Abstract: A device according to one exemplary embodiment is a compact, light-weight handheld device that includes a needle and suture assembly, a mechanism for gripping and releasing the needle and suture assembly (a “needle transfer mechanism” or “needle shuttle mechanism”), safely capturing the needle assembly upon exit from the patient's tissue, and returning the needle to position such that the process of delivering additional sutures to the patient can be repeated. The device of the present invention accommodates the right or left-handed user, rests comfortably in the user's hand, allows sufficient visualization of the procedure site, and permits the user to either control penetration depth of the needle or default to a device-determined depth. The present device permits the user to utilize a wrist-rotation (pivoting) suture delivery technique that is familiar to a user based on experience with other surgical techniques.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion.

Abstract: An endoluminal medical device includes a cannula, the cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; an abrasion member having a series of struts interconnected by a series of bent segments forming a plurality of prongs attached to the cannula, the abrasion member having a first section and a second section; where the prongs of the first section of the abrasion member extend radially outward from the cannula.

Abstract: An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes jaw members adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps include a drive assembly that moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position to a second position for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included that is rotatable about a pivot. A knife assembly is also included having a movable knife rod to operatively engage a knife blade, the knife rod having a first longitudinal section having a first predetermined shape, and a second longitudinal section having a second predetermined shape. The first predetermined shape is different than the second predetermined shape.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises an elongate shaft having an outer tube and an inner rod positioned in the outer tube. The outer tube and inner rod each comprise a distal end and a proximal end. An actuator is operably connected to the proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rod. An end effector is adapted for in vivo attachment to and detachment from the elongate shaft. The end effector comprises an outer casing comprising a first detent mating feature adapted to engage the distal end of the outer tube; an inner shuttle axially moveable relative the outer casing, the shuttle comprising a second detent mating feature adapted to engage the distal end of the inner rod; and a pair of surgical jaws having an opened position and closed position dependant on the relative axial position of the shuttle and casing. A tubular loader is sized to receive the end effector, the tubular loader comprising third detent mating feature adapted engage end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured to facilitate access to interior components thereof for cleaning and refurbishment purposes. The instrument includes a housing assembly, an elongated shaft assembly and an end effector. The housing assembly includes an actuator, and the elongated shaft assembly includes an interior control member operatively coupled to the actuator. The elongated shaft assembly also includes outer cover including first and second cover members and a hinge coupling the first and second cover members to one another such that the outer cover may be selectively moved between a closed configuration wherein the interior control member is enclosed within the outer cover and an open configuration wherein the interior control member is exposed. The end effector is supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft assembly, and is operatively associated with the interior control member.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device is provided and includes an end effector configured to perform at least one function; and a shaft assembly. The end effector includes a rotatable drive screw having a coupling member at a proximal end thereof; and a flexible drive cable rotatably supported therein and extending therefrom, wherein the flexible drive cable receives rotational forces and transmits said rotational forces to the drive screw to actuate the end effector. The shaft assembly includes a proximal neck housing supported at a distal end of the outer tube; and a distal neck housing pivotally connected to the proximal neck housing, wherein a distal end of the distal neck housing is configured and adapted for operative connection with the end effector. In use, when the end effector is connected to the shaft assembly, the flexible drive cable extends through the proximal neck housing and the distal neck housing.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes a surgical tool that has an end effector at a distal end and a drive unit that is detachable from a handle of the surgical tool. In a state where the drive unit is mounted on the handle, when a manipulation lever is manipulated, a driving force of a motor is transmitted to the handle, and the end effector is operated. Even in a state where the drive unit is detached from the handle, the surgical tool can be independently used by a manual manipulation.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw to transition the end effector between an open configuration and an approximated configuration to clamp tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw, and a camming assembly. The camming assembly comprises a first camming member comprising a first distal camming portion, a first proximal camming portion, and a first flexible portion extending between the first distal camming portion and the first proximal camming portion. The camming assembly further comprises a second camming member and a connector at least partially disposed between the first camming member and the second camming member, wherein the camming assembly is movable relative to the end effector to transition the end effector to the approximated configuration.

