JP2019513529A - Cartridge lockout arrangement for rotational powered surgical cutting and stapling instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

Surgical cutting and stapling end effectors. Various embodiments include a channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge. A rotating end effector drive shaft is supported in the channel and configured to longitudinally move the firing assembly within the end effector to cause the sled to eject the surgical staples from the staple cartridge. The firing assembly is prevented from moving distally through the channel as long as the surgical staple cartridge having a thread in the starting position is not seated in the channel.

Description

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

Various features of the embodiments described herein, as well as their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument system according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotationally driven firing assembly and a sled of a surgical staple cartridge, with the sled in a starting position and the firing assembly in a first “unlocked” position, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 7 is another perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the rotary drive launch assembly of FIG. 2 in a second “locked” position, wherein the sled is not in the starting position. FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a surgical staple cartridge initially installed on a surgical end effector configured to cut and staple tissue according to at least one embodiment. Another side elevational view of the surgical staple cartridge seated within the channel of the surgical end effector of FIG. 4 with the sled of the surgical staple cartridge in the actuated position and engaged with the firing member of the surgical instrument It is. FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of a partially used surgical staple cartridge seated within the channel of the surgical end effector of FIG. 4 without the sled of the surgical staple cartridge in the actuated position. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotationally driven firing assembly and channel of a surgical cutting and stapling end effector with the firing assembly in the “locked” position, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the rotary drive firing assembly of FIG. 7 and a portion of the sled of the surgical staple cartridge with the sled in the starting position and the firing assembly in the “unlocked” position; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a threaded nut portion according to at least one embodiment. 10 is a perspective view of the threaded nut portion of FIG. 9 installed in the corresponding channel embodiment shown in cross section; FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the channel and threaded nut portion of FIG. 10 with the threaded nut portion in the locked position; FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional elevation view of the channel and threaded nut portion of FIGS. 10 and 11 with the nut portion in the unlocked position; The channel and threading of FIGS. 10-12 showing the threaded nut portion in the locked position and showing the initial placement of the surgical staple cartridge in the channel with the cartridge body omitted for clarity. 10 is another cross-sectional elevation view of the nut portion of FIG. FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional elevation view of the channel, threaded nut portion and thread of FIG. 13 with the thread installed to move the nut portion to the unlocked position; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical cutting and stapling end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil assembly of the surgical end effector of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 16; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 15 with its firing member assembly in a locked position; FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional view taken at its proximal end of the surgical end effector of FIG. 18 with the firing member assembly in the unlocked position; FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 18 taken in the distal position of the view of FIG. 19; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle and a replaceable loading unit, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 21 shown with the staple cartridge jaws removed from the loading unit; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument comprising a handle and a replaceable loading unit, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 23; It is a figure which shows the connection part of the handle | steering-wheel of FIG. 23, and a loading unit. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of the loading unit of Figure 21; FIG. 22 is a detailed view of the attachment between the staple cartridge jaws and the frame of the staple loading unit of FIG. 21; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a loading unit according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 29 is a detail view of the attachment between the staple cartridge jaws and the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 28. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 28. FIG. 29 is a detail view of the proximal end of the staple cartridge jaws of FIG. 28. FIG. 29 is a detail view showing the connection between the frame of FIG. 28 and the staple cartridge jaws. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a staple cartridge jaw, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a loading unit, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of a frame of a loading unit according to at least one embodiment, with the staple cartridge jaws shown unattached thereto. FIG. 36 is a partial elevation view of the staple cartridge jaws mounted to the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 35; FIG. 36 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 35 shown in a clamped configuration; FIG. 36 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 35 shown in a partially fired configuration. FIG. 10 is a partial elevational view of a frame of a loading unit according to at least one embodiment, with the staple cartridge jaws shown unattached thereto. FIG. 40 is a partial elevation view of the staple cartridge jaws mounted to the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 39; FIG. 40 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 39 shown in a clamped configuration. 40 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 39 shown in a partially fired configuration. 40 is a partial perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 39 shown with the staple cartridge jaws mounted to the frame; FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge jaw attached to a frame of a loading unit, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 45 is a partial elevational view attempting to load the staple cartridge jaws of FIG. 44 into a loading unit configured to receive different staple cartridge jaws. FIG. 45 is a partial elevational view of the staple cartridge jaws of FIG. 44 mounted to the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 44; FIG. 18 is a partial elevation view of a connection between a staple cartridge jaw and a frame of a loading unit, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 52 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 47; FIG. 48 is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge jaw configured for use with a different loading unit than the loading unit of FIG. 47 mounted on the loading unit of FIG. 47; FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of a surgical instrument system with a deflectable lockout arrangement shown in a locked configuration. FIG. 51 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 50, shown in a locked out configuration in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 10 is a partial elevation view of a surgical instrument system with a magnetic lockout arrangement, shown in a locked configuration. FIG. 53 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 52 in which the magnetic lockout arrangement is shown in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 53 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 52 shown in a partially fired configuration. FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for a surgical instrument system, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a driver configured to control a lockout arrangement of the surgical instrument system. FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a sled for use with the staple cartridge of FIG. 55; FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the pseudo driver of the staple cartridge of FIG. 55; A surgical instrument system utilizing the staple cartridge of FIG. 55, wherein the surgical instrument system comprises a lockout arrangement configured to limit movement of the firing member until the staple cartridge is loaded into the surgical instrument system. It is a partial elevation view. FIG. 59 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 58 with the lockout arrangement shown in the unlocked configuration. FIG. 59 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 58 shown in a partially fired configuration. FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use with a surgical instrument system, wherein the surgical instrument system comprises a lockout circuit including a severable member. FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional plan view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 61 wherein the surgical instrument system further comprises an electromagnet and a lockout member, the lockout member is illustrated in the unlocked position and the lockout circuit is in a closed configuration . FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional plan view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 61 with the lockout member illustrated in the locked position and the lockout circuit in an open configuration; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument system with a circuit lockout arrangement including electrical contacts positioned on a sled for use with a staple cartridge. FIG. 65 is a partial elevation view of the surgical instrument system of FIG. 64. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the launcher lockout illustrating the launcher lockout in a locked configuration. FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the launcher lockout of FIG. 66 taken along line 67-67 of FIG. 66; FIG. 73 is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member lockout of FIG. 66 illustrating the firing member lockout in the unlocked configuration; FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of the firing member lockout of FIG. 66 taken along line 69-69 of FIG. 68; FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional plan view of the firing member lockout of FIG. 66 taken along line 70-70 of FIG. 68; FIG. 7 is a partial elevation view of a stapling assembly including a virgin staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 72 is a partial plan view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 71; FIG. 72 is a partial elevational view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 71 illustrated in a spent condition; FIG. 74 is a partial plan view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 71 illustrated in the condition of FIG. 73; FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a stapling assembly including a virgin staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 76 is a partial perspective view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 75 illustrated in a used condition; FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the stapling assembly shown with components removed for illustration purposes. FIG. 78 illustrates the pins of the stapling assembly of FIG. 77 configured to affect the detection circuit of the stapling assembly; FIG. 80 is a partial perspective view of certain components of the stapling assembly of FIG. 77. FIG. 80 is a partial perspective view of a shaft housing of the stapling assembly of FIG. 77; FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the propulsive force profile experienced when firing a staple cartridge in at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly with a lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 83 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 82 illustrated in a locked out configuration; FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly with a lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly with a lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly including a brake, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly including a braking system, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a stapling assembly including an electromagnetic brake, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly including a braking system, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 7 is an electrical circuit configured to detect the position and travel of the staple firing member, illustrating the staple firing member in a fully fired position. FIG. 90 illustrates the staple firing member of FIG. 90 in a fully retracted position; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly with a lockout, according to at least one embodiment illustrated in the unlocked configuration. FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional end view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 92 illustrated as being in its unlocked configuration; FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 92 illustrated as being in a locked configuration; FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional end view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 92 illustrated as being in its locking configuration;

  Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate the various embodiments of the invention in one form, and such exemplifications should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. Absent.

The applicants of the present application own the following US patent applications filed the same day as the present application, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END 7828 USNP / 150 542,
U.S. Patent Application __________, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A PRIMARY FIRING LOCKOUT AND A SECONDARY FIRING LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END 7787 USNP / 150522,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING A MAGNETIC LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END 7789 USNP / 150503, and-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE JAW ", Attorney Docket Number END7790USNP / 150504.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on April 15, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,575, entitled "STAPLE FORMATION DETECTION MECHANISMS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,582, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETECTION SENSORS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,588, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED STOP / START CONTROL DURING A FIRING MOTION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE STOP / START CONTROL DURING A FIRING MOTION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,566, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAM RESPONSES DURING A FIRING MOTION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,571, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAM RESPONSES DURING A FIRING MOTION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,581, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CONFIGURABLE OPERATING MODE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,590, title of the invention "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 130,596, title of the invention "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORCE CONTROLLING A SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on April 1, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,325, entitled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,321, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,326, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,263, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,262, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUAL TABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,277, entitled "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,283, entitled "CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICES WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FIRING SHAFTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,296, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,258, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,278, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,284, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,295, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,300, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,196, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,203, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT",
-U.S. patent application No. 15 / 089,210, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,324, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,335, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,339, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,253, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,304, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,331, entitled "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,336, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,312, entitled "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,309, title of the invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,349, the title of the invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL".

The applicants of the present application also own the following identified US patent applications filed on December 31, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,488, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACKURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US patent application no. 14/984, 525, title of the invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-US patent application no. 14/984, 552, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicants also own the following identified US patent applications filed on February 9, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,220, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,228, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ATICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECT EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTIFICATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,235, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,230, "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS",-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE" REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS ".

Applicants also own the following identified US patent applications filed on February 12, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,254, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,259, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275, title of the invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,289, title of the invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on June 18, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,925, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,941, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES";
No. 14 / 742,914, entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,900, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,885, "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,876, names "PUSH / PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE" SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 6, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,746, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",
No. 14 / 640,795, entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, entitled "Adaptive TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATE FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", Attorney Docket No. END 7557 USNP / 140482,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, entitled "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859, entitled "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
No. 14 / 640,844, entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE",
-US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 640,837, entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765, entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, title of the invention "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,780, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on February 27, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, entitled "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY",
No. 14 / 633,555, entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",
-US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT",
No. 14 / 633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, title of the invention "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, title of the invention "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER ".

The applicants of the present application own the following patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING",
No. 14 / 574,483, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULA TABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS";
No. 14 / 575,130, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,154, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULA TABLE END EFFECTS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/5744, 493, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/574, 500, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,323, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATIONS JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, entitled "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,499, entitled "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246474,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, entitled "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, entitled "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246477,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,481, entitled "SENSOR STRAIGHT ENDED EFFECT EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246479,
No. 13 / 782,518, entitled "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246473, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536. No. "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246476.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 026,354;
No. 13 / 803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263537,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,053, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTIFICATION LOCK", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,
No. 13 / 803,210, entitled "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, entitled "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554,
-US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,066, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565,
US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,117, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263553,
No. 13 / 803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263543, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159. , "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application filed on March 7, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, entitled "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 26, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,094, entitled "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES / PROCEDURE COUNT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580,
No. 14 / 226,117, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,075, entitled "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579,
No. 14 / 226,093, entitled "FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,116, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,071, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557,
No. 14 / 226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,076, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference in their respective entire contents:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, entitled "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, entitled "MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909,
No. 14 / 479,110, entitled "USE OF POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET DETECTION TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915,
No. 14 / 479,098, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, Title of the invention "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTA TABLE OUTPUT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305989.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, entitled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,584, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994,
No. 14 / 248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03 05 990, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607 The present application entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on April 16, 2013, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:
US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,365, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR",
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,376, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER",
-US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,382, entitled "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP",
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,385, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL", and-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 812,372, "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH" MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

  Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments described herein. It is understood by the reader that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are exemplary and exemplary. It will be understood to get. Variations and modifications thereto can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

  The terms "comprise" (any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprises"), "have" (any term of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include (including "include" (any form of include such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (any form of contain such as "contains" and "containing") It is a verb. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “includes”, “haves”, “includes” or “contains” one or more elements may be one or more of them. Although having elements, it is not limited to having only one or more elements. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "includes", "has", "includes", or "contains" one or more features, one or more of them. However, the present invention is not limited to having only one or two or more features.

  The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein as a reference to the clinician operating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the part closest to the clinician and the term "distal" refers to the part at a distance from the clinician. It will be further understood that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "above", and "below" may be used herein for the drawings. I will. 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, it is readily understood by the reader that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including, for example, those associated with open surgical procedures. Will. By reading the "Forms for Carrying Out the Invention" herein, the reader can use the various instruments disclosed herein to create an incision or puncture in the tissue, eg, through a natural opening. It will be further understood that it can be inserted into the body in any way, such as through a hole. The working or end effector portion of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient's body or through the access device with working channels that can be advanced through the end effector of the surgical instrument and the elongate shaft. It can also be done.

  The surgical stapling system can include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw, or at least not easily replaceable. Other embodiments are also envisioned. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis, while the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. Embodiments are also recalled. 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 that do not include articulation joints are also envisioned.

  The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal and distal ends. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the 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 tissue against the deck. The staples removably stored in the cartridge body can then be deployed in the tissue. The cartridge body includes a staple cavity defined therein, wherein the staples are removably stored within the staple cavity. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are located on the first side of the longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are located on the second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may also be possible.

  The staples are supported by a staple driver in the cartridge body. The driver is movable between a first or unfired position and a second or firing position which ejects the staples from the staple cavity. The driver is retained within the cartridge body by a retainer extending around the bottom of the cartridge body, and includes an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and retain the retainer relative to the cartridge body. . The driver is movable by the sled between its unfired position and its fired position. The thread is movable between a proximal position adjacent to the proximal end and a distal position adjacent to the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramps configured to slide under the driver and lift the driver, with the staples supported thereon and facing the anvil.

  In addition to the above, the sled is moved distally by the firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towards the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam engaging the first jaw and a second cam engaging the second jaw. When advancing the firing member distally, the first and second cams can control the distance between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil, ie, the tissue clearance. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to cut tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the bevel so that the staples are ejected forward of the knife.

  Certain surgical stapling and severing end effectors described herein include an elongated channel configured to removably receive a staple cartridge having a surgical staple stored therein. The staple cartridge includes an ejector or driver movably supported within the cartridge body of the staple cartridge, each configured to support one or more staples thereon. The staple support drivers are arranged in longitudinal rows in the cartridge body at positions on each side of the longitudinally extending slots defined in the cartridge body. The slot is configured to movably accommodate a firing member which may have thereon a tissue cutting edge which acts to cut tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. When the driver is contacted by the sled configured to be driven longitudinally through the cartridge body by the firing member, the driver mounts upwardly within the cartridge body, ie, toward the deck of the cartridge body. Be driven. The sled is movably supported within the cartridge and includes a plurality of angled or wedge shaped cams corresponding to the lines of the staple driver in the cartridge body. In the unfired or "new" staple cartridge, the sled is positioned at a starting position proximal to the first or most proximal staple driver of each line. The sled is advanced distally by the firing member during the firing stroke to eject the staples from the cartridge body. Once the staple cartridge has been at least partially fired, i.e., ejected from the cartridge body, the firing member retracts back to the start or unfired position and the sled is moved away from the currently used staple cartridge. It remains as it is at the end of the order. Once the firing member is returned to the start or unfired position, the used staple cartridge may be removed from the channel of the end effector.

  In addition to the above, a surgical instrument system 10 is illustrated in FIG. The surgical instrument system 10 comprises a handle 14 and a shaft assembly 200 removably attachable to the handle 14. The shaft assembly 200 comprises an end effector 300 that includes a cartridge channel 302 and an anvil 306 that is movable relative to the cartridge channel 302. The staple cartridge 304 is removably positioned within the cartridge channel 302.

  Such cutting and stapling end effectors are attached to the distal end of an elongate shaft assembly that operably supports various drive shafts and components configured to apply various control motions to the end effector. ing. In various examples, the shaft assembly may include an articulation joint, otherwise to facilitate articulation of the end effector relative to a portion of the elongate shaft when articulation motion is applied to the end effector. It can be configured. The shaft assembly is coupled to a housing that supports various drive systems that operatively interact with various components within the elongate shaft assembly. In one particular arrangement, the housing may comprise a hand-held housing or handle. In other arrangements, the housing may comprise part of a robot or an automated surgical system. The various drive systems of the housing may be configured to apply an axial drive motion, a rotational drive motion, and / or a combination of axial and rotational drive motions to the elongate shaft assembly. In a hand-held arrangement, axial motion may be generated by one or more manually actuated hand cranks and / or may be generated by one or more electric motors. The robotic system uses an electric motor and / or other automated drive arrangement configured to generate the necessary control motion to apply to the elongated shaft assembly and possibly to the launcher of the end effector. It is also good.

  For surgical end effectors requiring rotational control motion, the elongate shaft assembly includes a "proximal" rotational drive shaft portion that is rotated by a corresponding motor or other source of rotational motion supported in the housing be able to. The proximal rotational drive shaft is configured to apply rotational control motion to an end effector drive shaft supported within the end effector. In such an arrangement, the firing member interacts with the end effector drive shaft so that the firing member can travel longitudinally through the end effector and then return to the unfired position.

