JP2020501763A - Launch assembly including fuse - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical instrument is disclosed that includes a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to an end effector of the surgical instrument during a firing stroke. The firing assembly includes a fuse configured to interrupt the firing stroke and / or prevent a firing load from being applied to the end effector.

Description

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

The various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument comprising a handle and a replaceable shaft assembly including an end effector, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with some components removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distal portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with some components removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the proximal portion of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 with some components removed. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the surgical instrument of FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the distal end of the surgical instrument of FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the proximal end of the surgical instrument of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 showing the end effector in a non-articulated configuration; FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 showing the end effector in an articulated configuration. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the surgical instrument of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil jaw of the surgical instrument of FIG. FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a cartridge jaw, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the end effector including the anvil jaws of FIG. 1 and the cartridge jaws of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a partial elevation view of an end effector according to at least one embodiment, shown in an open configuration. FIG. 5 is a partial elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 4 shown in a fully closed configuration. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of the firing assembly of FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 7 shown in a partially open configuration. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 9 including a layered firing bar attached to the coupling member. FIG. 10 is an end view of the firing member of FIG. 9. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a firing bar of the firing member of FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the firing member of FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a coupling member of a firing member and a firing bar layer, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the firing bar layer attached to the coupling member of FIG. FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of an additional layer of the firing bar attached to the coupling member of FIG. FIG. 16 is a partial plan view of the connecting member and the firing bar of FIG. 15. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a firing assembly including a coupling member, a firing bar, and a lockout bar, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including the firing assembly of FIG. 19 shown in a lockout configuration. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 20 shown in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument shown in a lockout configuration. FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 22 shown in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument shown in a lockout configuration. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 24, shown in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a cartridge jaw, a staple cartridge, and a firing member of a surgical instrument, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 27 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26, shown in an unfired configuration. FIG. 27 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26 shown in a partial firing configuration. FIG. 27 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 26 shown in a fully fired configuration. 27 shows the surgical instrument of FIG. 26 clamped in a blood vessel. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a cartridge jaw, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the cartridge jaw of FIG. 31. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge jaw of FIG. 31 taken along line 33-33 in FIG. 31. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge jaw of FIG. 31 taken along line 34-34 in FIG. 31. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument with a firing assembly including a firing force lockout shown in an unlocked state. FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 35 showing the firing force lockout in a locked configuration. FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 35 showing the firing force lockout in an unlocked configuration and the firing assembly in a firing position. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 35, taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 37. FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge including a cartridge lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 40 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39 showing the firing member partially advanced through the staple cartridge. FIG. 40 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39 showing the firing member in a partially advanced position. FIG. 40 is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 39 showing the firing member in the retracted position and the cartridge lockout in the locked configuration. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a firing lockout assembly of a surgical instrument shown in an unlocked configuration, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the firing lockout assembly of FIG. 43, shown in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 43 showing the firing lockout in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 43 showing the firing lockout in a locked configuration. FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 43 showing the firing lockout being returned to the unlocked configuration. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a surgical instrument including a firing lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 48 showing the firing lockout in an unlocked configuration. FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 48 showing the firing lockout in a locked configuration. FIG. 49 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 48 showing the firing lockout after being returned to the unlocked configuration. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument with a firing member and a firing force lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 52 showing the firing member moved distally; FIG. 53 is an end cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 52 taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 52. FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 52 showing the firing member in a firing position. FIG. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 52 illustrating the firing force lockout in a locked state. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument with a firing member and a firing force lockout, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 57 illustrating the firing force lockout in a locked state. FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 57 showing the firing lockout after the firing lockout has been reset and the firing member has been advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of a firing assembly of a surgical instrument, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 61 is a detailed view of the fuse area of the firing assembly of FIG. 60 configured to fail when the firing load transmitted through the firing assembly exceeds a threshold. FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 60 showing the firing assembly in an unfired position and the fuse region in an intact condition. FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 60 showing the fuse area in a fault condition. FIG. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 60 showing the firing assembly in a collapsed state. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including a firing assembly having a resettable fuse portion, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 65 showing the firing assembly in a firing position. FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 65 showing the fuse portion in a fault condition. FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 65 showing the fuse portion retracted and reset. FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 65 showing the fuse portion in a reset state. FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 65 showing the firing assembly in a firing position. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a surgical instrument including a firing assembly having a fuse portion, according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 71 showing the firing assembly in a firing position. FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 71 showing the fuse portion in a failed state before the firing assembly has been advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke; the fuse portion also performs a staple firing stroke; Acts as a preventive firing lockout. FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 71 showing the fuse portion in a first stage fault condition during a staple firing phase of the firing assembly. FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 71 showing the fuse portion in a second stage fault condition during a staple firing phase of the firing assembly. FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 71 showing the firing assembly being reset. FIG. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 71 showing the firing assembly in a reset state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 77B is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77A and an anvil used therewith. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 77C is a partial plan view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77C and an anvil used therewith. FIG. 77C is an elevation view of the staple cartridge of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77C in an unformed configuration, FIG. 77C is an elevation view of the staple of the staple cartridge of FIG. 77C, and FIG. And FIG. 77E illustrates the staple of FIG. 77E implanted within a patient's tissue. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument including a handle and a replaceable shaft assembly, according to at least one embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic surgical system operably supporting a plurality of surgical tools according to at least one embodiment.

