CN110831515A

CN110831515A - Surgical instrument including shaft with closure tube feature

Info

Publication number: CN110831515A
Application number: CN201880044185.2A
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: 2017-06-28
Filing date: 2018-06-12
Publication date: 2020-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-12
Also published as: BR112019027716A2; CN110831515B; JP7263268B2; JP2020525210A

Abstract

A surgical instrument system including an elongate shaft is disclosed. The elongate shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, a proximal region, a central region, and a distal region. The proximal region has a first diameter. The central region has a third diameter. The distal region has a third diameter. The first diameter is different from the second diameter, and the second diameter is different from the third diameter. The proximal region defines a central longitudinal axis, and the central region is centered along the central longitudinal axis. The distal region is laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis.

Description

Surgical instrument including shaft with closure tube feature

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 an exploded assembly view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1 and portions of the handle assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the interchangeable surgical tool assemblies depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 6 is another exploded assembly view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-7;

FIG. 9 is another exploded assembly view of a portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-9;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-10;

FIG. 12 is a cut-away perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-11;

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-12;

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional perspective view of a proximal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-13;

FIG. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of the distal portion of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly of FIGS. 3-14;

FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of an end effector of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16 showing the end effector articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 16B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16 showing the end effector articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view of an end effector of a surgical instrument according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 showing the end effector articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 17B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 showing the end effector articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 18 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 16 in an articulated position;

FIG. 21 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 in an articulated position;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating the range of articulation of the end effector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating the range of articulation of the end effector of FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is a partial perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 17 with some components removed;

FIG. 25 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 with some components removed;

FIG. 26 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an open, unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 26A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an open, fully rightward articulated configuration;

FIG. 26B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an open, fully leftward articulated configuration;

FIG. 27 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a closed, unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 27A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a closed, fully rightward articulated configuration;

FIG. 27B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a closed, fully leftward articulated configuration;

FIG. 28 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 29 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 30 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 30A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a fully rightward articulated configuration;

FIG. 30B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a fully leftward articulated configuration;

FIG. 31 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 31A is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a fully rightward articulated configuration;

FIG. 31B is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 17 shown in a fully leftward articulated configuration;

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective view of an end effector according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 32 shown in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 34A is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 32 shown in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 32 shown in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 35 is a partial perspective view of an end effector according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a partial perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 35 shown with some components removed;

FIG. 37 is a partial plan view of the end effector of FIG. 35 shown with some components removed;

FIG. 38 is a partial front view of the end effector of FIG. 35 shown with some components removed;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35 shown in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 39A is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35 shown in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 39B is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 35 shown in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including an articulation system including an articulation lock in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a partially exploded view of the end effector of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional end view of the end effector of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 40 showing the articulation lock in an engaged state;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 40 showing the articulation lock in an unlocked state;

FIG. 45 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 40 showing the articulation lock in a locked state;

FIG. 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including a slidable locking plate according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a partial cross-sectional view of another end effector including a slidable locking plate in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 47 illustrating the self-adjustability of the locking plate;

FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 47 in a locked state;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including another slidable locking plate according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 50 shown in a locked state;

FIG. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 50 shown in another locked state;

FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including an articulation system and an articulation lock, shown with some components removed, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 53A is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53 articulated in a first direction;

FIG. 53B is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53 articulated in a second direction;

FIG. 54 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53 in an unlocked state;

FIG. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53 in a partially locked state;

FIG. 56 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 53 in a locked state;

FIG. 57 is a chart showing progressive locking of the end effector of FIG. 53;

FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including an articulation system and an articulation lock, shown with some components removed, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 58 shown in a partially locked condition;

FIG. 60 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 58 in a locked state;

FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including an articulation system and an articulation lock, shown with some components removed, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61 showing the articulation lock moved toward the articulation system;

FIG. 63 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61 showing an articulation lock engaged with the articulation system;

FIG. 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61 showing the articulation lock in a locked state;

FIG. 65 is another partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 61 showing an articulation lock engaged with the articulation system;

FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including an articulation system and an articulation lock, shown with some components removed, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 66 showing an articulation lock engaged with the articulation system;

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 66 showing the articulation lock in a locked state;

FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of an end effector including an articulation system and an articulation lock, shown with some components removed, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 69 showing the articulation lock moved toward the articulation system;

FIG. 71 is a partial cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 69 showing the articulation lock in a locked state;

FIG. 72 is a partial perspective view of an end effector articulation drive system according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 73 is a plan view of the end effector articulation drive system of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is an elevation view of the end effector articulation drive system of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a partial perspective view of an end effector articulation drive system according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 76 is a plan view of the end effector articulation drive system of FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a front view of the end effector articulation drive system of FIG. 75;

FIG. 78 is a detailed view of the end effector articulation drive system of FIG. 75;

FIG. 79 is another detail view of the end effector articulation drive system of FIG. 75;

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including a shaft and an end effector, according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 80 showing the end effector articulated relative to the shaft;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the end effector of FIG. 80 in an open configuration;

FIG. 83 is a partial front view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the firing member of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a partial cross-sectional view of a distal end of a staple cartridge having a shortened nose according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 86 is a partial cross-sectional view of a distal end of a staple cartridge having a shortened nose according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 87 is a top view of various internal components of the staple cartridge of FIG. 85 showing three staple drivers spanning three longitudinal rows of staple cavities positioned on top of a portion of the wedge sled;

FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional view of the three staple drivers of FIG. 87 showing the centerlines of the three staple drivers relative to the sled;

FIG. 89 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 85 showing one side of the staple cartridge deck in cross-section and showing the position of the sled of FIG. 88 within a depression defined in the shortening nose of the cartridge after completion of the firing stroke;

FIG. 90 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 85 taken along line 90-90 in FIG. 89, illustrating the position of the sled after completion of the firing stroke;

FIG. 91 is a graph comparing accessibility of an end effector including the staple cartridge of FIGS. 85 and 86 during pelvic surgery;

FIG. 92 is a partial perspective view of an end effector including the staple cartridge of FIG. 85 and a shortened opposing anvil having guard tips in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 93 is a partial front view of the end effector of FIG. 92;

FIG. 94 is a partial plan view of an embodiment of the anvil with guard tips depicted in FIG. 92 in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 95 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG. 94, taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94 and shown in a partially unassembled configuration, illustrating an exemplary attachment arrangement for removably attaching a protective tip to the anvil;

FIG. 96 is a partial cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG. 95 taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 95 and shown in a partially unassembled configuration, illustrating the geometry of attachment features on the anvil for connection to corresponding geometry on a guard tip;

FIG. 97 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the anvil depicted in FIG. 92 in a partially unassembled configuration showing a protective tip positioned within the temporary retainer;

FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG. 97 in a partially unassembled configuration taken along line 98-98 in FIG. 97 showing the geometry of the tip attachment features on the anvil;

FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil depicted in FIG. 97 in an assembled configuration, taken along line 99-99 in FIG. 97, with the temporary retainer still attached;

FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system prior to insertion of an end effector therein;

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system of FIG. 100 showing the end effector depicted in FIG. 100 inserted into the trocar sealing system;

FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system of FIG. 100 showing the end effector depicted in FIG. 100 inserted into the trocar sealing system;

FIG. 103 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system of FIG. 100 showing an end effector including the shortened staple cartridge of FIG. 85 and a shortened anvil having a protective tip inserted into the trocar sealing system;

FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system of FIG. 100 prior to insertion of an end effector comprising the elongate cartridge of FIG. 86 and a shortened anvil having a sharp tip therein;

FIG. 105 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system of FIG. 100 showing the end effector depicted in FIG. 104 inserted into the trocar sealing system; and

FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar sealing system of FIG. 100 showing the end effector depicted in FIG. 104 inserted into the trocar sealing system.

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

Detailed Description

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

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT"; attorney docket number END8207 USNP/170098;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; attorney docket number END8210 USNP/170099;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO"; attorney docket number END8204 USNP/170100;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS"; attorney docket number END8218 USNP/170101;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM TO A FRAME"; attorney docket number END8217 USNP/070102;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLIMENTING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM"; attorney docket number END8211 USNP/170103;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "minor incorporation a shift incorporation a usage garrangement"; attorney docket number END8215 USNP/170107;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTIVATED COUPLERS"; attorney docket number END8201 USNP/170104;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPLEMENTING SHORTED STAPLECARTRIDGE NOSES"; attorney docket number END8206 USNP/170105;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "METHOD FOR organizing a SURGICAL INSTRUMENT"; attorney docket number END8200 USNP/170089M;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH THAXIALLY SHORTED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS"; attorney docket number END8214 USNP/170090;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSURE JAWS AND AXIALLYMOVABLE FILING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSURE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWSPRIOR TO FILING"; attorney docket number END8202 USNP/170091;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRATIONATED TO PIVOT ABOUT ANAXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSURE PROXIMITY TOTHEE PIVOT AXIS"; attorney docket number END8213 USNP/170092;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTUREARRANGEMENTS"; attorney docket number END8203 USNP/170093;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVILWITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT"; attorney docket number END8205 USNP/170094;

-U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICALENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICALIN STRUCTURENT JAW"; attorney docket number END8216 USNP/170095;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES"; attorney docket number END8208 USNP/170096;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER"; attorney docket number END8209 USNP/170097;

-U.S. patent application serial No. ________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT"; attorney docket number END8233 USNP/170084;

-U.S. design patent application serial No. __________ entitled "platform formulation and artificial"; attorney docket number END8236 USDP/170109D;

-U.S. design patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT"; attorney docket number END8239 USDP/170108D; and

-U.S. design patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE"; attorney docket number END8240 USDP/170110D.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed 2017 on 27/6 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;

-U.S. patent application serial No. __________ entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS"; attorney docket number END8166 USNP/170087; 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 own the following U.S. patent applications filed on 21/12/2016 and 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 LOCKOUT";

-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 on 9/2/2016 and each 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 on 12.2.2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

-U.S. patent application serial No. 15/043,254 entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN 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 Ser. No. 14/633,541 entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. patent application publication 2016/0249927; and

-U.S. patent application serial 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 AN ARTICULATED ENDEFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSE OF THE EFFICING 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 reduced PATHWAYSYFOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323 entitled "ROTARY POWER ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338 entitled "THUMBWHEEL 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 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 MULTI 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 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 Ser. No. 14/200,111 entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Pat. No. 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 OFSEGMENTED 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 on 9/4/2014 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 terms "comprising" (and any form of "including", such as "comprising"), "having" (and any form of "having", such as "containing"), "including" (and any form of "including", such as "including"), and "containing" (and any form of "containing", such as "with") are open-ended linking 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 staple drivers in the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The driver is retained in the cartridge body by a retainer that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes a resilient member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer to the cartridge body. The driver 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 and lift the drivers toward the anvil, and the staples are supported on the drivers.

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 fig. 1, one example of the surgical instrument 10 includes four interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000, each adapted to be interchangeably used with the handle assembly 500. Each interchangeable

surgical tool assembly

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 can be designed for use in connection with the performance of one or more specific surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, one or more of the interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 can be effectively 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 robot station design for multiple tools, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 2 illustrates the attachment of an interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to a handle assembly 500. It should be understood that any of the other

interchangeable tool assemblies

3000, 5000, and 7000 may be coupled to the handle assembly 500 in a similar manner. The attachment arrangement and method depicted in fig. 2 may also be used in connection with the attachment of any of interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 to the tool drive portion or tool drive 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

510, 530 configured to generate and apply various control actions to corresponding portions of interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and/or 7000 operably attached to the handle assembly 500.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the handle assembly 500 may also include a handle frame 506 that operatively supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the handle frame 506 can operably support a "first" or closure drive system, generally designated 510, which can be used to apply closing and opening motions to interchangeable

surgical tool assemblies

1000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 that are 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 handle frame 506. Such an arrangement enables the closure trigger 512 to be manipulated by the clinician such that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 can be easily pivoted from the activated or "unactuated" position to the "actuated" position and more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 also includes a closure linkage assembly 514 that is pivotably coupled to the closure trigger 512 or otherwise operatively interfaces with the closure trigger 512. As will be discussed in further detail below, in the illustrated example, the closure linkage assembly 514 includes a transverse attachment pin 516 that facilitates attachment to a corresponding drive system on the surgical tool assembly. In use, to actuate the closure drive system 510, the clinician depresses the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504. As described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,142 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPLEMENTING ASENSOR SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent application publication 2015/0272575, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), the closure drive SYSTEM 510 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 achieve 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 actuates a closure release button assembly 518 that enables the closure trigger to return to its unactuated position. The closure release button assembly 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors that communicate with the microprocessor 560 in the handle assembly 500 to track 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 handle frame 506 can operatively support another drive system, referred to herein as a firing drive system 530, which is configured to apply a firing motion to the corresponding portion 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 505 located in the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500. In various forms, the motor 505 may be a direct current brushed driving motor, for example, having a maximum speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other arrangements, the motor 505 may comprise a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 505 may be powered by a power source 522, 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 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 505 is configured to axially drive the longitudinally movable drive member 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 will be driven axially in the distal direction "DD". When the motor 505 is driven in the opposite rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member will be driven axially in the proximal direction "PD". The handle assembly 500 may include a switch 513, and the switch 513 may be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor 505 by the power source 522 or otherwise control the motor 505. The handle assembly 500 may also include one or more sensors configured to detect the position of the drive member and/or the direction in which the drive member moves. Actuation of the motor 505 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 for preventing 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 may have a rack gear (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement interfacing 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 in the event the motor 505 becomes 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. See fig. 2. The lever may be configured to be manually pivoted into engagement with a toothed ratchet in the drive member. Thus, the clinician can manually retract the drive member by using the rescue handle assembly to ratchet the drive member in the proximal direction "PD". U.S. patent 8,608,045 entitled "POWERED SURGICAL stapling AND STAPLING apparatus with manual retraction FIRING SYSTEM," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a rescue arrangement and other components, arrangements and systems that may also be employed with any of the various interchangeable SURGICAL tool assemblies disclosed herein.

Turning now to fig. 3 and 4, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1500, the surgical end effector 1500 including a first jaw 1600 and a second jaw 1800. In one arrangement, the first jaw 1600 includes an elongate channel 1602 configured to operably support a surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 therein. The second jaw 1800 includes an anvil 1810 pivotally supported relative to the elongate channel 1602. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes an articulation system 1300, the articulation system 1300 including an articulation joint 1302 and an articulation lock 1400 (fig. 4-6), the articulation lock 1400 may be configured to couple the surgical end effector 1500 relative to the shaft axis SA₁Releasably held in a position where articulation is desired.

As further seen in fig. 4 and 7-9, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a tool frame assembly 1200 that includes a tool frame assemblyIncluding a tool base 1210 that operatively supports a nozzle assembly 1240 thereon. In one form, nozzle assembly 1240 is comprised of

nozzle portions

1242, 1244 and an actuator wheel portion 1246 configured to be coupled to the assembled

nozzle portions

1242, 1244, such as by snaps, lugs, and/or screws. The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a proximal closure assembly 1900 operably coupled to a distal closure assembly 2000 for closing and/or opening an anvil 1810 of a surgical end effector 1500, as will be discussed in further detail below. In addition, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 includes a spine assembly 1250 that operatively supports the proximal closure assembly 1900 and is coupled to the surgical end effector 1500. In various instances, to facilitate assembly, spine assembly 1250 may be made of upper and

lower spine segments

1251, 1252 that are interconnected together, for example, by snap features, adhesives, and/or welding. In various instances, the spine assembly 1250 includes a proximal end 1253 that is rotatably supported in the tool base 1210. In one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250 is attached to a spine bearing configured to be supported within the tool base 1210. This arrangement facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine assembly 1250 to the tool base 1210 such that the spine assembly 1250 may be selectively attached relative to the tool base 1210 about the axis SA₁And (4) rotating. Specifically, in at least one arrangement, for example, the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250 includes an upper lug mount 1254 (fig. 4,5, 7, 8, and 10) and a lower lug mount that are each configured to receive a corresponding nozzle lug 1245 extending inwardly from each of the

nozzle portions

1242, 1244. Such an arrangement facilitates the spine assembly 1250 to surround the shaft axis SA by rotating the actuator wheel portion 1246 of the nozzle assembly 1240₁And (4) rotating.

As can be seen in fig. 4 and 5, the spine assembly 1250 also includes an intermediate spine segment 1256 having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the proximal end 1253 of the spine assembly 1250. The middle spine segment 1256 of the upper spine segment 1251 terminates in an upper lug mounting feature 1260 and the middle spine segment of the lower spine segment 1252 terminates in a lower lug mounting feature 1270. As can be seen in fig. 6, the upper lug mounting feature 1260 has a lug slot 1262 formed therein that is adapted to mountably support an upper mounting link 1264 therein. Similarly, the lower lug mounting feature 1270 has a lug slot 1272 formed therein, the lug slot 1272 being adapted to mountably support the lower mounting connector 1274 therein. Upper mounting attachment 1264 includes a shaft axis SA₁A biased pivot socket 1266. The pivot socket 1266 is adapted to rotatably receive a pivot pin 1634 therein, the pivot pin 1634 being formed on a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 that is attached to the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. The lower mounting link 1274 includes a lower pivot pin 1276 that is adapted to be received within a pivot hole 1611 formed in the proximal portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. See fig. 6. Lower pivot pin 1276 and pivot hole 1611 with shaft axis SA₁And (4) biasing. The lower pivot pin 1276 is vertically aligned with the pivot socket 1266 to define an articulation axis AA₁The surgical end effector 1500 may be rotatable about the articulation axis relative to the shaft axis SA₁The joint movement is performed. Despite the axis of articulation AA₁Transverse to the shaft axis SA₁But the axis of articulation AA₁With the axis SA of the shaft₁Laterally offset and not in relation to the shaft axis SA₁And (4) intersecting.

Referring now to fig. 6 and 15, anvil 1810 includes an anvil body 1812 that terminates in an anvil mounting portion 1820. The anvil mounting portion 1820 is movably or pivotally supported on the elongate channel 1602 to pivot relative thereto about a transverse shaft axis SA₁Fixed anvil pivot axis PA of₁(fig. 15) selective pivotal travel. A pivot member or anvil trunnion 1822 extends laterally out of each side of the anvil mounting portion 1820 for receipt in a corresponding trunnion bracket 1614 formed in the upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602. Anvil trunnions 1822 are pivotally retained in their corresponding trunnion mounts 1614 by a channel cap or anvil retainer 1630. The channel cap or anvil retainer 1630 includes a pair of attachment lugs 1636 configured to retainingly receive corresponding lugs formed in an upstanding wall 1612 of the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602Within a groove or recess 1616.

The surgical end effector 1500 is selectively articulatable about an articulation axis AA by the articulation system 1300₁The joint movement is performed. In one form, the articulation system 1300 includes a proximal articulation driver 1310 pivotally coupled to an articulation link 1320. As can be seen in fig. 6, a biased attachment lug 1314 is formed on the distal end 1312 of the proximal articulation driver 1310. A pivot hole 1316 is formed in the offset attachment lug 1314 and is configured to pivotally receive a proximal connector pin 1326 formed on a proximal end 1325 of the articulation connector 1320 in the pivot hole 1316. The distal end 1322 of the articulation link 1320 includes a pivot hole 1324 that is configured to pivotally receive a channel pin 1618 formed on the proximal end portion 1610 of the elongate channel 1602 therein. Thus, axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 1310 will impart an articulation motion to the elongate channel 1602 to articulate the surgical end effector 1500 relative to the spine assembly 1250 about an articulation axis AA 1.

Movement of the anvil 1810 relative to the elongate channel 1602 is effected by axial movement of the proximal closure assembly 1900 and the distal closure assembly 2000. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7, a proximal closure assembly 1900 includes a proximal closure tube 1910 having a proximal closure tube portion 1920 and a distal portion 1930. The distal portion 1930 has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. The proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably supported in a closure shuttle 1940 that is slidably supported within the tool base 1210 such that the closure shuttle 1940 is axially movable relative to the tool base 1210. In one form, the closure shuttle 1940 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1942 that are configured to attach to an attachment pin 516 that is attached to the closure link assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. The proximal end 1922 of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle 1940. For example, the U-shaped connector 1944 is inserted into the annular slot 1924 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 and is retained within the vertical slot 1946 in the closure shuttle 1940. This arrangement serves to attach the proximal closure assembly 1900 to the closure shuttle 1940 for axial travel with the closure shuttle 1940 while enabling the proximal closure assembly 1900 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1940 about the shaft axis SA 1. A closure spring 1948 (fig. 12-14) extends over the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to bias the closure shuttle 1940 in the proximal direction PD, which can be used to pivot the closure trigger 512 on the handle assembly 500 (fig. 2) to an unactuated position when the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 is operatively coupled to the handle assembly 500.

Referring now to fig. 5 and 6, the distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910 is attached to the distal closure assembly 2000. The distal closure assembly 2000 includes an articulation connector 2010 coupled to a distal closure tube segment 2030. The distal closure tube segment 2030 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the distal portion 1930 of the proximal closure tube 1910. The articulation connector 2010 has a proximally extending end portion 2012 that is adapted to be received on a connection flange 1934 formed on the distal end of the distal portion 1930. The articulation connector 2010 may be retained on the connection flange 1934 by, for example, a suitable fastener arrangement, an adhesive, and/or a weld. The articulation connector 2010 includes an upper tang 2014 and a lower tang 2016 that project distally from a distal end of the articulation connector 2010 so as to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube segment 2030. The distal closure tube segment 2030 includes an upper tang 2032 and a lower tang projecting proximally from a proximal end thereof. The upper double pivot link 2060 includes a proximal pin 2061 and a distal pin 2062 that engage corresponding

holes

2015, 2034 in the

upper tangs

2014, 2032 of the articulation connector 2010 and the distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively. Similarly, the lower double pivot link 2064 includes a proximal pin 2065 and a distal pin 2066 that engage corresponding holes 2019 in the inferior tang 2016 of the articulation connector 2010 and the distal closure tube segment 2030, respectively. As will be discussed in further detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 and the distal closure assembly 2000 will cause the anvil 1810 to close and open relative to the elongate channel 1602.

The interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 further includes a firing system, generally designated 2100. The firing system 2100 includes a firing member assembly 2110 that is supported for axial travel within a spine assembly 1250. The firing member 2110 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 that is configured to be attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar 2130. The firing member assembly 2110 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and/or a "second shaft assembly". As seen in fig. 5, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 may include a longitudinal slot 2124 in a distal end 2122 thereof, which may be configured to receive a proximal end 2132 of a knife bar 2130. Longitudinal slot 2124 and proximal end 2132 of knife bar 2130 are sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and may include a sliding joint 2134. The sliding joint 2134 can allow the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 to move to articulate the end effector 1500 without moving, or at least substantially without moving, the knife bar 2130. Once the end effector 1500 has been properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 can be advanced distally until the proximal sidewall of the longitudinal slot 2124 comes into contact with a portion of the knife bar 2130 to advance the knife bar 2130 and fire the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700 positioned within the elongate channel 1602. The proximal end 2127 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 has a firing shaft attachment lug 2128 (fig. 8) formed thereon that is configured to seat into an attachment cradle on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member of the firing drive system 530 within the handle assembly 500. This arrangement facilitates axial movement of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 upon actuation of the firing drive system 530.

In addition to the above, the interchangeable tool assembly 1000 can include a clutch assembly 2200 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firing system 2100. In one form, the clutch assembly 2200 includes a lock collar or lock sleeve 2210 positioned about an intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing system 2100, wherein the lock sleeve 2210 is rotatable between an engaged position in which the lock sleeve 2210 couples the proximal articulation driver 1310 to the firing member assembly 2110 and a disengaged position in which the proximal articulation driver 1310 is not operatively coupled to the firing member assembly 2110. When the lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation driver 1310 distally, and correspondingly, proximal movement of the firing member assembly 2110 can move the proximal articulation driver 1310 proximally. When the lock sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 2110 is not transferred to the proximal articulation driver 1310, and, thus, the firing member assembly 2110 may move independently of the proximal articulation driver 1310. In various circumstances, the proximal articulation driver 1310 may be held in place by the articulation lock 1400 when the firing member assembly 2110 has not moved the proximal articulation driver 1310 in the proximal or distal direction.

The intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 of the firing member assembly 2110 is formed with two opposing

flat sides

2121, 2123 with a drive notch 2126 formed therein. See fig. 8. As can also be seen in fig. 13, the lock sleeve 2210 may comprise a cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, body that includes a longitudinal aperture 2212 configured to receive the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 therethrough. The lock sleeve 2210 includes diametrically opposed inwardly facing

lock protrusions

2214, 2216, the

lock protrusions

2214, 2216 are engagingly received within corresponding portions of the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 when the lock sleeve 2210 is in one position, and the

lock protrusions

2214, 2216 are not received within the drive notch 2126 when the lock sleeve 2210 is in another position, thereby permitting relative axial movement between the lock sleeve 2210 and the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 12-14, the locking sleeve 2210 also includes a locking member 2218 that is sized to be movably received within a recess 1319 in the proximal end 1318 of the proximal articulation driver 1310. This arrangement allows the lock sleeve 2210 to rotate slightly into and out of engagement with the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 while remaining engaged with the notch 1319 in the proximal articulation driver 1310. For example, when the locking sleeve 2210 is in its engaged position, the locking

projections

2214, 2216 are positioned within the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 such that distal pushing and/or proximal pulling forces may be transmitted from the firing member assembly 2110 to the locking sleeve 2210. Such axial pushing or pulling motion is then transferred from the locking sleeve 2210 to the proximal articulation driver 1310, thereby articulating the surgical end effector 1500. In fact, when the lock sleeve 2210 is in its engaged (articulated) position, the firing member assembly 2110, lock sleeve 2210 and proximal articulation driver 1310 will move together. On the other hand, when the lock sleeve 2210 is in its disengaged position, the locking

projections

2214, 2216 are not received within the drive notch 2126 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120, and thus, distal pushing forces and/or proximal pulling forces may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 2110 to the lock sleeve 2210 (and to the proximal articulation driver 1310).