Abstract: An ambidextrous locking clamp system for providing a user the ability to use the right or left hand to engage and disengage a ratcheting means on the clamp. The locking clamp has hingedly connected first and second elongated members each with a finger engaging member, a working head, and a latching member featuring a flexible arm and ratcheting teeth. One of the latching members has its ratcheting teeth facing toward the working heads, and the other latching member has its ratcheting teeth facing away from the working heads. The ratcheting teeth are engaged by moving the finger engaging members toward each other thereby flexing the flexible arms. The ratcheting teeth are disengaged by sliding them in a motion perpendicular to a ratcheting teeth engaging motion thereby flexing of the first and second members away from each other with an opposing force applied to the finger engaging members.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an offset catheter are provided. In some embodiments, an offset catheter includes a guidewire tube and a catheter coupled with an elastic and/or compressible rib. The compressible rib provides an offset or separation between the catheter and the guidewire tube in its resting state. The rib has an initial resting state, but may be forced into a compressed state. When released from the compressed state, the rib returns to its resting state. An offset catheter may be compressed and slid through a sheath. When the offset catheter emerges from the sheath, the distal tip will return to its resting state providing an operation offset.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface assembly and a shaft assembly. The interface assembly is for use with a robotic system and includes a first drive assembly. The first drive assembly includes a first slot having a distal recess and a transverse recess. The shaft assembly is removably couplable with the interface assembly and includes an end effector and a first coupling feature. The first drive assembly of the interface assembly actuates the end effector of the shaft assembly. The first coupling feature is couplable with the first slot of the first drive assembly to longitudinally fix the shaft assembly relative to the interface assembly.

Abstract: A handling device for a micro-invasive surgical instrument includes a gripping device to hold and guide the handling device, a shaft coupling to couple the handling device with a proximal end of a shaft, and a rod coupling that can slide linearly inside the handling device between a distal assembly position and a range of working positions for coupling with a proximal end of a transmission rod that can be slid inside a shaft coupled with the shaft coupling. The slidable rod coupling is configured, in the assembly position, to receive or release a proximal end of a transmission rod and to hold a proximal end of a transmission rod, in the range of working positions. The shaft coupling is configured to block a proximal end of a shaft in a position in which the proximal end of the shaft holds the rod coupling in the range of working positions.

Abstract: Forceps having arms pivotally connected for relative movement between an opened position and a closed position include a tube guide formed by arcuate guide portions on each arm. The tube guide includes an inwardly facing arcuate inside wall surface sized for slidable engagement with a tube. The tube guide is fixed at a right angle to the arms and includes a gap formed between tip ends of each of the arcuate guide portions when the arms are in the closed position. Each arm includes a bend fixed at distal ends, wherein the bend is positioned at a distance from the tube guide to form a distal arm portion for each arm permitting an improved view during use of the forceps.

Abstract: A device for use in performing minimally invasive surgery. A system for performing minimally invasive surgery comprising the device according to the present invention. A method for performing minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A joy stick control assembly for operating a motor driven surgical instrument. In at least one form, the joystick control assembly comprises a first switch assembly that is movably supported by a housing. The first switch assembly may include a joystick that is movably mounted thereto such that pivotal movement of the joystick relative to the first switch assembly causes at least one corresponding control signal to be sent to at least one motor communicating therewith. The joystick control assembly may further include a second switch assembly that comprises a first sensor and a second sensor that is movable with the first switch assembly such that movement of the second sensor relative to the first sensor causes at least one other control signal to be sent to another one of the surgical instrument motors.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes jaws having an electrode configuration utilized to electrically modify tissue in contact with one or more electrodes. The instrument is removably connectable to an electrosurgical unit via an electrosurgical connector extending from the instrument and a receptacle on the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical instrument is rotatable without disrupting electrical connection to the electrodes of the jaws. One or more of the electrodes is retractable. The electrosurgical unit and instrument optimally seals and/or cuts tissue based on identifying the tissue and monitoring the modification of the tissue by the application of radio frequency energy.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical rotary capture instrument is used in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery for closing a gastric band having a buckle end a free end. The rotary capture instrument includes a pusher end that has a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaw is actuated by rotary motion of an inner shaft. The jaws are used to gasp securely and push the tube end of the gastric band after it has been threaded through the buckle end of the band. A hook instrument is used to hold the buckle end securely while the rotary capture instrument is used to push the free end of the gastric band.