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

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF", Attorney Docket No. END7980USNP / 160155,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END7981USNP / 160156,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", Attorney Docket No. END7982USNP / 160157,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF", Attorney Docket No. END7983USNP / 160158,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES", Attorney Docket No. END7984USNP / 160_159 ____________________________________ US AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR ", Attorney Reference Number END7985USNP / 160160.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", Attorney Docket No. END7986USNP / 160161,
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END7987USNP / 160162,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7988USNP / 160163,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEAUTES", Attorney Docket No. END7989USNP / 160164,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", Attorney Docket Number END7990USNP / 160165,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7991USNP / 160166,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE," Attorney Docket No. END7992USNP / 1607
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE", Attorney Docket No. END7993USNP / 160168,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGENENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", Attorney Docket No. END7994USNP / 160169
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END7995USNP / 160170,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7996USNP / 160171,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END7997USNP / 160172,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION_UNLESS_UNESPENT_SEPARATION_PAT. The name of the invention is "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", and the agent reference number END7999USNP / 160174.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT", Attorney Docket No. END8013USNP / 160175,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES," Attorney Docket No. END8014USNP / 160176,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL", Attorney Docket No. END8016USNP / 160178,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN", Attorney Docket No. END8017USNP / 160179,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER", Attorney Docket No. END8018USNP / 160180,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8019USNP / 160181,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8020USNP / 160182,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of the Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket Number END_802. FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE ", attorney docket number END8023USNP / 160185.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8038USNP / 160186,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS", Attorney Docket No. END8039USNP / 160187,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLE FROM FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "BILTERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS", Attorney Docket No. END8042USNP / 160190,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FINDING NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOTING AND FIRING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8044USNP / 160192,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES," Attorney Docket No. END8045USNP / 160193,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS", Attorney Docket No. END8047USNP / 160195,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS," Attorney Docket No. END8048USNP / 160196,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS", Attorney Docket No. END8050USNP / 160198,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE", Attorney Docket No. END8051USNP / 160199,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES", Attorney Docket No. END8052USNP / 160200,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES", Attorney Docket No. END8053USNP / 160201,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS," Attorney Docket No. END8054USNP / 160202,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _______________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SPECIAL AND DISTINCT PERFORMANCE CUSTOMER PERFORMANCE SERVICES AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________, Title of Invention "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH", Attorney Docket No. END8057USNP / 160205,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "CLOSURE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8058USNP / 160206, and-U.S. Patent Application No. _________________, __________________ No. END8059USNP / 160207.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STEPTED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRAL STAPLES", Attorney Docket No. END8000USNP / 160208,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of Invention "STEPTED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END8001USNP / 160209,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES," Attorney Docket No. END8002USNP / 160210,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLYES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8002USP
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES", Attorney Docket No. END8004USNP / 160212, and - U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "CONNECTION Portions FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS ", Attorney Reference Number END8005USNP / 160213.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TOA SURGICAL ROBOT", Agent No. 160 / USD No.
-U.S. Patent Application No. "____________________________________________, SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT 160
-U.S. Patent Application No. _______________________________________, Title of Invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8008USNP / 160216,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ________________________, SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DENSF ENGINEERING No. 800, REFERENCE NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TOTO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR FULL PORTER PERFORMANCE
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Attorney Docket No. END8011USNP / 160219, and-U.S. Patent Application No. _______________, No. END8012USNP / 160220.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date as the present application, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS," Attorney Docket No. END8024USNP / 160221,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8025USNP / 160222,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8026USNP / 160223,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURATION TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES, No. 160, US Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of the Invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8028USNP / 160225,
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN FIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR" of the invention, Attorney Docket No. END8029USNP / 160226,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF OF SURGITAL INSTRUMENTS, No. 160, No. 28, Agency No. 160
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUAL SHAFT OF AUTNUS PERFORMANCE NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR No. 160, JUSN, No. 80, JASN, No. 80, JASN 80/32
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT", Attorney Docket No. END8033USNP / 160230,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK", Attorney Docket No. END16034N
-U.S. Patent Application No. ____________, Title of Invention "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO REVIEW US AREA REVIEW NO.
-US Patent Application No. ___________________________________________________________________________, US Patent Application No. ____________________________ The name of the invention, "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES", and the agent reference number END8037USNP / 160234.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,775, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,807, entitled "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,834, entitled "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME",
U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,788, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES";

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,218, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER",
-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,227, entitled "SURGICAL FASTENER",
-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,259, title of the invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE", and-U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 569,264, title of the invention "SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE".

The applicant of the present application owns the following 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 RECONFIGURE GRIP PORTION,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,262, entitled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUABLE 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 / 089,296, entitled "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT ASH FASH
-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 CONFIGURATION 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 COMPULSING 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 CONFIGURATION 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 invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", and-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 089,349, title of invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION COLOR CONFIGURATION CONFIGURATION CONFIGURATION.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following identified U.S. patent applications, filed December 31, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 984,488, entitled "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 984,525, title of invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVETTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-U.S. patent application Ser. AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS ".