  When using a surgical instrument configured to cut and staple tissue, an unused surgical staple cartridge is suitable for the surgical instrument end effector prior to activating the surgical instrument's firing drive system. Measures should be taken to ensure that they are installed. If the clinician inadvertently actuates the tissue cutting member of the firing drive system without first placing an unused staple cartridge in the end effector, for example, the tissue cutting member cuts tissue without stapling. There is something to do. A similar problem can occur if the clinician unknowingly places the partially used staple cartridge on the end effector. If the staple cartridge is used in a previous procedure or used in a pre-treatment step, and then removed from the end effector before all of the staples have been ejected from the cartridge, the partially used staple cartridge is removed It can occur. When such partially used cartridges are reused in a surgical instrument, the tissue cutting member may form an incision in the tissue that is longer than the staple line applied to the tissue. Thus, when using a surgical end effector configured to cut and staple tissue, actuation of the tissue cutting member unless a fresh "new" staple cartridge is properly installed on the end effector It is desirable that the surgical end effector be configured to prevent

  Figures 2 and 3 illustrate portions of a surgical cutting and stapling end effector 20000 that can address such concerns. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end effector 20000 includes a rotating end effector drive shaft 20010. Although not shown, the rotary end effector drive shaft 20010 is rotatably supported in an elongate channel configured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. The rotary end effector drive shaft 20010 is configured to receive rotational drive motion from a proximal rotational drive shaft mounted in the channel or otherwise operatively interacting with the rotary end effector drive shaft 20010 . The rotational control motion may be applied to the proximal rotational drive shaft through a corresponding drive arrangement which may be manually actuated or may be provided with a motor controlled by a robot control system or other source of rotational control motion it can. In an alternative arrangement, rotational control motion may be generated manually. With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the surgical end effector 20000 includes a launch assembly 20020 configured to move longitudinally within the channel. In the exemplary embodiment, the firing assembly 20020 comprises an upper firing body 220022 having a distal firing lug 20024 and a proximal firing lug 20026. The distal firing lug 20024 has an unthreaded hole (not shown) therein, and the unthreaded hole is configured to receive the rotating end effector drive shaft 20010 therethrough. The proximal firing lugs 20026 are spaced apart from the distal firing lugs 20024 and define a nut cavity 20028 therebetween. The proximal firing lug 20026 has an unthreaded hole 20027 therein, which is configured to receive the rotating end effector drive shaft 20010 therethrough.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotary end effector drive shaft 20010 is threaded. The firing assembly 20020 comprises a transfer nut 20030 screwed on the rotating end effector drive shaft 20010 and located within a nut cavity 20028 between the distal firing lug 20026 and the proximal firing lug 20027. The transfer nut 20040 is moveable within the nut cavity 20028 between a first position (FIG. 2) and a second position (FIG. 3). The transfer nut 20040 includes an upper notch portion 20042 having a retainer tab 20044 projecting therefrom and extending distally. When the transfer nut 20040 is in the first position, the notch top 20042 is vertically aligned with the top firing body 20022 of the firing assembly 20020. As further seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the distal firing lug 20024 can include a pair of laterally projecting distal fins 20025 (only one visible in the drawings), and a proximal firing The lug 20026 can include a pair of laterally projecting proximal fins 20027. Similarly, the transfer nut 20040 can include a pair of nut fins 20046 configured to align with the distal fin 20025 and the proximal fin 20027 when the transfer nut 20040 is in the first position. See FIG. When in this aligned position, fins 20025, 20027 and 20046 are free to pass within the channels provided in the body of the staple cartridge. Also in the illustrated arrangement, the upper body portion 20022 of the firing assembly 20020 is configured to be slidably received in the corresponding channel in the anvil when the firing assembly is driven distally through the end effector It includes a pair of laterally projecting upper fins 20030 that are otherwise configured to slidably engage the anvil. The fins 20025, 20027, 20046 and the upper fins 20030 thereby act to hold the anvil at a desired distance from the staple cartridge during the firing process. The firing assembly 20020 also includes a tissue cutting surface or tissue cutting blade 20032 for cutting tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

  The channel of the surgical end effector 20000 is configured to operably and removably support a surgical staple cartridge including the sled 20050 therein. The sled 20050 is moveable from a start position located at the proximal end of the staple cartridge to an end position within the cartridge. The thread 20050 includes a central thread body 20052 having a collection of cam ridges 20054 formed therein. In the illustrated example, the sled 20050 includes four cam spikes 20054, with two cam spikes 20054 located on each side of the central sled body 20052. Each cam wedge 20054 will correspond to a line of staple support drivers located within the cartridge body. As the sled 20050 is driven distally through the cartridge body, the camming portion 20054 sequentially drives the staple driver within the corresponding upper line within the cartridge body, thereby causing the staples to move with the underside of the anvil. It will be driven to form a contact.

In the illustrated example, when the transfer nut is in the first position and the thread 20050 is in the start (pre-launch) position, the thread 20050 is retentively engaged to the distally extending retainer tab 20044 on the transfer nut 20040 A retention cavity 20056 is formed in the central sled body 20052 that is configured to mate. See FIG. In one particular arrangement, one or more biasing members 20060 can be provided in the firing assembly 20020 to bias the transfer nut 20040 to a first position. For example, the torsion spring may be supported on one or both of the proximal firing lug 20024 and the distal firing lug 20026 when the threaded end effector drive shaft 20020 is not actuated, to move the transfer nut 20040 to a first position (direction D). ₁ ) can be biased. However, when rotating the threaded end effector drive shaft 20020 in the firing direction (D ₂ ), the rotational drive shaft 20020 overcomes the bias of the biasing member 20060 and the transfer nut 20030 in the second position shown in FIG. Will move. When the transfer nut 20030 is in the second position, the retention tab 20044 is not aligned with the slot in the cartridge body that slidably receives the central sled body 20052 and the nut fins 20046 are in the channel of the cartridge body. And do not align. Thus, further rotation of the rotating end effector drive rod 20010 will not drive the firing assembly 20020 distally due to this misalignment of the tab 20044 and the corresponding portion of the cartridge body of the fin 20046. However, if the cartridge is unused (has not been fired), the cartridge will have the sled 20050 in the starting position. When the cartridge is properly seated in the end effector channel, the retainer tab 20044 will hold the transfer nut 20030 in a first position when the rotating end effector drive shaft 20010 is rotated in the firing direction. It will be received in the holding cavity 20056. Thus, such an arrangement prevents the clinician from inadvertently advancing the firing assembly 20020 (and the tissue cutting surface 20044) when the unused cartridge is not properly seated in the channel. If a used or partially used cartridge is seated in the channel, the sled will not be in the starting position and the clinician will not be able to fire the firing assembly. The clinician will not be able to advance the firing assembly if the unused cartridge is present in the channel but is not properly seated therein so that the retaining tab is received in the retaining cavity of the sled .

  4-6, portions of another surgical cutting and stapling end effector 20100 are shown. End effector 20100 includes a channel 20110 configured to removably receive a surgical staple cartridge 20200 therein. In at least one embodiment, the end effector 20100 includes a rotatable end effector drive shaft 20120 that is selectively movable or deflectable between a first “lock” position and a second “drive” position. The rotating end effector drive shaft 20120 is configured to receive rotational drive motion from a proximal rotational drive shaft (not shown). The rotational control motion can be applied to the proximal rotational drive shaft through a corresponding drive arrangement that can be manually actuated or can comprise a motor controlled by a robot control system. In an alternative arrangement, rotational control motion may be generated manually. The rotary end effector drive shaft 20120 can be rotatably supported at its proximal and distal ends by a corresponding rotary bearing arrangement or cradle that facilitates operational rotation of the rotary end effector drive shaft 20120, Deflecting a portion of the rotating end effector drive shaft between a first position and a second position while maintaining rotational movement engagement with the proximal rotation drive shaft or other source of rotational motion Further enable.

  As seen in FIGS. 4-8, the surgical end effector 20100 includes a firing assembly 20130 configured to move longitudinally within the channel 20110. In the illustrated embodiment, the launch assembly 20130 comprises a projectile 20132 which is pivotally supported on the rotating end effector drive shaft 20120. Projectile 20132 includes a pair of laterally projecting fins 20134 that are configured to pass within passageway 20112 in channel 201 10. The passage 20112 is defined by two inwardly extending spaced apart channel tabs 20114 (only one tab can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8) with a slot 20116 between them and the rotating end effector drive shaft 20120, And the passage of projectiles 20132 between them can be accommodated. See FIGS. 7 and 8. Also in the illustrated arrangement, the upper body portion 20136 of the firing assembly 20130 is slidably received in the corresponding channel 20152 in the anvil 20150 when the firing assembly 20130 is driven distally through the end effector 20100 And a pair of laterally projecting upper fins 20138 configured as described above. Thereby, the fins 20134 and 20138 act to hold the anvil 20150 at the desired distance from the staple cartridge 20200 during the firing process. The firing assembly 20130 also includes a tissue cutting surface or tissue cutting blade 20139 configured to cut tissue clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge.

FIG. 4 illustrates the installation of a virgin staple cartridge 20200 on a surgical end effector 20100. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the unused staple cartridge 20200 includes a sled 20210 located at the start position. The sled 20210 is moveable from a start position located at the proximal end of the staple cartridge 20200 to an end position within the cartridge 20200. As seen in FIG. 8, the sled 20210 includes a central sled body 20212 having a collection of cam ridges 20214 formed therein. In the illustrated example, the sled 20210 includes four cam collars 20214, with two cam collars 20214 located on each side of the central sled body 20212. Each cam collar 20214 corresponds to a line of staple support drivers supported within the cartridge 20200. As the sled 20210 is driven distally through the cartridge 20200, the cam ridges 20214 sequentially drive the staple driver within the upper corresponding line within the cartridge 20200, thereby driving the staples under the anvil 2015. Make a forming contact with the side. Prior to seating the unused staple cartridge 20200 in the channel 201 10, the rotational drive shaft 20120 is located at or above the first position (represented by the arrow "U"). FIG. 7 illustrates the position of rotational drive shaft 20120 and firing assembly 20130 in the locked position prior to installing the staple cartridge in the end effector. As seen in FIG. 7, when the clinician actuates the rotary drive shaft 20120 in an attempt to drive the firing assembly distally through the channel 20110, the firing assembly 20130 is caused by the contact between the fin 20134 and the channel tab 20114. Fins 20134 are aligned with channel tabs 20144 of channel 20110 so as to be prevented from moving distally. The distance that the rotary drive shaft 20120 as well as the launch assembly 20130 can be deflected downward is represented as distance D _f in FIG.

  In the illustrated example, a firing assembly engagement notch 20216 is provided on the sled body 20212 configured to engage a corresponding engagement notch 20137 in the upper body portion 20136 of the firing assembly 20130. When the firing assembly engagement notch 20216 of the sled 20210 initially engages the engagement notch 20137 in the upper body portion 20136 of the firing assembly 20130, the sled 20120 includes the firing assembly 20130 and the end effector rotational drive shaft 20120 in the channel 20110. Bias or bias downward (represented by arrow "D" in FIG. 8). Such motion aligns the fins 20134 of the launch assembly 20130 with the passages 20112 in the channel 20110. Surgical staple cartridge 20220 may be configured to be snapped into channel 20100 and held therein in a properly installed orientation. FIGS. 5 and 8 illustrate the rotary drive shaft 20120 in the “drive position” or “second position”, wherein the firing assembly 20130 is adapted to eject the staple cartridge 20200 when the rotary drive shaft 20120 is rotated in the firing direction. The firing assembly 20130 is vertically aligned with the channel 20110 so as to be driven distally therethrough.

  FIG. 6 illustrates the installation of a used or partially used staple cartridge 20200 'on a surgical end effector 20100. As shown in FIG. As seen in FIG. 6, the sled 20210 has been moved distally from the starting position within the staple cartridge 20200 '. Thereby, when the staple cartridge 20200 'is properly installed in the channel 20110, the sled 20210, and more particularly the firing assembly engagement notch 20126 in the sled 20210, engages with the engagement notch 20137 in the firing assembly 20130. Get out of it. This leaves the launch assembly 20130 in the first or locked position. This prevents the firing assembly 20130 from advancing distally into the cartridge 20200 ', even if the clinician unintentionally actuates the rotary end effector drive shaft 20120.

  9-14 illustrate portions of another lockable firing assembly 20300 that are prevented from advancing distally unless the unused surgical staple cartridge is properly seated in the end effector channel 20400. It shows. FIG. 9 illustrates the threaded nut portion 20302 of the firing assembly 20300 screwed to the rotating end effector drive shaft in the manner described herein. The rotating end effector drive shaft is omitted for clarity in FIGS. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking lugs 20304 and the actuator lugs 20306 project laterally from the threaded nut portion 20302. Although not shown, the launch assembly 20300 includes a top projectile having a tissue cutting edge that may be similar to that disclosed herein. 10-14 illustrate threaded nut portion 20302 in connection with channel 20400. FIGS. It will be appreciated that channel 20400 is configured to operably and removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. Referring first to FIG. 10, the channel 20400 is configured to operably support the rotating end effector drive shaft, and to be centrally configured to allow longitudinal movement of the threaded nut 20302 through the channel 20400. It comprises a longitudinal slot 20402 arranged. In addition, a first longitudinal ledge 20404 and a second longitudinal ledge 20406 are provided on each side of the longitudinal slot 20402. The ledges 20404, 20406 serve to define longitudinal passages 20408 that allow the lugs 20304 and 20306 to pass therethrough when the firing assembly 20300 is fired distally through the channel 20400. In addition, channel 20400 includes a longitudinal cavity 20410 for receiving a cartridge body therein. It will be appreciated that the cartridge body may be configured to be snap fit and releasably retained within the cavity 20410.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the locking notch 20412 is provided in the ledge 20404. The locking notch 20412 is sized to receive at least a portion of the locking lug 20304 therein when the firing assembly 20300 is in a first or starting position prior to firing. A locking spring or biasing member 20414 is provided on the ledge 20406 and is configured to engage and bias the actuator lug 20306 in the locking direction “L”. Such rotation of the actuator lug 20306 causes the locking lug 20304 to enter the locking notch 20412. When in this position, the firing assembly 20300 can not advance distally as the rotating end effector drive shaft is rotated in the firing direction.

  FIG. 12 illustrates the position of the threaded nut portion 20302 of the firing assembly 20300 when the firing assembly is moved to the second or unlocked position. FIG. 13 illustrates what happens when the surgical staple cartridge is first introduced into the channel 20400. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the cartridge body is omitted for clarity. However, it will be appreciated that the surgical staple cartridge includes a sled 20500. The sled 20500 is movable from a starting position located at the proximal end of the staple cartridge to an ending position within the cartridge. As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the sled 20500 includes a central sled body 20502 having a collection of cam ridges 20504 formed therein. In the illustrated example, the sled 20500 includes four cam ridges 20504, with two cam ridges 20504 located on each side of the central sled body 20502. Each cam collar 20504 corresponds to a line of staple support drivers located within the cartridge 20500. As the sled 20500 is driven distally through the cartridge, the camming portion 20504 sequentially drives the staple driver within the upper corresponding line within the cartridge, thereby ejecting the staples to form the underside of the anvil Make contact.

  With further reference to FIG. 13, the sled 20500 is configured to contact the actuator lug 20306 when the cartridge is properly installed in the channel 20400 and the sled is in the start position. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the downwardly extending actuator member 20506 is formed or otherwise mounted on the sled 20500. When the cartridge is installed in the channel 20400, the actuator member 20506 on the sled 20500 contacts the actuator lug 20306 and biases the firing assembly in the unlocked direction "UL" (FIG. 13) to the position shown in FIG. As can be seen in FIG. 14, the locking lug 20304 is out of the locking notch 20412 and the firing assembly 20300 can now be advanced longitudinally through the channel and staple cartridge. Thus, such an arrangement would prevent the clinician from inadvertently advancing the firing member unless the cartridge with the sled in the starting position is properly installed in the channel. As used in this context, the term "properly installed" may allow the staple cartridge to interact with the sled and other parts in the manner described herein. Mean that it has been seated in the channel in a manner intended.

  15-17 illustrate portions of an end effector 20500 configured to cut and staple tissue. End effector 20500 includes an elongated channel 20510 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 20600 therein. The end effector includes an anvil assembly 20700 that operably supports anvil concentric drive member 20710 for operably driving the firing member 20720 through the end effector 20500. The anvil concentric drive member 20710 can, for example, be centrally disposed within the anvil frame 20712 and its length can be substantially increased. The anvil concentric drive member 20710 in the illustrated embodiment comprises an anvil drive shaft that includes a distal bearing lug 20714 and a proximal bearing lug 20716. The distal bearing lugs 20714 are rotatably housed within the distal bearing housing 20718 which is supported within the bearing pockets of the anvil frame 20712. The proximal bearing lugs 20716 are rotatably supported within the anvil assembly 20700 by a floating bearing housing 20720 movably supported within a bearing pocket 20722 formed in the proximal anvil portion 20724. See FIG. The proximal and distal bearing housing arrangements can act to prevent or at least minimize the generation of compressive forces on the anvil drive shaft 20710, otherwise the anvil drive shaft under high force conditions There is a possibility of bending 20710. Anvil drive shaft 20710 further includes a driven firing gear 20726, a proximal threaded section or helical section 20728, and a distal threaded section or helical section 20730. In the illustrated arrangement, the proximal threaded section 20728 has a first length and the distal threaded section 20730 has a distal length greater than the first length. In the illustrated arrangement, the pitch of the distal threaded section 20730 is greater than the pitch of the distal threaded section 20728. In other words, the lead of the distal threaded section 20730 is larger than the lead of the proximal threaded section 20728. In one arrangement, the leads of the distal threaded section 20730 may be approximately twice as large as the leads of the proximal threaded section 20728. Additionally, a dead space 20731 may be provided between the proximal threaded section 20728 and the distal threaded section 20730. In at least one example, anvil drive shaft 20710 may be integrally manufactured from extruded gear stock.

