shaft having a throughbore, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and an outer surface having a thread extending therefrom; d) an irrigation source fluidly connected to the throughbore; e) a cutting tip attached to the distal end portion of the transmission shaft.

Abstract: The uncinectomy knife is a surgical knife for performing uncinectomies and other sinus or endoscopic procedures. The uncinectomy knife has a central elongated handle having opposing first and second ends. The knife has a horizontally oriented cutting blade extending orthogonally from the first end of the handle and a vertically oriented cutting blade extending orthogonally from the second end of the handle. Both of the blades may be double-edged so that they can cut when the handle is moved in opposite directions. Both ends of each blade may terminate in a bulbous tip having a smooth, blunted surface, such as a sphere or rounded ball to prevent tissue trauma when the blade ends contact tissue. Accordingly, the uncinectomy knife may be inserted into tight cavities for tissue augmentation or removal without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A electrosurgical forceps includes a first elongated shaft member including a first handle member and a first jaw member having a first tissue contacting surface, and a second elongated shaft member including a second handle member and a second jaw member having a second tissue contacting surface. At least one of the first and second handle members is movable relative to the other between an open position, a first approximated position where the first and second tissue contacting surfaces are diametrically opposed to one another, and a second approximated position where the first and second tissue contacting surfaces are laterally offset from one another. A handle connector assembly is selectively engageable with the second handle member and is configured to selectively communicate electrosurgical energy between the first and second tissue contacting surfaces when the first and second handle members are disposed in the first approximated position.

Abstract: Measurement of a leading edge of an instrument passing from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density using a displacement sensor alone. In particular, a displacement signal, a velocity signal, and an acceleration signal measured from or derived from a displacement sensor are analyzed to determine when the leading edge of the instrument passes from the first material to the second material as the leading edge of the instrument is advanced relative to the material. For instance, the measurement may be used to output an occurrence signal that indicates to a user that the instrument has passed from the first medium to the second medium. Additionally, a length measurement of the path of the instrument when passing from the first medium to the second medium may be recorded, and/or the instrument may be controlled (e.g., the instrument may be stopped).

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for operating surgical devices during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical device is provided having a handle housing with an elongate shaft, an end effector on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a drive assembly, and a trigger coupled to the handle housing. Various overload mechanisms are provided for transferring a closing force from the trigger to the drive assembly unless the closing force exceeds a predetermined threshold force in which case the overload mechanism prevents transfer of the closing force to the drive assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a medical device comprising an outer tubular member, a middle tubular member received within the outer tubular member, an inner tubular member received within the middle tubular member, and an engagement gear, wherein the inner tubular member is configured to be rotatable in one direction while the middle tubular member is configured to be simultaneously rotatable in an opposite direction through the engagement gear while the outer tubular member is configured to be stationary relative to both the middle tubular member and the inner tubular member.

Abstract: Surgical devices are provided having power-assisted or fully powered jaw closure. The devices herein generally include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector having first and second jaws configured to engage tissue. A motor and one or more compression springs can be operatively coupled, and activation of the motor can compress the spring(s) to reduce the amount of user supplied force to compress tissue between the jaws. In some embodiments, the devices can be configured to regulate an amount of compression applied by the jaws prior to, during, and/or after cutting of the tissue to promote hemostasis. For example, the devices can include sensors, processors, and/or other components that analyze data indicative of tissue type and tissue load. Based on this feedback, the device can automatically adjust the amount of compression or energy applied to the tissue to seal the tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an intravascular memory metal puncture needle and the use thereof. The puncture needle comprises a split-shaped structure capable of opening and closing, as well as a metal spiral hollow tube including a plurality of spiral coils, wherein the split-shaped structure and the metal spiral tube are made of memory metal, and the split-shaped structure is composed of a plurality of tapered petals; when the temperature is T1, the pitch between two adjacent spiral coils in the metal spiral tube is decreased, each of tapered petals in the split-shaped structure is closed; when the temperature is T0, the pitch between two adjacent spiral coils in the metal spiral tube is increased, and each of tapered petals is opened. The puncture needle achieves synergistic effect by matching the metal spiral tube with the split-shaped structure, so that it not only move well in the blood vessels, but also accurately pierce the blood vessel wall, and achieve effective sampling for biopsy.

Abstract: A system for excising an implanted clip approximating opposed valve leaflets in a heart valve includes a capture catheter configured to be introduced proximate the valve leaflets on one side of the clip, a transfer catheter configured to be introduced proximate the valve leaflets on another side of the clip, and a cutting tool configured to be deployed between the capture and transfer catheters and to be engaged against tissue of at least one of the valve leaflets and to excise the clip. A removal catheter may optionally be used to remove the clip from the heart.

Abstract: A rongeur for cutting bone and other tissue includes a first shaft terminating in a footplate and a second shaft having a cutting edge. The first shaft and the second shaft are capable of reciprocal motion relative to one another, such that the cutting edge and footplate are moveable from a maximally-separated open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the cutting edge and the footplate may be in contact. The rongeur further includes a flange extending outwardly from either the footplate or the second shaft, or includes a first flange extending outwardly from the footplate and a second flange extending outwardly from the second shaft.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device includes an elongate shaft, an end effector coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft, a rounded housing coupled to a proximal end of the elongate shaft and having a center point positioned along the central axis of the elongate shaft, and first and second cables extending from the end effector to the rounded housing respectively along first and second sides of the elongate shaft. The laparoscopic device also includes a handle that is adjustable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the rounded housing can be rotated to further rotate a single shaft assembly with respect to the central axis of the elongate shaft, and the rounded housing can be pivoted to bend the end effector. In the compressed configuration, the rounded housing is fixed with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus for use with a surgical instrument system is disclosed. The surgical stapling apparatus comprises a housing assembly, a shaft, a proximal segment, a distal segment, and an articulation system. The proximal segment comprises a first proximal end and a first distal end comprising an articulating segment. The distal segment comprises a second proximal end and a second distal end. The second proximal end comprises a pivot segment configured to be coupled with the articulating segment. The second distal end is configured to be attached to a stapling assembly. The articulation system is operably engaged with the distal segment to transmit a first articulation motion to the distal segment to cause the stapling assembly to articulate in a first plane and a second articulation motion to the distal segment to cause the stapling assembly to articulate in a second plane that is different than the first plane.