CN110099629B

CN110099629B - Surgical end effector and firing member adapted therefor

Info

Publication number: CN110099629B
Application number: CN201780079805.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·E·谢尔顿四世; J·L·哈里斯; G·J·巴克斯; D·B·史密斯; A·D·亨塞尔
Original assignee: Ethicon LLC
Current assignee: Ethicon LLC
Priority date: 2016-12-21
Filing date: 2017-11-02
Publication date: 2022-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-02
Also published as: JP7066715B2; BR112019011960A2; JP2020501773A; CN110099629A

Abstract

The invention discloses a surgical end effector. The surgical end effector can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke. The firing member may include at least one floating flange. The floating flange can be configured to shift or slide relative to a fixed portion of the firing member, such as a fixed flange.

Description

Surgical end effector and firing member adapted therefor

Background

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments designed to staple and cut tissue and staple cartridges for use therewith.

Drawings

Various features of the embodiments described herein, along with their advantages, may be understood from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly operably coupled to a handle assembly;

FIG. 1A is a front exploded assembly view of the handle assembly of FIG. 1 and a plurality of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies thereof;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective assembly view of portions of the handle assembly and interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, with portions thereof omitted for clarity, taken along a longitudinal axis thereof;

FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an anvil of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the elongate channel of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pivot joint of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the pivot joint of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 showing the firing member at the pivot joint of FIG. 8 in an initial position;

FIG. 11 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 showing the firing member at the pivot joint of FIG. 8 in a proximally retracted position from an initial position;

FIG. 12 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 1 showing the firing member at the pivot joint of FIG. 8 in a distally advanced position from an initial position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly showing the distal nose portion in an initial configuration;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 13 showing the distal nose portion in an initial configuration;

FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 13 showing the distal nose portion in a pivoted configuration;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 13 showing the distal nose portion in a pivoted configuration;

FIG. 17 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 13 showing the distal nose portion in a pivoted configuration;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the firing member;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of an upper flange of the firing member of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is an elevational view of an upper portion of the firing member of FIG. 18, showing the firing member in a first configuration;

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of an upper portion of the firing member of FIG. 18, showing the firing member in a pressurized configuration;

FIG. 21 is an elevational view of an upper portion of the firing member of FIG. 18, showing the firing member in an accommodated configuration;

FIG. 21A is an elevation view of an upper portion of the firing member of FIG. 18, showing the firing member in a loaded configuration;

FIG. 22 is an elevational view of an upper portion of the firing member, showing the firing member in a first configuration;

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of an upper portion of the firing member of FIG. 22, showing the firing member in an accommodated configuration;

FIG. 24 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly showing the firing member displaced distally from the home position to a first intermediate position with a first load applied to the upper flange of the firing member;

FIG. 25 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 24 showing the firing member displaced distally from a first intermediate position to a second intermediate position with a reduced load applied to the upper flange;

FIG. 26 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 24 showing the firing member displaced distally from the second intermediate position to a third intermediate position and an increased load being applied to the upper flange;

FIG. 27 is a perspective partial cut-away view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly with portions thereof omitted for clarity;

FIG. 28 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 27 with a staple cartridge absent from the interchangeable surgical tool assembly;

FIG. 29 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 27 with a staple cartridge positioned therein;

FIG. 30 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly having a lockout, with the lockout device in a locked configuration;

FIG. 31 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 30 with a staple cartridge positioned therein, with the lockout in the unlocked configuration and the staple cartridge in a pre-fired state;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 31, illustrating a pre-fired state of the staple cartridge;

FIG. 33 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 30 with the staple cartridge of FIG. 31 positioned therein and showing the firing assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly advanced to an intermediate position during an initial portion of the firing stroke with the staple cartridge in a post-firing state;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the staple cartridge of FIG. 31 showing a post-fired state of the staple cartridge;

FIG. 35 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 30 after completion of the firing stroke and with the staple cartridge of FIG. 31 positioned therein;

FIG. 36 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the anvil;

FIG. 37 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly taken along a centerline of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly and illustrating a portion of the anvil, a portion of the elongate channel and the lockout spring of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken along a centerline of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly;

FIG. 39 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken along the centerline of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly and showing the anvil in the open position;

FIG. 40 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken along the plane indicated in FIG. 36 and showing the anvil in the open position;

FIG. 41 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken along the centerline of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly and illustrating the staple cartridge installed in the elongate channel and the anvil in the open position;

FIG. 42 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken in the plane indicated in FIG. 36 and showing a staple cartridge installed in the elongate channel and an anvil in an open position;

FIG. 43 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken along the centerline of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly and illustrating a staple cartridge mounted in the elongate channel and an anvil moved to a closed position by the firing member;

FIG. 44 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 37 taken along the plane indicated in FIG. 36 and illustrating a staple cartridge mounted in the elongate channel and an anvil moved to a closed position by the firing member;

FIG. 45 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly showing an unfired staple cartridge mounted therein and the firing member in a proximal position;

FIG. 46 is another perspective partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45 showing an unfired staple cartridge mounted therein and the firing member in a proximal position;

FIG. 47 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the lockout device in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45, showing the unfired staple cartridge mounted therein and the firing member in a proximal, home position;

FIG. 49 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45, showing the firing member displaced distally from a proximal, home position during an initial portion of the firing stroke;

FIG. 50 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45, showing the firing member returning to a proximal, home position upon completion of the firing stroke;

FIG. 51 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45, showing the firing member having returned to a proximal, home position;

FIG. 52 is an elevational, partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 45, showing the firing member displaced distally from a proximal, home position during a subsequent attempted firing stroke;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the latch of FIG. 47;

FIG. 54 is an elevational, partially cross-sectional detail view of the pivot joint of FIG. 8, showing the firing member in an advanced position at the pivot joint and also showing the spring assembly;

FIG. 55 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly;

FIG. 56 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly;

FIG. 57 is a plan view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 taken in the plane indicated in FIG. 56;

FIG. 59 is a front exploded assembly view of the push plate and firing link of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56;

FIG. 60 is a plan cross-sectional view of the push plate and firing link of FIG. 59 taken in the plane indicated in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a front view of the push plate of FIG. 59;

FIG. 62 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the beginning of the first firing stroke;

FIG. 63 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 taken in the plane indicated in FIG. 62 at the beginning of the first firing stroke;

FIG. 64 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the completion of the first firing stroke;

FIG. 65 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the completion of the second firing stroke;

FIG. 66 is a plan view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the completion of the second firing stroke;

FIG. 67 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the completion of the third firing stroke;

FIG. 68 is a plan view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the completion of the third firing stroke;

FIG. 69 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 taken in the plane indicated in FIG. 67 at the completion of the third firing stroke;

FIG. 70 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 56 at the completion of the fourth firing stroke;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly;

FIG. 72 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a plan cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 71;

FIG. 74 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 71;

FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a portion of another surgical instrument embodiment;

FIG. 76 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the surgical instrument portion of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is another exploded assembly view of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 75 and 76 with the channel portion separated from its shaft assembly;

FIG. 78 is another exploded assembly view of portions of the channel and shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 75-77;

FIG. 79 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of portions of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 75-78 with its channel supporting a surgical staple cartridge therein and attached to the shaft assembly with its anvil in a closed position and with the firing member advanced distally to fire staples within the surgical staple cartridge;

FIG. 80 is a partial perspective view of a portion of another surgical instrument embodiment;

FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional elevation view of portions of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 75-79;

FIG. 82 is another cross-sectional elevation view of portions of the surgical instrument illustrated in FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a partial side elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 75 through 79 with its end effector articulated relative to the shaft assembly in a first articulation plane;

FIG. 84 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 83 with its end effector articulated relative to the shaft assembly in a second articulation plane;

FIG. 85 is another perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 83 and 84 illustrating the end effector articulating in a first articulation plane and a second articulation plane;

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of a portion of another surgical instrument embodiment;

FIG. 87 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the surgical instrument portion of FIG. 86;

FIG. 88 is a perspective view of a coupler arrangement for removably coupling an end effector portion to a shaft assembly portion of the surgical instrument of FIGS. 86 and 87;

fig. 89 is a top view of the end effector attached to the shaft assembly of fig. 86-88, with portions of the end effector and shaft assembly shown in cross-section for clarity;

FIG. 90 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly showing the anvil thereof in an open position;

FIG. 91 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 90 showing a staple cartridge installed in the elongate channel and an anvil in an open position; and

FIG. 92 is an elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 90 showing a staple cartridge mounted in the elongate channel and an anvil moved to a closed position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

Detailed Description

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on even date herewith and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF"; attorney docket number END7980USNP/160155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END7981USNP/160156;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221 entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; attorney docket number END7982USNP/160157;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF"; attorney docket number END7983USNP/160158; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198 entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES"; attorney docket number END7984USNP/160159;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; attorney docket number END7986USNP/160161;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END7987USNP/160162;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; attorney docket number END7988USNP/160163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES"; attorney docket number END7989USNP/160164;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; attorney docket number END7990USNP/160165;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; attorney docket number END7991USNP/160166;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE"; attorney docket number END7992USNP/160167;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953 entitled "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE"; attorney docket number END7993USNP/160168;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954 entitled "FIRING MEMBERS WITHNON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS"; attorney docket number END7994USNP/160169;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END7995USNP/160170;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS"; attorney docket number END7996USNP/160171;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END7997USNP/160172;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT"; attorney docket number END7998USNP/160173; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN"; attorney docket number END7999USNP/160174;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896 entitled "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; attorney docket number END8013USNP/160175;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES"; attorney docket number END8014USNP/160176;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL"; attorney docket number END8016USNP/160178;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN"; attorney docket number END8017USNP/160179;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER"; attorney docket number END8018USNP/160180;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904 entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT"; attorney docket number END8019USNP/160181;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT"; attorney docket number END8020USNP/160182;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT"; attorney docket number END8021USNP/160183;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE"; attorney docket number END8022USNP/160184; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909 entitled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE". Attorney docket number END8023USNP/160185;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8038USNP/160186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913 entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS"; attorney docket number END8039USNP/160187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT"; attorney docket number END8041USNP/160189;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893 entitled "BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS"; attorney docket number END8042USNP/160190;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929 entitled "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8043USNP/160191;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTITABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8044USNP/160192;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES"; attorney docket number END8045USNP/160193;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS"; attorney docket number END8047USNP/160195;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS"; attorney docket number END8048USNP/160196;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931 entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS"; attorney docket number END8050USNP/160198;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915 entitled "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE"; attorney docket number END8051USNP/160199;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES"; attorney docket number END8052USNP/160200;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES"; attorney docket number END8053USNP/160201;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS"; attorney docket number END8054USNP/160202;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8056USNP/160204;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910 entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH"; attorney docket number END8057USNP/160205;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,903 entitled "CLOSURE MEMBERGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8058USNP/160206; and

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,906 entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS"; attorney docket number END8059USNP/160207.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES"; attorney docket number END8000USNP/160208;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8001USNP/160209;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15,386,206 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8002USNP/160210;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226 entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8003USNP/160211;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8004USNP/160212; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236 entitled "connecting ports FOR hierarchical LOADING UNITS FOR basic station instrumentation; attorney docket number END8005USNP/160213;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887 entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT"; attorney docket number END8006USNP/160214;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8007USNP/160215;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SECONATE ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8008USNP/160216;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8009USNP/160217;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892 entitled "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8010USNP/160218;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT"; attorney docket number END8011USNP/160219; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS"; attorney docket number END8012USNP/160220.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8024USNP/160221;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8025USNP/160222;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8026USNP/160223;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH Movable CAMMING MEMBER CONFIG. TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8027USNP/160224;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS"; attorney docket number END8028USNP/160225;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925 entitled "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF AFIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLES AN FIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR"; attorney docket number END8029USNP/160226;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926 entitled "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8030USNP/160227;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928 entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOBILE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; attorney docket number END8031USNP/160228;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS"; attorney docket number END8032USNP/160229;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT"; attorney docket number END8033USNP/160230;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK"; attorney docket number END8034USNP/160231;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934 entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8035USNP/160232;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935 entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION"; attorney docket number END8036USNP/160233; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8037USNP/160234.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed 2016, 24/6, and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,775 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807 entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,834 entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING SAME";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS".

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER";

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; and

U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264 entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 2016, month 4, day 1 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325 entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262 entitled "Rolling Power weighted accumulation Induction WITH Manual active BAILOUT SYSTEM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331 entitled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL".

The applicant of the present application also has the following identified U.S. patent applications filed on 31/12/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,488 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACKFAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/984,525 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CICUITS".

The applicant of the present application also has united states patent applications identified as follows, filed 2016, 9/2, and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TESTIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

The applicant of the present application also has united states patent applications identified as follows, filed 2016, 12.2.2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,254 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,259 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,275 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 2015, 6, 18 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914 entitled "moving File SUPPORT FOR aircraft minor requirements";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 3/6/2015 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795 entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935 entitled "OVERAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831 entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREASING OF MOTOR FOR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256153;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STATIONITY, CREEP, AND VISCELATIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256187;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,817 entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844 entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837 entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765 entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256161.

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on day 27 of month 2 of 2015 and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLISING AN INSPECTION STATION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546 entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIRORRED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560 entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566 entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTION FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555 entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542 entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541 entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled "SURGICAL APPATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 2014, 12, 18 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS SYSTEM ENGTHENING AN ARTICULATED EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSE THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174969;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139 entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FILING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATED END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed 2013, 3, 1 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "Rotary Power engineering Joints For scientific Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338 entitled "thumb Switch arrays For Surgical Instruments," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499 entitled "Electrical scientific Device with Signal Relay Arrangement", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460 entitled "Multi Processor Motor Control for Modular Surgical Instruments", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246478;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "journal Switch Assemblies For Surgical Instruments", now U.S. patent 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481 entitled "Sensor straight End Effect or During Removal Through Trocar", now U.S. patent 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENTATION PORTIONS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375 entitled "road Power Surgical Instruments With Multiple details of Freedom", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "Surgical INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", now U.S. patent 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/14 of 2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053 entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210 entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148 entitled "Multi-functional Motor FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263565;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL FOR ARTICULATE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130 entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159 entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 3/7/2014 and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on 26/3/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099 entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CICUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLOPEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075 entitled "MODULAR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093 entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126 entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133 entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081 entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2014, 9, 5 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWER MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119 entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASE COMPENSATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066910;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895 entitled "MULTIPLE SENSOR WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR' S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110 entitled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098 entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115 entitled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWER MEDICAL DEVICE," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108 entitled "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TIMSSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2013 on month 4 and 9 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590 entitled "MOTOR DRIVER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305987;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305989;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCH FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305988;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWER LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309666;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591 entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWERED minor platform," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607 entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed 2013 on 16.4.2013 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,365 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTION BY A SINGLE MOTOR";

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,376 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER";

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,382 entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP";

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,385 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTIVITION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL"; and

U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/812,372 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTI FUNCTION PERFORED BY A SINGLE MOTOR".

Numerous specific details are set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and that it is recognized that specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

The term "comprises" (and any form of "comprising", such as "comprises" and "comprising)", "has" (and "has)", such as "has" and "has)", "contains" (and any form of "containing", such as "comprises" and "containing)", and "containing" (and any form of "containing", such as "containing" and "containing", are open-ended verbs. Thus, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "contains," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, apparatus, or device that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with respect to a clinician manipulating a handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in a variety of surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, in conjunction with open surgical procedures. With continued reference to this detailed description, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into the body in any manner, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture formed in tissue, and the like. The working or end effector portion of the instrument may be inserted directly into a patient or may be inserted through an access device having a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument may be advanced.

A surgical stapling system may include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. A staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the staple cartridge is not removable or at least easily replaceable from the first jaw. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to allow rotation or articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are contemplated that do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed into tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein, wherein the staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in four longitudinal rows. Two rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot and two rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of the staple cavities and staples are possible.

The staples are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled assembly. The slider assembly is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled assembly includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under the staples and lift the staples toward the anvil. Other arrangements may include staple drivers that support the staples in the staple cavities, and in such arrangements, the sled assembly may slide under the drivers and lift the drivers and staples supported thereon toward the anvil.

In addition to the above, the sled assembly may be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled assembly and urge the sled assembly toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member also includes a first cam that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. The first and second cams can control a distance or tissue gap between a deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil as the firing member is advanced distally. The firing member also includes a knife configured to incise tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially adjacent to the ramp surface so that the staples are ejected prior to the knife.

In certain examples, the end effector described herein can define a width equal to or less than 8mm and a height equal to or less than 8 mm. For example, the end effector described herein may be 5mm wide by 8mm high. In other examples, the end effector may be, for example, 5mm wide by 5mm high. The compact end effector described herein may include various features that contribute to its small footprint. FOR example, such end effectors may include direct drive STAPLES, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,324 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL," filed on 8/26/2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Because the driver is eliminated when the staples are driven directly by the sled assembly, the height of the staple cartridge, and thus the height of the end effector configured to receive the staple cartridge, can be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, such end effectors may include a multi-functional firing member. For example, a firing member can drive a sled to fire staples from a staple cartridge, cut tissue clamped between jaws, move a jaw cam into a clamped configuration, and move a jaw cam into an open configuration. Such a clamp-fire-open firing member may enable a combination of surgical functions with a single actuation system, which may reduce the number of independent actuation systems in the end effector, and thus may reduce the size of the end effector. For example, in some instances, a translating closure tube that moves around at least a portion of the end effector to effect a closing motion may be eliminated.

The compact end effector described herein is advantageous for a variety of surgical procedures, including surgical procedures in which a small surgical footprint may be appreciated. For example, in certain thoracic procedures, the end effector may be used to cut and seal a blood vessel, such as a pulmonary blood vessel, which has a small diameter and high flow rate. Compact end effectors may require smaller insertion holes and may provide surgeons with enhanced visibility around the surgical site.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate one form of a surgical instrument 10 that includes an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 that is operably coupled to a motor driven handle assembly 500. Referring to fig. 1A, in addition to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, the handle assembly 500 may be compatible with a plurality of different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies. For example, the handle assembly 500 may be compatible with the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies 1000', 1000"' and 1000" ", shown in fig. 1 a. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also be effectively used with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled or automated surgical system. For example, the interchangeable SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein can be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods disclosed in, such as but not limited to, U.S. patent 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH rotable stage disposed INSTRUMENTS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The handle assembly 500 and the tool drive assembly of the robotic system may also be referred to herein as a "control system" or "control unit".

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate the attachment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to a handle assembly 500. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502 including a pistol grip 504 that may be held and manipulated by a clinician. The handle assembly 500 may also include a frame 506 that operably supports at least one drive system.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 can operably support a drive system 530 configured to apply a closing motion and a firing motion to corresponding portions of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly attached thereto. As described in detail in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,142, entitled "motor assisted polymerization a SENSOR SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), the drive SYSTEM 530 may employ an electric motor 505 located in a pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor 505 may be, for example, a DC brushed drive motor having a maximum rotation of about 25,000RPM. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be powered by a power source 522, in one form, the power source 522 may comprise a removable power source set. The power source pack may support a plurality of lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable batteries therein. A plurality of batteries connected in series may be used as the power source 522 of the handle assembly 500. In addition, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

Referring mainly to fig. 2, the electric motor 505 is configured to axially drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the motor 505. For example, when the motor 505 is driven in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 505 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513, which may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 by the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor 505. The handle assembly 500 may further include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is moving. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is mounted to the handle assembly 500, the drive member 540 of the handle drive system 530 is coupled to the drive member 1602 of the tool drive system 1600 in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, and the drive member 1602 is connected to a firing member 1760 in the end effector 1100 by a flexible firing rod 1770 (see fig. 3-5).

During the firing stroke, the drive member 540 transmits a firing motion to the firing bar 1770 via the drive member 1602 to fire the firing member 1760. For example, actuation of the drive member 540 is configured to distally displace the firing bar 1770 and the firing member 1760 to cut tissue and effect firing of staples from the staple cartridge. The drive member 540 can then be retracted proximally to retract the firing bar 1770 and firing member 1760 proximally. Firing bar 1770 may comprise a laminated beam structure having at least two layers. The firing bar 1770 can be configured to flex within the articulation joint 1200. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips, the strips being interconnected together, for example, by welding or pinning at their proximal ends and/or other locations along their lengths. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminate or bands to expand relative to each other as the end effector articulates. This arrangement allows the firing bar 1770 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the end effector 1100. Various lamination knife bar ARRANGEMENTS are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The reader will readily appreciate that, in certain examples, various firing members described herein may be coupled to the firing bar 1770.

In various examples, the handle assembly 500 can be configured to detect the type of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 mounted or attached thereto. For example, the handle assembly 500 may include a hall effect sensor, which may be configured to detect a detectable element, such as a magnetic element, for example, on an interchangeable surgical tool assembly (such as the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000). Different interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may have different detectable elements and/or arrangements thereof. Various sensors FOR detecting different INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL tool ASSEMBLIES are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263564), entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Based on the detected type of interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, the handle assembly 500 may implement certain surgical functions and/or may lockout certain surgical functions. For example, the handle assembly 500 can include one or more discrete drive systems (e.g., a closure drive system and a firing drive system), however, upon detection of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000, the handle assembly 500 can deactivate or disable certain drive systems (e.g., the closure drive system can be disabled and the firing drive system used to close and fire the end effector). FOR example, a handle assembly comprising a plurality of drive systems is described in concurrently filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. _________, attorney docket No. END7987USNP/160162, entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURE AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a gear rack (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) connected to the motor 505. Additional details regarding these features can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142 (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. At least one form further includes a manually actuatable "rescue" assembly configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 if the motor 505 becomes deactivated. The rescue assembly may comprise a lever or rescue handle assembly stored within the handle assembly 500 below the release door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivotable into engagement with a toothed ratchet in the drive member 540. Thus, the clinician may manually retract the drive member 540 by using the rescue handle assembly to engage the drive member 540 in the proximal direction PD. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWER SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent 8,608,045, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) discloses a rescue device and other components, devices and systems that may also be used WITH interchangeable SURGICAL tool assembly 1000.

Still referring to fig. 2, actuation of the motor 530 for the drive system 505 may be controlled by one or more actuators. In at least one form, the drive system 530 can include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 that is pivotally supported by the frame 506. Such a configuration enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by the clinician such that when the clinician grips the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 can be easily pivoted from the activated or "unactuated" position to the "actuated" position and more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. The closure trigger 512 can be used to apply a closing motion and optionally an opening motion to the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500.

As described in further detail in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,142, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLEMENTING A SENSOR SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the drive SYSTEM 530 (or another drive SYSTEM in the handle assembly 500) is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 in a fully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to obtain a "full" closure stroke. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to allow it to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician need only activate the closure release button assembly 518, which enables the closure trigger 512 to return to the unactuated position. The closure release button assembly 518 may also be configured to interface with various sensors that communicate with a microcontroller 520 (see fig. 2) in the handle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512. Additional details regarding the closure release button assembly 518 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142 (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In at least one form, the drive system 530 can further include an actuator in the form of a firing trigger 532 pivotally supported by the frame 506. The firing trigger 532 may be pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased to an unactuated position by a spring (not shown) or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it may be pivoted by the spring or biasing structure to or otherwise returned to the unactuated position. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 512. As described in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/226,142, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT assembly a SENSOR SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent inadvertent actuation of firing trigger 532. When the closure trigger 512 is in the unactuated position, the safety button is housed within the handle assembly 500, in which case the safety button is not readily accessible to the clinician and is moved between a safety position that prevents actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 532 may be fired. When the clinician presses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 may pivot downward and may then be manipulated by the clinician.