Relative movement of the locking sleeve 2210 between its engaged and disengaged positions may be controlled by a shifter assembly 2200 interfacing with the proximal closure tube 1910 of the proximal closure assembly 1900. More specifically and with reference to fig. 8 and 9, the clutch assembly 2200 further includes a clutch key 2240 configured to be slidably received within a key recess 2217 formed in the outer periphery of the locking sleeve 2210. This arrangement enables the shifter key 2240 to move axially relative to the lock sleeve 2210. Referring to fig. 8-11, the clutch key 2240 includes an actuator boss 2242 that extends through a cam slot or cam opening 1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920. See fig. 9. A cam surface 2243 is also provided adjacent the actuator boss 2242 and is configured to cammingly interact with the cam opening 1926 to cause the clutch key 2240 to rotate in response to axial movement of the proximal closure tube portion 1920.

The shifter assembly 2200 also includes a switch drum 2220 that is rotatably received on the proximal end portion of the proximal closure tube portion 1920. As seen in fig. 10-14, the actuator boss 2242 extends through the axial slot segment 2222 in the switch barrel 2220 and is movably received within the arcuate slot segment 2224 in the switch barrel 2220. A switch barrel torsion spring 2226 (fig. 12-14) is mounted on the switch barrel 2220 and engages the nozzle portion 1244 to apply a torsional bias or rotation (arrow SR in fig. 10 and 11) that is used to rotate the switch barrel 2220 until the actuator lugs 2242 reach the ends of the arcuate slot segments 2224. See fig. 11 and 12. When in this position, the switch barrel 2220 may provide a torsional bias to the clutch key 2240 that causes the lock sleeve 2210 to rotate into its engaged position with the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. This position also corresponds to the unactuated configuration of the proximal closure assembly 1900. In one arrangement, for example, when the proximal closure assembly 1900 is in an unactuated configuration (the anvil 1810 is in an open position spaced from the outer shell staple/fastener cartridge 1700), the actuator bosses 2242 are located in an upper portion of the cam openings 1926 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920. When in this position, actuation of the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will result in axial movement of the proximal articulation driver 1310. When the user articulates the surgical end effector 1500 to a desired orientation, the user can then actuate the proximal closure assembly 1900. Actuation of the proximal closure assembly 1900 will cause distal advancement of the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to ultimately apply a closure motion to the anvil 1810. This distal advancement of the proximal closure tube segment 1920 will cause the cam openings 1926 to cammingly interact with the cam surfaces 2243 on the actuator bosses 2242, thereby causing the clutch keys 2240 to rotate the locking sleeve 2210 in the actuation direction AD. Such rotation of the locking sleeve 2210 will cause the locking

projections

2214, 2216 to disengage from the drive notch 2126 in the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. When in this configuration, the firing drive system 530 can be actuated to actuate the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 without actuating the proximal articulation driver 1310. Additional details regarding the operation of the switch drum 2220 and locking sleeve 2210, as well as alternative articulation and firing drive arrangements that may be used WITH the various interchangeable SURGICAL tool assemblies described herein, may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 (now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0263541) entitled "automatic motor SURGICAL tool assembly and LOCK", and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "automatic motor assembly mechanical WITH SLOTTED SURGICAL tool assembly", filed on 9.2.2016, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring again to fig. 8-13, the switch cylinder 2220 can further include at least partially

circumferential openings

2228, 2230 defined therein that can receive circumferential lugs/mounts 1245 extending from the

nozzle portions

1242, 1244 and allow relative rotation (rather than relative translation) between the switch cylinder 2220 and the nozzle assembly 1240. Nozzle lug 1245 extends through a corresponding opening 1923 in the proximal closure tube portion 1920 to seat in a lug seat 1254 in the spine assembly 1250. See fig. 8 and 9. This arrangement enables a user to rotate spine assembly 1250 about the shaft axis by rotating nozzle assembly 1240.

As also shown in fig. 7 and 12-14, the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 can include a slip ring assembly 1230 that can be configured to conduct electrical power to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500 and/or transmit signals to and/or from the surgical end effector 1500, ultimately back to, for example, the microprocessor 560 (fig. 2) or robotic system controller in the handle assembly 500. Additional details regarding slip ring assembly 1230 and associated connectors may be found in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/803,086 entitled "article brake cable insulation composition AN article brake LOCK" (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263541) and U.S. patent application serial No. 15/019,196 entitled "article brake actuator assembly MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED semiconductor SYSTEM", filed on 9.2.2016 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and U.S. patent application serial No. 13/800,067 entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE brake SYSTEM" (now U.S. patent application publication 2014/0263552, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). 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 2220.

Referring again to fig. 2, the tool base 1210 includes at least one tapered attachment portion 1212 formed thereon that is adapted to be received within a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed within a distal end portion of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. The various interchangeable surgical tool assemblies employ a latch system 1220 for removably coupling the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, as seen in fig. 7, the latch system 1220 includes a lock member or lock yoke 1222 movably coupled to the tool base 1210, for example. The lock yoke 1222 is U-shaped with two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs 1223. The legs 1223 each have pivot lugs formed thereon that are adapted to be received in corresponding holes formed in the tool base 1210. This arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the locking yoke 1222 to the tool base 1210. The locking yoke 1222 may include two proximally projecting locking lugs 1224, the two locking lugs 1224 being configured for releasable engagement with corresponding locking detents or recesses 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. See fig. 2. In various forms, the lock yoke 1222 is biased in a proximal direction by a spring or biasing member 1225. Actuation of the lock yoke 1222 may be accomplished by a latch button 1226 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1221, the latch actuator assembly 1221 being mounted to the tool chassis 1210. The latch button 1226 may be biased in a proximal direction relative to the lock yoke 1222. The locking yoke 1222 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 1226 in a distal direction, which also pivots the locking yoke 1222 out of retaining engagement with the distal end of the handle frame 506. When the lock yoke 1222 is "held in engagement" with the distal end of the handle frame 506, the lock lug 1224 remains seated within a corresponding lock detent or groove 509 in the distal end of the handle frame 506.

The lock yoke 1222 includes at least one lock hook 1227 adapted to contact a corresponding lock lug portion 1943 formed on the closure shuttle 1940. When the closure shuttle 1940 is in the unactuated position, the lock yoke 1222 may be pivoted in the distal direction to unlock the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in this position, the latch hook 1227 does not contact the latch lug portion 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940. However, when the closure shuttle 1940 is moved to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1222 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1222 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the lock yoke 1222 is inadvertently bumped or contacted in a manner that might otherwise cause it to pivot distally, the lock hooks 1227 on the lock yoke 1222 will contact the lock lugs 1943 on the closure shuttle 1940 and prevent the lock yoke 1222 from moving to the unlocked position.

Referring again to fig. 6, cutter bar 2130 may comprise a laminated beam structure comprising at least two beam layers. The beam layers may comprise, for example, stainless steel strips that are interconnected at the proximal end and/or at other locations along their length 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 2130 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 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURES CUTROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As can also be seen in fig. 6, firing shaft support assembly 2300 is used to provide lateral support to knife bar 2130 as it bends to accommodate articulation of surgical end effector 1500. Further details regarding the operation of the firing shaft support assembly 2300 and an alternative knife bar support arrangement can be found in: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS" and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220 entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING ANDAXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR", each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As also seen in fig. 6, a firing or knife member 2140 is attached to the distal end of the knife bar 2130. In one exemplary form, the firing member 2140 includes a body portion 2142 that supports a knife or tissue cutting portion 2144. The body portion 2142 protrudes through the elongated slot 1604 in the elongated channel 1602 and terminates in foot members 2146 that extend laterally on each side of the body portion 2142. When the firing member 2140 is driven distally through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700, the foot member 2146 rides within the elongate channel 1602 within the passageway below the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. In one arrangement, the body portion 2142 includes two laterally projecting central tabs 2145 that can straddle a central passage within the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. See fig. 6. The tissue cutting portion 2144 is disposed between the distally projecting top nose portion 2143 and the foot member 2146. As further seen in fig. 6, the firing member 2140 may also include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 2147. When the firing member 2140 is driven distally, the top portion of the body portion 2142 extends through the centrally disposed anvil slot 1814 and the anvil engagement features 2147 ride over the corresponding anvil bosses 1816 formed on each side of the anvil slot 1814. In one arrangement, to facilitate assembly of the anvil 1810 and firing member 2140 arrangement, the anvil body 1812 has an opening 1817 in the top thereof. When the anvil 1810 is assembled onto the elongate channel 1602 and the firing member 2140 is installed, the opening 1817 is covered by an anvil cover 1819 that is attached to the anvil body 1812 by welding and/or other suitable fastening means.

Returning to fig. 6, the firing member 2140 is configured to operatively interface with a sled assembly 2150 that is operatively supported within the body 1702 of the surgical staple cartridge/fastener cartridge 1700. The slide assembly 2150 is slidably displaceable within the surgical staple cartridge body/fastener cartridge body 1702 from a proximal end starting position adjacent the proximal end 1704 of the cartridge body 1702 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1706 of the cartridge body 1702. The cartridge body 1702 operably supports a plurality of staple drivers therein that are aligned in rows on each side of a centrally disposed slot 1708. The centrally disposed slot 1708 enables the firing member 2140 to pass therethrough and cut tissue clamped between the anvil 1810 and the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700. The drivers are associated with corresponding staple/fastener pockets 1712, which pockets 1712 pass through the upper deck surface 1710 of the cartridge body 1702. Each of the staple drivers supports one or more surgical staples or fasteners thereon. The slide assembly 2150 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 2152, wherein each cam 2152 corresponds to a particular row of fasteners or drivers located on one side of the slot 1708.

To attach the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 to the handle assembly 500, referring to fig. 2, the clinician can position the tool mount 1210 of the interchangeable surgical tool assembly 1000 over or near the distal end of the handle frame 506 such that the tapered attachment portion 1212 formed on the tool mount 1210 aligns with the dovetail slot 507 in the handle frame 506. The clinician may then orient the surgical tool assembly 1000 perpendicular to the shaft axis SA₁Moves to seat the tapered attachment portion 1212 into "operative engagement" with the corresponding dovetail receiving slot 507 in the distal end of the handle frame 506. In doing so, the firing shaft attachment lugs 2128 on the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120 will also seat in attachment brackets in the longitudinally movable drive member within the handle assembly 500, and the portions of the attachment pins 516 on the closure link 514 will seat in corresponding hooks 1942 in the closure shuttle 1940. 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 actions, functions and/or procedures.

During a typical surgical procedure, a clinician may introduce the surgical end effector 1500 into a surgical site through a trocar or other opening in a patient to access target tissue. In so doing, the clinician axially aligns, or at least substantially aligns, the surgical end effector 1500 along the shaft axis in a non-articulated state and inserts the surgical end effector 1500 through the trocar. Once the surgical end effector 1500 has been passed through the trocar, the clinician may need to articulate the end effector 1500 to advantageously position the end effector 1500 proximate the target tissue. In addition, the firing drive system 530 operates within a limited range of motion to move the articulation drive 1310 and articulate the end effector 1500. This articulation occurs prior to closing the anvil onto the target tissue. Then, once the end effector has reached the desired articulation position, the clinician may actuate the closure drive system 510 to close the anvil 1810 onto the target tissue. This actuation of the closure drive system 510 actuates the shifter assembly 2200 and decouples the articulation drive 1310 from the intermediate firing shaft portion 2120. Thus, once the target tissue has been properly captured in the surgical end effector 1500, the clinician can again actuate the firing drive system 530 to axially advance the firing member 2140 through the surgical staple/fastener cartridge 1700 to fire the staples into the target tissue and sever the target tissue. Other closure and firing drive arrangements, such as hand-held, manual, automated, and/or robotic arrangements, may be employed to control axial movement of the closure system components, articulation system components, and/or firing system components of the surgical tool assembly 1000.

The end effector 10500 of the surgical instrument 10000 is shown in fig. 16-16B. The end effector 10500 includes a cartridge jaw 10600 (fig. 18) that includes a staple cartridge 10700 and, additionally, an anvil 10800 configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge 10700. In use, the anvil 10800 can be rotated between an open, undamped position and a closed, clamped position; however, in other embodiments, the cartridge jaw 10600 can be rotated toward the anvil 10800. The surgical instrument 10000 further comprises a shaft 10100, wherein the end effector 10500 is connected to the shaft 10100 in a rotatable manner about an articulation joint 10200. In use, the end effector 10500 can pivot about the articulation joint 10200 at an angle θ_RRight position of full articulation (fig. 16A) and angle θ indicated_LThe indicated fully articulated left position (fig. 16B), and/or any suitable position therebetween. As discussed in more detail below, the angles thetar and thetal are limited by the design of the articulation drive system of the surgical instrument 10000. In at least one situationIn this case, the angles θ R and θ L are limited to about 45 degrees relative to the unarticulated position of the end effector 10500 (FIG. 16).

Referring to fig. 18, the shaft 10100 of the surgical instrument 10000 includes an outer closure tube that includes an outer housing 10110 that is movable distally to engage the anvil 10800 and move the anvil 10800 toward the staple cartridge 10700. The shaft 10100 further comprises a distal housing portion 10130 which is rotatably connected to the outer housing 10110 by two connector plates 10120 positioned on opposite sides of the articulation joint 10200. Each connector plate 10120 is connected to the outer housing 10110 at a pivot 10115 and similarly to the distal housing portion 10130 at a pivot 10125. The connector plate 10120 allows the closure tube to slide relative to the articulation joint 10200 when the end effector 10500 is in the articulated position, and thus, the anvil 10800 can be opened and closed when the end effector 10500 is in the articulated position. In addition, the distal housing 10130 includes an opening defined therein that is configured to receive a tab extending from a proximal end of the anvil 10800, a sidewall of the opening configured to engage the tab and transmit a proximal or opening motion of the closure tube to the anvil 10800.

The end effector 11500 of the surgical instrument system 11000 is illustrated in fig. 17-17B the end effector 11500 comprises a cartridge jaw 11600 (fig. 19) including a staple cartridge 11700 and, additionally, an anvil 11800 configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge 11700, in use, the anvil 11800 is rotatable between an open, undamped position and a closed, clamped position, however, embodiments are contemplated in which the cartridge jaw 11600 is rotatable relative to the anvil 11800 the surgical instrument 11000 further comprises a shaft 11100, wherein the end effector 11500 is rotatably coupled to the shaft 11100 about an articulation joint 11200 in use, the end effector 11500 is rotatable about the articulation joint 11200 by an angle α_RRight position of full articulation (fig. 17A) and angle α_LThe indicated fully articulated left position (fig. 17B), and/or any suitable position therebetween. Despite the cornerDegree α_RAnd α_LUltimately limited by the design of the articulation drive system of the surgical instrument 11000, but at an angle α_RAnd α_LIn at least one instance, the angles α R and α L are limited to approximately 60 degrees (FIG. 17), for example, relative to the unarticulated position of the end effector 11500.

Referring to fig. 19, the shaft 11100 of the surgical instrument 11000 includes an outer closure tube that includes an outer housing 11110 that is movable distally to engage the anvil 11800 and move the anvil 11800 toward the staple cartridge 11700. The shaft 11100 also includes a distal housing 11130 that is rotatably connected to an outer housing 11110 by two connector plates 11120 positioned on opposite sides of an articulation joint 11200. Each connector plate 11120 is connected to the outer housing 11110 at a pivot 11115 and similarly to the distal housing 11130 at a pivot 11125. Similar to the above, the connector plate 11120 allows the closure tube to slide relative to the articulation joint 11200 when the end effector 11500 is in the articulated position, wherein the anvil 11800 can thus be opened and closed when the end effector 11500 is in the articulated position. In addition, the distal housing 11130 includes an opening defined therein that is configured to receive a tab extending from a proximal end of the anvil 11800, the sidewalls of which are configured to engage the tab and transmit the proximal or opening motion of the closure tube to the anvil 11800.

Referring again to fig. 18, the surgical instrument 10000 further includes an articulation drive system 10300 that includes an articulation drive actuator 10310 that extends through an internal aperture 10105 defined within the closure tube 10110 of the shaft 10100. The articulation drive actuator 10310 includes a distal end that operably engages the cartridge jaw 10600 of the end effector 10500. More specifically, the distal end of the articulation drive actuator 10310 includes an opening or slot 10320 defined therein, and the cartridge jaw 10600 includes a pin 10620 that extends into the slot 10320. When the articulation drive actuator 10310 is pushed distally, the end effector 10500 is driven rightward (fig. 16A) about a fixed axis defined by the pivot 10210, the pivot 10210 rotatably connecting the cartridge jaw 10600 to the frame of the shaft 10100. Correspondingly, when the articulation drive actuator 10310 is pulled proximally, the end effector 10500 rotates leftward about the pivot 10210 (fig. 16B).

Referring again to fig. 19, the surgical instrument 11000 further includes an articulation drive system 11300 that includes an articulation drive actuator 11310 that extends through an internal aperture 11105 defined within the closure tube 11110. The articulation drive system 11300 also includes an articulation link 11320 that is rotatably coupled to a distal end of the articulation drive actuator 11310 about a pin 11315. Similarly, the articulation link 11320 is rotatably coupled to the cartridge jaw 11600 about a drive pin 11620 that extends through an aperture defined in the articulation link 11320. As the articulation drive actuator 11310 is pushed distally, the end effector 11500 is driven rightward about the fixed axis defined by the pivot 11210 (fig. 17A), the pivot 11210 rotatably connects the cartridge jaw 11600 to the frame of the shaft 11100. Correspondingly, as the articulation drive actuator 11310 is pulled proximally, the end effector 11500 rotates leftward about the pivot 11210 (fig. 17B).

In addition, the articulation linkage 11320 of the articulation system 11300 allows the end effector 11500 to articulate through a greater articulation angle than the end effector 10500 for a given, or equal, stroke length of the articulation actuators 10310 and 11310. A side-by-side comparison of

end effectors

10500 and 11500 is provided in fig. 20 and 21, which illustrate

end effectors

10500 and 11500 in their fully right articulated configuration, and which also illustrates that end effector 11500 may be articulated further to the right than end effector 10500. A similar comparison may be made to show the

end effectors

10500 and 11500 in their full left articulation configuration. In addition, fig. 22 depicts a full range of articulation for the end effector 10500, while fig. 23 depicts a full range of articulation for the end effector 11500.

Referring again to fig. 22, the articulation actuator 10310 of the surgical instrument 10000 advances the Distal Stroke Length (DSL) relative to its unarticulated position to fully articulate the end effector 10500 to the right. Correspondingly, the articulation actuator 10310 retracts the Proximal Stroke Length (PSL) relative to its unarticulated position to fully articulate the end effector 10500 to the left. The Distal Stroke Length (DSL) and the Proximal Stroke Length (PSL) of the articulation actuator 10310 are equal, or at least substantially equal. Referring now to fig. 23, the articulation actuator 11310 advances the Distal Stroke Length (DSL) relative to its unarticulated position to fully articulate the end effector 11500 to the right. Correspondingly, the articulation actuator 11310 retracts the Proximal Stroke Length (PSL) relative to its unarticulated position to fully articulate the end effector 11500 leftward. The Distal Stroke Length (DSL) and the Proximal Stroke Length (PSL) of the articulation actuator 11310 are not equal, and conversely, the Distal Stroke Length (DSL) is shorter than the Proximal Stroke Length (PSL). In other embodiments, the proximal stroke length (DSL) is shorter than the distal stroke length (PSL). In any event, referring now to fig. 31-31B, the combination of the Proximal Stroke Length (PSL) and the Distal Stroke Length (DSL) is equal to the overall Stroke Length (SL).

In addition, the articulation actuator 10310 is configured to apply torque to the first jaw 10600 of the end effector 10500 via the pin 10620 to rotate the end effector 10500 about the articulation joint 10200. Referring again to fig. 22, the lateral torque arm defined between the pivot joint 10210 and the pin 10620 of the articulation joint 10200 has a length TA when the end effector 10500 is in its unarticulated position_C1. The length TA_C1Measured in an orthogonal direction relative to a longitudinal axis 10190 extending through the articulation pivot joint 10210. Similarly, when the end effector 10500 is fully articulated to the right, the lateral torque arm defined between the pivot joint 10210 and the pin 10620 has a length TA_R1And similarly, when the end effector 10500 is fully articulated to the left, the lateral torque arm defined between the pivot joint 10210 and the pin 10620 has a length TA_L1The two lengths being defined relative to the longitudinal axis 10190Are measured orthogonally. Notably, the length TA_R1And TA_L1And the torque arms they define are equal, or at least substantially equal. Further, the length TA_R1And TA_L1Less than non-articulating lateral torque arm length TA_C1. Thus, when the end effector 10500 is in its unarticulated position, there is a maximum torque arm or mechanical advantage of the articulation system 10300.

In at least one case, e.g. arm length TA_C1Is about 0.180' arm length TA_R1Is about 0.130 "and arm length TA_L1Is about 0.130 ".

In addition, the articulation actuator 11310 of the surgical instrument 11000 is configured to apply a torque to the first jaw 11600 of the end effector 11500 via the pin 11620 to rotate the end effector 11500 about the articulation joint 11200. Referring to fig. 23, 28, and 30, when the end effector 11500 is in its unarticulated position, a Lateral Torque Arm (LTA) defined between the pivot joint 11210 and the pin 11620 of the articulation joint 11200 is defined by a length ss TA_C2And (4) limiting. The length TA_C2Measured in an orthogonal direction relative to a longitudinal axis 11190 extending through the articulation pivot joint 11210. Notably, the longitudinal axis 11190 is offset and parallel relative to the centerline of the shaft 11100, as discussed in more detail below in connection with fig. 25. Similar to the above, when the end effector 11500 is fully articulated to the right (fig. 30A), the lateral torque arm defined between the pivot joint 11210 and the pin 11620 is defined by a length TA_R2Define, and similarly, when the end effector 11500 is fully articulated to the left (fig. 30B), the lateral torque arm defined between the pivot joint 11210 and the pin 11620 is defined by a length TA_L2The two lengths are defined to be measured orthogonally relative to the longitudinal axis 11190. Notably, the length TA_R2Greater than non-articulating lateral torque arm length TA_C1And length TA_L2Less than non-articulating lateral torque arm length TA_C1. Further, the length TA_R2And TA_L2And the torque arms they define are not equal. Conversely, the right joint movement buttonArm length TA_R2Is significantly greater than the left articulation torque arm length TA_L2. In fact, right articulation torque arm length TA_R2And left articulation torque arm length TA_L2Extending in different directions. This arrangement provides a larger pushing torque arm than a smaller pulling torque arm. Thus, in various circumstances, the retraction pull force applied by the articulation actuator 11310 to articulate the end effector 11500 to the left (fig. 30B) can be greater than or can need to be greater than the distal push force that articulates the end effector 11500 to the right (fig. 29 and 30A). Advantageously, the articulation actuator 11310 may accommodate such large pulling forces when the articulation actuator 11310 is not subject to buckling when pulled.

In at least one case, e.g. arm length TA_C2About 0.149', arm length TA_R2Is about 0.154 "and arm length TA_L2Is about 0.015 ".

In addition, the surgical instrument 11000 is constructed and arranged to provide a large torque to the end effector 11500 while at the same time providing a large articulation range or sweep range in response to short articulation strokes. That is, several design ratios of these relationships may be established and used to design the surgical instrument 11000. For example, the first ratio includes the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) divided by the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) of the articulation actuator 11310. The value of this first ratio is dimensionless. In at least one instance, for example, the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) is 0.154 "and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 0.275", resulting in a ratio value of 0.56. A larger ratio value of the first ratio indicates a more efficient articulation system. In various instances, the value of the first ratio is less than 1.0, but may be greater than 1.0. In at least one instance, for example, the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) is 2.79mm and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 11.43mm, resulting in a ratio value of 0.24.

The example provided above for the first ratio is based on the torque arm length (TA) when the end effector 11500 is in its fully right articulated position. This particular position of the end effector 11500 is noteworthy because the articulation actuator 11310 is in a compressed state and may buckle when the loads transmitted there are excessive. That is, the first ratio may also be used to analyze any suitable position of the end effector 11500, such as, for example, an unarticulated position of the end effector and a fully left articulated position of the end effector. In at least one instance, the unarticulated torque arm length (TA) is 6.17mm, for example, resulting in a Stroke Length (SL) of 11.43mm at a rate value of 0.54. Also, in at least one instance, the full left articulating torque arm length (TA) is 1.41mm, for example, resulting in a ratio value of 0.12 for a Stroke Length (SL) of 11.43 mm.