  To facilitate assembly of the various anvil components, anvil assembly 20700 includes anvil cap 20740 that can be attached to anvil frame 20712 by welding, snap-forming or the like. In addition, anvil assembly 20700 can include a pair of anvil plates or a variety of patterns of staple forming pockets on its bottom surface corresponding to the staple placement within surgical staple cartridge 20600 supported within elongated channel 20510 A staple forming plate 20742 is included. The staple forming plate 20742 may be made of metal or similar material and be welded or otherwise attached to the anvil frame 20712. In other arrangements, a single anvil plate having a slot therein for receiving the firing member may be used. Such anvil plate or combination of plates can act to improve the overall stiffness of the anvil assembly. The anvil plate may be flat or, for example, have staple forming pockets "casted" therein.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 18-20, the surgical end effector 20500 includes a firing member 20800 having a body portion 20802, which is formed thereon or otherwise attached thereto. It has a knife nut portion 20804. Knife nut portion 20804 is configured to be received on anvil drive shaft 20710. A distal threaded nodule 20806 and a proximal threaded nodule 20808 configured to engage the proximal threaded section 20728 and the distal threaded section 20730 are formed in the knife nut portion 20804. The distal screw nodules 20806 are threaded with the distal threaded segment 20730 and the proximal screw nodules 20808 with the proximal threaded segment 20728 when the knife nut portion 20804 spans the dead space 20731 To be spaced apart from the proximal screw nodule 20808 with respect to the length of the dead space 20731. In addition, anvil engagement tabs 20810 project laterally from opposite sides of knife nut 20804 and are each oriented to engage a corresponding staple forming plate 20742 mounted on anvil frame 20712. The firing member 20800 further includes channel engagement tabs 20820 projecting from each side of the body portion 20800. The launch member 20800 also includes a tissue cutting surface 20822.

  Rotation of the anvil drive shaft 20710 in a first rotational direction will result in axial movement of the firing member 20800 from a first position to a second position. Similarly, rotation of the anvil drive shaft 20710 in a second rotational direction will result in axial retraction of the firing member 20800 from the second position back to the first position. The anvil drive shaft 20710 ultimately obtains rotational motion from a proximal drive shaft (not shown) that operatively interacts with the distal power shaft 20830. In the illustrated arrangement, the distal power shaft 20830 has a distal drive gear 20832 configured to be in meshing engagement with the driven firing gear 20726 on the anvil drive shaft 20710 when the anvil assembly 20710 is in the closed position. . The anvil drive shaft 20710 is said to be "independent and separate" from the distal power shaft 20830. That is, for example, at least in the illustrated arrangement, the anvil drive shaft 20710 is not coaxially aligned with the distal power shaft 20830 and does not form part of the distal power shaft 20830. Additionally, anvil drive shaft 20710 is movable relative to, for example, distal power shaft 20830 when anvil assembly 20700 is moved between the open and closed positions. The proximal drive shaft can ultimately be rotated by a motor supported within a housing mounted on a shaft assembly coupled to the surgical end effector 20500. The housing can include a hand-held assembly or part of a robotic control system.

  In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil assembly 20700 is closed by advancing the closure tube 20900 distally. As seen in FIG. 15, the closure tube 20900 includes an internal threaded closure nut 20902 configured to threadably engage a closure screw segment 20834 formed on the distal power shaft 20830. The first rotation of the distal power shaft 20830 will drive the closure tube 20900 distally to cam the anvil assembly 20700 into the closed position. The opposite rotation of the distal power shaft 20830 will drive the closure tube 20900 in a proximal direction to allow the anvil assembly 20700 to move to the open position.

  Referring to FIGS. 18-20, the channel includes a pair of inwardly extending, longitudinal retention tabs 20512, with a slot space 20514 for accommodating longitudinal movement of the firing member 20800 therebetween. In addition, channel 20510 includes a proximal locking cavity 20516 proximal to retaining tab 20512. The locking cavity 20516 transitions to a distal firing cavity coextensive with the tabs 20512 and the space 20514 between them. The locking cavity 20516 is larger than the distal firing cavity to allow the firing member 20800 to pivot to the position shown in FIG. When in this position, the firing member body 20802 is not aligned with the slot space and the tab 20820 is not aligned with the distal firing cavity 20518. When in this position, one of the tabs 20820 projecting from the firing member 20800 is aligned with one of the retention tabs 20512, thereby causing the firing member 20800 to travel longitudinally through the channel 20510. To prevent When the anvil drive shaft 20710 is initially rotated and the surgical staple cartridge with the sled in the start position is not installed in the channel 20510, the firing member 20800 will pivot to its "locked" position . However, when the cartridge having the sled in the start position is installed in the channel 20510, the sled contacts or otherwise interacts with the firing member 20800 to space the firing member 20800 between the retention tabs 20512. Acts to align and position and hold 20514. See FIG. Thereby, continuous rotation of the anvil drive shaft 20710 will drive the firing member 20800 distally through the channel 20510, as shown in FIG. Thus, such an arrangement causes the clinician to unintentionally actuate the anvil drive shaft 20710 to channel the firing member 20800 unless an unused surgical staple cartridge having a sled in the starting position is installed in the channel. It will be prevented from driving distally through 20510.

  In still other arrangements, detection of the sled in the correct position in the unused staple cartridge properly seated in the channel of the surgical cutting and stapling end effector may be determined electrically. For example, when the sled is in the starting position within the cartridge properly seated in the channel, this can be accomplished by contact on the sled which completes the circuit. At launch, the circuit is open and no further launch is allowed until the circuit is closed again.

  As mentioned above, stapling assemblies for first grasping, clamping, stapling and / or cutting tissue are well known in the art. For example, conventional stapling assemblies such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,865,361 have included a loading unit operatively connected to the handle assembly. The entire disclosure of US Pat. No. 5,865,361, issued Feb. 2, 1999, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS", is incorporated by reference. While the handle assemblies of these earlier stapling assemblies were configured for multiple uses, the loading unit was configured for single use. After each loading unit was used, or at least partially used, the loading unit was removed from the handle assembly and then replaced with a new or unused loading unit as needed. These previous loading unit configurations were not able to replace the cartridge portion of the loading unit so that the used loading unit could be reused.

  US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021 discloses an alternative stapling assembly comprising a first jaw comprising an anvil and a second jaw comprising a staple cartridge. The entire disclosure of US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021 published November 15, 2012, entitled "REPLACEABLE STAPLE CARTRIDGE" is incorporated herein by reference. Unlike the previous loading units, the second jaws of these stapling assemblies can be completely removed from the loading unit, perhaps after the second prior jaws have been used. Replaced with jaws. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, issued Jan. 24, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT" As a result, not only a portion of the second jaw of these stapling assemblies, but the entire second jaw is replaced.

  However, the stapling assembly disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021 is defective. For example, the stapling assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0286021 discloses a cutting member that can be advanced distally even though the second jaw is not attached to the stapling assembly. Including. As a result, the cutting member may be unintentionally exposed to the patient's tissue. Among other things, various improvements to these stapling assemblies are discussed further below.

  Referring now to FIG. 21, a surgical instrument system 21000 comprises a handle 21010 and a stapling assembly or loading unit 21030 mounted on a shaft 21020 of the handle 21010. Referring primarily to FIG. 22, the loading unit 21030 comprises a proximal end or bayonet connector 21032 configured to removably load the loading unit 21030 to the shaft 21020. Similar to the stapling assembly disclosed in US Patent Application Publication 2012/0286021, the loading unit 21030 comprises an anvil 21040 and a mountable cartridge jaw 21050. Once mounted on the loading unit 21030, the cartridge jaws 21050 can be pivoted between an open position (FIG. 21) and a closed or clamped position.

  The handle 21010 comprises an actuator or trigger 21014 that is rotatable towards the pistol grip 21012 of the handle 21010 to drive the firing bar of the loading unit 21030 distally. During the first stroke of the trigger 21014, the firing bar engages the cartridge jaws 21050 and moves the cartridge jaws 21050 to their closed position. During one or more subsequent strokes of the trigger 21014, the firing bar advances through the cartridge jaws 21050. The cartridge jaw 21050 comprises a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and the staples are expelled from the cartridge jaw 21050 as the firing bar travels distally through the cartridge jaw 21050. More specifically, as discussed in detail elsewhere herein, the firing bar enters the cartridge jaw 21050 and pushes the sled stored in the cartridge jaw 21060 distally, which in turn causes the staple Drive out of the cartridge jaw 21050.

  Referring mainly to FIG. 22, the loading unit 21030 further comprises an articulation joint 21036 around which the anvil 21040 and the cartridge jaw 21050 can be articulated. The loading unit 21030 comprises an articulation driver configured to articulate the anvil 21040 and the cartridge jaw 21050 about the articulation joint 21036. The articulation driver is operatively coupled to the articulation actuator 21016, and the articulation actuator is rotatable to push or pull the articulation driver depending on the direction in which the articulation actuator 21016 is rotated. .

  Another surgical instrument system 21100 is illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24. System 21100 includes a handle 21110 and a loadable loading unit 21130. Similar to the above, the loading unit 21130 comprises an anvil jaw 21040 and a releasably mounted cartridge jaw 21050. The loading unit 21130 further comprises an articulation joint 21138 and a flexion joint 21136 configured to allow the end effector to articulate relative to the shaft portion 21120 of the loading unit 21130. Shaft portion 21120 includes a proximal connector 21122 configured to attach loading unit 21130 to handle 21110. Referring primarily to FIG. 25, the proximal connector 21122 includes a rotatable input 21128 that is operatively engageable with the rotatable output 21118 of the handle 21110. Each rotatable input 21128 articulates the loading unit 21130, for example, about the flexion joint 21136 and / or articulation joint 21128, closes the cartridge jaw 21050, and / or staples from the cartridge jaw 21050. It is part of the drive system to fire. The handle 21110 comprises controls 21114 and 21116 that can be used to operate the drive system of the loading unit 21130. The disclosure of US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0282052, published on October 24, 2013, entitled "APPARATS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES," is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  In addition to the above, the staple cartridge jaws 21050 are removably attached to the anvil jaws 21040 of the loading unit 21030. Referring primarily to FIGS. 26 and 27, the proximal end of the anvil jaw 21040 includes mounting protrusions 21042 extending from opposite sides thereof. The proximal end of the staple cartridge jaw 21050 includes a recess 21052 defined therein, which is configured to receive the mounting protrusion 21042. Anvil jaws 21040 are fixedly attached to the frame of loading unit 21030, and mounting protrusions 21042 fixedly extend from anvil jaws 21040. In at least one example, anvil jaws 21040 and / or attachment protrusions 21042 are integrally formed with the frame of anvil portion 21030.

  The staple cartridge jaws 21050 further include a clip 21056 configured to engage and grip the mounting protrusion 21042. Each clip 21056 is positioned within a slot 21055 defined in the cartridge jaw 21050. When the cartridge jaws 21050 are attached to the loading unit 21030, the clips 21056 bend around the mounting protrusions 21042. When the cartridge jaws 21050 are fully attached to the loading unit 21030, the clips 21056 resiliently snap-fit or return towards their non-bent configuration to retain the mounting protrusions 21042 in the recess 21052 Do.

  In addition to the above, when the clip 21056 engages the mounting protrusion 21042 and the mounting protrusion 21042 is fully seated in the recess 21052, the cartridge jaw 21050 is properly mounted to the loading unit 21030. That is, loading unit 21030 does not include a detection system configured to detect whether cartridge jaws 21050 are properly attached to loading unit 21030. Referring now to FIGS. 28-32, as described in more detail below, the loading unit 21130 determines whether the staple cartridge jaws 21150 are properly attached to the anvil jaws 21140 of the loading unit 21130. A system configured to detect.

  The loading unit 21130 comprises an electrical circuit that is completed or closed when the staple cartridge jaws 21150 are properly loaded into the loading unit 21130. An electrical circuit is in communication with the surgical instrument system microprocessor or controller. The controller is in the handle of the surgical instrument system, but the controller can be in any suitable part of the surgical instrument system, such as, for example, the loading unit 21130. Alternatively, the controller can be within the housing of the surgical instrument assembly attached to the robotic surgical system and / or the robotic surgical system itself. In either case, the controller is in communication with an electric motor that drives the staple firing system of the surgical instrument system.

  In addition to the above, when the controller detects that the staple cartridge is not properly installed in the loading unit 21130, the controller can prevent the electric motor from driving the staple firing system through the staple firing stroke. . In at least one such example, the controller may, for example, open a switch between a power source, such as a battery, and the electric motor to prevent the electric motor from being powered. When the controller detects that the staple cartridge 21150 is properly installed in the loading unit 21130, the controller staples when the electric motor receives power from the battery and is activated by the user of the surgical instrument system It may be possible to drive the staple firing system throughout the firing stroke. In at least one such example, the controller may, for example, close a switch between the battery and the electric motor.

  The electrical circuitry of loading unit 21130 includes electrical conductors 21147 (FIGS. 30 and 32) extending through the shaft portion of loading unit 21130, plus contacts 21146 positioned around each of mounting protrusions 21142. Prepare. Each of the conductors 21147 is electrically coupled to the microprocessor and the contacts 21146. The staple cartridge 21150 forms part of an electrical circuit that completes the electrical circuit when the staple cartridge 21150 is fully engaged with the mounting protrusion 21142. A portion of the electrical circuitry of staple cartridge 21150, with reference to FIG. 31, is a contact 21159 positioned in each of recesses 21052, and a conductor or trace 21157 extending between contacts 21159 and in electrical communication with contacts 21159. And The clip 21056 is configured to hold the contacts 21159 of the staple cartridge jaws 21150 against the contacts 21146 that extend around the mounting portion 21142. In at least one example, clip 21056 is comprised of a conductive material and in communication with trace 21157. In such a case, clip 21056 is part of the electrical circuitry within staple cartridge 21150. In either case, when the staple cartridge jaws 21150 are removed from the loading unit 21130, the electrical circuit is broken or released and the microprocessor detects that the staple cartridge jaws 21150 are no longer attached to the loading unit 21130 can do.

  In addition to the above, the control device may have the staple cartridge jaws 21150 improperly mounted to the loading unit 21130 if only one of the contacts 21159 is engaged with its corresponding contact 21146. It can be determined. In such a case, the electrical circuit is open, so that the microprocessor treats the improperly assembled staple cartridge jaws 21150 as missing cartridge jaws 21150 and the electric motor is actuated to cause the staple firing stroke Will prevent you from doing. In various examples, the surgical instrument system can include an indicator light and / or a feedback system that communicates to the user of the surgical instrument system that the staple cartridge jaw detection circuit is not closed. In response, the user can investigate the condition and properly seat the staple cartridge jaws 21150 to close the detection circuit.

  As illustrated in FIG. 31, the conductors 21157 extend laterally across the cartridge jaws 21150. As the firing member advances distally through the cartridge jaws 21150, the firing member can sever and / or break the electrical conductor 21157 to open the jaw detection circuitry. At such time, the controller may allow the electric motor to be actuated to advance the firing member distally until the firing member is retracted to the unfired position. After the firing member is retracted to its unfired position, the controller can then prevent reactivation of the electric motor until the unused cartridge jaws 21150 are properly mounted to the loading unit 21130. As a result, the electrical circuitry of the loading unit 21130 can act as a lockout of a missing cartridge, a lockout of an improperly mounted cartridge, and a lockout of a used cartridge.

  Additionally or alternatively, when the sled 21170 is in its unfired position, the sled 21170 comprises a conductive portion electrically connecting the lateral jaw contacts 21159 and / or the conductive clip 21056. Can. In at least one example, thread 21170 comprises conductors and / or traces that extend from one outer side of thread 21170 to the other. As the thread 21170 travels distally, the conductive portion of the thread 21170 is no longer in electrical communication with the contacts 21159 and / or the clip 21056 and the jaw detection circuit is opened. As long as the jaw assembly also comprises the conductor 21157, the conductor 21157 can be cut or broken as described above to open the jaw detection circuit. In various examples, the thread 21170 can be displaced from the jaw detection circuit at the same time as, for example, the conductor 21157 is cut or broken. In any case, the conductive sled 21170 can provide lockout of the used cartridge.

  In various alternative embodiments, the electrical circuit lockout of the loading unit is not disconnected when the firing member is advanced distally. Referring now to FIG. 34, staple cartridge jaws 21250 of loading unit 21230 are configured to receive cartridge body 21251, a plurality of staple cavities 21258 defined within cartridge body 21251, and a portion of the firing member. And a longitudinal slot 21259 defined in the cartridge body 21251. Similar to staple cartridge jaws 21150, staple cartridge jaws 21250 form part of the electrical circuitry of the loading unit. A portion of the electrical circuitry within the staple cartridge jaws 21250 comprises electrical contacts such as contacts 21159 defined in the recess 21052 and flexible electrical contacts 21257 disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot 21251, for example. Each flexible contact 21257 is in electrical communication with contact 21052, for example, via a conductor or trace extending through cartridge body 21251.

  The flexible contacts 21257 are configured to engage the anvil jaws 21240 of the loading unit 21230 when the staple cartridge jaws 21250 are assembled to the loading unit 21250. More specifically, flexible contact 21257 engages a conductive path 21247 defined in anvil jaw 21240 electrically connected to flexible contact 21257, at which point the electrical circuit is closed. The flexible contact 21257 always remains in engagement with the conductive path 21247, ie, when the cartridge jaw 21250 is in the open position, when the cartridge jaw 21250 is in the closed position, and the cartridge jaw 21250 is open. It remains engaged when moving between the position and the closed position. As the firing member is advanced distally, the firing member passes through the gap defined between the contacts 21257 so that the electrical jaw detection circuit is not broken. Such an arrangement may provide for missing cartridge jaw lockouts and / or improperly mounted cartridge jaw lockouts.

  In addition to the above, the flexible contact 21257 can comprise a spring configured to bias the staple cartridge jaws 21250 into the open position. As the staple cartridge jaws 21250 move to their closed position, the compliant contacts 21257 are compressed between the staple cartridge jaws 21250 and the anvil 21240. The flexible contacts 21257, along with the other portions of the electrical jaw detection circuitry, are electrically isolated from the metal or conductive portions of the stapling assembly, thereby maintaining the integrity of the jaw detection circuitry. , And prevent short circuit of the jaw detection circuit.