Abstract: The disclosure provides various apparatuses comprising a shaft section extending longitudinally along a first plane. An end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw configured to pivotally open and close in a second plane relative to the first plane about a pivot point. The first plane is orthogonal to the second plane. An articulation section is disposed between the shaft section and the end effector. The articulation section is configured to articulate in the second plane relative to the first plane in response to a rotatable articulation control mechanism. Also disclosed are configuration where at least one of the first and second jaws comprises an electrode. Also disclosed are configurations in which the end effector pivots and articulates about the same pivot point.

Abstract: An endoscopic medical device system includes an elongated shaft assembly, a cam assembly and an articulating distal end assembly. The elongated shaft assembly extends along a main axis and includes first and second actuator rods arranged parallel to each other and the first actuator rod is longer than the second actuator rod. The cam assembly includes a cam, and the proximal ends of the first and second actuator rods are configured to be slidably attached to first and second locations of the cam, respectively, and the distal ends of the first and second actuator rods are positioned at the same distance from the cam center. The articulating distal end assembly extends along the main axis and is pivotally connected to the distal ends of the first and second actuator rods. Rotation of the cam around an axis perpendicular to the main axis provides angular displacement of the distal end assembly relative to the main axis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft having a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the housing. The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis and a mandrel at the proximal portion. An inner shaft member extends at least partially through the elongated shaft. An actuating mechanism is operably coupled to the mandrel and is configured to selectively cause movement of the elongated shaft in a longitudinal direction with respect to the inner shaft member. The surgical also includes an end effector that is adapted for treating tissue and includes an upper jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal portion of the inner shaft member about a pivot axis and a lower jaw member supported by the distal portion of the elongated shaft. Longitudinal movement of the elongated shaft is configured to pivot the upper jaw member relative to the lower jaw member.

Abstract: A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a first jaw having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the shaft terminating at the proximal end of the first jaw and the first jaw has an internal trough running from and through the proximal end of the first jaw and terminating at a point prior to the distal end of the first jaw and a surface having a plurality of teeth on either side of the trough and at the distal end of the first jaw. A second jaw has a surface facing the surface of the first jaw and having a plurality of teeth thereat.

Abstract: This application presents a bifurcated, optimally-angled surgical forceps. In one example, this surgical forceps may enable a more natural maneuver for initial clamping of the vas deferens through the scrotal skin. This may be more comfortable for users and easier to maintain, and may provide greater tactile surface contact between the thumb and vas deferens. This device also may provide the surgeon with an entire segment of vas deferens upon which the vasectomy may be performed, thus reducing the need for frequent repositioning of instruments. The device may also be applied to other surgical procedures that may benefit from the features of the device and where a section of a tubular anatomical structure may need clamping at two points along its length. Examples include blood and lymphatic vessels, ducts of the digestive system, and large nerves or nerve bundles.

Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a cartridge assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; an anvil assembly defining a tissue contacting surface; and a surgical buttress releasably secured to at least one of the tissue contacting surface of the cartridge assembly and the tissue contacting surface of the anvil assembly by at least one anchor. A loading unit is provided including a surgical buttress releasably secured to an anvil assembly and/or a staple cartridge secured thereto by at least one anchor, and a drive assembly including a knife blade, wherein movement of the drive assembly from a proximal position to a distal position results in the knife blade cutting the at least one anchor and freeing each surgical buttress from the anvil assembly and/or cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The end effector includes a first jaw pivotable relative to a second jaw to a closed position. The first actuator is movable from a first position to a second position to pivot the first jaw to the closed position. The first actuator engages the second actuator in the second position to selectively provide RF energy to the end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector assembly, a body, and a shaft. The shaft extends from the body to the end effector assembly. The body is operable to communicate with the end effector assembly via the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a pair of pivoting jaws and a firing beam. The firing beam is operable to advance distally through slots in the jaws to close the jaws. One of the jaws comprises a plurality of segments that are movable relative to each other. The segments may be joined by living hinges, pivoting hinges, or sliding features. One of the jaws may be formed by a combination of a distally projecting tongue of the shaft and two members that are secured above and below the tongue, respectively. An end effector jaw may also include a resiliently biased electrode cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis and insertion instrumentation, the prosthesis comprising at least first and second osseous anchoring means, the first osseous anchoring means disposed proximal to the periphery of the plate on which it is situated and the second osseous anchoring means being offset along the antero-posterior axis, the second osseous anchoring means comprising a basal portion and a sharp-edged portion of width narrower than the basal portion. The instrumentation comprises a rod fitted with at least two feet forming a clip and sliding in a tube, sliding the rod in the tube, in the direction of the manipulation end, causing closing of the clip by contact between the exterior of the feet and a truncated portion of the tube and sliding the rod in the tube, in the direction of the prehension end, causing opening of the clip by contact between an axis and the interior of the feet of the rod.

Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft module and a handle module selectively separable from one another. The elongated shaft module includes an elongated shaft member and a pair of jaw members supported at a distal end of the elongated shaft member, at least one of the jaw members moveable relative to the other jaw member between open and closed positions. The handle module includes a housing including an opening extending longitudinally therethrough. The opening is dimensioned to permit passage of the pair of jaw members in the closed position. The handle module also includes a movable handle movable relative to the housing to move the pair of jaw members between open and closed positions, and a lock to secure the elongated shaft module in place within the housing.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of full-core biopsy needles having an outer needle component and a middle cannula through a lumen in the outer component, through which a mandrel may be placed. The outer component includes an internal boss that reduces its internal diameter, and the cannula includes fingers that extend distally. When the needle is inserted for biopsy, tissue enters the outer component and cannula. Moving the cannula forward causes the fingers to engage a surface of the internal boss, resulting in the fingers curving into the tissue. The fingers pinch the tissue while reducing or eliminating compression of the sample to provide an easier removal of the tissue from adjacent tissue, as well as providing a block or backstop keeping the tissue within the needle. Gaps are provided between the fingers to further reduce damage to the tissue sample.

Abstract: A handling device for a micro-invasive surgical instrument includes a gripping device to manually hold and guide the handling device, a shaft coupling to detachably mechanically couple the handling device with a proximal end of a shaft, a rod coupling that can slide inside the handling device for detachable mechanical coupling with a proximal end of a transmission rod that can be slid inside a shaft coupled with the shaft coupling, and an orientation device to rotate a proximal end of a transmission rod, which has been inserted into the handling device, into a predetermined orientation or into one of several predetermined orientations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a transmission assembly, a transducer, and a handle assembly is configured for coupling the transmission assembly to the handle assembly using a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is operable to restrict the rotational movement of an actuator coupling member and the transducer relative to the handle assembly. The locking mechanism may also be operable to lock a trigger of the handle assembly in a first position. An inner tubular actuating member of the transmission assembly may be threadably attachable to the actuator coupling member or the actuator coupling member may include a latching mechanism to couple to a flared portion of the inner tubular actuating member. A waveguide of the transmission assembly may also be threadably attachable to the transducer. In one alternative, the trigger may be configured to operate the locking mechanism, either in the first position or when pivoted distally to a third position.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided. The endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The shaft has a first tube with a bent portion having a contour. A second tube is disposed within the first tube. An end effector assembly operatively connected to a distal end of the first tube has a pair of first and second jaw members. The first and second jaw members including respective cam slots defined therein with a cam pin movable therein. The shaft is translatable along the longitudinal axis to straighten the bent portion of the first tube to move the bent portion of the first tube from an articulated configuration to a non-articulated configuration. The second tube is translatable along the longitudinal axis to move the first and second jaw members from the open configuration to the clamping configuration.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second jaw members and at least one handle movable between an open position and a closed position for moving the jaw members between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A ratchet mechanism includes first and second ratchet components configured to engage one another upon movement of the at least one handle to the closed position to retain the jaw members in the approximated position. A knife is selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue therebetween. A safety mechanism is configured to inhibit extension of the knife when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position. Movement of the ratchet components into engagement with one another to retain the jaw members in the approximated position disengages the safety mechanism, thereby permitting extension of the knife.

Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: End effectors with redundant closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool body disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a jaw movable relative to the tool body between a clamped configuration and an open configuration, a first actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw and operable to vary the position of the jaw relative to the tool body between the clamped configuration and the open configuration, and a second actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw. The second actuation mechanism has a first configuration where the jaw is held in the clamped configuration and a second configuration where the position of the jaw relative to the tool body is unconstrained by the second actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each of the jaw members includes a proximal flange extending therefrom. Each of the proximal flanges defines a bifurcated configuration having first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange component of the first jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the second jaw member via a first protrusion-aperture coupling. The first flange component of the second jaw member is configured to pivotably engage the second flange component of the first jaw member via a second protrusion-aperture coupling different from the first protrusion-aperture coupling. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second protrusion-aperture couplings between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A method of performing surgery includes the steps of providing a forceps having a housing including a shaft that extends therefrom and at least one handle moveable relative to the housing and providing an end effector assembly configured to selectively engage a distal end of the shaft. The method also includes the steps of inserting the forceps through a first opening formed in a body; inserting the end effector assembly through a second opening formed in the body; engaging the end effector assembly with the distal end of the shaft in vivo; and actuating the end effector assembly by moving the handle relative to the housing. The method may also include the steps of providing a coupling at the distal end of the shaft, and engaging, via the coupling, the distal end of the shaft with the end effector assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument, in particular a sliding shaft instrument, with a main part, and a moveable part relative thereto, with a handle attached to the main part, comprising a fixed grip and a grip actuating the moveable part, with at least one guide, through which, in relation to the main part, the moveable part is moveable between an initial position and a working position, and with a sliding surface attached to the movable part and pointing towards the main part, the sliding surface being slid along a guide surface attached to the main part and pointing towards the sliding surface, with at least the sliding surface or the guide surface are assigned to each other for the formation of a washable gap.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators thereon, and an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing. First and second drive members extend through the elongated shaft to operatively couple respective actuators to respective jaw members such that independent manipulation of one of the actuators may induce pivotal movement of an individual jaw member. A locking member is operatively associated with the first and second drive members, and is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first and second drive members are coupled to one another and move concurrently to drive the jaw members in a bilateral manner. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the drive members are decoupled from one another and move independently to permit operation of the instrument in a unilateral manner.

Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical device is provided and configured to selectively connect with a surgical accessory. The surgical device includes a device housing defining a connecting portion for selectively receiving a coupling assembly of the surgical accessory. The connecting portion includes an annular wall defining a cylindrical recess dimensioned to receive the coupling assembly of the surgical accessory; a collar slidably supported about the annular wall, wherein the collar is slidable between a first position and a second position; and at least one socket member interposed between the annular wall and the collar, wherein each socket member is slidably supported in the annular wall. Each socket member includes a first fixed state wherein each socket member projects into the cylindrical recess of the annular wall; and a second movable state wherein each socket member is free to not project into the cylindrical recess of the annular wall.

Abstract: There is provided a method of attaching an end effector to a surgical instrument having a center rod with a distal tip. The method includes providing an end effector having a base and a coupler defining a pocket and movably mounted within the base. The end effector is moved over the center rod such that the distal tip of the center rod is seated within the pocket of the coupler. There is also disclosed an end effector including a base having a slot, a coupler movably mounted within the base and defining a pocket for receipt of a moving member of a surgical instrument and an operative member movably mounted on the base and connected to the coupler.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly includes a pair of opposing jaws. Further, a viewing opening may be provided in at least one of the opposing jaws. The viewing opening may extend from an upper to a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided. The viewing opening may include a material retainer provided proximate the lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided. The material retainer may include an inclined surface inclined towards a central axis of the viewing opening. A grasping insert may be molded onto a lower surface of the opposing jaw in which the viewing opening is provided and an elastomeric material of the grasping inserts may within the viewing opening, the material of the grasping inserts covering the inclined surface of the first material retainer.

Abstract: A medical instrument for guiding a tool into an operating space including a shaft having first and second shaft segments connected to each other in an articulated manner, and an adjustment element arranged on one of the first and second shaft segments so as to be longitudinally movable along an adjustment direction, and adjustable in order to pivot the first and second shaft segments relative to each other. Furthermore, a connection element is provided as being connected in an articulated manner to the adjustment element via a first hinge connection and connected in an articulated manner to the other of the first and second shaft segments via a second hinge connection, such that, by adjusting the adjustment element along the adjustment direction, the first and second shaft segments are pivotable relative to each other. Accordingly, a medical instrument is disclosed that is easy to handle and permits advantageous force support.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members and a knife body. The first and second jaw members have a curved configuration and are disposed in opposed relation to each other. One or both of the jaw members include a ledge, a first knife channel and a second knife channel. The ledge is disposed along the length of one of the jaw members. The first knife channel is defined along the length of a portion of the ledge. The second knife channel is defined along the length of a portion of the jaw member, and below a bottom portion of the ledge such that the ledge covers a portion of the second knife channel. The knife body includes a knife blade at a distal end thereof and a recessed portion proximal to the knife blade.