The second ratio includes the arc length over which the drive pin 11620 sweeps (i.e., its arc length sweep range (ALS)) as the end effector 11500 articulates between its full right articulation position and its full left articulation position. More specifically, the second ratio includes the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 divided by the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) of the articulation actuator 11310. The value of this second ratio is dimensionless. In at least one instance, the Arc Length Sweep (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is 0.387 "and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 0.275", for example, resulting in a ratio value of 1.41. In at least one instance, for example, the arc length sweep range (ALS) is 0.444 "and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 0.306", resulting in a ratio value of 1.45. In at least one instance, for example, the arc length sweep range (ALS) is 12.94mm and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 11.43mm, resulting in a ratio value of 1.13. A larger ratio value of the second ratio indicates a more efficient articulation system. In various instances, the value of the second ratio is, for example, greater than 1.0, such as between 1.0 and 3.0. In at least one instance, the second ratio value is, for example, about 2.0. In some cases, the value of the second ratio is, for example, about 1.1, but between 0.9 and 1.3.

A third ratio includes the sum of the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) and the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 divided by the full articulation Stroke Length (SL). The value of this third ratio is dimensionless. In at least one instance, for example, the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) is 0.154", the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is 0.387", and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 0.275", resulting in a ratio value of 1.97. In at least one instance, for example, the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) is 2.79mm, the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is 12.94mm, and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 11.43mm, resulting in a ratio value of 1.38. A larger ratio value of the third ratio indicates a more efficient articulation system. In various instances, the value of the third ratio is, for example, greater than 1.0, such as between 1.0 and 3.0. In at least one instance, the third ratio value is, for example, about 2.0 or greater than 2.0.

Similar to the above, the third ratio can be used, for example, to evaluate the articulation system when the end effector 11500 is in any suitable position, such as its unarticulated position and full left articulation position.

The fourth ratio includes the product of the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) and the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 divided by the full articulation Stroke Length (SL). The value of this fourth ratio is not dimensionless, but rather measured in distance. In at least one instance, for example, the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) is 0.154", the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is 0.387", and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 0.275", resulting in a ratio value of 0.217. This value can be made dimensionless by dividing it again by the run length (SL), resulting in a value of 0.79. In at least one instance, for example, the full right articulation torque arm length (TA) is 2.79mm, the arc length sweep range (ALS) of the drive pin 11620 is 12.94mm, and the full articulation Stroke Length (SL) is 11.43mm, resulting in a ratio value of 3.15 mm. In some cases, the value of the fourth ratio is, for example, about 3.1mm, but between 0.9mm and 5.4 mm. Similar to the above, this value can be made dimensionless by dividing it again by the run length (SL), resulting in a value of 0.28. A larger fourth value of the fourth ratio indicates a more efficient articulation system.

Similar to the above, the fourth ratio can be used, for example, to evaluate an articulation system when the end effector 11500 is in any suitable position, such as its unarticulated position and full left articulation position.

As discussed above, the end effector 11500 is rotatably mounted to the shaft 11100 about the fixed pivot 11210 of the articulation joint 11200. Referring now to fig. 24 and 25, the shaft 11100 includes a distal mounting tab 11220 extending from and fixedly mounted to the frame or spine of the shaft 11100. The first distal mounting tab 11220 is mounted to a first jaw 11600, which includes a lower frame portion, and the second distal mounting tab 11220 is mounted to an upper frame portion 11230. The interconnection between the mounting tabs 11220 and the first jaw 11600 and upper frame portion 11230 defines a fixed pivot 11210. As discussed above, the fixed axis pivot 11210 is laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 11100 by an offset distance OD. In at least one instance, the fixed axis pivot 11210 is laterally offset by, for example, about 0.036 ". In addition, referring to fig. 28-30B, the pin 11620 is longitudinally offset relative to the fixed pivot 11210, which creates a longitudinal or Axial Torque Arm (ATA).

As discussed above, the closure tube of the shaft 11100 can be moved distally to engage the anvil jaw 11800 of the end effector 11500 and move the anvil jaw 11800 toward the staple cartridge 11700 positioned in the cartridge jaw 11600. In other words, the closure tube is configured to move the anvil 11800 from an open position (fig. 26-26B) to a closed position (fig. 27-27B) to clamp tissue of the patient against the staple cartridge 11700. In such instances, the closure tube, including the housing 11110, the connector plate 11120, and the distal housing 11130, slides distally relative to the articulation joint 11200 during a closure stroke. Referring now to fig. 26, the connector plate 11120 extends in a direction slightly transverse to the central longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 11100 when the end effector 11500 is in an open, unarticulated configuration. More specifically, when the end effector 11500 is in an open, unarticulated configuration, the axis CA extending between the

joints

11115 and 11125 is slightly transverse relative to the central longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 11100. As the end effector 11500 articulates with respect to the right (fig. 26A) or the right (fig. 26B), the orientation of the axis CA with respect to the central longitudinal axis LA can change.

In various circumstances, in addition to this, the orientation of the axis CA will change relative to a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the end effector 11500. In at least one instance, the axis CA is transverse to such longitudinal end effector axis, except in one configuration in which the axis CA will be parallel to the longitudinal end effector axis.

In addition, the orientation of axis AA defined between the articulation pivot 11210 and the distal pivot 11125 of connector plate 11120 changes with articulation of the end effector 11500 referring to FIG. 26, axis AA extends at an angle β relative to axis CA when the end effector 11500 is in the open unarticulated configuration, angle β decreases when the end effector 11500 is articulated to the open rightward configuration (FIG. 26A), angle β increases when the end effector 11500 is articulated to the open leftward configuration (FIG. 26B), however, axis AA is not at all collinear or parallel with axis CA when the open end effector 11500 is articulated, as opposed to axis AA being transverse to axis CA when the end effector 11500 is articulated in the open configuration.

Referring to fig. 27, when the end effector 11500 is in a closed, unarticulated configuration, the axis AA extends at an angle γ relative to the axis CA. When the end effector 11500 is articulated to a closed rightward configuration (fig. 27A), the angle γ increases. As the end effector 11500 is articulated into the closed, leftward configuration (fig. 27B), the angle δ also increases. However, axis AA is not collinear with axis CA at all when end effector 11500 is articulated in the closed configuration and/or any other configuration between the open and closed configurations. Conversely, the axis AA is transverse to the axis CA when the end effector 11500 is articulated in the closed configuration and/or any other configuration between the open and closed configurations.

Referring again to fig. 20 and 21, the design of the surgical instrument 11000 may shorten the end effector 11500 as compared to the end effector 10500. Moreover, the distance between the articulation joint 10200 and the proximal end of the staple line applied to the tissue of the patient by the end effector 10500 is a distance L1, while the distance between the articulation joint 11200 and the proximal end of the staple line applied by the end effector 11500 is a distance L2, which is L2 shorter than the distance L1.

Turning now to fig. 40-45, the surgical instrument 11000 further includes an articulation lock 11400 that is configured to selectively lock the articulation drive system 11300 and the end effector 11500 in place. The articulation lock 11400 includes a distal end 11402 of the frame 11180 mounted to the shaft 11100. More specifically, the axle frame 11180 includes a pin or protrusion 11182 that is closely received and/or pressed within an aperture defined in the distal end 11402. The articulation lock 11400 further includes a proximal end 11404 configured to move relative to the distal end 11402. In at least one aspect, the articulation lock 11400 comprises a cantilevered beam with the distal end 11402 comprising a fixed end and the proximal end 11404 comprising a free end. The proximal end 11404 is positioned in a cavity 11184 defined in the shaft frame 11180 and is configured to move laterally toward and away from the articulation drive actuator 11310, as described in more detail below.

In addition, the proximal end 11404 of the articulation lock 11400 includes one or more teeth 11406 defined thereon that are configured to engage the articulation drive actuator 11310. As shown in fig. 40, the teeth 11406 are arranged in a longitudinal array; however, any other suitable arrangement may be used. The articulation drive actuator 11310 includes a longitudinal array of teeth 11316 defined thereon that are configured to be engaged by the articulation locking teeth 11406. Referring to fig. 41, the axle frame 11180 also includes a longitudinal array of teeth 11186 defined therein, which are also configured to be engaged by the articulation lock teeth 11406. When the articulation lock 11400 is in a fully locked state, as described in more detail below, the articulation lock teeth 11406 engage the drive actuator teeth 11316 and the axle frame teeth 11186 such that the articulation lock 11400 locks the articulation drive actuator 11310 to the axle frame 11180 and prevents, or at least inhibits, relative movement between the articulation drive actuator 11310 and the axle frame 11180.

In addition to the above, the articulation lock 11400 may be configured in three states: a self-locking state, an unlocked state, and a fully locked state. Referring to fig. 43, when the articulation lock 11400 is in a self-locking state, the teeth 11406 of the articulation lock 11400 engage the drive actuator teeth 11316 and the shaft frame teeth 11186. In such cases, the articulation lock 11400 may resist some of the force transmitted through the articulation drive actuator 11310; however, proximal and/or distal movement of the articulation drive actuator 11310 may overcome the retention force of the articulation lock 11400 and displace the articulation lock 11400 into its unlocked configuration, as shown in fig. 44. In such cases, the articulation lock 11400 may flex or deflect laterally away from the drive actuator 11310. The articulation lock 11400 includes a spring member 11403 extending between the distal portion 11402 and the proximal portion 11404 that is configured to resiliently return the articulation lock to or at least bias toward its self-locking configuration (fig. 42). Thus, the articulation drive system 11300 may self-lock and unlock due to its own motion and articulate the end effector 11500 unless the articulation lock 11400 is placed in its fully locked position, as discussed below.

As discussed further above, the shaft 11100 of the surgical instrument 11000 includes a closure tube 11110 that advances distally during a closure stroke to close the end effector 11500. Prior to the closure stroke, the articulation lock 11400 may be moved between its self-locking and unlocked configurations to allow the end effector 11500 to be articulated by the articulation drive system 11300. However, during the closure stroke, the closure tube 11110 is configured to engage the articulation lock 11400 and place or hold the articulation lock 11400 in its fully locked configuration. More specifically, the closure tube 11110 includes a protrusion or tab 11118 configured to engage a cam surface 11408 defined on the back side of the articulation lock 11400 and prevent the articulation lock teeth 11406 from disengaging from the drive actuator teeth 11316 and the shaft frame teeth 11186. When the closure tube 11110 is retracted proximally to open the end effector 11500, the tab 11118 disengages from the articulation lock 11400, and the articulation lock 11400 is free to move between its self-locking and unlocked positions, as discussed above, so that the end effector 11500 can be articulated again.

The surgical instrument 11000 described above is further illustrated in fig. 80-82. The surgical instrument 11000 includes a shaft 11100 that is configured for use with a trocar having a passage defined therein. The surgical instrument shaft 11100 can comprise different diameters at different points along the length of the surgical instrument shaft 11100. The surgical instrument shaft 11100 includes a central region 11160 that includes a smaller diameter than any other region of the surgical instrument shaft 11000, among other things. This geometry of the surgical instrument shaft 11100 provides significant advantages over previous designs and addresses long-standing problems associated with the use of trocars. Typically, when a surgical instrument is used in conjunction with a trocar during a surgical procedure, the surgical procedure is limited by the range of angles that the instrument can take due to the constriction created by the trocar passageway. The configuration of the surgical instrument shaft 11100 is an improvement over existing shaft configurations because the existing shaft configurations increase the range of angles that the surgical instrument can take relative to the longitudinal axis of the trocar. Thus, because of the smaller diameter of the central region 11160 of the surgical instrument shaft 11100, a user of the surgical instrument 11000 can manipulate the surgical instrument 11000 at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the trocar.

Referring to fig. 80 and 81, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 further includes a proximal region 11150 and a distal region 11170. A proximal region 11150 of the surgical instrument shaft 11000 is positioned adjacent to the nozzle assembly 11140 of the shaft 11100. The distal region 11170 is positioned closest to the end effector 11500. The proximal region 11150 of the surgical instrument shaft comprises a first diameter and the central region 11160 comprises a second diameter. The distal region 11170 also includes a third diameter. The first diameter of the proximal region 11150 is different from the second diameter of the central region 11160. Similarly, the second diameter of the central region 11160 is different from the third diameter of the distal region 11170. The first diameter of the proximal region 11150 is different from the third diameter of the distal region 11170; however, embodiments are contemplated in which the first diameter and the third diameter are the same.

In addition, the proximal region 11150 defines a central longitudinal axis. The central region 11160 extends along and is centered with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The proximal region 11150 and the central region 11160 each define a circular profile, although they may include any suitable configuration. The distal region 11170 is not centered with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Conversely, the distal region 11170 is laterally offset relative to the central longitudinal axis. Further, a majority of the cross-section and/or perimeter of the distal region 11170 is positioned on a first side of the central longitudinal axis rather than on a second side. In at least one instance, the distal region 11170 includes an enlarged portion extending to one side of the central longitudinal axis. Further, the distal region 11170 does not define a circular profile.

Referring again to fig. 80 and 81, the central region 11160 includes a second width that is less than the first width of the proximal region 11150. The central region also includes a second width that is less than the third width of the distal region 11170. The proximal region 11150 also includes a width that is different from the width of the distal region 11170. For example, the width of the proximal region 11150 is less than the width of the distal region 11170, but still greater than the width of the central region 11160. Similarly, the width of the proximal region 11150 is greater than the width of the distal region 11170 and the width of the central region 11160. In other instances, the proximal region 11150 and the distal region 11170 comprise about the same width.

Referring to fig. 80-82, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 of the surgical instrument 11000 is configured to fit through a 12mm trocar, for example. In at least one such instance, the central region 11160 of the surgical instrument shaft 11100 comprises a maximum diameter of about 9 mm. Such a diameter of the central region 11160 provides a wider range of angles that the shaft 11100 can take relative to the centerline of the trocar. Moreover, such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of causing intercostal nerve damage associated with placing the surgical instrument shaft 11100 between the patient's ribs during certain surgical procedures. The distal region 11170 of the surgical instrument shaft 11100 is configured to fit through a 12mm trocar and includes one or more flat sides 11172 to provide an increased level of access during procedures requiring high levels of articulation. Other embodiments are contemplated in which shaft 11100 is inserted through, for example, an 8mm trocar and/or a 5mm trocar.

The proximal region 11150 comprises a stepped, decreasing or tapered region proximate to the proximal end of the surgical instrument shaft 11100, wherein the surgical instrument shaft 11100 transitions from the proximal region 11150 to the central region 11160. The central region 11160 further comprises a stepped, increasing or tapered region proximate to the distal end of the surgical instrument shaft 11100, wherein the surgical instrument shaft 11100 transitions from the central region 11160 to the distal region 11170.

Referring again to fig. 80 and 81, the proximal region 11150 comprises a first circumference, the central region 11160 comprises a second circumference, and the distal region 11170 comprises a third circumference. Due to the different diameters of such portions of the surgical instrument shaft 11100, the proximal region 11150 has a different circumference than the central region 11160. Similarly, the perimeter of the central region 11160 and the perimeter of the distal region 11170 are different. The circumference of the proximal region 11150 and the circumference of the distal region 11170 are the same, but may be different in other embodiments.

Referring again to fig. 80 and 81, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 comprises a single piece of formed material, but the surgical instrument shaft 11100 can comprise multiple pieces of material that are otherwise combined to form a single cohesive surgical instrument shaft. The pieces of material may be assembled using any suitable method. The surgical instrument shaft 11100 is configured to be operable in a variety of surgical arrangements not limited to the surgical stapling instruments described above. The surgical instrument shaft 11100 can be used with other surgical instruments having an articulatable end effector. Other surgical instruments may include: such as ultrasonic surgical devices, clip appliers, and fastener appliers. In addition, the surgical instrument shaft 11100 is configured to be used with any surgical instrument in which a trocar passageway is suitably employed.

In addition, the outer tube 11110 of the shaft 11100 includes a proximal end 11150 and a longitudinal portion 11160 that includes a diameter or width that is narrower than the diameter or width of the proximal end 11150. That is, the surgical instrument 11000 is constructed and arranged to provide a large torque to the end effector 11500 while the longitudinal portion 11160 comprises a narrow diameter. That is, at least one design ratio of this relationship may be established and used to design the surgical instrument 11000. For example, one ratio includes the diameter of the longitudinal portion 11160(D) divided by the full right articulated torque arm length (TA). The value of this ratio is dimensionless. In at least one instance, the diameter of the longitudinal portion 11160(D) is 0.316 "and the torque arm length (TA) is 0.154", for example, resulting in a ratio value of 2.06. Smaller values of this ratio indicate more efficient articulation systems. In each case, the value of this ratio is, for example, less than 2.0, such as between 1.0 and 2.0. In at least one case, the ratio value is, for example, between 2.0 and 3.0. In some cases, the ratio value is less than 3.38, for example.

In addition, the outer tube 11110 of the shaft 11100 includes a longitudinal portion 11160 and an enlarged distal end 11170 (FIG. 80). Referring again to fig. 40, the entirety of the articulation lock 11400 is positioned in the longitudinal portion 11160 rather than the enlarged distal end 11170. However, embodiments are contemplated in which at least a portion of the articulation lock 11400 is positioned in the enlarged distal end 11170. In at least one such instance, the articulation lock 11400 is mounted to the shaft frame such that the distal end 11402 of the articulation lock 11400 is located in the enlarged distal end 11170 of the outer tube 11110. In some cases, the articulation lock 11400 is rearranged such that the active end of the articulation lock 11400 is positioned in the enlarged distal end 11170 of the outer tube 11110. In various instances, the entirety of the articulation lock 11400 is positioned in the enlarged distal end 11170.

Turning now to fig. 46, a surgical instrument 14000 includes: the shaft 14100, the end effector 11500, and, further, an articulation drive system comprising an articulation drive actuator 14310 configured to articulate the end effector 11500. The shaft 14100 includes an articulation locking system configured to selectively lock the articulation drive actuator 14310 and the end effector 14500 in place. The articulation locking system includes an articulation lock 14400 that includes proximal and distal ends of a frame 14180 mounted to a shaft 14100. In at least one aspect, the articulation lock 14400 includes a beam that is fixedly and/or only supported at both ends. The articulation lock 14400 further includes an intermediate portion 14404 positioned in a cavity 14184 defined in the shaft frame 14180 that is configured to move laterally toward and away from the articulation drive actuator 14310 of the articulation drive system 14300. Similar to the above, the articulation lock 14400 includes one or more spring portions 14403 configured to allow the articulation lock 14400 to flex toward and away from the articulation drive actuator 14310.

In addition, the intermediate portion 14404 of the articulation lock 14400 includes one or more teeth 14406 defined thereon that are configured to engage the articulation drive actuator 14310. The teeth 14406 are arranged in a longitudinal array; however, any other suitable arrangement may be used. The articulation drive actuator 14310 includes a longitudinal array of teeth 14316 defined thereon that are configured to be engaged by the articulation locking teeth 14406. The articulation lock system also includes a lock plate 14420 slidably positioned in the shaft cavity 14184 that includes a longitudinal array of teeth 14226 defined therein, the teeth 14226 also being configured to be engaged by the articulation lock teeth 14406. When the articulation lock 14400 is in a fully locked state, as described in more detail below, the articulation lock teeth 14406 engage the drive actuator teeth 14316 and the lock plate teeth 14226 such that the articulation lock 14400 locks the articulation drive actuator 14310 in place and prevents, or at least inhibits, relative movement between the articulation drive actuator 14310 and the shaft frame 14180.

The locking plate 14420 includes a shoulder 14424 positioned below the articulation drive actuator 14310. Locking plate teeth 14426 are defined on a lateral edge of the shoulder 14424 and are substantially aligned with the teeth 14316 defined in the articulation drive actuator 14310. In at least one instance, the articulation drive actuator teeth 14316 are aligned along a first tooth axis and the locking plate teeth 14406 are defined along a second tooth axis that is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the first tooth axis. In each case, the drive actuator teeth 14316 are defined in a plane that is parallel to a plane that includes the locking plate teeth 14406. Such an arrangement allows the articulation lock 14400 to simultaneously engage the lock plate 14420 and the articulation drive actuator 14310. While the first and second tooth axes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14100, embodiments are contemplated in which the first and second tooth axes are skewed or transverse relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14100.

Referring again to fig. 46, the locking plate 14420 is longitudinally slidable within the cavity 14184; however, longitudinal movement of the locking plate 14420 is limited by the proximal and distal end walls 14427. Thus, the locking plate 14420 may float within the shaft cavity 14184 between the end walls 14427. In various circumstances, when articulation lock 14400 engages

teeth

14426 and 14316, lock plate tooth 14426 may not be fully aligned with drive actuator tooth 14316. In such cases, the locking plate 14420 may move longitudinally to an extent such that the locking plate teeth 14426 are aligned with the drive actuator teeth 14316. In various circumstances, the locking plate 14420 may move in response to a locking force applied thereto by the articulation lock 14400. In at least one instance, the locking plate 14420 can be allowed to move distally one tooth pitch distance and proximally one tooth pitch distance relative to its centered position, for example, where the tooth pitch distance is the distance between the peaks of adjacent locking teeth 14426 of the locking plate 14420. In other cases, for example, the locking plate 14420 may be allowed to move distally 1/4 and proximally 1/4 of the tooth pitch distance relative to its centered position. In various circumstances, the locking plate 14420 may be allowed to move more than one tooth pitch distance proximally and more than one tooth pitch distance distally.

In addition to the above, the articulation lock 14400 may be configured in three states: a self-locking state, an unlocked state, and a fully locked state. When articulation lock 14400 is in a self-locking state, teeth 14406 of articulation lock 14400 engage drive actuator teeth 14316 and shaft frame teeth 14186. In such cases, the articulation lock 14400 may resist some of the forces transmitted through the articulation drive actuator 14310; however, proximal and/or distal movement of the articulation drive actuator 14310 may overcome the retention force of the articulation lock 14400 and displace the articulation lock 14400 into its unlocked configuration. In such instances, the articulation lock 14400 can flex or deflect laterally away from the drive actuator 14310 so that the end effector 11500 can articulate. Similar to the above, the spring member 14403 of the articulation lock 14400 may resiliently return the articulation lock 14400 to or at least bias toward its self-locking configuration. Thus, the articulation drive system may self-lock and unlock due to its own motion unless it is placed in its fully locked position, as discussed below.

Similar to the above, the shaft 14100 of the surgical instrument 14000 includes a closure tube that is advanced distally during a closure stroke to close the end effector 11500. Prior to the closing stroke, the articulation lock 14400 may be moved between its self-locking and unlocked configurations to allow the end effector 11500 to be articulated by the articulation drive system. During the closing stroke, the closure tube is configured to engage the articulation lock 14400 and place, jam, or hold the articulation lock 14400 in its fully locked configuration. More specifically, the closure tube includes a cam 14118 configured to engage a cam surface 14405 defined on a backside of the articulation lock 14400 and prevent the articulation lock teeth 14406 from disengaging the drive actuator teeth 14316 and the shaft frame teeth 14186. The cam 14118 includes an angled surface 14115 that engages a corresponding angled surface defined on the cam surface 14405, although any suitable arrangement may be used. When the closure tube is retracted proximally to allow the end effector 11500 to open, the tab 14118 disengages from the articulation lock 14400 and the articulation lock 14400 is free to move between its self-locking and unlocked positions, as discussed above, so that the end effector 11500 can be articulated again.

Referring again to fig. 46, when the articulation lock 14400 is moved to its fully locked configuration by the closure tube, the articulation lock 14400 pushes the locking plate 14420 against the lateral sidewall 14183 of the shaft cavity 14184. In effect, the articulation lock 14400 engages the locking plate 14420 with sufficient force to secure the locking plate 14420 against the side wall 14183 such that the locking plate 14420 does not move longitudinally or at least substantially move relative to the shaft frame 14180. The locking plate 14420 includes one or more tabs 14422 extending therefrom that are configured to embed, bite, and/or deflect the side wall 14183 of the shaft cavity 14184 when the locking plate 14420 is pushed against the side wall 14183 to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of longitudinal movement of the locking plate 14420 relative to the shaft frame 14180.

In addition, the shaft frame 14180 includes one or more cavities or openings defined therein that are configured to allow and/or facilitate deflection of the sidewall 14183. For example, as shown in fig. 46, the axle frame 14180 includes a cavity 14182 defined therein that is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with the protrusion 14422. When the locking plate 14420 is laterally displaced by the closure tube, as discussed above, the side wall 14183 resiliently displaces into the cavity 14182 and the locking plate 14420 is locked in place. In such instances, the engagement between the shaft frame 14180 and the locking plate 14420 prevents the articulation drive actuator 14310 from moving longitudinally and locks the end effector 11500 in place. When the closure tube is retracted and disengaged from the articulation lock 14400, the sidewall 14183 may return to its unflexed state and displace the locking plate 14420 laterally. At this point, the locking plate 14420 is unlocked and the end effector 11500 may be articulated, as outlined above.