  For example, in addition to or instead of electrical or electronic lockouts such as the lockouts described above, the loading unit performs the staple firing stroke when the staple cartridge jaws are not properly mounted to the loading unit Can be included to prevent mechanical lockout. Referring now to FIG. 33, staple cartridge jaws 21150 comprise threads 21170 that are pushed distally by the firing member 21160 (FIG. 30) as the firing member 21160 is advanced distally during the staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge jaw 21150 further comprises a lockout member 21172 that pivotally engages the cartridge body 21151 of the cartridge jaw 21150. As described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0286021, lockout after sled 21170 is at least partially distally advanced during a firing stroke that prevents cartridge jaws 21150 from being refired Member 21172 is biased inwardly to the lockout position.

  As mentioned above, the lockout member 21172 can block the distal advancement of the firing member 21160, but in some cases the firing member 21160 can be pushed through and slide between the lockout members 21172. As an improvement, one or both lockout members 21172 can include latches or hooks that extend inwardly toward the firing member 21160. When the lockout member 21172 is biased inwardly after the sled 21170 is advanced distally, the latch or hook is defined within the firing member 21160 when the firing member 21160 is retracted to its unfired position Can be engaged with the opening. Once the latches or hooks are positioned at the opening of the firing member, they can prevent the firing member 21160 from advancing distally through the already used cartridge. At this point, the staple cartridge will have to be replaced to unlock the firing member 21160.

  As mentioned above, the mountable staple cartridge jaws can be moved between an open position and a closed position to clamp tissue therebetween. Other embodiments are envisioned where the staple cartridge jaws can be removably attached to the stapling instrument, but the anvil jaws can be moved between open and closed positions. Referring to FIGS. 35-38, the stapling assembly 21530 comprises a wearable staple cartridge jaw 21550 including a cartridge body 21551 and additionally a pivotable anvil jaw 21540. The stapling assembly 21530 is further distally movable to engage the anvil jaws 21540 and further comprises a firing member, such as a firing member 21160, for moving the anvil jaws 21540 to the closed position. More specifically, the firing member 21160 engages the first cam member 21162 configured to engage the cartridge jaws 21550, the anvil jaws 21540, and the anvil jaws 21540 into the cartridge jaws. And a second cam member 21164 configured to be moved toward 21550.

  Stapling assembly 21530 further comprises mechanical lockout 21572. Lockout 21572 is attached to the frame of stapling assembly 21530 at frame pivot 21232. The lockout 21572 extends distally and is supported by the frame pin 21533. While the lockout 21572 comprises a metal wire, the lockout 21572 can be constructed of any suitable material. The lockout 21572 further comprises an elongated concave track 21576 defined therein, which is configured to receive the lockout pin 21166 extending from the firing member 21160. Referring primarily to FIG. 35, the elongated concave track 21276 constrains or limits longitudinal displacement of the firing member 21160 when the lockout 21572 is in its locked position. More specifically, concave track 21576 allows distal advancement of firing member 21160 to move anvil jaws 21540 between open and closed positions, as discussed below. As such, unless the lockout 21572 is moved to its unlocked position, it is configured to prevent the firing member 21160 from being advanced distally to perform a firing stroke.

  As illustrated in FIG. 36, when the staple cartridge jaws 21550 are attached to the stapling assembly 21530, the sled 21270 of the cartridge jaws 21550 contacts the distal arm 21574 of the lockout 21572 and the lockout 21572 is Bias downward to the unlocked position. At this point, the lockout 21572 has been displaced below the lockout pin 21166 of the firing member 21160, such that as shown in FIG. 37, the firing member 21160 travels distally to perform a staple firing stroke. Can. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 21160 can push the sled 21270 distally away from the lockout arm 21574 and the lockout 21572 can return to its unbent or locked configuration. When the firing member 21160 is retracted, the lockout pin 21166 engages the lockout 21572 and causes the lockout 21572 to flex downward, allowing the firing member 21160 to return to its unfired position, as shown in FIG. 38. Can be In particular, the sled 21270 does not retract with the firing member 21160 so that the retraction of the firing member 21160 can not re-lock the lockout 21572. As a result of the above, lockout 21572 may function as a missing cartridge lockout and a used cartridge lockout.

  39-43, the stapling assembly 21330 comprises a wearable staple cartridge jaw 21350 that includes a cartridge body 21351 and an anvil jaw 21340 in addition thereto. The stapling assembly 21330 further comprises a firing member, such as a firing member 21160, which is movable distally to engage the anvil jaws 21340 and the cartridge jaws 21350. More specifically, the firing member 21160 includes a first cam member 21162 configured to engage the cartridge jaws 21350 and an anvil that closes the jaws 21340 and 21350 when the firing member 21160 is advanced distally. And a second cam member 21164 configured to engage the jaws 21340.

  The stapling assembly 21330 further comprises a mechanical lockout 21372. Lockout 21372 is attached to the frame of stapling assembly 21330 at frame pivot 21232. The lockout 21372 extends distally and is constrained by the frame pin 21333. While the lockouts 21372 comprise metal wires, the lockouts 21372 can be constructed of any suitable material. The lockout 21372 further comprises an elongated concave track 21376 defined therein that is configured to receive the lockout pin 21166 extending from the firing member 21160. Referring primarily to FIG. 39, the elongated concave track 21376 constrains or limits longitudinal displacement of the firing member 21160 when the lockout 21372 is in its locked position. More specifically, the concave track 21376 allows the firing member 21160 to travel distally to close the stapling assembly 21330 while the firing member 21160 travels distally to perform the firing stroke. Configured to prevent.

  As illustrated in FIG. 40, when the staple cartridge jaws 21550 are attached to the stapling assembly 21530, the threads 21370 of the cartridge jaws 21350 contact the distal arms 21374 of the lockouts 21372 and the lockouts 21372 Bias upwards to the unlocked position. At this point, the lockout 21372 is displaced above the lockout pin 21166 of the firing member 21160 so that the firing member 21160 travels distally to perform a staple firing stroke, as shown in FIG. Can. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 21160 can push the sled 21370 distally away from under the lockout arm 21374 and the lockout 21372 can return to its unbent or locked configuration. When the firing member 21160 retracts, as shown in FIG. 42, the lockout pin 21166 engages the lockout 21372 and causes the lockout 21372 to flex upward to allow the firing member 21160 to return to its unfired position Can be In particular, the thread 21370 does not return with the firing member 21160. As a result of the above, lockout 21372 can function as a missing cartridge lockout and a used cartridge lockout.

  Referring to FIG. 43, the arms 21374 of the lockout 21372 are laterally spaced on either side of the longitudinal slot 21359 so that the firing members 21160 can slide between the arms 21374. In this case, the arm is not broken off by the firing member 21160.

  During a surgical procedure, several loading units can be used with the handle of the surgical stapling system. In at least one example, for example, a first loading unit configured to apply a 30 mm staple line may be used, and a second loading unit configured to apply a 45 mm staple line. A third loading unit that can be used and configured to apply 60 mm staple lines can be used. If each of these loading units comprises replaceable cartridge jaws, it is possible that erroneous staple cartridge jaws can be attached to the loading unit. For example, a clinician may want to load a 60 mm staple cartridge into a loading unit configured to apply a 30 mm staple line. As a result, it may happen that some of the staples ejected from the 60 mm staple cartridge jaws can not be deformed by the anvil and / or the tissue incision line can be longer than the staple line. The stapling assembly and / or loading unit disclosed herein can include means for preventing a false staple cartridge jaw from being attached thereto, as discussed in more detail below.

  Referring to FIGS. 44 and 46, in addition to the above, the recess 21052 defined in the cartridge jaw 21250 is configured to closely receive the mounting protrusions 21142 of the loading unit 21130 so that they fit snugly. It is done. In at least one example, the attachment protrusion 21242 '(FIG. 45) of the second loading unit 21130' is smaller than the attachment protrusion 21142, and correspondingly, the first for use with the second loading unit 21130 '. The recess in the second cartridge jaw is smaller than the recess 21052. In order to provide a form of error protection, the recess of the second cartridge jaw is too small to receive the mounting projection 21142 of the loading unit 21130 so that the second cartridge jaw is loaded with the loading unit It can not be attached to the 21130. Similarly, referring now to FIG. 45, the recess 21052 of the cartridge jaw 21250 is larger than the attachment protrusion 21242 'of the second loading unit 21130', whereby the clip 21056 of the cartridge jaw 21250 is attached The 21242 'can not be held in the recess 21052 so that the cartridge jaw 21250 can not be held in the loading unit 21130'. In this case, the interconnection between the cartridge jaws 21250 and the loading unit 21130 'would be too loose for the cartridge jaws 21250 to be used with the loading unit 21130'.

  In the above example, the mounting protrusions of the loading unit, the recesses of the staple cartridge jaws, and the spring clips holding the staple cartridge jaws to the loading unit have the same configuration on both sides of the stapling assembly. In another example, the mounting protrusions, recesses and / or spring clips on one side of the stapling assembly are different from the mounting protrusions, recesses and / or spring clips on the other side of the stapling assembly. For example, large mounting protrusions, recesses, and spring clips are disposed on one side of the stapling assembly, and smaller mounting protrusions, recesses, and spring clips are disposed on the other side. Such an arrangement can increase the available reordering to prevent incorrect staple cartridge jaws from being loaded into the loading unit.

  In the above example, the mounting protrusions of the loading unit, the recesses of the staple cartridge jaws, and the spring clips are aligned with respect to a common transverse axis. In another example, the mounting protrusions, recesses and / or spring clips on one side of the stapling assembly are not aligned with the mounting protrusions, recesses and / or spring clips on the other side of the stapling assembly. In other words, one side is offset from the other. Such an arrangement can also increase the available reordering to prevent incorrect staple cartridge jaws from being loaded into the loading unit.

  In addition to the above, each loading unit of the kit is configured so that only the cartridge jaws intended for use with the loading unit, which are kits of the loading unit, can be properly mounted on the loading unit. It is envisioned that a kit can be provided.

  47 and 48, staple cartridge jaws 21050 have proximal shoulders 21058 positioned in close proximity to the frame of loading unit 21030 when cartridge jaws 21050 are attached to loading unit 21030. Prepare. The cartridge jaws 21050 are in position so that the shoulders 21058 of the cartridge jaws 21050 do not interfere with, for example, the distal advancement of the firing member 21160 due to the tight fit of the projections 21042, the recesses 21052 and the clips 21056. Will be held by More particularly, the shoulder 21058 does not interfere with the first cam member 21162 of the firing member 21160. When a false staple cartridge is attached to the cartridge jaw 21050, in some circumstances, the proximal shoulder of the false cartridge jaw prevents the distal advancement of the first cam member so that the firing member 21160 An incorrect staple cartridge can be used to prevent the firing stroke from taking place. Referring now to FIG. 49, staple cartridge jaws 21450 are false staple cartridge jaws for use with loading unit 21030. Even with the staple cartridge jaws 21450 attached to the loading unit 21030, the proximal shoulder 21458 prevents the firing member 21060 from advancing distally.

  In addition to the above, the proximal shoulders of the staple cartridge jaws can be provided with sharp or sharp corners. In at least one such example, the proximal shoulder does not comprise, for example, a chamfer or a bevel.

  In various examples, the proximal shoulder of the staple cartridge jaws impedes distal advancement of the staple firing member if the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge jaws and the facing anvil jaw is too thick It can be configured as follows. In such instances, the staple cartridge jaws will not close completely, and the proximal shoulder of the staple cartridge jaws will be positioned forward of the staple firing member. Such an arrangement would comprise a tissue thickness lockout, but such arrangement also functions as a tissue clamp lockout if the staple cartridge jaws have not yet moved to their clamping position. be able to.

  Additionally or alternatively, to prevent the firing drive from performing a staple firing stroke, if the incorrect staple cartridge jaws are attached to the surgical instrument system, the electronic or surgical instrument system electronic or Software lockout can be used. In various examples, as described above, a portion of the jaw detection circuitry can extend through the staple cartridge jaws, and in at least one example, the controller of the surgical instrument system includes the staple cartridge jaws. Evaluate a portion of the jaw detection circuit extending through to determine if the staple cartridge mounted on the surgical instrument system jaw is a staple cartridge jaw suitable for use in the surgical instrument system It can be configured as follows. In at least one example, the clip 21056 of the first staple cartridge jaw has a detectably different electrical characteristic, such as, for example, a different resistance or impedance than the clip 21056 of the second staple cartridge jaw.

  Referring again to FIGS. 22, 26 and 28, the cartridge jaw removal tool 21090 can be used to remove the cartridge jaws from the loading unit. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021 discusses the cartridge removal tool in more detail.

  It is desirable to use a lockout system with a surgical stapling instrument having a replaceable staple cartridge assembly. For example, if the user forgets to install a staple cartridge into an instrument without such a lockout system, the firing member of the surgical instrument is used to cut the tissue without stapling the patient's tissue. there's a possibility that. Such a situation is not desirable. In yet another example, if the user installs a used or partially used staple cartridge into the instrument, and the instrument does not have a lockout system, the firing member of the surgical instrument is likewise used by the patient. The tissue will be cut but not stapled or just stapled poorly. Such a situation is also undesirable. As a result, a surgical instrument that can automatically lock out the firing member to prevent the firing member from advancing inside the end effector is desirable.

  Referring now to FIGS. 50 and 51, a surgical instrument system 25100 comprising a missing cartridge and a used cartridge lockout system is illustrated. System 25100 includes a firing member 25110, a staple cartridge assembly 25120, and an anvil jaw 25130. The firing member 25110 comprises a distal presentation cut 25111 configured to cut tissue as it travels through the end effector portion of the surgical instrument system 25100. The firing member 25110 is configured to deploy the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge assembly 25120 towards the anvil jaws 25130 by advancing the sled 25121 longitudinally through the staple cartridge 25120. The sled 25121 is moveable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fully fired position during the staple firing stroke. After the staple firing stroke is complete, the firing member 25110 is retracted. The sled 25121 does not retract with the launch member 25110. However, embodiments are envisioned where thread 25121 is at least partially retracted.

  The surgical instrument system 25100 further comprises a lockout member 25140. The lockout member 25140 can fire the firing member 25100 when the cartridge is not present in the surgical instrument system 25110 or when a used or partially used cartridge is present in the surgical instrument system 25100 It is configured to prevent going through the journey. Lockout member 25140 comprises a proximal portion 25141 pivotally attached to spine pins 25101 of a frame portion of system 25100. The lockout member 25140 further comprises a locking surface or shoulder 25142 configured to capture the firing member 25110 and a deflectable portion 25143. Lockout member 25140 is movable or deflectable between a locked position (FIG. 50) and an unlocked position (FIG. 51) when the staple cartridge assembly is installed in system 25100. The lockout member 25140 is spring biased to the locked position when the staple cartridge assembly is not installed in the system 25100, as discussed in more detail below. The lockout member 25140 is also spring biased into the locked position when the used or partially used staple cartridge assembly is installed in the system 25100, as also discussed in more detail below. .

  As illustrated in FIG. 50, when the lockout member 25140 is in the locked position, the firing member pin 25113 mounted on the firing member 25110 prevents the firing member 25110 from advancing distally. It is configured to abut on the lock surface 25142. In order to move lockout member 25140 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the staple cartridge assembly ready for firing that is not in use needs to be properly installed in system 25100. More specifically, sled 25121 of the staple cartridge assembly ready for firing that is not in use is in its proximal unfired position, and such staple cartridge assembly is installed in system 25100 And, the sled 25121 deflects or deflects the deflectable portion 25143 downward towards its unlocked position. Referring to FIG. 51, when the lockout member 25140 is in its unlocked position, the firing member pin 25113 can be advanced past the locking surface 25142 so that the firing member 25110 can be advanced distally to the firing stroke It is possible to deploy the stapes in and cut the tissue.

  As seen in FIGS. 50 and 51, when the lockout member 25140 is in its locked position, some longitudinal movement of the firing member 25110 is allowed. The freedom of longitudinal movement when the lockout member 25140 is in its locked position is such that the firing member 25110 travels distally to close the jaws of the system 25100 and moves proximally to reopen the jaws It is possible to prevent being done. Manipulating the jaws of system 25100 may be necessary, for example, to load and / or unload staple cartridges.

  As mentioned above, the sled 25121 does not return with the firing member 25110 if the firing member 25110 is retracted after the firing stroke. When the firing member 25110 is retracted, the firing member pin 25113 deflects or bends the deflectable portion 25143 to its unlocked position to allow the pin 25113 to return to the home position through the locking surface 25142. Once the pin 25113 retracts past the locking surface 25142, the lockout member 25140 will spring back or return to its locked position, preventing repeated firing using the used cartridge installed in the system 25100. The firing member 25110 can be further retracted so that the jaws of the system 25100 can then be unclamped from the stapled tissue.

  Referring now to FIGS. 52-54, another surgical instrument system 25200 is illustrated. System 25200 includes other types of missing cartridges and used cartridge lockout arrangements. System 25200 includes a firing member 25210 and a staple cartridge assembly 25220. The launch member 25210 includes a distal presentation cut 25211 configured to cut tissue as it progresses through the system 25200. The firing member is configured to deploy the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge assembly 25220 by advancing the sled 25221 longitudinally through the staple cartridge 25220. The sled 25221 is moveable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fully fired position during the staple firing stroke. Although the sled 25221 does not retract with the launch member 25210, an embodiment is envisioned where the sled 25221 is at least partially retracted.

  The surgical instrument system 25200 further comprises a lockout member 25240. The lockout member 25240 prevents the firing member 25210 from advancing through the staple firing stroke if no cartridge is present in the system 25200 or if a used or partially used cartridge is present in the system 25200. Is configured as. The lockout member 25240 includes a first portion, or proximal portion 25241, rotatably mounted to a first spine pin 25201 of the system 25200. The spine pin 25201 may extend from, for example, the shaft frame or spine of the system 25200. The lockout member 25240 further comprises a second portion 25242, a third portion, or a capture portion 25243, and a fourth or distal portion 25245. Lockout member 25240 is movable between a locked position (FIGS. 52 and 54) and an unlocked position (FIG. 53). The lockout member 25240 is spring biased into the locked position when the staple cartridge assembly is not properly installed in the system 25200. The lockout member 25240 is also biased to the locked position when the used or partially used staple cartridge assembly is installed in the system 25200.