Applicants also own the following identified U.S. patent applications, filed 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 ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAIN",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATEABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, entitled "ARTICULABLE 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; Title of Invention "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS"; REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS ”.

Applicants also own the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed February 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its 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, title of invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATE FOR DIVIVTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275; Title of Invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATE FOR DIVIVTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,289; 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 Ser. No. 14 / 742,925, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,941, entitled "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, entitled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 742,900, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT PORTER PORTER PORTER ART OVER PORT INTERNATIONAL
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,885; title of invention "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,876; FOR ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 6, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,746, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,795, entitled "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, entitled "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, entitled "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, entitled "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;
-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. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, entitled "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, entitled "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT SELECT CONTROL CONTROL FROM FROM HAND02, U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, entitled "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765, entitled "SYSTEM FOR DETECTION THE THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, entitled "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640, No. 780, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,546, entitled "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURATION TO ASSESS WHEETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WANTIN ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORIES ANNUAL ACCESSORY
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,560, entitled "Surgical Charging Systems THAT Charges And / Or Conditions One Or More Bateries", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,566, entitled "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, entitled "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHEETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,542, entitled "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, entitled "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, entitled "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,541, title of invention "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,562, title of invention. SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURATION TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER ", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,478, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STORY MERGE FRONT GIRL OF THE GIRL OF THE GIRL OF THE GIRL OF THE FIRING GOVERNING OF THE FIRGING OF THE GIRL
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, entitled "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, entitled "LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLYES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0149.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 575,130, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TOA TRAVEL PORTER TRACE AUTHOR TRAVEL TOP LAST ATOP REGARD TO A LAST GALLERY TO GIRL ,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 575,117, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Pat.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 575,154, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,500. The title of the invention is "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on March 1, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, titled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246461,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,323, entitled "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,338, entitled "THUMMBHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Pat. Application Publication No. 2014/02494957;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,499, entitled "Electromechanical Surgical Device with Signal Relay Arrangement", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;
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", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 782,481, entitled "Sensor Straightened End Effector During Removal Through Trocar", currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, entitled "CONTROL METALDS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, entitled "Rotary Powered Surgical Instruments With Multiple Multiple Degrees of Freedom", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,398,911, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536. No., title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on March 14, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,193, entitled "CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT," currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,053, title of invention "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLYES FOR US WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564;
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,
-U.S. Patent Application 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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, entitled "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,117, entitled "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, entitled "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,351,727, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159. The title of the invention is "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant also owns the following patent application, filed March 7, 2014, the entire contents of which are 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, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,106, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0275258,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,099, entitled "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT", currently 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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,117, entitled "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", currently 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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579,
-U.S. Patent Application 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", currently 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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,097, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,126, entitled "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,133, titled "MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 226,081, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROL A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT", currently 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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,111, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 226,125, "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, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 479,103, entitled "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", currently 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", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, entitled "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION," currently 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;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,110, entitled "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098, entitled "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION," currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, titled "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, The name of the invention, "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicants also own the following patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,590, entitled "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", currently 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 ROTATABLE OUTPUT," currently US Patent Application No. 305, U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROL LING THE OPERATION OF THE THE SURGITAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, entitled "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, entitled "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 248,584, entitled "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES RIGHT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES CURRENT SERVICES U.S. Pat.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLLER", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, title of invention "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607. The title of the invention is "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

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

  As set forth in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments. Well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. The reader is advised that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and exemplary. Will understand. Modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the claims.

  The terms "comprise" (any form of comprises, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include ( include) "(any word form of include, such as" includes "and" including "), and" contain "(any word form of container, such as" contains "and" containing ") are open-ended concatenations. Verb. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements has one or more of those elements but one of them. It is not limited to having only one or more. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features has one or more of those features, It is not limited to having only the above features.

  The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician operating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion remote from the clinician. It will be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

  Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including those associated with open surgery. By reading through the Detailed Description of the Invention herein, the reader will appreciate that various instruments disclosed herein can be used, for example, through incisions or punctures made in tissue through natural orifices. It will be further appreciated that it can be inserted into the body in any manner, 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 an access device having a working passageway through which the end effector and elongate shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced. You can also.

  A surgical stapling system can include a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector has a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a staple cartridge. A staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable or at least not easily replaceable from the first jaw; Other embodiments are also contemplated. The second jaw includes an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable about a closed axis with respect to the first jaw, but the first jaw is pivotable with respect to the second jaw. Embodiments are also envisioned. The surgical stapling system further includes an articulation configured to allow the end effector to rotate, ie, articulate, with respect to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation. Other embodiments that do not include an articulation are also contemplated.