The surgical instrument 15000 is shown in fig. 47-49 and is similar in many respects to the surgical instrument 14000, most of which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. Among other things, the surgical instrument 15000 includes: a shaft, an end effector 11500, and an articulation drive system including an articulation drive actuator 14310. The surgical instrument 15000 also includes an articulation locking system that includes an articulation lock 15400 similar to the above that is movable between a self-locking position, an unlocked position, and a fully locked position. The articulation locking system also includes a locking plate 15420 that is similar in many respects to the locking plate 14420. For example, locking plate 15420 may be moved laterally into engagement with wall 14183. Also, for example, the locking plate 15420 may be moved longitudinally to float into a suitable locked position with the teeth 15426 defined on the locking plate 15420 engaged with the teeth 14406 of the articulation lock 15400, as depicted in fig. 48. That is, the shaft of the surgical instrument 15000 further includes a distal spring 15429 positioned intermediate the locking plate 15420 and a distal end wall 15427 defined in the shaft frame, and further includes a proximal spring 15429 positioned intermediate the locking plate 15420 and a proximal end wall 15427 defined in the shaft frame. Spring 15429 is configured to position locking plate 15420 in a centered or equilibrium position between end walls 15427, as shown in fig. 47. This centered position creates a Proximal Gap (PG) and a Distal Gap (DG) between end wall 15427 and locking plate 15420 that are equal, or at least substantially equal, to each other. That is, when the locking plate 15420 engages itself with the articulation lock 15400, as shown in fig. 49, the spring 15429 may experience different deflections or loads, which may create unequal gaps PG and DG.

The surgical instrument 16000 is shown in fig. 50-52 and is similar in many respects to the

surgical instruments

14000 and 15000, most of which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. The surgical instrument 16000 includes, among other things: a shaft, an end effector 11500, and an articulation drive system including an articulation driver 16310. Referring primarily to fig. 50, the surgical instrument 16000 further includes an articulation locking system that includes an articulation lock 16400 similar to that described above that can be configured to a self-locked configuration, an unlocked configuration, and a fully locked configuration. The articulation locking system also includes a locking plate 16420 that is similar in many respects to locking plate 14420. For example, locking plate 16420 may be moved laterally into engagement with wall 14183, as shown in FIG. 51. Also, for example, the locking plate 16420 may be moved longitudinally to float into a suitable locked position with the teeth 16426 of the locking plate 16420 engaged with the teeth 16406 of the articulation lock 16400, as depicted in fig. 52. In addition, the teeth 16406 of the articulation lock 16400, the teeth 16426 of the locking plate 16420, and the locking teeth 16316 of the articulation driver 16310 are configured and arranged to provide a plurality of positions or permutations of positions in which the articulation lock 16400 can lock the articulation driver 16310 to the locking plate 16420. For example, the articulation locking system has reached a fully locked configuration in one set of positions shown in FIG. 51 and a fully locked configuration in a different set of positions shown in FIG. 52.

The adaptability of the articulation locking system discussed above may be achieved by the tooth pitch of the articulation locking teeth 16406, the articulation driver teeth 16316, and the locking plate teeth 16426. For example, referring primarily to FIG. 50, articulation lock teeth 16406 are set at a first pitch 16407, articulation driver teeth 16316 are set at a second pitch 16317, and lock plate teeth 16426 are set at a third pitch 16427. The first pitch is different from the second pitch and the third pitch-the second pitch is different from the first pitch and the third pitch-and the third pitch is different from the first pitch and the second pitch, but embodiments are envisaged in which two of the first pitch, the second pitch and the third pitch are the same. Referring again to FIG. 50, the third pitch 16427 of the lock plate teeth 16426 is greater than the second pitch 16317 of the articulation driver teeth 16316 and the second pitch 16317 is greater than the first pitch 16407 of the articulation lock teeth 16406, although any suitable arrangement may be used.

The surgical instrument 17000 is shown in fig. 53-56 and is similar in many respects to the surgical instrument 11000, and for the sake of brevity, most of this will not be repeated here. The surgical instrument 17000 includes: a shaft, an end effector 11500 rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation joint 11200, and an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector 11500 about the articulation joint 11200. Similar to the above, the articulation drive system comprises: an articulation link 17320 rotatably mounted to jaws 11600 about pin 11620 and an articulation driver 17310 rotatably mounted to articulation link 17320 about pin 17315. The surgical instrument 17000 also includes an articulation lock 17400 movably mounted to the shaft frame of the surgical instrument 17000, the articulation lock being movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The articulation lock 17400 includes a distal end 17402 fixedly mounted to the shaft frame and a proximal end 17404 slidably mounted to the shaft frame. More specifically, the axle frame includes: a pin extending into an aperture defined in the distal end 17402 of the articulation lock 17400 and a guide protrusion 17114 extending into an elongated aperture defined in the proximal end 17404. In certain instances, the shaft frame can include two or more pins that extend into apertures defined in the distal end 17402 of the articulation lock 17400 to secure the distal end 17402 to the shaft frame and prevent the distal end 17402 from rotating relative to the shaft frame. As a result of the above, at least the proximal end 17404 of the articulation lock 17400 is movable relative to the shaft frame to engage the articulation driver 17310 and lock the articulation system and the end effector 11500 in place.

In addition, the articulation driver 17310 includes a longitudinal rack 17316 defined thereon and the articulation lock 17400 includes a longitudinal rack 17406 defined thereon. As shown in fig. 53 and 54, when the articulation lock 17400 is in its unlocked position, the teeth 17406 of the articulation lock 17400 do not engage the teeth 17316 of the articulation driver 17310. In such instances, the articulation driver 17310 may be free to move relative to the articulation lock 17400 to articulate the end effector 11500. As shown in fig. 55, when the articulation lock 17400 is in a partially locked position, the articulation locking teeth 17406 partially engage the articulation driver teeth 17316. In such instances, proximal and distal end movement of the articulation driver 17310 is impeded by the articulation lock 17400; however, the articulation driver 17310 may still move relative to the articulation lock 17400 to articulate the end effector 11500. As shown in fig. 56, when the articulation lock 17400 is in the fully locked position, the articulation locking teeth 17406 are fully engaged with the articulation driver teeth 17316. In such instances, proximal and distal movement of the articulation driver 17310 and articulation of the end effector 11500 is prevented by the articulation lock 17400.

In addition, the surgical instrument 17000 does not include a biasing member configured to move the articulation lock 17400 toward the articulation driver 17310 in addition to the closure member or tube 17110. The closure tube 17110 is configured to engage the articulation lock 17400 and move the articulation lock 17400 from its unlocked position (fig. 54) to its partially locked position (fig. 55) and fully locked position (fig. 56). Similar to the above, the closure tube 17110 includes a cam 17118 that is configured to engage a cam surface defined on the articulation lock 17400, although other arrangements may be used. The closure tube 17110 is configured to move the articulation lock 17400 between its unlocked position and its partially locked position as the closure tube 17110 is moved distally through a Partial Closure Stroke (PCS) that at least partially closes the end effector 11500. In such instances, the end effector 11500 of the surgical instrument 17000 can be used, for example, to grasp tissue of a patient. The closure tube 17110 is configured to move the articulation lock 17400 to its fully locked position as the closure tube 17110 is moved distally through a Full Closure Stroke (FCS) that fully closes the end effector 11500. In such instances, the end effector 11500 of the surgical instrument 17000 can be used, for example, to fully clamp tissue of a patient.

As discussed above, as the closure tube 17110 advances distally, the locking force applied to the articulation driver 17310 by the articulation lock 17400 increases. In other words, the articulation locking force is a function of the travel of the closure tube 17110. In addition to the above, turning now to fig. 57, the locking force between the articulation driver 17310 and the articulation lock 17400 is represented by line 17101. As shown in FIG. 57, the articulation lock teeth 17406 initially engage the articulation driver teeth 17316 during a partial closure stroke. In at least one instance, this initial engagement of the

teeth

17406 and 17316 occurs after a closure stroke of approximately 0.050 "of the closure tube 17110, although any suitable distance may be used. Notably, this initial engagement of the

teeth

17406 and 17316 does not necessarily coincide with the end of a partial closure stroke; instead, it may occur at some point during the Partial Close Stroke (PCS). It also occurs at some point during the Full Closing Stroke (FCS). However, this initial engagement does not include a locking force coupling. Instead, the locking force coupling between teeth 17406 and teeth 17316 is only established somewhere during the Full Closing Stroke (FCS). In at least one instance, the Full Close Stroke (FCS) has a length of, for example, approximately 0.260 ".

The surgical instrument 18000 is shown in fig. 58-60 and is similar in many respects to the

surgical instruments

11000 and 17000, and for the sake of brevity, most of this will not be repeated here. The surgical instrument 18000 includes: a shaft, an end effector 11500 rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation joint, and an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector 11500. The shaft includes a frame 18180 that includes first and second longitudinal racks 18186 that are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to one another, although the racks 18186 may extend transversely to one another. The surgical instrument 18000 also includes an articulation lock 18400 and a closure member that includes a cam 18118. The articulation lock 18400 includes: a first locking arm 18410 configured to engage the first longitudinal rack 18186 and a second locking arm 18420 configured to engage the second longitudinal rack 18186. Referring primarily to fig. 59 and 60, first locking arm 18410 includes a first cam surface 18415 defined thereon and second locking arm 18420 includes a second cam surface 18425 defined thereon that are configured to be contacted by cam 18118 and displaced or flexed outwardly into full locking engagement with longitudinal rack 18186 during a closing stroke of the closure member. In addition, when locking

arms

18410 and 18420 are displaced outwardly into engagement with shaft frame 18180, one or both of locking

arms

18410 and 18420 also engage the articulation system to lock end effector 11500 in place.

Upon displacement or flexing to the fully locked condition of locking

arms

18410 and 18420, the locking arms define a longitudinal slot 18430 therebetween configured to allow cam 18118 to pass therethrough, e.g., during the remainder of the closure stroke. Further, in such cases, cam 18118 wedges articulation lock 18400 into engagement with frame 18180 and securely holds locking

arms

18410 and 18420 in their fully locked position.

In at least one alternative embodiment, in addition to this, the first locking arm 18410 of the articulation lock 18400 can be configured to engage the shaft frame 18180 of the surgical instrument 18000, while the second locking arm 18420 of the articulation lock 18400 can be configured to engage the articulation system of the surgical instrument 18000.

The surgical instrument 19000 is shown in fig. 61-65 and is similar in many respects to the surgical instrument 11000, and for the sake of brevity, most of this will not be repeated here. The surgical instrument 19000 includes: a shaft 19100 that includes a closure member 19110; an end effector 11500 rotatably coupled to the shaft 19100 about an articulation joint 11200; and an articulation drive system 19300 comprising an articulation driver 19310 configured to articulate the end effector 11500 about an articulation joint 11200. Referring primarily to fig. 61, the surgical instrument 19000 further includes an articulation lock 19400 that is configured to selectively engage the articulation drive system 19300 and lock the end effector 11500 in place. The shaft 19100 further includes a frame 19180, and the articulation lock 19400 is movably mounted to the frame 19180 between an unlocked position (fig. 61), a partially locked position (fig. 63), and a locked position (fig. 64). As described in more detail below, the articulation lock 19400 can be moved laterally toward the articulation driver 19310 to bring the articulation lock 19400 into close proximity with the articulation driver 19310 (fig. 63) and also laterally into interference with the articulation driver 19310 (fig. 64).

In addition, the shaft frame 19180 includes a proximal guide post 19182 and a distal guide post 19184. Proximal guide post 19182 extends into a laterally elongated slot defined in a proximal end 19402 of articulation lock 19400, and similarly distal guide post 19184 extends into a laterally elongated slot defined in a distal end 19404 of articulation lock 19400. The laterally elongated slots allow the articulation lock 19400 to move laterally toward and away from the articulation driver 19310, as outlined above. The laterally elongated slot also defines a lateral path for the articulation lock 19400 and prevents, or at least substantially prevents, longitudinal movement of the articulation lock 19400 relative to the shaft frame 19180. Thus, the elongated slot of the articulation lock 19400 may guide the articulation lock 19400 between an unlocked position (fig. 61) in which the locking teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 are not engaged with the longitudinal rack 19316 defined on the articulation driver 19310, a partially locked position (fig. 63) in which the locking teeth 19406 are partially engaged with the teeth 19316, and a fully locked position (fig. 64) in which the locking teeth 19406 are fully engaged with the teeth 19316.

In addition, the articulation lock 19400 further includes a longitudinal cam slot 19408 defined therein, and the closure member 19110 includes a cam pin 19188 positioned in the cam slot 19408. When the closure member 19110 is in the unactuated or open position (fig. 61), the cam pin 19188 is positioned in a proximal portion 19408a of the cam slot 19408. When the closure member 19110 is moved distally to a partially actuated or partially closed position, as shown in fig. 62, the cam pin 19188 moves into the central portion 19408b of the cam slot 19408. In such circumstances, the cam pin 19188 displaces the articulation lock 19400 toward the articulation driver 19310. In such instances, however, the teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 may not engage the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310, and thus, the articulation driver 19310 may still be movable to articulate the end effector 11500 relative to the shaft 19100. Thus, the end effector 11500 can articulate when the closure stroke of the closure member 19110 is only partially completed.

As the closure member 19110 moves further distally, as shown in fig. 63, the cam pin 19188 moves into the distal portion 19408c of the cam slot 19408. In such instances, the cam pin 19188 displaces the articulation lock 19400 into close proximity with the articulation driver 19310 and into partial interengagement with the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310. That is, such partial interengagement between the

teeth

19406 and 19316 can only resist a certain amount of force transmitted through the articulation driver 19310, and can overcome such resistance to move the articulation driver 19310 relative to the articulation lock 19400 and articulate the end effector 11500.

In addition, the articulation lock 19400 does not lift or lower laterally relative to the axle frame 19180 during a partial closing stroke of the closure member 19110 (fig. 61-63). Instead, the articulation lock 19400 is lifted upward such that the teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 fully engage the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310 and lock the articulation driver 19310 in place during the final or final portion of the closing stroke of the closure member 19110, as shown in fig. 64. The articulation lock 19400 is moved upward by a different cam pin extending from the closure member 19110 (i.e., the cam pin 19189 that engages the articulation lock 19400 at the end of the closure stroke of the closure member 19110). Notably, the cam pin 19189 does not engage the articulation lock 19400 at the beginning of the closure stroke or during a portion of the closure stroke of the closure member 19110. At most, cam pin 19189 may slidingly contact the bottom of articulation lock 19400 during a partial closing stroke. That is, referring primarily to fig. 65, the articulation lock 19400 includes a cut-out or groove 19409 defined therein that provides clearance between the cam pin 19189 and the articulation lock 19400 during a partial closing stroke. That is, when cam pin 19189 reaches the end of groove 19409, cam pin 19189 contacts articulation lock 19400 and, in such circumstances, drives articulation lock 19400 laterally upward such that locking tooth 19406 is in interfering engagement with teeth 19316 of articulation driver 19310 and articulation lock 19400 is placed in its fully locked position, as shown in fig. 64. At this point, the articulation driver 19310 is locked in place and cannot move longitudinally to articulate the end effector 11500.

Referring again to fig. 65, the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310 are angled or inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 19100. The locking teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 are not angled, or are angled in a different orientation than the teeth 19316. Thus, when the articulation lock 19400 is in its lowered position (fig. 63) and fully engaged with the teeth 19316, and when the articulation lock 19400 is in its raised position (fig. 64), the locking teeth 19406 of the articulation lock 19400 may be partially engaged with the teeth 19316 of the articulation driver 19310.

To unlock the articulation system 19300 of the surgical instrument 19000, the closure member 19110 must be retracted to disengage the cam pin 19189 from the articulation lock 19400 so that the articulation lock 19400 can return to its lowered position. Once cam pin 19189 has disengaged with articulation lock 19400, proximal retraction of cam pin 19188 may drive articulation lock 19400 downward as cam pin 19188 is pulled proximally through cam slot 19408. Further, as the cam pin 19188 pulls proximally, the cam pin 19188 may displace the articulation lock 19400 away from the articulation driver 19310. In various embodiments, the shaft 19110 may include one or more biasing members, such as springs, for example, configured to bias or urge the articulation lock 19400 downward to snap-reset the articulation lock to the unlocked position.

The surgical instrument 20000 is illustrated in fig. 66-68 and is similar in many respects to

surgical instruments

11000, 17000, 18000, and 19000, most of which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. The surgical instrument 20000 includes: a shaft including a closure tube 20110, an end effector 11500 rotatably mounted to the shaft about an articulation joint 11200, and an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector 11500 relative to the shaft. Similar to the above, the articulation system comprises: an articulation link 20320 rotatably secured to the end effector 11500, and further includes an articulation actuator 20310 rotatably secured to the articulation link 20320. In use, the articulation actuator 20310 is moved proximally and/or distally to drive the articulation link 20320 and articulate the end effector 11500. The surgical instrument 20000 further comprises an articulation locking system comprising an articulation locking gear 20400 rotatably mounted to the frame of the shaft about a fixed axis. The articulation locking gear 20400 includes an annular array of teeth 20406 in meshing engagement with a longitudinal array of teeth 20316 defined on the articulation actuator 20310. Thus, referring generally to fig. 66, the articulation lock gear 20400 will rotate in response to proximal and/or distal movement of the articulation actuator 20310 until the articulation lock gear 20400 is locked in place by the closure tube 20110, as shown in fig. 68.

In addition, the articulation locking system further includes locking arms 20405 that extend from the shaft frame into central apertures defined in the articulation locking gear 20400, and when the closure tube 20110 is moved distally during a closure stroke to close the end effector 11500, the cams or wedges 20118 of the closure tube 20110 are configured to engage the locking arms 20405 and deploy the locking arms 20405 outward into engagement with the articulation locking gear 20400. Once locking arm 20405 is engaged with articulation lock gear 20400, locking arm 20405 prevents rotation of articulation lock gear 20400 and also prevents longitudinal movement of articulation actuator 20310. In such instances, the locking arms 20405 may prevent, or at least substantially prevent, articulation of the end effector 11500 until the wedges 20118 of the closure tube 20110 retract proximally during the opening stroke and the locking arms 20405 resiliently return to their undeflected or unlocked configuration.

In addition, the articulation system of the surgical instrument 20000 can be placed in an unlocked configuration (fig. 66), a partially locked configuration (fig. 67), and a fully locked configuration (fig. 68). As the closure tube 20110 is advanced distally through a Partial Closure Stroke (PCS), the articulation system may be placed in its partially locked configuration (fig. 67). In such instances, end effector 11500 is at least partially closed, but still articulatable, even though locking arm 20405 may be partially engaged with articulation locking gear 20400. More specifically, the articulation locking gear 20400 is rotatable despite the drag force generated by engagement of locking arm 20405 against a portion of the articulation locking gear 20400. In at least one instance, the PCS is, for example, approximately 0.050 ". As the closure tube 20110 is advanced distally through a Full Closure Stroke (FCS), the articulation system may be placed in its fully locked configuration (fig. 68). In such cases, the end effector 11500 is fully closed and cannot be articulated until the articulation system returns to its partially locked and/or unlocked configuration.

The surgical instrument 21000 is shown in fig. 69-71 and is similar in many respects to the

surgical instruments

11000, 17000, 18000, 19000, and 20000, and for the sake of brevity, most of this will not be repeated here. The surgical instrument 21000 comprises: a shaft including a closure member 21110, an end effector 11500 rotatably mounted to the shaft about an articulation joint 11200, and an articulation system including an articulation actuator 21130 configured to articulate the end effector 11500 relative to the shaft. The surgical instrument 21000 also includes an articulation locking system that includes an articulation locking gear 21400 that is rotatably mounted to the frame of the shaft about a fixed axis. The articulation lock gear 21400 includes an annular array of teeth 21406 meshingly engaged with a longitudinal array of teeth 21316 defined on the articulation actuator 21310. Thus, referring generally to fig. 69, the articulation locking gear 21400 rotates in response to proximal and/or distal longitudinal movement of the articulation actuator 21310 until the articulation locking gear 21400 is locked in place by the closure member 21110 (fig. 71), as described in more detail below.

In addition, the articulation locking system of the surgical instrument 21000 further includes a movable locking element 21405 slidably mounted to the shaft frame. More specifically, referring primarily to fig. 69, the locking element 21405 includes a guide tab 21402 extending therefrom that extends into a laterally elongated slot 21403 defined in the axle frame that is configured to allow the locking element 21405 to slide laterally toward and/or away from the articulation driver 21310. Further, referring primarily to fig. 70, the locking element 21405 slides laterally within an aperture defined in the articulation locking gear 21400 between an unlocked position (fig. 69) and a locked position (fig. 71). Locking element 21405 comprises an annular array of locking teeth 21407 and articulation locking gear 21400 comprises an annular array of locking teeth 21408 defined about its interior aperture, and when locking element 21405 is in its unlocked position (fig. 69), locking teeth 21407 of locking element 21405 are not engaged with locking teeth 21408 of articulation locking gear 21400. When the locking element 21405 is in its locked position (fig. 71), the locking tooth 21407 of the locking element 21405 engages the locking tooth 21408 of the articulation locking gear 21400 such that the articulation locking gear 21400 does not rotate and, thus, the articulation actuator 21300 is prevented from moving longitudinally to articulate the end effector 11500.

Fig. 69-71 illustrate distal advancement of the closure member 21110 during a closure stroke. FIG. 69 shows the closure member 21110 in an unactuated, open position. In this position, the closure member 21110 is not engaged with the locking element 21405. FIG. 70 shows the closure member 21110 in a partially closed position, wherein the closure member 21110 has at least partially closed the end effector 11500. In such a position, the cam surface 21115 of the closure member 21110 engages the locking element 21405. In at least one instance, the closure member 21110 is moved distally about 0.050 "from its open position (fig. 69) to its partially closed position (fig. 70). FIG. 71 shows the closure member 21110 in a fully closed position, wherein the closure member 21110 has fully closed the end effector 11500. In such a position, the camming surface 21115 has been moved by the locking element 21405, and the locking element 21405 has been displaced by the entire thickness of the closure member 21110.

In accordance with the foregoing, a surgical instrument can include an articulation lock system configured to prevent an end effector of the surgical instrument from being articulated and/or inadvertently back driven by a load or torque applied to the end effector. At least a portion of the articulation locking system is movable into engagement with an articulation drive system of the surgical instrument to prevent articulation of the end effector. In at least one instance, the articulation lock may be integral with the articulation drive system, as described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 72-74, the surgical instrument 22000 includes: a shaft and an articulation drive system 22300 configured to articulate an end effector (such as, for example, end effector 11500 of surgical instrument 22000) relative to the shaft. Articulation drive system 22300 includes an articulation drive 22310 and a pinion 22320. The articulation drive 22310 includes a longitudinal rack 22316 defined thereon that operatively engages the teeth 22326 of the pinion gear 22320. As the articulation driver 22310 translates distally, the pinion 22320 rotates in a first direction. Correspondingly, as the articulation drive 22310 translates proximally, the pinion gear 22320 rotates in a second direction. The pinion 22320 includes a bevel gear 22330 fixedly mounted thereto such that the bevel gear 22330 rotates with the pinion 22320 about a common axis of rotation. The combined assembly of the pinion 22320 and the bevel gear 22330 is rotatably mounted on the shaft of the surgical instrument 22000.

In addition, the teeth 22336 of the bevel gear 22330 meshingly engage the teeth 22346 of the bevel gear 22340 that is rotatably mounted about the rotatable threaded articulation lead screw 22350. More specifically, the bevel gear 22340 includes a nut portion that includes an at least partially threaded aperture that is threadably engaged by the articulation lead screw 22350. When the bevel gear 22340 is rotated in a first direction by the articulation driver 22310 via the bevel gear 22330, the bevel gear 22340 rotates the articulation lead screw 22350 in the first direction. Correspondingly, when the bevel gear 22340 rotates in a second direction, the bevel gear 22340 rotates the articulation lead screw 22350 in the second direction. Additionally, when articulation lead screw 22350 is rotated in its first direction, end effector 11500 is rotated in a first direction, and when threaded articulation drive shaft 22350 is rotated in its second direction, the corresponding end effector 11500 is rotated in its second direction.

In addition, the pitch of the threads on the threaded articulation lead screw 22350 may be selected to prevent back drive within the articulation drive system 22300. In other words, the large pitch of the threads defined on the articulation lead screw 22350 will be able to resist the forces and/or torques transmitted proximally through the articulation drive system 22300 from the end effector 11500, and thus may prevent the end effector 11500 from inadvertently articulating. Thus, the thread pitch may serve as an articulation lock integral to the articulation drive system 22300. In at least one instance, the articulation lead screw comprises, for example, an ACME lead screw.

Referring to fig. 75-79, a surgical instrument 23000 includes: a shaft and an articulation drive system 23300 that is configured to articulate an end effector (such as, for example, end effector 11500 of surgical instrument 23000) relative to the shaft. The articulation drive system 23300 includes an articulation drive 23310 and a pinion 23320. The articulation drive 23310 includes a longitudinal rack 23316 defined thereon that is operably engaged with the teeth 23326 of the pinion 23320. As the articulation driver 23310 translates distally, the pinion 23320 rotates in a first direction. Correspondingly, as articulation driver 23310 translates proximally, pinion 23320 rotates in a second direction. The pinion 23320 includes a worm gear 23330 fixedly mounted thereto such that the worm gear 23330 rotates with the pinion 23320 about a common axis of rotation. The combined assembly of pinion 23320 and worm gear 23330 is rotatably mounted on the shaft of the surgical instrument 23000.