  As illustrated in FIG. 52, when the lockout member 25240 is in the locked position, the firing member pin 25213 mounted on the firing member 25210 abuts against the locking surface or shoulder 25244 of the lockout member 25240. It is configured. As a result of the locking surface 25244, distal advancement of the firing member 25210 is impeded beyond this position. In order to move the lockout member 25240 from its locked position to its unlocked position, a staple cartridge assembly ready for firing needs to be installed in the system 25200. An unused, ready-to-fire staple cartridge assembly includes a sled 25221 in a proximal, unfired position.

  The thread 25221 comprises a magnet 25226 with one pole "P1" directed to the distal portion 25245 of the lockout member 25240 and the other pole "P2" directed away from the distal portion 25245 of the lockout member 25240 It is done. The distal portion 25245 of the lockout member 25240 includes a magnet 25246 disposed thereon. Magnet 25246 is oriented with pole "P1" in the same manner as pole "P1" of sled magnet 25226 and the other pole "P2" away from sled magnet 25226. The pole P1 of the magnet 25226 and the pole P1 of the magnet 25246 repel each other. This relationship creates a levitation effect when the sled 25221 is in its proximal unfired position (FIG. 53), which lifts or repels the locking member 25240 upward to its unlocked position. , Lifting the locking surface 25244 away from the pin 25213 of the firing member 25210 to allow the pin 25213 to advance past the locking surface 25142. The firing member 25210 can then be advanced distally to deploy the staples and cut tissue during the firing stroke.

  The pin 25213 is configured to contact the angular surface of the distal portion 25245 and push the distal portion 25245 as the firing member 25210 retracts after the firing stroke, such that the lockout member 25240 is in its unlocked position And allow the pin 25213 to pass through the locking surface 25244 upon returning to the home position. Once the pin 25213 passes the locking surface 25244, the lockout member 25240 will spring back or return to its locked position to prevent the firing stroke from being repeated using the used cartridge installed in the system 25100.

  Similar to the system 25100 illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51, the lockout member 25240 allows the firing member 25210 to move within the range of the distance "y", and the firing member 25210 provides clamping and unclamping functions. When dependent, it is configured to allow clamping and unclamping of the jaws. The pin 25213, and thus the firing member 25210, capture portion 25243 of the lockout member 25240 even when a staple cartridge is missing from the system 25100 and / or a used staple cartridge is positioned within the system 25100. It can be moved proximally and distally.

  Another surgical instrument system 25300 is shown in FIGS. System 25300 comprises another type of lockout arrangement in which system 25300 is configured to be locked out when the cartridge is not installed in system 25300. The system is further configured to be locked out when the used or partially used cartridge is installed in the system 25300. The system 25300 includes a firing member 25310 and a staple cartridge assembly 25320. The firing member 25310 comprises a distal presentation cut 25311 configured to cut tissue as it passes through the system 25300. The firing member 25310 is configured to deploy the plurality of staples from the staple cartridge assembly 25320 by advancing the sled 25330 (FIG. 56) longitudinally through the staple cartridge 25320. The sled 25330 is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal full fire position during the firing stroke. In various examples, the sled 25230 does not retract with the launch member 25310, although embodiments are envisioned where the sled 25230 is at least partially retracted.

  The surgical instrument system 25300 further comprises a lockout member 25340. Lockout member 25340 prevents firing member 25310 from advancing through the staple firing stroke if no cartridge is present in system 25300 or if a used or partially used cartridge is present in system 25300. Is configured as. Lockout member 25340 is similar to lockout members 25140, 25240 in many respects. Referring to FIGS. 58-60, the lockout member 25340 includes a first portion, or proximal portion 25341, rotatably mounted to a first spine pin 25301 of the system 25300. Alternatively, the proximal portion 25341 can be fixedly attached to the spine 25301 of the system 25300. The lockout member 25340 further comprises a second portion 25342, a third portion, or a capture portion 25343, and a fourth portion, or a distal portion 25345. Lockout member 25340 is movable between a locked position (FIGS. 58 and 60) and an unlocked position (FIG. 59). The lockout member 25340 is spring biased into its locked position when the staple cartridge assembly is not installed in the system 25300. The lockout member 25340 is also biased to its locked position when a used or partially used staple cartridge assembly is installed in the system 25300.

  The staple cartridge assembly 25320 includes a sled 25330 and a plurality of drivers 25328 configured to eject staples upon actuation by the ramps 25330A, 25330B, 25330C, and 25330D of the sled 25330 during the staple firing stroke. Staple cartridge assembly 25320 further includes a control member movable by sled 25330 between the unused and used positions as sled 25330 travels distally during its staple firing stroke. The control member is in the unused position when the staple cartridge 25320 is loaded into the surgical instrument system 25300 and the lockout member 25340 when the unused staple cartridge assembly 25320 is loaded into the surgical instrument system 25300. It is configured to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. A first configuration of the proximal driver 25325 is shown in FIGS. The proximal driver 25325 comprises a driver wedge portion 25326 and a magnet portion 25327. When the proximal driver 25325 is in its unused position and the sled 25330 is in its unfired position (FIG. 59), the driver wedge portion 25326 is positioned within the sled notch 25331 and the magnet portion 25327 is far away Adjacent portion 25327 is drawn close enough to distal portion 25327 to move or lift lockout member 25340 to its unlocked position.

  Similar proximal driver configurations are shown in FIGS. 59 and 60. The proximal driver 25325 'comprises a driver' portion 25326 'and a magnet portion 25327'. The ridge 25326 'of the proximal driver 25325' is positioned on the face of the proximal driver 25325 '. When the proximal driver 25325 'is in its unused position and the sled 25330 is in its unfired position (FIG. 59), the driver wedge portion 25326' is positioned within the sled notch 25331 and the magnet portion 25327 ' Are sufficiently close to the distal portion 25327 'to attract the distal portion 25327' and move the lockout member 25340 to its unlocked position. When the driver 'portion 25326' is located within the thread notch 25331, the magnetic portion 25327 'is configured to hold the lockout member 25340 in its unlocked position. As the sled 25330 travels distally from its unfired position, the sled 25330 drives the proximal driver 25325 'such that the driver wedge portion 25326' is driven out of the sled notch 25331. As a result, the magnet portion 25327 'is no longer sufficiently close to the lockout member 25340 to hold the lockout member in its unlocked position, so the lockout member is It is spring biased to the locked position (FIG. 60). Datum "D" is defined as the top of thread 25330 and when the bottom of wedge portion 25326 'is aligned with or over datum D, magnetism between distal portion 25345 and magnetic portion 25327' The relationship is insufficient to hold the lockout member 25340 in its unlocked position, resulting in release of the lockout member 25340.

  Once the lockout member 25340 is released to its locked position (FIG. 60), and the installed cartridge assembly 25320 is at least partially used (FIG. 60), the system 25300 refires the same cartridge assembly 25320 Is prevented. As the firing member 25310 retracts, the lockout pin 25312 rides under the distal portion and retracts the lockout member 25340 out of the way temporarily until the lockout pin 25312 reaches the capture portion 25343. When the lockout pin 25312 reaches the capture portion 25343, the lockout member 25340 will spring back or return to its locked position. The magnetic portion 25327 'does not pull the lockout member 25340 into its unlocked position when in its use position. In various examples, the proximal driver 25325 'press-fits into the staple cartridge assembly 25320 as the proximal driver 25325' is moved to its used position by the thread 25330 and the proximal driver 25325 ' It is possible to prevent falling toward the unused position. Such an arrangement may prevent the lockout member 25340 from being unlocked accidentally. In addition to the used cartridge assembly, the absence of the cartridge in system 25300 biases the lockout member to its locked position. The absence of the proximal driver alone prevents the lockout member 25340 from moving to its unlocked position.

  The control members 25325, 25325 'may be referred to as drivers because they are driven by the sled 25330, but they do not drive the staples. Thus, the control members 25325, 25325 'constitute a "simulated" driver. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the most recent staple driver of the staple cartridge assembly can be used as a control member.

  Another surgical instrument system is illustrated in FIGS. 61-63. System 25400 includes staple cartridge assembly 25410, lockout circuit system 25420, and lockout member 25430. The lockout member 25440 is fixedly attached to the spine portion 25401 of the system 25400. The lockout member 25430 further comprises, for example, a spring member, biased towards its locked position (FIG. 63). When the lockout member 25430 is in its locked position, the hook portion 25431 of the lockout member 25430 locks out the firing member without the surgical instrument or clinician installing an unused staple cartridge assembly into the system 25400. It is configured to capture the firing member as it attempts to advance past member 25440.

  An electromagnet 25421 is used to move the lockout member 25440 to its unlocked position so that the firing member can be advanced through the staple cartridge assembly 25410 during the staple firing stroke. The electromagnet 25421 is disposed on the spine portion 25401 of the system 25400, but may be disposed anywhere within the system 25400. A conductor is positioned within system 25400, for example, along spine portion 25401, to energize electromagnet 25421. A lockout circuit system 25420, including an electromagnet 25421 and its power supply, extends through the staple cartridge assembly 25410. As discussed below, the electromagnet 25421 is energized when the circuit 25420 is complete or closed. If the circuit is not completed or is open, the electromagnet 25421 will not be energized. Also, as discussed below, the presence of a used or partially used cartridge in system 25400 is a scenario where circuit 25420 is open. The absence of a cartridge in system 25400 is another scenario when circuit 25420 is open.

  Lockout circuit system 25420 includes electrical conductors 25422 extending from electromagnet 25421 to a pair of electrical contacts 25423 positioned within system 25400. Electrical contacts 25423 are positioned within the jaws of system 25400, such as, for example, a channel portion that receives staple cartridge assembly 25410. The staple cartridge assembly 25410 further includes a conductive leg 25425 configured to engage the contact 25423 when the staple cartridge assembly 25410 is fully seated in the channel portion of the jaws. The conductive leg 25425 is part of an electrical trace 25424 defined within the staple cartridge assembly 25410. The conductive leg 25425 is disposed on the proximal surface 25412 of the cartridge assembly 25410. Also disposed on the proximal surface 25412 is a severable portion 25426 of the electrical trace 25424 that extends across the slot 25411 of the staple cartridge assembly 25410. The cutting edge of the firing member is configured to cut or incise the severable portion 25426 during the staple firing stroke of the firing member.

  In addition to the above, the severable portion 25426 is not cut and the lockout circuit 25420 is complete or closed when the cartridge assembly is installed and not yet in use. Once the lockout circuit 25420 is complete (FIG. 62), the electromagnet 25421 receives power to bias the lockout member 25430 into the unlocked position, thereby passing the firing member. After the severable portion 25426 is cut or cut during the firing stroke of the launch member, the surgical instrument detects an incomplete circuit. An incomplete or open circuit indicates that the staple cartridge assembly 25410 is in the wrong configuration. This may be due to a used or partially used cartridge installed in the system 25400 or no cartridge installed. When circuit 25420 is defective (FIG. 63), for example, in the wrong configuration, electromagnet 25421 loses power and releases lockout member 25430 to its locked position (FIG. 63).

  When the used staple cartridge assembly 25410 is removed from the surgical instrument system 25400, the lockout circuit 25420 remains open and the electromagnet 25421 remains unpowered. When the unused staple cartridge assembly 25410 is fully seated in the system 25400, the lockout circuit 25420 is closed again and the electromagnet 25421 is reenergized to unlock the lockout member 25430. In particular, if the staple cartridge assembly 25410 is not fully seated in the system 25400, the legs 25425 will not engage the contacts 25423 and the lockout circuit 25420 will remain open and de-energized. I will.

  Another surgical instrument system 25500 is shown in FIGS. The system 25500 includes a staple cartridge 25501 that includes a sled 25510 that is movable between unfired and fired positions. The firing member 25503 is configured to move the sled 25510 from its unfired position to its fired position and deploy the plurality of staples (not shown) stored in the cartridge 25501 through the ramps 2511 It is done. The system 25500 may be installed by the user of the surgical instrument and / or the system 25500, whether the cartridge installed in the system 25500 is used or partially used, or in the system 25500. The circuit further comprises a circuit 25520 configured to indicate whether the cartridge is unused and ready for firing. If thread 25510 is in its unfired position, thread 25510 completes circuit 25520, and if thread 25510 is in its fired or partially fired position, thread 25510 does not complete circuit 25520 and 25520 is in the open state.

  The lockout circuit 25520 is, for example, a pair of electrical conductors 25521 in electrical communication with the surgical instrument handle, and a pair of jaws positioned within the jaw portion of the surgical And electrical contacts 25522. Electrical contacts 25522 provide corresponding pads disposed on the proximal surface 25512 of sled 25510 when staple cartridge 25501 is fully seated within system 25500 and sled 25510 is in its unfired position (FIG. 65). Or, the contact 25523 is positioned to be in contact with the electrical contact 25522. A tether portion or conductor 25524 is attached to the proximal medial surface 25513 of the thread 25510 either connected to or electrically coupled to the contacts 25523. The contacts 25522 extend to the bottom of the sled in addition to the proximal surface 25512. When the thread 25510 is in its unfired position, the contacts 25523 engage the lockout circuit 25520, which is complete and indicates that the cartridge is unfired and ready for firing. . Software and / or mechanical features, such as, for example, those disclosed herein, may be used to lock the surgical instrument when the lockout circuit 25520 is defective. In at least one example, the lockout circuit 25520 is in signal communication with the controller of the surgical instrument system 255500, which powers the electric drive motor of the firing drive when the lockout circuit 25520 is closed. If the lockout circuit 25520 is in the open state, the power is prevented from being supplied to the electric motor.

  The lockout arrangement of the firing members of system 25600 is illustrated in FIGS. The system 25600 comprises a firing member 25610, a lockout 25620, and a shaft spine 25601. Shaft spine 25601 receives lockout 25620 and firing member 25610. The firing member 25610 comprises a distal presenting cutting edge 25611 configured to cut tissue during the staple firing stroke of the firing member 25610. Lockout 25620 is configured to capture the firing member 25610 when the lockout 25620 is activated and the firing member 25610 is thereby enabled to pass through. In addition to the above, lockout 25620 may be activated by the controller of system 25600 if an unused staple cartridge is not located in system 25600.

  Lockout 25620 comprises a solenoid 25621 and a mechanical linkage including a first link 25623 and a second link 25624. The links 25623, 25624 are attached at pivots 25622. The solenoid 25621 is positioned within the spine 25601 such that the solenoid 25621 can exert a force on the connection near the pivot 25622. The lockout 25620 is illustrated in its biased locked position in FIGS. 66 and 67. The lockout 25620 further comprises a lock body or cam plate 25625 pivotally connected at the end of the second link 25624. As shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, in the configuration where the solenoid 25621 is not actuated, the cam plate 25625 is biased into the knife band window 25612 to capture the firing member 25610.

  In various examples, the launch member 25610 is provided with a plurality of windows. Other windows, windows 25614, etc. may comprise other proximal surfaces. The window 25614 can act as an intermediate lockout to lock the firing member 25610 during actuation. An event such as, for example, a knife connection can trigger solenoid 25621 to release lockout 25620 to its locked position and prevent further actuation of firing member 25610. In various examples, the distal surface of the window in the firing member 25610 slides the distal surface of the cam plate 25625 as the firing member 25610 moves proximally as the firing member 25610 is retracted proximally. It may be configured to prevent locking of the firing member 25610. In other examples, it may be desirable to lock the firing member 25610 as the firing member 25610 moves in the proximal direction.

  In some cases, the lockout can be configured to allow movement in one direction but prevent movement in the other direction. For example, when distal movement of the firing member 25610 is locked out, a slight retraction of the firing member 25610 may be desirable. In such a case, when retracted proximally, the tissue in the area that ties the firing member 25610 is naturally depressurized, and the solenoid 25621 is actuated to lock out 25620 after a prescribed time period for depressurizing the tissue. Can be moved to its unlocked position (FIGS. 68 and 69), thereby enabling the firing member 25610 to be advanced again in the distal direction.

  68-70 show the lockout 25620 in its unlocked position. Comparing FIGS. 66 and 67 with FIGS. 68-70, in operation, the solenoid 25621 moves the mechanical connection in a co-linear configuration and the cam plate 25625 slides out of the window 25612 or biased. The firing member 25610 can then be unlocked. A slider support 25603 is provided in the spine 25601 to guide the cam plate 25625 as the solenoid 25621 moves the mechanical connection. In at least one example, slider support 25603 controls the movement of cam plate 25625, for example, in a linear path.

  Various embodiments comprising a lockout configured to prevent the firing member from advancing distally in certain situations are disclosed herein. In many instances, lockout is more than sufficient to prevent distal advancement of the firing member. In some cases, it may be desirable to have multiple lockouts configured to prevent distal advancement of the firing member. In such cases, the primary and secondary lockouts can impede the distal advancement of the firing member. As described in more detail below, the secondary lockout can operate as a result of the primary lockout being activated. For example, the primary lockout may be due to the staple cartridge jaw being missing from the loading unit, the staple cartridge jaw being improperly mounted on the loading unit, and / or the staple cartridge jaw being previously The distal advancement of the firing member can be impeded because it is at least partially fired, and the secondary lockout is distal of the firing member when distal displacement of the firing member is impeded by the primary lockout. It can be actuated to assist the primary lockout in blocking advancement.

