CN110799106A

CN110799106A - Surgical end effector and anvil

Info

Publication number: CN110799106A
Application number: CN201880042897.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: F·E·谢尔顿四世; G·J·巴克斯; J·L·哈里斯
Original assignee: Ethicon LLC
Current assignee: Ethicon LLC
Priority date: 2017-06-27
Filing date: 2018-06-26
Publication date: 2020-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-26
Also published as: CN110799106B; JP2023062182A; BR112019027268A2; JP2020525144A; MX2019015677A

Abstract

A surgical end effector is disclosed. The end effector may comprise an anvil having a planar surface with a plurality of forming pockets defined therein. The shaped pockets can include a first shaped pocket having a first depth and a second shaped pocket having a second depth, wherein the second depth is different than the first depth. The end effector can further comprise a staple cartridge comprising a stepped deck, a first driver aligned with the first pocket and movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position, and a second driver aligned with the second pocket and movable a second distance between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein the second distance is different than the first distance.

Description

Surgical end effector and anvil

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 side elevational view of a surgical system including a handle assembly and a plurality of interchangeable surgical tool assemblies that may be used therewith;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies of FIG. 1 operably coupled to the handle assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of portions of the handle assembly and interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-6;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged top view of a portion of the elastic spine assembly of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-7;

FIG. 9 is a cut-away perspective view of a surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded assembly view of the surgical end effector portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly depicted in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective, side elevational and front elevational view of a firing member that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be employed in the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 4-11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the anvil of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 4 with an unused surgical staple cartridge properly positioned within the elongate channel of the surgical end effector;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 with the surgical staple cartridge having been fired during a staple firing stroke and the firing member retracted to a starting position following the staple firing stroke;

FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 16 with the firing member fully retracted to its starting position;

FIG. 18 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion depicted in FIG. 15 with an unused surgical staple cartridge properly seated with the elongate channel of the surgical end effector;

FIG. 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 15 with a surgical staple cartridge fired therein, showing the firing member held in a locked position;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and elongate channel of the interchangeable tool assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 21 is an exploded side elevational view of portions of the anvil and elongate channel of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of an anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of an anvil mounting portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional end view of the anvil of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a distal end portion of the anvil body portion of the anvil of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a top view of a distal end portion of an anvil body portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a cut-away end perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of an anvil according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement comprising a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, wherein each forming pocket comprises a forming surface having an entrance zone and an exit zone formed with different radii of curvature;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 34 taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 34 taken along line 37-37 in FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 34 taken along line 38-38 in FIG. 35;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 34 taken along line 39-39 in FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 is a cut-away perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a major side wall, wherein each forming pocket includes a pair of forming side walls;

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40 taken along line 42-42 in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40 taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40 taken along line 44-44 in FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40 taken along line 45-45 in FIG. 41;

FIG. 46 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in an aligned state;

FIG. 47 depicts a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 48 is a cut-away perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket;

FIG. 49 is a cut-away perspective view of a portion of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48 taken along line 51-51 in FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48 taken along line 52-52 in the inlet region of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48 taken along the line 53-53 in the transition zone of the distal staple forming pocket in FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48 taken along line 54-54 in the exit area of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 50;

FIG. 54A is a partial negative view of a forming pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48, wherein the partial negative view includes various slices taken in planes of the forming pocket that are perpendicular to a tissue-facing surface of the staple forming pocket arrangement and a pocket axis of the staple forming pocket arrangement;

FIG. 54B is a table including dimensions of the slice of FIG. 54A labeled in FIG. 54A;

FIG. 54C is a cross-sectional view of the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48 taken along a pocket axis of the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 48, with various sizes of the forming pocket arrangement marked thereon;

FIG. 55 is a cutaway perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket;

FIG. 56 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55 taken along line 57-57 in FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55 taken along line 58-58 in the entrance area of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 56;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55 taken along line 59-59 in the transition zone of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 56;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55 taken along line 60-60 in the exit forming zone of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 56;

FIG. 60A is a partial negative view of a forming pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55, wherein the partial negative view includes various slices taken in planes of the forming pocket that are perpendicular to a tissue-facing surface of the staple forming pocket arrangement and a pocket axis of the staple forming pocket arrangement;

FIG. 60B is a table including dimensions of the slice of FIG. 60A labeled in FIG. 60A;

FIG. 60C is a cross-sectional view of the shaped dimple arrangement of FIG. 55 taken along a dimple axis of the shaped dimple arrangement of FIG. 55, wherein various sizes of the shaped dimple arrangement are marked thereon;

FIG. 61 is a cut-away perspective view of a staple forming pocket arrangement including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket;

FIG. 62 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61 taken along line 63-63 in FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61 taken along line 64-64 in the inlet forming zone of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 62;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61 taken along line 65-65 in the inlet forming zone of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 62;

FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61 taken along the line 66-66 in the transition region of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 62;

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61 taken along line 67-67 in the exit forming zone of the distal staple forming pocket of FIG. 62;

FIG. 67A is a partial negative view of a forming pocket of the staple forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61, wherein the partial negative view includes various slices taken in planes of the forming pocket that are perpendicular to a tissue-facing surface of the staple forming pocket arrangement and a pocket axis of the staple forming pocket arrangement;

FIG. 67B is a table including dimensions of the slice of FIG. 67A labeled in FIG. 67A;

FIG. 67C is a cross-sectional view of the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61 taken along a pocket axis of the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 61, with various sizes of the forming pocket arrangement marked thereon;

FIG. 68 is a plan view of a staple in a fully formed configuration formed using the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 55, wherein the staple contacts the forming pockets in a misaligned state;

FIG. 69 is a front view of the nail of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical end effector with various components removed, depicting an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, further depicting the end effector in a closed position wherein a uniform tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, further depicting the staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical end effector with various components removed, depicting an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, wherein the anvil includes a stepped tissue compression surface, further depicting the end effector in a closed position wherein various tissue gaps are defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, further depicting the staples being fired from the staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil;

FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical end effector with various components removed, showing an anvil and staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a stepped tissue compression surface, further depicting the end effector in a closed position wherein various tissue gaps are defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, further depicting the staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil;

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical end effector with various components removed, depicting an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, wherein the anvil and the staple cartridge include stepped tissue compression surfaces, further depicting the end effector in a closed position wherein various tissue gaps are defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, further depicting staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil;

FIG. 74 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the articulation joint for the surgical tool assembly with various components removed, depicting the articulation joint in a non-articulated position;

FIG. 75 is a plan view, partially in section, of the articulation joint of FIG. 74 in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 76 is a plan view, partially in section, of the articulation joint of FIG. 74 in a partially articulated configuration;

FIG. 77 is a plan view, partially in section, of the articulation joint of FIG. 74 in a fully articulated configuration; and is

Fig. 77A is a detailed view of the reinforcement feature of the articulation joint of fig. 74 in the fully articulated configuration of fig. 77.

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 serial No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS"; attorney docket number END8165 USNP/170079M;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8168 USNP/170080;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8170 USNP/170081;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8164 USNP/170082;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8169 USNP/170083;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements"; attorney docket number END8167 USNP/170085;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements"; attorney docket number END8232 USNP/170086; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; attorney docket number END8171 USNP/170088.

The applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on December 21 of 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLED LINESTEREOF";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,221 entitled "LOCKOUT arragements FOR minor END efffectors";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,209 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,198 entitled "LOCKOUT arragements FOR minor END effects and minor TOOL associations";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,240 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,939 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941 entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CLOSHING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES ANDARTILATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,950 entitled "minor teeth WITH close STROKE mechanism details";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,945 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

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

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

U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,953 entitled "METHODS OF marking TISSUE";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954 entitled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FORSURGICAL END EFFECTORS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,955 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOPARAMENTS";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTINGFIRING SYSTEM ACTION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,947 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLECAVITIES THEREIN";

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENTYLES OF STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,899 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,901 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL compris ingwindows DEFINED THEREIN";

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904 entitled "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/ORSPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,905 entitled "fixing ASSEMBLY assembling a locout";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUTAND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,908 entitled "fixing ASSEMBLY assembling a FUSE";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,920 entitled "stable formation POCKET arget argements";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,913 entitled "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OFSTAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,893 entitled "bialterall ASYMMETRIC STAPLE formatting POCKET pair";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,929 entitled "close measure WITH CAM SURFACE area FOR SURFACE lines measure WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT close AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLING CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,927 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,917 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT clamingbudardhs";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARYSIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931 entitled "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FORSURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,915 entitled "fixing MEMBER PIN ANGLE";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897 entitled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,924 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,912 entitled "minor appliances WITH JAWS THAT ARE able to pivot a bout AFIXED AXIS AND index SEPARATE AND DISTINCT close AND FIRING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,910 entitled "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,188 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,192 entitled "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAPSETTING featurs";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/386,206 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER replacement patents";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226 entitled "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES BLIESOF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS";

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236 entitled "CONNECTION PORTION FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNIT FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS".

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887 entitled "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICALINSTRUCTURENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT";

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTIVABLE ANDRETRACTABLE SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONGURED TO ADAPT THEUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,894 entitled "SHAFT association comprisinga locout";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895 entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,916 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,918 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,919 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,921 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIRORED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,923 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS";

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925 entitled "JAW ACTITED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OFA FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN FIRED CARTRIDGE ISINSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR";

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING GFEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,932 entitled "article subaltern minor END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFTARRANGEMENT";

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLELLINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,935 entitled "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FORLOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATEDCONFIGURATION"; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROAMPLIFICATION FEATURES".

The applicants of the present application have the following U.S. patent applications filed on 24/6/2016 and each of which is 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 serial No. 15/191,807 entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPEDSTAPLES";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/191,788 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE comprisingoverdriven stamps"; and

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

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

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

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

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

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 1/4/2016 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 serial No. 15/089,326 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,263 entitled "minor inertia based ASSEMBLY WITH robust mounting grid;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,262 entitled "rolling POWERED minor actuation WITH manual actuation lever SYSTEM";

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial 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 selection OF information 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 SPECT CARTRIDGELOCKOUT";

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,253 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO applied annual ROWS OFSTAPLES 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 STAPLE/FASTENERS";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,336 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH atraumatc featurs";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,312 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisingan available tisssuupport";

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/089,309 entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM comprisingrotary 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 PACK FAILURE INPOWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed in february 9 of 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

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

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

-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 ELONGGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";

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

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

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAMARRANGEMENTS"; 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 owns the following identified U.S. patent applications filed in february 12 of 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 POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";

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

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

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

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed on 18/6/2015 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 GARRANGEMENMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367256;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941 entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSINGFATURES", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367248;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914 entitled "Movable filing bed SUPPORT FOR easily organizing and organizing appliances INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367255;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAMS STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367254;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885 entitled "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367246; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876 entitled "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLESSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0367245.

The applicants of the present application have the following patent applications filed 3/6/2015 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,746 entitled "POWERED minor instroment," 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 REDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832 entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADAJUST CLOSURES 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 TOMEASURE 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 MOTORFOR POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256153;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859 entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALTION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINEMITABILITY, CREPE, 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 CARTRIDGEINTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0256160;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/640,799 entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON available shift short", 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 CONFIRED 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 ONEOR 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 RCHARGING 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 INSTRUMENTS NEEDS TOBE 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 serial No. 14/633,526 entitled "adaptive minor insert HANDLE", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application serial No. 14/633,541 entitled "MODULAR station association" and 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-LIFEPARAMETER," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249917.

The applicants of the present application own the following patent applications filed on 12/18/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPLEMENTS SYSTEM ENDEFECTOR 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 serial No. 14/575,139 entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR article minor applications," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174978;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/575,148 entitled "LOCKING argemenets FOR detecting short SHAFT electromagnetic assembly END effects", 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 ANDMOVABLE FIRING 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 DIDIMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174973;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPLEMENTING A FLEXIBLEMENTICULATION SYSTEM"; now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0174970; and

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on 3/1 of 2013 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 "Rolling Power operated vibration FOR minor Instrument," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,338 entitled "thumb wheel SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0249557;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,499 entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAYARRANGEMENT," now U.S. patent application publication 9,358,003;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/782,460 entitled "MULTIPLE process MOTOR controller FOR MODULAR subarachnoid structurants", now U.S. patent No. 9,554,794;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358 entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 9,326,767;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481 entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGHTROCAR", now U.S. patent application publication 9,468,438;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375 entitled "ROTARY POWER SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DESGREES OFFREE DOM," now U.S. patent application publication 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP," now U.S. patent application publication 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 SURGICALINSTRUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 9,332,987;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLISING 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 URGICAL 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 SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 9,629,623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117 entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL FOR ARTICULATED SURGICAL STRUTRUNTS", now U.S. patent application publication 9,351,726;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130 entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL STRUCTURAL", now U.S. patent application publication 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 serial No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR minor INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent 9,629,629;

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 serial No. 14/226,099 entitled "serilization version CIRCUIT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272581;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094 entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF Battery improvements/Process COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117 entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CICUITAND 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 SSBLIES", 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 SURGICALINSTRUMENTS", 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 A SAFETYPROSSOR", 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 INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272557;

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

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTT 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 on 5/9/2014 and each incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 14/479,103 entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED 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 TISSUECOMPRESSION," now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION," 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' SOUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0066909;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110 entitled "polar 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 2014 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 DRIVE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVESHAFTS", 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 FIRINGDRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. patent 9,649,110;

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

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588 entitled "POWER LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER," 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 ALIGNMENTFEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587 entitled "POWER SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0309665;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586 entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICALINSTRUNT", 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 STATIONARY ARRANGEMENTS," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0305992.

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

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,365 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS BY entering MOTOR";

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

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

-U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,385 entitled "minor ACTUATION HANDLE WITH major ACTUATION motor and valve CONTROL"; and

U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/812,372 entitled "minor entering WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS BY entering 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 specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are 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, 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 portion 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 six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal slot and three 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 supported by a staple driving device in the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The drive is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The drive device is movable between its unfired position and its fired position by the sled. The slider is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramp surfaces configured to slide under the drive device toward the anvil and lift the drive device, and the staples are supported on the drive device.

In addition to the above, the sled can be moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and urge the sled 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.

Fig. 1 illustrates a motor-driven surgical system 10 that may be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in this figure, one example of the surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300 and 1000, each adapted to be interchangeably used with the handle assembly 500. Each interchangeable

surgical tool assembly

100, 200, 300, and 1000 may be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, an interchangeable surgical tool assembly can be operatively used with a tool drive assembly of a robotically controlled surgical system or an automated surgical system. For example, the SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein may be used WITH various robotic systems, INSTRUMENTS, components, and methods such as, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. patent 9,072,535 entitled "SURGICAL station instrumentation WITH rotabable station product depolyment armamentes," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 2 illustrates one form of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. Fig. 3 illustrates the attachment of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500. The attachment arrangement and method depicted in fig. 3 may also be used in connection with the attachment of any of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and 1000 to the tool drive portion or tool driver housing of the robotic system. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502, the handle housing 502 including a pistol grip portion 504 that may be grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As will be discussed briefly below, the handle assembly 500 operably supports a plurality of drive systems configured to generate and apply various control motions to corresponding portions of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and/or 1000 operably attached thereto.

Referring now to fig. 3, the handle assembly 500 may further include a frame 506 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 may operably support a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 510, which may be used to impart closing and opening motions to interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and/or 1000 operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, the closure drive system 510 can include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 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 pivot from the activated or "unactuated" position to the "actuated" position and more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 also includes a closure linkage assembly 514, with the closure linkage assembly 514 being pivotably coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwise operatively connected with the closure trigger 512. As will be discussed in further detail below, the closure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. To actuate the closure drive system, the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSORSYTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the closure drive system is configured to lock the closure trigger 512 into a fully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fully depresses the closure trigger 512 to reach a full closure stroke. When the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 to allow the closure trigger 512 to be biased to the unactuated position, the clinician simply activates the closure release button assembly 518 which enables the closure trigger to return to the unactuated position. The closure release button 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with the microcontroller 520 in the handle assembly 500 for tracking the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details regarding the construction and operation of the closure release button assembly 518 can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575.

In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 can operably support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 530, that is configured to apply a firing motion to corresponding portions of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly attached thereto. As described in detail in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor (not shown in fig. 1-3) located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor may be, for example, a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other constructions, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor may be powered by a power source 522, which in one form may comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may support a plurality of lithium ion ("LI") or other suitable batteries therein. Multiple batteries, which may be connected in series, may be used as the power source 522 for the surgical system 10. In addition, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

The electric motor is configured to axially drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 in the distal and proximal directions depending on the polarity of the voltage applied to the motor. For example, when the motor is driven in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 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 by the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor. The handle assembly 500 may further include one or more sensors configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is moving. Actuation of the motor may be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (fig. 1) pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may be pivotable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased into an unactuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, the firing trigger 532 may be pivoted or otherwise returned to the unactuated position by the spring or biasing arrangement. In at least one form, the firing trigger 532 may be positioned "outboard" of the closure trigger 512 as described above. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button to prevent inadvertent actuation of the 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 moved between a safety position preventing actuation of the firing trigger 532 and a firing position in which the firing trigger 532 may be fired. When the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 pivots downward, where it may then be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a rack gear formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement that interfaces with the motor. Further details regarding those features can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575. In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 further comprises a manually actuatable "rescue" assembly configured to enable a clinician to manually retract the longitudinally movable drive member 540 with the motor disabled. The rescue assembly can comprise a lever or rescue handle assembly that is stored within the handle assembly 500 below the releasable door 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted into engagement with a toothed ratchet in the drive member 540. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member 5400 in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent application serial No. 12/249,117 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS with manual CUTTING FIRING SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent 8,608,045, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses a rescue arrangement and a rescue arrangement that may also be employed with the various SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein.

Turning now to fig. 2, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a surgical end effector 110 that includes a first jaw and a second jaw. In one arrangement, the first jaw includes an elongate channel 112 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 116 therein. The second jaw includes an anvil 114 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 112. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a lockable articulation joint 120 that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 110 in a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding the various configurations and operations of the end effector 110, ARTICULATION joint 120 and ARTICULATION LOCK are set forth in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) entitled "ARTICULATION joint actuation assembly AN ARTICULATION LOCK". As can be further seen in fig. 2 and 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 can include a proximal housing or nozzle 130 and a closure tube assembly 140 that can be used to close and/or open the anvil 114 of the end effector 110. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly 140 is movably supported on a spine 145 that supports an articulation driver arrangement 147 that is configured to apply articulation motions to the surgical end effector 110. The ridge 145 is configured to: first, a firing bar 170 is slidably supported therein; second, the closure tube assembly 140, which extends around the spine 145, is slidably supported. In various instances, the spine 145 includes a proximal end rotatably supported in the base 150. See fig. 3. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end of the spine 145 is attached to a spine bearing configured to be supported within the base 150. This arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the ridge 145 to the base 150 such that the ridge 145 can be selectively rotated relative to the base 150 about the axis SA.

Still referring to fig. 3, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a closure shuttle 160 that is slidably supported within the base 150 such that the closure shuttle 160 is axially movable relative to the base 150. As can be seen in fig. 3, the closure shuttle 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 configured to attach to an attachment pin 516 that is attached to a closure linkage assembly 514 in the handle assembly 500. The proximal closure tube segment 146 of the closure tube assembly 140 is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle 160. Thus, when the hook 162 is hooked on the pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 will cause the closure shuttle 160, and ultimately the closure tube assembly 140 on the spine 145, to move axially. The closure spring may also be journaled on the closure tube assembly 140 and serve to bias the closure tube assembly 140 in the proximal direction "PD," which may serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 into the unactuated position when the shaft assembly 100 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 is translated distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 114 in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512. The closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube segment 142 that is pivotally pinned to a distal end of a proximal closure tube segment 146. The distal closure tube segment 142 is configured to move axially with the proximal closure tube segment 146 relative to the surgical end effector 110. When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 142 strikes a proximal surface or flange 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 pivots closed. Further details regarding the closing of the anvil 114 may be found in the above-mentioned U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, and will be discussed in further detail below. As also described in detail in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, the anvil 114 is opened by proximally translating the distal closure tube segment 142. The distal closure tube segment 142 has a horseshoe aperture 143 therein defining a downwardly extending return tab that cooperates with an anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of the anvil 114 to pivot the anvil 114 back to the open position. In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its most proximal or unactuated position.

Also as described above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also includes a firing bar 170 that is supported for axial travel within the shaft spine 145. The firing bar 170 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion that is configured to be attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar that is configured for axial advancement through the surgical end effector 110. In at least one arrangement, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple an articulation driver to the firing bar 170. Further details regarding the features and operation of the clutch assembly may be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. As discussed in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541, when the clutch assembly is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the articulation driver arrangement 147 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing bar 170 can move the articulation driver arrangement 147 proximally. When the clutch assembly is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing bar 170 is not transferred to the articulation driver arrangement 147, and thus, the firing bar 170 may move independently of the articulation driver arrangement 147. Interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 can further include a slip ring assembly that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from end effector 110 and/or transmit signals to and/or from end effector 110. More details regarding slip ring assemblies may be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSORSYTEM," now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, is incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent 9,345,481 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM" is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Still referring to fig. 3, the base 150 has formed thereon one or more tapered attachment portions 152 adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506. Each dovetail slot 507 may be tapered or, in other words, may be slightly V-shaped to seatingly receive the tapered attachment portion 152 therein. As can be further seen in fig. 3, a shaft attachment ear 172 is formed on the proximal end of the firing shaft 170. When the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment ears 172 are received in firing shaft attachment brackets 542 formed in the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 also employs a latch system 180 for releasably locking the shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, for example, the latch system 180 includes a locking member or yoke 182 movably coupled to the base 150. The lock yoke 182 includes two proximally projecting lock ears 184 configured for releasable engagement with corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal attachment flange of the frame 506. In various forms, the lock yoke 182 is biased in the proximal direction by a spring or biasing member. Actuation of the lock yoke 182 may be accomplished by a latch button 186 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly mounted to the base 150. The latch button 186 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 182. As will be discussed in further detail below, the lock yoke 182 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 186 in the distal direction DD, which also pivots the lock yoke 182 out of retaining engagement with the distal attachment flange of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 182 is "held in engagement" with the distal attachment flange of the frame 506, the lock lugs 184 remain seated within corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506. More details regarding the latching system can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541.