  The staple cartridge includes 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. Subsequently, the staple removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed in the tissue. The cartridge body includes a staple cavity defined therein, and the staple is removably stored in the staple cavity. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are located on a first side of the longitudinal slot, and three rows of staple cavities are located on a 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 fired, position that ejects staples from the staple cavity. The driver includes an elastic member held in the cartridge body by a holder extending around the bottom of the cartridge body, and configured to hold the cartridge body and hold the holder with respect to the cartridge body. Including. Drivers are movable by a sled between their unfired position and their fired position. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled includes a plurality of ramps configured to slide under the driver and lift the driver, with staples supported thereon and toward 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 toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive a firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further includes a first cam that engages the first jaw, and a second cam that engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil, ie, the tissue gap. The firing member also includes a knife configured to cut tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable that the knife be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramp so that the staples are ejected forward of the knife.

  A surgical instrument comprising a handle 110 and a shaft assembly 1100 removably attachable to the handle 110 is shown in FIGS. 1-1J. The shaft assembly 1000 includes a mounting portion 1100 configured to releasably attach the shaft assembly 1000 to the handle 110, a frame assembly 1200 extending distally from the mounting portion 1100, and a frame around an articulation joint 1700. And an end effector rotatably coupled to the assembly 1200. The end effector includes a cartridge jaw 2020 configured to receive a staple cartridge 2010 therein, and an anvil jaw 2030. Referring primarily to FIG. 1E, anvil jaw 2030 is rotatably coupled to cartridge jaw 2020 about pin 2025. Shaft assembly 1000 further includes a closure system 1300 configured to move anvil jaw 2030 toward cartridge jaw 2020, as described in further detail below. Additionally, shaft assembly 1000 further includes a firing system 1400 configured to eject staples removably stored within staple cartridge 2010 and deform the staples with respect to anvil jaw 2030.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1A, 1C, and 1D, the mounting portion 1100 includes a lower frame 1110 and an upper frame 1120 further mounted to the lower frame 1110. Upper frame 1120 includes frames 1110 and latches 1130 configured to releasably engage frame of handle 110 with the frame of handle 110. The mounting portion 1100 further includes a housing portion 1140 and a nozzle 1150 mounted to the housing portion 1140. The housing portion 1140 is internally defined to allow the housing portion 1140 and the nozzle 1150 to rotate but not translate, or at least not substantially translate, with respect to the frames 1110 and 1120. Including one or more grooves and / or one or more walls. Further, housing portion 1140 includes one or more grooves and / or one or more walls defined therein configured to mount frame assembly 1200. Frame assembly 1200 is engaged with housing portion 1140, such that frame assembly 1200, housing portion 1140, and nozzle 1150 are rotatable together about longitudinal axis 1001 of shaft assembly 1000.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, frame assembly 1200 includes a proximal frame portion 1210, an intermediate frame portion 1220, and a distal frame portion 1230. Frame portions 1210, 1220, and 1230 include the rigid, or at least substantially rigid, spines of shaft assembly 1100. The proximal end of the proximal frame portion 1210 is mounted on a slip joint interface 1260. The slip joint interface 1260 is a slip joint interface defined on the lower frame 1110 of the mounting portion 1100 that is configured to allow the frame assembly 1200 to rotate with respect to the frames 1110 and 1120 as described above. Work with 1160. In addition, the slip joint mating surfaces 1160 and 1260 cooperate to provide an electric mating surface that can, for example, electrically couple a sensor in the end effector and the mounting portion 1100. The mounting portion 1100 is in electrical communication 1 with a slip joint interface 1160, which may be arranged to be in electrical communication with a control module and / or a microprocessor of the handle 110, for example, when the shaft assembly 1000 is mounted on the handle 110. Including one or more circuits.

  In addition to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E and 1F, the frame assembly 1200 further includes a spine cover 1250. The spine cover 1250 cooperates with the frame portions 1210, 1220, and 1230 to surround, or at least substantially surround, the firing system 1400. Frame assembly 1200 further includes a spacer 1280 configured to prevent or at least limit relative movement between frame assembly 1200 and closure system 1300. Each spacer 1280 includes one or more pins extending therefrom, wherein the pins extend into openings defined in closure system 1300.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E and 1F, the closure assembly 1300 includes a closure actuator 1310 operably coupled with the closure trigger 130 of the handle 110 when the shaft assembly 1000 is assembled to the handle 110. The closure assembly 1300 further includes a closure tube 1330 and, in addition, a tube holder 1320 configured to mount the closure tube 1330 to the closure actuator 1310. More specifically, tube retainer 1320 may be used to close closure tube 1330 so that closure retainer 1310 can push closure tube 1330 distally and pull closure tube 1330 proximally. Attach to Referring primarily to FIG. 1E, closure assembly 1300 further includes a distal closure tube 1340 rotatably coupled to closure tube 1330 via articulated link 1350. When closure tube 1330 is pushed distally by closure actuator 1310, closure tube 1330 pushes distal closure tube 1340 into engagement with anvil jaw 2030 and moves anvil jaw 2030 toward cartridge jaw 2020. Let it. When the closure tube 1330 is pulled proximally by the closure actuator 1310, the distal closure tube 1340 may be disengaged from the anvil jaw 2030, allowing the anvil jaw 2030 to be opened. In other examples, distal closure tube 1340 may pull anvil jaw 2030 to an open position, or at least a partially open position, as distal closure tube 1340 retracts.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1D, 1E and 1F, the firing assembly 1400 includes a proximal firing rod 1410 operably engaged with the firing system of the handle 110 when the shaft assembly 1000 is assembled to the handle 110. The firing assembly 1400 further includes an intermediate firing rod 1420 connected to the proximal firing rod 1410, and additionally a firing bar 1430 connected to the intermediate firing rod 1420. The firing bar 1430 comprises a plurality of flexible layers, but may include any suitable configuration. The firing assembly 1400 further includes a connection member 1440 mounted on the firing bar 1430. As the firing assembly 1400 is advanced distally by the firing system of the handle 110, the coupling member 1440 pushes the sled 2015 of the staple cartridge 2010 distally, causing the staple cartridge 2010 to move away from the staple cartridge 2010 and the anvil jaw 2030. Eject staples into the tissue captured between. The connection member 1440 also includes a cutting edge that cuts tissue as the connection member 1440 is advanced distally to eject staples.