  Referring now to FIGS. 82 and 83, the loading unit comprises a shaft 21730 and a firing member system extending through the shaft 21730. The firing member system comprises a first or proximal firing member 21760 and a second or distal firing member 21762. During the staple firing stroke of the firing member system, the proximal firing member 21760 is pushed distally by, for example, an electric motor and / or a manual crank. Similarly, distal firing member 21762 is pushed distally by proximal firing member 21760. The firing member system further comprises a lockout 21780 positioned intermediate the proximal firing member 21760 and the distal firing member 21762. The lockout 21780 is configured to transfer firing force from the proximal firing member 21760 to the distal firing member 21762 during the staple firing stroke. If, during the staple firing stroke, the force transmitted through the lockout 21780 exceeds the expected firing force and / or exceeds a predetermined threshold, as illustrated in FIG. 83, and as described in more detail below. As further described in, the lockout 21780 moves to the lock configuration.

  The lockout 21780 comprises a lock arm 21782 pivotally attached to the proximal firing member 21760 at a pivot 21784. The lock arm 21782 is configured to abut a drive surface 21768 defined on the proximal end of the firing member 21762 and to push the firing member 21762 distally. In at least one example, drive surface 21768 forms, for example, a conical surface. The lockout 21780 further includes a biasing member or spring 21782 configured to bias the lockout arm 21785 inward toward the drive surface 21768 as shown in FIG. 82 toward the unlocked configuration. Prepare. Each lock arm 21782 includes a pin 21785 extending therefrom, which is configured to attach the end of the spring 21783 thereto. As lockout 21780 moves to the locking configuration in addition to the above, lock arm 21782 slides against drive surface 21768 and tilts or rotates outward to engage shaft 21730. The shaft 21730 comprises a rack of teeth 21781 defined therein which is engaged by the locking arm 21782 and prevents the proximal firing member 21760 from advancing distally.

  In addition to the above, when the lock arm 21782 is displaced outwardly, the spring 21785 is elastically stretched. The stiffness of the spring 21785 is such that when the force transmitted from the proximal firing member 21760 to the distal firing member 21762 is less than the threshold force, the springs 21785 move the locking arms 21782 against their drive surfaces 21768 in their unlocked configuration The locking arm 21782 may be selected so that it can be held and the locking arm 21782 can be displaced further outward if the force transmitted from the proximal firing member 21760 to the distal firing member 21762 exceeds a threshold force. The force transmitted between the proximal firing member 21760 and the distal firing member 21762 is less than the threshold force when the firing system is firing staples from the staple cartridge and the distal firing member 21760 is missing, for example The threshold force is exceeded when blocked by a cartridge and / or a used cartridge lockout. In such a case, lockout 21780 is deployed in response to another lockout blocking the advancement of the staple firing system. Stated differently, lockout 21 780 can include a secondary lockout to cooperate with the primary lockout to prevent advancement of the staple firing system.

  In various instances, in addition to the above, lockout 21780 can provide overload protection for the staple firing system. For example, the staple firing system may get stuck during the firing stroke, so the lockout 21780 can be deployed to stop the staple firing stroke. In such instances, the lockout 21780 can transmit the firing force, or at least a portion of the firing force, to the shaft 21730 instead of the staple cartridge. As a result, the lockout 21780 can prevent the firing system and / or the staple cartridge from being damaged or at least further damaged. In such instances, lockout 21 780 is deployed in response to a condition other than the predetermined lockout of the stapling assembly. Referring again to FIGS. 82 and 83, tooth rack 21781 is as long as the firing stroke of the staple firing system so that lockout 21780 can engage tooth rack 21781 at any time during the firing stroke. There or longer.

  When the force transmitted from the proximal firing member 21760 to the distal firing member 21762 drops below the threshold force, the springs 21785 resiliently return the locking arms 21782 to their unlocked configuration, causing the distal firing member 21762 to Drive surface 21768 can be engaged. At such time, the firing stroke can be terminated if the condition for operating the second lockout 21780 is weakened. Otherwise, the proximal firing member 21760 may be retracted.

  Referring now to FIGS. 92-95, the loading unit comprises a shaft 24530 and a staple firing system extending through the shaft 24530. The staple firing system comprises a proximal firing member 24560 and a distal firing member 24562. During the staple firing stroke of the staple firing system, the proximal firing member 24560 is pushed distally by, for example, an electric motor and / or a manual crank. Similarly, distal firing member 24562 is pushed distally by proximal firing member 24560. The staple firing system further comprises a lockout 24580 positioned intermediate the proximal firing member 24560 and the distal firing member 24562. The lockout 24580 is configured to transfer firing force from the proximal firing member 24560 to the distal firing member 24562 during the staple firing stroke. If, during the staple firing stroke, the force transmitted through lockout 24580 exceeds the expected firing force and / or exceeds a predetermined threshold, lockout as illustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95. The 24580 moves to the lock configuration.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 93 and 95, the lockout 24580 comprises, for example, a substantially C-shaped configuration that extends around a portion of the distal firing member 24562. The lockout 24580 includes a lock arm 24584 that grips the distal firing member 24562 when the lockout 24580 is in its non-actuated or unlocked configuration as illustrated in FIGS. The lockout 24580 further comprises a drive tab 24582 that is contacted by the proximal firing member 24560 when the proximal firing member 24560 is driven distally during the staple firing stroke of the staple firing system. When the lockout 24580 is pushed distally by the proximal firing member 24560, the lockout 24580 abuts the drive surface 24564 defined on the distal firing member 24562 to push the distal firing member 24562 distally. As a result, the lockout 24580 transfers pressure from the proximal firing member 24560, through the lock arm 24584, to the drive surface 24564.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 92, drive tab 24582 is not coplanar with lock arm 24584, rather, drive tab 24582 extends laterally from the plane defined by lock arm 24584. More particularly, drive tab 24582 includes a raised portion that is inverted from lock arm 24580 when at least lockout 24584 is in the inactive configuration. Lockout 24580 is configured to be maintained in its inoperative configuration as long as the pressure transmitted through lockout 24580 is less than the threshold force. The pressure required to complete the firing stroke is less than this threshold force. If the pressure transmitted through the lockout 24580 exceeds the threshold force, the lockout 24580 collapses to its actuated configuration, as shown in FIGS. When the distal firing member 24562 abuts, for example, a missing cartridge and / or a used cartridge lockout in a staple cartridge, the pressing force may exceed a threshold force.

  Referring again to FIGS. 94 and 95, as the lockout 24580 moves to its actuated configuration, the lock arms 24584 expand radially outwardly to engage the shaft 24530. In at least one example, the shaft 24530 can include a recess 24534 defined therein that is configured to receive the locking arm 24584. The recess 24534 is defined in the shaft 24530 such that the locking arm 24584 aligns with the recess 24534 when the distal advancement of the firing system is impeded by the missing cartridge and / or the used cartridge lockout. Once the lock arm 24584 is in the recess 24534, the lockout 24580 can also prevent distal advancement of the firing system. In various examples, the recess 24534 is positioned and arranged to stop the firing member 24560 before the cutting member of the firing drive cuts through the tissue. When the proximal firing member 24560 retracts and the pressure load applied to the lockout 24580 drops below a threshold, the lockout 24580 can resiliently return to its inoperative configuration. At such a time, an unused cartridge is placed in the loading unit to lock out the missing and / or used cartridges so that the firing system can be advanced distally through its staple firing stroke. I can beat it. However, at any time, the proximal firing member 24560 can be retracted to retract the distal firing member 24562.

  The above lockout threshold force can be activated if the staple firing system is accelerated too quickly. Stated differently, the acceleration spikes in the staple firing system can cause a force spike that exceeds the lockout threshold force that causes the lockout to shut off the staple firing system. Such an example may occur, for example, if the firing trigger mechanically coupled to the staple firing system is squeezed too rapidly and / or if the power supply is rapidly applied to the electric motor of the staple firing system obtain. In at least one example, acceleration spikes can occur, for example, if the power applied to the electric motor is improperly modulated and / or if a software failure occurs in the motor controller. Such acceleration spikes and force spikes are typically transient and can complete the firing stroke once the force transmitted through the staple firing system drops below a threshold force.

  Referring to FIG. 84, the stapling assembly includes a shaft 21830 and a firing member 21860 extending therethrough. The stapling assembly further comprises a lockout system 21880. The lockout system 21880 includes a lock arm 21882 rotatably mounted to the staple firing member 21860 about a pivot 21884. Each lock arm 21 882 is rotatable between an inoperative position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 84, and an operative position, shown in phantom lines in FIG. Lockout system 21880 further comprises cantilevered springs 21885 attached to staple firing members 21860 configured to bias lock arms 21882 to their inoperative positions. The stapling assembly further comprises an actuator 21862 attached to the firing member 21860 configured to slide or drag relative to the housing of the shaft 21830 when the firing member 21860 is moved distally. If the firing member 21860 accelerates too rapidly or exceeds a threshold level, the drag between the actuator 21862 and the shaft 21830 slows the actuator 21862 or grips the actuator 21862 and the firing member 21860 Will slide against the In such an example, the relative movement between the actuator 21862 and the firing member 21860 drives the locking arm 21882 outward to engage the rack of teeth 21881 defined within the shaft 21830 for staple firing. Stop, impede or slow distal advancement of the system.

  Referring now to FIG. 85, the stapling assembly includes a shaft 21930 and a firing member 21960 configured to translate within the shaft 21930. The stapling assembly further comprises a lockout system 21980 including a lock arm 21982 rotatably mounted to the staple firing member 21960 about a pivot 21984. The lock arm 21982 is rotatable between the inoperative position shown in solid lines in FIG. 85 and the operative position shown in phantom lines in FIG. The lockout system 21980 further comprises a coil spring 21985 attached to the lock arm 21982 configured to bias the staple firing member 21960 and the lock arm 21982 to its inoperative position. The lockout system 21980 further comprises an actuator or weight 21989 attached to the lock arm 21982 which is configured to cause the lock arm 21982 to inertially rotate when the firing member 21960 is accelerated in the distal direction. If the firing member 21960 is accelerated too rapidly or beyond a threshold level, the inertial force generated by the weight 21989 overcomes the biasing force of the spring 21985 and causes the lock arm 21982 to rotate and define within the shaft 21930 It is sufficient to engage the rack of teeth 21981. In such an example, the lockout system 21890 is of the staple firing system until the acceleration of the firing member 21960 drops below the threshold and the spring 21985 can pull the lock arm 21982 out of engagement with the teeth 21981 rack. The distal advancement will be stopped, impeded or delayed.

  In addition, or alternatively, to the above, the stapling assembly, in various examples, means for adjusting the speed of the staple firing system that can reduce or smooth the acceleration spikes generated within the staple firing system. Can be provided. Referring now to FIG. 86, the stapling assembly may comprise a shaft 22030 and a staple firing member 22060 configured to translate within the shaft 22030. The stapling assembly further comprises a braking system 22080 that includes a braking member or bumper 22081 configured to mitigate distal and / or proximal translation of the staple firing member 22060. The braking member 22081 is made of, for example, a flexible and / or elastomeric material such as rubber, and the braking member is a braking force that opposes the pressing force applied to the firing member 22060 when the firing member 22060 contacts the braking member 22081 Is configured to generate The firing member 22060 extends through the opening defined in the braking member 22081 and comprising an annular ridge 22082 configured to engage the braking member 22081. Although only one braking member 22081 and shaft ridge 22082 are illustrated in FIG. 86, the stapling assembly may, for example, comprise any suitable number of braking members 22081 and / or shaft ridges 22082. .

  In addition to the above, the bumpers 22081 are positioned within the shaft 22030 such that the ridges 22082 contact the bumpers 22081 just before the firing member 22060 reaches the dropout and / or spent cartridge lockout. In such an example, the braking system 22080 can reduce the speed of the firing member 22060 before the firing member 22060 reaches lockout, so that the firing member 22060 pierces the lockout or locks out. Reduce the chance of unintentionally overcoming.

  Referring now to FIG. 87, the stapling assembly may comprise a shaft 22130 and a staple firing member 22160 configured to translate within the shaft 22130. The stapling assembly further comprises a hydraulic braking system 22180 that includes a cylinder assembly configured to decelerate the firing member 22160 during its staple firing stroke. The cylinder assembly includes an input piston 22181 slidably positioned within the chamber 22183 in sealing engagement with the sidewall of the chamber 22183. The cylinder assembly further includes an output piston 22184 slidably positioned within the chamber 22185 for sealing engagement with the sidewall of the chamber 22185. As illustrated in FIG. 87, a portion of the chamber 22183 is in fluid communication with a portion of the chamber 22185 via a restricted orifice 22189. An incompressible or substantially incompressible fluid 22182 is included in the chambers 22183 and 22185 between the input piston 22181 and the output piston 22184. In at least one example, fluid 22182 includes, for example, hydraulic fluid. In one particular example, fluid 22182 includes, for example, saline. As the firing member 22160 travels in the distal direction, the firing member 22160, or a shoulder defined on the firing member 22160, contacts the cam, or an angled surface defined on the input piston 22181, Drive downward into chamber 22183. In such an example, the input piston 22181 displaces the fluid 22182 into the chamber 22185 and then displaces the output piston 22184 in the chamber 22185. Movement of output piston 22184, fluid 22182, and input piston 22181 is resisted by a spring 22186 positioned within chamber 22185. As a result of the above, the braking system 22180 applies drag to the firing member 22160, which can increase proportionally to the increase in velocity of the firing member 22160 and limit the maximum velocity of the firing member 22160. Similar to the above, the braking system 22180 can be positioned within the shaft 22130 such that the firing member 22160 contacts the braking system 22180 just before, or at least just prior to the firing member 22160 reaching lockout.

  Referring now to FIG. 89, the stapling assembly may comprise a shaft 22330 and a firing member 22360 slidable within the shaft 22330. The stapling assembly further comprises a pneumatic piston arrangement 22380 configured to apply a drag force to the firing member 22360. The firing member 22360 is slidably positioned in a cylindrical or at least substantially cylindrical rod extending through a support defined in the shaft 22330 and a cylinder 22383 defined in the shaft 22330. And an integrally formed piston 22362. The piston arrangement 22380 comprises one or more piston seals 22382 seated in sealing grooves extending around the piston 22362. The piston seal 22382 is sealingly engaged with the piston 22362 and the cylinder wall 22381 of the cylinder 22383. The piston arrangement 22380 further comprises one or more seals 22361 seated in sealing grooves defined in the shaft support, sealingly engaged with the shaft 22330 and the firing member 22360. In various examples, seals 22361 and 22383 comprise, for example, flexible o-rings. In any case, the distal displacement of the firing member 22360 compresses the air in the cylinder 22383 and forces the compressed air through the vent 22363 defined in the shaft 22330. This arrangement applies a force to the launch member 22360 that increases in proportion to the velocity of the launch member 22360.

  In addition to the above, the diameter and / or length of the vent 22363 can be selected to limit the velocity of the firing member 22360 in a desired manner. Furthermore, as the firing member 22360 advances distally and retracts proximally, the seal 22382 sealingly locks to the shaft 22330, such that when the firing member 22360 advances distally and retracts proximally, The piston arrangement 22380 applies a drag force to the firing member 22360. In at least one embodiment, a valve, such as, for example, a one-way valve, can be positioned and positioned relative to the vent 22363. The valve may provide an orifice having a smaller diameter when the firing member 22360 is advanced distally, and may provide an orifice having a larger diameter when the firing member 22360 is retracted proximally. it can. In such instances, the vent applies a greater drag force to the firing member 22360 when the firing member 22360 is advanced distally as compared to when the firing member 22360 is being retracted proximally at a predetermined rate. can do. As a result, the valve can provide different directional speed limits.

  Referring now to FIG. 88, the stapling assembly can include a staple firing shaft 22060 that is displaced distally to eject the staples from the staple cartridge. The stapling assembly further comprises means for applying electromagnetic and / or magnetic drag to the staple firing shaft 22260. In at least one example, the stapling assembly includes a wound conductor coil 22280 that is energized by a power source, such as, for example, a battery, such that current flows through the coil 22280. The wound conductor coil 22280, once energized, generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic element 22282 defined in the shaft 22260 and / or mounted on the shaft 22260. In at least one example, the magnetic element 22282 comprises, for example, a permanent magnet. The polarity of the power supply is applied to the coil 22280 such that the coil 22280 generates a magnetic field that exerts a repulsive force on the ferromagnetic member 22282 as the firing member 22260 approaches the coil 22280, resulting in firing during the staple firing stroke. Apply resistance to member 22360. The strength or strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil 22280 is stronger near the coil 22280 so that the drag applied to the firing member 22360 will be greater near the coil 22280.

  In view of the above, coil 22280 can act as a brake when energized and in certain instances, for example, at the end of the staple firing stroke, longitudinal movement of firing member 22360 is stopped or at least It can act to help stop. In one particular example, the voltage polarity applied to the coil 22280 can be reversed to reverse the flow of current through the coil 22280 during the retraction stroke of the firing member 22360. In such an example, the coil 22280 can apply a braking force to the firing member 22360 as the firing member 22360 retracts away from the coil 22280. Although only one coil 22280 is illustrated in FIG. 88, the stapling assembly may comprise any suitable number of energizable coils. Additionally or alternatively, the stapling assembly may comprise one or more permanent magnets attached to the shaft of the stapling assembly capable of applying a magnetic braking force to the staple firing member. it can.

  In at least one embodiment, referring again to FIG. 88, no power is applied to coil 22280, which may act as an electrical / inductive brake. In such embodiments, movement of the magnetic element 22282 through the coil 22280 generates a current in the coil 22280, which in turn generates a magnetic field that opposes the movement of the magnetic element 22282. As the magnetic element 22282 moves slowly relative to the coil 22280, the opposing magnetic field exerts a negligible braking force on the firing member 22260. When the magnetic element 22282 moves rapidly relative to the coil 22280, the opposing magnetic fields are very strong, resulting in a very strong braking force on the firing member 22260. The coil 22280 and the magnetic element 22282 can be positioned and arranged to apply a braking force to the firing member 22260 just before or at least just before the firing member 22260 reaches the missing cartridge and / or the used cartridge lockout.