In addition, the teeth 23336 of the worm gear 23330 meshingly engage the teeth 23346 of the worm 23340 rotatably mounted to the axle frame. The worm 23340 includes a pinion 23350 fixedly mounted thereto such that the pinion 23350 rotates with the worm 23340 about a common axis of rotation. Pinion 23350 is operably engaged with a translatable articulation output drive 23360. More specifically, the pinion 23350 includes teeth 23356 that meshingly engage a rack 23366 defined on the output drive 23360. When the worm 23340 is rotated in a first direction by the articulation driver 23310 through the worm gear 23330, the pinion 23350 drives the output driver 23360 distally. Correspondingly, when the worm 23340 is rotated in a second direction by the worm gear 23330, the worm 23340 and the pinion 23350 drive the output drive 23360 proximally. In addition, when output driver 23350 is driven distally by articulation drive system 23330, end effector 11500 is rotated in a first direction and when output driver 23350 is driven proximally by articulation drive system 23330, end effector 11500 is rotated in a second direction.

In addition, the pitch of the threads on the worm 23340 can be selected to prevent backdriving in the articulation drive system 23300. In other words, for example, a large pitch of the threads defined on the worm 23340 will be able to resist the forces and/or torques transmitted proximally through the articulation drive system 23300 from the end effector 11500 and can prevent the end effector 11500 from inadvertently articulating. Thus, the thread pitch may be used as an articulation lock integral to the articulation drive system 23300.

The surgical instrument 12000 is shown in fig. 32-34B, similar in several respects to the surgical instrument 11000, and many of which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. In addition to the shaft 11100, the end effector 11500, and the articulation joint 11200, the surgical instrument 12000 further includes a staple firing system 12900 that includes, for example, a firing bar 12910 that extends through the articulation joint 11200. In use, the firing bar 12910 can be translated distally to execute a staple firing stroke and retracted proximally after at least a portion of the staple firing stroke has been completed. The firing rod 12910 extends through a channel or slot 11190 defined in the frame 11180 of the shaft 11100 that is configured to closely receive and/or guide the firing rod 12910 as the firing rod 12910 moves relative to the shaft 11100. Similarly, the end effector 11500 includes a channel or slot 11590 defined in the frame 11580 of the end effector 11500 that is also configured to closely receive and/or guide the firing bar 12910 as the firing bar 12910 moves relative to the end effector 11500.

In addition, the

channels

11190 and 11590 do not extend into the articulation joint 11200, and in no other case, the firing bar 12910 may not be supported within the articulation joint 11200. When the end effector 11500 is in an unarticulated configuration (fig. 34), the firing bar 12910 is less likely to buckle within the articulation joint 11120 during a staple firing stroke, however, when the end effector 11500 is in an articulated configuration (fig. 34A and 34B), the firing bar 12910 is more likely to buckle laterally during a staple firing stroke. To reduce the likelihood of such buckling, the surgical instrument 12000 further includes a firing bar support 12400 configured to support a firing bar 12910. Firing bar support 12400 includes: a proximal portion 12410 connected to the shaft frame 11180, a distal portion 12430 connected to the end effector frame 11580, and an intermediate portion 12420 extending between the proximal and

distal portions

12410, 12430. The

portions

12410, 12420, and 12430 of the firing bar support 12400 are integrally formed; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which

portions

12410, 12420, and 12430 are assembled to one another and/or include separate components.

In addition, the distal portion 12430 of the firing bar support 12400 is fixedly mounted to the end effector frame 11580 and does not move, or at least does not substantially move, relative to the end effector frame 11580. The middle portion 12420 of the firing bar support 12400 includes one or more portions having a reduced cross-section that, among other things, allow the firing bar support 12400 to flex within the articulation joint 11200 as the end effector 11500 is articulated. A proximal portion 12410 of the firing bar support 12400 is slidably mounted to the shaft frame 11180 such that the firing bar support 12400 can translate relative to the shaft frame 11180 as the end effector 11500 is articulated. That is, a proximal portion 12410 of the firing bar support 12400 includes a proximal head 12415 that can slide within a cavity or cavity 11185 defined within the shaft frame 11180, which can limit the travel of the firing bar support 12400. However, embodiments are contemplated that do not have such travel constraints. In any event, the proximal portion 12410, the intermediate portion 12420, and the distal portion 12430 of the firing bar support 12400 collectively operably define a channel or slot 12490 configured to support the firing bar 12910 (particularly within the articulation joint 11200) and reduce the likelihood of the firing bar 12910 buckling during, for example, a staple firing stroke.

In various instances, the firing bar 12910 can be constructed from a plurality of parallel, or at least substantially parallel, layers. These layers are attached to the distal cutting member and may partially translate or slide relative to each other, particularly within the articulation joint 11200. Each such layer is configured to be able to transfer loads in the same direction (i.e., proximally or distally), even though such layers may move or slide relative to each other. In addition, such layers may expand laterally relative to one another when the end effector 11500 has been articulated, particularly within the articulation joint 11200. The middle portion 12420 of the firing bar support 12400 includes a plurality of connected control elements that can at least reduce, if not prevent, relative lateral deployment of the firing bar layers. Alternatively, as mentioned above, one or more of the control elements may not be connected to each other.

In addition to or in lieu of the firing bar support 12400, the surgical instrument 12000 can include one or more spacers that separate and control the layers of the firing bar 12910. Referring to fig. 34-34B, the shaft 11110 includes a spacer 12920 positioned within a layer of the firing bar 12910. The two layers of firing bar 12910 are positioned on one side of spacer 12920 while the two layers are positioned on the other side of spacer 12920, although any suitable arrangement may be used. The spacer 12920 prevents one half of the firing bar 12910 from deploying outward when the end effector 11500 is articulated. In other words, the spacer 12920 prevents the two rightmost firing bar layers from deploying to the left when the end effector 11500 is articulated to the right (fig. 34A), and similarly, the spacer 12920 prevents the two leftmost firing bar layers from deploying to the right when the end effector 11500 is articulated to the left (fig. 34B). The spacer 12920 extends through the articulation joint 11200 and the firing bar support 12400 and into the end effector 11500 and can bend as the end effector 11500 is articulated. Thus, in such cases, spacer 12920 is flexible. Spacer 12920 is mounted to frame 11180 of shaft 11110 and does not move relative to frame 11180; however, embodiments are contemplated in which the spacer 12920 is not mounted to the frame 11180 and may float within the firing bar layer.

The surgical instrument 13000 is shown in fig. 35-39B, similar in several respects to the

surgical instruments

11000 and 12000, and many of which will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity. In addition to the shaft 13100, the end effector 13500, and the articulation joint 11200, the surgical instrument 13000 further comprises a staple firing system 12900 that includes, for example, a firing bar 12910 that extends through the articulation joint 11200. In use, the firing bar 12910 can be translated distally to execute a staple firing stroke and retracted proximally after at least a portion of the staple firing stroke has been completed. With primary reference to fig. 39-39B, the firing bar 12910 extends through a channel or slot 13190 defined in the frame 13180 of the shaft 13100 that is configured to closely receive and/or guide the firing bar 12910 as the firing bar 12910 moves relative to the shaft 11100. Similarly, the end effector 13500 includes a channel or slot defined in the frame 13580 of the end effector 13500 that is also configured to closely receive and/or guide the firing bar 12910 as the firing bar 12910 moves relative to the end effector 13500.

When the end effector 13500 is in an unarticulated configuration (fig. 39), in addition to this, the firing bar 12910 is less likely to buckle within the articulation joint 11120 during a staple firing stroke, however, when the end effector 13500 is in an articulated configuration (fig. 39A and 39B), the firing bar 12910 is more likely to buckle laterally during a staple firing stroke. To reduce the likelihood of such buckling, the surgical instrument 13000 further comprises a firing bar support 13400 configured to support the firing bar 12190. The firing bar support 13400 includes a first side plate 13410 and a second side plate 13420.

Side plates

13410 and 13420 are positioned on opposite sides of the firing bar 12910. Each

side panel

13410, 13420 comprises: a proximal portion connected to the shaft frame 13180, a distal portion connected to the end effector frame 13580, and an intermediate portion extending between the proximal and distal portions. Portions of each

panel

13410, 13420 are integrally formed; however, other embodiments are contemplated in which the parts are assembled to one another and/or include separate components.

In addition, the first side panel 13410 includes a distal portion 13416 that is fixedly mounted to the end effector frame 13580 and does not move, or at least substantially does not move, relative to the end effector frame 13580. Similarly, the second side panel 13420 comprises a distal portion 13426 that is fixedly mounted to the end effector frame 13580 and does not move, or at least substantially does not move, relative to the end effector frame 13580. The first side plate 13410 includes a proximal portion 13412 that is slidably mounted to the shaft frame 13180 such that the first side plate 13410 can translate relative to the shaft frame 13180 as the end effector 13500 is articulated. The proximal portion 13412 includes a head that is slidable within a chamber or cavity 13185 defined within the shaft frame 13180, which may limit the travel of the firing bar support 13400. Similarly, the second side panel 13420 comprises a proximal portion 13422 that is slidably mounted to the shaft frame 13180 such that the firing bar support 13400 can translate relative to the shaft frame 13180 as the end effector 13500 is articulated. The proximal portion 13422 includes a head that is slidable within a chamber 13185 defined within the shaft frame 13180, which may also limit the travel of the firing bar support 13400.

The first side plate 13410 includes a flexible portion 13414 positioned in the articulation joint 11200 that allows the distal portion 13416 of the first side plate 13410 to flex relative to the proximal portion 13412 and accommodate articulation of the end effector 13500. Flexible portion 13414 extends laterally from first side panel 13410 and includes a hinge including a gap 13413 defined therein that allows rotation within first side panel 13410. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the first side panel 13410 includes a longitudinal opening 13415 defined therein that allows the first side panel 13410 to flex within the end effector 13500 and accommodate articulation of the end effector 13500. The first side plate 13410 can include any suitable number and configuration of openings and/or grooves defined at any suitable location therein that are configured to allow the first side plate 13410 to flex during articulation of the end effector 13500. Similarly, the second side panel 13412 includes a flexible portion 13424 positioned in the articulation joint 11200 that allows the distal portion 13426 of the second side panel 13420 to flex relative to the proximal portion 13422 and accommodate articulation of the end effector 13500. The flexible portion 13424 extends laterally from the first side panel 13420 and includes a hinge that includes a gap defined therein that allows rotation within the second side panel 13420. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the second side panel 13420 comprises a longitudinal opening defined therein that allows the second side panel 13420 to flex within the end effector 13500 and accommodate articulation of the end effector 13500. The second side panel 13420 can comprise any suitable number and configuration of openings and/or grooves defined at any suitable location therein that are configured to allow the second side panel 13420 to flex during articulation of the end effector 13500.

In addition, the

side plates

13410 and 13420 are flexible, and the

side plates

13410 and 13420 can resiliently return to their unflexed configuration when the end effector 13500 returns to its unarticulated configuration. In various instances, the

side plates

13410 and 13420 comprise springs that resiliently bias the end effector 13500 into its unarticulated configuration.

The firing member 24900 is shown in fig. 83 and 84 and can be used with any of the surgical stapling instruments disclosed herein. The firing member 24900 includes a firing bar 24910 that includes multiple layers similar to those described above. More specifically, the firing bar 24910 includes two outer layers 24911 and two inner layers 24912. The firing member 24900 also includes a distal cutting member 24920 that includes a tissue cutting edge 24926. The distal cutting member 24920 further comprises: a first cam 24922 configured to engage a first jaw of the end effector and a second cam 24924 configured to engage a second jaw of the end effector. That is, embodiments are contemplated in which the distal cutting member 24920 is configured to engage only one jaw of the end effector or, alternatively, neither jaw of the end effector.

The

layers

24911 and 24912 of the firing bar 24910 are welded to the distal cutting member 24920 at weld 24930. As shown in fig. 84, a first weld 24930 is present on a first side of the firing member 24900 and a second weld 24930 is present on a second side of the firing member 24900. The first weld 24930 penetrates the first outer layer 24911 and the adjacent inner layer 24912. In various instances, the first weld 24930 penetrates completely through the adjacent inner layer 24912 and/or also penetrates into the other inner layer 24912. A second weld 24930 penetrates the second outer layer 24911 and the adjacent inner layer 24912. In various instances, the second weld 24930 penetrates completely through the adjacent inner layer 24912 and/or also penetrates into the other inner layer 24912.

Referring primarily to fig. 83, each weld 24930 of the firing member 24900 includes a weld line configured to securely hold the firing bar 24910 to the cutting member 24920 while providing a flexible connection therebetween. Each weld 24930 includes a butt weld 24931 connecting the cutting member 24920 to the distal ends of the

plates

24911 and 24912, and each weld 24930 is placed in tension and/or compression when a longitudinal firing force is transmitted through the firing member 24900. The butt weld is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to a longitudinal Firing Axis (FA) of the firing member 24900. Butt weld 24931 can include any suitable configuration, such as, for example, a square, a closed square, a single bevel, a double bevel, a single J, a double J, a single V, a double V, a single U, a double U, a flange, a flap, and/or a tee configuration.

In addition, each weld 24930 includes: a distal hook weld portion 24932 and a proximal hook weld portion 24933. Each

hook weld portion

24932 and 24933 includes a longitudinal portion that is aligned with or parallel to a longitudinal Firing Axis (FA) of the firing member 24900 and is placed in shear when a longitudinal firing force is transmitted through the firing member 24900. Further, each

hook weld portion

24932 and 24933 includes an abutment portion that is orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to the longitudinal Firing Axis (FA) and is placed in tension and/or compression when a longitudinal firing force is transmitted through the firing member 24900. Notably, each set of

hook weld portions

24932 and 24933 includes an interlocking connection between the firing bar 24910 and the cutting member 24920 that can transfer stress flow therebetween without failure and/or discomfort.

Each weld 24930 is generally L-shaped, for example; however, weld 24930 may include any suitable configuration.

While

surgical instruments

10000, 11000, 12000, 13000, 14000, 15000, 16000, 17000, 18000, 19000, 20000, 21000, 22000, and 23000 are surgical staplers, their design can be readily adapted to other surgical instruments having articulatable end effectors, and the like. Such other surgical instruments may include: such as a clip applier, a fastener applier, and/or a surgical instrument configured to deliver electrical and/or vibrational energy to tissue.

FIG. 86 illustrates a surgical staple cartridge 25100 including an elongated nose 25150 (generally designated 25102) at a distal end thereof. The elongated nose 25150 has a base 25152 defined by a first length 25154 that extends a distance between the end of the staple line 25056 and the distal tip 25142 of the staple cartridge 25100. Distal tip 25142 is formed at an angle σ to base 25152 of staple cartridge 25100. A distal tip 25142 on the staple cartridge 25100 is directed and configured to act as a parking region for a wedge sled (not shown) of the firing system at the completion of the staple firing stroke.

To shorten the overall length of the staple cartridge without sacrificing the length of the stapled tissue, the surgical staple cartridge 25200 depicted in fig. 85 includes a cartridge body 25210 that includes a shortened nose 25250, generally designated 25202, at a distal end thereof. The shortening nose 25250 has a base 25252 defined by a second length 25254 that extends a distance between the end of the staple line 25056 and the blunt distal tip 25242 of the staple cartridge 25200. The second length 25254 of shortened nose 25250 is minimized by blunting the parking area of wedge slider 25270 (see FIG. 89). While the blunt, shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200 of FIG. 85 still provides a parking area for the wedge sled, additional storage space may have to be provided, as will be discussed below. Blunt distal tip 25242 is formed at an angle γ to base 25252 of staple cartridge 25200.

In comparing the

staple cartridges

25200 and 25100 depicted in fig. 85 and 86, the reader should appreciate that the second length 25254 is shorter than the first length 25154. Accordingly, the length of the staple cartridge 25200 beyond the end of the staple line 25056 is minimized, among other things, to allow for improved spatial access within the surgical site. The shortened nose 25250 also prevents the blunt distal tip 25242 from piercing seals on the trocar system, as described further below. Further, it will be appreciated that the angle γ of blunt distal tip 25242 of staple cartridge 25200 relative to base 25252 is greater than the angle σ of sharp distal tip 25142 of staple cartridge 25100 relative to base 25152. For example, blunt distal tip 25242 may extend at an angle of about 45 to 50 degrees relative to base 25252 of staple cartridge 25200, while pointed distal tip 25142 may extend at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to base 25152 of staple cartridge 25100. The steeper angle of blunt distal tip 25242 provides enhanced stability throughout the distal region of the structure of the staple cartridge 25200.

FIG. 89 is a plan view of the staple cartridge 25200. The cartridge body 25210 of the staple cartridge 25200 includes an elongate slot 25230 that extends distally from the proximal end 25204 of the staple cartridge 25200 toward the shortened nose 25250. A plurality of staple cavities 25220 are formed within the cartridge body 25210. The staple cavity 25220 extends between a proximal end 25204 and a distal end 25202 of the staple cartridge 25200. Staple cavities 25220 are arranged in six laterally spaced apart

longitudinal rows

25221, 25222, 25223, 25224, 25225, 25226, with three rows on each side of elongated slot 25230. Removably positioned within the staple cavity 25220 is a staple 25260.

FIG. 87 illustrates one embodiment of a three staple driver 25240 within the staple cartridge 25200 for supporting and driving three staples 25260. The staple driver 25240 includes a first driver portion 25342, a second driver portion 25344, and a third driver portion 25346. The central base member 25348 connects the first and

third driver portions

25342 and 25346 to the second driver portion 25344. The first driver portion 25342 is at least partially positioned distal of the second driver portion 25344. Further, the third driver portion 25346 is positioned at least partially distal of the second driver portion 25344. A first plurality of staple drivers 25240 are slidably mounted within corresponding staple cavities 25220 from three

longitudinal rows

25221, 25222, 25223 on one side of the elongated slot 25230. In other words, each staple driver 25240 is configured to support three staples 25260: staples 25260 stored within staple cavities 25220 in a first longitudinal row 25221; staples 25260 stored within staple cavities 25220 in second longitudinal row 25222; and staples 25260 stored within staple cavities 25220 in a third longitudinal row 25223. Due to the distal position of the first and

third driver portions

25342, 25346 relative to the second driver portion 25344, the staples 25260 are fired in a reverse arrow configuration. As shown in FIG. 89, the last staple 25260 in the first longitudinal row 25221 and the third longitudinal row 25223 is closer to the shortened nose portion 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200 than the last staple 25260 in the second longitudinal row 25222.

On the other side of the elongated slot 25230, a second plurality of staple drivers are mounted within corresponding staple cavities 25220 in three longitudinal rows 25224, 25225, 25226. Similar to the staple drivers 25240, the second staple drivers each include a first driver portion 25342, a second driver portion 25344, and a third driver portion 25346. The central base member 25348 connects the first and

third driver portions

25342 and 25346 to the second driver portion 25344. The first driver portion 25342 is at least partially positioned distal of the second driver portion 25344. Further, the third driver portion 25346 is positioned at least partially distal of the second driver portion 25344. As with the staple drivers 25240 above, each second staple driver is configured to support three staples 25260: staples 25260 stored within staple cavities 25220 in fourth longitudinal row 25224, staples 25260 stored within staple cavities 25220 in fifth longitudinal row 25225, and staples 25260 stored within staple cavities 25220 in sixth longitudinal row 25226. Due to the distal position of the first and

third driver portions

25342, 25346 relative to the second driver portion 25344, the staples 25260 are fired in a reverse arrow configuration. As shown in FIG. 89, the last staple 25260 in the fourth longitudinal row 25224 and the sixth longitudinal row 25226 is closer to the shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200 than the last staple 25260 in the fifth longitudinal row 25225.

The first driver portion 25342 of the staple driver 25240 has a first forward support column 25352 and a first rearward support column 25354 that projects upwardly from the base of the first driver portion. The first forward support column 25352 and the first rearward support column 25354 are spaced apart from one another and collectively form a first staple cradle for supporting the staples 25260 in an upright position (i.e., the staples face the prongs of the anvil). Similarly, the second actuator portion 25344 has a second forward support column 25362 and a second rearward support column 25364 that project upwardly from the second actuator portion base. The second forward support column 25362 and the second rearward support column 25364 are spaced apart from one another and collectively form a second staple cradle for supporting the staples 25260 in an upright position (i.e., with the staples facing the prongs of the anvil). The third driver portion 25346 has: a third forward support column 25372 and a third rearward support column 25374 projecting upwardly from the third actuator portion base. The third forward support column 25372 and the third rearward support column 25374 are spaced apart from one another and collectively form a third staple support for supporting the staples 25260 in an upright position (i.e., the staples facing the prongs of the anvil).

The centers of mass of the first and

second driver portions

25342 and 25346 are indicated by dashed lines D-D. Similarly, the dashed line P-P represents the center of mass of the second driver portion 25344. The combination of the centers of mass of the three staple drivers 25240 are indicated in FIGS. 87 and 88 by the dashed lines C-C. Thus, the staple drivers 25240 are less likely to roll forward. Notably, C-C is closer to D-D than P-P, which makes the staple driver 25240 very stable.

As discussed above, the central base member 25348 of the staple driver 25240 depicted in fig. 88 attaches the first and

third driver portions

25342 and 25346 to the second driver portion 25344. The central base member 25348 extends laterally between the proximal ends of the first and third rearward support posts 25354, 25374 on the first and

third driver portions

25342, 25346, respectively, and the proximal end of the second rearward support post 25362 is on the second driver portion 25344. As can be seen in fig. 90, the central base member 25348 has an angled rearward edge 25349 adapted to be engaged by the wedge slider 25270, as will be discussed in further detail below. Due to the extension of the central base member 25348 between all three

driver portions

25342, 25344, 25346, the midpoint of the rearward edge 25349 may diverge into a portion closer to the first portion 25342 and a portion closer to the third portion 25346. Such an arrangement can balance the moments generated during firing and formation of the staples 25260 stored within the staple cavities 25220.

Referring primarily to fig. 89, each staple cavity 25220 defined in the cartridge body 25210 of the staple cartridge 25200 includes a proximal wall 25264 and a distal wall 25262. The reverse arrow orientation created by the arrangement of the first, second and

third driver portions

25342, 25344, 25346 of the three staple drivers 25240 discussed above reduces the forward and/or lateral rolling of the staple drivers 25240 during the staple firing stroke. In various circumstances, the distal end of the first forward support column 25352 and the distal end of the third forward support column 25372 are pushed into their respective distal walls 25262 of the staple cavities 25220, which stabilizes the drivers 25240. Thus, as the sled 25270 (fig. 89) raises the staple drivers 25240 upwardly during the staple firing stroke, the two distal walls 25262 of the staple cavities 25220 provide opposing forces against the

forward support columns

25352, 25372, thereby preventing any undesired movement or rolling of the staple drivers 25240.

As shown in fig. 87-90, the elongate slot 25230 of the staple cartridge 25200 is configured to receive a portion of the firing assembly 25280. The firing assembly 25280 is configured to push the sled 25270 distally to eject the staples 25260 stored within the staple cavities 25220 and deform the staples 25260 against an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge 25200. More specifically, the coupling member 25282 urges the wedge sled 25270 of the staple cartridge 25200 distally. Wedge slider 25270 has: four rails, two inner rails 25272, and two outer rails 25274, which are connected to each other by a central member 25276. One inner rail 25272 and one outer rail 25274 are positioned on one side of the elongated slot 25230, while the other inner rail 25272 and the other outer rail 26274 are positioned on the opposite side of the elongated slot 25230. As the inner rail 25272 is driven distally, the inner rail 25272 passes through an inner channel 25212 defined within the cartridge body 25210 and engages the rearward edges 25349 of the drivers 25240 supporting the staples 25260 to fire the staples toward the anvil. Likewise, the outer rail 25274 passes through the outer channel 25214 defined within the cartridge body 25210 and engages the portions of the drivers 25240 that support the staples 25260 to push the staples toward the anvil. Distal movement of the wedge sled 25270 causes the

guide rails

25272, 25274 to contact the rearward edges 25349 of the staple drivers 25240, thereby pushing the drivers 25240 upward to eject the staples 25260 from the staple cartridge 25200 into the tissue captured between the staple cartridge 25200 and the opposing anvil. Coupling member 25282 further includes a cutting edge 25284 that cuts into tissue as coupling member 25282 is advanced distally to eject staples 25260 from cartridge body 25210.

Referring again to FIG. 87, the positioning of the first 25342, second 25344 and third 25346 driver portions of the staple drivers 25240 between the inner 25272 and outer 25274 guide rails of the wedge sled 25270 provides increased lateral stability. Two rails (one inner rail 25272 and one outer rail 25274) straddle staple drivers 25240 to provide enhanced support and stability during the entire firing stroke. In addition to providing enhanced stability to the staple drivers 25240, another benefit of the staple drivers 25240 having two

rails

25272, 25274 that span the wedge sled 25270 is the reduced force required to execute the firing stroke. The force required is reduced because the deflection and losses within the system are smaller. Furthermore, the additional drive surface provided by the rearward edge 25349 allows the

guide rails

25272, 25274 of the wedge slider 25270 to extend at a steeper angle to the base 25278 of the wedge slider 25270. The steeper angle of the wedge sled 25270 allows the length of the base 25278 of the wedge sled 25270 to be generally reduced, thereby further facilitating shortening of the length of the shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200. Referring again to FIG. 89, at the completion of the staple firing stroke, the wedge sled 25270 of the firing assembly 25280 is parked within the shortened nose 25250 of the staple cartridge 25200.