To attach the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500A, the clinician may position the base 150 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 over or near the distal end of the frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portion 152 formed on the base 150 aligns with the dovetail slot 507 in the frame 506. The clinician can then move the surgical tool assembly 100 along a mounting axis IA perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to dispose the tapered attachment portion 152 in operable engagement with a corresponding dovetail-shaped receiving slot 507 in the distal end of the frame 506. In doing so, the shaft attachment ears 172 on the firing shaft 170 will also seat in the brackets 542 in the longitudinally movable drive member 540, and the portion of the pin 516 on the closure link 514 will seat in the corresponding hook 162 in the closure shuttle 160. As used herein, the term "operably engaged" in the context of two components means that the two components are sufficiently engaged with one another such that upon application of an actuation motion thereto, the components perform their intended action, function, and/or procedure.

Returning now to fig. 1, the surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300 and 1000, each of which may be effectively used with the same handle assembly 500 to perform a different surgical procedure. The construction of an exemplary form of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 100 is briefly discussed above and is discussed in further detail in U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. Various details regarding interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

200 and 300 may be found in various U.S. patent applications that have been incorporated by reference herein. Various details regarding interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 will be discussed in further detail below.

As shown in fig. 1, each of the

surgical tool assemblies

100, 200, 300, and 1000 includes a pair of jaws, wherein at least one jaw is movable to capture, manipulate, and/or clamp tissue between the two jaws. The movable jaws move between an open position and a closed position upon application of closing and opening motions thereto by a robotic or automated surgical system to which the handle assembly or surgical tool assembly is operably coupled. In addition, each of the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assemblies includes a firing member configured to cut tissue and fire staples from a staple cartridge supported in one jaw in response to a firing motion applied thereto by the handle assembly or robotic system. Each surgical tool assembly may be uniquely designed to perform a particular procedure, for example, for cutting and fastening a particular type and thickness of tissue within a particular region of the body. The closure, firing, and articulation control systems in the handle assembly 500 or robotic system may be configured to generate axial control motions and/or rotational control motions depending on the type of closure, firing, and articulation system configuration employed in the surgical tool assembly. In one arrangement, when a closure control system in a handle assembly or robotic system is fully actuated, one of the closure system control components moves axially from an unactuated position to its fully actuated position. The axial distance that the closure tube assembly moves when moving from its unactuated position to its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as its "closure stroke length". Similarly, when the handle assembly or firing system in the robotic system is fully actuated, one of the firing system control components moves axially from its unactuated position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance that the longitudinally movable drive member moves when moving from its unactuated position to its fully fired position may be referred to herein as its "firing stroke length". For those surgical tool assemblies employing articulatable end effector arrangements, the handle assembly or robotic system may employ an articulation control member that moves axially through an "articulation drive stroke length". In many cases, the closure stroke length, firing stroke length, and articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robotic system. Thus, each of the surgical tool assemblies must be able to accommodate the closing, firing, and/or controlled movement of the articulation components through each of their all stroke lengths without placing undue stress on the surgical tool components as this may result in surgical tool component damage.

Turning now to fig. 4-10, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 that includes an elongate channel 1102 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. End effector 1100 may also include an anvil 1130 that is pivotally supported relative to elongate channel 1102. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include an articulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (fig. 5 and 8-10) that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1100 in a desired articulated position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding the construction and operation of ARTICULATION LOCK 1210 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "ARTICULATION motor reduction assembly 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 serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATIONAL SUCTION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. As seen in fig. 7, interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may further include a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 comprised of

nozzle portions

1302, 1304 and an actuator wheel portion 1306 that is configured to be coupled to assembled

nozzle portions

1302, 1304, such as by snaps, lugs, and/or screws. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 may also include a closure tube assembly 1400 that may be used to close and/or open an anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100, as will be discussed in further detail below. Referring now primarily to fig. 8 and 9, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can include a spine assembly 1500 that can be configured to support an articulation lock 1210. The spine assembly 1500 includes a "resilient" spine or frame member 1510 that will be described in further detail below. The distal end portion 1522 of the resilient spine member 1510 is attached to a distal frame segment 1560 that operably supports the articulation lock 1210 therein. As seen in fig. 7 and 8, the spine assembly 1500 is configured to: first, a firing member assembly 1600 slidably supported therein; second, the closure tube assembly 1400 is slidably supported extending around the spine assembly 1500. The spine assembly 1500 may also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 1700.

As shown in fig. 10, the distal frame segment 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongate channel 1102 by an end effector mounting assembly 1230. For example, in one arrangement, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame segment 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. The pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in a pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongate channel 1102 by a spring pin 1108 or other suitable member. The pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis B-B that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 4. This arrangement facilitates pivotal travel (i.e., articulation) of the end effector 1100 relative to the spine assembly 1500 about an articulation axis B-B.

Still referring to fig. 10, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage the articulation lock 1210. The articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 that is adapted to operably engage a drive pin 1238 on a pivot base portion 1232 of the end effector mounting assembly 1230. In addition, a cross-link 1237 may be connected to the drive pin 1238 and the articulation frame 1212 to assist in articulation of the end effector 1100. As mentioned above, more details regarding the operation of the articulation lock 1210 and the articulation frame 1212 may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541. Additional details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross-connect may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL STRUCTURAL WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," filed 2016, 2,9, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In various instances, the resilient spine member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 rotatably supported in the base 1800. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the resilient spine member 1510 has threads 1516 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing configured to be supported within the base 1800. Such an arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of resilient spine member 1510 to base 1800 such that spine assembly 1500 may be selectively rotated relative to base 1800 about axis SA.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 slidably supported within the base 1800 such that the closure shuttle 1420 is circumferentially movable relative to the base 1800. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 that are configured to attach to an attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure linkage assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500, as discussed above. The proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle 1420. For example, the U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into the annular slot 1414 in the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and is retained within the vertical slot 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See fig. 7. Such an arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure tube segment 1410 to the closure shuttle 1420 for axial travel therewith while enabling the closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA. The closure spring is journaled on the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 and serves to bias the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, which can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 3) to an unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500.

As noted above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. However, other interchangeable surgical tool assemblies may not be capable of articulation. As can be seen in fig. 10, the superior and

inferior tangs

1415, 1416 project distally from the distal end of the proximal closure tube segment 1410 for movable coupling to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 1430 of the closure tube assembly 1400. As can be seen in fig. 10, the distal closure tube segment 1430 includes upper and lower tangs 1434, 1436 that project proximally from a proximal end thereof. The upper double pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper tangs 1415, 1434 of the proximal and distal

closure tube segments

1410, 1430, respectively. Similarly, the lower double pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the

inferior tangs

1416 and 1436 of the proximal and distal

closure tube segments

1410 and 1430, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly 1400 will cause the anvil 1130 to close and open relative to the elongate channel 1102.

As described above, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a firing member assembly 1600 that is supported for axial travel within the spine assembly 1500. The firing member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 that is configured to be attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 1610. The firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As seen in fig. 7-10, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 may include a longitudinal slot 1604 in a distal end thereof, which may be configured to receive a tab on a proximal end of the knife bar 1610. The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the knife bar 1610 may be sized and configured such that they allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 1612. The slide joint 1612 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 to move to articulate the end effector 1100 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 1610. Once the end effector 1100 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 may be advanced distally until the proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 1604 comes into contact with a tab on the knife bar 1610 in order to advance the knife bar 1610 and fire a staple cartridge 1110 positioned within the elongate channel 1102. As can be further seen in fig. 8 and 9, the resilient spine member 1520 has an elongated opening or window 1525 therein to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 into the resilient spine member 1520. Once the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 has been inserted into the resilient spine member 1520, the top frame segment 1527 may be engaged with the resilient spine member to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 and the knife bar 1610 therein. Further description of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541).

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a clutch assembly 1620, which can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600. In one form, the clutch assembly 1620 includes a lock collar or lock sleeve 1622 positioned around the firing member assembly 1600, wherein the lock sleeve 1622 is rotatable between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 1622 couples the articulation driver 1700 to the firing member assembly 1600 and a disengaged position in which the articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 distally and, correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 1600 can move the articulation driver 1700 proximally. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the motion of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transferred to the articulation driver 1700, and thus, the firing member assembly 1600 may move independently of the articulation driver 1700. In various circumstances, the articulation driver 1700 can be held in place by the articulation lock 1210 when the articulation driver 1700 is not moved in the proximal or distal direction by the firing member assembly 1600.

Referring primarily to fig. 7, the lock sleeve 1622 may include a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical body including a longitudinal bore 1624 defined therein and configured to receive the firing member assembly 1600. The locking sleeve 1622 may include diametrically opposed inward facing locking

tabs

1626, 1628 and an outward facing locking member 1629. The locking

tabs

1626, 1628 can be configured to selectively engage the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600. More specifically, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the

lock protrusions

1626, 1628 are positioned within a drive notch 1605 defined in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 such that distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may be transferred from the firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1622. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received within a drive notch 1704 defined in the articulation driver 1700 such that a distal pushing force and/or a proximal pulling force applied to the locking sleeve 1622 may be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. Indeed, when the lock sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the firing member assembly 1600, the lock sleeve 1622, and the articulation driver 1700 will move together. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the locking

tabs

1626, 1628 may not be positioned within the drive notch 1605 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600; and, as such, distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the lock sleeve 1622. Accordingly, the distal pushing force and/or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. In such instances, the firing member assembly 1600 can slide proximally and/or distally relative to the locking sleeve 1622 and the proximal articulation driver 1700. The clutch assembly 1620 also includes a shift barrel 1630 engaged with the locking sleeve 1622. Additional details regarding the operation of the switch drum and locking sleeve 1622 may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541 and serial No. 15/019,196). The switch barrel 1630 may also include at least partially

circumferential openings

1632, 1634 defined therein that may receive the circumferential mount 1305 extending from the

nozzle halves

1302, 1304 and allow relative rotation, but not translation, between the switch barrel 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300. See fig. 6. Rotation of the nozzle 1300 to the point where the mounting bracket reaches the end of its

respective slot

1632, 1634 in the switch drum 1630 will cause the switch drum 1630 to rotate about the shaft axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum 1630 will ultimately cause the locking sleeve 1622 to move between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzle 1300 may be used to operably engage and disengage an articulation drive system from a firing drive system in a variety of ways described in more detail in the following patent applications: U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086, now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541; and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196; each of these patents is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In the illustrated arrangement, the switching barrel 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into a distal opening 1637 in the switching barrel 1630. The distal opening 1637 receives a transverse pin 1639 of the moving plate 1638. In one example, the moving plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot provided in the locking sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of the locking sleeve 1622 when engaged with the articulation driver 1700. Further details regarding the operation of the moving plate and moving drum arrangement can be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 14/868,718 (now U.S. patent publication 2017/0086823), entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFTRELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWER ARTICULATION," filed on September 28, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As also shown in fig. 7 and 8, interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a slip ring assembly 1640 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from end effector 1100 and/or to transmit signals to and/or from end effector 1100 back to, for example, a microcontroller or robotic system controller in the handle assembly. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 1640 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) entitled "STAPLECARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM". As also described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications that have been incorporated by reference herein, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can further include at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the switch barrel 1630.

Referring again to fig. 7, the base 1800 includes one or more tapered attachment portions 1802 formed thereon that are adapted to be received within corresponding dovetail slots 507 formed within the distal end portion of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500, as discussed above. As can be further seen in fig. 7, a shaft attachment ear 1605 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1602. As will be discussed in further detail below, when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft attachment lug 1605 is received in a firing shaft attachment bracket 542 formed in a distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. See fig. 3.

Various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1810 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, as seen in fig. 7, the latch system 1810 includes a locking member or locking yoke 1812 movably coupled to the base 1800. The lock yoke 1812 is U-shaped with two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs 1814. The legs 1814 each have a pivot boss formed thereon that can be received in a corresponding hole 1816 formed in the base 1800. Such a configuration facilitates pivotal attachment of lock yoke 1812 to base 1800. The locking yoke 1812 may include two proximally projecting locking lugs 1818 configured to releasably engage with corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See fig. 3. In various forms, the lock yoke 1812 is biased in a proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 that is mounted to the chassis 1800. The latch button 1820 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the locking yoke 1812. The locking yoke 1812 can be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1820 in a distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1812 out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the frame 506. When the lock yoke 1812 remains engaged with the distal end of the frame 506, the lock lugs 1818 remain seated within the corresponding lock detents or grooves 509 in the distal end of the frame 506.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lock yoke 1812 includes at least one and preferably two lock hooks 1824 adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 1426 formed on the closure shuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in the unactuated position, the lock yoke 1812 can be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in this position, the lock hook 1824 does not contact the lock lobe portion 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when the closure shuttle 1420 is moved to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the locking yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the locking yoke 1812 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the locking hooks 1824 on the locking yoke 1812 will contact the locking lugs 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420 and prevent the locking yoke 1812 from moving to the unlocked position.

Still referring to fig. 10, the knife bar 1610 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips interconnected at their proximal ends and/or at other locations along the length of the strips by, for example, welding and/or pins. In alternative embodiments, the distal ends of the bands are not connected together to allow the laminate or bands to deploy relative to each other as the end effector articulates. Such an arrangement allows knife bar 1610 to be flexible enough to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245. As can also be seen in fig. 10, intermediate support member 1614 is used to provide lateral support to knife bar 1610 as it bends to accommodate articulation of surgical end effector 1100. Further details regarding the intermediate support member and alternative knife bar support arrangement are disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245. As also seen in fig. 10, a firing member or knife member 1620 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 1610.

FIG. 11 illustrates one form of a firing member 1660 that may be used with the interchangeable tool assembly 1000. The firing member 1660 includes a body portion 1662 that includes a proximally extending connector member 1663 configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614 in the distal end of the knife bar 1610. See fig. 10. For example, the connector 1663 may be held within the connector opening 1614 by friction, welding, and/or a suitable adhesive. Referring to fig. 15-17, the body portion 1662 protrudes through an elongate slot 1104 in the elongate channel 1102 and terminates in foot members 1664 that extend laterally on each side of the body portion 1662. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the foot member 1664 rides in the elongate channel 1102 positioned in a channel below the surgical staple cartridge 1110. As seen in fig. 11, the firing member 1660 can also include a laterally protruding central tab, pin, or retainer feature 1680. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the central retainer feature 1680 rides on the inner surface 1106 of the elongate channel 1102. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 also includes a tissue cutting edge or feature 1666 disposed between the distally projecting shoulder 1665 and the distally projecting top nose portion 1670. As can be further seen in fig. 11, the firing member 1660 can also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 1665. See fig. 13 and 14. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally, a top portion of the body 1662 extends through a centrally disposed anvil slot 1138 (fig. 14), and the top anvil engagement features 1672 ride over corresponding bosses 1136 formed on each side of the anvil slot 1134.

Returning to FIG. 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to operably connect with a sled 1120 that is supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The slider 1120 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal end start 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 cartridge body 1111 is operable to support a plurality of staple drivers (not shown in fig. 10) therein that are aligned in rows on each side of the centrally disposed slot 1114. The centrally disposed slot 1114 enables a firing member 1660 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the staple cartridge 1110. The drivers are associated with corresponding pockets 1115 which pass through the upper deck surface of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples or fasteners thereon. The slider 1120 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 1122, wherein each cam 1122 corresponds to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on the side of the slot 1114. In the illustrated example, one cam 1122 is aligned with a row of "double" drivers each supporting two staples or fasteners thereon, and the other cam 1122 is aligned with another row of "single" drivers on the same side of the slot 1114 each supporting a single surgical staple or fastener thereon. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired," there will be three rows of staples on each side of the tissue cut line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations can be employed to fire other staple/fastener arrangements. The sled 1120 has a central body portion 1124 configured to be engaged by a shoulder 1665 of a firing member 1660. When the firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, the firing member 1660 also drives the sled 1120 distally. As the firing member 1660 is moved distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting features 1666 cut tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110, and also the sled 1120 drives the drivers in the cartridge upward which drive the corresponding staples or fasteners into contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

In embodiments where the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, it may be desirable for the elongate shaft assembly to be configured in such a manner that: accidental advancement of the firing member is prevented unless the unspent staple cartridge is properly supported within the elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100. For example, if a staple cartridge were not present at all and the firing member was advanced distally through the end effector, the tissue would be severed, but not stapled. Similarly, if there is a spent staple cartridge in the end effector (i.e., a staple cartridge from which at least some staples have been fired) and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be severed, but may not be fully stapled. It is understood that such situations may lead to undesirable results during a surgical procedure. U.S. patent 6,988,649 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT," U.S. patent 7,044,352 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING," U.S. patent 7,380,695 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,933 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH LOCATION KOUTARRANGEMENT FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPECING" each disclose various FIRING member LOCKOUT arrangements. Each of these U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

An "unfired," "unused," "fresh," or "new" fastener cartridge 1110 indicates that the fastener cartridge 1110 has all of its fasteners in their "ready to fire" position. The new cartridge 1110 is disposed within the elongate channel 1102 and can be retained therein by snap features on the cartridge body that are configured to remain engaged with corresponding portions of the elongate channel 1102. Fig. 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 disposed therein. As can be seen in fig. 15 and 18, the slider 1120 is in its starting position. To prevent the firing system from being activated, and more precisely, to prevent the firing member 1660 from being driven distally through the end effector 1110, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 employs a firing member locking system, generally designated 1650, unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the elongate channel 1102.

Referring now to fig. 10 and 15-19, the firing member lockout system 1650 includes a movable lock member 1652 configured to remain engaged with the firing member 1660 when a new surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongate channel 1102. More specifically, the lock member 1652 comprises at least one laterally moving lock portion 1654 configured to remain engaged with a corresponding portion of the firing member 1660 when the sled 1120 is not present in the cartridge 1110 in its starting position. In practice, the lock member 1652 employs two laterally moving lock portions 1654 that each engage a laterally extending portion of the firing member 1660. Other latching arrangements may be used.

The locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member with each laterally movable leg or locking portion 1654 extending from the central spring portion 1653 and configured to be movable in a lateral direction indicated by "L" in fig. 18 and 19. It should be understood that the term "lateral" refers to a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA (fig. 2). For example, the spring or locking member 1652 may be made of high strength spring steel and/or the like. Center spring portion 1653 is seated within a slot 1236 in end effector mounting assembly 1230. See fig. 10. As seen in fig. 15-17, each of the laterally movable legs or locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 having a locking window 1658 therein. When the lock member 1652 is in the locked position, the central retainer features 1680 on each side of the firing member 1660 extend into corresponding lock windows 1658 defined in the lock portion 1654 to remain from the firing member being advanced distally or axially.

The operation of the firing member lockout system will be described with reference to FIGS. 15-19. Fig. 15 and 18 illustrate a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 properly installed therein. As seen in fig. 15 and 18, the slider 1120 includes an unlocking feature 1126 corresponding to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. An unlocking feature 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from each central wedge cam 1122. In an alternative arrangement, the unlocking feature 1126 may include a proximal protruding portion of the corresponding wedge cam 1122. As can be seen in fig. 18, when the slider 1120 is in its home position, the unlocking feature 1124 engages and laterally biases the corresponding locking portion 1654 in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA (fig. 2). When the locking portion 1654 is in such an unlocked orientation, the central retainer feature 1680 does not remain engaged with the locking window 1658. In such circumstances, the firing member 1660 can be advanced (fired) distally or axially. However, when the cartridge is not present in the elongate channel 1102 or the sled 1120 has moved out of its starting position (which means that the cartridge is partially or fully fired), the lock portion 1654 remains laterally resiliently engaged with the firing member 1660. In such circumstances, referring to fig. 19, the firing member 1660 cannot move distally.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate the firing member 1660 retracted to its starting or unfired position after the staple firing stroke is performed as discussed above. Fig. 16 depicts the initial re-engagement of a retention feature 1680 with its corresponding locking window 1658. Fig. 17 illustrates the retention feature in its locked position when the firing member 1660 has been fully retracted to its starting position. To assist in locking the lateral displacement of the locking portion 1654 when it comes into contact with the proximally moving retention feature 1680, each of the retention features 1680 may be provided with a proximally facing, laterally tapered end portion. Such lockout systems prevent the firing member 1660 from being actuated when a new unfired cartridge is not present or when a new unfired cartridge is present but not properly positioned in the elongate channel 1102. In addition, the lockout system may prevent the clinician from advancing the firing member distally if a used or partially fired cartridge has been inadvertently properly seated within the elongate channel. Another advantage that the lockout system 1650 can provide is that the firing member 1660 remains aligned with the cartridge passage when in the locked and unlocked positions, unlike other firing member lockout arrangements that require moving the firing member to align and misalign with a corresponding slot/passage in the staple cartridge. The lock portion 1654 is designed to be laterally movable into and out of engagement with a corresponding side surface of the firing member. Such lateral movement of one or more lockout portions may distinguish it from other lockout arrangements that move in a vertical direction to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

Returning to fig. 13 and 14, anvil 1130 includes an elongate anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongate anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134 that defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members 1136 adjacent the proximal anvil mounting portion 1150. The elongate anvil body portion 1132 also includes an underside 1135 that defines an elongate anvil slot 1138. In the example arrangement shown in fig. 14, the anvil slot 1138 is centrally disposed in the lower side 1135. The underside 1135 includes three

rows

1140, 1141, 1142 of

staple forming pockets

1143, 1144, and 1145 positioned on each side of the anvil slot 1138. Adjacent each side of the anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each passage 1146 has a proximal ramp portion 1148. See fig. 13. As the firing member 1660 is advanced distally, the top anvil engagement features 1632 initially enter the corresponding proximal ramp portion 1148 and enter the corresponding elongate anvil passageway 1146.

Turning to fig. 12 and 13, the anvil slot 1138 and the proximal ramp portion 1148 extend into the anvil mounting portion 1150. In other words, the anvil slot 1138 divides or divides the anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil attachment flanges 1151. Anvil attachment flanges 1151 are coupled together at their proximal ends by connecting bridge 1153. Connection bridge 1153 supports anvil attachment flange 1151 and may be used to make anvil mounting portion 1150 more rigid than mounting portions of other anvil arrangements that are not connected together at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in fig. 12 and 14, the anvil slot 1138 has a wider portion 1139 to accommodate a top portion of the firing member 1660 including the top anvil engagement feature 1632 when the firing member 1660 is in its proximal unfired position.