As further described herein, the closure trigger 512 can be configured to actuate the motor 505 to drive the drive system 530 a first degree and/or through a first series of motions, and the firing trigger 532 can be configured to actuate the motor 505 to drive the drive system 530 a second degree and/or through a second series of motions. In other examples, the handle assembly 500 can comprise a single actuator for closing and firing the end effector.

Referring primarily to fig. 2, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a tool drive system 1600 that is supported for axial travel within spine assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool drive system 1600 includes a proximal drive shaft segment 1602. The proximal drive shaft segment 1602 can be coupled to an intermediate drive member, such as drive member 3540 (see fig. 30, 31, 33, and 35), and the intermediate drive member can be coupled to a firing rod, such as firing rod 3770 and firing member 1760 (see fig. 30, 31, 33, and 35), that terminates in a firing member. As can be seen in fig. 2, the proximal attachment lug 1606 protrudes proximally from a proximal end of the proximal drive shaft segment 1602 and is configured to be operably received within a firing shaft attachment bracket 542 supported in a longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the handle assembly 500. When assembled, the handle drive member 540 is configured to transmit motion to the proximal drive shaft segment 1602 and ultimately to the firing member 1760 via the intermediate drive member and firing bar.

Still referring to fig. 1 and 2, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a shaft mounting portion 1300 that is operably attached to an elongate shaft assembly 1400. A surgical end effector 1100 including an elongate channel 1102 is operably attached to the elongate shaft assembly 1400, wherein the elongate channel is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. End effector 1100 may also include an anvil 1130 pivotally supported relative to elongate channel 1102. Elongate channel 1102/cartridge assembly 1110 and anvil 1130 may also be referred to as "jaws". Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include an articulation joint 1200 (fig. 1) and an articulation lock that can be configured to releasably retain end effector 1100 in a desired articulation position about an articulation axis B-B (transverse to shaft axis SA). Many details regarding the construction and operation of this ARTICULATION LOCK can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details regarding the ARTICULATION lock may also be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT", filed 2016, 9.2.9.9, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring primarily to fig. 3-5, a firing member 1760 is configured to operably interface with a sled assembly 1120 that is operably supported within the cartridge body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled assembly 1120 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal, original position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111.

The staple pockets or cavities 1116 are aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 1114. The cavities 1116 pass through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body 1111. The centrally disposed slot 1114 enables a firing member 1760 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. A direct drive surgical staple or fastener 1126 (see fig. 5) is positioned in each staple cavity 1116. Referring primarily to FIG. 5, the staples 1126 are flat shaped staples that may be cut and/or stamped from a sheet of material, for example. For example, the sheet of material may be metallic and may comprise stainless steel and/or titanium. In at least one example, the contours can be drawn, etched, and/or cut into a sheet of material that is machined and/or laser cut to shape the direct drive staples 1126 into the manufactured shape.

The staple 1126 includes a pair of staple legs and a staple base portion or crown from which the staple legs extend. Each staple leg includes a staple tip or piercing portion configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket 1128 (see fig. 6) of the anvil of the surgical stapling instrument. The staple legs are configured to change shape to achieve a shaped configuration to secure tissue. The staple base portion defines a first plane and the staple legs define a second plane that is laterally displaced from, but at least substantially parallel to, the first plane. In other examples, the first plane and the second plane may not be parallel.

The staple 1126 includes a drive surface on a base portion or crown. The drive surface is configured to receive a driving force from the slider assembly 1120. As the sled assembly 1120 is translated distally through the staple cartridge 1110, the sled assembly 1120 contacts the drive surface to lift the staples 1126 out of the staple cartridge 1110 and form the staples 1126 into their fired configuration. Direct drive STAPLES, such as the STAPLE 1126, are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,324 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL," filed on 26.8.2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Slider assembly 1120 includes a plurality of ramped or wedge-shaped cams 1122 with each cam 1122 in conjunction with a particular row of staples 1126 located on one side of centrally located slot 1114. When the firing member 1760 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1760 also drives the sled assembly 1120 distally. As the firing member 1760 is moved distally through the staple cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting features 1766 cut tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110, and the sled assembly 1120 drives the staples 1126 upwardly in the staple cartridge 1110 and into contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

The firing member 1760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange 1764, an upper flange 1762, and a support portion 1763 extending between the

flanges

1762 and 1764. The upper flange 1762 is formed from a horizontal pin extending from the support portion 1763. The lower flange 1764 is constituted by an enlarged or widened foot at the base of the support portion 1763. The tissue cutting feature 1766 is supported by the support portion 1763 between the

flanges

1762 and 1764. Buttress portion 1763 is configured to travel through aligned slots in elongate channel 1102, staple cartridge 1110 and anvil 1130. For example, the support portion 1763 extends through a centrally-disposed longitudinal channel slot 1104 in the elongate channel 1102 such that the lower flange 1764 is movably positioned within the passageway 1106 (see fig. 10 and 11) defined by the elongate channel 1102. For example, a passageway 1106 can be defined below the cartridge support base 1101 of the elongate channel 1102.

The support portion 1763 also extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 1132 in the anvil 1130 such that the upper flange 1762 is movably positioned within a passageway 1136 (see fig. 10 and 11) defined by the anvil 1130. For example, a passageway 1136 may be defined through the anvil 1130. The I-

beam flanges

1762 and 1764 provide camming surfaces that interface with the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130, respectively, to open and clamp or close the jaws as further described herein. In addition, the firing member 1760 is configured to maintain a constant distance between the elongate channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 along the length of the end effector 1100 to ensure proper tissue gap.

Referring now primarily to fig. 6, the anvil 1130 includes downwardly extending sidewalls 1133, commonly referred to as a "tissue stop". Tissue stop 1133 is configured to prevent target tissue from approaching too closely between anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 3-5). For example, tissue stop 1133 extends toward staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 3). When the anvil 1130 is closed toward the staple cartridge 1110, tissue stops 1133 on either side of the anvil 1130 extend downward past the cartridge deck surface 1115 and form a wall or barrier that prevents tissue from being positioned too close between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate channel 1102 can include an upwardly extending tissue stop for blocking proximal tissue.

Anvil 1130 also includes an inner rail 1135 that extends downwardly toward staple cartridge 1110. The inner rail 1135 extends parallel to the tissue stop 1133 and is positioned laterally inward of the tissue stop 1133. Inner rail 1135 is configured to guide anvil 1130 relative to elongate channel 1102 as anvil 1130 pivots relative to elongate channel 1102. For example, the inner rail 1135 can nest within the side walls 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 and the tissue stop 1133 can be positioned outside of the side walls 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 as the anvil 1130 is pivoted toward the closed position. In various circumstances, as the anvil 1130 is approximated to the staple cartridge 1110, the inner rail 1135 can slide or move adjacent to the inner surface of the side walls 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 to ensure that the anvil 1130 remains properly aligned with the elongate channel 1102 and the staple cartridge 1110 mounted therein.

A slot 1132 in the anvil 1130 extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the anvil 1130. Referring primarily to fig. 6, the slot 1132 and the channel 1136 extend to a t-shaped opening 1129 at the distal end of the anvil 1130, which may provide an assembly path for the firing member 1760. For example, the firing member 1760 may be inserted into the anvil 1130 from the distal end at the t-shaped opening 1129 and retracted proximally to an original position prior to insertion of the staple cartridge 1110 into the elongate channel 1102.

Referring now primarily to fig. 7, the elongate channel 1102 includes side walls 1103 and a pin aperture 1108 defined in a proximal portion of each side wall 1103. The elongate channel 1102 also includes a plate 1105 attached to the underside of the cartridge support base 1101 of the elongate channel 1102. For example, the plate 1105 may be laser welded to the elongate channel 1102 and may increase the structural integrity of the elongate channel 1102. For example, plate 1105 can be configured to prevent and/or limit bending, twisting, and/or deformation of elongate channel 1102 during a suturing operation. The plate 1105 is positioned over a portion of the longitudinal channel slot 1104 and may define a passageway 1106 through the elongate channel 1102. For example, the passageway 1106 for the lower flange 1764 may be defined by the plate 1105 and the cartridge support base 1101. An opening 1107 in the plate 1105 is positioned along its length to provide a view of the firing member as the firing member 1760 traverses the longitudinal channel slot 1104 during the firing stroke. For example, the operator may view the progress of the firing member 1760 through the opening 1107 throughout the firing stroke.

Referring now primarily to fig. 8-12, a pivot joint 1150 for an end effector 1100 is shown. Pivot joint 1150 includes a pivot pin 1152 (see fig. 8) at which anvil 1130 pivots relative to elongate channel 1102. Although only a single pivot pin 1152 is shown in fig. 8, the reader will readily appreciate that symmetrical pivot pins 1152 are located on opposite sides of the end effector 1100. A symmetrical pivot pin 1152 is shown in fig. 5. A pivot pin 1152 extends through holes 1131 on each side of the anvil 1130 and into pin holes 1108 on each respective side of the elongate channel 1102. For example, pivot pin 1152 can be pressed into aperture 1131. At the beginning of the firing stroke, the firing member 1760 is configured to move distally from an initial or home position (fig. 10). As the firing member 1760 is moved distally, the anvil 1130 is pivoted toward the clamped configuration by the I-beam structure of the firing member 1760. More specifically, the lower flange 1764 of the firing member 1760 moves through the passageway 1106 defined by the elongate channel 1102 and the upper flange 1762 moves along the ramp surface 1134 of the anvil 1130 and then through the passageway 1136 defined by the anvil 1130.

Referring primarily to fig. 10 and 11, the ramp surface 1134 defines an open-close cavity 1148 in the anvil 1130 through which a portion of the firing member 1760 extends during a portion of the firing stroke. For example, the upper flange 1762 protrudes from the anvil 1130 via the open-close cavity 1148 during a portion of the firing stroke. The ramp surface 1134 slopes downwardly along the proximal open surface 1142, extends along the intermediate portion 1138, and slopes upwardly along the distal closed ramp 1140. When the firing member 1760 is in an initial or home position (see fig. 10), the upper flange 1762 is spaced apart from the intermediate portion 1138. In other words, the upper flange 1762 does not cam engage the open-close cavity 1148. In the home position, the firing member 1760 may dwell or hover relative to the open/close cavity 1148 such that the firing member 1760 applies neither an opening nor a closing force to the anvil 1130.

From the home position (see fig. 10), the firing member 1760 may be retracted proximally. The retracted position of the firing member 1760 is shown in FIG. 11. As the firing member 1760 continues to move proximally, the upper flange 1762 of the firing member 1760 that engages the proximal open surface 1142 is configured to exert an opening force on the proximal open surface 1142. As the upper flange 1762 moves against the proximal open surface 1142, the proximal open surface 1142 pivots, which causes a pivoting opening action of the anvil 1130. Proximal open surface 1142 is positioned proximal to pivot joint 1150. Thus, when the upper flange 1762 exerts a downward force on the proximal open surface 1142, the anvil 1130 is pushed upward by the leverage on the proximal open surface 1142.

The ramp surface 1134 also includes a fillet 1144 between the intermediate portion 1138 and the proximal open surface 1142. In some examples, the proximal end of the open-close cavity 1148 may include an open ramp that may extend to a protruding tail. The upper flange 1762 of the firing member 1760 may be configured to cam an open ramp and/or a protruding tail to create an opening motion for the end effector 1100. In certain examples, the upper flange 1762 may also include a proximally extending boss that may be configured to create additional opening action, as further described herein.

From the retracted position (see fig. 11), the firing member 1760 may be advanced distally to return to the original position (see fig. 10). To close the end effector, the firing member 1760 may be advanced further from the home position to the advanced position shown in FIG. 12. For a portion of the firing motion intermediate the retracted position and the advanced position, the upper flange 1762 is spaced from the ramp surface 1134. For example, when the firing member 1760 transitions between a closing motion (see fig. 12) and an opening motion (see fig. 11), the upper flange 1762 hovers or rests above the middle portion 1138. For example, the dwell portion of the firing motion may be configured to prevent jamming of the opening and/or closing motions.

The firing member 1760 is moved into contact with the ramp surface 1134 and its distal closure ramp 1140 in the advanced position shown in fig. 12. As the firing member 1760 is advanced distally, the upper flange 1762 moves along the distal closure ramp 1140 to clamp the anvil 1130 relative to the elongate channel 1102. Distal closure ramp 1140 is positioned distal to pivot joint 1150. Thus, when the upper ledge 1762 exerts a downward force on the distal closure ramp 1140, the anvil 1130 is pushed downward.

As the firing member 1760 continues to advance distally, the upper flange 1762 moves through the passageway 1136 to ensure a constant distance between the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102 along the length of the end effector 1100. For example, the passageway 1136 includes a lower flange 1137 and an upper cover 1139 that define a lower limit and an upper limit of the passageway 1136. During the firing stroke, the upper flange 1762 is constrained within these lower and upper limits. The upper flange 1762 may be sized to fit closely within the boundaries of the passageway 1136. In other examples, the upper flange 1762 may be configured to float and/or adjust vertically within a gap provided by the channel 1136 or a portion thereof, as further described herein.

The firing member 1760 is a multi-function firing member. For example, firing member 1760 is configured to drive sled assembly 1120 in order to fire direct drive staples 1126 from staple cartridge 1110, cut tissue clamped between

jaws

1102 and 1130,

cam jaws

1102 and 1130 into a clamped configuration at the beginning of a firing stroke, and

cam jaws

1102 and 1130 into an open configuration at the completion of a firing stroke. In other words, the firing member 1760 is configured to perform a surgical function in combination with a single actuation system. Thus, the multi-function firing member 1760 may minimize the need for a separate actuation system to fit within the footprint of the end effector 1100.

In other examples, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly can include a closure tube for opening and closing jaws of the end effector. The closure tube may be configured to translate relative to the end effector. For example, the closure tube can be configured to bias the jaws of the end effector closed as the closure tube translates over the end effector. In some instances, a spring can be configured to bias the jaws of the end effector toward an open configuration, and a closure tube can overcome the spring bias to close the jaws.

An interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 including the end effector 7100 and the distal closure tube 7430 is shown in fig. 13-17. The end effector 7100 includes an anvil 7130 and an elongate channel 7102 that are similar to the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102, respectively. A closure assembly 7406 is used to close and/or open the anvil 7130 and the elongate channel 7102 of the end effector 7100. Closure assembly 7406 includes an intermediate closure member 7410 and a distal closure member 7430. The intermediate closure member 7410 and the distal closure member 7430 are coupled together by an upper double pivot connection 7220.

In the illustrated arrangement, the distal closure member 7430 comprises a hollow tubular member that is slidably supported relative to the end effector 7100. Accordingly, the distal closure member 7430 may also be referred to herein as a distal closure tube. Actuation of a closure trigger 512 (see fig. 1 and 2) on the surgical instrument handle assembly 500 may result in axial movement of a closure assembly 7406, including a distal closure tube 7430. A closure spring (not shown) may also be journaled on the closure assembly 7406 and used to bias the closure assembly 7406 in the proximal direction "PD", which may be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 7000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500. In use, the closure assembly 7406 is configured to translate distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 7130, for example, in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512.

Fig. 13 and 14 illustrate the anvil 7130 and elongate channel 7102 ("jaws") in a closed position. As the distal closure member 7430 advances in the distal direction DD, the distal end 7431 of the distal closure member 7430 may be configured to ride over a closure cam surface formed on the anvil mounting wall and a closure cam surface formed on the proximal end of the elongate channel 7102. When the clinician desires to move the anvil 7130 and the elongate channel 7102 to the open position, the distal closure member 7430 is moved in the proximal direction PD. Actuation of the closure trigger and closure assembly, including its distal closure tube, is described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________, attorney docket number END7997USNP/160172, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring now primarily to fig. 17, the firing member 7760 is positioned in the end effector 7100. The firing member 7760 is configured to translate through the end effector 7100 during a firing stroke to move the sled assembly 7120 through the end effector 7100 and cut tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector 7100. The anvil 7130 includes a passageway 7136 configured to receive a portion of the firing member 7760 during a firing stroke. For example, an upper flange on the firing member 7760 may be movably positioned in the passageway 7136.

The anvil 7130 also includes a channel 7138 (see fig. 13 and 15) through which a rod 7140 extends. Referring primarily to fig. 17, the rod 7140 includes a proximal end 7142 and a distal end 7144. The distal end 7144 is operably positioned to engage a distal nose 7150 of the anvil 7130 as further described herein. The proximal end 7142 is operably positioned in abutting contact with the distal end 7431 of the distal closure tube 7430. When the distal closure tube 7430 is moved distally to complete closure of the anvil 7130, the distal end 7431 of the distal closure tube 7430 may be moved into abutting contact with the proximal end 7142 of the rod 7140. Thus, upon completion of the closing action, the rod 7140 is extended or pushed distally, which causes the distal nose 7150 to pivot. Referring primarily to fig. 15-17, after the anvil 7130 has been moved into a closed configuration by the distal closure tube 7430, the rod 7140 is pushed distally by the closure tube 7430 to pivot the distal nose 7150.

Referring again to fig. 13 and 15, the channel 7138 extends from a proximal portion of the anvil 7130 to a distal nose 7150. The distal nose 7150 is pivotally connected to the body of the anvil 7130 at a pivot joint 7152. The resilient support 7154 is configured to hold the distal nose 7150 in a linear or non-pivoting position (see fig. 13 and 14). The resilient support 7154 may be a resilient member or spring, such as a leaf spring or a hairpin spring. As the rod 7140 extends distally, its distal end 7144 engages the distal nose 7150 and overcomes the resilient supports 7154. For example, the rod 7140 has been extended in fig. 15-17 to pivot the distal nose 7150 to a pivoted position. In the pivoted position, the distal nose 7150 is configured to clamp tissue against the distal nose portion of the staple cartridge. Such clamping features are configured to capture or hold a distal portion of tissue and limit tissue flow during a firing stroke. For example, increased clamping pressure may be applied by the end effector 7100 at its distal end portion.

As described above, in certain instances, for a portion of the firing motion (see fig. 10), the upper flange 1762 of the firing member may hover out of contact with the ramp surface 1134. For example, the ramp surfaces 1134 can include an intermediate surface 1138 that extends between the distal closure ramp 1140 and the proximal closure surface 1142. The intermediate surface 1124 may separate the distal closure ramp 1140 from the proximal closure surface 1142 such that the

surfaces

1140 and 1142 are separate and distinct.

For example, while the closure trigger 512 (see fig. 1 and 2) may pivot within a series of motions to displace the firing member 1760, the pivoting motions are not configured to cause a corresponding pivoting motion of the anvil 1130. In other words, during the series of strokes of the closure trigger 512, the actuation of the closure trigger 512 is not proportional to the closing and opening strokes of the anvil 1130. In certain instances, it is desirable to provide feedback to the anvil 1130 throughout the firing motion, i.e., to effect pivoting thereof, including when the upper ledge 1762 hovers above the intermediate surface 1138 between engaging the distal closure ramp 1140 and engaging the proximal closure surface 1142. For example, the spring assembly may be configured to exert a biasing force on the anvil 1130 during the dwell portion of the firing stroke.

Referring now to fig. 54, the spring assembly 1160 is positioned proximal to the upper flange 1762 of the firing member 1760. The spring assembly 1160 includes a tubular member 1162 and a compression spring 1164 positioned partially within the tubular member 1162. The tubular member 1162 is positioned in a proximal recess or depression 1149 in the anvil 1130. For example, anvil 1130 includes a proximal notch 1149 extending proximally from the open/close cavity 1148. The spring assembly 1160 is retained in the recess 1149 and is positioned to operably engage the firing member 1760.

The spring assembly 1160 is configured to effect an opening action of the anvil 1130 when the upper flange 1762 hovers above the intermediate surface 1138. The upper flange 1762 may be configured to move into contact with the compression spring 1164 when the anvil 1130 is in the closed configuration and the firing member 1760 is in the home position. As the firing member 1760 continues to retract proximally, the firing member 1760 may be configured to compress the compression spring 1164 into the tubular member 1162. The compression of the compression spring 1164 is configured to exert a force on the anvil 1130, which may correspond to an opening force on the anvil 1130. For example, the spring assembly 1160 may be configured to exert proximal and downward forces on the distal facing surface of the recess 1149 to effect upward pivoting of the anvil 1130 toward the open configuration.

In various circumstances, the compression spring 1164 can be compressed by the firing member 1760 until the upper flange 1762 is moved into engagement with the proximal closure surface 1142. The compression spring 1164 may define a spring force sufficient to initiate opening of the anvil 1130 prior to the upper ledge 1762 moving into abutting engagement with the proximal closure surface 1142. In various circumstances, the spring force may be adjusted to provide sufficient feedback during the dwell portion of the firing stroke. In some examples, the compression spring 1164 may be compressed to the height of the tubular member 1162. When the compression spring 1164 is fully compressed within the tubular member 1162, the opening motion may be proportional to the proximal displacement of the firing member 1760 and the corresponding actuation motion of the closure trigger 512.

In various circumstances, when anvil 1130 is fully open relative to elongate channel 1102, a tissue aperture can be defined between a forming surface of anvil 1130 and deck 1115 of staple cartridge 1110 positioned in elongate channel 1102. When the anvil 1130 is fully open, the tissue aperture can be quantified as the vertical height between the anvil forming surface and the deck 1115 at the distal end of the end effector 1100. In some instances, it may be desirable to increase the tissue aperture without increasing the angle between the anvil 1130 and the elongate channel 1102. In such instances, the proximal end of the anvil 1130 may be configured to move away from the elongate channel 1102 to increase the tissue aperture at the distal end.

For example, referring now to fig. 55, the elongate channel 11102 includes a vertical slot 11108 for allowing the anvil 1130 to move vertically relative to the elongate channel 11102. Elongate channel 11102 is similar in many respects to elongate channel 1102; however, the elongate channel 11102 includes a vertical slot 11108 instead of the pin hole 1108 (see FIG. 5). The elongate channel 11102 may be used with an end effector 11100 that also includes an anvil 1130 and is configured to receive a staple cartridge 1110. The anvil 1130 is pivotally connected to the elongate channel 11102 by a pivot pin 11152 that is operably engaged by a spring 11154. The spring 11154 is configured to bias the pivot pin 11152 downward in the vertical slot 11108. The spring 11154 shown in fig. 55 is a leaf spring; however, the reader will readily appreciate that alternative spring geometries and configurations may be used. When the pivot pin 11152 is positioned at the bottom of the vertical slot 11108, the end effector 11100 defines a first tissue aperture. The end effector 11100 defines a second, larger tissue aperture when the pivot pin 11152 is allowed to move upward to the top of the vertical slot 11108.

In various circumstances, when the firing member is retracted proximally out of engagement with the distal closure ramp 1140 on the anvil 1130, the pivot pin 11152 can be allowed to overcome the spring 11154 and "pop" or bounce upward in the vertical slot 11108. For example, the pivot pin 11152 is configured to be upwardly offset in the vertical slot 11108 when the firing member is moved to rest or hover over the intermediate surface 1138 on the anvil 1130. Still referring to fig. 55, the firing member 11760 is configured to lift the pivot pin 11152 upward. For example, the firing member 11760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760; however, the firing member 11760 includes wedge shaped projections 11770 having ramped surfaces 11772 for engaging and lifting the pivot pin 11152 upward in the vertical slot 11108. Although only a single wedge projection 11170 is shown in fig. 55, the reader will readily appreciate that a pair of symmetrical wedges 11170 are positioned on opposite sides of the firing member 11760.