  In addition to the above, referring to FIGS. 1F and 1I, the shaft assembly 1000 further includes a frame pin 1240. The frame pin 1240 connects the frame assembly 1200 and the firing assembly 1400 together, as described above, which are tuned about the longitudinal axis 1001 as the nozzle 1150 rotates about the longitudinal axis 1001. To be able to rotate. Referring primarily to FIG. 11, the frame pins 1240 extend through openings 1222 defined in the intermediate frame portion 1220 and are snugly positioned therein. Frame pin 1240 also includes a protrusion 1242 that extends into an opening 1212 defined in proximal frame portion 1210. As before, the protrusion 1242 is positioned snugly within the opening 1212. In addition, frame pin 1240 also includes a slot 1244 defined therein. Proximal firing rod 1410 extends through slot 1244 and slides with respect to frame pin 1240 as proximal firing rod 1410 is moved proximally and distally, as described above. The sidewalls of the slots 1244 are spaced from one another to closely receive the outer portion 1412 of the proximal firing rod 1410 therebetween. As a result, the frame pins 1240 may transmit rotation of the frame assembly 1200 to the firing assembly 1400 when the frame assembly 1200 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 1001, as described above. Referring primarily to FIG. 1F, closure tube 1330 may also include a gap opening 1332 defined therein that is configured to receive a portion of frame pin 1240 therein.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1E, 1F, 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000 further includes an articulation system 1500 configured to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint 1700. The articulation system 1500 includes an articulation driver 1510 mounted on a proximal firing rod 1410, and in addition, an articulation bar 1520 selectively engageable with the articulation driver 1510. When articulation bar 1520 is engaged with articulation driver 1510, movement of proximal firing rod 1410 is transmitted to articulation bar 1520. In such an example, shaft assembly 1000 is in an articulation mode of operation. When articulation bar 1520 is not engaged with articulation driver 1510, movement of proximal firing rod 1410 is not transmitted to articulation bar 1520. In such an example, shaft assembly 1000 is in a firing mode of operation. As a result of the above, movement of the firing assembly 1400 is selectively transferable to the articulation system 1500. As will be described in further detail below, the shaft assembly 1000 further includes a switching system 1600 configured to switch the shaft assembly 1000 between its articulating operating mode and its firing operating mode.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1C and 1F, switching system 1600 includes a shift collar 1610 and a shift plate 1620. The shift collar 1610 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis 1001 of the shaft assembly 1000 between an inactive position and an active position. Closure assembly 1300 is configured to drive switching system 1600 and rotate shift collar 1610 from its inactive position to its active position as closure assembly 1300 advances distally to close anvil jaw 2030. Have been. Shift collar 1610 is configured to longitudinally drive shift plate 1620 from a first position to a second position when shift collar 1610 is moved from its inactive position to its active position. When shift plate 1620 is in its first position, articulation bar 1520 is operatively engaged with proximal firing rod 1410 and shaft assembly 1000 is in its articulated operating mode. In such an example, proximal and distal movement of firing assembly 1400 is transmitted to articulation assembly 1500. When shift plate 1620 is moved to its second position, shift plate 1620 operatively separates articulation bar 1520 from proximal firing rod 1410, and shaft assembly 1000 is in its firing mode of operation. In such an example, proximal and distal movement of firing assembly 1400 is not transmitted to articulation assembly 1500.

  In addition, when the closure assembly 1300 is pulled proximally to disengage the distal closure tube 1340 from the anvil jaw 2030, the shift collar 1610 may rotate back to its inactive position. Referring again to FIG. 1F, switching system 1600 further includes a biasing member or spring 1630 configured to bias shift collar 1610 to its inactive position.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the articulation system 1500 further includes an articulation assembly 1530 fixedly mounted to the distal frame portion 1230. Articulation assembly 1530 includes an articulation frame 1540 and, in addition, a locking system 1550 slidably mounted on articulation frame 1540. Locking system 1550 is slidable in a distal direction and allows the end effector to rotate in a first direction about articulation joint 1700. The locking system 1550 is also slidable in a proximal direction, allowing the end effector to rotate about the articulation 1700 in a second direction. Articulating bar 1520 operates with locking system 1550 such that articulating bar 1520 can push locking system 1550 distally when articulating bar 1520 is pushed distally by proximal firing rod 1410. Engagable. Further, the articulation bar 1520 can be configured such that the articulation bar 1520 can pull the locking system 1550 proximally when the articulation bar 1520 is pulled proximally by the proximal firing rod 1410. And operably engaged.