As seen in fig. 13 and 20-24, each of anvil attachment flanges 1151 includes a transverse mounting aperture 1156 configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 (fig. 10 and 20) therethrough. Anvil mounting portion 1150 is pivotally pinned to proximal end 1103 of elongate channel 1102 by a pivot pin 1158 that extends through mounting hole 1107 in proximal end 1103 of elongate channel 1102 and mounting hole 1156 in anvil mounting portion 1150. This arrangement pivotally attaches the anvil 1130 to the elongate channel 1102s such that the anvil 1130 may pivot about a fixed anvil axis a-a that is transverse to the shaft axis SA. See fig. 5. The anvil mounting portion 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 that extends from a concentrated firing member parking region 1154 to an outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

In addition to the above, the anvil 1130 may be moved between open and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube segment 1430, as discussed further below. The distal end portion of the distal closure tube segment 1430 has an internal camming surface formed thereon that is configured to engage the camming surface 1552 or a camming surface formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and move the anvil 1130. FIG. 22 shows a cam surface 1152a that is formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 to establish a single contact path 1155a with an internal cam surface 1444 on, for example, the distal closure tube segment 1430. FIG. 23 shows the cam surface 1152b configured relative to the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment to establish two separate and distinct arcuate contact paths 1155b between the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube segment 1430. This arrangement may provide better distribution of the closing force from the distal closure tube segment 1430 to the anvil 1130, among other potential advantages discussed herein. FIG. 24 illustrates the cam surface 1152c being configured relative to the inner cam surface 1444 of the distal closure tube segment 1430 so as to establish three

distinct contact zones

1155c and 1155d between the cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150 and the distal closure tube segment 1430. The

regions

1155c, 1155d establish a larger cam contact area between the distal closure tube segment 1430 and one or more cam surfaces on the anvil mounting portion 1150, and may better distribute the closure force to the anvil 1130.

As the distal closure tube segment 1430 cammingly engages the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 pivots about the anvil axis AA (fig. 5), which causes the distal end of the end 1133 of the elongate anvil body portion 1132 to pivotally move toward the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongate channel 1102. As the anvil body portion 1132 begins to pivot, it contacts the tissue to be cut and stapled, which is now positioned between the underside 1135 of the elongate anvil body portion 1132 and the deck 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Anvil 1130 may, for example, encounter substantial resistance and/or bending loads as anvil body portion 1132 is compressed against the tissue. These resistances are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues its distal advancement. However, depending on the magnitude of these resistive forces and their point of application to anvil body portion 1132, these resistive forces may tend to cause a portion of anvil 1130 to bend away from staple cartridge 1110, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such bending may cause the firing member 1660 to be misaligned with the

passageways

1148, 1146 within the anvil 1130. In the event of excessive bending, such bending can significantly increase the amount of firing force required to fire the instrument (i.e., drive the firing member 1660 from its starting position to its ending position through the tissue). Such excessive firing forces may result in, for example, damage to the end effector, firing member, knife bar, and/or firing drive system components. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to configure the anvil to resist such deflection.

Fig. 25-27 illustrate an anvil 1130' that includes features that improve the stiffness of the anvil body and its resistance to bending forces that may be generated during the closure and/or firing process. Except for the differences discussed herein, the anvil 1130' may be identical in construction to the anvil 1130 described above. As seen in fig. 25-27, anvil 1130 'has an elongate anvil body 1132' having an upper body portion 1165 and an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. The anvil cap 1170 is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172, although the anvil cap 1170 can have any suitable shape. The periphery 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 is configured to be inserted into a correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the upper body portion 1165 and to be positioned against an axially extending inner boss portion 1139 formed therein. See fig. 27. The inner boss portion 1139 is configured to support a corresponding long edge 1177 of the anvil cap 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 can be slid onto the inner ledge 1139 through an opening in the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132'. In yet another embodiment, no internal boss portion is provided. Anvil body 1132' and anvil cap 1170 may be made of a suitable metal to facilitate welding. The first weld 1178 can extend around the entire cap perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170, or it can be located only along the long edge 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 and not along its distal end 1173 and/or its proximal end 1175. First weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long edge 1177 of the anvil cap 1170, more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long edge 1177, and/or more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long edge 1177. In certain arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170.

Fig. 28-30 illustrate an anvil cap 1170 'configured to mechanically interlock with anvil body 1132' and to be welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality of retaining structures 1182 are defined in a wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165, the wall defining the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term "mechanically interlocked" means that the anvil cap will remain attached to the elongate anvil body regardless of the orientation of the elongate anvil body and does not require any additional holding or fastening, such as welding and/or adhesives. The retaining structure 1182 may protrude inwardly from the opening wall 1180 into the opening 1137, although any suitable arrangement may be used. The retaining structure 1182 may be integrally formed in the wall 1180 or otherwise attached thereto. The retention structure 1182 is designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap 1170' when the anvil cap 1170' is installed in the opening 1137 to frictionally retain the anvil cap 1170' therein. The retention structure 1182 protrudes inwardly into the opening 1137 and is configured to be frictionally received within a corresponding formed engagement region 1184 formed in the outer periphery 1172 'of the anvil cap 1170'. The retention feature 1182 corresponds only to the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' and is not disposed in the portion of the wall 1180 that corresponds to the distal end 1173 or proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 '. In an alternative arrangement, the retention structure 1182 may also be provided in portions of the wall 1180 corresponding to the distal and

proximal ends

1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 'and its long sides 1177'. In further arrangements, the retaining structure 1182 may be provided only in portions of the wall 1180 corresponding to one or both of the distal end 1173 and the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. In further arrangements, the retention feature 1182 may be disposed in a portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to the long side 1177 'and corresponding to only one of the proximal and

distal ends

1173, 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. It should also be understood that the retention tabs in all of the foregoing embodiments may alternatively be formed on an anvil cap with the engagement region formed in the elongate anvil body.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 28-30, the retaining structures 1182 are equally spaced or evenly distributed along the wall portion 1180 of the anvil cap 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention structures 1182 may be more densely spaced closer to the distal end of the long sides 1177', or may be more densely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long sides 1177'. In other words, the spacing between those retaining structures adjacent the distal end, adjacent the proximal end, or both the distal and proximal ends can be less than the spacing between structures positioned in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170'. In further arrangements, the retention features 1182 may be more densely spaced in a central region of the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. In some alternative embodiments, the correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 may not be disposed in the outer periphery 1172' or may not be disposed in a portion of the outer periphery 1172' of the anvil cap 1170 '. In other embodiments, the retaining structures and correspondingly shaped engagement regions may be provided with different shapes and sizes. In an alternative arrangement, the retaining structure may be dimensioned relative to the engagement region such that there is no interference fit between the retaining structure and the engagement region. In such an arrangement, the anvil cap may be held in place, for example, by welding and/or adhesive.

In the example shown, the weld 1178' extends around the entire perimeter 1172' of the anvil cap 1170 '. Alternatively, the weld 1178' is located along the long edge 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' rather than the distal end 1173 and/or proximal end 1175 thereof. Weld 1178' may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long edge 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long edge 1177' or more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long edge 1177 '. In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'.

Fig. 31 and 32 show another anvil arrangement 1130 "with an anvil cap 1170" attached thereto. Anvil cap 1170 "is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172"; however, the anvil cap 1170 "may comprise any suitable configuration. The outer cap periphery 1172 "is configured to be inserted into a correspondingly shaped opening 1137" in the upper body portion 1165 "of the anvil body 1132" and to be received over the axially extending inner ledge portions 1139 "and 1190" formed therein. See fig. 32. The boss portions 1139 "and 1190" are configured to support the corresponding long side 1177 "of the anvil cap 1170". In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 "is slid onto the inner protrusions 1139" and 1190 "through openings in the distal end 1133" of the anvil body 1132'. Anvil body 1132 "and anvil cap 1170" may be made of a metallic material to facilitate welding. The first weld 1178 "may extend around the entire perimeter 1172" of the anvil cap 1170 "or it may be located only along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 "and not along its distal end 1173" and/or its proximal end. Weld 1178 "may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. It will be appreciated that the continuous weld embodiment has a greater weld surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170 "as compared to embodiments having straight perimeter sides, such as the anvil cap shown in fig. 26. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 "is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long edge 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ", or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal end of the long edge 1177", or may be more closely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long edge 1177 ". In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long side 1177 "of the anvil cap 1170".

Still referring to fig. 31 and 32, anvil cap 1170 "may be additionally welded to anvil body 1132" by a second plurality of discrete "deep" welds 1192 ". For example, each weld 1192 "may be placed at the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194" disposed through the anvil cap 1170 "such that a discrete weld 1192" may be formed along the portion of the anvil body 1132 "between the protrusions 1190" and 1139 ". See fig. 32. The welds 1192 "may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 "or the welds 1192" may be more densely spaced closer to the distal end of the long side 1177 "or more densely spaced closer to the proximal end of the long side 1177". In further arrangements, the welds 1192 "may be more densely spaced in the center region of the long sides 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ".

Fig. 33 illustrates another anvil cap 1170 "'configured to mechanically interlock with anvil body 1132"' and to be welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a tongue-in-groove arrangement is employed along each long side 1177 "'of the anvil cap 1170"'. In particular, laterally extending continuous or interrupted tabs 1195 "' protrude from each long side 1177" ' of the anvil cap 1170 "'. Each tab 1195 "corresponds with an axial slot 1197" 'formed in the anvil body 1132 "'. Anvil cap 1170 "' is slid in from an opening in a distal end of anvil body 1132" ' to "mechanically" attach the anvil cap to anvil body 1132 "'. The tabs 1195 "'and slots 1197"' may be sized relative to one another to establish a sliding friction fit therebetween. Additionally, anvil cap 1170 'may be welded to anvil body 1132'. Anvil body 1132 "'and anvil cap 1170"' may be made of metal to facilitate welding. The weld 1178 "' may extend around the entire perimeter 1172" ' of the anvil cap 1170 "', or it may be located only along the long side 1177" ' of the anvil cap 1170 "'. Weld 1178' "can be continuous, or it can be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 "' is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177" ' of the anvil cap 1170 "', or the weld segments may be more closely spaced closer to the distal ends of the long sides 1177" ', or may be more closely spaced closer to the proximal ends of the long sides 1177 "'. In further arrangements, the weld segments may be more densely spaced in a central region of the long sides 1177 "'of the anvil cap 1170"'.

The anvil embodiments described herein having an anvil cap may provide several advantages. For example, one advantage may facilitate the anvil and firing member assembly process. That is, the firing member may be installed through an opening in the anvil body when the anvil is attached to the elongate channel. Another advantage is that the upper cover may improve the stiffness of the anvil and its resistance to the above-mentioned bending forces that may be encountered when clamping tissue. By resisting such bending, the frictional forces normally encountered by the firing member 1660 may be reduced. Thus, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its starting position to its ending position in the surgical staple cartridge may also be reduced.

Fig. 34-39 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10200 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 and various alternative forming pocket arrangements are further described in the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OFSTAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" was filed on 21/12/2016. U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914 is incorporated herein by reference. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 comprises a proximal forming pocket 10210 and a distal forming pocket 10230 defined in a planar or tissue engaging surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The

pockets

10210, 10230 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10203 of the shaped pocket arrangement 10200. When deployed from a staple cartridge, staples are intended to be formed along pocket axes 10203 by forming pocket arrangement 10200. Referring to fig. 35 and 36, the forming pocket arrangement 10200 further includes a bridge portion 10205 defined between the forming

pockets

10210, 10230. In this case, the bridge portion 10205 is recessed with respect to the flat surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The bridge portion 10205 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bridge portion 10205 is recessed relative to the planar surface 10207. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10205. The shaped pocket arrangement 10200 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10205, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 10203, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 10200 further includes a pair of major side walls 10208 extending from the planar surface 10207 of the anvil 10201 toward the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the bridge portion 10205. The primary side wall 10208 is angled θ relative to the planar surface 10207 of the anvil 10201₂(FIG. 37). The shaped pocket arrangement 10200 further includes edge features 10215, 10235 that provide transition features between the outer edges of the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the flat surface 10207, between the longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the major side walls 10208, and between the inner edges of the

pockets

10210, 10230 and the bridge 10205. These

edges

10215, 10235 may be rounded and/or chamfered, for example. Edge features 10215, 10235 can help prevent tack sticking.

Forming pocket 10210 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10213, and forming pocket 10230 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10233.

Pocket side walls

10213, 10233 are configured to guide the staple tip and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10210, 10230 if the staple tip and/or staple legs initially strike

side walls

10213, 10233 of

pockets

10210, 10230.

Sidewalls

10213, 10233 extend from transition edges 10215, 10235 toward the shaped surface of each

pocket

10210, 10230.

Side walls

10213, 10233 of forming

pockets

10210, 10230 are angled θ relative to a flat surface 10207 of anvil 10201₁(FIG. 38) to guide or guide the staple legs toward the forming surfaces of the pockets 10210, 10230And/or spike tip. Upon forming a staple against the forming surfaces of

pockets

10210, 10230,

side walls

10213, 10233 are configured to urge the formation of a staple tip and/or staple leg along pocket axis 10203. In general, major side walls 10208 and

pocket side walls

10213, 10233 can provide a funnel-like configuration for guiding a staple tip. Referring to fig. 37 and 38, the angle θ₁Greater than angle theta₂。

The

pockets

10210, 10230 also include transition edges 10214, 10234 that provide transition features between

pocket sidewalls

10213, 10233 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various instances, transition edges 10214, 10234 can include a similar profile as transition edges 10215, 10235. In other cases, transition edges 10214, 10234 can include a different profile than transition edges 10215, 10235. That is, the

edges

10214, 10234 may be rounded or chamfered, for example.

Edges

10214, 10234 include first ends of

edges

10214, 10234 that intersect outer ends of

recesses

10210, 10230 and second ends of

edges

10214, 10234 proximate to inner ends of bridge portion 10205 or

recesses

10210, 10230. The

edges

10214, 10234 may transition to transition

edges

10215, 10235 near the bridge portion 10205. Edge features 10214, 10234 can also help prevent the spike from sticking in

pockets

10210, 10230 during the forming process.

Referring again to fig. 35, the shaped surfaces of the

pockets

10210, 10230 include inlet area shaped

surfaces

10211, 10231 and outlet area shaped

surfaces

10212, 10232, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the shaping surface covered by inlet

region shaping surfaces

10211, 10231 is greater than the amount of surface area of the shaping surface covered by outlet

region shaping surfaces

10212, 10232. Thus, the inlet

area shaping surfaces

10211, 10231 do not transition to the outlet

area shaping surfaces

10212, 10232 at the center of each

pocket

10210, 10230. Instead, the transition point of the

entrance regions

10211, 10231 to the

exit regions

10212, 10232 is closer to the bridge portion 10205. The transition between the inlet

area forming surface

10211, 10231 and the outlet

area forming surface

10212, 10232 defines a valley or valley of each

pocket

10210, 10230. The valleys of the forming

pockets

10210, 10230 define the portion or segment of the forming surface having the greatest vertical distance from the planar surface 10207.

Referring to fig. 36, the forming surface of each

pocket

10210, 10230 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10210 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10217 corresponding to the inlet region forming surface 10211 and an outlet radius of curvature 10218 corresponding to the outlet region forming surface 10212. Similarly, the dimples 10230 include an inlet radius of curvature 10237 corresponding to the inlet area shaping surface 10231 and an outlet radius of curvature 10238 corresponding to the outlet area shaping surface 10232. In this case, the inlet radii of curvature 10217, 10237 are larger than the outlet radii of curvature 10218, 10238, respectively. The specific relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features and some potential advantages and patterns of the specific relationship are further described in U.S. patent application No. 15/385,914.

In addition to defining the transition point of the inlet region to the outlet region, the valleys of the shaped

dimples

10210, 10230 also define the narrowest portion of the shaped surface of each

dimple

10210, 10230. The outer edges of each

pocket

10210, 10230 include an entrance width, which outer edges are also referred to as entrance edges because they define the beginning of the entrance

area shaping surface

10211, 10231. The inner edges of each

pocket

10210, 10230 include an exit width, which inner edges are also referred to as exit edges because they define the end of the exit

region shaping surface

10212, 10232. In this case, the inlet width is greater than the outlet width. In addition, the outlet width is greater than the valley width or narrowest portion of the forming surface. Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaped pocket 10230 taken along line 38-38 in fig. 35. This view shows the valleys or valleys of the distal shaped dimples 10230. The valleys or valleys are also transitions between the entrance area shaping surface 10231 and the exit area shaping surface 10232. Fig. 37 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10230 taken along line 37-37 in fig. 35, where the line is positioned within the exit area forming surface 10232 of the forming pocket 10230. Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10230 taken along line 39-39 in fig. 35, wherein the line is within the inlet area forming surface 10232 of the distal forming pocket 10230.

The forming pocket arrangement 10200 and the various other forming pocket arrangements disclosed herein are configured to be usable with staples having various diameters. The diameter of the staples used with the forming pocket arrangement 10200 can vary between, for example, about 0.0079 inches and about 0.0094 inches. Also, for example, when the inlet radius is between about 8 to 10 staple diameters, the ratio of the inlet radius of curvature to the outlet radius of curvature of each forming surface is about 1.5:1 to about 3: 1. In at least one instance, for example, when the inlet radius is 9 times the diameter of the pin, the ratio of the inlet radius of curvature to the outlet radius of curvature for each forming surface is about 2: 1. In other cases, for example, when the entrance radius is greater than about 0.6 times the crown length and the ridge width or bridge width is less than 1 time the staple diameter, the ratio of the entrance radius of curvature to the exit radius of curvature for each forming surface is from about 1.5:1 to about 3: 1. In at least one instance, when the entrance radius is greater than about 0.6 times the crown length and the ridge width or bridge width is less than 1 time the staple diameter, the ratio of the entrance radius of curvature to the exit radius of curvature for each forming surface is about 2: 1. For example, the exit radius of curvature is between about 4 times the diameter of the staple and about 6 times the diameter. In at least one instance, the exit radius of curvature is about 4.5 times the diameter of the staple.

Fig. 40-45 depict a forming pocket arrangement 10500 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 10500 and various alternative forming pocket arrangements are further described in the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914 entitled "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OFSTAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT" was filed on 21/12/2016. U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914 is incorporated herein by reference. Forming pocket arrangement 10500 includes a proximal forming pocket 10510 and a distal forming pocket 10530 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 10507 of anvil 10501. The

pockets

10510, 10530 are aligned along a longitudinal pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket arrangement 10500. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along a pocket axis 10503 by forming pocket arrangement 10500. Referring to fig. 41 and 42, the forming pocket arrangement 10500 further includes a bridge portion 10505 defined between the forming

pockets

10510, 10530. In this case, the bridge portion 10505 is recessed relative to the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. The bridge portion 10505 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge portion 10505 is substantially V-shaped with a rounded bottom portion. The bridge depth "D" is the distance that the bottom portion of the bridge portion 10505 is recessed relative to the planar surface 10507. The shaped dimple arrangement 10500 includes a center "C" defined within the bridge portion 10505. The shaped dimple arrangement 10500 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 10505, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the dimple axis 10503, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center "C".

The forming pocket arrangement 10500 also includes a pair of major side walls 10508 that extend from the flat surface 10507 of the anvil 10501 toward the

pockets

10510, 10530 and the bridge portion 10505. The major side wall 10508 is angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10507 of the anvil 10501₁(FIG. 43). The major side walls 10508 include inner edges that are curved or contoured relative to the

pockets

10510, 10530.

The forming pocket 10510 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10513, and the forming pocket 10530 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10533. Pocket sidewalls 10513, 10533 include curved or contoured profiles and are configured to guide the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surfaces of

pockets

10510, 10530 and help control the staple forming process. The

sidewalls

10513, 10533 extend from the major sidewalls 10508 and the planar surface 10507 toward the shaped surface of each

pocket

10510, 10530. Upon forming a staple against the forming surfaces of

pockets

10510, 10530,

sidewalls

10513, 10533 are configured to urge the formation of a staple tip and/or staple leg along pocket axis 10503. In general, the major side walls 10508 and the

pocket side walls

10513, 10533 cooperate to funnel the corresponding spike toward the lateral center of each

pocket

10510, 10530. As discussed in more detail below, the

sidewalls

10513, 10533 include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the inlet portion includes a guiding configuration that is less aggressive than the outlet portion.

Referring again to fig. 41, the shaping surfaces of the

pockets

10510, 10530 include inlet

region shaping surfaces

10511, 10531 and outlet region shaping surfaces 10512, 10532, respectively. The inlet

region shaping surfaces

10511, 10531 coincide with the less aggressive leading portions of the

sidewalls

10513, 10533. Similarly, the outlet region shaping surfaces 10512, 10532 coincide with the more aggressive leading portions of the

side walls

10513, 10533. The

pockets

10510, 10530 also include a shaped or guiding

groove

10515, 10535, also referred to as a tip control channel, extending the entire longitudinal length of each

pocket

10510, 10530, and centrally located with respect to the outside edge of the

pocket

10510, 10530. The

grooves

10515, 10535 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10510, 10530 than at the inner longitudinal edges of the

pockets

10510, 10530. The

notches

10515, 10535 intersect at a bridge portion 10505 to urge the spike tip and the spike leg into contact with one another during the forming process, as further discussed in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914. In some cases, the grooves defined in the forming surface of the forming pocket may have a similar effect in forming the staple with a more aggressively angled outlet wall and/or a narrow configuration of outlet wall.

Referring to fig. 42, the forming surface of each

dimple

10510, 10530 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the dimple 10510 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10517 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 10511 and an outlet radius of curvature 10518 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 10512. Similarly, the dimple 10530 includes an inlet radius of curvature 10537 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 10531 and an outlet radius of curvature 10538 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 10532. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

10517, 10537 is larger than the outlet radius of

curvature

10518, 10538. The specific relationship between the radius of curvature and the various dimple features and some potential advantages and patterns of the specific relationship are further described in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914.

