Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a rotatable elongated body that extends from a rotatable shroud on handle assembly and has a distal end configured for attachment to a disposable loading unit. The apparatus further includes a lockable rotation system for selectively locking the rotatable shroud to prevent rotation thereof about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus configured for use with disposable loading units. In various embodiments, the surgical stapling apparatus includes a retraction system that interfaces with an actuation shaft that is movably supported within a handle housing. The actuation shaft is configured to move axially within the handle housing from a fully retracted position to a fully fired position in response to manipulation of a movable handle operably mounted to the handle housing. The retraction system serves to automatically retract the actuation shaft to the fully retracted position when the actuation shaft has moved to the fully fired position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus may comprise a handle assembly, a shaft, an end effector, an articulation joint, and an articulation actuator. The handle assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion moveable relative to the first portion. The end effector, connected to the shaft by the articulation joint, is configured to perform an end effector function when the second portion is actuated. The articulation actuator, which is configured to move the end effector relative to the shaft, and the second portion may be moveable in an actuation plane.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system for treating the tissue of a patient is provided. Various embodiments of the surgical stapling system include a handle including a rotary motion generator, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit attachable to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge body including a distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a firing system, wherein the firing system includes a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue. The surgical stapling system includes an actuation system configured to regulate a firing force applied to the firing system by the rotary motion generator.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system for treating the tissue of a patient is provided. Various embodiments of the surgical stapling system include a handle including a rotary motion generator, a shaft extending from the handle, and a disposable loading unit attachable to the shaft. The disposable loading unit includes a cartridge body including a distal end, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, and a firing system. The firing system includes a cutting portion configured to cut the tissue. The disposable loading unit includes a lockout configured to block the firing system from moving toward the distal end. The surgical stapling system includes an actuation system configured to regulate a force applied to the firing system.

Abstract: A surgical stapling assembly that comprises an end effector, a staple cartridge, a plurality of staples, a shaft assembly, a housing, a rotary motion actuator, a first actuation system configured to cause the end effector to perform a first function, and a second actuation system configured to cause the end effector to perform a second function is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly further comprises a selector arrangement transitionable between a first orientation and a second orientation. The rotary motion actuator is configured to operably interface with the first actuation system in the first orientation to cause the end effector to perform the first function. The rotary motion actuator is configured to operably interface with the second actuation system to cause the end effector to perform the second function in the second orientation.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, wherein the shaft defines an axis, and a disposable loading unit which is assembled to the shaft in a direction which is transverse to the shaft axis. Such a connection between the disposable loading unit and the shaft can prevent, or at least inhibit, the disposable loading unit from being unintentionally displaced proximally and/or distally relative to the shaft of the surgical instrument. The surgical stapling instrument and/or disposable loading unit can further include a threaded collar and/or detent assembly configured to hold the disposable loading unit in place. In various embodiments, a disposable loading unit can include a lockout feature which can prevent, or at least inhibit, an expended disposable loading unit from being reassembled to the elongated body of the surgical instrument.