FIG. 89 illustrates the wedge sled 25270 of the firing assembly 25280 parked in the shortening nose 25250 at the completion of the staple firing stroke. The shortening nose 25250 includes a plurality of

openings

25292, 25294 at the distal end of the shortening nose 25250 to receive the four

guide rails

25272, 25274. Shortening nose 25250 also includes an opening 25296 configured to receive central slider member 25276 of wedge slider 25270. Thus, portions of the

guide rails

25272, 25274 and the central sled member 25276 of the wedge sled 25270 are exposed at the distal end 25202 of the staple cartridge 25200. The

openings

25292, 25294 are a continuum of

channels

25212, 25214 within which the

rails

25272, 25274 of the wedge slider 25270 slidably travel. The two inner openings 25292 are configured to receive the two inner rails 25272 of the wedge slider 25270, while the two outer openings 25294 are configured to receive the two outer rails 25274 of the wedge slider 25270. The central opening 25296 at the center of the distal portion 25202 of shortened nose 25250 is configured to receive the central member 25276 of wedge slider 25270.

Openings

25292, 25294, 25296 at the distal end 25202 of shortened nose 25250 allow for the completion of staple firing stroke and the parking of wedge sled 25270 in the shortened distal end.

Referring again to fig. 89, the staple cartridge 25200 further includes a protrusion 25262 extending around the proximal and distal ends of the staple cavity 25220. The protrusions 25262 in the first longitudinal row 25221 are shown as singular, while the protrusions in the second and third

longitudinal rows

25222, 25223 are shown as connected. The protrusions 25262 are configured to provide additional support to the staples 25260 as the staples 25260 are fired upwardly from their staple cavities 25220. In addition, the tabs 25264 formed on the distal-most staple cavity 25220 are angled to control the flow of tissue into the end effector. A more detailed discussion of these protrusions can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2015/0297228 entitled FASTENER CARTRIDGES INCLUDING EXTENSION HAVISION DOCULIFERENT CONFIGURATIONS, filed 6, 30, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 91 illustrates some of the advantages obtained by using the shortened staple cartridge 25200 of FIG. 85 instead of the elongated staple cartridge 25100 of FIG. 86. Both staple cartridges are suitable for use in a variety of surgical procedures including, for example, Low Anterior Resection (LAR). LAR is for example a common treatment for colorectal cancer. Such procedures require precise separation and sealing of tissue deep within the pelvic cavity of the patient. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the shortened length of the staple cartridge 25200 allows the end effector of the surgical instrument to gain more access to tissue within the pelvic cavity due to, among other things, the shortened nose 25250 in fig. 85. The reader should appreciate that the staple cartridges described herein may be used in a variety of surgical treatments and are not limited to the specific procedures discussed herein.

In addition to the above, the short staple cartridge 25200 is part of a first end effector 25202 on a first surgical instrument 25201 that also includes an anvil 25203. the first surgical instrument 25201 also includes a first shaft 25206 that is rotatably connected to the first end effector 25202. the first end effector 25202 is articulatable about an articulation joint 25208 positioned intermediate the first end effector 25202 and the first shaft 25206. the first end effector 25202 is articulatable to an angle α relative to the first shaft 25206. similarly, the elongate staple cartridge 25100 is part of a second end effector 25102 on a second surgical instrument 25101 that also includes an anvil 25103. in addition, the second surgical instrument 25101 also includes a second shaft 25106 that is rotatably connected to the second end effector 25102. the second end effector 02 is articulatable to articulate about an articulation joint 25108 positioned intermediate the second end effector 25102 and the second shaft 25106. the second end effector 25102 is articulatable to an angle 25106 relative to the second shaft 25135.

In addition to the above, in use, a clinician inserts the end effector 25202 through a cannula or trocar and into a patient while the end effector 25202 is in its unarticulated state. Once through the trocar, the end effector 25202 may be articulated as shown in fig. 91. At this point, the shaft 25206 can be moved to position the end effector 25202 in the pelvic cavity. Similar steps may be used to position the end effector 25102.

During LAR surgery, first end effector 25202 can reach a distance X from the pelvic floor within the pelvic cavity₁To (3). During LAR surgery, the second end effector 25102 can reach a distance X from the pelvic floor within the pelvic cavity₂Distance X1 is shorter than distance X2, allowing the first surgical instrument 25201 to be placed deeper into the pelvic cavity than the second surgical instrument 25101, thereby enabling the surgeon, among other things, to target, access and remove a greater amount of diseased tissue in the colon, hi addition, the articulation capability of the first surgical instrument 25201 allows deeper access to tissue within the surgical site while causing minimal trauma to surrounding tissue, the first end effector 25202 is articulatable to a greater degree than the second end effector 25102, e.g., β is greater than α, for example, the first end effector 25202 may be articulated to an angle of 115 degrees with respect to the first axis 25206, while the second end effector 25102 may only be articulated to an angle of 135 degrees with respect to the second axis 25106.

As shown in FIG. 91, the staple cartridge 25100 and the anvil 25103 of the end effector 25102 have substantially the same length, but the staple cartridge 25100 is significantly longer than the anvil 25103. In contrast, the staple cartridge 25200 and the anvil 25203 of the end effector 25202 have substantially the same length (if not the same length). In any event, the difference in length (if any) between the staple cartridge 25200 and the anvil 25203 of the end effector 25202 is much smaller than the end effector 25102.

Extreme differences between the distal end of the staple cartridge and the distal end of the anvil may cause damage to the trocar when the end effector is inserted through the trocar. Referring to fig. 92, the end effector 25810 includes a distal end 25802, an anvil 25820, and a staple cartridge 25830. The staple cartridge 25830 has a blunt shortened nose 25840 similar to the shortened nose 25250 on the staple cartridge 25200 of FIG. 85. As can be seen in fig. 92 and 93, the anvil 25820 has protective tips 25822 thereon. The guard tips 25822 are sized and positioned on the anvil 25820 in a manner such that the length of the anvil 25820 is shorter than the staple cartridge 25830. Thus, the shortened nose 25840 of the staple cartridge 25830 extends distally relative to the anvil 25820. The protective tip 25822 can be integrally formed (molded, machined, etc.) on the distal end 25802 of the anvil 25820, or the protective tip 25822 can comprise a separate piece configured to receive a complementary portion of the anvil. A more extensive discussion of protective tips can be found in U.S. patent application publication 2008/0169328 entitled "IMPROVEDBUTTRESS MATERIAL FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL STAPLER," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in fig. 92 and 93, the protective tips 25822 of the anvil 25820 have a first curved or angled outer surface 25824 and a second curved or angled outer surface 25826 configured to form a stubby distal end on the anvil 25820. The first angled outer surface 25824 extends downward from the top surface 25828 of the anvil 25820 at a first angle Φ. The second angled outer surface 25826 extends downward at a second angle θ from the first angled outer surface 25824 toward the staple cartridge 25830. The second angle theta is greater than the first angle phi. Various embodiments are contemplated in which the angle θ is, for example, about 90 degrees. Other embodiments of protective tip 25822 having only one of first angled outer surface 25824 or second angled outer surface 25826 are contemplated. The first angled outer surface 25824 is used to deflect the centering ring of the trocar seal assembly during insertion of the end effector 25810 through the trocar. As the second angle θ becomes farther and farther from 90 degrees and/or as the first curved outer surface 25824 and the second curved outer surface 25826 are discontinuous, the anvil 25820 may puncture the trocar seal or may displace a centering ring of the trocar seal system, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The protective tip may be attached to the anvil in any suitable manner. Fig. 94-99 illustrate exemplary embodiments of separately formed

guard tips

25922, 26022 and various methods for attaching them to an anvil. As depicted in fig. 94-96, the distal portion of the anvil 25920 includes attachment features including

attachment members

25927, 25929 configured to retainingly mate with

complementary retention channels

25926, 25928 formed in a protective tip 25922. More specifically, a central retention channel 25928 is formed within the protective tip 25922 to receive the central attachment member 25929 of the anvil 25920. A pair of side retention channels 25296 are formed within the protective tip 25922 to receive a corresponding pair of side attachment members 25927 on the anvil 25920. FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil 25920 of FIG. 94 in an unassembled configuration taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 95 showing the alignment of the

retention channels

25926, 25928 with their

respective attachment members

25927, 25929. The elongated slot 25994 extends longitudinally from the proximal end 25904 of the anvil 25920 toward the distal end 25902 of the anvil 25920. The longitudinal slot 25994 is configured to receive a portion of the firing assembly discussed herein.

In addition to or in the alternative to the above, the protective tip 25922 can be secured to the anvil 25920 using rivets 25924. As shown in fig. 96, through-hole 25925 extends through central retention channel 25928 of shield tip 25922. The through hole 25925 also extends through the central attachment member 25929 of the anvil 25920 such that when the protective tip 25922 is attached to the anvil 25920, the through hole 25925 is aligned to facilitate insertion of the rivet 25924 therein. FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil 25920 of FIG. 94 in an unassembled configuration taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94 illustrating a rivet assembly for removably attaching a protective tip 25922 to the anvil 25920. In addition to or in the alternative to the above, protective tip 25922 may be attached to the skin by an adhesive such as, for example, cyanoacrylate, photocurable acrylic, polyurethanePolysiloxanes, epoxy resins and/or uv-curable adhesives (such as HENKEL)

) Is attached to the anvil 25920. In any event, a combination of attachment members and retention channels may be provided on the anvil 25920 and the guard tip 25922. Still other forms of attachments and attachment arrangements may be used to attach the protective tip 25922 to the anvil 25920.

Fig. 97-99 illustrate another embodiment of a tip attachment arrangement. The distal portion of the anvil 26020 includes attachment members 26027 configured to retainingly mate with complementary retention channels 26026 defined in the guard tip 26022. In addition, a central retention channel 26028 defined within the guard tip 26022 is configured to receive a central attachment member 26029 of the anvil 26020. Fig. 98 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil 26020 of fig. 97 in an unassembled configuration taken along line 98-98 in fig. 97 illustrating alignment of the

retention channels

26026, 26028 with their

respective attachment members

26027, 26029. FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil 26020 of FIG. 97 in an assembled configuration taken along line 99-99 in FIG. 97. The guard tip 26022 is secured to the anvil 26020 using a compression fit. The central attachment member 26029 is press fit into the central retention channel 26028, thereby being held in place due to the geometry of the central retention channel 26028. The center attachment member 26029 of the anvil 26020 in fig. 98 has a trapezoidal shape that is modeled by a center retention channel 26028. An elongate slot 26094 extends longitudinally from the proximal end 26004 of the anvil 26020 toward the distal end 26002 of the anvil 26020. The longitudinal slot 26094 is configured to receive a portion of the firing assembly discussed herein.

In addition to or in the alternative to the above, protective tip 26022 can be secured by an adhesive such as, for example, a cyanoacrylate, a photocurable acrylic, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, an epoxy, and/or a uv-curable adhesive (such as, for example, HENKEL)

) Attached to the anvil 26020.In various embodiments, a combination of attachment members and retention channels may be provided on the anvil 26020 and the guard tips 26022. Still other forms of attachments and attachment arrangements may be used to attach the guard tips 26022 to the anvil 26020. Fig. 97-99 also illustrate means for assisting a user in attaching the guard tip 26022 to the anvil 26020. Fig. 97 shows the protective tip 26022 removably positioned within the temporary holder 26030. To releasably attach the protective tip 26022 to the anvil 26020, a user presses the temporary holder 26030 and the anvil 26020 together. The temporary retainer 26030 can provide an additional sterilization barrier to the protective tip 26022 when the protective tip 26022 is attached to the anvil 26020. Further, since the protective tip 26022 may be smaller in size, the temporary holder 26030 provides a user with a thicker object to grip when attaching the protective tip 26022 to the anvil 26020. Various embodiments of protective tips are contemplated, including temporary retainers 26030 that can be used on other embodiments disclosed herein.

Various protective anvil tips have been described and depicted herein as being used in connection with a linear end effector. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the protective anvil tips described herein may be used in conjunction with a variety of different end effector configurations, such as curved end effectors and other types of end effectors, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the protective tips described above should not be limited to use with only linear end effectors and/or staples.

Fig. 100-106 illustrate an exemplary implementation of the various end effectors described herein as being inserted through a trocar sealing system prior to being introduced to a surgical site. The trocar sealing system 27040 of fig. 100-106 includes an outer housing 27042 configured to support a floating seal assembly 27050 and a central opening 27044 configured to receive a surgical instrument. The floating seal assembly 27050 comprises a first sealing door 27052 and a second sealing door 27054 that work together to inhibit the escape of gas from an inflated body cavity within a patient during a surgical procedure. Floating seal assembly 27050 further comprises a centering ring 27058 configured to guide a surgical instrument through central opening 27044 of trocar sealing system 27040. The floating seal assembly 27050 is attached to an outer housing 27042 of the trocar sealing system 27040 by an annular resilient member 27056.

Fig. 100 depicts an end effector 27000 that includes an anvil 27010 and a staple cartridge 27020. The staple cartridge 27020 includes a blunt, shortened nose 27022 similar to the shortened nose 25250 depicted in FIG. 85 as being located on the staple cartridge 25200. The distal end 27202 of the anvil 27010 is pointed and does not have a guard tip such as the guard tip shown in fig. 92. As can be seen in fig. 100, the anvil 27010 is shorter in length than the staple cartridge 27020. In other words, the shortened nose 27022 of the staple cartridge 27020 extends longitudinally beyond the distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010. Prior to insertion of the end effector 27000 through trocar sealing system 27040, first sealing door 27052 and second sealing door 27054 extend inward to prevent gas from escaping from the surgical site. Fig. 101 depicts the end effector 27000 of fig. 100 partially inserted into a trocar sealing system 27040. The shortened nose 27022 of the staple cartridge 27020 is the first component of the end effector 27000 to contact the first and

second sealing doors

27052 and 27054 of the trocar sealing system 27040 to tilt the floating seal assembly 27050 to one side. Due to its blunt shape, shortening nose 27022 does not damage second sealing gate 27054 even if a force is exerted on second sealing gate 27054.

Fig. 102 depicts the end effector 27000 of fig. 100 and 101 when the end effector 27000 has been further introduced into the central opening 27044 of the trocar sealing system 27040. After initial contact of the shortened cartridge nose 27022 with the trocar sealing system 27040, the pointed distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010 contacts the first sealing door 27052 of the trocar sealing system 27040. In various examples, the pointed distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010 can rupture the first seal gate 27052 of the trocar sealing system 27040 because contact between the shortened nose 27022 and the second seal gate 27054 has laterally displaced the position of the floating seal assembly 27050. As shown in fig. 103, if the distal end 27002 of the anvil 27010 includes a protective tip 27012 similar to the protective tip 25822 shown in fig. 92, the risk of rupturing the first sealing door 27052 is reduced. By using the protective tip 27012 on the anvil 27010, the risk of rupture is reduced because the first sealing gate 27052 will stretch smoothly around the protective tip 27012. In addition, the same length of cartridge and anvil reduces or prevents pre-shifting of the floating seal assembly.

FIG. 104 depicts an end effector 27100 that includes an anvil 27110 and a staple cartridge 27120. The staple cartridge 27120 includes a pointed elongated nose 27122 similar to the elongated nose 25150 depicted in FIG. 86 as being located on the staple cartridge 25100. The distal end 27102 of the anvil 27110 is pointed and does not have a protective tip such as the one shown in fig. 92. The anvil 27110 is shorter in length than the staple cartridge 27120. In other words, the elongate nose 27122 of the staple cartridge 27120 extends longitudinally beyond the distal end 27102 of the anvil 27110. Prior to insertion of the end effector 27100 through trocar sealing system 27040, the first and

second sealing doors

27052, 27054 of trocar sealing system 27040 extend inward to prevent escape of gas from the surgical site. Fig. 105 depicts the end effector 27100 of fig. 104 as it is initially inserted into the trocar sealing system 27040. The elongated nose 27122 of the staple cartridge 27120 is a first component of the end effector 27100 for contacting the first and

second sealing doors

27052, 27054 of the trocar sealing system 27040 to tilt or pre-shift the floating seal assembly 27050 to one side, as discussed above.

Fig. 106 depicts the end effector 27100 of fig. 104 and 105 when the end effector 27100 has been further introduced into the central opening 27044 of the trocar sealing system 27040. Following initial contact of the elongate nose 27122 of the staple cartridge 27120, the pointed distal end 27102 of the anvil 27110 contacts the first sealing door 27052 of the trocar sealing system 27040. In various examples, the pointed distal end 27102 of the anvil 27110 can rupture the first seal door 27052 of the trocar seal system 27040 because contact between the elongated nose 27122 and the second seal door 27054 has displaced the position of the floating seal assembly 27050.

As discussed herein, a first staple cartridge can comprise a first cartridge length and a second staple cartridge can comprise a second cartridge length that is different than the first cartridge length. In various examples, an end effector of a surgical stapling instrument can include a cartridge jaw configured to receive a first staple cartridge and, in the alternative, a second staple cartridge. In other words, the cartridge jaws are configured to receive a first staple cartridge and a second staple cartridge, but not simultaneously. The first and second staple cartridges each comprise a proximal end that aligns with a proximal cartridge jaw datum when it is positioned in the cartridge jaw. For example, where the first cartridge length is longer than the second cartridge length, the distal end of the first staple cartridge will be positioned farther from the proximal cartridge jaw reference than the distal end of the second staple cartridge. The reader should appreciate that in other examples, the second bin length may be longer than the first bin length.

In addition to the above, the end effector comprises an anvil jaw that is movable relative to the cartridge jaw between an open or undamped position and a closed or clamped position. In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge jaw is movable relative to the anvil jaw. In either case, the anvil jaw comprises a distal anvil end that is supported by the first and second staple cartridges, depending on which staple cartridge is located in the cartridge jaw. The distal anvil end is supported at a first location on the first cartridge jaw and at a second location on the second cartridge jaw. In various examples, the first and second positions can be different distances from the proximal cartridge jaw reference. However, in some instances, the first and second positions can be the same distance from the proximal cartridge jaw reference. Further, in various examples, the first position is located a first distance from a distal end of the first staple cartridge and the second position is located a second or different distance from a distal end of the second staple cartridge. In use, tissue of the patient will be positioned between the anvil jaw and the cartridge jaw, but nevertheless the supported position of the staple cartridge will still support the anvil jaw or the clamping load applied by the anvil jaw.

In various examples, in addition to the above, the distal anvil end can extend distally beyond the distal end of the first staple cartridge when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and the first staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw, and similarly, the distal anvil end can extend distally beyond the distal end of the second staple cartridge when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and the second staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw. However, where the first cartridge length is longer than the second cartridge length, in various examples, the distal anvil tip may extend distally beyond the distal end of the second staple cartridge rather than distally beyond the distal end of the first staple cartridge. In such instances, the anvil jaw may be longer than the second staple cartridge when the second staple cartridge is located in the cartridge jaw, but may be shorter than the first staple cartridge when the first staple cartridge is located in the cartridge jaw. In some examples, the anvil jaw is the same length as the first staple cartridge or the second staple cartridge.

In addition to the above, the anvil jaw will deflect when it is moved to its clamping position. Due to the different cartridge lengths of the staple cartridges, the deflection of the anvil jaw may differ depending on which staple cartridge is located in the cartridge jaw. Thus, the staple forming gap between the staple drivers of the anvil jaw and the first cartridge jaw can be different than the staple forming gap between the staple drivers of the anvil jaw and the second cartridge jaw. In some instances, the difference in staple forming gap is negligible and the staples ejected from the first and second staple cartridges will be formed to the same or at least a suitable height and sufficient to staple the tissue captured between the anvil and cartridge jaws. In such instances, the unformed height of the staples in the first staple cartridge can be the same as the unformed height of the staples in the second staple cartridge. In other examples, the unformed heights of the staples in the first staple cartridge are different than the unformed heights of the staples in the second staple cartridge. In such instances, for example, taller staples may be used in a first staple cartridge and shorter staples may be used in a second staple cartridge depending on the expected deflection and/or orientation of the anvil jaw when clamped against the first and second staple cartridges. In at least one such example, each of the staples in the first staple cartridge has an unformed height in a first unformed height range and each of the staples in the second staple cartridge has an unformed height in a second unformed height range. In some examples, the first unformed height range is completely different from the second unformed height range, while in other examples the first unformed height range partially overlaps the second unformed height range.

As discussed above, the first and second staple cartridges are selectively positioned in the cartridge jaw of the end effector, and in addition to the above, the cartridge jaw further comprises a bottom buttress or support surface configured to support the staple cartridge when seated therein. Such a support may include a vertical reference. In various examples, the first support location on the first staple cartridge and the second support location on the second staple cartridge as discussed above are the same vertical distance from a vertical reference of the cartridge jaw. The vertical distance is measured orthogonally to the vertical reference, but may be measured in any suitable manner. In other examples, the first support location on the first staple cartridge has a different vertical height than the second support location on the second staple cartridge. In such examples, the orientation and/or deflection of the anvil jaw when the anvil jaw is in its clamped position may be different due to the first and second support positions having different vertical heights. Such different vertical heights may occur, among other reasons, where the distal end or nose of the first staple cartridge is different from the distal end of the second staple cartridge.

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. U.S. patent application serial No. 13/118,241 (now U.S. patent application publication 2012/0298719), 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.

Examples

Example 1-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector. The end effector includes a cartridge jaw and an anvil jaw, wherein one of the cartridge jaw and the anvil jaw is rotatable relative to the other about a closure axis. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft including a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and a closure actuator, wherein the closure actuator is translatable relative to the frame. The closure actuator includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a connector. The link is rotatably connected to the proximal portion about a proximal link axis and rotatably connected to the distal portion about a distal link axis. The proximal link axis and the distal link axis define a longitudinal link axis therebetween. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint. The end effector is configured to articulate within an articulation plane between an unarticulated position and an articulated position wherein the articulation axis is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis. The longitudinal link axis is non-collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Example 2-the surgical instrument of example 1, wherein the proximal link axis is located along the longitudinal shaft axis.

Example 3-the surgical instrument of examples 1 or 2, wherein the cartridge jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 4-the surgical instrument of example 3, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 5-the surgical instrument of examples 3 or 4, further comprising a firing actuator separate and distinct from the closure actuator, wherein the firing actuator is actuatable to eject the staples from the staple cartridge.

Example 6-the surgical instrument of examples 3,4, or 5, wherein the longitudinal link axis is non-parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Example 7-the surgical instrument of examples 3,4, or 5, wherein the end effector further comprises a longitudinal end effector axis. The longitudinal end effector axis is collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in the unarticulated position. The end effector also includes a distal end positioned along the longitudinal end effector axis, wherein the distal link axis is offset relative to an axis extending between the distal end and the proximal link axis when the end effector is in either of the unarticulated position and the articulated position.

Example 8-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector. The end effector comprises a longitudinal end effector axis, a distal end positioned along the end effector axis, a cartridge jaw, and an anvil jaw, wherein one of the cartridge jaw and the anvil jaw is rotatable relative to the other about a closure axis. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft including a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and a closure actuator translatable relative to the frame. The closure actuator includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a connector. The link is rotatably connected to the proximal portion about a proximal link axis and rotatably connected to the distal portion about a distal link axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint. The end effector is configured to articulate within an articulation plane between an unarticulated position and an articulated position wherein the articulation axis is offset from the longitudinal shaft axis. The longitudinal end effector axis is aligned with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in the unarticulated position. The distal link axis is offset from an axis extending between the distal end of the end effector and the proximal link axis when the end effector is in either of the unarticulated position and the articulated position.

Example 9-the surgical instrument of example 8, wherein the proximal link axis and the distal link axis define a longitudinal link axis. The longitudinal link axis is non-collinear with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in either of the unarticulated position and the articulated position.

Example 10-the surgical instrument of example 9, wherein the longitudinal link axis is non-parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in either of the unarticulated position and the articulated position.

Example 11-the surgical instrument of examples 8, 9, or 10, wherein the proximal link axis is located along the longitudinal shaft axis.

Example 12-the surgical instrument of examples 8, 9,10, or 11, wherein the cartridge jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 13-the surgical instrument of example 12, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 14-the surgical instrument of examples 12 or 13, further comprising a firing actuator separate and distinct from the closure actuator, wherein the firing actuator is actuatable to eject the staples from the staple cartridge.

Example 15-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector. The end effector includes a longitudinal end effector axis, a distal end positioned along the end effector axis, a first jaw, and a second jaw, wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw is rotatable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft including a frame defining a longitudinal shaft axis and a closure actuator translatable relative to the frame. The closure actuator includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a connector. The link is rotatably connected to the proximal portion about a proximal link axis and rotatably connected to the distal portion about a distal link axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation axis defined by the articulation joint. The end effector is articulatable between an unarticulated position and an articulated position in which the articulation axis is laterally positioned relative to the longitudinal shaft axis. The longitudinal end effector axis is aligned with the longitudinal shaft axis when the end effector is in the unarticulated position. The distal link axis is positioned laterally relative to an axis extending between the distal end of the end effector and the proximal link axis when the first jaw is in the open position, the closed position, and any position between the open position and the closed position.