  In addition to the above, the articulation assembly 1530 further includes an articulation link 1560. Similar to the locking system 1550, the articulation bar 1520 is configured to push the articulation link 1560 distally when the articulation bar 1520 is pushed distally, and correspondingly, The articulation link 1560 is configured to be pulled proximally when the articulation bar 1520 is pulled proximally. The distal end of the articulation link 1560 is engaged with a channel retainer 1570 fixedly mounted to the cartridge jaw 1220. More specifically, channel retainer 1570 includes a pin extending therefrom, wherein the pin is located within an opening defined in articulation link 1560. When the articulation link 1560 is pushed distally, in addition to the above, the articulation link 1560 drives the end effector in its first direction. When articulation link 1560 is pulled proximally, articulation link 1560 drives the end effector in a second, or opposite, direction, as shown in FIG. 1H.

  Articulation assembly 1530, in addition to the above, is configured and arranged to prevent rotation of the end effector about articulation joint 1700 when locking system 1550 is in a neutral or depressed state. When the locking system 1550 is pushed distally or pulled proximally by the articulation bar 1520, the articulation assembly 1530 is unlocked, thereby rotating the end effector about the articulation joint 1700. obtain. To relock the end effector in place, the articulation bar 1520 may be used to reposition the locking system 1550 to a neutral state and / or to cause the biasing member to reposition the locking system 1550 to a neutral state. May be possible.

  Referring again to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000 further includes a knife guide 1450 positioned within and / or adjacent to the articulation joint 1700. Knife guide 1450 is configured to support firing bar 1430 when the end effector is in an articulated configuration, as shown in FIG. 1H, among other configurations. The knife guide 1450 is internally configured to support and / or guide the layers of the firing bar 1430, as described above, particularly when the firing bar 1430 is moved proximally and distally. An outer wall 1454 is defined. Knife guide 1450 is configured to rotate within articulation joint 1700 when the end effector is rotated. More specifically, knife guide 1450 rotates in a first direction when the end effector is rotated in a first direction and, correspondingly, when the end effector is rotated in a second direction. Guide 1450 rotates in a second direction. The distal end 1456 of the knife guide 1450 includes a post extending therefrom, the post being defined in a channel retainer 1570, which may function as a pivot joint between the knife guide 1450 and the channel retainer 1570. Located in the opening.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the shaft assembly 1000 further includes a cap 1460 engaged with the channel retainer 1570. In at least one example, cap 1460 is engaged to channel retainer 1570, for example, in a snap-fit manner. Cap 1460 is configured to limit vertical movement of firing bar 1430 and retain firing bar 1430 within knife guide 1450.

  Referring again to FIG. 1H, knife guide 1450 includes an outer pusher 1452 extending therefrom. Outer pusher 1452 is configured to push patient tissue out of joint 1700 when end effector and knife guide 1450 is rotated, as described above. Stated another way, outer pusher 1452 is configured to push tissue away from a pinch point, for example, between cartridge jaw 2020 and frame assembly 1200. Further, outer pusher 1452 is configured to block, or close, the gap defined between cartridge jaw 2020 and frame assembly 1200.

  A surgical instrument 2000 is shown in FIGS. The surgical instrument 2000 includes a cartridge jaw 2020 and an anvil jaw 2030. The cartridge jaw 2020 includes a staple cartridge 2010 including a plurality of staples removably stored therein. Although the staple cartridge 2010 is replaceable and can be removed from the cartridge jaw 2020, other embodiments where the staple cartridge 2020 is not replaceable are also contemplated. The staple cartridge 2010 includes a proximal end 2011, a distal end 2013, and a tissue compression surface 2012 extending between the proximal end 2011 and the distal end 2013. The staple cartridge 2010 further includes a staple cavity defined in the tissue compression surface 2012 and staples removably stored within the staple cavity. Anvil jaw 2030 includes a proximal end 2031, a distal end 2033, and a tissue compression surface 2032 extending between the proximal end 2031 and the distal end 2033. Anvil jaw 2030 further includes a staple forming pocket defined within tissue compression surface 2032.

  Anvil jaw 2030 is rotatably connected to cartridge jaw 2020. Referring to FIG. 2, the cartridge jaw 2020 includes openings 2016 defined on both sides thereof. Each opening 2016 is elongated and extends along a vertical axis 2001. Anvil jaw 2030 includes a protrusion 2036 extending laterally therefrom in the opposite direction. The protrusion 2036 is slidably positioned within the opening 2016. The opening 2016 and the protrusion 2036 define a joint, about which the anvil jaw 2030 can rotate relative to the cartridge jaw 2020 between an open position and a closed position. The protrusion 2036 is provided between the vertical sidewalls of the opening 2016 such that proximal and distal longitudinal movement of the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the cartridge jaw 2020 is prevented or at least suppressed. To be closely accepted. However, the protrusion 2036 is vertically movable within the opening 2016, as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the anvil jaw may include a pivot pin about which the anvil jaw rotates relative to the cartridge jaw between an open position and a fully closed position. It is possible.