Referring now to fig. 43-45, the outer longitudinal edges of each

dimple

10510, 10530 are referred to as inlet edges because they define the beginning of the inlet

region shaping surface

10511, 10531. The entrance edge includes an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

dimple

10510, 10530. The inner edges of each

dimple

10510, 10530 are referred to as the exit edges because they define the end of the exit region shaping surface 10512, 10532. The outlet edge includes an outlet width, also referred to as a bridge width "W", which is the width of each dimple10510. 10530. The transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10530 taken along line 44-44 in FIG. 41. This view is taken near the valley or valley of the distal shaped pockets 10530. The valley or valley is also the transition between the inlet region shaping surface 10531 and the outlet region shaping surface 10532. In each case, the transition between the entrance area and the exit area does not occur at the valleys or valleys of the pits. FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10530 taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 41, where the line is positioned within the exit region forming surface 10532 of the forming pocket 10530. Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming pocket 10530 taken along line 45-45 in fig. 41, where the line is within the entry region forming surface 10532 of the distal forming pocket 10530. The sidewall 10533 is shown in this figure as being linear, or at least substantially linear, and at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 10507₂(FIG. 45). Angle theta₂Greater than angle theta₁(FIG. 43).

Fig. 46 and 47 depict staples formed using forming pocket arrangement 10500, wherein one staple is aligned with pocket axis 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500 and the other staple is not aligned with pocket axis 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500. Fig. 46 depicts a side view 13100 and a bottom view 13100' of a staple 13101 in a fully formed configuration, formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10500. During forming, the pegs 13101 are aligned with pocket axes 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500. Tips 13104 of legs 13103 impinge forming pocket arrangement 10500 along pocket axis 10503.

Nail 13101 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with dimple axis 10503, spike 13101 is shaped such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned, or in other words, spike 13101 assumes a substantially planar configuration. The force to fire staples 13101 is illustrated in FIG. 13110.

Fig. 47 depicts a side view 13120 and a bottom view 13120' of a staple 13121 in a fully formed configuration formed using a forming pocket arrangement 10500. During forming, the pegs 13121 are not aligned with pocket axes 10503 of forming pocket arrangement 10500. Staples 13121 are driven out of plane relative to pocket axes 10503. During forming, tips 13124 of legs 13123 do not strike forming pocket arrangement 10500 along pocket axis 10503, nor are crowns or bases 13122 of staples 13121 aligned with pocket axis 10503.

Nail 13121 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When misaligned with pocket axis 10503, spike 13121 is shaped such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned with one another, or in other words, spike 13121 assumes a substantially planar configuration. In contrast to fig. 46, in which staples 13101 are aligned with pocket axes 10503, staples 13121 are formed in a fully formed configuration, which may be more acceptable to a surgeon for sealing tissue more fully than staples formed in an misaligned state using other forming pocket arrangements.

Fig. 48-54 depict a forming pocket arrangement 6500 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 6500 comprises a proximal forming cup or pocket 6510 and a distal forming cup or pocket 6530 defined in a planar or tissue contacting surface 6507 of the anvil 6501. Tissue contacting surface 6507 of anvil 6501 can be configured to compress tissue against the staple cartridge when anvil 6501 is clamped or closed relative thereto. Each

cup

6510, 6530 is defined by a boundary surface, as further described herein. The

cups

6510, 6530 are aligned along a pocket axis 6503 of the forming pocket arrangement 6500. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along pocket axes 6503 by forming pocket arrangement 6500. For example, a first leg of the staple is formed by the proximal forming cup 6510 and a second leg of the staple is formed by the distal forming cup 6530. In such instances, when the anvil 6501 is clamped relative to the staple cartridge, the first legs of the staples are aligned with a portion of the proximal forming cup 6510 and the second legs of the staples are aligned with a portion of the distal forming cup 6530.

Referring to fig. 50 and 51, the forming pocket arrangement 6500 further includes a bridge portion 6505 defined between the forming

cups

6510, 6530. In this case, the bridge portion 6505 is recessed relative to the flat surface 6507 of the anvil 6501. The bridge portion 6505 includes a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (fig. 54). The bridging depth BD is the distance by which the bottom portion of the bridging portion 6505 is recessed relative to the planar surface 6507. The bridge width BW is the width of the dimple arrangement 6500 between the

cups

6510, 6530. In this case, the bridge width BW is the narrowest part of the forming surface of each

cup

6510, 6530. The forming pocket arrangement 6500 includes a center C (fig. 48-50) defined within the bridge portion 6505. The forming pocket arrangement 6500 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 6505, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the pocket axis 6503, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center C.

The forming pocket arrangement 6500 further includes a pair of major side walls 6508 extending from the planar surface 6507 of the anvil 6501 toward the

cups

6510, 6530 and the bridge portion 6505. The major side wall 6508 is at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 6507 of the anvil 6501₁(fig. 52 to 54). The

cups

6510, 6530 define a perimeter 6520, and the inner edge of the major side wall 6508 extends between the planar surface 6507 and the perimeter 6520 of the

cups

6510, 6530. Referring primarily to fig. 50, the inner edge of the major side wall 6508 is curved or contoured relative to the

cups

6510, 6530.

In some cases, the forming pocket arrangement 6500 may not include a major side wall 6508. In such cases, the

cups

6510, 6530 may extend directly to the planar surface 6507, and the perimeter 6520 of the

cups

6510, 6530 may be defined in the planar surface 6507.

Referring again to fig. 50 and 51, the proximal forming cup 6510 includes a pair of cup side walls 6513 and the distal forming cup 6530 includes a pair of cup side walls 6533. The

cup side walls

6513, 6533 include a curved or contoured profile and are configured to guide the spike tip and the spike leg toward the forming surface of the

cups

6510, 6530 and help control the forming process of the spikes. The

side walls

6513, 6533 extend from the major side walls 6508 and the planar surface 6507 toward the shaped surface of each

cup

6510, 6530. The

sidewalls

6513, 6533 are configured to cause the formation of a spike tip and/or a spike leg along the pocket axis 6503 when the spike is formed against the forming surface of the

cup

6510, 6530. In general, the major side walls 6508 and

cup side walls

6513, 6533 cooperate to funnel the corresponding spike toward the lateral center of each

cup

6510, 6530. The curved or

bottom surface

6514, 6534 extends between the

respective side walls

6513, 6533 along a lateral center of each

respective cup

6510, 6530.

Still referring to fig. 50, the shaping surfaces of the

cups

6510, 6530 include inlet

zone shaping surfaces

6511, 6531 and outlet

zone shaping surfaces

6512, 6532, respectively. The inlet

zone forming surfaces

6511, 6531 may coincide with less aggressive leading portions of the

sidewalls

6513, 6533. Similarly, the exit

region shaping surfaces

6512, 6532 may coincide with more aggressive leading portions of the

side walls

6513, 6533.

Referring now primarily to fig. 51, the contoured surface of each

cup

6510, 6530 is defined by a depth profile or contour. The proximal shaping cup 6510 includes a depth profile 6522 and the distal shaping cup 6530 includes a depth profile 6542. The depth profiles 6522, 6542 define the depth of the

cups

6510, 6530, respectively, along the cup length. The

cups

6510, 6530 reach a maximum cup depth CD within their

respective transition regions

6509, 6529, as will be described further below. The cup depth CD of the

dimples

6510, 6530 may be, for example, between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters. For example, the cup depth CD may be 0.4 mm. In other cases, the cup depth CD may be, for example, less than 0.3 millimeters or greater than 0.5 millimeters.

The depth profiles 6522, 6542 are curved profiles, which have no linear portions. Further, the

depth profiles

6522, 6542 may include one or more radii of curvature. In particular, the depth profile 6522 of the proximal shaping cup 6510 includes an inlet radius of curvature 6517 corresponding to the inlet zone shaping surface 6511 and an outlet radius of curvature 6518 corresponding to the outlet zone shaping surface 6512. Similarly, the depth profile 6542 of the distal shaping cup 6530 includes an inlet radius of curvature 6537 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 6531 and an outlet radius of curvature 6538 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 6532. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

6517, 6537 is greater than the outlet radius of

curvature

6518, 6538. The particular relationship between the radii of curvature of the inlet and outlet regions and the various dimple features and some potential advantages and patterns of the particular relationship are further described in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914.

The outer longitudinal edges of each

cup

6510, 6530 are referred to as inlet edges because they define the beginning of the inlet

zone forming surface

6511, 6531. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the shaping surface of each

cup

6510, 6530. The inner edges of each

cup

6510, 6530 are referred to as outlet edges because they define the end of the outlet

region shaping surface

6512, 6532. The outlet edge includes an outlet width, also referred to as a bridge width BW (fig. 54), which is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

cup

6510, 6530. The

transition regions

6509, 6529 are located between the inlet and outlet regions of each cup. The transition width of the

transition regions

6509, 6529 is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The

transition regions

6509, 6529 comprise curved portions of the

respective depth profiles

6522, 6542, and thus comprise the deepest portions of each

cup

6510, 6530. In each case, the

transition regions

6509, 6529 comprise a majority of the length of each

cup

6510, 6530. More specifically, the length of the

transition regions

6509, 6529 may be greater than the combined length of the respective inlet and outlet regions of each

cup

6510, 6530. The

transition regions

6509, 6529 may extend along a tapered or narrowed portion of each

cup

6510, 6530. For example, each

transition region

6509, 6529 may extend inwardly from the widest portion of the

respective cup

6510, 6530 toward the bridge portion 6505.

Figure 53 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaping cup 6530 taken along line 53-53 in figure 50. This view is taken near a valley or valley of the distal shaping cup 6530. The valley or valley is also a transition between the inlet zone forming surface 6531 and the outlet zone forming surface 6532. In each case, the transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone does not occur at the valleys or valleys of the cup. Fig. 54 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal shaping cup 6530 taken along line 54-54 in fig. 50, wherein the line is positioned within the exit region shaping surface 6532 of the distal shaping cup 6530. Fig. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaping cup 6530 taken along line 52-52 in fig. 50, wherein the line is within the inlet zone shaping surface 6532 of the distal shaping cup 6530.

Referring primarily to fig. 52-54, the pair of cup sidewalls 6533 of the distal shaping cup 6530 includes a first sidewall 6533a and a second sidewall 6533 b. The first and second sidewalls 6533a, 6533b are opposing sidewalls that extend toward each other from laterally opposing sides of the distal shaping cup 6530. The curved surface or bottom surface 6534 of the distal shaping cup 6530 is located between the first sidewall 6533a and the second sidewall 6533 b. The bottom surface 6534 of the distal shaping cup 6530 is a fully curved non-flat surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6534 does not have a flat, planar surface. The bottom surface 6534 may define one or more radii of curvature. For example, bottom surface 6534 defines different radii of curvature at various longitudinal locations along pocket axis 6503. A tangent to the bottom surface 6534 at the lateral center of the cup 6530 is parallel to the planar surface 6507 along its length.

In various instances, the curvature of the bottom surface 6534 can be sized such that the staple legs do not follow a flat surface during the staple forming process. In such cases, the bottom surface 6543 may encourage the formation of staples into a flatter formed configuration than staples formed along a flat bottom surface, particularly when the staples are misaligned with the pocket axis 6503 during formation. The curvature of the bottom surface 6543 may be sized such that the bottom surface 6543 provides multiple contact surfaces for the staple legs. For example, the radius of curvature of the bottom surface 6534 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the staple legs.

The

cup side walls

6513, 6533 are completely curved non-flat surfaces. In other words, the

cup sidewalls

6513, 6533 do not have flat planar surfaces. Referring again to fig. 52-54, the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b define different radii of curvature at various longitudinal locations along the pocket axis 6503. The fully curved profile of the

cup side walls

6513, 6533 and the bottom surface 6534 may define a curvilinear boundary surface of the

cups

6510, 6530. The

cups

6513, 6533 may be completely curved and have no flat planar surfaces.

The sidewalls 6533a, 6533b are at an entrance angle θ relative to the tissue contacting surface 6507 at various transverse cross-sections of the distal shaping cup 6530₂And (4) orientation. More specifically, a tangent T to each

sidewall

6533a, 6533b at the periphery 6520 of the distal shaping cup 6530 is oriented at an angle θ relative to the tissue contacting surface 6507 in fig. 52-54₂. Entrance angle theta₂Constant within the transitional shaping zone 6529 (fig. 50 and 51) and along a majority of the length of the distal shaping cup 6530. Although the tangent to these sidewalls is along the length (or most of the length) of the

cups

6510, 6530 toThe constant angle orientation, but the radius of curvature and arc length defining the sidewall may vary as the depth and width of the cup vary along the length of the cup. In each case, the angle θ₂May for example be between 55 and 80 degrees. For example, in fig. 52 to 54, the angle θ₂Is 80 degrees. In other cases, the angle θ₂And may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees.

Sidewalls

6533a, 6533b are non-vertical sidewalls, and thus the angle θ along tangent T of perimeter 6520₂May be less than 90 degrees.

For illustrative purposes, fiducials at transitions between the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b and the bottom surface 6534 are shown in fig. 52-54. For example, the curved boundary surface of the distal shaping cup 6530 includes a fiducial point a at the transition between the sidewall 6533a and the bottom surface 6534. At each longitudinal position along the cup 6530, the first and second sidewalls 6533a, 6533b define a sidewall radius of curvature 6543 and the bottom surface 6534 defines a bottom radius of curvature 6544. The bottom radius of curvature 6544 may be different than the sidewall radius of curvature 6543. The transition between the radii of curvature at reference point a comprises a smooth, non-abrupt transition.

For illustrative purposes, reference line B is also depicted in fig. 52-54. The reference line B extends between the first reference point a and the periphery 6520 of the distal shaping cup 6530. In fig. 52 to 54, the reference line B is at an angle θ₃And (4) orientation. Angle theta₃The location where curved sidewall 6533a meets curved bottom surface 6534 can be determined. Further, the steepness of the sidewall 6533a may be subject to an angle θ₃The influence of (c). For example, for a constant angle θ₂Angle theta₃An increase in (b) may result in a deeper and narrower cup. In some cases, the angle θ₃May be limited by the desired minimum dimple width in the deepest portion of the cup. For example, a desired minimum pocket width may be necessary for the tooling requirements and/or staple line width for the anvil 6501.

Angle theta₃Constant within the transitional shaping surface region 6529 (fig. 51) and along a majority of the length of the distal shaping cup 6530. In each case, the angle θ₃May be less than angle theta₂. Angle θ in fig. 52 to 54₃Is, for example, about 55 degrees. In other cases, e.g. angle θ₃And may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. Despite the angle theta₂And theta₃The length along the distal shaping cup 6530 is constant, or at least constant along a majority of the length of the distal shaping cup 6530, but the radius of curvature and arc length defining the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b may vary as the depth and width of the cup 6530 vary along the cup length.

Angle theta relative to tissue contacting surface₂May include a relatively steep angle. For example, the angle θ₂May be greater than the angle theta₁And theta₃. Angle theta₂May encourage the formation of staples along the pit axis. Further, a constant angle θ along the length of the distal shaping cup 6530₂The misaligned staple legs may be urged to move from the periphery toward the lateral center or axis 6503 of the cup 6530. As described herein, the depth of a dimple can vary along its length. However, even in the shallower regions of the cup 6530, a constant angle θ is maintained₂The misaligned staple legs may also be urged to move from the periphery toward the lateral center of the distal forming cup 6530.

In some cases, the maximum cup depth CD may vary between staple forming pockets and/or arrangements in the anvil. For example, as described further herein, different depths may be utilized to form staples of different heights and/or to form staples driven by drivers having different heights. For example, the depth of the dimples may vary between rows of dimples and/or within one or more rows of dimples. Deeper pits can provide enhanced control over staple formation; however, the depth of the pocket may be limited by anvil processing constraints and staple geometry. In the case where some pits are shallower than others, the sidewalls of the shallower pits may be at the same entrance angle θ as the deeper pits₂Oriented to encourage staples formed from shallower wells to form along the well axis.

Fig. 54A is a partial negative view of individual slices of shaped dimples of shaped dimple arrangement 6500. The size of each slice is marked thereon. The slice has only a single sidewall of the shaped pocket and is taken along the shaped pocket along a plane that is perpendicular to tissue contacting surface 6507 and pocket axis 6503. Each slice includes a width "x", a height "y ", an upper radius of curvature" ra "and a lower radius of curvature" rb ". The width "x" is defined as the x-component of the distance between the perimeter 6520 of the shaped dimple and the bottom radius of curvature 6544 of the shaped dimple. The height "y" is defined as the y-component of the distance between the perimeter 6520 of the shaped dimple and the bottom radius of curvature 6544 of the shaped dimple. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the sidewall. Each size includes a number indicating which slice the size corresponds to. For example, slice 1 includes a width "x₁", height" y₁", upper radius of curvature" ra₁"and lower radius of curvature" rb₁". Fig. 54B is a table 6550 comprising dimensions of the slices 1 through 12 of fig. 54A in at least one embodiment.

Fig. 54C is a cross-sectional view of a forming pocket arrangement 6500 taken along a pocket axis 6503. Fig. 54C includes various sizes of distal forming pockets 6530 of the forming pocket arrangement 6500. For example, the forming pockets 6530 are 1.90mm in length. For example, the depth of the shaped dimples 6530 is 0.40 mm. In some cases, the distal forming pockets 6530 include three radii of curvature: for example, an inlet radius of curvature of 1.90mm, a first outlet radius of curvature of 1.00mm, and a second outlet radius of curvature of 0.10 mm. In this case, the width of the bridging portion defining the distal forming pocket 6530 is defined, for example, when the distance between the center of the forming pocket arrangement 6500 and the innermost edge of the first outlet radius of curvature (the edge of the first outlet radius of curvature closest to the center of the forming pocket arrangement 6500) is 0.10 mm. For example, the bridging depth is 0.05 mm.

Fig. 55-60 illustrate another forming pocket arrangement 6600 in the anvil 6501. The forming pocket arrangement 6600 is configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure and includes a proximal forming cup or pocket 6610 and a distal forming pocket or pocket 6630 defined in the planar or tissue contacting surface 6507 of the anvil 6501. The forming pocket arrangement 6600 can be similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 6500. For example, the sidewall of the

staple forming cup

6610, 6630 may be at the same constant inlet angle θ along its length₂With a flat surface 6507And (6) carrying out cross-linking. Although as with

cups

6610 and 6630, the sidewall entry angle θ₂May be the same as for cups 6510 and 6530 (fig. 48-54), but the maximum cup depth CD may be different, as further described herein. In such cases, the sidewalls of the shallower pits may define the same entry angle θ as the sidewalls of the deeper pits₂This may facilitate proper planar formation of staples formed from different depth pockets.

In other cases, the forming pocket arrangement 6600 can be defined in a different anvil. For example, the anvil 6501 may not include a different arrangement of forming pockets. Rather, an anvil (such as anvil 6501) may be comprised of, for example, a uniform or identical arrangement of forming pockets. In some cases, the forming pocket arrangement 6600 can be the only forming pocket arrangement in a particular anvil.

Each

cup

6610, 6630 is defined by a boundary surface, as further described herein. The

cups

6610, 6630 are aligned along a pocket axis 6603 of the shaped pocket arrangement 6600. When deployed from the staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along pocket axes 6603 by forming pocket arrangement 6600. For example, a first leg of the staple may be formed by the proximal shaped cup 6610 and a second leg of the staple may be formed by the distal shaped cup 6630. In such instances, when the anvil 6501 is clamped relative to the staple cartridge, the first legs of the staples are aligned with a portion of the proximal forming cup 6610 and the second legs of the staples are aligned with a portion of the distal forming cup 6630.

Referring to fig. 56 and 57, the forming pocket arrangement 6600 further includes a bridge portion 6605 defined between the forming

cups

6610, 6630. The bridge portion 6605 is recessed relative to the planar surface 6507 of the anvil 6501; however, the bridge portion 6605 may be flush with the planar surface 6507. The bridge portion 6605 includes a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (fig. 60). The bridging depth BD is the distance by which the bottom portion of the bridging portion 6605 is recessed relative to the planar surface 6507. The bridge width BW is the width of the arrangement of dimples 6600 between the

cups

6610, 6630. In this case, the bridge width BW is the narrowest part of the forming surface of each

cup

6610, 6630. The shaped dimple arrangement 6600 includes a center C (fig. 55 and 56) defined within the bridge portion 6605. The shaped dimple arrangement 6600 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 6605, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the dimple axis 6603, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center C.

The forming pocket arrangement 6605 further comprises a pair of major side walls 6608 extending from the planar surface 6507 of the anvil 6501 towards the

cups

6610, 6630 and the bridge portion 6605. The primary sidewall 6608 makes an angle θ with respect to the planar surface 6507 of the anvil 6501₁(fig. 58 to 60). The

cup

6610, 6630 defines a perimeter 6620, and the inner edge of the primary side wall 6608 extends between the planar surface 6507 and the perimeter 6620 of the

cup

6610, 6630. Referring primarily to fig. 56, the inner edge of the primary sidewall 6608 is curved or contoured relative to the

cup

6610, 6630.

In some cases, the shaped pocket arrangement 6600 may not include a primary sidewall 6608. In such cases, the

cup

6610, 6630 may extend directly to the planar surface 6507, and the perimeter 6620 of the

cup

6610, 6630 may be defined in the planar surface 6507.

Referring again to fig. 56 and 57, the proximal shaped cup 6610 includes a pair of cup side walls 6613 and the distal shaped cup 6630 includes a pair of cup side walls 6633. The

cup side walls

6613, 6633 include a curved or contoured profile and are configured to guide the spike tip and the spike legs toward the forming surface of the

cups

6610, 6630 and help control the forming process of the spikes. The

side walls

6613, 6633 extend from the major side walls 6608 and the planar surface 6507 toward the shaped surface of each

cup

6610, 6630. The

sidewalls

6613, 6633 are configured to encourage the formation of spike tips and/or spike legs along the pocket axis 6603 when the spikes are formed against the forming surfaces of the

cups

6610, 6630. In general, the primary side wall 6608 and the

cup side walls

6613, 6633 cooperate to funnel the corresponding spike toward the lateral center of each

cup

6610, 6630. The curved or

bottom surface

6614, 6634 extends between the

respective side walls

6613, 6633 along the lateral center of each

respective cup

6610, 6630.