When the firing member 11760 is retracted proximally to apply an opening motion on the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 is configured to vertically translate away from the elongate channel 11102 to enlarge the tissue aperture. Further, when the firing member 11760 is advanced distally during a subsequent closing motion, the wedge protrusion 11770 is configured to move out of engagement with the pivot pin 11152 such that the spring 11154 can return the pivot pin 11152 to its initial position at the bottom of the vertical slot 11108. In various circumstances, the pivot pin 11152 can be configured to return to the bottom of the vertical slot 11108 before the upper flange of the firing member 11760 engages the distal closure ramp 1140 of the anvil 1130 to affect closure thereof.

In certain instances, the end effector can be configured to clamp and staple tissue over a range of thicknesses. The end effector can clamp tissue having a first thickness during a first surgical function and can clamp tissue having a different thickness during a second surgical function. In certain surgical functions, the thickness of tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector may be constant or substantially constant. In other examples, the end effector can be configured to clamp and staple tissue having varying or varying thicknesses. For example, the thickness of tissue clamped between the jaws of the end effector can vary longitudinally along the length of the end effector.

As described herein, the firing member can include a flange for setting a tissue gap between the end effector jaws. For example, the upper flange may be configured to move along a channel in the anvil and the lower flange may be configured to move along one of the elongate channels during the firing stroke. The flange of the firing member includes cam drive surfaces configured to engage an inner surface of a respective channel to limit a tissue gap between the jaws. For example, the flanges can define a maximum and/or minimum spacing between the jaws, which is equivalent to limiting the spacing between a tissue contacting deck mounted on a staple cartridge in the end effector and a tissue-facing anvil of the end effector. In certain instances, the maximum and minimum spacing defined by the firing member flanges may be fixed. In other examples, one or both of the flanges may be configured to float or translate to accommodate changes in tissue thickness. For example, the flange may be displaced during the firing stroke or a portion thereof.

18-21, an upper portion of the firing member 8760 is illustrated. The firing member 8760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 8760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange (not shown), an upper flange 8762, and a support portion 8763 that extends between the lower and upper flanges 8764. The upper flange 8762 is formed by a horizontal pin extending from the support portion 8763. For example, the lower flange may be identical to lower flange 1764 (see fig. 4 and 5). The tissue cutting features 8766 are supported by the support portions 8763 between the flanges.

The support portion 8763 is configured to be advanced through aligned slots in the elongate channel, staple cartridge and anvil. For example, the firing member 8760 can be compatible with the end effector 1100 (see fig. 1-5) such that the support portion 8763 travels through aligned slots in the elongate channel 1102, staple cartridge 1110, and anvil 1130. Similar to the firing member 1760, when the firing member 8760 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 8760 is configured to drive the sled assembly distally as well. Also, as the firing member 8760 is moved distally through the staple cartridge, the tissue cutting feature 8766 is configured to cut tissue clamped by the end effector 1100 as the sled assembly drives the staples upward in the staple cartridge 1110 and into contact with the anvil 1130.

The firing member 8760 includes a slot 8761 that extends along an upper portion of the support portion 8763. The slot 8761 is a wedge-shaped slot, and the height of the slot 8761 varies longitudinally along the length of the firing member 8760. More specifically, the height of slot 8761 at proximal end 8765 is greater than the height at distal end 8767. In other examples, the height of the slot 8761 can be constant, but the slot 8761 can be oriented obliquely, inclined, and/or non-horizontal along the length of the firing member 8760. Slot 8761 includes an upper edge 8768 that defines a maximum tissue gap. Upper flange or pin 8762 is configured to move within slot 8761 to adjust tissue gap, as described herein. Further, when a load is applied to upper pin 8762, upper pin 8762 is configured to slide along upper edge 8768 as upper pin 8762 moves within slot 8761.

Referring primarily to fig. 18A, upper pin 8762 includes a central groove 8770 that guides upper pin 8762 within slot 8761. For example, upper edge 8768 is configured to extend into groove 8770 when upper pin 8762 is positioned in slot 8761. In other embodiments, the upper pin 8762 can include a guide block that can be secured to the pin 8762 on one or both sides of the support portion 8763. The central groove 8770 and/or guide block can be configured to prevent twisting or kinking of the upper pin 8762 during the firing stroke and as the upper pin 8762 moves within the slot 8761. For example, the guide block may be welded to the pin 8762. In other examples, one or more guide blocks may be secured to the support portion 8763.

A first or initial configuration of the firing member 8760 is shown in fig. 19. Upper pin 8762 are held in place by friction in the first configuration. For example, upper pin 8762 can be compressed and press fit within slot 8761. In the first configuration, upper pin 8762 is positioned near a distal end 8767 of slot 8761. First height H ₁ Defined between the upper pin 8762 and the lower flange when the firing member 8760 is in the first configuration. More specifically, the first height H ₁ Defined between the upper surface of the lower flange and the lower surface of the upper pin 8762. First height H ₁ Corresponding to the minimum tissue gap defined by the firing member 8760.

Still referring to fig. 19, the upper edge 8768 of the slot 8761 extends in an inward profile. In other words, upper edge 8768 defines a compression radius R. The inward profile of upper edge 8768 applies a compressive force to upper pin 8762 that attempts to hold upper pin 8762 in a distal-most position in slot 8761 against distal end 8767.

Referring now to fig. 20, during the firing stroke, a force F may be applied to the upper pin 8762. For example, when tissue is clamped between the jaws of the end effector, the tissue may be compressed by the jaws. Thus, the compressed tissue is configured to exert an opening force on the jaws, and such force is applied to the upper pin 8762 and lower flange of the firing member 8760. The force F is greater when the clamped tissue undergoes increased compression, such as when thicker tissue is clamped between the jaws. The force F in fig. 20 is sufficient to deflect the inward profile of the upper edge 8768, which deflects the upper boundary of the firing member 8760 and relieves compression on the upper pin 8762 in the slot 8761. The force F is equal to or greater than a threshold force required to deflect the upper edge 8768 and release the upper pin 8762. In fig. 20, the force F on the upper pin 8762 moves the firing member 8760 to a pressed configuration.

Because upper pin 8762 has been released by force F, upper pin 8762 is free to slide within slot 8761 in the Proximal Direction (PD) (see fig. 20). For example, upper pin 8762 has been moved to the proximal upper position in fig. 21. In the upper proximal position of fig. 21, the second height H ₂ Defined between the upper pin 8762 and the lower flange. More specifically, the second height H ₂ Defined between the upper surface of the lower flange and the lower surface of the upper pin 8762. Second oneHeight H ₂ Corresponding to the maximum tissue gap or tissue gap when the firing member 8760 is in the accommodated configuration. In such instances, the firing member 8760 can be configured to allow for greater tissue clearance during the second portion of the firing stroke. As described herein, in certain instances, it may be desirable to further limit the maximum tissue gap during the initial portion of the firing stroke, at which point the load may be highest to prevent jamming of the firing member 8760.

The upper pin 8762 is configured to transition to the proximal upper position shown in fig. 21 when a force equal to or greater than a threshold force is applied to the upper pin 8762. Because force F is exerted upward on upper pin 8762, force F biases upper pin 8762 along upper edge 8768 of slot 8761 and maintains the alignment of groove 8770 and upper edge 8768. Thus, the firing member 8760 is configured to adjust or accommodate variations in tissue thickness.

In other examples, the firing member 8760 can be configured to define a tissue gap that decreases during the distal portion of the firing stroke. In such cases, the compression at the distal end of the end effector may be increased. For example, the upper surface 8768 of the slot 8761 can slope downward toward the proximal end of the firing member 8760 such that the height of the slot 8761 is greatest at the distal end 8767 of the slot 8761, rather than as shown in fig. 19-23.

Referring now to fig. 21A, upper pin 8762 is shown in a loaded configuration. To load upper pin 8762 into slot 8761, upper pin 8762 can be aligned with the largest or highest portion of slot 8761, which is located at proximal end 8765. Upper pin 8762 can be slid from proximal end 8765 toward distal end 8767 such that upper edge 8768 protrudes into central groove 8770 in upper pin 8762 and traps upper pin 8762 in slot 8761. For example, as the firing member 8760 is advanced distally, the upper pin 8762 is configured to slide toward the distal end 8767 and into the configuration shown in fig. 19. A first load on upper pin 8762 can bias upper pin 8762 distally and into a compressed state at distal end 8767, and a second, greater load on upper pin 8762 can deform firing member 8760 to release the compression in upper pin 8762 and allow it to slide proximally, as described herein.

While the firing member 8760 has been described as having a single floating flange, i.e., the upper flange 8762, in other examples, the lower flange can be configured to float and/or shift when it is applied with a force equal to or greater than the second threshold force. For example, upper flange 8762 can be configured to translate upon application of a first force by compressed tissue, and lower flange can be configured to translate upon application of a second, greater force by compressed tissue. In other examples, only the lower flange may be configured to be translatable and/or floatable.

Referring now to fig. 22-23, an upper portion of the firing member 9760 is shown. The firing member 9760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 9760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange, an upper flange 9762, and a support portion 9763 extending between the lower and upper flanges 9764. The upper flange 9762 is constituted by a horizontal pin extending from the support portion 9763. For example, the lower flange may be identical to lower flange 1764 (see fig. 4 and 5). The tissue cutting features 9766 are supported by the support portion 9763 between the flanges.

The support portion 9763 is configured to travel through aligned slots in the elongate channel, staple cartridge, and anvil. For example, the firing member 9760 may be compatible with the end effector 1100 (see fig. 1-5) such that the support portion 9763 travels through aligned slots in the elongate channel 1102, staple cartridge 1110, and anvil 1130. Similar to the firing member 1760, when the firing member 9760 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 9760 is configured to drive the sled assembly also distally. Also, as the firing member 9760 moves distally through the staple cartridge, the tissue cutting feature 9766 is configured to cut tissue clamped by the end effector as the sled assembly drives the staples upward in the staple cartridge and into contact with the anvil.

The firing member 9760 includes a slot 9761 that extends along an upper portion of the support portion 9763. The slot 9761 is a wedge-shaped slot, and the height of the slot 9761 varies longitudinally along the length of the firing member 9760. More specifically, the height of the slot 9761 is greater at the proximal end 9765 than at the distal end 9767. Additionally or alternatively, slot 8761 can be obliquely oriented, inclined, and/or non-horizontal such that distal end 9767 is higher than proximal end 9765. The slot 9761 includes an upper edge 9768 that defines a maximum tissue gap. As described herein, the upper flange or pin 9762 is configured to move within the slot 9761 to adjust tissue clearance, and the upper pin 9762 slides along the upper edge 9768 as the upper pin 9762 moves within the slot 9761. The firing member 9760 further includes a spring 9769 configured to exert a biasing force on the upper pin 9762.

The upper pin 9762 includes a central groove 9770 that guides the upper pin 9762 within the slot 9761. For example, the upper edge 9768 is configured to extend into the groove 9770 when the upper pin 9762 is positioned in the slot 9761. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper pin 9762 includes guide blocks 9780 fixed to both sides of the support portion 9763. The guide block 9780 can be configured to prevent twisting or kinking of the upper pin 9762 during the firing stroke and as the upper pin 9762 moves in the slot 9761. In other examples, one or more guide blocks may be fixed to the upper pin 9762, and in other examples, the firing member 9760 may not include a guide block.

A first or initial configuration of the firing member 9760 is shown in fig. 22. The upper pin 9762 is held in place by a spring 9769. For example, the spring 9769 is configured to bias the upper pin 9762 toward the distal end 9767 of the slot 9761. First height H ₁ Defined between the upper pin 9762 and the lower flange when the firing member 9760 is in the first configuration. More specifically, the first height H ₁ Defined between the upper surface of the lower flange and the lower surface of the upper pin 9762. First height H ₁ Corresponding to the smallest tissue space.

Still referring to fig. 22, when tissue is clamped between the jaws of the end effector, the tissue can be compressed by the jaws. Thus, the compressed tissue can exert an opening force on the jaws, and such force is applied to the upper pin 9762 and the lower flange of the firing member 9760. The force F is greater when the clamped tissue undergoes increased compression, such as when thicker tissue is clamped between the jaws. When force F is equal to or greater than the threshold force, force F may be configured to overcome the bias of spring 9769, as shown in fig. 23. For example, the force F is sufficient to deform the spring 9769 into a compressed configuration and allow the upper pin 9762 to move along the slot 9761 toward its proximal end 9765.

Upper pin 9762 has moved to the proximal upper position in fig. 23. In the upper proximal position of fig. 23, the second height H ₂ Defined between the upper pin 9762 and the lower flange. More specifically, the second height H ₂ Defined between the upper surface of the lower flange and the lower surface of the upper pin 9762. Second height H ₂ Corresponding to a maximum tissue gap or tissue gap when the firing member 9760 is in the accommodated configuration. Because a force F (fig. 22) is exerted upward on the upper pin 9762, the force F biases the upper pin 9762 along the upper edge 9768 of the slot 9761 and maintains alignment of the groove 9770 and the upper edge 9768. Thus, the firing member 9760 is configured to adjust or accommodate variations in tissue thickness.

While the firing member 9760 has been described as having a single floating flange, i.e., the upper flange 9762, in other examples, the lower flange may be configured to float and/or shift when it is applied with a force equal to or greater than the second threshold force. For example, the upper flange 9762 can be configured to displace when a first force is applied by the compressed tissue, and the lower flange can be configured to displace when a second, greater force is applied by the compressed tissue. In other examples, only the lower flange may be configured to be translatable and/or floatable.

As described herein, the firing member can include at least one floating flange that can be configured to translate or move to accommodate changes in tissue thickness when a threshold force is applied thereto. In some instances, the floating flange may be positioned in the slot and may be biased and/or held in an initial configuration until a threshold force is applied thereto. In other examples, a portion of the firing member can comprise a deformable or compliant material that can be configured to bend or otherwise deform when a threshold force is applied thereto. In certain examples, the compliant core of the firing member can support at least one flange configured to shift or move upon application of a threshold force.

Referring now to fig. 24-26, a portion of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 10000 is shown including an end effector 10100. The end effector 10100 includes an elongate channel 1102 and an anvil 1130, and a staple cartridge 1110 is mounted in the elongate channel 1102. The end effector 10100 also includes a firing member 10760 that is similar in many respects to firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 10760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange 10764, an upper flange 10762, and a support portion 10763 that extends between the lower and upper flanges 10764. The upper flange 10762 is comprised of horizontal pins extending from the support portion 10763. The lower flange 10764 is comprised of an enlarged or widened foot at the base of the support portion 10763. The tissue cutting feature 10766 is supported by the support portion 10763 between the

flanges

10762 and 10764.

Support portion 10763 is configured to be advanced through aligned slots in elongate channel 1102, staple cartridge 1110, and anvil 1130. Similar to firing member 1760, firing member 10760 is configured to drive sled assembly 1120 also distally when firing member 10760 is fired or driven distally. Also, as firing member 10760 is moved distally through the staple cartridge, tissue cutting feature 10766 is configured to cut tissue clamped by end effector 10100 as sled assembly 1120 drives staples 1126 upwardly in staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 5) and into contact with anvil 1130.

Still referring to fig. 24-26, the firing member 10760 includes a body 10772 and a compliant portion or core 10770 embedded in the body 10772. For example, body 10772 includes a cutout or cavity 10774 with compliant portion 10770 positioned in cutout 10774. The compliant portion 10770 includes an upper flange 10762. As further described herein, the upper flange 10762 is configured to transfer or move as the compliant portion 10770 deforms.

The main body 10772 can be less elastic than the compliant core 10770. In certain examples, the compliant core 10770 can be formed of a shape memory material, such as nitinol, which can provide a constant spring rate throughout its vertical bending range. Further, the body 10772 of the firing member 10760 can be formed from a non-compliant or substantially less compliant material, such as stainless steel or titanium.

The compliant portion 10770 includes a first end 10776 and a second end 10778. The first end portion 10776 is retained or secured in a cutout 10774 in the body 10772. For example, the cutouts 10774 may securely enclose the first end portion 10776 to prevent the first end portion 10776 from moving within the body 10772. The second end 10778 supports the upper flange 10762. For example, the upper flange 10762 may be integrally formed with the second end 10778 and/or may be fixedly connected thereto. The second end 10778 is provided with a gap 10780 in the cutout 10774 to allow for controlled deflection of the second end 10778 therein. For example, the second end portion 10778 and the upper flange 10762 supported thereon are configured to translate relative to the first end portion 10776 and relative to the lower flange 10764 in response to a force applied to the upper flange 10762. Movement of the upper flange 10762 is limited by the geometry of the cutouts 10774 and the passageway 1136 defined in the anvil 1130.

As described with respect to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5), the firing member 10760 is configured to engage the open-closed cavity 1148 of the anvil 1130 to move the anvil 1130 to the clamped position. For example, the upper flange 10762 of the firing member 10760 is configured to move along the distal closure ramp 1140 (see fig. 8-12) of the anvil 1130 and into the channel 1136. The passageway 1136 includes a lower flange 1137 and an upper cover 1139 that define a lower limit and an upper limit of the passageway 1136.

In fig. 24, the firing member 10760 has been shifted distally from the original position to a first intermediate position. Between the home position and the first intermediate position, the upper flange 10762 has moved along the distal closure ramp 1140 to pivot the anvil 1130 toward the staple cartridge 1110 and clamp tissue therebetween. Still referring to fig. 24, a first load is applied to the upper flange 10762 of the firing member 10760. The first load may correspond to a first thickness, density, and/or toughness of tissue clamped by the end effector 10100.

When a first load is applied to the upper flange 10762, the compliant portion 10770 is configured to assume the configuration shown in fig. 24. Specifically, the second end 10778 of the compliant portion 10770 is split between the lower flange 1137 and the upper cap 1139 of the passageway 1136. A portion of the gap 10780 is above the second end 10778 and another portion of the gap 10780 is below the second end 10778. In such instances, the upper flange 10762 defines an intermediate tissue gap between the minimum and maximum tissue gaps permitted when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 10000 is in the first intermediate position.

In fig. 25, the firing member 10760 has been advanced distally from a first intermediate position (see fig. 24) to a second intermediate position, and a second load is applied to the upper flange 10762 of the firing member 10760. The second load is less than the first load and may correspond to a second thickness, density, and/or toughness of tissue clamped by the end effector 10100 that is less than the first thickness, density, and/or toughness, respectively. For example, the second load may be less than the first load because the tissue is thinner.

When a second load is applied to the upper flange 10762, the compliant portion 10770 is configured to assume the configuration shown in fig. 25. Specifically, the second end 10778 of the compliant portion 10770 is positioned against the lower flange 1137 of the passageway 1136, while the gap 10780 is located above the second end 10778. In such cases, the upper flange 10762 defines a minimum tissue gap. To assume the configuration of fig. 25, the compliant portion 10770 has contracted to pull the second end portion 10778 toward the fixed first end portion 10776. The contraction of the compliant portion 10770 may be limited by its material, the location of the lower flange 1137, and/or the stop pin 10768, as will be further described herein.

In fig. 26, the firing member 10760 has been shifted distally from the second intermediate position (see fig. 25) to a third intermediate position, and a third load is applied to the upper flange 10762 of the firing member 10760. The third load is greater than the first and second loads, and may correspond to a third thickness, density, and/or toughness of tissue clamped by the end effector 10100 that is greater than the first thickness, density, and/or toughness, respectively, and greater than the second thickness, density, and/or toughness, respectively. For example, the third load may be greater than the first load and the second load because the tissue is thicker, denser, and/or more flexible.

When a third load is applied to the upper flange 10762, the compliant portion 10770 is configured to assume the configuration shown in fig. 26. Specifically, the second end 10778 of the compliant portion 10770 is positioned against the upper lid 1139 of the passageway 1136, while the gap 10780 is located below the second end 10778. In such cases, the upper flange 10762 defines a maximum tissue gap. To assume the configuration of fig. 26, the compliant portion 10770 has been stretched or elongated to pull the second end portion 10778 away from the fixed first end portion 10776. The extension of the compliant portion 10770 may be limited by its material, the location of the upper cover 1139, and/or the spacing pin 10768, as will be further described herein.

The firing member 10670 also includes a first laterally projecting lug or stop pin 10768 configured to move within the passageway 1136 of the anvil 1130. The stop pin 10768 is configured to limit tissue clearance during a portion of the firing stroke. The stop pin 10768 is fixed relative to the support portion 10763 and is configured to move in the passageway 1136 during at least a portion of the firing stroke. The spacing pin 10768 is configured to limit the maximum tissue gap as the spacing pin 10768 travels along the anvil boss 1137 (see fig. 24). The spacing pin 10768 is configured to limit the minimum tissue gap as the spacing pin 10768 travels along the upper lid 1139. For example, while the upper flange 10762 may move relative to the support portion 10763, the displacement of the upper flange 10763 is limited by the fixed position of the restraint pin 10768 within the channel 1136.

In various circumstances, the spacing pin 10768 can project laterally a first distance that can be less than the lateral projection distance of the upper flange 10672. In other words, the spacing pin 10768 may be narrower than the upper flange 10672. In addition, the slots 1132 in the anvil 1130 (which provide access to the channels 1136) may be wider in a portion of the anvil 1130. In such instances, the shorter stop pin 10768 may extend below the anvil boss 1137 without limiting the maximum tissue gap during a portion of the firing stroke.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stop pin 10768 is positioned within the passageway 1136 during the initial proximal portion of the firing stroke (see fig. 24) and protrudes below the anvil protrusion 1037 during the later distal portion of the firing stroke (see fig. 26). More specifically, between the proximal portion of the firing stroke and the distal portion of the firing stroke, the slot 1132 widens such that the fixation pin is not constrained within the channel 1136, however, the wider upper flange 1762 may remain constrained within the channel 1136. In various instances, the slot 1132 may widen to be larger than the restraining pin 10768 at or about one third of the distance from the proximal initiation point. In other examples, the slot 1132 may widen before or after one-third of the distance from the proximal initiation point to be larger than the restraining pin 10768.

In various circumstances, it may be desirable to limit the maximum tissue gap during the initial portion of the firing stroke. For example, at the beginning of a firing stroke through thick, dense, and/or pliable tissue, the load on the firing member 10760 may be greater and may bias the upper flange 10762 a maximum distance away from the lower flange 10764. In such instances, to ensure that the firing member 10760 does not jam or otherwise become disabled when the highest load is exerted on the firing member 10760 during the initial portion of the firing stroke, the maximum tissue gap may be controlled by fixing the distance between the stop pin 10769 and the lower flange 10764. Thereafter, as the load on the firing member 10760 decreases as the tissue is cut by the cutting edge 10766, the stop pin 10769 may disengage the engagement channel 1136 and its anvil boss 1137 to allow for additional or increased maximum tissue clearance, which may be controlled by the floating upper flange 10762.

The firing member 10760 also includes a second laterally protruding lug 10769 operably configured to engage the elongate channel 1102. For example, the laterally protruding tabs 10769 are configured to travel along an inner surface in the elongate channel 1102 (e.g., along the cartridge support base 1101) to further control the tissue gap. Additionally or alternatively, the laterally protruding tab 10769 may be configured to engage a locking device, such as locking device 6180 (see fig. 45-53), as will be further described herein.

During the firing stroke, staples can be fired into tissue, and the tissue can be cut by the cutting element. At the completion of the firing stroke, the rows of staples may be positioned on either side of the cutting line, and the rows of staples may provide a tissue seal on either side of the cutting line. To minimize bleeding, the staples may be fired before the cutting element cuts the tissue. In such cases, the staples may provide a tissue seal until the tissue between the sealing members is severed by the cutting element.

In certain instances, it may be advantageous to prevent the surgical instrument from performing a firing stroke. For example, if the end effector lacks a staple cartridge, it may be advantageous to prevent the firing stroke because such a firing stroke may result in tissue being cut by the cutting element but not sealed by the staples. Similarly, preventing the firing stroke may be advantageous when an empty or used staple cartridge is installed in the end effector, as such a firing stroke may also result in tissue being cut by the cutting element but not sealed by the staples.