Example 16-the surgical instrument of example 15, wherein the proximal link axis and the distal link axis define a longitudinal link axis. When the first jaw is in the closed position, the longitudinal link axis is misaligned with the longitudinal shaft axis regardless of whether the end effector is in the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Example 17-the surgical instrument of examples 15 or 16, wherein when the first jaw is in the closed position, the longitudinal link axis is non-parallel to the longitudinal shaft axis regardless of whether the end effector is in the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Example 18-the surgical instrument of examples 15, 16, or 17, wherein the proximal link axis is located along the longitudinal shaft axis.

Example 19-the surgical instrument of examples 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 20-the surgical instrument of example 19, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 21-the surgical instrument of examples 19 or 20, further comprising a firing actuator separate and distinct from the closure actuator, wherein the firing actuator is actuatable to eject the staples from the staple cartridge.

Example 22-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein the articulation driver is movable to a proximal position to rotate the end effector to a first fully articulated position and movable to a distal position to rotate the end effector to a second fully articulated position. The proximal position and the distal position define an articulation stroke of the articulation driver, wherein the articulation stroke has an articulation stroke length. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis, wherein the lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument is configured to maximize a ratio of the lateral moment arm to the articulation stroke length.

Example 23-the surgical instrument of example 22, wherein the end effector is positionable in an unarticulated position aligned with the longitudinal axis. The end effector sweeps through a first arc length as the end effector moves from the unarticulated position to the first fully articulated position. The end effector sweeps through a second arc length as the end effector moves from the unarticulated position to the second fully articulated position.

Example 24-the surgical instrument of example 23, wherein the first arc length is equal to the second arc length.

Example 25-the surgical instrument of example 23, wherein the first arc length and the second arc length are different.

Example 26-the surgical instrument of examples 22, 23, 24, or 25, wherein the ratio is between 1.1 and 1.4.

Example 27-the surgical instrument of examples 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26, wherein the attachment location sweeps through an articulation arc length as the end effector moves between the first fully articulated position and the second fully articulated position.

Example 28-the surgical instrument of example 27, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to maximize an articulation ratio comprising a ratio of the articulation arc length to the articulation stroke length.

Example 29-the surgical instrument of example 28, wherein the articulation ratio is between 1.2 and 1.7.

Example 30-the surgical instrument of examples 27, 28, or 29, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to maximize a ratio comprising a product of the articulation arc length and the lateral moment arm to the articulation stroke length.

Example 31-the surgical instrument of example 30, wherein the ratio is between 1 and 3.

Example 32-the surgical instrument of examples 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 33-the surgical instrument of example 32, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 34-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location. The articulation driver is movable to a proximal position to rotate the end effector to a first fully articulated position and movable to a distal position to rotate the end effector to a second fully articulated position. The proximal position and the distal position define an articulation stroke of the articulation driver. The articulation stroke has an articulation stroke length in which a lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis. The lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument is configured such that a ratio of the lateral moment arm to the articulation stroke length is greater than 1.

Example 35-the surgical instrument of example 34, wherein the ratio is between 1.1 and 1.4.

Example 36-the surgical instrument of examples 34 or 35, wherein the attachment position sweeps through an articulation arc length as the end effector moves between the first fully articulated position and the second fully articulated position.

Example 37-the surgical instrument of example 36, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to maximize an articulation ratio comprising a ratio of the articulation arc length to the articulation stroke length.

Example 38-the surgical instrument of example 37, wherein the articulation ratio is between 1.2 and 1.7.

Example 39-the surgical instrument of example 36, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to maximize a ratio comprising a product of the articulation arc length and the lateral moment arm to the articulation stroke length.

EXAMPLE 40-the surgical instrument of example 39, wherein the articulation ratio is between 1 and 3.

Example 41-the surgical instrument of examples 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 42-the surgical instrument of example 41, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 43-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein the articulation driver is movable to a proximal position to rotate the end effector to a first fully articulated position and movable to a distal position to rotate the end effector to a second fully articulated position. The proximal position and the distal position define an articulation stroke of the articulation driver, wherein the articulation stroke has an articulation stroke length. The attachment location sweeps through an articulation arc length as the end effector moves between the first fully articulated position and the second fully articulated position. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis, wherein the lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument is configured such that a ratio of a product of the lateral moment arm and the articulation arc length to the articulation stroke length is greater than 1.

Example 44-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein the articulation driver is movable to a proximal position to rotate the end effector to a first fully articulated position and movable to a distal position to rotate the end effector to a second fully articulated position. The proximal position and the distal position define an articulation stroke of the articulation driver, wherein the articulation stroke has an articulation stroke length. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis. The surgical instrument further includes means for increasing the lateral moment arm while limiting the articulation stroke.

Example 45-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; and an outer housing including a shaft radius defined relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument further includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location, wherein the articulation driver is configured to move proximally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, wherein the articulation driver is configured to move distally to rotate the end effector in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis. The lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein a ratio of the shaft radius to the lateral moment arm is less than 1.4.

Example 46-the surgical instrument of example 45, wherein the ratio is less than 1.3.

Example 47-the surgical instrument of example 45, wherein the ratio is less than 1.2.

Example 48-the surgical instrument of example 45, wherein the ratio is less than 1.1.

Example 49-the surgical instrument of examples 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the end effector is rotatable a first distance in the first direction and a second distance in the second direction, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are equal.

Example 50-the surgical instrument of examples 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the end effector is configured to rotate a first range in the first direction and a second range in the second direction, and wherein the first range and the second range are not equal.

Example 51-the surgical instrument of examples 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 52-the surgical instrument of example 51, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 53-the surgical instrument of examples 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein the outer housing defines an interior aperture, and wherein the shaft radius is defined by the interior aperture.

Example 54-the surgical instrument of example 53, wherein the shaft comprises a shaft frame extending through the internal aperture, and wherein the end effector frame is rotatably coupled to the shaft frame.

Example 55-the surgical instrument of examples 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54, wherein the shaft comprises a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion, wherein the shaft radius of the outer housing comprises a first shaft radius in the first longitudinal portion and a second shaft radius in the second longitudinal portion, and wherein the first shaft radius is different than the second shaft radius.

Example 56-a shaft assembly comprising a shaft comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end; and an outer housing including a shaft radius defined relative to the longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly also includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines a fixed articulation axis, and wherein the fixed articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The shaft assembly also includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location. The articulation driver is configured to move proximally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, wherein the articulation driver is configured to move distally to rotate the end effector in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the fixed articulation axis. The lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, wherein the shaft assembly is configured to minimize a ratio of the shaft radius to the lateral moment arm.

Example 57-the shaft assembly of example 56, wherein the ratio is less than 1.4.

Embodiment 58-the shaft assembly of embodiment 56, wherein the ratio is less than 1.1.

Example 59-the shaft assembly of examples 56, 57, or 58, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 60-the shaft assembly of example 59, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 61-the shaft assembly of examples 56, 57, 58, 59, or 60, wherein the outer housing defines an inner bore, and wherein the shaft radius is defined by the inner bore.

Example 62-the shaft assembly of examples 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, or 61, wherein the shaft comprises a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion. The axial radius of the outer shell includes a first axial radius in the first longitudinal portion and a second axial radius in the second longitudinal portion. The first axis radius is different from the second axis radius.

Example 63-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft comprising an outer housing comprising a shaft radius. The surgical instrument further includes an end effector comprising an end effector frame rotatably coupled to the shaft about an articulation pivot, wherein the articulation pivot defines an articulation axis, and wherein the articulation axis is positioned laterally offset relative to a centerline of the shaft. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation driver coupled to the end effector frame at an attachment location. The articulation driver is configured to move proximally to rotate the end effector in a first direction to a first fully articulated position, wherein the articulation driver is configured to move distally to rotate the end effector in a second direction to a second fully articulated position. A lateral moment arm is defined between the attachment location and the articulation axis. The lateral moment arm is orthogonal to the centerline of the shaft, and wherein a ratio of the shaft radius to the lateral moment arm is between 1 and 1.4.

Example 64-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the second jaw, wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation rod operably connected to the end effector. The articulation rod is movable distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, wherein the articulation rod is movable proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The surgical instrument also includes a closure tube configured to engage and move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke, wherein the closure tube is slidable over the articulation joint during the closure stroke. The surgical instrument also includes a staple firing assembly. The staple firing assembly includes a cutting member movable through the end effector during staple firing, a firing bar attached to the cutting member, wherein the firing bar comprises a plurality of flexible layers, and wherein the firing bar extends through the articulation joint. The staple firing assembly also includes a support positioned within the flexible layers, wherein the support is positioned proximal to the articulation joint. The staple firing assembly also includes a plurality of control members, wherein each of the control members includes an aperture defined therein. The firing bar extends through the apertures. The control element is configured to hold the flexible layers together.

Example 65-the surgical instrument of example 64, wherein the control elements are positioned within the articulation joint.

Example 66-the surgical instrument of examples 64 or 65, wherein the first jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 67-the surgical instrument of examples 64 or 65, wherein the second jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 68-the surgical instrument of examples 64, 65, 66, or 67, wherein the cutting member is welded to the firing bar.

Example 69-the surgical instrument of examples 64, 65, 66, 67, or 68, wherein the control elements are coupled to one another.

Example 70-the surgical instrument of examples 64, 65, 66, 67, or 68, wherein the control elements are not connected to one another.

Example 71-the surgical instrument of examples 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70, wherein the control elements are not connected to one another.

Example 72-the surgical instrument of examples 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, or 71, wherein the articulation joint defines a fixed axis of rotation about which the end effector rotates.

Example 73-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an undamped position and a clamped position. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation link operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation link is configured to move distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, and wherein the articulation link is configured to move proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The surgical instrument also includes a clamping member configured to engage and move the first jaw toward the clamped position during a clamping stroke, wherein the clamping member is slidable relative to the articulation joint during the clamping stroke. The surgical instrument also includes a staple firing assembly. The staple firing assembly includes a cutting member movable through the end effector during a staple firing stroke and a firing member. The firing member includes a plurality of flexible layers attached to the cutting member, wherein the flexibility is configured to longitudinally slide relative to each other. The firing member extends through the articulation joint. The surgical instrument also includes a plurality of control elements, wherein each of the control elements includes an aperture defined therein. The firing bar extends through the apertures, wherein the control elements are configured to hold the flexible layers together.

Example 74-the surgical instrument of example 73, wherein the control elements are positioned within the articulation joint.

Example 75-the surgical instrument of examples 73 or 74, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 76-the surgical instrument of examples 73 or 74, wherein the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 77-the surgical instrument of examples 73, 74, 75, or 76, wherein the cutting member is welded to the firing bar.

Example 78-the surgical instrument of examples 73, 74, 75, 76, or 77, wherein the control elements are coupled to one another.

Example 79-the surgical instrument of examples 73, 74, 75, 76, or 77, wherein the control elements are coupled to one another.

Example 80-the surgical instrument of examples 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, or 79, wherein the shaft comprises a shaft frame, and wherein the support is mounted to the shaft frame.

Example 81-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an undamped position and a clamped position. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation link operably connected to the end effector. The articulation link is configured to move distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, wherein the articulation link is configured to move proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The surgical instrument also includes a clamping member configured to engage and move the first jaw toward the clamped position during a clamping stroke. The clamping member is slidable relative to the articulation joint during the clamping stroke. The surgical instrument also includes a staple firing assembly. The staple firing assembly includes a cutting member and a firing member. The firing member is movable through the end effector during a staple firing stroke. The firing member includes a plurality of flexible layers attached to the cutting member, wherein the flexibility is configured to longitudinally slide relative to each other. The firing member extends through the articulation joint. The staple firing assembly also includes a support positioned between two of the flexible layers. The staple firing assembly also includes means for limiting lateral displacement between the flexible layers.

Example 82-the surgical instrument of example 81, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 83-the surgical instrument of example 81, wherein the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 84-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an undamped position and a clamped position. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument also includes a staple firing assembly. The staple firing assembly includes a cutting member movable through the end effector during a staple firing stroke and a firing member, wherein the cutting member includes a first portion configured to engage the first jaw and a second portion configured to engage the second jaw. The staple firing assembly also includes a firing member that includes a plurality of flexible layers welded to the firing member along weld lines. The weld line includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion extending orthogonal to the longitudinal portion.

Example 85-the surgical instrument of example 84, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 86-the surgical instrument of example 84, wherein the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 87-the surgical instrument of examples 84, 85, or 86, wherein the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 88-the surgical instrument of examples 84, 85, 86, or 87, wherein the firing member comprises a first side and a second side, and wherein the weld line is present on the first side and the second side.

Example 89-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft frame; and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal frame, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an undamped position and a clamped position. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument further includes a staple firing assembly including a cutting member movable through the end effector during a staple firing stroke. The staple firing assembly also includes a firing member, wherein the firing member includes a plurality of flexible layers attached to the cutting member, and wherein the firing member extends through the articulation joint. The surgical instrument also includes a lateral spring support positioned adjacent to the firing member. The lateral spring support includes a distal end mounted to the proximal frame of the end effector. The lateral spring support also includes a proximal end configured to slide relative to the axle frame.

Example 90-the surgical instrument of example 89, wherein the first jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 91-the surgical instrument of example 89, wherein the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge.

Example 92-the surgical instrument of examples 89, 90, or 91, wherein the lateral spring support comprises a first lateral spring support positioned along a first lateral side of the firing member. The surgical instrument also includes a second lateral spring support positioned along a second lateral side of the firing member.

Example 93-a surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the second jaw, wherein one of the first jaw and the second jaw comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein. The surgical instrument also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably coupled to the shaft about the articulation joint. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation rod operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation rod is configured to move distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, and wherein the articulation rod is configured to move proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The surgical instrument further includes a firing bar comprising a plurality of flexible layers, wherein the firing bar is movable through the articulation joint during a staple firing stroke. The surgical instrument also includes a first flexible support positioned on a first side of the firing bar, a second flexible support positioned on a second side of the firing bar, and a plurality of control elements, wherein each of the control elements includes an aperture defined therein. The firing bar extends through the apertures, wherein the first flexible support, the second flexible support, and the control elements are configured to hold the flexible layers together.

Example 94-the surgical instrument of example 93, wherein the first flexible support and the second flexible support extend through at least some of the control element apertures.

Example 95-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft. The shaft comprises a frame, a locking plate movable relative to the frame, wherein the locking plate comprises locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack. The shaft also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is movable distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction and movable proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuator includes a locking tooth of the second longitudinal rack. The shaft further includes an articulation lock that includes the locking teeth of the third longitudinal rack. The articulation lock is positionable in an unlocked position in which the articulation actuator is movable relative to the frame and a locked position in which the locking teeth of the third longitudinal rack engage the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack and the locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack to prevent the proximal movement and the distal movement of the articulation actuator.

Example 96-the surgical instrument of example 95, wherein the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack are defined in a first plane and the locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack are defined in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are different.

Example 97-the surgical instrument of examples 95 or 96, wherein the locking plate is slidable relative to the frame.

Example 98-the surgical instrument of examples 95, 96, or 97, wherein the frame comprises a recess and the locking plate is positioned within the recess. The recess includes a proximal end wall configured to limit the proximal movement of the locking plate within the recess. The recess also includes a distal end wall configured to limit the distal movement of the locking plate within the recess.

Example 99-the surgical instrument of example 98, further comprising a biasing member positioned between the proximal end wall and the locking plate.

Example 100-the surgical instrument of example 98, further comprising a biasing member positioned between the distal end wall and the locking plate.

Example 101-the surgical instrument of examples 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage the articulation lock and retain the articulation lock in the locked position during the closure stroke.

Example 102-the surgical instrument of example 101, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The frame includes a flexible portion, wherein the closure member is configured to urge the locking plate against the flexible portion and laterally deflect the flexible portion relative to the longitudinal axis.

Example 103-the surgical instrument of example 102, wherein the flexible portion comprises a lateral sidewall and a cavity defined behind the lateral sidewall. The lateral side wall is configured to flex into the cavity.

Example 104-the surgical instrument of examples 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, or 103, wherein the articulation lock is biased into engagement with the locking plate and the articulation actuator.

Example 105-the surgical instrument of examples 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, or 104, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 106-the surgical instrument of example 105, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 107-the surgical instrument of examples 105 or 106, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw includes the staple cartridge.

Example 108-the surgical instrument of examples 105 or 106, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The second jaw includes the staple cartridge.

Example 109-the surgical instrument of examples 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, or 108, wherein the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack comprise teeth spaced apart at a first pitch. The locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack comprise teeth spaced apart at a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is different from the first pitch. The locking teeth of the third longitudinal rack comprise teeth spaced apart at a third pitch, wherein the third pitch is different from the first pitch and the second pitch.

Example 110-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a shaft. The end effector includes a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft includes a frame including the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack. The shaft also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector. The articulation actuator is movable distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction, and the articulation actuator is movable proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuator includes a locking tooth of the second longitudinal rack. The shaft further includes an articulation lock that includes the locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack. The articulation lock is positionable in an unlocked position in which the articulation actuator is movable relative to the frame and a locked position in which the locking teeth of the third longitudinal rack engage the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack of the frame and the locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack of the articulation actuator to inhibit the proximal and distal movements of the articulation actuator.

Example 111-the surgical instrument of example 110, wherein the frame comprises a slidable locking plate, and wherein the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack are defined on the locking plate.

Example 112-the surgical instrument of examples 110 or 111, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 113-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a shaft. The shaft includes a frame and an articulation joint through which the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector. The articulation actuator is movable in a first direction to rotate the end effector in one direction, and the articulation actuator is movable in a second direction to rotate the end effector in the other direction. The shaft also includes an articulation lock positionable in a first position in which the articulation lock is movable relative to the frame and a second position in which the articulation lock engages the frame and the articulation actuator to limit the movement of the articulation actuator in the first direction and the second direction.

Example 114-the surgical instrument of example 113, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 115-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector head configurable to an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft. The shaft includes a frame including a longitudinal axis; and an articulation joint, wherein the end effector head is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector head. The articulation actuator is movable in a first direction to rotate the end effector head in one direction and the articulation actuator is movable in a second direction to rotate the end effector head in the other direction. The articulation actuator includes at least one locking tab extending laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The shaft also includes an articulation lock that includes at least two projections extending laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The articulation lock is configured to flex laterally relative to the longitudinal axis to effect articulation of the end effector head. The shaft also includes a closure member configured to move the end effector head from the undamped configuration to the clamped configuration during a closure stroke, wherein the closure member prevents the articulation lock from flexing laterally after the closure stroke to inhibit articulation of the end effector head.

Example 116-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument further includes a shaft including a frame, wherein the frame includes the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack. The shaft also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is movable distally to rotate the end effector in a first direction and movable proximally to rotate the end effector in a second direction. The articulation actuator includes a locking tooth of the second longitudinal rack. The shaft also includes an articulation lock that includes a third set of locking teeth. The articulation lock is positionable in a disengaged position in which the third set of locking teeth is not engaged with the frame and the articulation actuator and an engaged position in which the third set of locking teeth is engaged with the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack and the locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack to prevent the proximal movement and the distal movement of the articulation actuator. The shaft also includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage and move the articulation lock from the disengaged position to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 117-the surgical instrument of example 116, wherein the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack are defined in a first plane. The locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack are defined in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are different.

Example 118-the surgical instrument of examples 116 or 117, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 119-the surgical instrument of example 118, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 120-the surgical instrument of examples 118 or 119, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The first jaw includes the staple cartridge.

Example 121-the surgical instrument of examples 118 or 119, wherein the end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The second jaw includes the staple cartridge.

Example 122-the surgical instrument of examples 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, or 121, wherein the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack comprise teeth spaced apart at a first pitch. The locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack comprise teeth spaced apart at a second pitch, wherein the second pitch is different from the first pitch. The third set of locking teeth includes teeth spaced apart at a third pitch, wherein the third pitch is different from the first pitch and the second pitch.

Example 123-the surgical instrument of examples 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis. The articulation lock includes a locking plate that is laterally slidable relative to the longitudinal axis between the disengaged position and the engaged position. The frame includes a proximal guide post and a distal guide post. The locking plate includes a proximal lateral slot and a distal lateral slot, with the proximal guide post extending into the proximal lateral slot and the distal guide post extending into the distal lateral slot. The proximal guide post and the distal guide post cooperate to define a lateral path of the locking plate.

Example 124-the surgical instrument of example 123, wherein the locking plate comprises a locking slot comprising a side wall defined in the locking slot. The closure member includes a lock actuator extending into the lock slot. The lock driver is configured to engage a side wall to displace the lock plate from the disengaged position to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 125-the surgical instrument of example 124, wherein the closure member is movable by a retraction stroke to allow the first jaw to move to the open position. The lock driver is configured to engage one of the side walls of the lock slot during the retraction stroke to displace the lock plate from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Example 126-the surgical instrument of example 124, wherein the closure member is movable through an opening stroke to move the first jaw to the open position. The lock driver is configured to engage one of the side walls of the lock slot during the opening stroke to displace the lock plate from the engaged position to the disengaged position.

Example 127-the surgical instrument of examples 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, or 126, wherein the articulation lock comprises a locking arm that is deflectable to the engaged position by the closure member.

Example 128-the surgical instrument of examples 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, or 126, wherein the articulation lock comprises a first locking arm and a second locking arm. The closure member includes a wedge positionable between the first and second locking arms to deflect the articulation lock to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 129-the surgical instrument of example 128, wherein the third set of locking teeth are present on the first locking arm and the second locking arm.

Example 130-the surgical instrument of examples 128 or 129, wherein the first locking arm is configured to engage the locking teeth of the first longitudinal rack and the second locking arm is configured to engage the locking teeth of the second longitudinal rack.

Example 131-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft. The shaft includes a frame and a locking plate movable relative to the frame, wherein the locking plate includes a first set of locking teeth. The shaft also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is configured to rotate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The articulation actuator includes a second set of locking teeth. The shaft also includes an articulation lock that includes a third set of locking teeth. The articulation lock is positionable in a disengaged position in which the third set of locking teeth is not engaged with the locking plate, the frame, and the articulation actuator, and an engaged position in which the third set of locking teeth is engaged with the first set of locking teeth and the second set of locking teeth to inhibit the articulation of the end effector. The shaft also includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage and move the articulation lock from the disengaged position to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 132-the surgical instrument of example 131, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 133-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft. The shaft includes a frame, wherein the frame includes a first set of locking teeth. The shaft also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is configured to rotate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The shaft also includes an articulation lock that includes a gear that includes a second set of teeth in meshing engagement with the first set of teeth, wherein the gear is rotatably mounted to the frame. The shaft also includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage the gear to inhibit articulation of the end effector during the closure stroke.

Example 134-the surgical instrument of example 133, wherein the end effector further comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 135-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft. The shaft includes a frame and a locking plate movable relative to the frame, wherein the locking plate includes a first set of coupling features. The shaft also includes an articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft by the articulation joint. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is configured to rotate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The articulation actuator includes a second set of coupling features. The shaft also includes an articulation lock including a third set of coupling features, wherein the articulation lock is positionable in a disengaged position in which the third set of coupling features are not engaged with the locking plate and the articulation actuator and an engaged position in which the third set of coupling features are engaged with the first set of coupling features and the second set of coupling features to inhibit the articulation of the end effector. The shaft also includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage and move the articulation lock from the disengaged position to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 136-a surgical instrument comprising an end effector comprising a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position. The surgical instrument also includes a shaft. The shaft includes a frame, a ground-engaging member movable relative to the frame, and an articulation joint through which the end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably connected to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is configured to rotate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The shaft also includes an articulation lock positionable in a disengaged position wherein the articulation lock is not engaged with the ground engaging member and the articulation actuator and an engaged position wherein the articulation lock is engaged with the ground engaging member and the articulation actuator to inhibit the articulation of the end effector. The shaft also includes a closure member configured to move the first jaw toward the closed position during a closure stroke. The closure member is configured to engage and move the articulation lock from the disengaged position to the engaged position during the closure stroke.

Example 137-a surgical instrument insertable through a trocar. The surgical instrument includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft includes a frame, a proximal portion connected to the handle, a distal portion including an end effector, and an articulation joint about which the end effector is rotatable. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably coupled to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is selectively movable to rotate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The shaft also includes an outer housing slidable relative to the frame. The outer shell includes a distal non-circular shell portion adjacent the articulation joint and a longitudinal circular shell portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal non-circular shell portion. The longitudinal circular housing portion includes a first diameter. The distal non-circular housing portion includes a second diameter. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. The distal non-circular housing portion and the longitudinal circular housing portion are sized and configured to be insertable through the trocar into a surgical site. The shaft also includes an articulation lock configured to engage the articulation actuator and prevent the rotation of the end effector, wherein the articulation lock is positioned within the distal non-circular housing portion.

Example 138-the surgical instrument of example 137, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 139-the surgical instrument of example 138, wherein the end effector further comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. The anvil is rotatable relative to the staple cartridge.