Still referring to fig. 56, the shaping surfaces of the

cups

6610, 6630 include inlet

region shaping surfaces

6611, 6631 and outlet

region shaping surfaces

6612, 6632, respectively. The inlet

region shaping surface

6611, 6631 may coincide with a less aggressive leading portion of the

sidewall

6613, 6633. Similarly, the exit

region shaping surface

6612, 6632 may coincide with a more aggressive leading portion of the

sidewall

6613, 6633.

Referring now primarily to fig. 57, the contoured surface of each

cup

6610, 6630 is defined by a depth profile or contour. The proximal shaped cup 6610 includes a depth profile 6622 and the distal shaped cup 6630 includes a depth profile 6642. The depth profiles 6622, 6642 define the depth of the

cups

6610, 6630, respectively, along the cup length. The

cups

6610, 6630 reach a maximum cup depth CD within their

respective transition regions

6609, 6629, as will be described further below. The cup depth CD of the

dimples

6610, 6630 can be, for example, between 0.2 and 0.4 millimeters. For example, the cup depth CD may be 0.3 mm. In other cases, the cup depth CD may be less than 0.2 millimeters or greater than 0.4 millimeters.

The cup depth CD of the

cups

6610, 6630 is less than the cup depth CD of the cups 6510, 6530 (fig. 51). For example, the cup depth CD of the

cup

6610, 6630 can be less than the cup depth CD of the

cup

6510, 6530 by 0.2 millimeters. In some cases, the cup depth CD of the

cup

6610, 6630 can be 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters less than the cup depth CD of the

cup

6510, 6530. The cup depth CD of the

cups

6510, 6530 may be 25% to 50% greater than the cup depth CD of the

cups

6610, 6630. For example, the cup depth CD of the

cups

6510, 6530 may be 40% greater than the cup depth CD of the

cups

6610, 6630. In various instances, the difference between the cup depths CD of the

dimple forming arrangements

6500 and 6600 can be selected to be equal or substantially equal to the diameter of the staples formed by the

dimple forming arrangements

6500, 6600.

The depth profiles 6622, 6642 are curved profiles, which have no linear portions. Further, the

depth profiles

6622, 6642 may include one or more radii of curvature. In this case, the

depth profile

6622, 6642 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6622 of the proximal shaped cup 6610 includes an inlet radius of curvature 6617 corresponding to the inlet zone shaped surface 6611 and an outlet radius of curvature 6618 corresponding to the outlet zone shaped surface 6612. Similarly, the depth profile 6642 of the distal shaping cup 6630 includes an inlet radius of curvature 6637 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 6631 and an outlet radius of curvature 6638 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 6632. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

6617, 6637 is larger than the outlet radius of

curvature

6618, 6638. The particular relationship between the radii of curvature of the inlet and outlet and the various dimple features and some potential advantages and patterns of the particular relationship are further described in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914.

The outer longitudinal edges of each

cup

6610, 6630 are called inlet edges, since they define the beginning of the inlet

zone shaping surface

6611, 6631. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the shaping surface of each

cup

6610, 6630. The inner edges of each

cup

6610, 6630 are called outlet edges, since they define the end of the outlet

region shaping surface

6612, 6632. The outlet edge includes an outlet width, also referred to as a bridge width BW (fig. 60), which is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

cup

6610, 6630. The

transition regions

6609, 6629 are located between the inlet and outlet regions of each cup. The transition width of the

transition zones

6609, 6629 is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The

transition regions

6609, 6629 comprise curved portions of the

respective depth profiles

6622, 6642, and thus comprise the deepest portion of each

cup

6610, 6630. In various instances, the

transition regions

6609, 6629 comprise a majority of the length of each

cup

6610, 6630. More specifically, the length of the

transition regions

6609, 6629 may be greater than the combined length of the respective inlet and outlet regions of each

cup

6610, 6630. The

transition regions

6609, 6629 may extend along a tapered or narrowed portion of each

cup

6610, 6630. For example, each

transition region

6609, 6629 can extend inwardly from the widest portion of the

respective cup

6610, 6630 toward the bridge portion 6605.

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaping cup 6630 taken along line 59-59 in FIG. 56. This view is taken near a valley or valley of the distal shaping cup 6630. The valley or valley is also a transition between the inlet region forming surface 6631 and the outlet region forming surface 6632. In each case, the transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone does not occur at the valleys or valleys of the cup. Figure 60 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal forming cup 6630 taken along line 60-60 in figure 56, wherein the line is positioned within the outlet region forming surface 6632 of the forming cup 6630. Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming cup 6630 taken along line 58-58 in figure 56, wherein the line is positioned within the inlet region forming surface 6632 of the distal forming cup 6630.

Referring primarily to fig. 58-60, the pair of cup sidewalls 6633 of the distal forming cup 6630 include a first sidewall 6633a and a second sidewall 6633 b. The first side wall 6633a and the second side wall 6633b are opposing side walls that extend toward each other from laterally opposing sides of the distal shaped cup 6630. The curved or bottom surface 6634 of the distal forming cup 6630 is located between the first side wall 6633a and the second side wall 6633 b. The bottom surface 6634 of the distal shaping cup 6630 is a fully curved non-flat surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6634 does not have a flat planar surface. The bottom surface 6634 may define one or more radii of curvature. For example, the bottom surface 6634 defines different radii of curvature at various longitudinal locations along the pocket axis 6603. A tangent to the bottom surface 6634 at the lateral center of the cup 6630 is parallel to the flat surface 6507 along its length.

In various circumstances, the curvature of the bottom surface 6634 can be sized so that the staple legs do not follow a flat surface during the staple forming process. In such cases, the bottom surface 6643 can facilitate forming of the staple into a more planar formed configuration than a staple formed along a planar bottom surface, particularly when the staple is misaligned with the pocket axis 6603 during forming. The curvature of the bottom surface 6643 may be sized such that the bottom surface 6643 provides multiple contact surfaces for the staple legs. For example, the radius of curvature of the bottom surface 6634 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the staple legs.

The

cup sidewall

6613, 6633 is a completely curved non-flat surface. In other words, the

cup sidewall

6613, 6633 does not have a flat planar surface. Referring again to fig. 58-60, the

side walls

6633a, 6633b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, the sidewalls 6633a, 6633b define different radii of curvature at various longitudinal positions along the pocket axis 6603. The fully curved profile of the

cup side walls

6613, 6633 and the bottom surface 6634 may define a curvilinear boundary surface of the

cups

6610, 6630. The

cup

6613, 6633 may be completely curved and have no flat planar surface.

The sidewalls 6633a, 6633b are at an entrance angle θ relative to the tissue-contacting surface 6507 at various transverse cross-sections of the distal forming cup 6630₂And (4) orientation. More specifically, a tangent line T to each

sidewall

6633a, 6633b at the perimeter 6620 of the distal forming cup 6630 is oriented at an angle θ relative to the tissue contacting surface 6507 in fig. 58-60₂. Entrance angle theta₂Constant within the transitional shaped surface region 6629 (fig. 56 and 57) and along a majority of the length of the distal shaped cup 6630. In each case, the angle θ₂May for example be between 55 and 80 degrees. For example, in fig. 58 to 60, the angle θ₂Is 80 degrees. In other cases, the angle θ₂And may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. The sidewalls 6633a, 6633b are non-vertical sidewalls, and thus the angle θ of the tangent T along the perimeter 6620₂May be less than 90 degrees.

For illustrative purposes, fiducials at transitions between the

side walls

6633a, 6633b and the bottom surface 6634 are shown in fig. 58-60. For example, the curved boundary surface of the distal shaping cup 6630 includes a fiducial point a at the transition between the side wall 6633a and the bottom surface 6634. At each longitudinal position along the cup 6630, the first side wall 6633a and the second side wall 6633b define a side wall radius of curvature 6643, and the bottom surface 6634 defines a bottom radius of curvature 6644. The bottom radius of curvature 6644 may be different from the sidewall radius of curvature 6643. The transition between the radii of curvature at reference point a comprises a smooth, non-abrupt transition.

For illustrative purposes, reference line B is also depicted in fig. 58-60. The reference line B extends between the first reference point a and the perimeter 6620 of the distal shaping cup 6630. In fig. 58 to 60, the reference line B is at an angle θ₃And (4) orientation. Angle theta₃Constant within the transitional shaped surface region 6629 (fig. 57) and along a majority of the length of the distal shaped cup 6630. In each case, the angle θ₃May be less than angle theta₂. Angle θ in fig. 58 to 60₃For example, about 55 degrees. In other cases, the angle θ₃And may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. Despite the angle theta₂And theta₃The length along the distal shaping cup 6630 is constant, or at least constant along a majority of the length of the distal shaping cup 6630, but the radius of curvature and arc length defining the

side walls

6633a, 6633b may vary as the depth and width of the cup 6630 vary along the cup length.

Angle theta relative to tissue contacting surface₂May include a relatively steep angle. For example, the angle θ₂May be greater than the angle theta₁And theta₃. Angle theta₂May encourage the formation of staples along the pit axis. Constant angle theta₂The misaligned staple legs may be urged to move from the perimeter toward the lateral center or axis 6603 of the distal forming cup 6630. As described herein, the depth of a dimple can vary along its length. However, even in the shallower region of the cup 6630, the constant angle θ is maintained₂The misaligned staple legs may also be urged to move from the periphery toward the lateral center of the distal forming cup 6630.

The dimple arrangements having different cup depths CD may be sized to have the same angle theta₂And theta₃. For example, while the cup depth CD of the cups 6610, 6630 (FIG. 57) is less than the cup depth CD of the cups 6510, 6530 (FIG. 51), the angle θ₂And theta₃May be identical. In at least one instance, the angle θ is for both forming

pocket arrangements

6500 and 6600₂May be 80 degrees and angle theta₃And may be 55 degrees. Where tissue contacting surface 6507 comprises a flat surface, dimple forming arrangement 6600 can be configured to form staples to a reduced height as compared to dimple forming arrangement 6500. For example, a staple formed by dimple forming arrangement 6600 can be shorter than the same staple formed by dimple forming arrangement 6500. In certain circumstances, for example, it may be desirable to vary the staple formation height to control tissue compression and/or fluid flow between the anvil and the staple cartridge. While the variation in cup depth CD may be configured to control the formed height of the staples, a constant entrance angle θ is maintained along the length, or at least a majority of the length, of the different cups₂May be configured to ensure that even shorter formed staples may be formed into a more consistent planar configuration, which may be desirable in some circumstances.

Fig. 68 and 69 depict staples 6701 formed using a forming pocket arrangement 6600 (fig. 55-60), wherein the staples 6701 are aligned with pocket axes 6603 of the forming pocket arrangement 6600 during the forming process. Fig. 68 depicts a top view of the staple 6701 in a fully formed configuration, and fig. 69 depicts a side view of the staple 6701 in a fully formed configuration. The staple includes a base 6702 and staple legs 6703 extending from the base 6702. Base 6702 is aligned with pocket axis 6603 and tips 6704 of staple legs 6703 impact forming pocket arrangement 6600 along pocket axis 6603.

The staple 6701 includes a centerline CL (fig. 69) that traverses the base 6702 and extends vertically intermediate the unformed staple legs 6703. When the staples 6701 are formed into the fully formed configuration, the pointed ends 6704 of the staple legs 6703 curve toward the centerline CL and toward the base 6702. The staple legs 6703 are shaped such that the staples 6701 define a height H (fig. 69) when in the fully formed configuration. If the staple 6701 has been formed using the forming pocket arrangement 6500 (fig. 48-54), the height H may be less than the height of the staple because the cup depth CD of the cup 6610, 6630 (fig. 57) is less than the cup depth CD of the cup 6510, 6530 (fig. 51).

To achieve a shorter height H, a portion of the staple legs 6703 can be deflected laterally relative to the centerline CL and/or the pointed ends 6704 of the staple legs 6702 can extend up to and/or below the base 6704. In contrast, if staples 6701 have been formed with a deeper cup depth CD using forming pocket arrangement 6500, staple legs 6703 may not deflect laterally relative to centerline CL and/or tips 6704 of staple legs 6702 may not overlap base 6704 (see, e.g., staple 13100 (fig. 46)). Referring to fig. 69, a portion of each staple leg 6703 intersects the centerline CL and the pointed end 6704 of the staple leg 6702 extends past or below the tissue compression surface of the base 6702. In addition, staple 6701 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with pocket axis 6603, staples 6701 are shaped such that first tip alignment axis TA1 and second tip alignment axis TA2 are laterally offset and equidistant (D) from crown alignment axis CA. The distance D may be approximately equal to the diameter of the staples 6701. As a result of the above, the staples 6701 assume a substantially flat configuration; however, the tips 6704 slightly overlap and are offset from the base 6702 to achieve the shorter height H.

Fig. 60A is a partial negative view of individual slices of shaped dimples of shaped dimple arrangement 6600. The size of each slice is marked thereon. The slice has only a single sidewall of the shaped pocket and is taken along the shaped pocket along a plane that is perpendicular to tissue contacting surface 6507 and pocket axis 6603. Each slice includes a width "x", a height "y", an upper radius of curvature"ra" and lower radius of curvature "rb". The width "x" is defined as the x-component of the distance between the perimeter 6620 of the shaped dimple and the bottom radius of curvature 6644 of the shaped dimple. The height "y" is defined as the y-component of the distance between the perimeter 6620 of the shaped dimple and the bottom radius of curvature 6644 of the shaped dimple. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the sidewall. Each size includes a number indicating which slice the size corresponds to. For example, slice 1 includes a width "x₁", height" y₁", upper radius of curvature" ra₁"and lower radius of curvature" rb₁". Fig. 60B is a table 6650 that includes the dimensions of slice 1 through slice 12 of fig. 60A in at least one embodiment.

Fig. 60C is a cross-sectional view of a shaped dimple arrangement 6600 taken along a dimple axis 6603. Fig. 60C includes various sizes of distal shaped pockets 6630 of the shaped pocket arrangement 6600. For example, the length of the forming pocket 6630 is 1.90 mm. For example, the depth of the forming pocket 6630 is 0.30 mm. In some cases, the distal forming pocket 6630 includes three radii of curvature: for example, an inlet radius of curvature of 2.90mm, a first outlet radius of curvature of 0.70mm, and a second outlet radius of curvature of 0.10 mm. In this case, the width of the bridge portion of the distal forming pocket 6630 is defined, for example, when the distance between the center of the forming pocket arrangement 6600 and the innermost edge of the first outlet radius of curvature (the edge of the first outlet radius of curvature closest to the center of the forming pocket arrangement 6600) is 0.10 mm. For example, the bridging depth is 0.05 mm.

Fig. 61-67 depict a forming pocket arrangement 6800 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 6800 includes a proximal forming cup or pocket 6810 and a distal forming cup or pocket 6830 defined in the planar or tissue contacting surface 6807 of the anvil 6801. The tissue contacting surface 6807 of the anvil 6801 can be configured to compress tissue against the staple cartridge when the anvil 6801 is clamped or closed relative to the staple cartridge. The forming pocket arrangement 6800 can be similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 6500. For example, the sidewalls of the

staple forming cups

6810, 6830 intersect the plane 6807 at a constant angle along their length. Each

cup

6810, 6830 is defined by a boundary surface, as further described herein. The

cups

6810, 6830 are aligned along the dimple axis 6803 of the forming dimple arrangement 6800. When deployed from a staple cartridge, the staples are intended to be formed along pocket axes 6803 by forming pocket arrangement 6800. In at least one such instance, a first leg of the staple can be formed by the proximal forming cup 6810 and a second leg of the staple can be formed by the distal forming cup 6830. In such instances, when the anvil 6801 is clamped relative to the staple cartridge, the first legs of the staples are aligned with a portion of the proximal forming cup 6810 and the second legs of the staples are aligned with a portion of the distal forming cup 6830.

Referring to fig. 62 and 63, the forming pocket arrangement 6800 further includes a bridge portion 6805 defined between the forming

cups

6810, 6830. The bridge portion 6805 is recessed relative to the flat surface 6807 of the anvil 6801. However, in other embodiments, the bridge portion 6805 can be flush with the planar surface 6807. The bridge portion 6805 includes a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (fig. 67). The bridge depth BD is the distance by which the bottom portion of the bridge portion 6805 is recessed relative to the flat surface 6807. The bridge width BW is the width of the dimple arrangement 6800 between the

cups

6810, 6830. In this case, the bridge width BW is the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each

cup

6810, 6830. The shaped dimple arrangement 6800 includes a center C (fig. 61 and 62) defined within the bridge portion 6805. The shaped dimple arrangement 6800 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the bridge portion 6805, bilaterally symmetric with respect to the dimple axis 6803, and rotationally symmetric with respect to the center C.

The forming pocket arrangement 6800 further includes a pair of major side walls 6808 extending from the flat surface 6807 of the anvil 6801 toward the

cups

6810, 6830 and the bridge 6805. The primary sidewall 6808 is angled at an angle θ relative to the planar surface 6807 of the anvil 6801₁(FIG. 64). The

cups

6810, 6830 define a perimeter 6820, and the inner edge of the primary sidewall 6808 extends between the planar surface 6807 and the perimeter 6820 of the

cups

6810, 6830. Referring primarily to FIG. 62, the inner edges of the major side walls 6808 are curved or contoured relative to the

cups

6810, 6830. In some cases, the forming pocket arrangement 6800 can exclude a major side wall 6808. In such a case, it is possible to,the

cups

6810, 6830 can extend directly to the planar surface 6807, and the perimeters 6820 of the

cups

6810, 6830 can be defined in the planar surface 6807.

Referring again to fig. 62 and 63, proximal forming cup 6810 includes a pair of cup sidewalls 6813 and distal forming cup 6830 includes a pair of cup sidewalls 6833. Cup sidewalls 6813, 6833 include a curved or contoured profile and are configured to guide the spike tip and the legs toward the forming surface of the

cups

6810, 6830 and help control the forming process of the staples.

Sidewalls

6813, 6833 extend from the major sidewalls 6808 and the planar surface 6807 toward the forming surface of each

cup

6810, 6830.

Sidewalls

6813, 6833 are configured to promote the formation of spike tips and/or legs along dimple axis 6803 when forming a spike against the forming surfaces of

cups

6810, 6830. In general, the major side walls 6808 and

cup side walls

6813, 6833 cooperate to funnel the corresponding spike toward the lateral center of each

cup

6810, 6830. A curved or

bottom surface

6814, 6834 extends between the

respective side walls

6813, 6833 along the lateral center of each

respective cup

6810, 6830.

Still referring to FIG. 62, the forming surfaces of the

cups

6810, 6830 include inlet

zone forming surfaces

6811, 6831 and outlet zone forming surfaces 6812, 6832, respectively. The inlet

region forming surfaces

6811, 6831 can coincide with the less aggressive leading portions of the

side walls

6813, 6833. Similarly, the exit region forming surfaces 6812, 6832 can coincide with the more aggressive leading portions of the

side walls

6813, 6833.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 63, the contoured surface of each

cup

6810, 6830 is defined by a depth profile or contour. The proximal shaped cup 6810 includes a depth profile 6822 and the distal shaped cup 6830 includes a depth profile 6842. The depth profiles 6822, 6842 define the depth of the

cups

6810, 6830, respectively, along the cup length. The

cups

6810, 6830 reach a maximum cup depth CD within their

respective transition regions

6809, 6829, as will be described further below. The cup depth CD of the

dimples

6810, 6830 can be, for example, between 0.4 and 0.6 millimeters. For example, the cup depth CD may be 0.5 mm. In other cases, the cup depth CD may be less than 0.4 millimeters or greater than 0.6 millimeters.

The depth profiles 6822, 6842 are curved profiles that have no linear portions. Further, the

depth profiles

6822, 6842 may include one or more radii of curvature. In this case, the

depth profile

6822, 6842 includes more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6822 of the proximal forming cup 6810 includes an inlet radius of curvature 6817 corresponding to the inlet region forming surface 6811 and an outlet radius of curvature 6818 corresponding to the outlet region forming surface 6812. Similarly, the depth profile 6842 of the distal shaping cup 6830 includes an inlet radius of curvature 6837 corresponding to the inlet region shaping surface 6831 and an outlet radius of curvature 6838 corresponding to the outlet region shaping surface 6832. In this case, the inlet radius of

curvature

6817, 6837 is larger than the outlet radius of

curvature

6818, 6838. The particular relationship between the radii of curvature of the inlet and outlet and the various dimple features and some potential advantages and patterns of the particular relationship are further described in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/385,914.

The outer longitudinal edges of each

cup

6810, 6830 are referred to as inlet edges because they define the beginning of the inlet

region forming surface

6811, 6831. The entrance rim includes an entrance width that is the maximum width of the forming surface of each

cup

6810, 6830. The inner edges of each

cup

6810, 6830 are referred to as the exit edges because they define the end of the exit region forming surface 6812, 6832. The outlet edge includes an outlet width, also referred to as a bridge width BW (fig. 67), which is the narrowest section of the forming surface of each

cup

6810, 6830. A

transition region

6809, 6829 is located between the inlet and outlet regions of each cup. The transition width of the

transition regions

6809, 6829 is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The

transition regions

6809, 6829 include curved portions of the

respective depth profiles

6822, 6842, and thus the deepest portion of each

cup

6810, 6830. In various instances, the

transition regions

6809, 6829 comprise a majority of the length of each

cup

6810, 6830. More specifically, the length of the

transition regions

6809, 6829 can be greater than the combined length of the respective inlet and outlet regions of each

cup

6810, 6830. The

transition regions

6809, 6829 can extend along a tapered or narrowed portion of each

cup

6810, 6830. For example, each

transition region

6809, 6829 can extend inwardly from the widest portion of the

respective cup

6810, 6830 toward the bridge portion 6805.

Fig. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the distal shaping cup 6830 taken along line 66-66 in fig. 62. This view is taken near a valley or valley of the distal forming cup 6830. The valley or valley is also the transition between the inlet region forming surface 6831 and the outlet region forming surface 6832. In each case, the transition between the inlet zone and the outlet zone does not occur at the valleys or valleys of the cup. Fig. 67 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal forming cup 6830 taken along line 67-67 of fig. 62, where the line is positioned within the exit region forming surface 6832 of the forming cup 6830. Fig. 64 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming cup 6830 taken along line 64-64 in fig. 62, and fig. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the distal forming cup 6830 taken along line 65-65 in fig. 62, both within the entrance region forming surface 6832 of the distal forming cup 6830.