Various features may be provided with the surgical instrument to prevent the firing stroke in some instances. These features are commonly referred to as "latches" and may be positioned, for example, in the handle, shaft, interchangeable surgical tool assembly, end effector, and/or staple cartridge. Referring to fig. 27-29, the end effector 2100 with the lockout 2180 is shown. End effector 2100 includes an elongate channel 2102 that is similar in many respects to elongate channel 1102 (see fig. 3-5). For example, the elongate channel 2102 includes a pair of side walls 2103 extending from a cartridge support surface or base 2101. The elongate channel 2102 is configured to operably support a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 3-5), therein. The end effector 2100 may also include an anvil 1130 and a firing member 1760.

The locking device 2180 includes a lock 2182 having a first leg or pin 2181, a second leg or pin 2183, and a third leg or pin 2185. The first leg 2181 and the second leg 2183 form a V-shaped body of the lock 2182. A third leg 2185 extends proximally from the V-shaped body. A locking pivot 2184 is positioned in the center portion

intermediate legs

2181, 2183 and 2185. The lock 2182 is configured to pivot about a lock pivot 2184 between a locked position (see fig. 27 and 28) and an unlocked position (see fig. 29). A latch pivot 2184 is pivotally mounted to the side wall 2103 of the elongate channel 2102. The lockout device 2180 also includes a lockout spring 2186 configured to act on the lock 2182. Although only one lock 2182 and one locking spring 2186 are shown in FIGS. 27-29, the reader will readily appreciate that the locking device 2180 may include a symmetric lock 2182 and locking spring 2186. For example, each lock 2182-locking spring 2186 pair may be positioned on one side of the firing member 1760. In other examples, the lockout device 2180 may include a single lock 2182 and a single lockout spring 2186.

The first leg 2181 constitutes an anvil-engaging leg that serves as a support ledge for the anvil 1130 when the lock 2182 is in the first orientation. The second leg 2183 constitutes a staple cartridge engaging leg that may be biased by the staple cartridge to pivot the lock 2182 to the unlocked position. The third leg 2185 constitutes a spring engaging leg or tab against which the lock 2182 is biased towards the locked position by the locking spring 2186. More specifically, the lockout device 2180 includes a lockout spring 2186 that exerts a downward force on the third leg 2185. The force on the third leg 2185 is configured to bias the first leg 2181 upwardly and proximally toward the anvil 1130. A proximal portion of the locking spring 2186 is fixedly secured to the elongate channel 2102 and a distal portion of the locking spring 2186 is configured to deflect relative to its fixed proximal portion. The latching spring 2186 is a leaf spring; however, the reader will readily appreciate that alternative springs may be employed to bias lock 2182 toward the locked position.

Referring primarily to FIG. 28, lock 2182 is initially biased into a locked position by a locking spring 2186. When in the locked position, the first leg 2181 abuts the anvil 1130. In particular, the end 2181a of the first leg 2181 is positioned against the inner rail 1135 of the anvil 1130. Due to the engagement between first leg 2181 and inner rail 2135, anvil 1130 is maintained in an open orientation relative to elongate channel 2102. Even if a closing motion is applied to the anvil 1130 (e.g., by advancing the firing member 1760 distally), the engagement of the first leg 2181 and the inner rail 1135 prevents the anvil 1130 from closing.

The lock 2182 is configured to remain in a locked position until an unfired staple cartridge is installed in the elongate channel 2102. When staple cartridge 1110 is positioned within elongate channel 2102, as shown in FIG. 29, a portion of staple cartridge 1110 abuts second leg 2183. More specifically, when the staple cartridge 1110 is unfired, the sled assembly 1120 is in a proximal position and a proximal end of the unfired sled assembly 1120 is positioned against the second leg 2183 of the lock 2182. The slider assembly 1120 applies a force F (see fig. 29) to the second leg 2183 which displaces the second leg 2183 downwardly and into the latching notch 2109 in the cartridge support base 2101 of the elongate channel 2102. Because the second leg 2183 nests in the latching notch 2109, the installed staple cartridge 1110 can be positioned flush with the cartridge support base 2101 of the elongate channel 2102. The force F exerted by the slider assembly 1120 on the second leg 2183 is sufficient to overcome the spring bias of the locking spring 2186.

In other examples, another portion of the staple cartridge 1110, such as the cartridge body 1111, can abut the lock 2182. In such instances, the lockout device 1280 may be a lockout that lacks a staple cartridge or is staple-less, which prevents clamping of the end effector 2100 until a staple cartridge is installed therein. However, when a staple cartridge is installed in the end effector 2100, the lockout device can be overcome even if the staple cartridge has been fired. For example, such a missing cartridge lockout may be combined with an empty or used cartridge lockout. For example, an empty cartridge lockout may be a sensor (e.g., an electronic contact sensor) that detects the proper position of the sled assembly 1120 within the staple cartridge 1110 and allows the firing stroke only when the sled assembly 1120 is in the proper pre-firing position.

Still referring to fig. 29, when the second leg 2183 is rotated into the lockout notch 2109, the lock 2182 pivots to the unlocked position. Thus, the first leg 2181 moves out of engagement with the inner rail 1135. When a closing motion is applied to the anvil 1130 (e.g., by advancing the firing member 1760 distally), the anvil 1130 closes to pivot downward toward the staple cartridge 1110. In other words, the anvil 1130 is allowed to close when an unfired staple cartridge is positioned within the elongate channel 2102. For example, the firing member 1760 may be advanced distally and the upper flange 1762 may be moved along the distal closure ramp 1140 of the open-close cavity 1148 to cam the anvil 1130 toward the closed position.

When slider assembly 1120 is positioned in the proximal position shown in fig. 29, slider assembly 1120 holds lock 2182 in the unlocked position. When sled assembly 1120 advances distally during the firing stroke, lock 2182 is released; however, when anvil 1130 is clamped relative to staple cartridge 1110, inner rail 1135 prevents lock 2182 from rotating back to the locked position. Thereafter, when the anvil 1130 is returned to the open position (e.g., by proximally retracting the firing member 1760), the lockout spring 2186 is configured to bias the lock 2182 back toward the locked position (see fig. 27 and 28), which prevents subsequent closing and firing strokes until the staple cartridge 1110 is removed from the elongate channel 2102 and replaced with a new staple cartridge having a proximally positioned sled assembly positioned to overcome the lockout device 1280.

The lockout device 1280 prevents the anvil 1130 from pivoting relative to the elongate channel 2102 unless the unfired staple cartridge 1110 is installed in the end effector 1000. In various circumstances, the anvil 1130 can be stationary or stationary and the elongate channel 2102 can be configured to pivot relative to the stationary anvil 1130. In such instances, the reader will readily appreciate that the lockout device 1280 may be configured to prevent the elongate channel 2102 from pivoting relative to the anvil 1130 unless the unfired staple cartridge 1110 is installed in the end effector 2100.

In certain examples, the latch can be positioned in the end effector. For example, the lock 2182 of the lockout device 2180 is positioned in the elongate channel 2102 of the end effector 2100. In other examples, the lockout may be positioned on a shaft portion of the surgical instrument. For example, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly can include a shaft portion and an end effector portion, and the lockout can be positioned in the shaft portion.

Fig. 30 illustrates an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 that is similar in many respects to interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly includes an end effector 3100 and a shaft portion 3400. The lockout device 3480 is positioned in the shaft portion 3400. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 3000 also includes a firing member 3760 coupled to the firing bar 3770.

The firing member 3760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 3760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange 3764, an upper flange 3762, and a support portion 3763 extending between the

flanges

3762 and 3764. The upper flange 3762 is formed by a horizontal pin extending from the support portion 3763. The lower flange 3764 is formed by an enlarged or widened foot at the base of the support portion 3763. The tissue cutting feature 3766 is supported by the support portion 3763 between the

flanges

3762 and 3764. The support portion 3763 travels through aligned slots in the elongate channel 3102, staple cartridge, and anvil 3130.

Unlike the anvil 1130, the anvil 3130 does not include an open-close cavity 1148 that can be engaged by the firing member to open and close the jaws of the end effector 3100. Conversely, to open and close the anvil 3130, the closure tube 3430 is configured to translate about a portion of the end effector 3100. Distal translation of the closure tube 3430 is configured to cam the jaws toward a clamped configuration, and proximal displacement of the closure tube 3430 is configured to cam the jaws toward an open configuration. The operation of the closure tube to open and close the jaws of the end effector is further described herein.

The shaft portion 3400 includes a longitudinally movable drive member 3540 that is similar in many respects to the drive member 1602. During the firing stroke, the drive member 3540 transfers the firing motion to the firing rod 3770 to fire the firing member 3760. For example, actuation of drive member 3540 is configured to distally displace firing bar 3770 and firing member 3760 to cut tissue and effect firing of staples from the staple cartridge. Drive member 3540 can then be retracted proximally to retract firing bar 3770 and firing member 3760 proximally.

In certain examples, the drive member 3540 can be directly coupled to the firing bar 3770. At other times, as shown in FIG. 30, a biasing spring 3560 is positioned between the drive member 3540 and the firing bar 3770. For example, a biasing spring 3560 extends proximally from the firing bar 3770 toward the drive member 3540. In various circumstances, one end of the bias spring 3560 can be coupled to the firing bar 3770 and the other end of the bias spring 3560 can be coupled to the drive member 3540. Drive member 3540 includes a spring aperture 3544 at a distal end thereof. The spring aperture 3544 is configured to receive and restrain a portion of the biasing spring 3560. The biasing spring 3560 is a coil spring, but the reader will readily appreciate that alternative spring geometries can be configured to exert a proximal biasing force on the drive member 3540 and a corresponding distal biasing force on the firing bar 3770.

The lockout device 3480 in the shaft portion 3400 includes a lockout lever 3482 having a stop 3484 (see fig. 33 and 35) and a distal nose 3486. The stop 3484 of the lockout lever 3482 is positioned to operably engage the drive member 3540, and the distal nose 3486 of the lockout lever 3482 is positioned to operably engage the firing bar 3770. Specifically, the firing bar 3770 includes a proximal reset pawl 3772 having a proximal nose 3774. A proximal reset pawl 3772 extends from a proximal end of the firing bar 3770 toward the lockout device 3480. The angled surface of the distal nose 3486 and the angled surface of the proximal nose 3774 on the latch lever 3482 are in sliding engagement as further described herein.

The lockout device 3480 also includes a return spring 3450 that operatively engages the lockout lever 3482. The return spring 3450 is positioned to exert a force F on the latch lever 3482 (see fig. 30) to bias the latch lever 3482 toward the latched position shown in fig. 30. As further described herein, the latch lever 3482 is configured to rotate about a pivot 3488 to move from a locked position to an unlocked position (see fig. 31). When in the locked position, stop 3484 (see fig. 33 and 35) of lockout lever 3482 is engaged with drive member 3540. More specifically, stop 3484 is positioned in lockout recess 3542 in drive member 3540 such that stop 3484 prevents longitudinal displacement of drive member 3540.

Still referring to fig. 30, the end effector 3100 lacks a staple cartridge therein. When a staple cartridge is not positioned in end effector 3100, force F from return spring 3450 pivots lockout lever 3482 to the locked position such that stop 3484 (see fig. 33 and 35) is positioned in lockout recess 3542. Thus, distal displacement of drive member 3540 is prevented. Although a firing motion can be applied to the firing member 3540 from an actuator in the handle of the surgical instrument (e.g., handle assembly 500 in fig. 1 and 2), the drive member 3540 does not shift and does not transfer the firing motion to the firing bar 3770 and firing member 3760 because the stop 3484 retains and/or restrains the drive member 3540 from distal shifting.

Referring to fig. 31, a staple cartridge 3110 is positioned in the end effector 3100. Staple cartridge 3110 is similar in many respects to staple cartridge 1110. However, the staple cartridge 3110 also includes a proximal door 3120 operably configured to abut the firing member 3760. Referring to fig. 32, the staple cartridge 3110 includes a cartridge body 3111 and a longitudinal slot 3114 defined in the cartridge body 3111. A longitudinal slot 3114 extends from the proximal end 3112 of the staple cartridge 3110. At the proximal end 3112 of the staple cartridge 3110, a proximal gate 3120 extends across the longitudinal slot 3114. Thus, proximal door 3120 forms a frangible or breakable barrier for firing member 3760.

Still referring to fig. 32, the proximal door 3120 is connected to the cartridge body 3111 by a hinge 3122 on a first side of the longitudinal slot 3114. The proximal door 3120 abuts the cartridge body 3111 on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot 3114. In particular, the cartridge body 3111 includes a cutout 3124 that is sized to fit over and receive a portion of the door 3120. In various circumstances, the door 3120 can be press-fit or friction-fit into the cutout 3124. Additionally or alternatively, the cut 3124 can define a stop 3126. The stop 3126 constitutes a distal abutment surface or shelf for the door 3120. In various circumstances, the cartridge body 3111 can be molded from a plastic material and the cutouts 3124 and/or stops 3126 can be molded features of the cartridge body 3111.

Referring again to fig. 31, when the staple cartridge 3110 is positioned in the end effector 3100, the proximal door 3120 is positioned against a distal end portion of the firing member 3760. Thus, the proximal door 3120 is configured to proximally displace the firing member 3760 and firing bar 3770. As shown in fig. 31, the biasing spring 3560 is configured to compress or otherwise deform to allow proximal displacement of the firing member 3760 toward the drive member 3540. While the proximal door 3120 is frangible, the proximal door 3120 is configured to withstand the biasing force generated by the compressed biasing spring 3560.

Still referring to fig. 31, proximal displacement of the firing member 3760 drives the proximal nose 3774 on the reset pawl 3772 proximally against the lockout lever 3482. The proximal nose 3774 is configured to overcome the return spring 3450 such that the latch lever 3482 can pivot toward the unlatched position shown in fig. 31. When in the unlocked position, the return spring 3450 is compressed flush with the inner surface of the shaft portion 3400 and the stop 3484 on the lockout lever 3482 (see fig. 33 and 35) is disengaged from the lockout recess 3542. Thus, lockout device 3480 allows distal displacement of drive member 3540. In addition, the firing force of the drive member 3540 transmitted to the firing bar 3770 and firing member 3760 is configured to rupture the proximal door 3120 on the staple cartridge 3110.

Referring now to fig. 33, the drive member 3540 has pushed the firing bar 3770 distally, causing the firing member 3760 to break or otherwise release the proximal door 3320. The threshold force required to break or otherwise release the proximal door 3320 may be less than the force generated by the surgical instrument to implement the firing stroke. In other words, the firing stroke may be designed to break or otherwise overcome the proximal door 3320. As shown in fig. 34, when the firing member 3760 pushes the proximal door 3120 with the force of the firing stroke, the proximal door 3120 can be configured to pivot at the hinge 3122. In various circumstances, the stop 3126 of the slit 3124 can deform or rupture to release the proximal door 3120. For example, as shown in fig. 34, the corner of the stop 3126 is broken to accommodate the distal pivoting door 3120.

As the drive member 3540 moves distally during the firing stroke, referring again to fig. 33, the firing bar 3770 and its reset pawl 3772 also move distally. Distal displacement of reset pawl 3772 moves reset pawl 3772 out of engagement with lockout lever 3482. Thus, the force of the return spring 3450 on the latch lever 3482 is configured to bias the disengaged latch lever 3482 back to the locked position. Although lockout lever 3482 has returned to the locked position in fig. 33, the firing stroke is allowed to complete because lockout recess 3542 in drive member 3540 is longitudinally offset from stop 3484 on lockout lever 3482.

At the completion of the firing stroke, firing member 3760 can be retracted proximally. As firing member 3760, firing rod 3770, and drive member 3540 move proximally, ramp surface 3546 on drive member 3540 engages lockout lever 3482. For example, the ramp surface 3546 may slide along the distal nose 3486 of the lockout lever 3482 to temporarily compress the return spring 3450 and pivot the lockout lever 3482 against the return spring 3450. As drive member 3540 continues to retract proximally and ramp surface 3546 moves past stop 3484 on lockout lever 3482, stop 3484 may resiliently engage lockout recess 3542 in drive member 3540, as shown in fig. 35. The return spring 3450 exerts a spring force on the latch lever 3482 to reset the latch 3480. Because stopper 3484 reengages with latch recess 3542 and is biased to such a position by return spring 3450, latch 3480 is reset in fig. 35. In other words, the lockout 3480 prevents a subsequent firing stroke.

Although firing member 3760 has been retracted to the home position in fig. 35, firing member 3760 is slightly distal from the position shown in fig. 31. Because the proximal door 3120 is overcome during the firing stroke, the door 3120 no longer biases the firing member 3760, and thus the firing bar 3770, proximally. Thus, the lockout 3480 in the shaft portion 3400 cannot be overcome by the used staple cartridge 3110 shown in FIG. 35.

While the lockout device 3480 has been described with respect to the end effector 3100, the reader will readily appreciate that the lockout device 3480 may also be used with other end effectors, such as end effector 1100, which utilize a multi-functional firing member to open and close end effector jaws, fire staples, and cut tissue.

In certain instances, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly can include a spring configured to urge the jaws of the end effector toward a closed position. For example, such a spring may be positioned distal to the pivot joint of the end effector. In certain instances, the spring can interact with a lockout that prevents the firing stroke when the staple cartridge is not installed in the end effector (i.e., lacks a staple cartridge or a lockout for a staple cartridge).

Referring to FIG. 36, anvil 4130 is illustrated. Anvil 4130 is similar in many respects to anvil 1130 (see fig. 3-6), however, anvil 4130 also includes spring slots 4146 and release notches 4136. Spring slots 4146 are defined in an outer proximal surface 4147 of the anvil 4130. For example, the anvil 4130 includes a ramp surface 4134 that defines an open-close cavity 4148 similar to the ramp surface 1134 and the open-close cavity 1148 (see fig. 8-12), respectively. For example, the open-close cavity 4148 includes a distal closing ramp 4140 and a proximal opening surface 4142. A spring slot 4146 is located at the proximal end of anvil 4130 proximate to open-close cavity 4148. Anvil 4130 further includes an inner rail 4135 laterally inboard of sidewall tissue stop 4133.

The inner rail 4135 is similar to the inner rail 1135 (see fig. 4 and 6) and includes a release notch 4136 therein. The release notch 4136 is engaged by a latching feature, as further described herein. The latch device of fig. 36 to 44 includes a pair of latch springs 4450 and a pair of lock levers 4180. The lockout spring 4450 and lock lever 4180 are symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the anvil 4130. In other examples, the lockout device may include a single lockout spring 4450 and a single lockout lever 4180.

Referring primarily to fig. 33-40, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 4000 includes an end effector 4100 having an anvil 4130 and an elongate channel 4102, and a lock spring 4450 extending between the anvil 4130 and the elongate channel 4102. The anvil 4130 is configured to pivot relative to the elongate channel 4102 at a pivot joint 4150 at a pivot pin 4152. For example, the elongate channel 4102 is similar in many respects to the elongate channel 1102 (see fig. 3-5 and 7), however, the elongate channel 4102 also includes apertures 4107 for springs 4450 (see fig. 24, 26 and 28), and recesses 4109 for locking lever 4180. For example, anvil 4130 is similar in many respects to anvil 1130 (see fig. 3-6), however, anvil 4130 also includes a spring slot 4146 for receiving a portion of lock-out spring 4450.

The lockout spring 4450 extends through the spring slot 4146 between the elongate channel 4102 and the anvil 4130. Each spring 4450 comprises a first end 4452 retained in an aperture 4107 in the elongate channel 4102 and a second end 4454 which engages the anvil 4130. The first end 4452 of the spring 4450 may be embedded or otherwise secured to the elongate channel 4102. For example, the first end 4452 of the spring 4450 may be retained within a corresponding aperture 4107 in the elongate channel 4102. The second ends 4454 of the springs 4450 can be positioned against corresponding abutment surfaces 4149 on the outer proximal surface 4147 of the anvil 4130. For example, the abutment surface 4149 is aligned with the spring slot 4146 immediately adjacent the open-close cavity 4148.

A firing member 4760 (see fig. 38-40) is positioned in the end effector 4100. The firing member 4760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 4760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange 4764, an upper flange 4762, and a support portion 4763 that extends between the

flanges

4762 and 4764. The upper flange 4762 is formed by a horizontal pin extending from a support portion 4763. The lower flange 4764 is comprised of an enlarged or widened foot at the base of the support portion 4763. The tissue cutting features 4766 are supported by a support portion 4763 between

flanges

4762 and 4764. The support portion 4763 travels through aligned slots in the elongate channel 4102, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 3-5), and anvil 4130.

The firing member 4760 also includes a proximal boss 4768 that extends proximally from a top portion of the firing member 4760. The proximal bosses 4768 are operably configured to engage the anvil 4130 to facilitate the opening action of the anvil 4130. More specifically, the proximal bosses 4768 are positioned to engage the central intersection surface 4145 of the anvil 4130. The central cross surface 4145 is positioned intermediate the spring slots 4146 and proximate the open-closed cavity 4148 and the pivot joint 4150 of the end effector 4100. When the firing member 4760 is retracted proximally beyond the pivot joint 4150, the proximal boss 4768 is configured to slidably engage the center cross surface 4145, which biases the center cross surface 4145 downward to pivot the anvil 4130 toward the open position.

The end effector 4100 includes a locking lever 4180 slidably positioned in a recess 4109 in the elongate channel 4102. Each locking lever 4180 includes a proximal end 4182 and a distal end 4184. The proximal end 4182 is operably positioned in the release notch 4136. The distal end 4184 is positioned to engage a staple cartridge when inserted into the elongate channel 4102. The engagement surface at the proximal end 4182 of the locking lever 4180 and the notch 4136 are configured to bias the locking lever 4180 distally. For example, the notch 4136 defines a ramped surface that urges the proximal end 4182 of the locking lever 4180 distally. Additionally or alternatively, the lockout device may include a biasing spring 4186 for biasing the locking lever 4180 toward the distal position (see fig. 40). The biasing spring 4186 is positioned in abutting contact with the proximal end 4182 of the locking lever 4180. In various circumstances, the recess in the elongate channel 4102 can be configured to receive and support the biasing spring 4186.

Referring primarily to fig. 39 and 40, the end effector 4100 is shown in an undamped or open configuration. Further, a staple cartridge has not yet been installed in the elongate channel 4102. Although the anvil 4130 is not clamped relative to the staple cartridge, the lockout spring 4450 is configured to exert a closing force on the anvil 4130. For example, the lockout spring 4450 is configured to bias the anvil 4130 downward and forward. Referring primarily to fig. 40, the second end 4454 of the spring 4450 is positioned against the abutment surface 4149 on the outer proximal surface 4147 and the spring 4450 is configured to exert a force f on the abutment surface 4149 (see fig. 40); force f biases anvil 4130 toward the closed position.

The force f from the latch spring 4450 is also configured to bias the anvil pin 4152 into the latch notch 4105 in the elongate channel 4102. More specifically, the elongate channel 4102 includes a pair of shaped slots 4108 defined in a proximal portion of each side wall. The forming slots 4108 are commonly referred to as "kidney slots" or "banana slots" due to their geometry. A lockout notch 4105 extends from a lower proximal portion of the shaped slot 4108. When anvil pin 4152 is positioned in lockout notch 4105, anvil 4130 is prevented from rotating from the open position (see fig. 39-42) to the closed position (see fig. 43 and 44). For example, where the proximal end 4182 of the locking lever 4180 is positioned in the release notch 4136, the ramp surface at the proximal end 4182 may be positioned flush with the ramp surface in the release notch 4136 such that movement of the anvil 4130 is limited.