  As mentioned above, the firing member of the staple firing system can be driven by an electric motor. A processor may be included, and a motor controller, which may be implemented as a microcontroller, may be utilized to control the voltage supplied to the electric motor so that the speed of the staple firing member may be controlled. In one particular example, the motor controller can utilize, for example, pulse width modulation (PWM) and / or frequency modulation (FM) to control the speed of the electric motor. In another example, the motor controller may not modulate the power supplied to the electric motor. In any case, the stapling assembly communicates with a motor controller configured to detect whether an unused staple cartridge or an unused staple cartridge jaw is attached to the stapling assembly. A sensor system can be provided. If the sensor system detects that an unused staple cartridge is attached to the stapling assembly, the motor controller recognizes and staples a signal from the sensor system indicating the presence of the unused staple cartridge. Once the user of the assembly activates the staple firing system, the electric motor of the staple firing system can be operated. If the sensor system does not detect an unused staple cartridge installed in the stapling assembly, the motor control device outputs a signal from the sensor system indicating that the unused staple cartridge is not installed in the stapling assembly. Receive and prevent the electric motor from operating the staple firing system. Such an arrangement can include electronic or software lockout.

  Additionally or alternatively, the stapling system can include a sensor system configured to track the displacement of the staple firing member. Referring to FIG. 90, staple firing members 22460 of stapling assembly 22400 are movable along staple firing path 22463 between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position. For example, the detectable magnetic element 22461 is attached to a staple firing member 22460 that moves along the staple firing path 22463 or at least substantially along the staple firing path 22463. In at least one example, magnetic element 22461 is a permanent magnet comprised of, for example, iron, nickel, and / or other suitable material. The sensor system comprises a first or proximal sensor 22401 'and a second or distal sensor 22401, which, together with the translatable member 22460, the magnetic element 22461 into the staple firing path 22463 It is configured to detect when moving along. While the first sensor 22401 'and the second sensor 22401 each comprise a Hall effect sensor, the sensors 22401' and 22401 can comprise any suitable sensor. Sensors 22401 'and 22401 output voltages that vary according to their corresponding distance from magnetic element 22461 (a high voltage is output if the distance is small, and a low voltage is output if the distance is large).

  In addition to the above, the sensor system comprises, inter alia, a sensor circuit comprising a voltage source 22403 in communication with the sensors 22401 'and 22401, for example supplying power to the sensors 22401' and 22401. The sensor circuit further comprises a first switch 22405 'in communication with the first sensor 22401' and a second switch 22405 in communication with the second sensor 22401. In at least one example, switches 22401 'and 22401 each comprise a transistor such as, for example, a FET. Output parts of the sensors 22401 'and 22401 are connected to central (gate) terminals of the switches 22405' and 22405, respectively. Prior to the firing stroke of the staple firing member 22460, the output voltage from the sensors 22401 ', 22401 is high such that the first switch 22405' and the second switch 22405 are in a closed state.

  As the magnetic element 22461 passes near the first sensor 22401 ', the voltage output of the first sensor 22401' is sufficient to cause the first switch to change between the closed and open states. Similarly, the voltage output of the second sensor 22401 is sufficient to cause the second switch 22405 to change between the closed and open states as the magnetic element 22461 passes near the second sensor 22401 . When both of the switch 22405 'and the switch 22405 are in the open state, the ground potential is applied to the operational amplifier circuit 22406. The operational amplifier circuit 22406 is in signal communication with the input channel of the microcontroller 22490 of the motor controller, and when a ground potential is applied to the operational amplifier circuit 22406, the microcontroller 22490 receives a ground signal from the circuit 22406.

  When microcontroller 22490 receives a ground signal from circuit 22406, microcontroller 22490 determines that the staple firing stroke has been completed and that the staple cartridge positioned within stapling assembly 22400 has been fully used. it can. Other embodiments are envisioned where the sensor system detects a partial firing stroke of the staple firing member 22460 and provides a signal to the microcontroller 22490 indicating that the staple cartridge is at least partially used. Ru. In any case, the motor controller can be configured to prevent the firing member 22460 from taking another firing stroke until the staple cartridge is replaced with a fresh cartridge. In at least one example, in addition to the above, the sensor system is configured to detect whether a used cartridge has been removed from the stapling assembly and / or whether an unused cartridge has been assembled into the stapling assembly Equipped with a sensor.

  In addition to the above, the sensor system can be configured to detect whether the firing member 22460 has retracted along the retraction path 22462. In at least one example, the magnetic element 22461 may be detected by the sensor 22401 as the magnetic element 22461 retracts along the path 22462 and causes the second switch 22405 to change back to the closed state. Similarly, when the magnetic element 22461 retracts along the path 22463 and causes the first switch 22405 'to change back to the closed state, the magnetic element 22461 can be detected by the sensor 22401'. By closing switches 22405 and 22405 ', the voltage polarity from battery 22403 is applied to circuit 22406 so that microprocessor 22490 receives the Vcc signal from circuit 22406 on its input channel. In various examples, the motor controller can be configured to prevent the electric motor from being manipulated to perform the staple firing stroke again until the firing member 22460 is fully retracted.

  A stapling assembly 25700 comprising a staple cartridge 25730, a firing member 25760, and a lockout 25780 is illustrated in FIGS. The staple cartridge 25730 comprises a sled 25770 that is pushed distally by the firing member 25760 during the staple firing stroke of the firing member 25760. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 25760 pushes the sled 25770 distally from the proximal unfired position (FIGS. 71 and 72) toward the distal fired position (FIGS. 73 and 74) . Thread 25770 is configured to slide under the staples removably stored in the staple cavity defined in staple cartridge 25730 and to cause the staples to be ejected from the staple cavity. In various examples, staple cartridge 25730 includes a staple driver, which supports the staples within the staple cartridge, in part, and driven by thread 25770 in two, to staples from the staple cavity Let it drain. After the staple firing stroke of the firing member 25760 is complete, the firing member 25760 is retracted proximally. In particular, sled 25770 does not retract proximally with launch member 25760.

  In addition to the above, the lockout 25780 includes a lock arm 25782. Each locking arm 25782 includes a cantilevered beam including a first end attached to the shaft of the stapling assembly 25700 and a movable second end configured to engage the firing member 25760. Prepare. The firing member 25760 includes a lock opening 25762 defined therein that is configured to receive the second end of the lock arm 25782. However, when the sled 25770 is in its proximal, unfired position (FIGS. 71 and 72), the sled 25770 flexes the locking arm 25782 laterally away from the firing member 25760 and the locking arm 25782 in the locking opening 25762 Hold out of the. As a result, the lockout 25780 prevents the firing member 25760 from taking a staple firing stroke when the staple cartridge 25730 is positioned within the stapling assembly 25700 and the thread 25770 of the staple cartridge 25730 is in its unfired position. There is nothing to do. As the firing member 25760 advances distally during its staple firing stroke, the lock opening 25762 defined in the firing member 25760 is no longer aligned with the lock arm 25782 so that the lock arm 2578 2 staples It does not impede the launch process once it has started. After the staple firing stroke of the firing member 25760, as shown in FIGS. 73 and 74, the firing member 25760 is retracted proximally to its unfired position. At such time, as the thread 25770 has not returned to its unfired position, the lock opening 25762 re-aligns with the lock arm 25782 and the lock arm 25782 enters into the lock opening 25762 and the firing member 25760 Can be locked out.

  As a result of the above, lockout 25780 comprises a missing cartridge lockout and a used cartridge lockout. Alternative embodiments are also envisioned where the staple cartridge 25730 is not removable from the stapling assembly 25700. In such an embodiment, lockout 25780 would include a used cartridge lockout.

  Referring to FIGS. 75 and 76, the stapling assembly 25800 includes a staple cartridge 25830 that includes a cartridge body 2583 1, a sled 25 870 movable distally within the cartridge body 2583 1, and a staple driver 25 880. The cartridge body includes a staple cavity 25832 defined therein and a staple releasably stored within the staple cavity 25832. The thread 25870 can be translated distally between the proximal unfired position (FIG. 75) and the distal fired position during the staple firing stroke. During the staple firing stroke, the sled 25870 contacts the staple driver 25880 and drives the staple driver 25880 upward inside the staple cavity 25832, as shown in FIG. In particular, cartridge body 25831 comprises several longitudinal rows of staple cavities 25832 defined therein, and staple drivers 25880 are arranged in longitudinal rows aligned with the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 25832 Ru. During the staple firing stroke of the sled 25870, the staple driver 25880 and the staples are sequentially driven as the sled 25870 travels distally. In other words, the most recent staple driver 25880 and staples are fired before the most distal driver 25880 and staples are fired. In various examples, firing of the most recent staple driver 25880 marks the beginning of the staple firing stroke.

  Referring again to FIGS. 75 and 76, the staple cartridge 25830 includes a lockout circuit configured to detect when the staple cartridge 25830 is at least partially fired. A portion of the lockout circuit extends through the cartridge body 25831 and includes an electrical contact 25834. Another portion of the lockout circuit includes an electrical contact 25884 that extends through the most recent staple driver 25880 to align with the electrical contact 25834. When the staple cartridge 25830 is in its unfired state (FIG. 75), the contact 25884 of the driver abuts the contact 25834 of the cartridge body so that the lockout circuit is closed. When the most advanced staple driver 25880 is lifted upward by the thread 25870, the driver contacts 25884 are disengaged from the cartridge body contacts 25834 and the lockout circuit is released. The lockout circuit is in signal communication with the controller of the stapling assembly 25800, and the controller of the stapling assembly is configured such that opening of the lockout circuit causes the staple cartridge 25830 within the stapling assembly 25800 to be at least partially fired. And configured to mean that the staple firing system should not be operated a second time or one more time without the staple cartridge 25830 being replaced with an unused staple cartridge 25830 ing. Once the unused staple cartridge 25830 is positioned within the stapling assembly 25800 and the lockout circuit is closed by the unused staple cartridge 25830, the controller allows the staple firing system to be operated again be able to.

  In various examples, referring again to FIG. 76, the most proximal staple driver 25880 is in a slight friction fit engagement with the sidewall of the staple cavity 25832. As a result, the most recent staple driver 25880 remains in its fired position after it has been lifted upward by the sled 25870, and in this way the driver contacts 25884 have the lockout circuit released once. And held out of contact with the contacts 25834 of the cartridge body, reducing the possibility of the lockout circuit being closed again.

  As mentioned above, the staple firing stroke of staple cartridge 25830 opens the lockout circuit. In an alternative embodiment, the staple firing stroke of the staple cartridge can close the lockout circuit. In such an embodiment, the control of the stapling assembly is such that the closure of the lockout circuit means that the staple cartridge has been at least partially fired, and the staple cartridge has not been replaced with an unused staple cartridge. It can be interpreted to mean that the staple firing system should not be operated a second time or one more time.

  Additionally or alternatively, the stapling assembly may include a most distal staple driver 25880 and detection circuitry configured to detect when the staples have been fired. In at least one such example, the most distal staple driver 25880 can have the contact arrangements described above and / or any other suitable arrangement that changes the state of the detection circuit. The controller of the stapling assembly can interpret the change in state of the detection circuit, for example, that the staple cartridge has been fully fired and that the staple firing system should be retracted.

  77 and 78, the stapling assembly 25900 comprises a shaft 25910, an anvil jaw 25920, and a staple cartridge jaw that can be removably attached to the frame of the shaft 25910. The stapling assembly 25900 further includes an articulation joint 25940 configured to allow the anvil jaws 25920 and the staple cartridge jaws to articulate relative to the shaft 25910. Similar to the embodiments described herein, the staple cartridge jaws are movable between an open position and a closed position to clamp the patient's tissue against the anvil jaws 25920.

  The stapling assembly 25900 further comprises a lockout circuit 25980 configured to detect that the staple cartridge jaws are in their closed position. Lockout circuit 25980 includes a conductor 25984 extending through shaft 25910 and an electrode pad 25982 positioned within anvil jaw 25920. Conductor 25984 places electrode pad 25982 in communication with the controller of stapling assembly 25900, and in various examples, the controller applies a voltage potential across conductor 25984 and within lockout circuit 25980 A monitoring current can be generated. As described in more detail below, the controller evaluates the impedance and / or resistivity of the lockout circuit 25980 and monitors the change in impedance and / or resistivity of the lockout circuit 25980 via a monitoring current. Is configured as.

  In addition to the above, referring to FIG. 78, the staple cartridge jaws include pins 25932 configured to puncture and / or deform the electrode pad 25982 when the staple cartridge jaws are moved to the closed position. The pin 25932 is made of, for example, stainless steel and disturbs the impedance and / or resistivity of the lockout circuit 25980, which is detected by the controller. Such disturbances can be signaled to the controller that, in part, the staple cartridge jaws have been attached to the stapling assembly 25900 and, in part, the staple cartridge jaws have been closed. . At such time, the controller can electronically unlock the staple firing system and allow the staple firing system to perform its staple firing stroke. In at least one such example, the staple firing system comprises an electric motor and a battery, wherein the controller has detected that the controller has detected that a sufficient change in the parameters of the lockout circuit 25980 has occurred. Includes an electronic or software lockout that prevents the electric motor from supplying sufficient power to perform the staple firing stroke. As a result, the staple firing system of stapling assembly 25900 can not operate until the staple cartridge jaws have been closed.

  Referring again to FIG. 77, the lockout circuit 25980 extends through the shaft 25910 and the anvil jaws 25920 but does not extend to the staple cartridge jaws. As described above, when the pin 25932 of the staple cartridge jaw interrupts the lockout circuit 25980, the pin 25932 is electrically isolated within the staple cartridge jaw and does not close or open the lockout circuit 25980.

  Alternatively, referring again to FIGS. 77 and 78, the pin 25932 is part of the lockout circuit 25980 and the electrode pad 25982 comprises the contacts pierced by the pin 25932. In such embodiments, pin 25932 closes the lockout circuit when pin 25932 engages electrode pad 25982 such that a detection current can flow between pin 25932 and electrode pad 25982. In at least one example, electrode pad 25982 may be comprised of a self-repairing material such as, for example, a conductive gel. In various examples, pin 25932 may puncture tissue prior to entering electrode pad 25982. Referring again to FIG. 77, the electrode pad 25982 can comprise a wipe pad 25983 configured to at least partially clean the pin 25932 before the pin 25932 enters the electrode pad 25982.

  Referring to FIGS. 79 and 80, the shaft 25910 includes an outer housing 25911 including a longitudinal slot 25912 defined therein which is configured to slidably receive the firing member 25960. The longitudinal slot 25912 extends through the articulation joint 25940 into the anvil jaws 25920 and the staple cartridge jaws. When the anvil jaws 25920 and the staple cartridge jaws are in the non-articulating orientation, the longitudinal slots 25912 are straight or contain no change in orientation. When the anvil jaws 25920 and the staple cartridge jaws are in the articulating orientation, the longitudinal slot 25912 includes a change of orientation. As a result, the firing member 25960 needs to be flexible enough to pass through the articulation joint 25940. However, the flexibility of such a firing member 25960 can cause the firing member 25960 to buckle during the staple firing stroke. To prevent or reduce such buckling, the stapling assembly 25900 is configured to support the firing member 25960 inside the articulation joint 25940 and / or adjacent to the articulation joint 25940, It further comprises anti-buckling plates 25944 positioned on either side of the launch member 25960. In at least one example, the anti-buckling plate 25944 is positioned within the shaft 25910 proximal to the articulation joint 25940.

  In addition to the above, the shaft 25910 and articulation joint 25940 include routing channels defined therein configured to receive the conductors 25984 of the lockout circuit 25980. For example, the shaft 25910 comprises a channel 25915 defined in an outer housing 25911 of the shaft 25910. In at least one such example, the first conductor 25984 extends through the first channel 25915 and the second conductor 25984 extends through the second channel 25915. Further, each anti-buckling plate 25984 includes a channel 25945 defined therein configured to receive the conductor 25984. Channel 25945 is aligned or at least substantially aligned with channel 25915.

  Referring to FIG. 81, staple cartridge 26230 includes longitudinal slots 26231 and longitudinal rows of staple cavities 26232 defined therein. During the staple firing process, a firing member, such as firing member 25960, is configured to slide within longitudinal slot 26231 to push a sled, such as sled 25770, distally and eject the staples from staple cavity 26232. ing. Similar to the above, the firing member 25960 and the sled 25770 sequentially eject the staples from the staple cavity 26232, resulting in sequentially deforming the staples to an anvil, such as an anvil 25920. The pressure transmitted through the firing member 25960 to progressively deform the staples is rarely, if ever, constant. Rather, the pressing force typically includes a series of spikes that coincide with the staples that are deformed relative to the anvil. FIG. 81A illustrates such a spike of force. More particularly, FIG. 81A illustrates a typical force profile 26260 of the pressure (F) that the firing member 25960 experiences over the length (L) of the staple firing stroke. The force profile 26260 includes peaks 26261 and valleys 26262 between the peaks 26261.

  In various examples, in addition to the above, the control of the stapling assembly can be configured to monitor the pressure applied to the firing member 25960. In at least one example, the staple firing system comprises an electric motor configured to drive the firing member 25960, and in such an example, the current drawn by the electric motor during the staple firing stroke is delivered to the firing member 25960 It can be monitored as a proxy for applied pressure. In practice, the chart comparing the current drawn by the electric motor over the staple firing stroke may be very similar to the force profile 26260 illustrated in FIG. 81A. In certain embodiments, force transducers can be used to monitor pressure. In either case, the controller can count the peaks 26261 of the force profile 26260 during the firing stroke and stop the staple firing stroke after reaching a predetermined count threshold. In at least one such example, the staple cartridge may comprise 100 staples removably stored therein, and the controller may control after counting 100 force and / or current spikes. The device can shut off power to the electric motor, for example, when it can be assumed that the staple firing stroke has been completed.