Referring primarily to fig. 64-67, a pair of cup sidewalls 6833 of the distal shaped cup 6830 includes a first sidewall 6833a and a second sidewall 6833 b. First sidewall 6833a and second sidewall 6833b are opposing sidewalls that extend toward each other from laterally opposing sides of the distal shaped cup 6830. The curved or bottom surface 6834 of the distal shaped cup 6830 is located between the first sidewall 6833a and the second sidewall 6833 b. The bottom surface 6834 of the distal shaped cup 6830 is a fully curved non-flat surface. In other words, bottom surface 6834 does not have a flat, planar surface. Bottom surface 6834 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, at various longitudinal locations along dimple axis 6803, bottom surface 6834 defines different radii of curvature. A tangent to bottom surface 6834 at the lateral center of cup 6830 is parallel to planar surface 6807 along its length.

In various instances, the curvature of bottom surface 6834 can be sized such that the staple legs do not follow a flat surface during the staple forming process. In such cases, bottom surface 6843 can facilitate forming of the staple into a more planar formed configuration than a staple formed with a planar bottom surface, particularly when the staple is misaligned with pocket axis 6803 during forming. The curvature of the bottom surface 6843 may be sized such that the bottom surface 6843 provides multiple contact surfaces for the staple legs. For example, the radius of curvature of bottom surface 6834 can be less than the radius of curvature of the staple legs.

The cup sidewalls 6813, 6833 are completely curved non-planar surfaces. In other words, the

cup sidewalls

6813, 6833 do not have flat planar surfaces.

Sidewalls

6833a, 6833b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, sidewalls 6833a, 6833b define different radii of curvature at various longitudinal locations along dimple axis 6803. The fully curved profile of the

cup sidewalls

6813, 6833 and bottom surface 6834 can define a curvilinear boundary surface of the

cups

6810, 6830. The

cups

6813, 6833 may be completely curved and have no flat planar surfaces.

Sidewalls

6833a, 6833b are at an entrance angle θ relative to the tissue contacting surface 6807 at various transverse profiles of the distal forming cup 6830₂And (4) orientation. More specifically, a tangent T to each

sidewall

6833a, 6833b at the periphery 6820 of the distal forming cup 6830 is oriented at an angle θ relative to the tissue-contacting surface 6807 in fig. 64-67₂. Entrance angle theta₂Constant within the transition shaped surface region 6829 (fig. 62 and 64) and along a majority of the length of the distal shaped cup 6830. In each case, the angle θ₂May for example be between 55 and 80 degrees. For example, in fig. 64 to 67, the angle θ₂Is 80 degrees. In other cases, the angle θ₂And may be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees.

Sidewalls

6833a, 6833b are non-vertical sidewalls, and thus the angle θ along the tangent T of perimeter 6820₂May be less than 90 degrees.

For illustrative purposes, reference points at the transitions between sidewalls 6833a, 6833b and bottom surface 6834 are shown in fig. 64-67. For example, the curved boundary surface of the distal shaping cup 6830 includes a reference point a at the transition between the sidewall 6833a and the bottom surface 6834. At each longitudinal location along the cup 6530, the first sidewall 6833a and the second sidewall 6833b define a sidewall radius of curvature 6843, and the bottom surface 6834 defines a bottom radius of curvature 6844. The bottom radius of curvature 6844 may be different than the sidewall radius of curvature 6843. The transition between the radii of curvature at reference point a comprises a smooth, non-abrupt transition.

For illustrative purposes, reference line B is also depicted in fig. 64-67. Reference line B extends between the first reference point a and the periphery 6820 of the distal shaping cup 6830. In fig. 64 to 67, the reference line B is at an angle θ₃And (4) orientation. Angle theta₃Distally shaped cup 6830 vary in length. In various instances, the angle θ is along the length of the distal shaped cup 6830₃May be less than angle theta₂. The angle θ as the sidewalls 6833a, 6833b extend inwardly toward the center C₃May be increased and then decreased. For example, the angle θ₃May increase from the inlet edge of the cup 6830 towards the transition region 6829, remain constant within the transition region 6829, and decrease from the transition portion 6829 towards the outlet edge of the cup 6830. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the angle θ₃45 degrees in fig. 64, angle θ₃55 degrees in FIG. 65, angle θ₃70 degrees in fig. 66, and an angle θ₃55 degrees in fig. 67. Despite the angle theta₂And theta₃Is constant within the transition region 6829 of the distal shaped cup 6830, but as the depth and width of the distal shaped cup 6830 vary along its length, the radius of curvature and length of the arc defining the

sidewall

6833a, 6833b vary.

Angle theta relative to tissue contacting surface₂May include a relatively steep angle. For example, the angle θ₂May be greater than variable angle theta₃. Angle theta₂May encourage the formation of staples along the pit axis. Constant angle theta₂Misaligned legs may be encouraged to move from the periphery towards the lateral center of the cup. In each case, the angle θ₂Can be kept constant and steep in the exit zone, so that the nail forming quality can be improved. Additionally or alternatively, the angle θ₂May be constant in the transition zone. As described herein, the depth of a dimple can vary along its length. However, even in the shallower region of the cup, the constant angle θ is maintained₂The misaligned legs may also be urged to move from the periphery toward the lateral center of the cup. Furthermore, the maximum cup depth CD in some anvils may vary between pockets in the anvils. For example, as described further herein, different depths may be utilized to form staples of different heights and/or to form staples driven by drivers having different heights. In this case, the constant angle θ₂A staple formed with a shallower groove may be encouraged to form along the groove axis.

In some instances, an anvil for a surgical end effector may include staple forming pockets of varying depths. For example, the depth of the staple forming pockets may vary between rows of forming pockets and/or longitudinally along the length of the rows of forming pockets. Such depth differences may be selected to accommodate variations in the displacement of the staple drivers within the staple cartridge, variations in the overdrive distance of the fired staples, and/or variations in the position of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke. Additionally or alternatively, the difference in depth between staple forming pockets can correspond to different tissue gaps between stepped tissue compression surfaces on the anvil and/or staple cartridge. For example, to form staples to the same formed height when the staples are driven by drivers having different lift lengths resulting in different staple overdriving amounts, the difference in depth between the staple forming pockets corresponding to the different stroke lengths and different staple overdriving amounts may be selected. In other instances, different depths of staple forming pockets in the anvil can be selected to form the staples to different formed heights, which in some instances may be desirable to vary the compression of the stapled tissue and/or to accommodate variations in tissue thickness.

Fig. 67A is a partial negative view of individual slices of shaped dimples of the shaped dimple arrangement 6800. The size of each slice is marked thereon. The slice has only a single sidewall of the shaped dimple and is taken along the shaped dimple along a plane that is perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface 6807 and the dimple axis 6803. Each slice includes a width "x", a height "y", an upper radius of curvature "ra" and a lower radius of curvature "rb". The width "x" is defined as the x-component of the distance between the perimeter 6820 of the shaped dimple and the bottom radius of curvature 6844 of the shaped dimple. The height "y" is defined as the y-component of the distance between the perimeter 6820 of the shaped dimple and the bottom radius of curvature 6844 of the shaped dimple. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the sidewall. Each size includes a number indicating which slice the size corresponds to. For example, slice 1 includes a width "x₁", height" y₁", upper radius of curvature" ra₁"and lower radius of curvature" rb₁". FIG. 67B is a table 6850, which includes FIG. 67 in at least one embodimentSize of slice 1 to slice 12 of a.

Fig. 67C is a cross-sectional view of a forming pocket arrangement 6800 taken along a pocket axis 6803. Fig. 67C includes various sizes of distal shaped dimples 6830 of shaped dimple arrangement 6800. For example, the length of forming pocket 6830 is 1.90 mm. For example, the depth of the forming depressions 6830 is 0.50 mm. In some cases, the distal forming pocket 6830 includes three radii of curvature: for example, an inlet radius of curvature of 1.40mm, a first outlet radius of curvature of 0.80mm, and a second outlet radius of curvature of 0.10 mm. In this case, the width of the bridging portion defining the distal forming pocket 6830 is defined, for example, when the distance between the center of the forming pocket arrangement 6800 and the innermost edge of the first outlet radius of curvature (the edge of the first outlet radius of curvature closest to the center of the forming pocket arrangement 6800) is 0.10 mm. For example, the bridge depth is 0.15 mm.

Referring now to fig. 70, a surgical end effector 7000 including an anvil 7001 and a staple cartridge 7060 having a plurality of staples 7080 is depicted. The end effector 7000 is in the closed or clamped position. More specifically, the anvil 7001 can be pivoted relative to the staple cartridge 7060 to move the end effector 7000 to a closed position and clamp tissue between the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7060. In other instances, the anvil 7001 can be secured and the staple cartridge 7060 can be pivoted relative to the anvil 7001 to move the end effector 7000 to the closed position, and in still other instances, both the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7060 can be configured to pivot to move the end effector 7000 to the closed position.

In the closed position, a uniform tissue gap TG is defined between the staple cartridge 7060 and the anvil 7001. In other words, the tissue gap TG is laterally constant across the end effector 7000. The staple cartridge 7060 comprises a flat or substantially flat tissue compression surface or deck 7062 and the anvil 7001 further comprises a flat or substantially flat tissue compression surface 7007. Neither the deck 7062 of the staple cartridge 7060 nor the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001 include stepped surfaces having a longitudinal step between adjacent longitudinal portions. In other instances, the deck of the staple cartridge and/or the tissue compression surface of the anvil can comprise a stepped profile, as described herein.

The staple cartridge 7060 comprises a staple cartridge body 7064 having a longitudinal slot 7065 and a plurality of staple cavities 7066 defined therein. The slot 7065 extends along a central longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge 7060. Each staple cavity 7066 includes an opening in the platform 7062. The staple cavities 7066 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7068 on each side of the slot 7065, including a first or outer row 7068a, a second or intermediate row 7068b, and a third or inner row 7068 c. In other instances, the staple cartridge 7060 can have fewer or more than six rows of staple cavities 7066. For example, a staple cartridge can have two rows of staple cavities on each side of the longitudinal slot 7065.

The staples 7080 are removably stored in each staple cavity 7066, and each staple 7080 is supported by a staple driver 7070. In various circumstances, the staple drivers 7070 can support and fire more than one staple 7080. For example, the drivers can be configured to simultaneously fire staples from adjacent rows of staple cavities in the staple cartridge. The platform 7062 comprises a lumen extender 7061 that protrudes from the platform 7062 toward the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001. The lumen extender 7061 is positioned around at least a portion of the staple lumen 7066 and can guide the staples 7080 over the platform 7062. The lumen extender 7061 can also be configured to engage or grasp tissue and/or support the staples 7080 and/or drivers 7070 during firing. In other cases, for example, the platform 7062 may be devoid of a lumen extender and may include a smooth tissue contacting surface.

The staples 7080 in fig. 70 are depicted in a formed configuration in which the staples 7080 fired from the cavity 7066 across

rows

7068a, 7068b, 7068c on both sides of the slot 7065 have been formed to the same height H. Forming the staples to a uniform height can tightly tie the tissue and reduce bleeding from the tissue.

A driver 7070 is movably positioned in the cavity 7066. During the firing stroke, the firing member is configured to lift the driver 7070 toward the anvil 7001, which drives the staples 7080 supported on the driver 7070 into engagement with the anvil 7001. Each staple 7080 is driven into contact with a staple forming

pocket arrangement

7002, 7004 defined in the planar surface 7007 of the anvil 7001. The staple forming

pocket arrangements

7002, 7004 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7003 on both sides of the anvil 7001, including a first or outer row 7003a, a second or intermediate row 7003b, and a third or inner row 7003 c. Each row of staple cavities 7066 is aligned with a row 7003 of staple forming

pocket arrangements

7002, 7004. As described with respect to the various staple forming pocket arrangements disclosed herein, the staple forming

pocket arrangements

7002, 7004 can each include a pair of forming pockets or cups (e.g., a proximal cup and a distal cup), and each cup can be positioned to receive a staple leg when the staple 7080 is driven into forming contact with the anvil 7001.

The anvil 7001 includes two different staple forming pocket arrangements. More specifically, the anvil 7001 includes a first staple forming pocket arrangement 7002 having a first geometry and a second staple forming pocket arrangement 7004 having a second geometry. The first arrangement of staple forming pockets 7002 are aligned with the outermost rows 7068a of staple cavities 7066 on both sides of the slot 7065 and the second arrangement of staple forming pockets 7004 are aligned with the

rows

7068b, 7068c of staple cavities 7066 on both sides of the slot 7065. The cup of the first staple forming pocket arrangement 7002 defines a cup depth CD relative to the anvil planar surface 7007₁And the cup of the second staple forming pocket arrangement 7004 defines a cup depth CD relative to the anvil planar surface 7007₂. Cup depth CD of outer nail forming pit arrangement 7002₁Cup depth CD greater than inner nail forming dimple arrangement 7004₂. Thus, the deeper staple forming pockets of the first arrangement 7002 are located laterally outward of the shallower staple forming pockets of the second arrangement 7004, although any suitable arrangement may be used.

In various instances, the first staple forming pocket arrangement 7002 can be the same as or similar to the staple forming pocket arrangement 6800 (fig. 61-67), and the second staple forming pocket arrangement 7004 can be the same as or similar to the staple forming pocket arrangement 6600 (fig. 55-61). Although the cup depth is different between the first and second formed

dimple arrangements

7002, 7004, the cup sidewalls may intersect the plane 7007 at the same angle, i.e., the tangent to the sidewalls may remain at a constant entrance angle, along the length of the cup in each

arrangement

7002, 7004 or at least along a majority of the length of the cup in each

arrangement

7002, 7004. As described herein, the steep constant angle sidewalls are configured to facilitate planar formation of the staple 7080, including staples that are misaligned with the central axis of the

arrangements

7002, 7004.

In the fired position depicted in fig. 70, the staples 7080 have been overdriven relative to the staple cartridge body 7064. More specifically, the staple supporting surfaces of each driver 7070 have been driven past the staple cartridge body 7064 such that the staples 7080 are completely removed from the cartridge body 7064 during firing. When overdriven, the rack or bottommost surface of each staple 7080 is positioned above the platform 7062 and/or above the lumen extender 7061 protruding from the platform 7062. For example, the overdrive features of the driver 7070 may be configured to fully eject the fired staples 7080 from the staple cartridge 7060 and facilitate the release of the staple tissue from the end effector 7000. In other words, the overdrive function of the driver 7070 may push the tissue away from the platform 7067.

In each case, different staples may be overdriven by different amounts. For example, staples 7080 fired from an outer row 7068a of staple cavities 7066 are overdriven a first distance D relative to the deck surface 7062₁And the staples 7080 fired from the middle and

inner rows

7068b and 7068c of the staple cavities 7066 are overdriven a second distance D relative to the deck surface 7062₂. Distance D in FIG. 70₁And D₂Is the distance between the legs of the staple 7080 and the platform surface 7062. In other cases, the overdrive distance may be measured between the support surface of the staple holder and the uppermost surface of the adjacent lumen extender 7061.

To achieve the different overdrive distances D in FIG. 70₁And D₂The stroke length of the driver 7070 may be different. For example, the firing element can be configured to lift the drivers 7070 supporting the staples 7080 in the outer row 7068a first distance and the drivers 7070 supporting the staples 7080 in the

inner rows

7068b, 7068c a second distance. In some cases, the geometry of the slider can be selected to control different stroke lengths of the driver 7070. Additionally or alternatively, the geometry of the driver 7070 (such as the height of the driver) can be selected to control different overdrive distances.

For each formed staple 7080 in fig. 70, the sum of the tissue gap and cup depth is equal to the sum of the overdrive distance and the staple height. For example:

TG+CD₁＝D₁+H；

and

TG+CD₂＝D₂+H。

in other words, for each formed staple, the staple height H is equal to the tissue gap TG plus the cup depth CD minus the overdrive distance D.

H＝TG+CD₁-D₁；

And

H＝TG+CD₂-D₂。

with the staple height H and tissue gap TG laterally constant across the end effector 7000, as depicted in fig. 70, different cup depths correspond to different overdrive distances. For example, to ensure that the anvil 7001 is compatible with the staple cartridge 7060, the staple forming

pocket arrangements

7002, 7004 and their cup depths CD₁、CD₂Can be selected to accommodate different overdrive distances D₁、D₂. E.g. cup depth CD₁Cup depth CD₂The difference between may be configured to accommodate the overdrive distance D₁And D₂The difference in (a):

CD₁-CD₂＝D₁-D₂。

more specifically, for example, if the overdrive distance D₁And D₂The difference between them is 0.38 mm, the cup depth CD₁And CD₂The difference between may also be 0.38 mm. In some cases, for example, the difference in overdrive distance and cup depth may be between 0.2 millimeters and 1 millimeter. Overdrive distance D₁And D₂And cup depth CD₁And CD₂The corresponding differences therebetween are configured to laterally shape the staples 7080 to the same formed height H across the end effector 7000. Regardless of the cup depth, the side walls of the cup can be designed to intersect the tissue compression surfaces 7007 of the anvil 7001 at a constant angle to facilitate planar formation of the staples 7080 (including misaligned staples), as further described herein.

In some cases, the surgical instrument and/or its sub-assemblies maySo as to be modular. Different types of staple cartridges may be compatible with more than one anvil and/or different types of anvils may be compatible with more than one staple cartridge. For example, a staple cartridge 7060 (see, e.g., fig. 70) that is compatible with an anvil 7001 having a flat tissue compression surface 7007 may also be compatible with a stepped anvil. An end effector comprising a staple cartridge 7060 and a compatible stepped anvil can define a laterally variable tissue gap TG; however, such end effectors may still be configured to form staples to a constant formed height. In such cases, different overdrive distances D₁And D₂May correspond to different heights of the stepped tissue compression surface of the anvil.

Referring now to fig. 71, an end effector 7100 having a staple cartridge 7060 and an anvil 7101 is depicted. The end effector 7100 is in a closed or clamped position. In use, the anvil 7101 can be pivoted relative to the staple cartridge 7060 to move the end effector 7100 to a closed position and clamp tissue between the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7060. In other instances, the anvil 7101 can be secured and the staple cartridge 7060 can be pivoted relative to the anvil 7101 to move the end effector 7100 to the closed position, and in still other instances, both the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7060 can be configured to pivot the end effector 7100 toward the closed position.

The anvil 7101 includes a stepped tissue compression surface 7107 having a longitudinal step between adjacent longitudinal sections. More specifically, the anvil 7101 includes a plurality of longitudinal sections 7110 on each side of the anvil 7101, including a first or outer section 7110a and a second or inner section 7110 b. A step 7112 is positioned between the outer portion 7100a and the inner portion 7100 b. The steps 7112 extend parallel to the rows of staple forming pocket arrangements 7102 defined in the surface 7107 and extend along axes located between adjacent rows of staple forming pocket arrangements 7102.

Step 7112 comprises a height H_stepWhich corresponds to the difference in height between the first longitudinal section 7110a and the second longitudinal section 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107. Because staple cartridge 7060 includes non-stepped deck 7062, height H_stepCorresponding to when the end effector 7100 is atA change in tissue gap between the staple cartridge 7060 and the anvil 7101 in the closed position. A first tissue gap TG is defined between the first portion 7110a and the staple cartridge 7060₁And a second tissue gap TG is defined between the second portion 7110b and the staple cartridge 7060₂. Tissue gap TG₁Greater than the tissue gap TG₂. It may be desirable to provide greater tissue compression near the slot 7065 and/or along the inner portion 7110b of the anvil 7101 than along the sides of the end effector 7100. In other instances, the anvil 7101 can include additional longitudinal portions with steps therebetween, and in such instances, additional, different tissue gaps can be defined when the end effector 7100 is in the closed position.

The staples 7080 in fig. 71 are depicted in a formed configuration in which the staples 7080 fired from the

rows

7068a, 7068b, 7068c of staple cavities 7066 on both sides of the slot 7065 have been formed to the same height H. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member is configured to lift the driver 7070 toward the anvil 7101, which drives the staples 7080 supported on the driver 7070 into forming engagement with the anvil 7101. More specifically, each staple 7080 is driven into contact with one of the staple forming pocket arrangements 7102 defined in the tissue compression surface 7107 of the anvil 7101. The staple forming pocket arrangement 7102 is arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7103 on both sides of the anvil 7101, including a first or outer row 7103a, a second or intermediate row 7103b, and a third or inner row 7103 c. The first longitudinal section 7110a includes a first row 7103a and the second longitudinal section 7110b includes a second row 7103b and a third row 7103 c. Each row 7068 of staple cavities 7066 is aligned with a row 7103 of staple forming pocket arrangements 7102. As described with respect to the various staple forming pocket arrangements disclosed herein, each staple forming pocket arrangement 7102 includes a pair of forming pockets or cups (e.g., a proximal cup and a distal cup), and each cup is positioned to receive a staple leg when a staple 7080 is driven into forming contact with the anvil 7101.

The staple forming pocket arrangement 7102 defines a cup depth CD relative to the tissue compression surface 7107. In various instances, the staple forming pocket arrangement 7102 is the same as or similar to the staple forming pocket arrangement 6600 (fig. 55-60). In such cases, the cup sidewall may intersect the tissue compressing surface 7107 at a constant angle, i.e., a tangent to the sidewall may be maintained at a constant entrance angle, along the length of the cup or at least along a majority of the length of the cup. The steep constant angle sidewalls along the length of the cup are configured to facilitate planar formation of the staples 7080, including staples that are misaligned with the central axis of the staple forming arrangement 7102.

For each formed staple 7080 in fig. 71, the sum of the tissue gap and cup depth is equal to the sum of the overdrive distance and the staple height. For example:

TG₁+CD＝D₁+H；

and

TG₂+CD＝D₂+H。

H＝TG₁+CD-D₁；

And

H＝TG₂+CD-D₂。

with the staple height H and cup depth CD laterally constant across the end effector 7100, as depicted in fig. 71, the height of the tissue compression surface 7107 can vary, i.e., define a stepped profile, which corresponds to different overdrive distances. For example, the tissue gap TG₁And the tissue gap TG₂The difference between may be configured to accommodate the overdrive distance D₁And D₂The difference in (a):

TG₁-TG₂＝D₁-D₂。

in other words, the height H of the step 7112 between the

longitudinal sections

7110a, 7110b_stepMay be equal to the overdrive distance D₁And D₂The difference in (a):

H_step＝D₁-D₂。

for example, if the distance D is overdriven₁And D₂The difference is 0.38 mm, the height H of the step 7112_stepBut may also be, for example, 0.38 mm. In some cases, overdrive distance and tissueThe difference in gap may be between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. Overdrive distance D₁And D₂The corresponding difference in height from the

longitudinal portions

7110a, 7110b can be configured to form the staples 7080 to the same formed height H laterally across the end effector 7100.