  In addition to the above, the surgical instrument 2000 is configured to contact the anvil jaw 2030 during the closing stroke and move the anvil jaw 2030 from its open position toward its closed position (FIG. 3). Includes a closure member or tube 2040. More specifically, closure tube 2040 engages a cam surface 2035 defined on anvil jaw 2030 and pushes distal end 2033 of anvil jaw 2030 toward distal end 2013 of staple cartridge 2010. Including a distal tube end 2045 configured to rotate. The closure tube 2040 slides distally along the cam surface 2035 until the distal tube end 2045 contacts a push shoulder 2037 defined on the anvil jaw 2030. In such an example, protrusion 2036 rotates within opening 2016 as anvil jaw 2030 rotates relative to cartridge jaw 2020.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 3, rotation of the anvil jaw 2030 alone causes the tissue gap (DTG) between the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010 and the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 to increase. The tissue gap (PTG) between the proximal end 2011 of 2010 and the proximal end 2031 of the anvil jaw 2030 may be larger. When the distal tissue gap DTG is larger than the proximal tissue gap PTG, the tissue trapped in the distal tissue gap DTG experiences less clamping force, ie, compression, than the tissue trapped in the proximal tissue gap PTG. I can do it. Further, in such an example, the tissue compression surface 2032 of the anvil jaw 2030 may not be parallel to the tissue compression surface 2012 of the staple cartridge 2010, such that the staple deformed by the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030. May be larger than the staple deformed by the proximal end 2031.

  In addition to the above, closure tube 2040 further includes one or more lift cams 2046 configured to move distal end 2033 of anvil jaw 2030 closer to distal end 2013 of staple cartridge 2010. The lift cam 2046 of the closure tube 2040 is configured to engage the protrusion 2036 of the anvil jaw 2030 and to push the protrusion 2036 upward within the opening 2016 during the closing stroke of the closure tube 2040. In such an example, the lift cam 2046 drives the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 toward the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010 to provide a clamping force applied to tissue captured within the distal tissue gap DTG. Can be increased. In various examples, the lift cam 2046 can position the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the staple cartridge 2010 such that the distal tissue gap DTG is the same, or at least substantially the same, as the proximal tissue gap PTG. It should be understood that the thickness of the tissue captured between the tissue compression surfaces 2012 and 2032 can affect the distal tissue gap DTG and the proximal tissue gap PTG. In any case, the clamping force applied to the tissue in the distal tissue gap DTG may be the same, or at least substantially the same, as the clamping force applied to the tissue in the proximal tissue gap PTG.

  In various examples, in addition to the above, tissue captured within the distal tissue gap DTG can be pushed out of the distal tissue gap DTG as the tissue is being dissected by the cutting member. In at least one example, the lift cam 2046 can position the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the staple cartridge 2010 such that the distal tissue gap DTG is smaller than the proximal tissue gap PTG. In such an example, the clamping force applied to the tissue in the distal tissue gap DTG may be greater than the clamping force applied to the tissue in the proximal tissue gap PTG. As a result, tissue captured within the DTG is less likely to be pushed out of the distal tissue gap DTG.

  In at least one sense, in addition to the above, the distal tube end 2045 of the closure tube 2040 includes a first or first cam, and the lift cam 2046 of the closure tube 2040 includes a second or subsequent cam. Including. However, the lift cam 2046 can be configured to engage the protrusion 2036 at any suitable time during the closing stroke. In at least one example, lift cam 2046 is configured to engage protrusion 2036 at the same time that distal tube end 2045 engages push shoulder 2037. In such an example, the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 may be pushed down toward the distal end 2013 of the staple cartridge 2010 at the end of the closing stroke. In another example, the lift cam 2046 is configured to engage the protrusion 2036 before the distal tube end 2045 engages the push shoulder 2037. In such an example, the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 may bow downward when the anvil jaw 2030 is closed. In some examples, the lift cam 2046 is configured to engage the protrusion 2036 after the distal tube end 2045 has engaged the push shoulder 2037. In such an example, the closure tube 2040 may apply a significant clamping force to the tissue at the end of the closure stroke, including: 1, a push-closure force component from the distal tube end 2045, and 2, from the lift cam 2046. Lift-closing force component.