Example 140-the surgical instrument of example 138, wherein the end effector further comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples, and wherein the staple cartridge is rotatable relative to the anvil.

Example 141-the surgical instrument of examples 137, 138, 139, or 140, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 142-the surgical instrument of examples 137, 138, 139, 140, or 141, wherein the end effector is replaceable.

Example 143-the surgical instrument of examples 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, or 142, wherein the longitudinal circular housing portion defines a longitudinal axis. The distal non-circular housing portion is eccentrically offset relative to the longitudinal axis.

Example 144-the surgical instrument of examples 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the proximal portion of the shaft comprises a connector comprising a latch configured to releasably retain the shaft to the handle.

Example 145-the surgical instrument of examples 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, or 144, wherein the articulation lock is located entirely within the distal non-circular housing portion.

Example 146-the surgical instrument of examples 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, or 144, wherein the articulation lock comprises a fixed portion mounted to the frame and a locking portion movable within the distal non-circular housing portion.

Example 147-the surgical instrument of example 146, wherein the articulation lock comprises a fixed portion mounted to the frame and a locking portion movable within the distal non-circular housing portion.

Example 148-a surgical instrument insertable through a trocar. The surgical instrument includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft includes a frame, a proximal portion configured to attach to the handle, a distal portion including an end effector, and an articulation joint about which the end effector is rotatable. The shaft also includes an articulation actuator operably coupled to the end effector, wherein the articulation actuator is movable to rotate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The shaft also includes an outer housing slidable relative to the frame. The outer housing includes a distal housing portion adjacent the articulation joint, wherein the distal housing portion includes a non-circumferential edge having a width. The outer housing also includes a longitudinal housing portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal housing portion. The longitudinal housing portion includes a substantially circular perimeter having a diameter, wherein the diameter is less than the width. The distal housing portion and the longitudinal housing portion are sized and configured to be insertable through the trocar into a surgical site. The shaft also includes an articulation lock configured to engage the articulation actuator and prevent the rotation of the end effector, wherein the articulation lock is positioned within the distal housing portion.

Example 149-the surgical instrument of example 148, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 150-the surgical instrument of examples 148 or 149, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 151-the surgical instrument of examples 148, 149, or 150, wherein the end effector is replaceable.

Example 152-the surgical instrument of examples 148, 149, 150, or 151, wherein the articulation lock is located entirely within the distal housing portion.

Example 153-the surgical instrument of examples 148, 149, 150, or 151, wherein the articulation lock comprises a fixed portion mounted to the frame and a locking portion movable within the distal housing portion.

Example 154-the surgical instrument of example 153, wherein the fixation portion is located in the longitudinal housing portion.

Example 155-a surgical instrument comprising a handle, a detachable shaft extending from the handle. The detachable shaft includes a frame, a proximal latch attachable to the handle, a distal portion including an end effector, and an articulation joint about which the end effector is rotatable. The detachable shaft also includes an articulation actuator configured to articulate the end effector in a first direction and a second direction. The detachable shaft also includes an outer tube translatable relative to the frame. The outer tube includes a distal tube segment adjacent the articulation joint, wherein the distal tube segment includes a non-circumferential edge having a width. The outer tube also includes a longitudinal tube portion. The longitudinal tube portion includes a substantially circular periphery having a diameter, wherein the diameter is less than the width. The distal tube segment and the longitudinal tube segment are sized and configured to be insertable through the trocar into a surgical site. The detachable shaft also includes an articulation lock configured to engage the articulation actuator and prevent the rotation of the end effector, wherein the articulation lock is positioned within the distal tube portion.

Example 156-a housing stapling instrument system comprising a handle, a nozzle, and an elongate shaft. The elongate shaft includes a proximal end; a distal end; a proximal region comprising a first diameter; a central region comprising a second diameter, wherein the central region defines a longitudinal axis; and a distal region comprising a third diameter. The first diameter is different than the second diameter, and the distal region is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis. The surgical stapling instrument system also includes an end effector comprising a first jaw. The first jaw includes an elongate channel and a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein the staple cartridge is operably supported in the elongate channel. The end effector also includes a second jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw. The surgical stapling instrument system further comprises an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the elongate shaft; a firing member configured to be movable within the end effector; and a firing system configured to apply a firing motion to the firing member.

Example 157-the surgical stapling instrument system of example 156, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

Example 158-the surgical stapling instrument system of examples 156 or 157, wherein the second diameter is less than the third diameter.

Example 159-the surgical stapling instrument system of examples 156, 157 or 158, wherein the third diameter is less than the first diameter and greater than the second diameter.

Example 160-the surgical stapling instrument system of examples 156, 157, 158, or 159, wherein the second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples.

Example 161-the surgical stapling instrument system of examples 156, 157, 158, 159, or 160, wherein the distal region of the elongate shaft comprises at least one flat side.

Example 162-the surgical stapling instrument system of examples 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, or 161, wherein the distal region is not fully cylindrical.

Example 163-a surgical stapling instrument, comprising an elongate shaft. The elongate shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a first width at the proximal end, wherein the first width of the elongate shaft transitions to a second width at a center of the elongate shaft, and wherein the second width of the elongate shaft transitions to a third width at the distal end of the elongate shaft. The distal end of the elongate shaft is not cylindrical, wherein the distal end includes an enlarged portion extending laterally relative to the second width, and wherein the first width, the second width, and the third width are different. The surgical stapling instrument also includes an end effector configured to be attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, and wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling instrument further comprises an articulation assembly configured to apply an articulation motion to the end effector; a firing member; and a firing system configured to apply a firing motion to the firing member.

Example 164-the surgical stapling instrument of example 163, wherein the first width is greater than the second width.

Example 165-the surgical stapling instrument of examples 163 or 164, wherein the second width is less than the third width.

Example 166-the surgical stapling instrument of examples 163, 164, or 165, wherein the third width is less than the first width and greater than the second width.

Example 167-the surgical stapling instrument of examples 163, 164, 165, or 166, wherein the distal end of the elongate shaft is configured to fit through a 12mm cannula passageway.

Example 168-the surgical stapling instrument of examples 163, 164, 165, 166, or 167, wherein the center of the elongate shaft comprises a width of less than 10 mm.

Example 169-a surgical fastening instrument, comprising an elongate shaft. The elongate shaft includes a proximal end; a distal end; a proximal region comprising a first perimeter; a central region comprising a second perimeter, wherein the central region defines a central longitudinal axis; and a distal region comprising a third perimeter. The first perimeter is different from the second perimeter, and the third perimeter is offset from the second perimeter. The surgical fastening instrument also includes an end effector configured to be attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The end effector includes a fastener cartridge jaw and an anvil. The surgical fastening instrument further comprises an articulation system configured to apply an articulation motion to the end effector, wherein the firing member is configured to travel through the end effector; and a firing system configured to apply firing and retraction motions to the firing member.

Example 170-the surgical fastening instrument of example 169, wherein the first circumference is greater than the second circumference.

Example 171-the surgical fastening instrument of examples 169 or 170, wherein the second circumference is less than the third circumference.

Example 172-the surgical fastening instrument of examples 169, 170, or 171, wherein the third perimeter is less than the first perimeter and greater than the second perimeter.

Example 173-the surgical fastening instrument of examples 169, 170, 171, or 172, wherein the proximal region comprises a stepped-down configuration.

Example 174-the surgical fastening instrument of examples 169, 170, 171, 172, or 173, wherein the distal region of the elongate shaft comprises at least one flat side.

Example 175-the surgical fastening instrument of examples 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, or 174, wherein the central region comprises a stepped incremental region at the distal end.

Example 176-a surgical instrument comprising a housing comprising an outer tube portion and a shaft extending from the housing. The outer tube segment comprises a proximal tube segment, wherein the proximal tube segment defines a longitudinal axis; and an elongate intermediate tube segment extending distally from the proximal tube segment, wherein the intermediate tube segment is centered along the longitudinal axis. The outer tube segment also includes a distal tube segment extending distally from the middle tube segment, wherein the distal tube segment is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the distal tube segment includes an enlarged portion extending to one side of the longitudinal axis. The outer tube segment also includes a tapered constriction defined between the middle tube segment and the distal tube segment.

Example 177-the surgical instrument of example 176, further comprising an end effector and an articulation joint rotatably coupling the end effector to the distal tube segment.

Example 178-the surgical instrument of example 177, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 179-a surgical instrument comprising a housing including an electric motor. The surgical instrument further comprises a shaft extending from the housing, wherein the shaft comprises a frame; and an end effector. The end effector comprises a first jaw; a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw; a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein; and an anvil configured to deform the staples. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure system configured to move the first jaw toward the second jaw during a closure stroke; an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft; an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft; and a firing system operably engaged with the electric motor. The firing system is configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a first rotatable member configured to selectively transfer motion from the firing system to the articulation system; and a second rotatable member rotatably mounted to the frame, wherein the second rotatable member is operably engaged with the articulation system. The closure system is configured to engage the second rotatable member during the closure stroke to lock the articulation system in place and prevent the articulation of the end effector.

Example 180-the surgical instrument of example 179, wherein the closure system comprises a closure tube surrounding the frame. The closure system also includes a wedge configured to engage and lock the second rotatable member in place during the closing stroke.

Example 181-the surgical instrument of examples 179 or 180, wherein the first rotatable member is rotatably mounted within the frame.

Example 182-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, or 181, wherein the second rotatable member comprises a gear that intermeshes with a rack defined on the articulation system.

Example 183-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, or 182, wherein the first jaw comprises the staple cartridge and the second jaw comprises the anvil.

Example 184-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, or 182, wherein the first jaw comprises the anvil and the second jaw comprises the staple cartridge.

Example 185-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, or 184, wherein the housing comprises a handle.

Example 186-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, or 185, wherein the housing is configured to attach to a robotic surgical system.

Example 187-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, or 186, wherein the first rotatable member is configured to operably decouple the articulation system from the firing system during the closure stroke.

Example 188-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, or 187, wherein the articulation system is operably decoupled from the firing system during the staple firing stroke.

Example 189-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, or 188, wherein the closure system is retractable after the closure stroke to open the first jaw and unlock the articulation system.

Example 190-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, or 189, wherein the second rotatable member is rotatable about a post extending from the frame. The post includes a first brake arm and a second brake arm, wherein the closure system is configured to engage the first brake arm and the second brake arm during the closing stroke and prevent rotation of the second rotatable member.

Example 191-the surgical instrument of examples 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, or 190, wherein the second rotatable member comprises an annular array of teeth, and wherein the closure system is configured to engage the annular array of teeth and prevent the rotation of the second rotatable member during the closure stroke.

Example 192-a surgical instrument comprising a housing comprising a rotatable input; a shaft extending from the housing, wherein the shaft comprises a frame; and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, and wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw. The surgical instrument further includes a closure system configured to close the first jaw during a closure stroke; an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft; an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft; and a firing system operably engaged with the rotatable input. The firing system is configured to move through the end effector during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a first rotatable member configured to selectively synchronize the firing system and the articulation system; and a second rotatable member rotatably mounted to the frame. The second rotatable member is operably engaged with the articulation system, wherein the closure system is configured to engage the second rotatable member during the closure stroke to lock the articulation system in place and prevent the articulation of the end effector.

Example 193-the surgical instrument of example 192, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 194-a surgical instrument comprising a housing comprising a rotatable input; a shaft extending from the housing, wherein the shaft comprises a frame; and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw and a second jaw, and wherein the first jaw is rotatable relative to the second jaw. The surgical instrument further includes a closure system configured to close the first jaw during a closure stroke; an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft; an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft; and a firing system operably engaged with the rotatable input. The firing system is configured to move through the end effector during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument further comprises a first rotatable member configured to selectively synchronize the motion of the firing system and the motion of the articulation system; and a second rotatable member operably engaged with the articulation system. The closure system is configured to stop the rotation of the second rotatable member during the closure stroke to lock the articulation system in place and prevent the articulation of the end effector.

Example 195-the surgical instrument of example 194, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.

Example 196-a staple cartridge assembly comprising a proximal end; a distal end; a cartridge body comprising a blunt nose at the distal end; a plurality of staple cavities defined within the cartridge body, wherein the plurality of staple cavities extend longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end; a plurality of staples removably stored within the plurality of staple cavities; a driver configured to support at least one of the plurality of staples; and a sled movable toward the distal end during a firing stroke. The slider includes a first ramp and a second ramp, wherein the first ramp is laterally offset from the second ramp. The first ramp and the second ramp are configured to lift the driver, wherein the blunt nose of the cartridge body comprises a first recess formed in the distal end configured to receive the first ramp of the sled after completion of the firing stroke; and a second recess formed within the distal end configured to receive the second ramp of the sled after completion of the firing stroke.

Example 197-the staple cartridge assembly of example 196, wherein the first ramp and the second ramp are exposed at the distal end when the firing stroke is complete.

Example 198-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 196 or 197, wherein the driver comprises a first driver portion configured to support a first staple; a second driver portion configured to support a second staple; and a third driver portion configured to support a third staple.

Example 199-the staple cartridge assembly of example 198, wherein the driver further comprises a central base member connecting the first driver portion, the second driver portion, and the third driver portion.

Example 200-the staple cartridge assembly of example 199, wherein the first driver portion comprises a first forward support column having a proximal end and the second driver portion comprises a second forward support column having a distal end. The central base member extends longitudinally between the proximal end of the first forward support column and the distal end of the second forward support column.

Example 201-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 196, 197, 198, 199, or 200, wherein the central base member comprises a rearwardly angled wall configured to be engageable by the sled.

Example 202-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, or 201, wherein the sled is configured to drive the driver toward an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge assembly.

Example 203-a staple cartridge assembly, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end; a cartridge body comprising a shortened nose at the distal end; and a row of staples removably stored in the cartridge body. The staple row extends longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end. The row of staples comprises a distal-most staple and a proximal-most staple. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises drivers, wherein each of the drivers is configured to support at least one of the staples; and a slider movable toward the distal end. The sled includes a ramp configured to lift the drivers and staples toward an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge assembly during a firing stroke. The sled also includes a base, wherein a length of the shortened nose extends from the distal-most staple to the distal end, and wherein the length of the shortened nose is shorter than the base of the sled.

Example 204-the staple cartridge assembly of example 203, further comprising the anvil, wherein the anvil comprises a protective tip on the distal end.

Example 205-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 203 or 304, further comprising the anvil, wherein the distal end of the shortened nose extends beyond the distal end of the anvil.

Example 206-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 203, 204, or 205, wherein the ramp of the sled is exposed at the distal end when the firing stroke is complete.

Example 207-an end effector for a surgical stapling instrument. The end effector includes a cartridge assembly. The staple cartridge assembly includes a proximal end; a distal end; a cartridge body comprising a shortened nose at the distal end; staples removably stored in the cartridge body; a driver configured to support at least one of the staples; and a slider movable toward the distal end. The sled includes a ramp configured to lift the driver and at least one staple. The slider also includes a base, wherein the shortened nose of the cartridge body is shorter than the base of the slider. The end effector also includes an anvil. The anvil includes a staple forming surface that includes a plurality of staple forming pockets. The anvil also includes a blunt distal nose extending downwardly toward the cartridge assembly.

Example 208-the end effector of example 207, wherein the blunt distal nose is removably attached to the anvil.

Example 209-the end effector of examples 207 or 208, wherein the anvil further comprises a frame comprising an attachment feature configured to facilitate attachment of the blunt distal nose to the frame.

Example 210-the end effector of examples 207, 208, or 209, wherein the anvil comprises a distal end, and wherein the distal end of the staple cartridge assembly extends beyond the distal end of the anvil.

Example 211-a staple cartridge assembly, comprising: a bin body; a proximal end; a distal end; a slot configured to receive a cutting member; and a first row of staples removably stored in the cartridge body, wherein the first row of staples extends along a first side of the slot between the proximal end and the distal end. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a second row of staples removably stored in the cartridge body, wherein the second row of staples extends between the proximal end and the distal end along the first row of staples on the first side of the slot. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a third row of staples removably stored in the cartridge body, wherein the third row of staples extends between the proximal end and the distal end along the second row of staples on the first side of the slot. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a driver configured to support a first staple in the first staple row, a second staple in the second staple row, and a third staple in the third staple row, wherein the second staple is closer to the proximal end than the first staple and the third staple.

Example 212-the end effector of example 211, wherein the first staple, the second staple, and the third staple form a reverse arrow configuration.

Example 213-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 211 or 212, further comprising a sled configured to lift the driver toward an anvil positioned opposite the staple cartridge assembly.

Example 214-the staple cartridge assembly of examples 211, 212, or 213, further comprising an anvil, wherein the anvil comprises a distal end.

Example 215-the staple cartridge assembly of example 214, wherein the distal end of the staple cartridge extends distally relative to the distal end of the anvil.

Example 216-a staple cartridge system comprising an end effector that is configurable into an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration. The end effector includes an anvil jaw and a cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw is configured to receive a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw includes a cartridge support datum. The staple cartridge system also includes a first staple cartridge. The first staple cartridge includes a first deck configured to support tissue of a patient; a first staple cavity defined in the first deck; first staples removably stored in the first staple cavities; and a first proximal end. When the first staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw, the first proximal end is aligned with a datum of the cartridge jaw. The first staple cartridge further comprises a first distal end, wherein a first cartridge length is defined between the first proximal end and the first distal end. The staple cartridge system also includes a second staple cartridge. The first staple cartridge includes a second deck configured to support tissue of a patient; a second staple cavity defined in the second deck; a second staple removably stored in the second staple cavity; and a second proximal end. When the second staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw, the second proximal end is aligned with the datum of the cartridge jaw. The second staple cartridge further comprises a second distal end, wherein a second cartridge length is defined between the second proximal end and the second distal end, wherein the anvil is supported by a first location on the first staple cartridge when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and the first staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw. The anvil is supported by a second location on the second staple cartridge when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and the second staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw. The first position is a first orthogonal distance from the cartridge support datum when the first staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw and the second position is a second orthogonal distance from the cartridge support datum when the second staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw. The first orthogonal distance is different from the second orthogonal distance. The anvil jaw deflects two different times in response to whether the first staple cartridge or the second staple cartridge is positioned in the cartridge jaw.

Example 217-the staple cartridge system of example 216, wherein the second cartridge length is different than the first cartridge length.

Example 218-the staple cartridge system of examples 216 or 217, wherein the second cartridge length is shorter than the first cartridge length.

Example 219-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, or 218, wherein the second orthogonal distance is shorter than the first orthogonal distance.

Example 220-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, or 218, wherein the second orthogonal distance is higher than the first orthogonal distance.

Example 221-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 219, or 220, wherein the second cartridge length is longer than the first cartridge length.

Example 222-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, or 221, wherein the second orthogonal distance is shorter than the first orthogonal distance.

Example 223-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, or 221, wherein the second orthogonal distance is higher than the first orthogonal distance.

Example 224-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, or 223, wherein the second position is closer to the second distal end than the first position is to the first distal end.

Example 225-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, or 223, wherein the second position is located farther from the second distal end than the first position is from the first distal end.

Example 226-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, or 225, wherein the anvil jaw comprises a distal anvil tip. The first cartridge length is set such that the distal anvil tip extends beyond the first distal end, wherein the second cartridge length is set such that the distal anvil tip does not extend beyond the first distal end.

Example 227-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, or 226, wherein the anvil jaw experiences a first deflection when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and the first staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw. The anvil jaw undergoes a second deflection when the end effector is in the clamped configuration and the second staple cartridge is in the cartridge jaw. The second deflection is greater than the first deflection.

Example 228-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, or 227, wherein each first staple comprises an unformed height within a first unformed height range, wherein each second staple comprises an unformed height within a second unformed height range, and wherein the second unformed height range comprises a height that is higher than the heights in the first unformed height range.

Example 229-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, or 227, wherein each first staple comprises an unformed height within a first unformed height range, wherein each second staple comprises an unformed height within a second unformed height range, and wherein the second unformed height range comprises a shorter height than the heights in the first unformed height range.

Example 230-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, or 229, wherein each first staple comprises an unformed height that is within a first unformed height range, wherein each second staple comprises an unformed height that is within a second unformed height range, and wherein the second unformed height range is different from, but partially overlapping with, the first unformed height range.

Example 231-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, or 230, wherein the anvil jaw comprises a distal anvil tip, wherein the first cartridge length is set such that the distal anvil tip extends beyond the first distal end, and wherein the second cartridge length is set such that the distal anvil tip is shorter than the second distal end.

Example 232-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, or 231, wherein the anvil jaw is rotatable relative to the cartridge jaw.

Example 233-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, or 231, wherein the cartridge jaw is rotatable relative to the anvil jaw.

Example 234-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, or 233, wherein the first distal end comprises a first cartridge nose and the second distal end comprises a second cartridge nose. The second cartridge nose is duller than the first cartridge nose.

Example 235-the staple cartridge system of examples 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, or 234, wherein the first distal end comprises a first cartridge nose and the second distal end comprises a second cartridge nose. The second cartridge nose is shorter than the first cartridge nose.

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 stapling instrument system comprising:

a handle;

a nozzle;

an elongate shaft, the elongate shaft comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a proximal region having a first diameter;

a central region having a second diameter, wherein the central region defines a longitudinal axis; and

a distal region having a third diameter, wherein the first diameter is different from the second diameter, and wherein the distal region is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis;

an end effector, the end effector comprising:

a first jaw, the first jaw comprising:

an elongate channel; and

a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, wherein the staple cartridge is operably supported in the elongate channel; and

a second jaw, wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw;

an articulation joint configured to rotationally couple the end effector to the elongate shaft;

a firing member configured to move within the end effector; and

a firing system configured to apply a firing motion to the firing member.

2. The surgical stapling instrument system of claim 1, wherein said first diameter is greater than said second diameter.

3. The surgical stapling instrument system of claim 2, wherein said second diameter is less than said third diameter.

4. The surgical stapling instrument system of claim 3, wherein said third diameter is less than said first diameter and greater than said second diameter.

5. The surgical stapling instrument system of claim 1, wherein said second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform said staples.

6. The surgical stapling instrument system of claim 4, wherein said distal region of said elongated shaft comprises at least one flat side.

7. The surgical stapling instrument system of claim 1, wherein said distal region is not fully cylindrical.

8. A surgical stapling instrument comprising:

an elongate shaft, the elongate shaft comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end; and

a first width at the proximal end, wherein the first width of the elongate shaft transitions to a second width at a center of the elongate shaft, wherein the second width of the elongate shaft transitions to a third width at the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the distal end of the elongate shaft is not cylindrical, wherein the distal end comprises an enlarged portion that extends laterally relative to the second width, and wherein the first width, the second width, and the third width are different;

an end effector configured to be attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the end effector comprises:

a first jaw; and

a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw;

an articulation assembly configured to apply an articulation motion to the end effector;

a firing member; and

a firing system configured to apply a firing motion to the firing member.

9. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 8, wherein said first width is greater than said second width.

10. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 9, wherein said second width is less than said third width.

11. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 10, wherein said third width is less than said first width and greater than said second width.

12. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 8, wherein said distal end of said elongated shaft is configured to fit through a 12mm cannula passageway.

13. The surgical stapling instrument of claim 8, wherein said center of said elongated shaft has a width of less than 10 mm.

14. A surgical fastening instrument comprising:

an elongate shaft, the elongate shaft comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

a proximal region comprising a first circumference;

a central region comprising a second circumference, wherein the central region defines a central longitudinal axis; and

a distal region comprising a third circumference, wherein the first circumference is different from the second circumference, and wherein the third circumference is offset relative to the second circumference; an end effector configured to be attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the end effector comprises:

a fastener cartridge jaw; and

an anvil block;

an articulation system configured to apply an articulation motion to the end effector;

a firing member, wherein the firing member is configured to travel through the end effector; and

a firing system configured to apply firing and retraction motions to the firing member.

15. The surgical fastening instrument of claim 14 wherein said first circumference is greater than said second circumference.

16. The surgical fastening instrument of claim 15 wherein said second circumference is less than said third circumference.

17. The surgical fastening instrument of claim 16 wherein said third circumference is less than said first circumference and greater than said second circumference.

18. The surgical fastening instrument of claim 14 wherein said proximal region comprises a stepped down configuration.

19. The surgical fastening instrument of claim 18 wherein said distal region of said elongated shaft comprises at least one flat side.

20. The surgical fastening instrument of claim 14 wherein said central region comprises a stepped-up region at said distal end.

21. A surgical instrument, comprising:

a housing;

a shaft extending from the housing, wherein the shaft comprises an outer tube comprising;

a proximal tube segment, wherein the proximal tube segment defines a longitudinal axis;

an elongate intermediate tube segment extending distally from the proximal tube segment, wherein the intermediate tube segment is centered along the longitudinal axis;

a distal tube segment extending distally from the intermediate tube segment, wherein the distal tube segment is laterally offset relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the distal tube segment includes an enlarged portion extending to one side of the longitudinal axis; and

a tapered constriction defined between the middle tube portion and the distal tube portion.

22. The surgical instrument of claim 21, further comprising:

an end effector; and

an articulation joint configured to rotationally couple the end effector to the distal tube segment.

23. The surgical instrument of claim 22, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising staples removably stored therein.