Above certain threshold loads, the anvil 7101 may tend to bend along the step 7112 such that the tissue gap along the sides of the anvil 7101 is greater than the tissue gap TG depicted in fig. 71₁. Accordingly, the anvil 7001 (fig. 70) may be stiffer than the anvil 7101 because the anvil 7001 includes a tissue compression surface 7007 that is flat or non-stepped. The anvil 7001 may be more rigid and therefore less prone to bending and/or deflection when subjected to high compressive loads during clamping and/or firing.

In various circumstances, it may be desirable to utilize an anvil (such as anvil 7001) having a flat or non-stepped tissue compression surface to minimize deflection of the anvil along its sides. In some cases, a variable tissue gap may also be desirable to control the tissue flow and/or the amount of tissue compressed and ultimately captured by the end effector. For example, a smaller outer tissue gap and a larger inner tissue gap may allow the end effector to capture a larger amount of tissue adjacent the cutting wire, which may improve hemostasis. A smaller outer tissue gap may improve control of tissue flow and ensure that the sides of the end effector effectively grasp and engage the target tissue. In addition, a larger internal tissue gap may allow the end effector to capture a larger (e.g., thicker) mass of tissue.

An exemplary variable tissue gap end effector 7200 is depicted in fig. 72. The end effector 7200 includes an anvil 7001 (see also fig. 70) having a planar or non-stepped tissue compression surface 7007 and a staple cartridge 7260 having a stepped deck 7262. Although the tissue gap varies laterally across the end effector 7200, the end effector 7200 can be configured to shape the staples 7280 to a constant formed height. For example, as further described herein, different staple overdrive distances may correspond to different tissue gaps and/or different staple forming arrangements having different cup depths.

Still referring to fig. 72, the end effector 7200 is in a closed or clamped position. In use, the anvil 7001 can be pivoted relative to the staple cartridge 7260 to move the end effector 7200 to a closed position and clamp tissue between the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7260. In other instances, the anvil 7001 can be secured and the staple cartridge 7260 can be pivoted relative to the anvil 7001 to move the end effector 7200 to the closed position, and in still other instances, both the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7260 can be configured to pivot to move the end effector 7200 to the closed position.

Staple cartridge 7260 includes a staple cartridge body 7264 having a longitudinal slot 7265 and a plurality of staple cavities 7266 defined therein. Staples 7280 are movably positioned in staple cavities 7266. Slot 7265 can extend along a central longitudinal axis of staple cartridge 7260. Each staple cavity 7266 includes an opening in the platform 7262. The staple cavities 7266 are arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending rows 7268 on each side of the slot 7265, including a first or outer row 7268a, a second or middle row 7268b, and a third or inner row 7268 c. In other instances, staple cartridge 7260 can have fewer or more than six rows of staple cavities 7266. For example, a staple cartridge may have two rows of staple cavities on each side of the longitudinal slot.

Each staple 7280 is supported by a staple driver 7270. In various circumstances, the staple drivers 7270 can support and fire more than one staple 7280. For example, the drivers can be configured to fire staples from adjacent rows of staple cavities in the staple cartridge. The platform 7262 includes a lumen extender 7261 projecting from the platform 7262 toward the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001. The lumen extender 7261 is positioned around at least a portion of the staple lumen 7266 and can guide the staples as they are ejected from the staple lumen 7266. For example, the lumen extender 7261 can also be configured to engage or grasp tissue and/or support the staples 7280 and/or drivers 7270 during firing. In other instances, for example, platform 7262 may be devoid of a lumen extender and may include a smooth tissue contacting surface.

The staples 7280 in fig. 72 are depicted in a formed configuration in which staples 7280 fired from the cavity 7266 across the

rows

7268a, 7268b, 7268c on both sides of the slot 7265 have been formed to the same height H. In some cases, it may be advantageous to form staples across multiple rows to tightly tie the tissue and reduce bleeding from the tissue.

The driver 7270 is movably positioned in the cavity 7266. During the firing stroke, the firing member is configured to lift the driver 7270 toward the anvil 7001, which drives the staples 7280 supported on the driver 7070 into engagement with the anvil 7001. Each staple 7280 is driven into contact with a staple forming

pocket arrangement

7002, 7004. Each row 7268 of staple cavities 7266 is aligned with a row 7003 of staple forming

pocket arrangements

7002, 7004. The first arrangement of staple forming pockets 7002 is aligned with the outermost row 7268a of staple cavities 7266 on each side of the slot 7265 and the second arrangement of staple forming pockets 7004 is aligned with the

innermost rows

7268b, 7268c of staple cavities 7266 on each side of the slot 7265.

Staple cartridge 7260 includes a stepped platform 7262 having longitudinal steps between adjacent longitudinal portions. More specifically, staple cartridge 7260 includes a plurality of longitudinal portions 7263 on each side of slot 7260, including a first or outer portion 7263a and a second or inner portion 7263 b. A step 7267 is positioned between the outer portion 7263a and the inner portion 7263 b. The steps 7267 extend parallel to the rows 7268 of staple cavities 7266 defined in the lands 7262 and extend along an axis positioned intermediate adjacent rows 7268 of staple cavities 7266.

Step 7267 includes a height H_stepWhich corresponds to the difference in height between first and second

longitudinal portions

7263a, 7263b of platform 7262. Further, because the anvil 7001 includes a non-stepped tissue compression surface 7007, the height H_stepCorresponding to a change in tissue gap between the staple cartridge 7260 and the anvil 7001 when the end effector 7200 is in a closed position. Defining a first tissue gap TG between the first portion 7263a and the anvil 7001₁And a second tissue gap TG is defined between the second portion 7263b and the anvil 7001₂. Tissue gap TG₂Greater than the tissue gap TG₁. As described further herein, it is desirable in some instances to provide greater tissue compression near the sides of the end effector 7200 than along the central interior of the end effector 7200. In other cases, staple cartridge 7260 can include additional steps therebetweenThe longitudinal portion, and in such cases, when the end effector 7200 is in a closed position, additional different tissue gaps can be defined.

In the fired position depicted in FIG. 72, the staples 7280 have been overdriven relative to the staple cartridge body 7264. More specifically, the staple support surfaces of each driver 7270 have been driven through the cartridge body 7264 such that the staples 7280 are completely removed from the cartridge body 7264 during firing. The shelf or bottom-most surface of each staple 7280 is located above the platform 7262. The legs of some staples 7280 are also located above the lumen extensions 7261 protruding from the platform 7262, and the legs of other staples 7280 are located below and/or flush with the lumen extensions 7261. The overdrive features of the drivers 7270 can be configured to fully disengage the fired staples 7280 from the staple cartridge 7260 and facilitate release of the staple tissue from the end effector 7200.

In each case, different staples may be overdriven by different amounts. For example, staples 7280 fired from the outer row 7268a of staple cavities 7266 are overdriven a first distance D₁Staples 7280 fired from the middle row 7268b of staple cavities 7266 are overdriven a second distance D relative to the cartridge body 7264₂And staples 7280 fired from the inner row 7268c of staple cavities 7266 are driven a third distance D relative to the cartridge body 7264₃. Distance D in FIG. 72₁、D₂And D₃Is the distance between the legs of the staple 7280 and the adjacent portion of the land surface 7262.

To achieve the different overdrive distances D in FIG. 72₁、D₂And D₃The stroke length of the driver 7270 may be different. For example, the firing element can be configured to lift drivers 7270 supporting the staples 7280 in the outer row 7268a first distance, the drivers 7070 supporting the staples 7280 in the middle row 7268b a second distance, and the drivers 7270 supporting the staples 7280 in the inner row 7268c a third distance. In some instances, the geometry of the firing element may be selected to control different stroke lengths of the driver 7270. Additionally or alternatively, the geometry of the driver 7270 (such as the height of the driver) may be selected to control different overdrive distances. Different overdrive distances in FIG. 72D₁，D₂And D₃Or by different heights of stepped platform 7262.

As described herein with respect to the end effector 7000 (fig. 70), when the tissue gap is constant between staple rows, the different cup depths can be configured to accommodate variations in the overdrive distance such that the staples are formed to the same formed height. For example, referring again to FIG. 72, the tissue gap TG₁Is constant between the first and second rows 6268a, 6268b of staple cavities 6266, and in such cases, the different cup depths CD₁And CD₂Is configured to accommodate an overdrive distance D₁And D₂A change in (c). Further, as described with respect to the end effector 7100 (fig. 71), as the tissue gap varies between staple rows, the tissue gap difference can correspond to a change in the overdrive distance such that the staples are formed to the same formed height. For example, referring again to fig. 72, the height H of the step 7267_stepCorresponding to the overdrive distance D₂And D₃The difference between them.

In various circumstances, staple cartridge 7260 can also be compatible with anvils having stepped tissue compression surfaces, such as anvil 7101 (fig. 71). In such cases, the different overdrive distances D₁、D₂And D₃Can correspond to different tissue gaps between stepped tissue compression surface 7107 of the anvil and stepped deck 7262 of the staple cartridge. An end effector 7300 including a staple cartridge 7260 and an anvil 7101 is shown in fig. 73. As further described herein, the end effector 7300 is configured to form staples across multiple rows to a constant formed height.

Due to the two stepped

surfaces

7107 and 7262 in fig. 73, end effector 7300 defines a plurality of tissue gaps between anvil 7101 and staple cartridge 7260. A first tissue gap TG is defined between the first portion 7263a of the platform 7262 and the first portion 7110a of the tissue compression surface 7107₁A second tissue gap TG is defined between the first portion 7263a of the platform 7262 and the second portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107₂And a third tissue gap TG is defined between the second portion 7263b of the platform 7262 and the second portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107₃. The outer row 7268a of staple cavities 7266 and the outer row 7103a of staple forming pockets 7102 are separated from the first tissue gap TG₁In alignment, the middle row 7268b of staple cavities 7266 and the middle row 7103b of staple forming pockets 7102 are in a second tissue gap TG₂Aligned and the inner row 7268c of staple cavities 7266 and the inner row 7103c of staple forming pockets 7102 is in communication with the third tissue gap TG₃And (6) aligning. As described with respect to the end effector 7100 (fig. 71), as the tissue gap varies between staple rows, the tissue gap difference can correspond to a change in the overdrive distance such that the staples are formed to the same formed height. For example, referring again to fig. 73, the height H of anvil step 7112_stepCorresponding to the overdrive distance D₁And D₂The difference therebetween, and the height H of the bin step 7267_stepCorresponding to the overdrive distance D₂And D₃The difference between them.

As described herein, a surgical tool assembly may include a shaft portion and an articulatable end effector portion. For example, an articulation assembly may be positioned between the shaft portion and the end effector portion, and the articulation assembly may articulate the end effector portion relative to the shaft portion at an articulation joint. The various articulation components may be further described in U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,245 entitled "motor INSTRUMENTS WITH a close force actuator mechanism," filed on 9/2/2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

An exemplary surgical tool assembly 8000 having an articulation joint 8200 is shown in fig. 74-77. The surgical tool assembly 8000 includes a shaft 8010 and an end effector 8100. The shaft 8010 includes a closure tube assembly 8040. The closure tube assembly 8040 is similar in many respects to the closure tube assembly 140 (see, e.g., FIG. 2), which is further described herein. The shaft 8010 also includes an articulation drive system 8201 that is configured to articulate the end effector 8100 relative to the shaft 8010. The articulation joint 8200 is positioned intermediate the shaft 8010 and the end effector 8100 such that articulation produced by the articulation drive system 8201 articulates the end effector 8100 relative to the shaft 8010 about the articulation axis B-B (fig. 75-77).

The articulation drive system 8201 includes an articulation rod 8202 having a distal end 8204. The articulation drive system 8201 also includes an articulation link 8206 that includes a proximal end 8208 coupled to the distal end 8204 of the articulation rod 8202. An articulation rod 8202 extends longitudinally through the shaft portion 8010. In at least one instance, the articulation rod 8202 can be collinear with a central longitudinal axis L (fig. 75-77) of the shaft portion 8010 extending through the articulation axis B-B, although the articulation rod 8202 can be offset from the longitudinal axis L in other embodiments. The distal end 8204 of the articulation rod 8202 includes an extension 8205 that extends laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis L. For example, the extension 8205 extends away from the central longitudinal axis L. As further described herein, the lateral offset of the extension 8205 relative to the axis L is configured to enable a desired angular orientation of the articulation link 8206. The articulation rod 8202 is configured to move axially along the central longitudinal axis L to affect articulation of the end effector 8100. More specifically, displacement of the articulation rod 8202 in the Distal Direction (DD) is configured to articulate the end effector 8100 clockwise, and displacement of the articulation rod 8202 in the Proximal Direction (PD) is configured to articulate the end effector 8100 counterclockwise, for example.

The end effector 8100 may be articulated between a first fully articulated configuration and a second fully articulated configuration. For example, a first full articulation configuration may correspond to the full range of clockwise rotation, for example, and a second full articulation configuration may correspond to the full range of counterclockwise rotation. The unarticulated or linear configuration of the end effector 8100 can be positioned intermediate the first fully articulated configuration and the second fully articulated position. In various instances, the unarticulated configuration can be equidistant between the first and second fully articulated configurations. In other cases, a greater degree of articulation may be permitted in one rotational direction based on the geometry of the end effector 8100 and shaft 8010. The end effector 8100 may articulate through a range of motion that includes at least 120 degrees, for example. In other instances, the end effector 8100 can be configured to articulate through an angle of less than 120 degrees. For example, the end effector 8100 can be configured to articulate about 90 degrees.

The articulation link 8206 is an crosslink similar in some respects to, for example, crosslink link 1237 (fig. 10). The articulation link 8206 is angularly oriented relative to the central longitudinal axis L. More specifically, the articulation link 8206 traverses the central longitudinal axis L such that a proximal end 8208 of the articulation link 8206 is located on a first side of the central longitudinal axis L and a distal end 8210 of the articulation link 8206 is located on a second, opposite side of the central longitudinal axis L. In various circumstances, the angular orientation of the articulation link 8206 may be configured to improve the mechanical advantage of the articulation drive system 8201. As the articulation link 8202 moves axially relative to the central longitudinal axis L, the articulation link 8206 is also displaced relative to the central longitudinal axis L. For example, referring to fig. 75-77, as the articulation joint 8200 moves from the unarticulated configuration (fig. 75) to the first articulated configuration (fig. 76) and the second articulated configuration (fig. 77), the articulation rod 8202 and the articulation link 8206 are distally displaced. As further described herein, the first articulation configuration corresponds to a partial articulation configuration and the second articulation configuration corresponds to a full articulation configuration of the surgical tool assembly 8000.

In some cases, the articulation drive system 8201 may not include the articulation link 8206. For example, the articulation rod 8202 may be pivotably coupled to the end effector 8100. In certain instances, the distal end portion of the articulation rod 8202 may define a profile and/or offset such that the distal end of the articulation rod 8202 is laterally offset from the proximal end and/or from the central longitudinal axis L.

Still referring to fig. 74-77, the distal end 8210 of the articulation link 8206 is pivotally coupled to the end effector portion 8100 of the surgical tool assembly 8000 at pivot joint 8211. For example, distal end 8210 is coupled to a proximal portion or extension 8103 of the end effector elongate channel or retainer portion 8102 at pivot axis a-a (fig. 75-77) by pivot joint 8211. Due to the orientation of the articulation link 8206, the pivot axis A-A is laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis L and the articulation axis B-B. The distal end 8210 of the articulation link 8206 is coupled to the proximal extension 8103 such that the pivot axis a-a extends through the proximal extension 8103.

As the articulation rod 8202 and articulation link 8206 move, e.g., are pushed in the Distal Direction (DD), the elongate channel 8102 pivots in a clockwise direction at pivot axis a-a. In various circumstances, the end effector 8100 may encounter resistance to its articulation, and the articulation link 8206 may be subjected to a compressive load as the articulation drive system 8201 attempts to overcome the resistance. In some cases, articulation rod 8202 and/or articulation link 8206 may be susceptible to bending, buckling, and/or bracing from a desired articulation position when exposed to loads above a threshold load. In other words, under increased compressive loads, articulation link 8206 may tend to bend laterally. To resist or resist compression of the articulation rod 8202 and/or articulation link 8206 under high compressive loads bending and/or joint dislocation, the articulation system 8201 may include reinforcement or anti-support features.

A reinforcement feature 8220 is shown in fig. 74-77. The reinforcement feature 8220 includes a cage 8106 on the end effector 8100 that is operably configured to engage a recess or notch 8226 in the articulation link 8206 under certain circumstances. During most of the articulation, the cage 8106 disengages from the recess 8226 (see fig. 74-76); however, in the fully articulated configuration of fig. 77, the cage 8106 is received within the recess or pocket 8226 and portions of the cage 8106 are in abutting contact with the side walls of the recess 8226. The support shelf 8106 includes a post protruding from a proximal end of the elongate channel 8102, and the recess 8226 defines a pocket aligned with the support shelf 8106 such that when the end effector 8100 is articulated to its fully articulated configuration, the support shelf 8226 moves into the pocket (fig. 77). In such cases, the support shelf 8106 provides a stop surface that prevents the end effector 8100 from further clockwise articulation beyond the fully articulated configuration.

Further, in the fully articulated configuration of fig. 77, the support shelf 8106 is configured to apply a counter bending force and a counter support force to the articulation link 8206. More specifically, when a force is applied to the end effector 8100 (such as an externally applied force opposing articulation of the articulation drive system 8201), more of the engagement between the recesses 8226 and the cage 8106 is configured to resist dislocation and/or bending of the articulation link 8206. For example, recess 8226 can apply a resistive, anti-holding force to buttress mount 8016 in response to an articulation dislocation force applied to fully articulated end effector 8100.

In various instances, the reinforcement feature 8220 can include at least one pair of opposing planar surfaces or "flats" to transfer forces between the cage 8106 and the recess 8226. For example, the recess 8226 can define an inner surface having at least one flat or planar surface, and the support cage 8106 can define an outer surface having at least one flat or planar surface. The one or more planar surfaces can be complementary such that they are positioned in abutting contact when the end effector 8100 is in a fully articulated configuration. For example, recess 8226 may fit around a portion of cage 8106 as a wrench fits over a bolt head. The abutting flat surfaces are configured to provide a force transfer surface for the reinforcement feature 8220, as well as a counter rotation of the cage 8106 within the recess 8226. The cage 8106 and the recess 8226 have asymmetric profiles. However, in other cases, the support shelf 8106 and the recess 8226 can have symmetrical outer profiles.

Referring primarily to fig. 77A, a detailed view of the reinforcement feature 8220 of fig. 77 is depicted. The recess 8226 includes an inner surface 8228 having a plurality of

planar surfaces

8230a, 8230b, 8230 c. In addition, the cage 8106 includes an outer surface 8108 having a plurality of complementary

planar surfaces

8110a, 8110b, 8210 b. One or more planar surfaces 8230a, 8230b of recess 8226 may abut one or more corresponding planar surfaces 8210a, 8210b of support bracket 8226 to retain support bracket 8106 in recess 8226. Further, when the cage 8106 is received within the recess 8226, the planar surface may be oriented to resist dislocation and/or to exert a counter bending force on the articulation link 8206. In various instances, the inner surface 8228 of the recess 8226 and the outer surface 8108 of the cage 8106 may also include a contoured and/or rounded surface adjacent to and/or intermediate the planar surfaces.

In various instances, the articulation system 8201 may include a plurality of reinforcement features 8220. For example, the articulation system 8201 may include a recess similar to recess 8226 toward the proximal end 8208 of the articulation link 8206. For example, such a recess can be configured to engage a ground-engaging feature on the end effector 8100 and/or provide a positive stop surface when the end effector 8100 is fully articulated in the counterclockwise direction.

Examples

Example 1-an end effector comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples having legs. The end effector further includes an anvil having a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface. The plurality of dimples includes a dimple having a cup configured to form a leg. The cup includes a boundary surface. The boundary surface includes a perimeter, a depth profile defining a depth of the cup along a length of the cup, a first curved sidewall extending from the perimeter toward the depth profile, and a second curved sidewall extending from the perimeter toward the depth profile. The first curved sidewall and the second curved sidewall intersect the periphery at a constant angle along a majority of the length of the cup.

Example 2-the end effector of example 1, wherein the boundary surface is free of a planar surface.

Example 3-the end effector of examples 1 or 2, wherein the constant angle is between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

Example 4-the end effector of examples 1, 2, or 3, wherein the boundary surface further comprises a bottom surface intermediate the first curved sidewall and the second curved sidewall. The first curved sidewall includes a first radius of curvature at a first cross-sectional location. The bottom surface includes a second radius of curvature at the first cross-sectional location. The second radius of curvature is different from the first radius of curvature.

Example 5-the end effector of example 4, wherein the bottom surface includes a variable radius of curvature along its length.

EXAMPLE 6-an end effector comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples having legs. The end effector further includes an anvil having a planar surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the planar surface. The plurality of dimples includes a dimple having a cup configured to form a leg. The cup includes a boundary surface. The boundary surface includes a perimeter, a depth profile defining a depth of the cup along a length of the cup, and a plurality of curvatures through the perimeter and the depth profile. Each curvature includes first arcs intersecting the perimeter and having a first radius of curvature, wherein tangents to each first arc at the perimeter are oriented at an angle.

Example 7-the end effector of example 6, wherein each curvature comprises a second arc having a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature is different from the first radius of curvature.

Example 8-the end effector of examples 6 or 7, wherein the angle is between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

Example 9-the end effector of examples 6, 7, or 8, wherein the boundary surface comprises a first sidewall extending from the perimeter toward the depth profile, a second sidewall extending from the perimeter toward the depth profile, and a curved surface extending intermediate the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The curved surface has no flat surface.

Example 10-the end effector of examples 6, 7,8, or 9, wherein a depth of the cup varies along its length.