Referring now to fig. 41 and 42, the staple cartridge 1110 has been installed in the elongate channel 4102. When the staple cartridge 1110 is inserted into the end effector 4100, the proximal end 1112 of the staple cartridge 1110 is positioned against the distal end 4184 of the lockout lever 4180 and displaces the lockout lever 4180 proximally in the recess 4109. For example, the distal end 4184 of the lockout lever 4180 may include a surface facing the staple cartridge against which the proximal end 1112 of the staple cartridge abuts. Proximal displacement of the locking lever 4180 also moves the proximal end 4182 of the locking lever within the release notch 4136. The proximal end 4182 includes a ramp surface that engages the ramp surface of the release notch 4136 to lift the anvil 4130 upwardly away from the elongate channel 4102. As anvil 4130 moves upward, anvil pins 4152 also move upward out of locking notches 4105 and into forming slots 4108. While spring 4450 continues to bias anvil 4130 downward and thus anvil pins 4152 into lockout notches 4105, the proximal displacement of lock bar 4180 by the installed staple cartridge 1110 is sufficient to overcome the bias of lockout spring 4450. When anvil pin 4152 is positioned within forming slot 4108, as shown in fig. 42, anvil 4130 is operably configured to pivot at anvil pin 4152 about pivot joint 4150 toward a closed position.

Referring now to fig. 43 and 44, the firing member 4760 has been advanced distally to close the anvil 4130. For example, as the firing member 4760 moves distally, the upper flange 4762 of the anvil 4130 is configured to cam against, for example, a distal closure ramp on the anvil 4130, similar to the distal closure ramp 1140 on the anvil 1130 (see fig. 8-12). The camming force generated by the firing member 4760 is sufficient to pivot the anvil 4130 toward the closed position, and the anvil pin 4152 is configured to move along the forming slot 4108 as the anvil 4130 pivots relative to the elongate channel 4102. The firing member 4760 can then continue to move distally along the firing path in the end effector 4100 to complete the firing stroke.

At the completion of the firing stroke, the firing member 4760 is retracted toward the proximal end 1112 of the used staple cartridge 1110. Although the firing member 4760 is retracted proximally, the sled assembly 1120 is configured to remain at the distal end 1113 of the used staple cartridge 1110. In such instances, proximal end 1112 of used staple cartridge 1110 may continue to bias lock lever 4180 proximally such that anvil pins 4152 are retained in forming slots 4108.

In other examples, the sled assembly 1120 can operably engage the lock bar 4180 such that the lock bar 4180 is biased proximally only when the sled assembly 1120 is in a proximal pre-firing position in the staple cartridge 1110. In such instances, at the beginning of the firing stroke, the lockout lever 4180 may be allowed to shift distally and reengage the lockout such that a subsequent firing stroke is prevented until a new staple cartridge is installed in the end effector 4100.

As described herein, in certain examples, the elongate channel of the end effector can include a shaped slot (e.g., a "kidney" or "banana" shaped slot) to facilitate opening and closing of the anvil. In other examples, the elongate channel may include pin holes for facilitating opening and closing of the anvil. In such cases, the anvil is configured to pivot about a single pivot axis at the pivot joint. The lockout device including locking lever 4180 may be modified for single pivot axis closure of the anvil.

For example, referring now to fig. 90-92, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 5000 includes an end effector 5100 having an anvil 5130 and an elongate channel 5102. The anvil 5130 is configured to pivot relative to the elongate channel 5102 about a pivot joint 5150 at a pivot pin 5152. The elongate channel 5102 is similar in many respects to the elongate channel 4102 (see fig. 37-44), however, the elongate channel 5102 includes pin holes 5108 for receiving pivot pins 5152 rather than profiled slots. The anvil 5130 is similar in many respects to anvil 4130 (see fig. 36-44), however, the anvil 5130 does not include a notch in the inner rail 5135 for engagement with the locking bar.

For example, although the firing member is not shown in fig. 90-92, the reader will readily appreciate that the firing member in the end effector 5100 may be identical to the firing member 4760 (see fig. 38). The firing member for the end effector 5100 may be configured to engage a ramp surface that defines an open-close cavity similar to ramp surface 1134 and open-close cavity 1148 (see fig. 8-12), respectively. For example, the open-close cavity includes a distal closing ramp and a proximal opening surface. In certain examples, the lockout spring can extend through the spring slot 5146 between the elongate channel 5102 and the anvil 5130. For example, such a latch spring may be the same as latch spring 4450. In other examples, the end effector 5100 may not include a lockout spring extending between the anvil 5130 and the elongate channel 5102.

The end effector 5100 includes a lock rod 5180 slidably positioned in a recess 5109 in the elongate channel 5102. Each locking bar 5180 includes a proximal end 5182 and a distal end 5184. The proximal end 5182 is positioned in abutting contact with a compression spring 5190, which is also positioned in recess 5109. The distal end 5184 is positioned to engage a staple cartridge when inserted into the elongate channel 5102. Although only a single lock rod 5180 is shown in fig. 90-92, the reader will readily appreciate that a symmetrical lock rod 5180 may be positioned on each side of the end effector 5100. For example, in other examples, the lockout device of the end effector 5100 may be asymmetric with respect to the firing member and may include only a single lockout lever 5180.

Referring primarily to fig. 90, the end effector 5100 is shown in an undamped or open configuration. In addition, the staple cartridge has not yet been installed in the elongate channel 5102. Although the anvil 5130 is not clamped relative to the staple cartridge, in certain examples, the lockout spring can be configured to exert a closing force on the anvil 5130. For example, the lockout spring may be configured to bias the anvil 5130 downward and forward. Although the anvil 5130 can be biased toward the clamped configuration, the pivot pins 5152 can be configured to prevent pivoting of the anvil 5130.

The pivot pin 5152 has a semi-circumferential length or cross-section that includes a rounded, rounded or otherwise shaped portion 5154 and a flat or linear portion 5156. When the anvil 5130 is in the undamped configuration, the pivot pin 5152 is oriented such that the flat portion 5156 is positioned flush with the top surface 5186 of the locking lever 5180. When the flat portion 5156 is flush with the top face 5186, rotation of the pivot pin 5152, and thus the anvil 5130, from the open position to the closed position (see fig. 92) is limited or completely prevented. For example, when the firing member is advanced distally from a home position in the open-close cavity toward the distal closure ramp, the attempted distal displacement of the firing member may not be sufficient to overcome the rotational resistance between the flat face 5156 of the pivot pin 5152 and the top face 5186 of the lockout lever 5180. Thus, the anvil 5130 may be prevented from moving toward the closed configuration until the staple cartridge is positioned in the elongate channel 5102 and, thus, overcome the lockout device.

Referring now to fig. 91, a staple cartridge 1110 has been installed in the elongate channel 5102. When the staple cartridge 1110 is inserted into the end effector 5100, the proximal end 1112 of the staple cartridge 1110 is positioned against the distal end 5184 of the lockout lever 5180 and displaces the lockout lever 5180 proximally in the recess 5109. For example, the distal end 5184 of the lockout lever 5180 may include a surface facing the staple cartridge against which the proximal end 1112 of the staple cartridge abuts.

Proximal displacement of lock lever 5180 also moves notch 5188 in lock lever 5180 proximally. A notch 5188 is defined downwardly from the top face 5186 intermediate the proximal end 5182 and the distal end 5184. The notch 5188 is configured to move into longitudinal alignment with the pivot pin 5152 when the compression spring 5190 compresses to allow the lock bar 5180 to shift proximally within the recess 5109. As shown in fig. 91, when the notch 5188 is aligned with the pivot pin 5152, the flat portion 5156 of the pivot pin 5152 can be spaced from the lock bar 5180. Thus, the anvil 5130 is operably permitted to pivot about the anvil pin 5152 at the pivot joint 5150 toward the closed position.

Referring now to fig. 92, a closing motion has been applied to the anvil 5130. For example, the firing member can be advanced distally to close the anvil 5130. Distal advancement of the firing member is configured to cam its upper flange against a distal closure ramp on the anvil 5130. The camming force generated by the firing member is sufficient to pivot the pin 5152 within the pin aperture 5108. The firing member may then continue to move distally along the firing path in the end effector 5100 to complete the firing stroke.

Upon completion of the firing stroke, the firing member may be retracted toward the proximal end 1112 of the used staple cartridge 1110. While the firing member is retracted proximally, the sled assembly 1120 is configured to remain at the distal end 1113 of the used staple cartridge 1110. In such instances, the proximal end 1112 of the used staple cartridge 1110 may continue to bias the lockout lever 5180 proximally such that the anvil pins 5152 remain aligned with the notches 5188.

In other examples, the sled assembly 1120 can operably engage the lockout bar 5180 such that the lockout bar 5180 is biased proximally only when the sled assembly 1120 is in a proximal pre-firing position in the staple cartridge 1110. In such a case, at the beginning of the firing stroke, the lockout lever 5180 may be allowed to shift distally and reengage the lockout such that a subsequent firing stroke is prevented until a new staple cartridge is installed in the end effector 5100.

Referring now to fig. 45-53, a surgical end effector 6100 is shown. The surgical end effector 6100 includes an elongate channel 6102 and an anvil 1130. The elongate channel 6102 is similar in many respects to the elongate channel 1102 (see fig. 3-5 and 7), however, the elongate channel 6102 also includes a recess 6109 sized and positioned to operably receive a portion of the locking spring 6182. In other examples, the surgical end effector 6100 can include an elongate channel 1102 in place of the elongate channel 1102, as further described herein.

A firing member 6760 is positioned in the end effector 6100. The firing member 6760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 6760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange 6764, an upper flange 6762, and a support portion 6763 that extends between the

flanges

6762 and 6764. The upper flange 6762 is constituted by a horizontal pin extending from the support portion 6763. The lower flange 6764 is constituted by an enlarged or widened foot at the base of the support portion 6763. The tissue cutting feature 6766 is supported by a support portion 6763 between the

flanges

6762 and 6764. The support portion 6763 travels through aligned slots in the elongate channel 6102, staple cartridge 6110, and anvil 1130.

Similar to the firing member 1760, the firing member 6760 is configured to apply a closing camming force on the end effector 6100 to clamp the anvil 1130 relative to the elongate channel 6102 during a portion of the firing stroke and is configured to apply an opening camming force on the end effector 6100 to pivot the anvil 1130 away from the elongate channel 6102 upon completion of the firing stroke. For example, the firing member 6730 is positioned to operably engage the open/close cavity 1148 in the anvil 1130 to facilitate pivoting of the anvil 1130.

The surgical end effector 6100 includes a lockout 6180 operable to prevent the firing stroke and/or prevent rotational movement of the anvil 1130 toward the elongate channel 6102 unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw. In other words, latch 6180 is a missing and empty cartridge latch and may together be considered a clamp latch. Because the firing member 6760 is a multi-functional firing member, the firing member is configured to perform a surgical function in combination with a single actuation system. Thus, when the lockout device 6180 prevents actuation of the firing member 6760, the lockout device 6180 effectively prevents the combination of surgical functions performed by the firing member 6760, including clamping of the end effector 6100 and advancement of the cutting edge 6766.

In other examples, the lockout device 6180 can be configured to engage the firing member 6760 after the firing member 6760 has closed the end effector jaws. For example, the lockout device 6180 may be positioned distally farther such that the firing member 6760 engages the lockout device 6180 after engaging the distal closure ramp 1140 of the opening/closing cavity 1148. In such instances, the firing member 6760 can be configured to clamp the anvil 1130 relative to the elongate channel 6102 before the lockout device 6180 can be engaged.

The lockout device 6180 includes a lockout spring 6182 and a lockout lug 6770 on the firing member 6722. The locking spring 6182 is positioned in a recess 6109 in the elongate channel 6102. The locking spring 6182 defines a U-shaped member having a fixed end and a pair of deflectable ends. The locking spring 6182 is a leaf spring, however, the reader will readily appreciate that various alternative springs may be configured to operatively engage the locking lug 6770. For example, the lockout spring 6182 may be comprised of two separate leaf springs on either side of the firing member 6722.

The fixed end of the locking spring 6182 is fixed to the proximal end 6184 of the elongate channel 6102. For example, the proximal end 6184 may be welded to the elongate channel 6102 at spot welds 6196 (see fig. 47). The deflectable or free end of the locking spring 6182 defines a distal end 6186 thereof. Spring arm 6188 extends between proximal end 6184 and each free distal end 6186 of locking spring 6182.

Referring primarily to fig. 47, a pair of laterally extending tabs or hooks 6190 extend inwardly from the distal end 6186 toward the centerline of the locking spring 6182. Hook 6190 is located laterally inward of spring arm 6188. The hook is operably configured to capture or engage the locking ledge 6770 as further described herein. Still referring to fig. 47, the locking spring 6182 is shown in a non-stressed or non-flexed default configuration. In a non-stressed configuration, spring arm 6188 defines a curve or profile such that distal end 6186 is upwardly offset from proximal end 6184. While the locking spring 6182 is configured to bend or otherwise deform during operation of the end effector 6100, the locking spring 6182 is configured to seek to return to the non-stressed configuration of fig. 47.

The lockout lug 6770 defines a laterally protruding lug on the support portion 6763 of the firing member 6760. A lock or notch 6772 is defined in each laterally projecting lug 6770. The lock 6772 is a rectangular cutout sized and aligned to receive the hook 6190 when the lockout spring 6182 is in the non-stressed configuration of fig. 47 and the firing member 6760 is advanced distally into engagement with the hook 6190 on the lockout spring 6182. For example, each lock 6772 includes a distally facing opening configured to receive the hook 6190 when the hook 6190 is aligned with the distally facing opening and the firing member 6760 is advanced distally. When the hook 6190 is retained in the lock 6772, distal advancement of the firing member 6760 is prevented. Thus, the locking device 6180 prevents clamping of the anvil 1130 and advancement of the knife edge 6766.

In use, the locking spring 6182 may initially be in the non-stressed configuration of fig. 47 in the elongate channel 6102. In the non-stressed configuration, the hook 6190 on the distal end 6186 of the lockout spring 6182 is biased upward and becomes aligned with the lock 6772 in the firing member 6760. Thus, as the firing member 6760 is advanced distally, the hook 6190 slides into the lock 6772 on the advancing firing member 6760 such that the firing member 6760 is prevented from distal displacement past the hook 6190.

Referring now to fig. 48, when the staple cartridge 6110 is installed in the end effector 6100, a portion of the staple cartridge 6110 is configured to engage the lockout spring 6182. The staple cartridge 6110 is similar in many respects to staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 3-5). Staple cartridge 6110 includes sled assembly 6120 which is similar in many respects to sled assembly 1120 (see fig. 4 and 5), however, sled assembly 6120 has a cutout or depression 6122 at the proximal end 6112 of staple cartridge 6110. A cutout 6122 is defined in the channel-facing surface of sled assembly 6120 and is configured to receive distal end 6186 of lockout spring 6182, including hook 6190 thereof, when sled assembly 6120 is in the proximal home position in staple cartridge 6110 (see fig. 48). Slider assembly 6120 engages distal end 6186 of latch spring 6182 to deflect hook 6190 into cutout 6122 and become misaligned with lock 6772.

In other examples, a staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 3-5) can be mounted in the elongate channel 6102, and its sled assembly 1120 can be configured to deflect a hook 6190 downward into a lockout recess 6109 in the elongate channel 6102. In such instances, the lockout recess 6109 may be sized to accommodate the height of the lockout spring 6182 such that the staple cartridge 1110 may be positioned flush with the cartridge support surface of the elongate channel 6102. In still other cases, the elongate channel 6102 may not include a lockout recess 6109, similar to the elongate channel 1102 (see fig. 3-5). In such instances, the cutout 6122 in the sled assembly 6120 can be sized to accommodate the height of the lockout spring 6182 so that the staple cartridge 6110 can be positioned flush with the cartridge support surface of the elongate channel 6102.

During the firing stroke, the sled assembly 6120 is advanced distally through the cartridge body 6111 by the firing member 6760. When the firing member 6760 is retracted proximally after the firing stroke, the sled assembly 6120 remains in the distal portion of the staple cartridge 6110. For example, referring now to fig. 49, the firing member 6760 is advanced distally from a proximal home position during an initial portion of the firing stroke. As the firing member 6760 moves distally away from the lock spring 6182, the lock spring 6182 is configured to resume the non-pressure orientation of fig. 47, wherein the hook 6190 is deflected upwardly relative to the secured proximal end 6184 of the lock spring 6182.

Referring now to fig. 50, at the completion of the firing stroke, the firing member 6760 is retracted proximally toward the proximal home position. As the firing member 6760 moves proximally past the distal end 6186 of the lockout spring 6182, the hook 6190 on the lockout spring 6182 is configured to ride or slide along the ramped surface 6774 on the laterally protruding lug 6770. The hook 6190 engages the ramped surface 6774 in fig. 50 such that the ramped surface 6774 cams or lifts the hook 6190 and the distal end 6186 of the locking spring 6182 upwardly over the lock 6772 and along the top surface of the laterally projecting lug 6770. When hook 6190 bypasses lock 6772, lockout 6180 is effectively reset.

Referring now to fig. 51, the firing member 6760 has returned to the proximal home position and the lockout spring 6182 has returned to the unstressed configuration. Thus, the hook 6190 on the lockout spring 6182 is aligned with the lock 6772 on the firing member 6760. For example, the locks 6772 are configured to move along a respective locking path in the end effector 6100 as the firing member 6760 is advanced distally, and each hook 6190 is in the locking path of the corresponding lock 6772. While the staple cartridge 6110 remains in the elongate channel 6102 in fig. 51, the sled 6120 (see fig. 33 and 34) remains in the distal end portion of the staple cartridge 6110 because the staple cartridge 6110 has been fired or spent. Distally displaced slide 6120 is not positioned to engage distal end 6186 of latch spring 6182 to overcome latch 6180, as shown in fig. 45.

Distal displacement of the firing member 6170 through the reset lockout 6180 is prevented as shown in fig. 52. Specifically, the firing member 6760 has been distally displaced from a proximal home position during a subsequent attempted firing stroke. However, as the firing member 6760 moves distally, the lock 6772 moves along its respective locking path into engagement with the hook 6190. The hook 6190 slides into the lock 6772 to prevent further distal movement of the firing member 6760.

Locking device 6180 includes symmetrical lock 6772 and symmetrical hook 6190. For example, the lock 6772 and hook 6190 are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the end effector 6100 such that the firing force generated by the firing member is constrained by the lockout device 6180 in a balanced and symmetrical manner. In other examples, latch 6180 may be asymmetric and may include, for example, a single lock 6772 and a single hook 6190.

In various instances, as described herein, an interchangeable surgical tool assembly for a surgical instrument can be fired upon actuation of a firing trigger on its handle assembly. In certain examples, multiple actuations of the firing trigger may be configured to fire the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. For example, each actuation of the firing trigger may effect a portion of the firing stroke. In other examples, a single actuation of a firing stroke may be configured to achieve a series of consecutive firing strokes. In certain instances, each successive firing stroke may facilitate distal advancement and/or proximal retraction of the firing member, cutting edge, and/or sled assembly. For example, a firing link in an interchangeable surgical tool assembly can be extended and retracted multiple times in a series of consecutive firing strokes to complete the firing of the end effector.

In certain instances, it may be desirable to advance the firing member distally to an intermediate portion of the end effector. The firing member can fire the sled assembly and/or cutting element to an intermediate portion of the end effector. In addition, in various circumstances, the pusher plate can be advanced distally to complete firing of the sled assembly and/or cutting element. As described herein, the firing member can include an upper flange configured to travel through an anvil of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly. Where distal advancement of the firing member terminates at an intermediate portion of the end effector, a distal portion of the anvil may be passless. For example, the distal portion of the anvil may be solid such that the upper flange of the firing member cannot travel therethrough. When the distal portion of the anvil is solid, the anvil may be stiffer than an anvil having a passageway extending to its distal end. The increased stiffness of the anvil may be configured to limit deformation and/or buckling of the anvil.

An interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 configured to perform a series of consecutive firing strokes is shown in fig. 56-70. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 is mountable to the handle assembly 500 (see fig. 1 and 2). In certain examples, each firing stroke of the series of consecutive firing strokes may be affected by a single actuation of the firing trigger 532 (see fig. 1 and 2). In other examples, a single actuation of the firing trigger 532 may affect one or more firing strokes. For example, a single actuation of the firing trigger 532 can effect a complete series of consecutive firing strokes to fire staples and cut into the target tissue clamped between the end effector jaws.

Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 includes end effector 12100, shaft portion 12400, firing member 12760 and firing rod 12770. The end effector 12100 comprises an elongate channel 12102 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 11210 therein. Elongate channel 12102 is operably attached to shaft portion 12400. The end effector 12100 further includes an anvil 12130 that is pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 12102.

The firing member 12760 is configured to operably interface with a sled assembly 12120 that is operably supported within the body 12111 of the surgical staple cartridge 12110. The sled assembly 12120 is slidably displaced within the surgical cartridge body 12111 from a proximal, home position adjacent the proximal end 12112 of the cartridge body 12111 to an end position adjacent the distal end 12113 of the cartridge body 12111. The slider assembly 12120 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 12122, wherein each cam 12122 corresponds to a particular row of staples 1126. Slider assembly 12120 further comprises a cutting edge 12124. Cutting edge 12124 is configured to travel with slider assembly 12120 through end effector 12100. For example, cutting edge 12124 is integrally formed on slider assembly 12120.

A direct drive surgical staple 1126 (see also fig. 5) is positioned in a staple cavity in the body 12111. As sled assembly 12120 is driven distally, tissue cutting edge 12124 is configured to cut tissue clamped between anvil assembly 12130 and staple cartridge 12110, and sled assembly 12120 drives staples 1126 upwardly in staple cartridge 12110 into contact with anvil assembly 12130. As further described herein, the sled assembly 12120 can be driven distally by the firing member 12760 and/or by the push plate 12780. For example, the firing member 12760 is configured to distally urge the sled assembly 12120 to an intermediate position in the end effector 12100 and the push plate 12780 is configured to bypass the firing member 12760 to further distally advance the sled assembly 12120 to a distal position in the end effector 12100.

During the firing stroke, a drive member, such as drive member 1602 (see fig. 2), for example, in the shaft portion 12400 is configured to transmit a firing motion to the firing bar 12770. For example, displacement of the drive member 1602 is configured to displace the firing bar 12770. As described herein, the firing bar 12770 may be operably configured to fire the firing member 12760. For example, the firing bar 12770 may push the firing member 12760 distally during at least a portion of the firing sequence.

The firing member 12760 is similar in many respects to the firing member 1760 (see fig. 4 and 5). For example, the firing member 12760 defines an I-beam structure that includes a lower flange 12764, an upper flange 12762, and a support portion 12763 that extends between the lower flange 12764 and the upper flange 12764. The upper flange 12762 is formed by a horizontal pin extending from the support portion 12763. The lower flange 12764 is comprised of an enlarged or widened foot at the base of the support portion 12763. The firing member 12760 can be configured to engage a closed cavity, such as the closed cavity 1148 (see fig. 8-12), on the anvil 12130 to effect opening and closing of the anvil 12130 relative to the staple cartridge 12110. Additionally, the upper flange 12762 may be configured to travel through a passage 12136 in the anvil 12130 and the lower flange 12764 may be configured to travel through a passage 12106 in the elongate channel 12102. Unlike the firing member 1760, the firing member 12760 does not include a cutting edge. Rather, firing member 12760 is configured to selectively engage a sled assembly 12120, which includes a cutting edge 12124.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 also includes a push rod assembly 12778 having a push plate 12780 and a spring 12782. Referring primarily to fig. 56-58, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 is in an unfired configuration, the spring 12782 is configured to bias the push plate 12780 laterally toward the firing bar 12770. For example, the spring 12782 is positioned intermediate the push plate 12780 and the side wall of the shaft assembly 12400. The push plate 12780 is biased against a firing bar 12770, which is positioned against a stop plate 12784 in the shaft portion 12400. The spring 12782 is a linear wave spring, however, the reader will readily appreciate that alternative spring designs can be configured to bias the push plate 12780 laterally toward the firing bar 12770. As further described herein, the push plate 12780 remains in the shaft portion 12400 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 until the firing bar 12770 is retracted to a more proximal position, which allows the push plate 12780 to resiliently engage the firing bar 12770 laterally.