  In various examples, in addition to the above, the stapling assembly can be configured for use with a cartridge of staples having stored therein different lengths and / or different amounts of staples. For example, the stapling assembly can be used with a first staple cartridge configured to apply a staple line of approximately 45 mm and a second staple cartridge configured to apply a staple line of approximately 60 mm. obtain. The first staple cartridge comprises a first amount of staples removably stored therein, and a second staple cartridge is removably stored therein, the first staple cartridge being greater than the first volume With 2 quantities of staples. When the first staple cartridge is used in the stapling assembly, the controller is configured to stop the staple firing stroke after the controller has identified the first number of force spikes and the second When the staple cartridge is used in the stapling assembly, the controller is configured to stop the staple firing stroke after the controller has identified the second number of force spikes. Stated differently, the controller may be configured to evaluate the force profile of the first cartridge, eg, force profile 26260, and the force profile of the second cartridge, eg, force profile 26260 ′. . Additionally, the controller can be configured to monitor the force profile of any suitable number of staple cartridges.

  In addition to the above, a staple cartridge that can be used in the stapling assembly may be provided with a unique identifier that may be helpful in the control of the stapling assembly in identifying the type of staple cartridge installed in the stapling assembly. it can. In at least one example, the staple cartridge has a unique RFID tag that can communicate with, for example, a controller of the stapling assembly. In one particular example, the staple cartridges have barcodes thereon that can be scanned, for example, before they are used in the stapling assembly. Once the controller identifies the type of staple cartridge installed in the stapling assembly, the controller can determine the proper length staple firing stroke. In at least one example, information regarding the firing process length appropriate for the staple cartridge can be stored, for example, in a memory device in communication with the controller microprocessor.

  Additionally or alternatively, a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 26230, is configured to generate a detectable force spike during pressing and / or a current spike drawn by the electric motor at the end of the firing stroke. can do. Referring to FIG. 81, staple cartridge 26230 extends one or two across longitudinal slot 26231 near the distal end of longitudinal slot 26231, ie, near the distal end of the staple firing stroke. And three or more bridges 26233. As the firing member 26260 travels distally, the firing member 26260 contacts the bridge 26233 and breaks and / or breaks the bridge 26233 producing spikes in pressure and / or supply current different from the spikes generated when the staples deform. Make an incision. In at least one example, the spikes generated by breaking the bridge 26233 are much larger than the spikes generated by deforming the staples, and the controller can identify differences in such spikes It is configured. Once the controller identifies that a particular spike has been created by the bridge, the controller can stop the staple firing stroke. As the reader will appreciate, such an arrangement may, for example, control independently of the length of the staple cartridge mounted on the stapling assembly and / or independently of the number of staples stored within the staple cartridge. Allows the device to shut off the staple firing system at the appropriate time.

  Although many of the surgical instrument systems described herein operate with electric motors, the surgical instrument systems described herein can operate in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument system described herein can operate, for example, with a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise portions of a robotic control system. Additionally, any of the end effector and / or tool assemblies disclosed herein may be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS" (now U.S. Pat. Examples are disclosed in more detail. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS" (now U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535) is incorporated herein by reference. .

  Although the surgical instrument system described herein is described in connection with deployment and deformation of staples, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. Various embodiments are also envisioned that deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. Furthermore, 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. Also for example, end effectors according to certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The following entire disclosure is incorporated herein by reference:
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No. 5,605,272 issued Feb. 25, 1997, entitled "TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
No. 5,697,543 issued on Dec. 16, 1997, entitled "LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED FIRING STROKE",
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  Although various devices are described herein in connection with particular embodiments, modifications and variations may be implemented to those embodiments. Also, although materials are disclosed for specific components, other materials may be used. Further, in accordance with various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function. . The above description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

  The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. However, in each case, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning includes any combination of steps including, but not limited to, disassembly steps of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement steps of particular parts of the device, and subsequent reassembly steps of the device. Can. In particular, the reconditioning facility and / or the surgery team can disassemble the device, and after cleaning and / or replacing certain parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for later use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of the device can utilize various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. The use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present invention.

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

  Although the invention has been described as having a representative design, the invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention that use its general principles.

  All patents, publications, or other disclosures incorporated herein, in whole or in part, in their existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures, are incorporated by reference into this disclosure. It shall be incorporated herein only to the extent not inconsistent with the contents. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure content as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting description incorporated herein by reference. Any documents, or portions thereof that conflict with the existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosed documents described herein, which are incorporated herein by reference, will be incorporated from the incorporated documents and existing documents. It shall be incorporated only to the extent that no contradiction arises with the disclosed contents.

[Aspect of embodiment]
(1) A surgical cutting and stapling end effector, comprising:
A channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge, the removable staple cartridge having a movably supported sled therein from a starting position within the removable staple cartridge A channel, including a surgical staple stored therein, which is expelled from the removable staple cartridge when moved to an end position;
A rotary end effector drive shaft supported in the channel, the rotary end effector drive shaft being selectively rotatable by a source of rotational motion applied thereto;
A launch assembly, wherein a second position where the launch assembly is prevented from moving distally through the channel from a first position where the launch assembly is longitudinally moveable through the channel The firing assembly is movable as long as it is movable to a locked position and the sled of the removable staple cartridge seated in the channel is in the starting position and is not in retentive engagement with the firing assembly. The rotary end effector drive shaft is biased to the first position prior to rotation and moved to the second position upon rotation of the rotary end effector drive shaft, thereby causing the rotary end effector drive shaft to A launch assembly for holding the launch assembly in the first position during further rotations; Assembly,
A launch body movably supported on the rotating end effector drive shaft;
A rotational advancement member in driving engagement with the rotary end effector drive shaft and in driving engagement with the firing body, the first position and the second position relative to the firing body. A rotational advancement member, movable between
A surgical cutting and stapling end effector including a biasing member between the firing body and the rotational advancement member for biasing the rotational advancement member to the first position.
(2) The rotational advancement member is retained engaged by a portion of the sled when the rotational advancement member is in the first position and the sled is in the start position; The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retention tab configured to hold the at least one first position.
(3) The launch body is
A distal mounting lug movably supported on the rotating end effector drive shaft;
A proximal mounting lug spaced from the distal mounting lug and movable on the rotary end effector drive shaft, wherein the rotary advancement member is between the distal mounting lug and the proximal mounting lug The surgical cutting and stapling end according to claim 1, wherein the surgical cutting and stapling end is movably supported on the rotary end effector drive shaft of the second and movable between the first position and the second position. Effector.
The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 1, further comprising a tissue cutting edge on the firing body.
(5) further comprising an actuator tab extending distally of the tissue cutting edge, the actuator tab being in the first position with the rotational advancement member and in the start position with the sled The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 4, wherein the cutting and stapling end effector is configured to be engaged by a portion of the sled to hold the rotational advancement member in the first position.

(6) The apparatus further comprising an anvil movably supported on the channel, wherein the anvil is configured to move between an open position and a closed position upon application of a closing motion thereto. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to aspect 1.
(7) the firing assembly is configured to slidably engage the channel and the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position and the firing assembly is moved longitudinally in the channel The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 6, wherein the surgical cutting and stapling end effector.
(8) The launch assembly includes a launch body movably supported on the rotary end effector drive shaft, the rotary advancement member is supported on the rotary end effector drive shaft, and the drive body is in drive engagement with the launch body. A threaded transfer nut in a mating position, the threaded transfer nut being movable relative to the firing body between the first position and the second position, the starting position being The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 6, held in the first position when in retention engagement with the sled.
(9) The firing body and the threaded transfer nut can slide on the channel and the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position and the firing assembly is moved longitudinally in the channel The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 8, wherein the surgical cutting and stapling end effector is configured to engage with.
(10) A surgical cutting and stapling end effector, comprising:
A channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge, the removable staple cartridge having a movably supported sled therein from a starting position within the removable staple cartridge A channel, including a surgical staple stored therein, which is expelled from the removable staple cartridge when moved to an end position;
A rotary end effector drive shaft supported in the channel and operatively coupled to a proximal source of rotational motion, at least a portion of the rotary end effector drive shaft being a proximal source of rotational motion A rotary end effector drive shaft, which is deflectable between a first position and a second position while maintaining an operable rotational engagement of
A firing assembly in driving engagement with the rotating end effector drive shaft, wherein a thread of a staple cartridge seated in the channel is adapted to move the at least a portion of the rotating end effector drive shaft to the second position. Movable from the locked position corresponding to the first position of the rotating end effector drive shaft to the unlocked position, which when deflected prevents the launch assembly from moving distally through the channel And a firing assembly for allowing the firing assembly to move longitudinally through the channel upon rotation of the rotating end effector drive shaft.

(11) The firing assembly includes a firing body in driving engagement with the rotating end effector drive shaft, and the channel is for the firing body when the rotating end effector drive shaft is in the second position. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to claim 10, wherein the surgical cutting and stapling end effector is configured to define a passageway configured to allow longitudinal passage therethrough.
(12) The launch body is
Bottom foot portion,
Defining a passage for driving engagement with said rotating end effector drive shaft, and including a vertically extending body portion extending from said bottom foot portion, said passage in said channel being The pair of inwardly extending tabs defined by the pair of inwardly extending tabs configured to be engaged by the bottom foot portion of the firing body, the pair of inwardly extending tabs being perpendicular to the vertical The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 11, defining a firing slot therebetween for receiving the extending body portion.
The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 12, wherein the firing body further comprises a tissue cutting edge.
(14) An implementation further comprising an anvil movably supported on the channel, wherein the anvil is configured to move between an open position and a closed position when a closing motion is applied thereto. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to aspect 10.
The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 10, further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the firing assembly to the locked position.

(16) A surgical cutting and stapling end effector, comprising:
A channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge, the removable staple cartridge having a movably supported sled therein from a start position to an end position within the staple cartridge A channel including a surgical staple stored therein that is expelled from the cartridge when moved;
An anvil assembly,
An anvil frame that is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the channel when an open motion and a closed motion are applied thereto;
Anvil assembly rotatably supported by the anvil frame and configured to receive rotational drive motion when the anvil frame is in the closed position; Cutting and stapling end effectors,
The firing assembly further comprises a firing assembly in driving engagement with the anvil concentric drive member, the firing assembly being adapted to engage the firing assembly when a sled of a staple cartridge seated in the starting position within the channel engages the firing assembly. From the locked position, which is prevented from moving distally through the channel, to the unlocked position, whereby rotation of the anvil concentric drive member in a first rotational direction is within the end effector A surgical cutting and stapling end effector that moves the firing assembly to an unlocked position that moves the firing assembly from a starting position to an ending position.
(17) The firing assembly includes a firing body drivingly journalled on the anvil concentric drive member, and the channel is configured to receive the firing body therethrough when the firing body is in the unlocked position. Embodiment 17. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to embodiment 16, defining a passageway configured to allow longitudinal passage therethrough.
(18) The launch body is
Bottom foot portion,
A vertically extending body portion extending from the bottom foot portion;
And a drive portion configured to drivingly engage the anvil concentric drive member, wherein the passage in the channel is configured to be engaged by the bottom foot portion of the firing body The pair of inwardly extending tabs defined by the pair of extending tabs receives the vertically extending body portion when the firing assembly is in the unlocked position. 20. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of embodiment 17, wherein the firing slot is defined therebetween.
The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 18, wherein the firing body further comprises a tissue cutting edge.

Claims (19)

A surgical cutting and stapling end effector,
A channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge, the removable staple cartridge having a movably supported sled therein from a starting position within the removable staple cartridge A channel, including a surgical staple stored therein, which is expelled from the removable staple cartridge when moved to an end position;
A rotary end effector drive shaft supported in the channel, the rotary end effector drive shaft being selectively rotatable by a source of rotational motion applied thereto;
A launch assembly, wherein a second position where the launch assembly is prevented from moving distally through the channel from a first position where the launch assembly is longitudinally moveable through the channel The firing assembly is movable as long as it is movable to a locked position and the sled of the removable staple cartridge seated in the channel is in the starting position and is not in retentive engagement with the firing assembly. The rotary end effector drive shaft is biased to the first position prior to rotation and moved to the second position upon rotation of the rotary end effector drive shaft, thereby causing the rotary end effector drive shaft to A launch assembly for holding the launch assembly in the first position during further rotations; Assembly,
A launch body movably supported on the rotating end effector drive shaft;
A rotational advancement member in driving engagement with the rotary end effector drive shaft and in driving engagement with the firing body, the first position and the second position relative to the firing body. A rotational advancement member, movable between
A surgical cutting and stapling end effector including a biasing member between the firing body and the rotational advancement member for biasing the rotational advancement member to the first position.   The rotational advancement member is releasably engaged by a portion of the sled when the rotational advancement member is in the first position and the sled is in the start position to The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retention tab configured to be held in the one position. The launch body is
A distal mounting lug movably supported on the rotating end effector drive shaft;
A proximal mounting lug spaced from the distal mounting lug and movable on the rotary end effector drive shaft, wherein the rotary advancement member is between the distal mounting lug and the proximal mounting lug The surgical cutting and stapling end according to claim 1, wherein the cutting and stapling end is movably supported on the rotary end effector drive shaft and is movable between the first position and the second position. Effector.   The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 1, further comprising a tissue cutting edge on the firing body.   The actuator tab further includes an actuator tab extending distally of the tissue cutting edge, the actuator tab being positioned when the rotational advancement member is in the first position and the sled is in the start position. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 4, configured to be engaged by a portion of a thread to hold the rotational advancement member in the first position.   The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an anvil movably supported on the channel, wherein the anvil is configured to move between an open position and a closed position upon application of a closing motion thereto. Surgical cutting and stapling end effector as described.   The firing assembly is configured to slidably engage the channel and the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position and the firing assembly is moved longitudinally within the channel. A surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to claim 6.   The firing assembly includes a firing body movably supported on the rotary end effector drive shaft, and the rotary advancement member is supported on the rotary end effector drive shaft and in driving engagement with the firing body Including a threaded transfer nut, wherein the threaded transfer nut is movable relative to the firing body between the first position and the second position, and with the thread in the starting position The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to claim 6, wherein the surgical cutting and stapling end effector is held in the first position when in the holding engagement state.   The firing body and the threaded translating nut are slidably engaged with the channel and the anvil when the anvil is in the closed position and the firing assembly is moved longitudinally in the channel. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 8 configured to: A surgical cutting and stapling end effector,
A channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge, the removable staple cartridge having a movably supported sled therein from a starting position within the removable staple cartridge A channel, including a surgical staple stored therein, which is expelled from the removable staple cartridge when moved to an end position;
A rotary end effector drive shaft supported in the channel and operatively coupled to a proximal source of rotational motion, at least a portion of the rotary end effector drive shaft being a proximal source of rotational motion A rotary end effector drive shaft, which is deflectable between a first position and a second position while maintaining an operable rotational engagement of
A firing assembly in driving engagement with the rotating end effector drive shaft, wherein a thread of a staple cartridge seated in the channel is adapted to move the at least a portion of the rotating end effector drive shaft to the second position. Movable from the locked position corresponding to the first position of the rotating end effector drive shaft to the unlocked position, which when deflected prevents the launch assembly from moving distally through the channel And a firing assembly for allowing the firing assembly to move longitudinally through the channel upon rotation of the rotating end effector drive shaft.   The firing assembly includes a firing body in driving engagement with the rotating end effector drive shaft, and the channel passes through the firing body when the rotating end effector drive shaft is in the second position. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to claim 10, wherein the cutting and stapling end effector is defined in such a way that it is configured to allow longitudinal passage therethrough. The launch body is
Bottom foot portion,
Defining a passage for driving engagement with said rotating end effector drive shaft, and including a vertically extending body portion extending from said bottom foot portion, said passage in said channel being The pair of inwardly extending tabs defined by the pair of inwardly extending tabs configured to be engaged by the bottom foot portion of the firing body, the pair of inwardly extending tabs being perpendicular to the vertical The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 11, defining a firing slot therebetween for receiving the extending body portion.   The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to claim 12, wherein the firing body further comprises a tissue cutting edge.   11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an anvil movably supported on the channel, wherein the anvil is configured to move between an open position and a closed position when a closing motion is applied thereto. Surgical cutting and stapling end effector as described.   The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 10, further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the firing assembly to the locked position. A surgical cutting and stapling end effector,
A channel configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge, the removable staple cartridge having a movably supported sled therein from a start position to an end position within the staple cartridge A channel including a surgical staple stored therein that is expelled from the cartridge when moved;
An anvil assembly,
An anvil frame that is selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the channel when an open motion and a closed motion are applied thereto;
Anvil assembly rotatably supported by the anvil frame and configured to receive rotational drive motion when the anvil frame is in the closed position; Cutting and stapling end effectors,
The firing assembly further comprises a firing assembly in driving engagement with the anvil concentric drive member, the firing assembly being adapted to engage the firing assembly when a sled of a staple cartridge seated in the starting position within the channel engages the firing assembly. From the locked position, which is prevented from moving distally through the channel, to the unlocked position, whereby rotation of the anvil concentric drive member in a first rotational direction is within the end effector A surgical cutting and stapling end effector that moves the firing assembly to an unlocked position that moves the firing assembly from a starting position to an ending position.   The firing assembly includes a firing body drivingly supported on the anvil concentric drive member, the channel being elongated through the firing body when the firing body is in the unlocked position. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 16, defining a passageway configured to allow passage in a direction. The launch body is
Bottom foot portion,
A vertically extending body portion extending from the bottom foot portion;
And a drive portion configured to drivingly engage the anvil concentric drive member, wherein the passage in the channel is configured to be engaged by the bottom foot portion of the firing body The pair of inwardly extending tabs defined by the pair of extending tabs receives the vertically extending body portion when the firing assembly is in the unlocked position. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector according to claim 17, wherein a firing slot is defined between them in order to do so.   The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 18, wherein the firing body further comprises a tissue cutting edge.

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