EXAMPLE 11-an end effector comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples having legs. The end effector further includes an anvil having a planar surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the planar surface. The plurality of pockets includes pockets having cups configured to form staple legs. The cup includes a boundary surface. The boundary surface includes a perimeter, a depth profile defining a depth of the cup along a length of the cup, and a plurality of longitudinally offset profile curvatures intersecting the perimeter and the depth profile. The contour curvature intersects the perimeter at a first angle.

Example 12-the end effector of example 11, wherein the end effector is movable between an open position and a clamped position. The legs are aligned with the cup when the end effector is in the clamped position.

Example 13-the end effector of examples 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of profile curvatures comprises a first curvature and a second curvature. The periphery of the cup extends around the staple entry zone, the staple exit zone, and a transition zone intermediate the staple entry zone and the staple exit zone. The first curvature and the second curvature intersect the perimeter in the transition region.

Example 14-the end effector of example 13, wherein the plurality of profile curvatures further includes a third curvature that intersects the perimeter at a second angle in the staple entrance zone. The second angle is different from the first angle.

Example 15-the end effector of example 13, wherein the plurality of profile curvatures further includes a third curvature that intersects the perimeter at a second angle in the staple exit region. The second angle is different from the first angle.

Example 16-the end effector of example 13, wherein the boundary surface further comprises a first sidewall extending from the first side of the cup, a second sidewall extending from the second side of the cup, and a bottom surface. The first sidewall and the second sidewall meet at a bottom surface. The first sidewall meets the planar surface at a first angle along the length of the transition region.

Example 17-the end effector of example 16, wherein the second sidewall meets the planar surface at a first angle along a length of the transition zone.

Example 18-the end effector of examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17, wherein the first angle is between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

Example 19-the end effector of examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the profile curvature has no linear portion.

Example 20-the end effector of examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein each contour curvature comprises a parabolic curvature.

Example 21-an end effector comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples having first legs. The end effector further includes an anvil having a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface. The plurality of dimples includes a dimple having a first cup configured to form a first leg. The first cup includes a first side, a second side, and a bottom intermediate the first side and the second side. The base defines a depth relative to the tissue compression surface, wherein the depth varies longitudinally along the length of the base. The first cup further includes a first sidewall extending from the first side to the bottom and a second sidewall extending from the second side to the bottom, wherein the first sidewall defines a first fully curved surface. The second sidewall defines a second fully curved surface.

Example 22-the end effector of example 21, wherein the first cup has no planar surface.

Example 23-the end effector of examples 21 or 22, wherein the pocket further comprises a first beveled edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the first side, and a second beveled edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the second side.

Example 24-the end effector of examples 21, 22, or 23, wherein the well further comprises a second cup. The staple also includes a second leg configured to form a second leg of the staple. The dimples are bilaterally symmetric about a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second cups, wherein the dimples are bilaterally symmetric about a lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and equally spaced from the first and second cups.

Example 25-the end effector of examples 21, 22, 23, or 24, wherein the first cup further comprises a plurality of boundary curves extending from the first side to the second side. Each boundary curve includes a bend located along the base. The boundary curve intersects the tissue compression surface at a constant angle along the first side and the second side.

Example 26-the end effector of example 25, wherein the boundary curve defines a parabolic curve.

Example 27-an end effector comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples having first legs. The end effector further includes an anvil having a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface. The plurality of dimples includes a dimple having a first cup configured to form a first leg. The first cup includes a first side, a second side, and a bottom intermediate the first side and the second side. The base defines a depth relative to the tissue compression surface, wherein the depth varies longitudinally along the length of the base. The first cup further includes a plurality of parabolic boundary curves extending intermediate the first side and the second side.

Example 28-the end effector of example 27, wherein the first cup further comprises an entrance region, an exit region, a transition region intermediate the entrance region and the exit region, and a sidewall extending from the first side toward the bottom. A tangent to the sidewall at the first side is oriented at a constant angle in the entrance zone, the exit zone, and the transition zone.

Example 29-the end effector of examples 27 or 28, wherein the first cup defines a fully curved boundary surface.

Example 30-the end effector of examples 27, 28, or 29, wherein the first cup comprises a first sidewall extending from the first side toward the base and a second sidewall extending from the second side toward the base, wherein each parabolic boundary curve comprises an apex positioned along the base.

Example 31-the end effector of example 30, wherein the first sidewall defines a first fully curved boundary surface. The second sidewall defines a second fully curved boundary surface.

Example 32-the end effector of examples 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31, wherein the pockets further comprise a first beveled edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the first side, and a second beveled edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the second side.

Example 33-the end effector of examples 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32, wherein the staple further comprises a second leg. The pocket also includes a second cup configured to form a second leg. The dimples are bilaterally symmetric about a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second cups, wherein the dimples are bilaterally symmetric about a lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and equally spaced from the first and second cups.

Example 34-an end effector comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples having first legs. The end effector further includes an anvil having a planar surface, wherein a plurality of pockets are defined in the planar surface. The plurality of dimples includes a dimple having a first cup configured to form a first leg. The first cup defines a fully curved boundary surface including a bottom, wherein the bottom defines a depth relative to the planar surface. The depth varies longitudinally along the length of the base.

Example 35-the end effector of example 34, wherein the staple further comprises a second leg. The pocket also includes a second cup configured to form a second leg. The dimples are bilaterally symmetric about a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second cups, and wherein the dimples are bilaterally symmetric about a lateral axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and equally spaced from the first and second cups.

Example 36-the end effector of examples 34 or 35, wherein the first staple further comprises a second leg. The pocket also includes a second cup configured to form a second leg. The second cup defines a second fully curved boundary surface including a second bottom. The second base defines a second depth relative to the planar surface. The second depth varies longitudinally along the length of the second base.

Example 37-the end effector of examples 34, 35, or 36, wherein the first cup further comprises a first side, a second side, and a plurality of parabolic boundary curves extending intermediate the first side and the second side.

Example 38-the end effector of examples 34, 35, 36, or 37, wherein the first cup further comprises a first side extending along the entrance region, the exit region, and a transition region intermediate the entrance region and the exit region. The first cup also includes a sidewall extending from the first side toward the bottom, wherein a tangent to the sidewall at the first side is oriented at a constant angle in the entrance zone, the exit zone, and the transition zone.

Example 39-the end effector of example 38, wherein a tangent to the sidewall at the first side is oriented at an angle between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

Example 40-the end effector of examples 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, or 39, wherein the pocket further comprises a first beveled edge extending along a first side of the pocket and a second beveled edge extending along a second side of the pocket.

Example 41-a surgical end effector comprising an anvil movable between an open position and a closed position. The anvil includes a planar surface with a plurality of forming pockets defined therein. The plurality of shaped pockets includes a first shaped pocket having a first depth and a second shaped pocket having a second depth, wherein the first depth is different from the second depth. The surgical end effector also includes a staple cartridge having a deck. The land includes a first portion aligned with the first dimple, a second portion aligned with the second dimple, and a step intermediate the first and second portions. The staple cartridge also includes a plurality of drivers. The plurality of drivers includes a first driver aligned with the first pocket and movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position and a second driver aligned with the second pocket and movable a second distance between the unfired position and the fired position. The second distance is different from the first distance. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples. The plurality of staples includes a first staple supported by a first driver, wherein the first staple is formed to a first formed height intermediate the first driver and the first pocket. The plurality of staples includes a second staple supported by a second driver, wherein the second staple is formed to a second formed height intermediate the second driver and the second pocket. The first forming height is equal to the second forming height.

Example 42-the surgical end effector of example 41, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth.

Example 43-the surgical end effector of examples 41 or 42, wherein the first staples have a first unformed height, wherein the second staples have a second unformed height, and wherein the second unformed height is equal to the first unformed height.

Example 44-the surgical end effector of examples 41 or 42, wherein the first staples have a first unformed height, wherein the second staples have a second unformed height, and wherein the second unformed height is different from the first unformed height.

EXAMPLE 45-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 46-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein a first tissue gap is defined between the first portion and the planar surface, wherein a second tissue gap is defined between the second portion and the planar surface, and wherein the first tissue gap is smaller than the second tissue gap.

Example 47-the surgical end effector of examples 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, or 46, wherein the first portion is laterally outward of the second portion.

Example 48-a staple forming apparatus comprising a plurality of first staples, wherein each first staple is supported by a first drive surface. The staple forming apparatus also includes a plurality of second staples, wherein each second staple is supported by the second drive surface. The staple forming apparatus further comprises a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface. The plurality of forming pockets includes a longitudinal row of first forming pockets each having a first depth, wherein each first forming pocket is configured to form one of the first staples to a first forming height within a first range of forming heights. The plurality of forming pockets further includes a longitudinal row of second forming pockets each having a second depth. The second depth is different from the first depth, wherein each second forming pocket is configured to form one of the second staples to a second formed height within a second range of formed heights. The second forming height range is equal to the first forming height range.

Example 49-the staple forming apparatus of example 48, wherein the first depth is twice the second depth.

Example 50-the staple forming apparatus of examples 48 or 49, wherein the longitudinal row of first forming pockets is laterally outward of the longitudinal row of second forming pockets.

Example 51-the staple forming apparatus of examples 48, 49, or 50, further comprising a staple cartridge having a deck, wherein each first drive surface is configured to drive one of the first staples relative to the deck a first overdrive distance. The first overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth, wherein each of the second drive surfaces is configured to drive one of the second staples a second overdrive distance relative to the deck. The second overdrive distance corresponds to the second depth.

Example 52-the staple forming apparatus of example 51, wherein the platform further comprises a stepped surface.

Example 53-the staple forming apparatus of examples 48, 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein each first drive surface is movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position. Each second drive surface is movable a second distance between an unfired position and a fired position. The second distance is different from the first distance.

Example 54-the staple forming apparatus of example 53, wherein the difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to the difference between the first depth and the second depth.

Example 55-a surgical end effector comprising an anvil having a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface. The plurality of shaped pockets includes a first shaped pocket having a first depth and a second shaped pocket having a second depth, wherein the first depth is different from the second depth. The surgical end effector further comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of drivers including a first driver and a second driver. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples. The plurality of staples includes a first staple having a first unformed height and supported by a first driver, wherein the first staple is driven a first distance by the first driver into contact with the first pocket and is formed to a first formed height. The plurality of staples further comprises a second staple having a second unformed height and supported by a second driver, wherein the second staple is driven a second distance by the second driver into contact with the second pocket and is formed to a second formed height. The second distance is different from the first distance. The second forming height is substantially the same as the first forming height. The difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to the difference between the first depth and the second depth.

Example 56-the surgical end effector of example 55, wherein the tissue compression surface comprises a flat surface. The planar surface includes a first portion, wherein a first forming pocket is defined in the first portion. The planar surface further includes a second portion laterally outward of the first portion, wherein a second forming pocket is defined in the second portion.

Example 57-the surgical end effector of example 56, wherein the surgical end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein a constant tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the first and second portions of the planar surface when the surgical end effector is in the closed configuration.

Example 58-the surgical end effector of examples 56 or 57, wherein the surgical end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein a first tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the first portion, wherein a second tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the second portion, and wherein the first tissue gap is different from the tissue gap.

Example 59-the surgical end effector of examples 55, 56, 57, or 58, further comprising a sled configured to displace the first driver by the first lift length and the second driver by the second lift length during a staple firing stroke. The first lift length is different from the second lift length.

Example 60-the surgical end effector of examples 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59, wherein the staple cartridge further comprises a deck. The first driver is configured to drive the first staple a first overdrive distance relative to the deck, wherein the first overdrive distance corresponds to a first depth. The second driver is configured to drive a second staple relative to the deck a second overdrive distance, wherein the second overdrive distance corresponds to a second depth.

Example 61-the surgical end effector of examples 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60, wherein the staples have a staple diameter, wherein the first depth is equal to the staple diameter, and wherein the second depth is equal to twice the staple diameter.

Example 62-a surgical tool assembly comprising an end effector comprising an elongate channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The elongate channel includes a support frame. The surgical tool assembly also includes a shaft having an articulation drive assembly. The articulation drive assembly includes an articulation link pivotably coupled to the elongate channel. The articulation link includes a pocket configured to receive the support frame when the end effector is in the fully articulated configuration.

Example 63-the surgical tool assembly of example 62, wherein the support frame comprises an outer surface comprising a first plurality of planar surfaces. The pockets include an inner surface having a plurality of second planar surfaces. The second planar surface is complementary to the first planar surface.

Example 64-the surgical tool assembly of examples 62 or 63, wherein the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. The articulation link is pivotably coupled to the elongate channel at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis.

Example 65-the surgical tool assembly of examples 62, 63, or 64, wherein the articulation drive assembly further comprises an articulation rod coupled to the articulation link. Distal displacement of the articulation rod is configured to pivot the end effector toward a fully articulated configuration.

Example 66-the surgical tool assembly of example 65, wherein the articulation drive assembly further comprises an articulation lock configured to selectively prevent axial displacement of the articulation rod.

Example 67-the surgical tool assembly of examples 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66, further comprising a fastener cartridge.

Example 68-a surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector comprising a proximal portion, wherein the proximal portion comprises a support scaffold. The surgical tool assembly also includes an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft between a first articulation configuration and a second articulation configuration. The articulation assembly includes an articulation driver having a recess. The recess is configured to receive the support stand when the end effector is in the first articulation configuration.

Example 69-the surgical tool assembly of example 68, wherein the end effector comprises an elongate channel configured to receive a staple cartridge. The elongate channel includes a support frame.

Example 70-the surgical tool assembly of example 69, further comprising a staple cartridge.

Example 71-the surgical tool assembly of examples 69 or 70, wherein the support frame comprises a post protruding from the elongate channel.

Example 72-the surgical tool assembly of example 71, wherein the post comprises an outer surface comprising a plurality of planar surfaces.

Example 73-the surgical tool assembly of example 72, wherein the recess comprises an inner surface comprising a second plurality of planar surfaces. The second plurality of planar surfaces are complementary to the planar surfaces of the posts.

Example 74-the surgical tool assembly of examples 69, 70, 71, 72, or 73, wherein the articulation driver comprises an articulation link. The articulation link includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the articulation rod. The distal end is pivotably coupled to the elongate channel.

Example 75-the surgical tool assembly of example 74, wherein the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the articulation link is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis.

Example 76-the surgical tool assembly of examples 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75, further comprising a second buttress mount. The articulation driver includes a second recess configured to receive a second support bracket when the end effector is in a second articulation configuration.

Example 77-the surgical tool assembly of examples 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, or 76, wherein the second articulation configuration is offset from the first articulation configuration by at least 120 degrees.

Example 78-a surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes an elongate channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The surgical tool assembly also includes an articulation assembly intermediate the shaft and the end effector. The articulation assembly is configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. The articulation assembly includes an articulation link pivotably coupled to the elongate channel. The surgical tool assembly also includes means for resisting buckling of the articulation link when the articulation link is compressed.

Example 79-the surgical tool assembly of example 78, further comprising a fastener cartridge.

Example 80-a surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes an elongate channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The surgical tool assembly also includes an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. The articulation assembly includes an articulation driver pivotably coupled to the end effector. The surgical tool assembly further includes means for supporting the articulation driver when the end effector is in the fully articulated configuration.

Example 81-the surgical tool assembly of example 80, further comprising a fastener cartridge.

Example 82-a surgical tool assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical tool assembly also includes an articulation joint rotatably connecting the proximal end of the end effector to the shaft. The surgical tool assembly also includes an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft between a first articulation configuration and a second articulation configuration. The articulation assembly includes a longitudinal articulation driver that is movable proximally and distally. The articulation assembly also includes a link connecting the longitudinal articulation driver to the end effector. The articulation assembly also includes features that do not interfere with the proximal and distal movement of the articulation driver to articulate the end effector but resist reverse rotation of the end effector to prevent reverse drive of the articulation driver.

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 serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent 9,072,535), entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH robotic SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS," 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 certain embodiments may 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 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVINGSEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" published on 21.2.2006;

-U.S. patent 7,422,139 entitled "MOTOR-driving warming and warming insulation WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK fed", published 9.9.2008;

-U.S. patent 7,464,849 entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS" published on 16.12.2008;

-U.S. patent 7,670,334 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVATING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR" published on 3, 2.2010;

-U.S. patent 7,753,245 entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS" published on 13.7.2010;

-us patent 8,393,514 entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLEFASTENER CARTRIDGE" published on 12.3.3.2013;

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 serial No. 12/031,573 entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENTS HAVARING RF ELECTRORDES" filed on 14.2.2008;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/031,873 entitled "END efffectors FOR a SURGICAL CUTTING and applying in insurment" filed on 15.2.2008 (now U.S. patent 7,980,443);

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/235,782 entitled "MOTOR-driver basic CUTTING insert", now U.S. patent 8,210,411;

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 12/647,100 entitled "MOTOR-drive minor cutlingument WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR direct CONTROL assignment" 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 8,733,613;

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

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

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/524,049 entitled "articulatale surgicial instrumentco publication A FIRING DRIVE" filed on 6, 15/2012; now us patent 9,101,358;

-U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,025 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE thicknownstess sensorstem" filed on 3, 13, 2013, now U.S. patent 9,345,481;

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

-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 ANARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR" filed on 22.4.2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 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, then, the instruments may be sterilized.

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:

an anvil movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the anvil comprises a planar surface, wherein a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the planar surface, and wherein the plurality of forming pockets comprise:

a first shaped pocket having a first depth; and

a second formed pocket having a second depth, wherein the second depth is different from the first depth; and

a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge comprising:

a platform, the platform comprising:

a first portion aligned with the first pocket;

a second portion aligned with the second pocket; and

a step intermediate the first portion and the second portion;

a plurality of drivers, the plurality of drivers comprising:

a first driver aligned with the first pocket and movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position; and

a second drive aligned with the second pocket and movable a second distance between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance; and

a plurality of staples, the plurality of staples comprising:

a first staple supported by the first driver, wherein the first staple is formed to a first formed height intermediate the first driver and the first pocket; and

a second staple supported by the second driver, wherein the second staple is formed to a second formed height intermediate the second driver and the second pocket, and wherein the first formed height is equal to the second formed height.

2. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth.

3. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said first staple has a first unformed height, wherein said second staple has a second unformed height, and wherein said second unformed height is equal to said first unformed height.

4. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said first staple has a first unformed height, wherein said second staple has a second unformed height, and wherein said second unformed height is different than said first unformed height.

5. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein said staple cartridge is replaceable.

6. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein a first tissue gap is defined between the first portion and the planar surface, wherein a second tissue gap is defined between the second portion and the planar surface, and wherein the first tissue gap is smaller than the second tissue gap.

7. The surgical end effector of claim 6, wherein the first portion is laterally outboard of the second portion.

8. A staple forming apparatus comprising:

a plurality of first staples, wherein each said first staple is supported by a first drive surface;

a plurality of second staples, wherein each said second staple is supported by a second drive surface; and

a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of shaping pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface, and wherein the plurality of shaping pockets comprise:

a longitudinal row of first forming pockets each having a first depth, wherein each of the first forming pockets is configured to form the first staple to a first forming height within a first range of forming heights; and

a longitudinal row of second forming pockets each having a second depth, wherein the second depth is different than the first depth, wherein each of the second forming pockets is configured to form the second staples to a forming height within a second forming height range, and wherein the second forming height range is equal to the first forming height range.

9. The staple forming apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first depth is twice the second depth.

10. The staple forming apparatus of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal row of first forming pockets is laterally outward of the longitudinal row of second forming pockets.

11. The staple forming apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a staple cartridge having a deck, wherein each said first drive surface is configured to drive said first staple a first overdrive distance relative to said deck, wherein said first overdrive distance corresponds to said first depth, wherein each said second drive surface is configured to drive said second staple a second overdrive distance relative to said deck, and wherein said second overdrive distance corresponds to said second depth.

12. The staple forming apparatus of claim 11, wherein the deck further comprises a stepped surface.

13. The staple forming apparatus of claim 8, wherein each said first drive surface is movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position, wherein each said second drive surface is movable a second distance between an unfired position and a fired position, and wherein said second distance is different than said first distance.

14. The staple forming apparatus of claim 13, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth.

15. A surgical end effector, comprising:

an anvil comprising a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the tissue compression surface, and wherein the plurality of forming pockets comprise:

a first shaped pocket having a first depth; and

a staple cartridge, the staple cartridge comprising:

a plurality of drivers including a first driver and a second driver; and

a plurality of staples, the plurality of staples comprising:

a first staple having a first unformed height and supported by the first driver, wherein the first staple is driven a first distance by the first driver into contact with the first pocket and is formed to a first formed height; and

a second staple having a second unformed height and supported by the second driver, wherein the second staple is driven a second distance by the second driver into contact with the second pocket and is formed to a second formed height, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance, wherein the second formed height is substantially the same as the first formed height, and wherein the difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to the difference between the first depth and the second depth.

16. The surgical end effector of claim 15, wherein the tissue compression surface comprises a planar surface comprising:

a first portion, wherein the first forming pocket is defined in the first portion; and

a second portion laterally outward of the first portion, wherein the second forming pocket is defined in the second portion.

17. The surgical end effector of claim 16 wherein said surgical end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and wherein a constant tissue gap is defined between said staple cartridge and said first and second portions of said planar surface when said surgical end effector is in said closed configuration.

18. The surgical end effector of claim 16, wherein said surgical end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein a first tissue gap is defined between said staple cartridge and said first portion, wherein a second tissue gap is defined between said staple cartridge and said second portion, and wherein said first tissue gap is different than said tissue gap.

19. The surgical end effector of claim 15, further comprising a sled configured to displace said first driver a first lift length and said second driver a second lift length during a staple firing stroke, wherein said first lift length is different than said second lift length.

20. The surgical end effector of claim 15, wherein the staple cartridge further comprises a deck, wherein the first driver is configured to drive the first staple a first overdrive distance relative to the deck, wherein the first overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth, wherein the second driver is configured to drive the second staple a second overdrive distance relative to the deck, and wherein the second overdrive distance corresponds to the second depth.

21. The surgical end effector of claim 15, wherein the staples have a staple diameter, wherein the first depth is equal to the staple diameter, and wherein the second depth is equal to twice the staple diameter.