Referring now to fig. 59-61, the push plate 12780 includes a linear body 12786 having a plurality of leaf springs 12788 along the body 12786. The leaf spring 12788 is depicted in an unstressed or undeformed configuration in fig. 60 and 61, which depicts the leaf spring 12788 biased laterally outward from the linear body 12786. The linear body 12786 extends between a proximal end 12788 and a distal end 12790. A T-shaped slot 12792 is defined in proximal end 12788. The T-slot 12792 is configured to operably receive a distal key or tab 12771 on the firing bar 12770. The distal key 12771 may comprise, for example, a disk-shaped key protruding from the firing bar 12770 (see fig. 63). When the key 12771 is positioned in the t-slot 12792, proximal and distal translation of the firing bar 12770 is transferred to the push plate 12780. The reader will readily appreciate that alternative complementary slot and key geometries may be employed to transfer the firing motion between the firing bar 12770 and the push plate 12780.

At the beginning of the first firing stroke, referring primarily to fig. 62 and 63, the distal end of the firing bar 12770 is positioned in abutting and driving contact with the firing member 12760. In addition, the firing bar 12770 is configured to restrain the push plate 12780 and its leaf spring 12788. In such instances, the firing bar 12770 may be advanced distally to push the firing member 12760 distally. As the firing member 12760 is moved distally, the firing member 12760 also pushes the sled assembly 12120 distally. In fig. 62, ramp surfaces 12122 of slider assembly 12120 have engaged the proximal most staple 1126 in the depicted row and have begun lifting of staple 1126 toward anvil 12130.

While the firing bar 12770 has been moved distally in fig. 62, the push plate 12780 is configured to remain in a proximal position in the shaft portion 12400 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000. Referring primarily to fig. 63, the firing member 12760 includes a notch 12766 that is sized to allow the push plate 12780 to bypass the firing member 12760 at a later stage in the firing stroke sequence, as further described herein.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 is shown at the completion of the first firing stroke in fig. 64. By comparing fig. 58 and 64, the reader will readily understand that the firing member 12760 has been moved distally by the firing bar 12770 a distance V from point a to point B. Point B is approximately one third of the distance between the proximal end 12112 and the distal end 12113 of the staple cartridge 12110. In other examples, point B may be less than or greater than one third of the distance between the proximal end 12112 and the distal end 12113. For example, point B may be approximately one-quarter or one-sixth of the distance between the proximal end 12112 and the distal end 12113. In other examples, point B may be further than an intermediate position between the proximal end 12112 and the distal end 12113.

Upon reaching point B, slider assembly 12120 has moved two staples 1126 in the depicted row into the forming position, and has moved the third staple in the depicted row toward the forming position. The firing bar 12770 is then configured to retract proximally during a second firing stroke. Because the firing rod 12770 is only in abutment with, driving contact with and not coupled to the firing member 12760, the firing member 12770 is configured to remain in a neutral position (point B) in the end effector 12100 when the firing rod 12770 is retracted proximally.

Referring primarily to fig. 65 and 66, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 is shown at the completion of the second firing stroke. By comparing fig. 64 and 66, the reader will readily appreciate that the firing bar 12770 has moved proximally a distance W from point B to point C. Point C is located proximal to point a. In other words, the distance W is greater than the distance V (see fig. 64). Further, point C is located proximal to the pushrod assembly 12778. More specifically, when the firing bar 12770 is retracted to point C, the firing bar 12770 is retracted proximally such that the t-slot 12792 in the proximal end 12788 of the push plate 12780 is aligned with the distal key 12771 on the firing bar 12770. When the distal key 12771 is aligned with the t-slot 12792, the t-slot 12792 is configured to receive the distal key 12771 therein. For example, referring primarily to FIG. 66, the spring 12782 is configured to bias the push plate 12780 laterally into engagement with the firing bar 12770. In addition, when the firing bar 12770 has been retracted proximally thereof, the leaf spring 12788 is allowed to return to the unstressed configuration (see fig. 60 and 61).

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 12000 is shown at the completion of the third firing stroke in fig. 67-69. By comparing fig. 66 and 67, the reader will readily understand that the firing bar 12770 has moved distally a distance X from point C to point D. Point D is also distal to point B (see fig. 64). The distal displacement distance X of firing rod 12770 is configured to move firing member 12760 a distance Y and sled assembly 12120 to the distal end 12113 of staple cartridge 12110. During the third firing stroke, the push plate 12780 is advanced distally by the firing bar 12770.

During the third firing stroke, the push plate 12780 pushes the firing member 12760 distally until the firing member 12760 reaches the end of the passageway 12136. When the upper flange 12762 of the firing member 12760 abuts the distal end of the passageway 12136 (or the firing member 12760 is otherwise prevented from traveling distally further), the push plate 12780 is configured to bypass the firing member 12760. For example, the leaf spring 12788 is configured to deflect toward the body 12786, which allows the push plate 12780 to fit within the notch 12766 in the firing member 12760. When the pusher plate 12780 is positioned within the notch 12766, the pusher plate 12780 is configured to be advanced distally past the firing member 12760. In some examples, the push plate 12780 does not distally displace the firing member during the third firing stroke. For example, point B may be aligned with the distal end of passage 12136.

Upon completion of the third firing stroke, the sled assembly 12120 is positioned at the distal end 12113 of the staple cartridge 12110 and all of the staples 1126 in the depicted row have been moved to a forming position with the anvil 12130. In addition, the slider assembly 12120 is configured to sink or move downward toward the cartridge support surface 12101 of the elongate channel 12102 upon completion of the third firing stroke. Submerged slide assembly 12120 shown in fig. 67 is configured to displace cutting edge 12124 downward. For example, the cutting edge 12124 may be positioned below the deck of staple cartridge 12110. In such instances, when the firing member 12760 is retracted and the anvil 12130 is pivoted to an open configuration, the cutting edge 12124 may be hidden within or obscured by the cartridge body 12111, which may prevent accidental cutting and/or injury of the cutting edge 12124. In certain examples, body 12111 of staple cartridge 12110 comprises a distal cavity into which sled assembly 12120 is configured to fall or transfer upon completion of the third firing stroke.

Still referring to fig. 67-69, the leaf springs 12788 are in a non-stressed configuration such that they extend laterally outward of the body 12786. When in the unstressed configuration, a proximally outwardly located end 12789 of one of the leaf springs 12788 extends forward of the support portion 12763 of the firing member 12760 (see fig. 69). In other words, the end 12789 of the leaf spring 12788 extends beyond the notch 12766 and laterally overlaps the support portion 12763 of the firing member 12760. Thus, the end 12789 acts as a barb loaded by the spring that captures the firing member 12760 when the thrust plate 12780 is subsequently retracted proximally.

During the fourth firing stroke, the push plate 12780 is retracted proximally. By comparing fig. 67 and 70, the reader will readily understand that the firing bar 12770 has moved proximally a distance Z from point D to point E. The firing rod 12770 is engaged with the push plate 12780 via the lock 12771 and the T-slot 12792 so that the push plate 12780 is also retracted proximally with the firing rod 12770. In addition, because the end 12789 of one of the leaf springs 12788 is captured or otherwise engaged with the firing member 12760, retraction of the push plate 12780 also retracts the firing member 12760. The firing member 12760 in fig. 70 has been retracted such that the upper flange 12762 is retracted from the passageway 12136 in the anvil 12130. In certain examples, the upper flange 12762 can be configured to engage the open-close cavity to open the anvil 12130 toward the open configuration when retracted to point E. In addition, sled assembly 12120, including its cutting edge 12124, remains obscured in the descending cavity at the distal end 12113 of staple cartridge 12110.

In certain instances, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly may include a flexible spine that may allow at least a portion of the shaft to flex away from the linear configuration. The flexible spine is configured to move an end effector of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly vertically and/or horizontally relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, in certain instances, the end effector and/or the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly can be configured to rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The flexibility and rotatability of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly is configured to increase the sequence of motions such that the end effector can be manipulated to assume different positions relative to the target tissue. In addition, the flexibility and rotatability may be configured to increase operator visibility at the surgical site.

An interchangeable surgical tool assembly 14000 is shown in figures 71-74. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 14000 includes an end effector 1100 that includes an elongate channel 1102, an anvil 1130, and a firing member 1760. Staple cartridge 1110 (see fig. 72 and 74) is removably positioned in elongate channel 1102. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 14000 further comprises a shaft portion 14400 that includes a flexible spine 14402. The flexible spine of the SURGICAL instrument is further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,554 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE SHAFT ARRANGEMENTS", filed on 23/12/2013 (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0173789), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The flexible spine 14402 includes a vertebral body 14404 and a distal tube segment 14440 mounted to the vertebral body 14404 (see fig. 74). The vertebral body 14404 includes a central portion 14408 and a laterally symmetrical pair of vertebrae 14406 extending from central portion 14408. Vertebrae 14406 are positioned along each

side

14410, 14412 of vertebral body 14404. Vertebrae 14406 along the length of vertebral body 14404 are nested. For example, each vertebra 14406 includes a protrusion, and adjacent vertebra 14406 includes a corresponding recess into which the protrusion protrudes. The interlocking protrusions and depressions are configured to limit twisting or twisting of the vertebral body 14404.

When the vertebral body 14404 is in a linear orientation, adjacent vertebrae 14406 in the vertebral body 14404 are separated by a gap 14405. For example, a gap 14405 can extend between the interlocking projections and recesses. A gap 14405 between adjacent vertebrae 14406 is configured to allow the vertebral body 14404 to articulate in an articulation plane.

Referring primarily to fig. 72 and 73, to articulate the flexible spine 14402 and distal tube section 14440 mounted thereon, the

respective sides

14410, 14412 of the vertebral body 14404 are simultaneously compressed and expanded by selective movement of the articulation band 14420 longitudinally through the channel along each

respective side

14410, 14412 of the vertebral body 14404. The distal end of the articulation band 14420 is anchored to an articulation head 14430 that is mounted or otherwise secured to the distal tube section 14440. For example, the articulation band 14420 terminates at a distal collar 14420 that is positioned around the attachment tab 14432 on the articulation head 14430. Thus, the reciprocating action of the articulation band 14420 is configured to articulate the articulation head 14430 and the distal tube segment 14440 relative to the flexible spine 14402. The articulation band 14420 may be composed of a metal band, which may be at least partially enclosed or encapsulated in plastic, for example. In various instances, the articulation bands may be actuated (i.e., displaced proximally or distally) by a lever or other actuator on the handle assembly, such as handle assembly 500 of a surgical instrument (see fig. 1 and 2).

The end effector 1100 is also configured to articulate as the vertebral body 14404 bends and the distal tube section 14440 articulates. More specifically, the end effector 1100 includes a proximal mounting portion 14450. Referring primarily to fig. 74, a proximal mounting portion 14450 is mounted to the elongate channel 1102. For example, the proximal mounting portion 14450 can be fixed to the elongate channel 1102 and/or formed integrally with the elongate channel 1102. The proximal mounting portion 14450 is positioned adjacent the distal tube section 14440 and the articulation head 14430 therein. As further described herein, the thrust bearing 14460 is positioned intermediate the proximal mounting portion 14450 and the distal tube section 14440 such that the proximal mounting portion 14450 is rotatable relative to the distal tube section 14440. The proximal mounting portion 14450 and the end effector 1100 extending therefrom are also configured to articulate as the distal tube segment 14440 articulates.

In various circumstances, the end effector 1100 can also be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion 14000. For example, the end effector 1100 may rotate relative to the flexible ridges 14402. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 14000 includes a rotational shaft 14470 that extends proximally from the proximal mounting portion 14450. The rotational shaft 14470 may extend proximally through the distal tube section 14440 and the flexible spine 14402 and may be secured at a rotational coupling in the handle assembly. The rotation shaft 14470 and the proximal mounting portion 14450 can be connected such that rotation of the rotation shaft 14470 causes rotation of the proximal mounting portion 14450 and thus also rotation of the end effector 1100. For example, the rotational shaft 14470 may be fixed and/or integrally formed with the proximal mounting portion 14450. In other examples, a rotation transfer feature (such as a gear tooth), for example, can be configured to transfer rotation of the rotating shaft 14470 to the proximal mounting portion 14470.

The rotating shaft 14470 extends through the flexible spine 14402. For example, the axis of rotation 14470 may be concentric with the flexible spine 14402 and its vertebral body 14404. While the rotation shaft 14470 extends through and rotates within flexible ridges 14402, the rotation of the rotation shaft 14470 is not transferred to flexible ridges 14402. For example, a thrust bearing 14460 intermediate the proximal mounting portion 14450 and the articulation head 1430 is configured to allow the proximal mounting portion 14450 to rotate relative to the articulation head 1430. In other examples, flexible ridges 14402 may be configured to rotate with rotating shaft 14470, and thrust bearing 14470 may be positioned intermediate flexible ridges 14402 and the non-rotatable portion of shaft 14400.

Referring primarily to FIG. 73, the axis of rotation 14470 may be serrated or notched. The serrations and/or notches are configured to allow the rotation shaft 14470 to bend within the flexible ridge 14402. While the rotational shaft 14460 is allowed to bend, the serrations may be configured to limit twisting or twisting of the rotational shaft 14460 such that rotational movement generated at the proximal end thereof may be efficiently transmitted to the distal end of the rotational shaft 14460, and thus to the proximal mounting portion 14450.

Referring primarily to fig. 73 and 74, the shaft portion 14400 includes a longitudinally movable firing bar 14770 that is similar in many respects to the firing bar 1770 (see fig. 3-5). During the firing stroke, a drive member in the handle assembly (e.g., drive member 540 in handle assembly 500, see fig. 1 and 2) transmits a firing motion to the firing bar 1770 to the firing member 1760 via a drive member (e.g., drive member 1602, see fig. 2). For example, actuation of the drive member 540 can be configured to distally displace the firing bar 14770 and the firing member 1760 to cut tissue and effect the firing of staples from the staple cartridge 1110. The drive member 540 can then be retracted proximally to retract the firing bar 14770 and the firing member 1760 proximally. The firing bar 14770 is configured to bend within the flexible spine 14402.

The firing bar 14770 is concentric with the rotary shaft 14470. Further, when the rotating shaft 14470 rotates within the flexible spine 14402, the firing bar 14770 is configured to also rotate. For example, the firing bar 14770 extends distally to a firing member 1760 having an upper flange 1462 constrained by the anvil 1130 and a lower flange 1464 constrained by the elongate channel 1102. As the end effector 1100 rotates with the rotation shaft 14470, the firing member 1760 positioned in the end effector 1100 is also configured to rotate, as described herein.

As described herein, the rotational joint between the proximal mounting portion 14450 and the distal tube segment 14440 is distal to the articulating vertebral body 14404. Thus, rotation of the end effector 1100 occurs distal to the articulation region of the shaft portion 14000. In other examples, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 14000 can include alternative and/or additional articulation joints and/or regions. For example, various additional articulation joints are further described herein. In such cases, the rotational joint between the proximal mounting portion 14450 and the distal tube segment 14440 may be positioned distal of the distal-most articulation joint.

In various circumstances, translation of the firing member 1760 and/or firing bar 14770 can be prevented until an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the end effector 1100. For example, the various lockout devices disclosed herein may be incorporated into the end effector 1100 and/or the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 14000. While translation of the firing member 1760 and/or firing bar 14770 may be prevented in such circumstances, the firing member and firing bar 14770 may be allowed to rotate with the rotary shaft 14470 and end effector 1100 by such lockout devices.

Turning next to fig. 75-81, a portion of another surgical instrument embodiment 15010 of the present invention is shown. In the arrangement shown, the surgical instrument 15010 includes a shaft assembly 15100 that can be operably coupled to a housing (not shown) in the form of a handle assembly or a portion of a robotic system. For example, the shaft assembly 15100 can be operably coupled to or otherwise configured for use with the handle assemblies and other drive devices disclosed above and/or the various handle assemblies, firing and articulation drive systems disclosed in the following documents: U.S. patent application publication No.2014/0246471, entitled "article substrate injection WITH contact substrate FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in fig. 75, the shaft assembly 15100 includes a spine member 15110 that operably supports a proximal rotary drive shaft 15120 that operably interfaces with a source of rotary motion (e.g., a motor or motor arrangement supported in a handle assembly or robotic system). In the arrangement shown, the proximal rotary drive shaft 15120 is flexible to accommodate articulation of a portion of the shaft assembly 15100. For example, the rotary drive shaft may comprise a somewhat flexible cable. The spine member 15110 defines a shaft axis SA and may be coupled to the handle assembly or robotic system, for example, in various known manners to facilitate selective rotation of the spine member 15110 relative to the handle assembly or robotic system about the shaft axis SA. In the embodiment shown, the shaft assembly 15100 includes a proximal or "first" articulation joint 15130 defining a first articulation axis AA1 transverse to the shaft axis SA; and a distal or "second" articulation joint 15150 defining a second articulation axis AA2 that is also transverse to the shaft axis SA and the first articulation axis AA 1.

Referring now to fig. 76, the proximal or first articulation joint 15130 includes a first channel mounting assembly 15132 that is pivotally coupled to the distal end 15112 of the spine member 15110 by a first articulation pin 15134. The first articulation pin 15134 defines a first articulation axis AA1 about which the first channel mounting assembly 15132 is pivotable. The illustrated shaft assembly 15100 includes a first articulation system 15136 that includes a first axially moveable articulation actuator 15138 that operably interfaces with a first axial articulation motion source in a handle assembly or robotic system. This first axial articulation motion is represented by arrows AD1 and AD2 in fig. 76. As can be seen in fig. 76, the distal end 15139 of the first axially moveable articulation member 15138 is pivotally pinned to the first channel mounting assembly 15132 by attachment pin 15135. Axial movement of the first articulation actuator 15138 in the first articulation direction AD1 and the second articulation direction AD2 will result in pivotal travel of the first channel mount assembly 15132 relative to the spine member 15110 about the first articulation axis AA 1.

Still referring to fig. 76, the distal or second articulation joint 15150 includes a second channel mounting member 15152 that is pivotally coupled to the first channel mounting assembly 15132 by a second articulation pin 15154. The second articulation pin 15154 defines a second articulation axis AA2 about which the second channel mounting member 15152 is pivotable relative to the first channel mounting assembly 15132. See fig. 75. The illustrated shaft assembly 15100 further includes a second articulation system 15160 that includes a second annular articulation member 15162 that is journaled on a proximal idler pulley 15164 that is rotatably supported on a pulley shaft 15165 that is attached to the spine member 15110. The second ring-shaped articulation member 15162 is also attached to an articulation pulley 15156 that is non-movably attached to or formed on the second channel mounting member 15152 such that rotation of the second ring-shaped articulation member 15162 on the idler pulley 15164 will cause the second channel mounting member 15152 to pivot about the second articulation axis AA2 relative to the first channel mounting assembly 15132. The second articulation system 15160 further includes a second axially moveable articulation actuator 15166 that operably interfaces with a second axial articulation motion source in the handle assembly or robotic system. This second axial articulation is represented by arrows AD3 and AD4 in fig. 76. As can be seen in fig. 76, the distal end 15167 of the second axially moveable articulation member 15166 is clamped to a portion of the second ring-shaped articulation member 15162 by a clamping member 15168. The clamp member 15168 includes a cable guide aperture 15169 therethrough for slidably supporting another portion of the second ring articulation member 15162 during application of the second articulation motion thereto.

In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil member 15200 is movably coupled to the shaft assembly 15100. The anvil 15200 may be similar to the anvil 1130 described above. For example, the anvil 15200 is pivotally coupled to the second channel mounting member 15162 for selective pivotal travel relative thereto. As can be seen in fig. 76, the anvil 15200 comprises an anvil body 15202 that includes a staple forming portion 15204 and an anvil mounting portion 15210. The anvil mounting portion 15210 includes downwardly extending sidewalls 15212, which are commonly referred to as tissue stops, the purpose of which was previously described herein.

In the example shown, the second channel mounting member 15152 includes two distally projecting anvil mounting portions 15190 each having a pin aperture 15192 therein adapted to receive a corresponding anvil attachment pin 15193 therein. Anvil attachment pins 15193 are received in pin holes 15192 and in corresponding apertures 15213 in the side walls 15212 of the anvil 15200. As described above, the pin can be pressed into the opening 15213. This arrangement creates a pivot joint 15191 that facilitates pivotal travel of the anvil 15200 relative to the second channel mounting member 15152 while remaining attached thereto. In this arrangement, the anvil 15200 is not intended to be separated from the shaft assembly 15100 or, more particularly, the second channel mounting member 15152 during normal use. Thus, as used in the context of describing the attachment of the anvil 15200 to the shaft assembly 15100, the term "non-movably attached" means that the anvil 15200 remains attached to the shaft assembly 15200 during operation of the surgical instrument as well as when other surgical staple cartridges are operably installed, as will be discussed in further detail below.

As seen in fig. 76 and 77, the surgical instrument 15010 further includes a channel 15300 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 15400 therein. In the embodiment shown, channel 15300 includes a proximal attachment portion 15302 configured to be movably attached to second channel mounting member 15152. For example, the second channel mounting member 15152 includes a mounting body or mounting hub portion 15194 having two channel attachment slots 15196 formed therein that are configured to receive corresponding channel rails 15304 formed on the proximal attachment portion 15302 of the channel 15300. As seen in fig. 77, channel 15300 is movably attached to shaft assembly 15100 by inserting channel track 15304 in a mounting direction ID transverse to shaft axis SA into a corresponding channel attachment slot 15196 in second channel mounting member 15152. In the example shown, channel 15300 is removably locked to shaft assembly 15100 by locking member 15350.

Still referring to fig. 76 and 77, in the example shown, the locking member 15350 includes a distal tube segment 15352 axially movably supported on a mounting hub portion 15194 of the second channel mounting member 15152. The distal tube segment 15352 may be pivotally attached to a flexible proximal tube segment (not shown) of the shaft assembly 15100 to facilitate articulation about first and second articulation axes. Distal tube segment 15352 is configured to be axially movable between a distal-most "locked" position, in which distal tube segment 15352 prevents channel 15300 from separating from shaft assembly 15100 in removal direction RD, and a proximal "unlocked" position, in which distal tube segment 15352 is located proximal to channel attachment slot 15196 to enable channel 15300 to separate from shaft assembly 15100. Thus, the distal tube segment 15352 is coupled to the proximal tube segment for axial movement relative thereto, or the entire assembly (distal tube segment 15352 and proximal tube segment) may be axially movable. As can be seen in fig. 76-79, clearance slots 15309 are provided in the upstanding sidewalls 15308 of the elongate channel 15300 to accommodate anvil attachment pins 15193 that attach the anvil 15200 to the second channel mounting member 15152. When the anvil 15200 is closed and the elongate channel 15300 is attached to the second channel mounting member 15152, the anvil sidewalls 15212 are spaced apart from each corresponding anvil mounting portion 15190 to accommodate the corresponding sidewalls 15308 of the elongate channel 15300.

In one arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge 15400 includes a cartridge body 15402 that is configured to be snapped or otherwise removably retained within the channel 15200 to facilitate easy replacement after use. The cartridge body 15402 includes a centrally disposed elongate slot 15404 that is configured to accommodate axial travel of the firing member 15500 therethrough. The cartridge body 15402 also includes a plurality of staple pockets 15406 therein. In the example shown, staple pockets 15406 are arranged in two rows on each side of elongated slot 15404. Staple pockets 15406 in one row are staggered relative to staple pockets 15406 in an adjacent row of staple pockets. In the example shown, each staple pocket 15406 contains a "direct drive" surgical staple 1126 therein. In the arrangement depicted in fig. 79, the surgical staples 1126 are movably supported within the staple pockets 15406 and are configured such that a separate movable staple driver is not used. Fig. 80 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which conventional surgical staples 1126' are each supported on staple drivers 15412 rather than within staple pockets 15406' in the cartridge body 15402 '. As the firing member 15500 'is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 15400', the staple drivers 15412 are driven upwardly therein. Further details regarding the operation of the firing member 15500' AND staple driver 15412 can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/308,240 (now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0299648), entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND OPERATING SYSTEM THEREFOR," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Turning next to fig. 78 and 81, in the example shown, a proximal rotational drive shaft 15120 extends through the second channel mounting member 15152 and is rotatably supported therein by a bearing assembly 15122. The distal end 15124 of the proximal rotary drive shaft 15120 has attached thereto a firing member drive gear 15126 configured for operable engagement with a distal rotary drive shaft assembly 15310 mounted within the elongate channel 15300. The distal rotary drive shaft assembly 15310 includes a proximal shaft end 15312 having a firing member driven gear 15314 attached thereto. The proximal shaft end 15312 is rotatably supported in a proximal shaft bearing 15316 that is mounted in a proximal attachment portion 15302 of the channel 15300. See fig. 77 and 81. The distal rotary drive shaft assembly 15310 also includes a distal shaft end 15320 rotatably supported in a distal shaft bearing 15322 supported in a distal end 15306 of the channel 15300. See fig. 78. The central portion 15330 of the distal rotary drive shaft assembly 15310 is threaded for threaded driving engagement with the threaded drive nut portion 15502 of the firing member 15500.

In one example, the firing member 15500 includes an upstanding body 15504 that extends upwardly from the threaded drive nut portion 15502 and has a tissue cutting surface 15506 formed thereon or attached thereto. In at least one embodiment, the firing member body 15504 has a sled assembly 15540 formed thereon or attached thereto. In other arrangements, the sled assembly may not be attached to the firing member 15500, but rather configured to be driven distally therethrough as the firing member 15500 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 15400. The sled assembly 15540 includes a series of wedge-shaped cams 15542 that are configured to cam-engage the staples 1126 or drivers 15412 to cam-drive the staples upwardly into contact with the staple forming undersurface 15220 on the anvil 15200. See fig. 79. As can be seen in fig. 77, for example, staple forming lower surface 15220 includes a series of staple forming pockets 15222 corresponding to each staple within surgical staple cartridge 15400. When the staple legs contact the forming pockets, the staples are formed or closed. See, e.g., staple 1126' shown in figure 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member driven gear 15314 is configured to meshingly engage the firing member drive gear 15126 on the proximal drive shaft 15120 when the channel 15300 is attached to the second channel mounting member 15152 of the shaft assembly 15100. Thus, rotation of the proximal drive shaft 15120 will result in rotation of the distal drive shaft assembly 15310. Rotation of the proximal drive shaft 15120 in a first rotational direction will cause the firing member 15500 to be driven distally within the channel 15300, and rotation of the proximal drive shaft 15120 in a second rotational direction will cause the firing member 15500 to be driven in a proximal direction within the channel 15300.

The firing member 15500 defines an I-beam like structure and includes a lower flange portion 15560 formed by two laterally extending flanges 15562 extending from a threaded drive nut portion 15502. In addition, the firing member includes an upper flange portion 15564 formed by two laterally extending flanges 15566. The firing member body 15504 extends through an elongate channel slot 15301 in the elongate channel 15300, an elongate slot 15404 in the surgical staple cartridge 15400, and an anvil slot 15230 in the anvil 15200. For example, the firing member body 15504 extends through a centrally-disposed channel slot 15301 in the elongate channel 15300 such that the lower flange 15562 is movably positioned within a passageway 15303 defined by the elongate channel 15300. In the embodiment shown in fig. 77, the bottom of channel 15300 is open. The board 15305 is attached thereto to provide increased rigidity thereto. The plate 15305 has a series of windows 15307 therein to enable the surgeon to view the position of the firing member 15500 through the windows during firing and retraction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the anvil member 15200 is moved between an open position and a closed position by the firing member 15500. As described above, the firing member body 15504 extends through the elongate slot 15404 in the cartridge body. The tip 15505 of the firing member body 15504 is configured to extend into the anvil slot 15230 in the staple forming portion 15204 of the anvil body 15204. See fig. 77. The tips 15505 extend through the anvil slots 15230 such that the upper flanges 15566 are movably positioned within the passages 15232 (see fig. 79) defined by the anvil 15200. For example, the passageway 15232 may be defined by the anvil 15200. The I-

beam flanges

15562 and 15566 provide cam surfaces that interact with the elongate channel 15300 and anvil 15200, respectively, to open and clamp or close the jaws as further described herein. In addition, the firing member 15500 can be configured to maintain a constant distance along the length of the end effector 1100 between the elongate channel 15300 and the anvil 15200.

At the beginning of the firing stroke, the firing member 15500 is configured to move distally from an initial position. As the firing member 15500 is moved distally, the anvil 15200 is pivoted toward a clamped configuration by the I-beam structure of the firing member 15500. More specifically, the lower flange 15562 of the firing member 15500 moves through the passage 15303 defined by the elongate channel 15300 and the upper flange 15566 moves along the ramp surface 15234 of the anvil 15200 and then through the passage 15232 defined by the anvil 15200.

Referring primarily to fig. 79 and 81, the ramp surface 15234 defines an open-close cavity 15236 in the anvil 15200 through which a portion of the firing member 15500 extends during a portion of the firing stroke. For example, the upper flange 15566 protrudes from the anvil 15200 via the open-ended cavity 15236. The ramp surface 15234 slopes downward along the proximal open surface 15238, extends along the intermediate portion 15239, and slopes upward along the distal closed ramp 15234. When the firing member 15500 is in an initial or home position, the upper flange 15566 is spaced apart from the middle portion 15239. In other words, the upper flange 15566 does not cam with the open-close cavity 15236. In the home position, the firing member 15500 can rest relative to the open-close cavity 15234 such that the firing member 15500 neither applies an opening force nor a closing force to the anvil 15200.

From the home position, firing member 15500 can be retracted proximally. As the firing member 15500 continues to move proximally, the upper flange 15566 of the firing member 15500 engaged with the proximal open surface 15238 is configured to exert an opening force on the proximal open surface 15238. As the upper flange 15566 moves against the proximal open surface 15238, the proximal open surface 15238 pivots, which causes the anvil 15200 to pivot open. As the upper flange 15566 exerts a downward force on the proximal open surface 15238, the anvil 15200 is pushed upward by the leverage on the proximal open surface 115238.

From the retracted position, firing member 15500 can be advanced distally to return to the original position. To close the end effector, the firing member 15500 can be further advanced from the home position to an advanced position. For a portion of the firing stroke intermediate the home position and the advanced position, the upper flange 15566 is spaced from the ramp surface 15234. For example, the upper flange 15566 hovers or rests above the middle portion 115239 as the firing member 15500 transitions between a closing motion and an opening motion. For example, the dwell portion of the firing motion may be configured to prevent jamming of the opening and/or closing motions.

As the firing member 15500 moves distally, the flange 16566 contacts the ramp surface 15234 to apply a downward force on the anvil 15200 to pivot it closed. As the firing member 15500 continues to move in the distal direction, the upper flange 15566 moves through the passageway 15232 to ensure a constant distance between the anvil 15200 and the elongate channel 15300 along the length of the end effector. For example, the passageway 15232 includes a lower ledge and an upper cover that define a lower limit and an upper limit of the passageway 15232. The upper flange 15566 is constrained within these lower and upper limits during the firing stroke. The upper flange 15566 may be sized to fit closely within the boundaries of the passageway 15232. In other examples, the upper flange 15566 may be configured to float and/or adjust vertically within the passageway 15232 as further described herein.

Firing member 15500 is a multi-function firing member. For example, the firing member 15500 can be configured to drive the sled assembly 15540 to fire staples 1126 from the surgical staple cartridge 15400, cut tissue clamped between the

jaws

15200 and 15300, cam the jaws 15200 into a clamped configuration at the beginning of the firing stroke, and cam the jaws 15200 into an open configuration at the completion of the firing stroke. The firing member 15500 can implement a combination surgical function with a single actuation system. Thus, the multi-function firing member 15500 can minimize the need for a separate actuation system to fit within the footprint of the end effector. Additionally, the elongate channel and surgical staple cartridge 15400 can be replaced as a unit without separating or replacing the anvil 15200. In an alternative arrangement, the surgical staple cartridge 15400 can be replaced without replacing the elongate channel 15300, whether the elongate channel 15300 remains attached to the shaft assembly 15100 or has been detached from the shaft assembly. In addition, as can be seen in fig. 83-85, the elongate channel 15300 and the surgical staple cartridge 15400 and anvil 15200 are selectively pivotable in a plurality of articulation planes AP1, AP2 that are perpendicular to each other.

Fig. 86-89 illustrate portions of another surgical instrument embodiment 16010 of the present invention. In the arrangement shown, the surgical instrument 16010 includes a shaft assembly 16100 that can be operably coupled to a housing (not shown) in the form of a handle assembly or a portion of a robotic system. For example, the shaft assembly 16100 can be operably coupled to, or otherwise configured for use with, the various drive devices disclosed herein and/or the various handle assemblies, firing and articulation drive systems disclosed in the following documents: U.S. patent application publication No.2015/0173789, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE SHAFT ARRANGEMENTS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in fig. 86-89, the illustrated shaft assembly includes a flexible shaft portion 16110. Flexible shaft portion 16110 may be of the type and configuration disclosed in more detail in U.S. patent application publication No. 2015/0173789. Accordingly, for the sake of brevity, the specific details of the flexible shaft portion 16110 will not be discussed herein, except as necessary to understand the construction and operation of the surgical instrument 16010. In various arrangements, the flexible shaft portion 16110 may comprise a segment of the shaft assembly 16100 and be attached to, for example, an attachment rod portion (not shown) that is coupled to a housing (handle, robotic system, etc.), as described in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application or those interchangeable shaft devices disclosed herein. The flexible shaft portion 16110 may be made of rigid thermoplastic polyurethane available, for example, as ISOPLAST grade 2510 from the Dow Chemical Company and includes a centrally disposed, vertically extending articulation ridge 16112. The articulation spine 16112 includes a centrally disposed member or knife slot 16114 to facilitate passage of various control members therethrough. See fig. 87. In the arrangement shown, the knife slot 16114 movably supports a central firing beam or bar 16200 therein. The flexible shaft portion 16110 also includes a plurality of right ribs 16116 and a plurality of left ribs 16118 that may be integrally formed with and project laterally from the articulation spine 16112. The right and left

ribs

16116, 16118 have an arcuate shape to provide the flexible shaft portion 16110 with a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Such a shape may facilitate passage of the flexible shaft portion 16110 through a circular channel, such as an appropriately sized trocar.

In various arrangements, each right rib 16116 serves to define a right articulation channel for movably receiving a right articulation band 16120 therethrough. A right articulation band 16120 may extend through the right articulation channel and couple to the connector assembly 16150. For example, the distal end 16122 of the right articulation band 16120 can have a right hook portion 16124 that is adapted to couple to the right attachment portion 16152 of the connector assembly 16150. See fig. 89. Similarly, each left rib 16118 serves to define a left articulation channel for movably receiving a left articulation band 16130 therethrough. The left articulation band 16130 may extend through the left articulation channel and couple to the connector assembly 16150. For example, the distal end 16132 of the left articulation band 16130 may have a left hook portion 16134 adapted to be coupled to a left attachment portion 16154 of the connector assembly 16150. In the example shown, right articulation band 16120 and left articulation band 16130 can operably interface with an articulation system in the handle or housing (such as, for example, the articulation system disclosed in U.S. patent application publication No.2015/0173789 or the articulation system of the interchangeable shaft arrangement disclosed herein).

Referring now to fig. 87, in the example shown, the connector assembly 16150 has a proximal outer tube member 16160 mounted thereon. As can be seen in fig. 89, the proximal outer tube member 16160 can have an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the flexible shaft portion 16110 to facilitate its insertion through a trocar cannula or other passageway. The open proximal end 16162 is sized to be non-movably received on a distal mounting hub 16119 on the distal end 16111 of the flexible shaft portion 16110. The proximal outer tube member 16160 has an open distal end 16163 and an inner flange 16164 formed therein. As can be seen in fig. 89, right articulation band 16120 and left articulation band 16130 are free to move axially within proximal outer tube member 16160. The connector assembly 16150 is configured to facilitate quick attachment and detachment of the surgical end effector 16300 from the shaft assembly 16100.

In the example shown, the end effector 16300 includes an elongate channel 16310 that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 1110 therein. The elongate channel 16310 may be substantially similar to the elongate channel 1102 described in detail above, except that the elongate channel 16310 includes a proximal end portion 16312 having a distal tube connector 16314 non-movably attached thereto. A distal tube connector 16314 projects proximally from the proximal end portion 16312 of the channel 16310 and includes a proximal mounting hub portion 16316 that is sized to be received within the open distal end 16163 of the proximal outer tube member 16160. See fig. 89. In addition, the distal tube connector 16314 includes a pair of diametrically opposed inwardly extending bayonet pins 16318 and 16320. The bayonet pins 16318 are configured to be received within corresponding slots 16156 in the distal end 16155 of the connector assembly 16150, and the bayonet pins 16320 are configured to be received within corresponding slots 16158 in the distal end 16155 of the connector assembly 16150. See fig. 88. Additionally, a biasing member 16170 is received within the open distal end 16163 of the proximal outer tube member 16160 in abutting engagement with the inner flange 16164. In the arrangement shown, for example, the biasing member 16170 comprises a wave spring. See fig. 87 and 89. To attach the surgical end effector 16300 to the shaft assembly 16100, the proximal mounting hub portion 16316 of the distal connector tube is inserted into the open distal end 16163 of the proximal outer tube member 16160 such that the bayonet pins 16318 are aligned with the slots 16156 in the connector assembly 16150 and the bayonet pins 16320 are aligned with the slots 16158. The end effector 16300 is then moved in the proximal direction PD and rotated about the shaft axis until the bayonet pins 16318 are seated in the retention grooves 16157 in the connector assembly 16150 and the bayonet pins 16320 are seated in the retention grooves 16159. See fig. 88. Biasing member 16170 applies a biasing action toward distal tube connector 16314 to retain

bayonet pins

16318, 16320 seated in their

respective retaining grooves

16157, 16159. To separate the end effector 16300 from the shaft assembly 16100, a user applies a force to the surgical end effector 16300 in a proximal direction to compress the biasing member 16170, then rotates the surgical end effector 16300 in an opposite direction to remove the bayonet pins 16318, 16320 from their

respective retention channels

16157, 16159, and then pulls the surgical end effector 16300 in a distal direction DD away from the connector assembly 16150.

In at least one embodiment, the surgical end effector 16300 includes an anvil 1130, as described in detail above. The elongated channel 16310 includes upstanding side walls 16330, each having a pin hole 16332 therein. See fig. 87. The anvil 1130 is pivotally attached to the elongate channel 16310 by pivot pins 1152 that extend through apertures 1131 on each side of the anvil 1130 and into pin holes 16332 in the manner discussed in detail above.

As can be seen in FIG. 87, the elongate channel 16310 is configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. The surgical instrument 16010 further comprises a firing member 16210 similar to the firing member 1760 described above, except that the firing member 16210 is configured for quick axial attachment to and quick detachment from the firing beam 16200. The firing beam 16200 can be constructed of a plurality of laminates and configured to flex sufficiently to accommodate articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft assembly. In the example shown, the firing member 16210 includes a proximally projecting coupler 16212 configured to be movably inserted into a corresponding retention cavity 16204 formed on the distal end 16202 of the firing beam 16200. In one arrangement, the coupler 16212 comprises a slightly arrowhead shaped member and the retention cavity 16204 is correspondingly shaped to retain the firing member in coupled engagement during normal operation (e.g., firing and retraction) of the surgical instrument 16010, but to facilitate separation of the firing member 16210 from the firing beam 16200 when the surgical end effector 16300 is separated from the shaft assembly 16100. Actuation of the firing member 16210 otherwise facilitates opening and closing of the anvil 1130 in the various manners disclosed herein. Such an arrangement facilitates easy attachment and detachment of the surgical end effector from the shaft assembly. Thus, such an arrangement can be used to provide a user with a new (unused) firing member and tissue cutting surface, as well as a new anvil and staple cartridge, when the entire end effector is replaced. However, if desired, the user can simply replace the cartridge without replacing the entire end effector. The firing member 16210 operates in a similar manner as the firing member 1760 described above and is used to interact with the sled 1120 in a manner described herein to eject staples from the staple cartridge 1110.

Examples

Example 1-an interchangeable surgical tool assembly comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a sled and a cutting edge. The interchangeable tool assembly also includes a firing bar operably configured to fire the sled and the cutting edge, wherein the firing bar includes a distal engagement portion, and wherein the firing bar is movable from a first proximal position to a first distal position and a second proximal position to a second distal position. The interchangeable tool assembly further comprises a push rod assembly, wherein the push rod assembly comprises a plate comprising a proximal engagement portion, wherein the proximal engagement portion is selectively coupled to the distal engagement portion, and wherein the spring is configured to laterally bias the proximal engagement portion into engagement with the distal engagement portion when the firing bar is moved from the first distal position to the second proximal position.

Example 2-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 1, further comprising a firing member, wherein the firing bar is configured to distally urge the firing member when the firing bar moves from the first proximal position to the first distal position.

Example 3-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 2, wherein the firing member comprises a first flange configured to engage the first jaw of the end effector, a second flange configured to engage the second jaw of the end effector, and a support portion extending between the first flange and the second flange. A notch is defined in the support portion, and the plate is configured to slide distally through the notch when the firing bar is moved from the second proximal position to the second distal position.

Example 4-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 3, wherein the plate comprises a spring-loaded catch configured to engage the support portion when the plate is proximally retracted by the firing bar.

Example 5-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the first proximal location is distal to the second proximal location.

Example 6-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, wherein the first distal location is proximal to the second distal location.

Example 7-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, wherein the cutting edge is integrally formed with the slider.

Example 8-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the proximal engagement portion comprises a t-slot, and wherein the distal engagement portion comprises a key.

Example 9-an interchangeable surgical tool assembly, comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw; and a slider configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly further comprises a firing member, wherein the firing member comprises a first flange configured to engage the first jaw and a second flange configured to engage the second jaw. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a push plate and a firing bar selectively coupled to the push plate, wherein the firing bar is configured to move through a plurality of consecutive firing strokes. The plurality of consecutive firing strokes comprises: a first distal firing stroke in which the firing bar is configured to distally advance the firing member; and a first proximal firing stroke in which the firing bar is configured to retract proximally into engagement with the push plate. The plurality of consecutive firing strokes further comprises: a second distal firing stroke in which the firing bar is configured to advance the push plate distally past the firing member, and a second proximal firing stroke in which the firing bar is configured to retract the push plate and the firing member proximally.

Example 10-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 9, wherein the firing member is configured to distally push the sled during the first distal firing stroke.

Example 11-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 9 or 10, wherein the push plate is configured to distally push the sled during the second distal firing stroke.

Example 12-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 9, 10, or 11, wherein the push plate comprises a leaf spring having an end, and wherein the end is configured to engage the firing member when the push plate is retracted proximally during the second proximal firing stroke.

Example 13-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the slider comprises a cutting edge.

Example 14-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 13, further comprising a staple cartridge removably positioned in the first jaw, wherein the first jaw comprises a distal cavity configured to receive the cutting edge upon completion of the second distal firing stroke.

Example 15-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 9, further comprising a spring configured to laterally bias the push plate into engagement with the firing bar during the first proximal firing stroke.

Example 16-an interchangeable surgical tool assembly, comprising an end effector, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw comprising a proximal end and a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a distal mounting portion fixedly attached to the proximal end and a proximal mounting portion rotatably attached to the distal mounting portion. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a rotary bearing intermediate the proximal mounting portion and the distal mounting portion and a rotary shaft extending from the distal mounting portion through the proximal mounting portion, wherein rotation of the rotary shaft is configured to rotate the distal mounting portion. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly also includes a flexible spine extending from the proximal mounting portion, wherein the flexible spine includes a plurality of laterally symmetric vertebrae.

Example 17-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 16, further comprising a firing member configured to translate with the rotation shaft, wherein the firing member comprises a first flange configured to cammingly engage an open-closed cavity in the first jaw and a second flange configured to cammingly engage the second jaw.

Example 18-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 16 or 17, wherein the rotation shaft comprises a plurality of perforations for allowing the rotation shaft to bend within the flexible spine.

Example 19-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 16, 17, or 18, wherein the flexible ridge comprises a plurality of gaps positioned medially adjacent to the laterally symmetric vertebra.

Example 20-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the flexible spine comprises an articulation head mounted to the proximal mounting portion, wherein the articulation head comprises a pair of attachment tabs and a pair of flexible attachment straps extending distally to the respective attachment tabs.

Example 21-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly defining a shaft axis, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a proximal articulation joint defining a first articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and a distal articulation joint defining a second articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and the first articulation axis. The surgical instrument further includes a drive shaft configured to transmit a rotary drive motion from a rotary drive motion source and a movable anvil. The surgical instrument also includes a channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, the channel configured to be removably attached to the shaft assembly. The surgical instrument further includes a firing member movably supported in the channel and configured to operably interface with the drive shaft when the channel is operably coupled to the shaft assembly, wherein the firing member is operably movable between a first proximal position in which the firing member applies an opening motion to the anvil and a closed position in which the firing member applies a closing motion to the anvil.

Example 22-the surgical instrument of example 21, wherein the channel is configured to attach to the shaft assembly in an installation direction transverse to the shaft axis.

Example 23-the surgical instrument of examples 21 or 22, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a spine member, and wherein the proximal articulation joint comprises a first channel mounting assembly pivotally coupled to the spine member for selective articulation relative to the spine member about a first articulation axis, and wherein the distal articulation joint comprises a second channel mounting member pivotally coupled to the first channel mounting assembly for selective pivotal travel relative to the first channel mounting assembly about a second articulation axis.

Example 24-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, or 23, further comprising a first articulation system operably interfacing with the first channel mount assembly for selectively applying a first articulation motion thereto and a second articulation system operably interfacing with the second channel mount member for selectively applying a second articulation motion thereto.

Example 25-the surgical instrument of example 24, wherein the first articulation system comprises a first axially moveable articulation actuator operably coupled to the first channel mounting assembly, and wherein the second articulation system comprises a second annular articulation member operably interfacing with the second channel mounting member and configured to apply a second articulation motion thereto when the second annular articulation member is rotated, and means for rotating the second articulation member.

Example 26-the surgical instrument of example 25, wherein the means for rotating comprises a second axially moveable articulation actuator operably interfacing with the second annular articulation member.

Example 27-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein a portion of the channel is configured to be slidably received within a corresponding slot in the second channel mounting member.

Example 28-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the portion of the channel is configured to be slidably inserted into a corresponding slot in the second channel mounting member in a mounting direction transverse to the shaft axis.

Example 29-the surgical instrument of examples 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, further comprising means for releasably retaining portions of the channels in the corresponding slots.

Example 30-the surgical instrument of example 29, wherein the means for releasably retaining comprises a locking member that is selectively axially movable between a locked position in which the portion of the channel is retained within the corresponding slot and an unlocked position in which the portion of the channel is removable from the corresponding slot in a removal direction opposite the installation direction.

Example 31-the surgical instrument of example 30, wherein the locking member is axially movable in a locking direction transverse to the installation direction and the removal direction.

Example 32-a surgical instrument, comprising: a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a spine member defining a shaft axis; a first channel mount assembly movably coupled to the spine member for selective articulation relative to the spine member in a first articulation plane; and a second channel mounting member movably coupled to the first channel mounting assembly for selective articulation relative to the first channel mounting assembly in a second articulation plane that is perpendicular to the first articulation plane. The surgical instrument also includes a flexible rotary drive shaft and an anvil pivotally coupled to the second channel mounting member. The surgical instrument further comprises a channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, wherein the channel is configured to be removably separable from the second channel mounting member to be spaced from the anvil. The surgical instrument further includes a firing member movably supported in the channel and configured to operably interface with the flexible rotary drive shaft when the channel is operably coupled to the second channel mounting member, the firing member being operably movable between a first proximal position in which the firing member applies an opening motion to the anvil and a closed position in which the firing member applies a closing motion to the anvil.

Example 33-the surgical instrument of example 32, wherein the firing member comprises a tissue cutting portion, and means for ejecting surgical staples from a surgical staple cartridge supported in the channel as the firing member is driven between the first proximal position and the terminal position within the channel.

Example 34-the surgical instrument of examples 32 or 33, wherein the channel is configured to attach to the second channel mounting member in a mounting direction transverse to the shaft axis.

Example 35-the surgical instrument of examples 32, 33, or 34, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a locking member movably supported on the spine member and selectively axially movable thereon between a locked position in which the channel is locked to the second channel-mounting member and an unlocked position in which the channel is separable from the second channel-mounting member.

Example 36-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft assembly, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a spine assembly and an axially movable firing bar. The surgical instrument further comprises a surgical end effector comprising a channel configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein, wherein the channel is configured to be removably coupled to the spine assembly via the connector assembly. The surgical instrument also includes a firing member supported for axial travel within a surgical staple cartridge supported within the channel. The firing member includes a proximally projecting coupler sized to be removably inserted into a corresponding retention cavity formed in the distal end of the axially movable firing bar. The corresponding retention cavity is sized relative to the proximally projecting coupler to snappingly receive the proximally projecting coupler therein when the channel is removably coupled to the spine assembly.

Example 37-the surgical instrument of example 36, wherein the connector assembly comprises a channel holder operably coupled to the spine assembly, and a distal channel coupler comprising a pair of inwardly extending diametrically opposed attachment pins configured to be axially inserted into corresponding coupling slots in the channel holder transverse to the shaft axis.

Example 38-the surgical instrument of examples 36 or 37, wherein the spine assembly comprises a flexible articulation section movably coupled to the channel holder.

Example 39-the surgical instrument of example 38, wherein the channel holder is movably coupled to the flexible articulation section by at least one axially movable articulation rod that is movably supported by the flexible articulation section.

Example 40-the surgical instrument of examples 36, 37, 38, or 39, wherein the axially moving firing bar comprises a plurality of laminates.

Example 41-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a firing member configured to translate during a firing stroke, wherein the firing member comprises a notch. The surgical end effector further comprises a lockout spring comprising a hook, wherein the notch is aligned to receive the hook during the firing stroke unless the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw, and wherein the sled assembly of the unfired staple cartridge is positioned to deflect the hook out of alignment with the notch.

Example 42-the surgical end effector of example 41, wherein the lockout spring comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes a proximal portion fixed to the first jaw and a distal portion including a hook.

Example 43-the surgical end effector of examples 41 or 42, wherein the firing member comprises a cutting edge, a middle portion supporting the cutting edge, and a lug projecting laterally from the middle portion, wherein the notch is defined in the lug.

Example 44-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, or 43, wherein the firing member further comprises a first flange configured to cammingly engage the first jaw and a second flange configured to cammingly engage the second jaw.

Example 45-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the lockout spring is configured to prevent the firing member from translating distally past the hook unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 46-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein the first jaw comprises a cartridge support surface, wherein a recess is defined in the cartridge support surface, and wherein the hook is at least partially deflected into the recess when the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 47-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the lockout spring comprises a spring arm supporting the hook, and wherein the spring arm is laterally offset from the firing member.

Example 48-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein the lockout spring comprises a second hook, and wherein the firing member comprises a second notch aligned to receive the second hook during the firing stroke unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 49-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a firing member configured to translate during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a laterally protruding lug and a lock defined in the laterally protruding lug. The surgical end effector further comprises a lockout spring comprising a laterally protruding tab, wherein the lock is positioned to receive the laterally protruding tab during the firing stroke unless the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 50-the surgical end effector of example 49, further comprising an unfired staple cartridge comprising a sled assembly configured to translate distally during a firing stroke.

Example 51-the surgical end effector of example 50, wherein the lock is configured to translate along a lockout path during a firing stroke, and wherein a sled assembly in the unfired staple cartridge is configured to deflect the laterally protruding tab out of the lockout path.

Example 52-the surgical end effector of examples 49, 50, or 51, wherein the first jaw comprises a cartridge support surface, wherein a recess is defined in the cartridge support surface, and wherein the laterally protruding tab deflects into the recess when the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 53-the surgical end effector of examples 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein the lockout spring comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes a first portion fixed to the first jaw, a second portion supporting a laterally projecting tab, and a spring arm extending intermediate the first portion and the second portion, wherein the spring arm is laterally offset from the firing member.

Example 54-the surgical end effector of examples 49, 50, 51, 52, or 53, wherein the firing member further comprises a support comprising a cutting edge. The firing member also includes a first flange extending from the support and a second flange extending from the support, wherein the first flange is configured to cammingly engage the first jaw, wherein the second flange is configured to cammingly engage the second jaw.

Example 55-the surgical end effector of examples 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54, wherein the firing member further comprises a second laterally protruding lug and a second lock defined in the second laterally protruding lug, wherein the lockout spring further comprises a second laterally protruding tab, and wherein the second lock is positioned to receive the second laterally protruding tab during the firing stroke unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 56-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a lockout device. The lockout device includes a lock configured to translate along a lockout path during a firing stroke; and a lockout spring including an inwardly projecting tab, wherein the lock is positioned to receive the inwardly projecting tab during the firing stroke unless the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 57-the surgical end effector of example 56, further comprising an unfired staple cartridge, wherein the unfired staple cartridge comprises a sled assembly configured to translate distally during a firing stroke, wherein the lock is configured to translate along the lockout path during the firing stroke, and wherein the sled assembly in the unfired staple cartridge is configured to deflect the inwardly projecting tab out of the lockout path.

Example 58-the surgical end effector of examples 56 or 57, wherein the first jaw comprises a cartridge support surface, wherein a recess is defined in the cartridge support surface, and wherein the inwardly protruding tab deflects into the recess when the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 59-the surgical end effector of examples 56, 57, or 58, wherein the lockout spring comprises a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes a first portion fixed to the first jaw and a second portion supporting a laterally projecting tab. The leaf spring also includes a spring arm extending intermediate the first portion and the second portion, wherein the spring arm is laterally offset from the firing member.

Example 60-the surgical end effector of examples 56, 57, 58, or 59, further comprising a firing member, wherein the firing member comprises a support comprising a cutting edge and a lock. The firing member also includes a first flange extending from the support and a second flange extending from the support, wherein the first flange is configured to cammingly engage the first jaw, wherein the second flange is configured to cammingly engage the second jaw.

Example 61-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw comprising a closure surface and an open surface, and a pivot joint, wherein the second jaw is configured to pivot relative to the first jaw at the pivot joint, wherein the closure surface is positioned distal to the pivot joint, and wherein the open surface is positioned proximal to the pivot joint. The surgical end effector further includes a firing member configured to move distally during a firing stroke. The firing member comprises a first flange positioned to engage the first jaw and a second flange positioned to engage the second jaw, wherein the second flange is configured to engage the closure surface to pivot the second jaw toward the closed position, and wherein the second flange is configured to engage the opening surface to pivot the second jaw toward the open position.

Example 62-the surgical end effector of example 61, wherein the firing member is movable distally from a home position to pivot the second jaw toward the closed position, and wherein the firing member is movable proximally from the home position to pivot the second jaw toward the open position.

Example 63-the surgical end effector of examples 61 or 62, wherein the second jaw comprises an intermediate surface between the closed surface and the open surface, and wherein the second flange is spaced apart from the intermediate surface when the firing member is in the home position.

Example 64-the surgical end effector of examples 61, 62, or 63, wherein the firing member further comprises a knife intermediate the first flange and the second flange.

Example 65-the surgical end effector of examples 61, 62, 63, or 64, wherein the first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge.

Example 66-the surgical end effector of examples 61, 62, 63, 64, or 65, wherein the second jaw comprises a staple forming anvil.

Example 67-the surgical end effector of examples 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66, wherein the first jaw comprises a first passage for a first flange, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second passage for a second flange.

Example 68-the surgical end effector of examples 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, or 67, further comprising a spring configured to bias the second jaw toward the open position when the firing member is proximal of the home position.

Example 69-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw comprising a closed surface and an open surface, and a pivot joint, wherein the second jaw is configured to pivot relative to the first jaw at the pivot joint. The surgical end effector also includes a firing member configured to move distally from a home position during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a first flange positioned to engage the first jaw and a second flange positioned to engage the second jaw, wherein the second flange is configured to engage the closure surface when the firing member is moved distally from the home position, and wherein the second flange is configured to engage the opening surface when the firing member is moved proximally from the home position.

Example 70-the surgical end effector of example 69, wherein the second flange is configured to engage the closure surface to pivot the second jaw toward the closed position, and wherein the second flange is configured to engage the opening surface to pivot the second jaw toward the open position.

Example 71-the surgical end effector of examples 69 or 70, wherein the second jaw comprises an intermediate surface between the closed surface and the open surface, and wherein the second flange is spaced apart from the intermediate surface when the firing member is in the home position.

Example 72-the surgical end effector of examples 69, 70, or 71, wherein the firing member further comprises a knife intermediate the first flange and the second flange.

Example 73-the surgical end effector of examples 69, 70, 71, or 72, wherein the first jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge.

Example 74-the surgical end effector of examples 69, 70, 71, 72, or 73, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil.

Example 75-the surgical end effector of examples 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, or 74, wherein the first jaw comprises a first passage for a first flange, and wherein the second jaw comprises a second passage for a second flange.

Example 76-the surgical end effector of examples 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75, further comprising a spring configured to bias the second jaw away from the first jaw when the firing member is in the home position.

Example 77-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw comprising a first cam device and a second cam device, and a pivot joint, wherein the second jaw is configured to pivot relative to the first jaw at the pivot joint. The surgical end effector also includes a firing member configured to move distally from a home position during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a first flange positioned to engage the first jaw and a second flange positioned to engage the second jaw, wherein the second flange is configured to engage the first cam device when the firing member is moved distally from the home position, and wherein the second flange is configured to engage the second cam device when the firing member is moved proximally from the home position.

Example 78-the surgical end effector of example 77, wherein the first cam device is configured to cam the second jaw toward the closed position, and wherein the second cam device is configured to cam the second jaw toward the open position.

Example 79-the surgical end effector of examples 77 or 78, wherein the first cam device comprises a distal closure ramp extending upward from an intermediate surface into the passageway in the second jaw, and wherein the second cam device comprises a proximal closure surface extending upward from the intermediate surface.

Example 80-the surgical end effector of examples 77, 78, or 79, wherein the home position comprises a series of positions.

Example 81-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, and a lockout device configured to prevent rotational movement of the second jaw toward the first jaw unless an unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw, wherein the lockout device comprises a pivotable lock configured to pivot between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. The pivotable lock includes a first leg configured to engage the second jaw when the pivotable lock is in the locked orientation and a second leg configured to engage the unfired staple cartridge when the unfired staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw.

Example 82-the surgical end effector of example 81, further comprising a spring comprising a distal end, wherein the distal end is engaged with the pivotable lock, and wherein the spring is configured to bias the pivotable lock toward the locked orientation.

Example 83-the surgical end effector of example 82, wherein the spring comprises a leaf spring.

Example 84-the surgical end effector of examples 81, 82, or 83, wherein the pivotable lock comprises a third leg, and wherein the distal end is positioned against the third leg.

Example 85-the surgical end effector of examples 81, 82, 83, or 84, wherein the lockout notch is defined in the first jaw, and wherein the second leg is at least partially positioned in the lockout notch when the pivotable lock is in the unlocked orientation.

Example 86-the surgical end effector of examples 81, 82, 83, 84, or 85, wherein the first jaw comprises an elongate channel, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil comprising an inner rail that extends into the elongate channel, and wherein the end portion of the first leg abuts the inner rail when the pivotable lock is in the locked orientation.

Example 87-the surgical end effector of examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, or 86, wherein the lockout device comprises a second pivotable lock.

Example 88-the surgical end effector of examples 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, or 87, further comprising an unfired staple cartridge comprising a sled assembly, wherein the sled assembly is configured to engage the second leg when the sled assembly is in the pre-fired position.

Example 89-an interchangeable surgical tool assembly comprising an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge and a shaft. The shaft includes a firing assembly, wherein the firing assembly includes a distal portion, a proximal portion including a notch, and a spring intermediate the proximal and distal portions. The shaft further includes a lockout lever movable between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation, wherein the lockout lever extends into the notch when the lockout lever is in the locked orientation, and wherein displacement of the distal portion of the firing assembly is configured to move the lockout lever to the unlocked orientation.

Example 90-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of example 89, further comprising a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a proximal end,

a longitudinal slot extending distally from the proximal end and a frangible gate extending across the longitudinal slot at the proximal end. The frangible gate is configured to proximally displace a distal portion of the firing assembly when the staple cartridge is installed in the end effector.

Example 91-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 89 or 90, wherein the spring is configured to compress between the proximal portion and the distal portion when the staple cartridge is installed in the end effector.

Example 92-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 89, 90, or 91, wherein the distal portion comprises a proximally extending wedge configured to move the lockout lever to the unlocked orientation when the distal portion is proximally translated.

Example 93-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 90, 91, or 92, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body comprising a cutout, and wherein the frangible door comprises a first end pivotably coupled to the cartridge body and a second end friction fit in the cutout.

Example 94-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 90, 91, 92, or 93, wherein the firing assembly is configured to break open the frangible door during the firing stroke.

Example 95-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, or 94, wherein the shaft further comprises a return spring configured to bias the lockout lever toward the locked orientation.

Example 96-the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of examples 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, or 95, wherein the distal portion of the firing assembly is advanced from a pre-fired proximal position to a distal position during a firing stroke and is retracted from the distal position to a post-fired proximal position after the firing stroke, and wherein the post-fired proximal position is distal to the pre-fired proximal position.

Example 97-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw rotatably coupled to the first jaw, wherein the second jaw comprises a pin movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The surgical end effector further comprises a lockout device configured to prevent rotational movement of the second jaw toward the first jaw unless the staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw, wherein the lockout device comprises a locking bar configured to translate within the first jaw from a distal position to a proximal position when the staple cartridge is positioned in the first jaw, and wherein the locking bar is configured to move the pin to the unlocked configuration when the locking bar is moved to the proximal position.

Example 98-the surgical end effector of example 97, further comprising a spring extending between the first jaw and the second jaw, wherein the spring is configured to bias the second jaw toward the first jaw.

Example 99-the surgical end effector of example 98, wherein the first jaw comprises a shaped slot, wherein the pin is configured to move along the shaped slot when the second jaw is rotated toward the first jaw, wherein the first jaw further comprises a lockout notch extending from the shaped slot, and wherein the spring biases the pin into the lockout notch.

Example 100-the surgical end effector of examples 97, 98, or 99, wherein the pin comprises a semi-circular circumference.

Example 101-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a support portion having a slot, a first flange extending from the support portion, wherein the first flange is configured to engage the first jaw during a firing stroke. The firing member also includes a second flange positioned in the slot, wherein the second flange is configured to engage the second jaw during a firing stroke, and wherein the second flange is configured to move away from the first flange in the slot when a threshold force is applied to the second flange.

Example 102-the surgical end effector of example 101, wherein the slot comprises a wedge-shaped slot.

Example 103-the surgical end effector of examples 101 or 102, wherein the slot comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the second flange is friction fit in the distal end of the slot.

Example 104-the surgical end effector of example 103, wherein the threshold force is configured to overcome a frictional force securing the second flange in the distal end.

Example 105-the surgical end effector of examples 101, 102, 103, or 104, wherein the slot comprises a contoured upper edge, and wherein the second flange is configured to slide along the contoured upper edge when the threshold force is applied to the second flange.

Example 106-the surgical end effector of examples 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the second flange comprises a groove aligned with the slot.

Example 107-the surgical instrument of examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, or 106, wherein the firing member further comprises a guide secured to the second flange.

Example 108-the surgical end effector of examples 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, or 107, wherein the second jaw is rotatably coupled to the first jaw.

Example 109-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a fixed flange configured to engage the first jaw during a firing stroke; a floating flange configured to engage the second jaw during a firing stroke; a spring configured to bias the floating flange toward the first position.

Example 110-the surgical end effector of example 109, wherein a slot is defined in the firing member, and wherein the floating flange is configured to slide along the slot when a threshold force is applied to the floating flange.

Example 111-the surgical end effector of example 110, wherein the slot comprises a proximal end, a distal end, wherein the distal end is closer to the fixation flange than the proximal end, and

an upper edge extending from the proximal end to the distal end.

Example 112-the surgical end effector of example 111, wherein the first position is adjacent to the distal end.

Example 113-the surgical end effector of examples 111 or 112, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring extending between the floating flange and the proximal end of the slot.

Example 114-the surgical end effector of examples 110, 111, 112, or 113, wherein the floating flange comprises a groove aligned with the slot.

Example 115-the surgical instrument of examples 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, or 114, wherein the firing member further comprises a guide.

Example 116-a surgical end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a fixed flange configured to engage the first jaw during a firing stroke and a compliant portion having a floating flange, wherein the floating flange is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke.

Example 117-the surgical end effector of example 116, wherein the compliant portion is comprised of nitinol.

Example 118-the surgical end effector of examples 116 or 117, wherein an incision is defined in the firing member, and wherein the compliant portion is embedded in the incision.

Example 119-the surgical end effector of example 118, wherein the incision comprises a lower portion, and wherein the compliant portion comprises a foot positioned in the lower portion.

Example 120-the surgical end effector of examples 116, 117, 118, or 119, wherein the floating flange is configured to move away from the fixed flange when a threshold force is applied to the floating flange.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are actuated by an electric motor; the surgical instrument systems described herein may be actuated in any suitable manner. In various examples, for example, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be actuated by a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotic control system. Further, any of the end effectors and/or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH robot station stable INSTRUMENTS arrays" (now U.S. patent 9,072,535) discloses several examples of robotic SURGICAL instrument systems in more detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. For example, various embodiments are contemplated in which fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, are deployed. Moreover, various embodiments are also contemplated that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, an end effector according to various embodiments may include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. In addition, for example, an end effector according to some embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The entire disclosures of the following patents are hereby incorporated by reference:

U.S. patent 5,403,312, entitled "ELECTROSURURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", published on 4.4.1995;

-us patent 7,000,818 published on 21/2/2006 under the name "SURGICAL stage filling INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

-us patent 7,422,139 published on 9.2008 under the name "MOTOR-drive minor curing AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK" and;

-us patent 7,464,849 entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" published on 16.12.2008;

-U.S. patent 7,670,334, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVATING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR", published on 3/2/2010;

-us patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" published on 13.7.2010;

us patent 8,393,514 published on 12.3.2013 under the name "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES"; now us patent 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTT HAVARING RF ELECTRODES" filed on 14.2.2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443) entitled "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed 15/2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWER SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY" filed 24.12.2009; now us patent 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application serial No. 12/893,461 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE" filed on 9/29/2012, now U.S. patent No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" filed on 28.2.2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE" filed on 15/6/2012; now us patent 9,101,358;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,025, now U.S. patent 9,345,481, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thickingess SENSOR SYSTEM", filed on 13.3.2013;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknes SENSOR SYSTEM" filed on 3/13 of 2013;

-U.S. patent application publication 2007/0175955 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM" filed on 31.1.2006; and

U.S. patent application publication 2010/0264194 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" filed on 22.4.2010, now U.S. patent 8,308,040.

While various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, many modifications and variations to these embodiments may be implemented. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments, without limitation. In addition, where materials for certain components are disclosed, other materials may also be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components, and multiple components may also be replaced with a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing detailed description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The device disclosed herein may be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or it may be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the repair facility and/or surgical team may remove the device and, after cleaning and/or replacing certain components of the device, may reassemble the device for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the finishing assembly may be disassembled, cleaned/replaced, and reassembled using a variety of techniques. The use of such techniques and the resulting prosthetic devices are within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed prior to surgery. First, new or used instruments may be obtained and cleaned as needed. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container (such as a plastic or TYVEK bag). The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, X-rays, and/or high energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in a sterile container. Sealing the container may keep the instrument sterile until the container is opened in a medical facility. The device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Claims

1. A surgical end effector, comprising:

a first jaw comprising a first tissue support surface;

a second jaw comprising a second tissue support surface; and

a firing member configured to translate relative to the first jaw and the second jaw during a firing stroke, wherein the firing member comprises:

A support portion comprising a slot;

a first flange extending from the support portion, wherein the first flange is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke, wherein the first flange comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a plane extends between the proximal end and the distal end; and

a second flange positioned in the slot, wherein the second flange is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke, and wherein the second flange is configured to maintain a first tissue gap between a first tissue support surface and a second tissue support surface when a first force is applied to the second flange, wherein the second flange is configured to move proximally in the slot toward an apex of the slot when a threshold force is applied to the second flange to move the second flange a greater distance from the plane and to assume a second tissue gap between the first tissue support surface and the second tissue support surface, wherein the first tissue gap is less than the second tissue gap, and wherein the first force is less than the threshold force.

2. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein the slot comprises a wedge-shaped slot.

3. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said slot comprises a contoured upper edge, and wherein said second flange is configured to slide along said contoured upper edge when said threshold force is applied to said second flange.

4. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein the second flange comprises a groove aligned with the slot.

5. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said firing member further comprises a guide fixed to said second flange.

6. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein the second jaw is rotatably coupled to the first jaw.

7. A surgical end effector, comprising:

a first jaw comprising a first tissue support surface;

a second jaw comprising a second tissue support surface; and

A fixed flange configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke, wherein the fixed flange comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein a plane extends between the proximal end and the distal end;

a floating flange configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke; and

a spring configured to bias the floating flange distally toward a first position;

wherein a first tissue gap is defined between the first and second tissue support surfaces when the floating flange is in the first position, and wherein a second tissue gap is defined between the first and second tissue support surfaces when the floating flange is moved proximally from the first position to move a greater distance from the plane, the first tissue gap being smaller than the second tissue gap.

8. The surgical end effector of claim 7, wherein a slot is defined in the firing member, and wherein the floating flange is configured to slide along the slot when a threshold force is applied to the floating flange.

9. The surgical end effector of claim 8, wherein the slot comprises:

a proximal end;

a distal end, wherein the distal end is closer to the fixation flange than the proximal end; and

an upper edge sloping downward from the proximal end to the distal end.

10. The surgical end effector of claim 9, wherein the first position is adjacent the distal end of the slot.

11. The surgical end effector of claim 10, wherein the spring comprises a coil spring extending between the floating flange and the proximal end of the slot.

12. The surgical end effector of claim 8, wherein the floating flange comprises a groove aligned with the slot.

13. The surgical end effector of claim 7, wherein said firing member further comprises a guide.