  As noted above, referring again to FIG. 3, the lift cam 2046 is configured to affect, or close, the distal tissue gap DTG during the closing stroke of the closure tube 2040. The lift cam 2046 does not affect or at least substantially does not affect the proximal tissue gap PTG. In various examples, tissue positioned within the proximal tissue gap PTG may act as a fulcrum about which the anvil jaw 2030 rotates when the lift cam 2046 engages the anvil protrusion 2036. In certain instances, the proximal tissue gap PTG may be adjusted to the thickness of the tissue captured between the anvil compression surface 2032 and the cartridge compression surface 2012.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the anvil jaw 2030 includes a longitudinal slot 2038 that is configured to receive a portion of the firing assembly, a cutting member portion of the firing assembly, during a tissue cutting stroke. As will be described in further detail below, the firing assembly may include a cam member configured to engage the anvil jaw 2030 and position the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the staple cartridge 2010 during a tissue cutting stroke. . The longitudinal slot 2038 includes a cam surface 2039 that is engaged by the firing assembly to compress or control the compression of tissue captured between the cartridge compression surface 2012 and the anvil compression surface 2032. The cam surface 2039 of the anvil jaw 2030 is parallel to the tissue compression surface 2032. In other embodiments, the cam surface 2039 is not parallel to the tissue compression surface 2032. In at least one such embodiment, cam surface 2039 extends along a plane that is not parallel to the plane containing tissue compression surface 2032. For example, the distance between the cam surface 2039 and the tissue compression surface 2032 at the distal end 2033 of the anvil jaw 2030 may be greater as compared to the proximal end 2031. In such an example, the compressive force applied to the tissue by the firing assembly may increase, for example, as the cutting member portion progresses through its tissue cutting stroke, preventing the tissue from being pushed out of the distal tissue gap DTG or That possibility can be at least reduced.

  In various examples, in addition to the above, the cam surface 2039 of the anvil jaw 2030 is directed downward toward the distal end 2013 of the cartridge jaw 2010 when the anvil jaw 2030 reaches its fully closed position. obtain.

  A surgical instrument 2100 is shown in FIGS. Surgical instrument 2100 is similar in many respects to surgical instrument 2000. The surgical instrument 2100 includes a cartridge jaw 2120 and an anvil jaw 2030. The cartridge jaw 2120 includes a staple cartridge 2010 that includes a plurality of staples removably stored therein. While staple cartridge 2010 is replaceable and can be removed from cartridge jaw 2120, other embodiments where staple cartridge 2010 is not replaceable are also contemplated. As before, anvil jaw 2030 is rotatably coupled to cartridge jaw 2120. Cartridge jaw 2120 includes openings 2116 defined on both sides thereof. Each opening 2116 is elongated and extends along a vertical axis 2001.

  Also, as before, anvil jaw 2030 includes a protrusion 2036 extending laterally therefrom in an opposite direction. Projection 2036 is slidably positioned within opening 2116. The opening 2116 and the projection 2036 define a joint about which the anvil jaw 2030 can rotate relative to the cartridge jaw 2120 between an open position and a closed position. The protrusion 2036 is provided between the vertical sidewalls of the opening 2116 such that longitudinal proximal and distal movement of the anvil jaw 2030 relative to the cartridge jaw 2120 is prevented or at least suppressed. To be closely accepted. Thus, the protrusion 2036 can move vertically within the opening 2116. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, cartridge jaw 2120 further includes longitudinal slots 2117 defined on both sides thereof. Each longitudinal slot 2117 intersects the bottom of opening 2116.

  In addition to the above, the surgical instrument 2100 contacts the anvil jaw 2030 during the closing stroke and moves the anvil jaw 2030 from its open position (FIG. 4) toward its closed position (FIG. 5). Includes a closure member or tube 2040 that is configured. More specifically, in addition to the above, the distal tube end 2045 of the closure tube 2040 engages a cam surface 2035 defined on the anvil jaw 2030 to attach the anvil jaw 2030 to the cartridge jaw 2120. It is configured to rotate toward. The closure tube 2040 slides distally along the cam surface 2035 until the distal tube end 2045 contacts a push shoulder 2037 defined on the anvil jaw 2030. In such an example, protrusion 2036 rotates within opening 2116 when anvil jaw 2030 rotates relative to cartridge jaw 2120.

  In addition to the above, the lift cam 2046 of the closure tube 2040 is configured to engage the protrusion 2036 of the anvil jaw 2030 and push the protrusion 2036 upward within the opening 2116 during the closure stroke of the closure tube 2040. ing. In such an example, the lift cam 2046 drives the distal tip of the anvil jaw 2030 toward the distal tip of the cartridge jaw 2120 and moves the distal tip of the cartridge jaw 2120 with the distal tip of the anvil jaw 2030. The clamping force applied to the intervened captured tissue may be increased. Movement of the lift cam 2046 is restricted to the longitudinal path defined by the longitudinal slot 2117. In at least one example, the longitudinal path includes a longitudinal axis that is, for example, orthogonal, or at least substantially orthogonal, to the vertical axis 2001. The intersection of the longitudinal slot 2117 and the opening 2116 allows the lift cam 2046 to engage the protrusion 2036 as the closure tube 2040 advances distally during its closing stroke.

  As described above, surgical instruments 2000 and 2100 include a fixed cartridge jaw and a movable anvil jaw. However, other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, a surgical instrument may include a fixed anvil jaw and a movable cartridge jaw. Such embodiments may be useful, for example, where the space between the target tissue and the body cavity wall is limited. More specifically, in various examples, the anvil jaws 2030 are thinner than the staple cartridge jaws 2020, and when the anvil jaws 2030 are fixed, the anvil jaws 2030 may be behind tissue in tight space. It may provide a slidable, thin but hard jaw.

  A surgical instrument 2200 is shown in FIGS. Surgical instrument 2200 is similar in many respects to surgical instruments 2000 and 2100. The surgical instrument 2200 includes a cartridge jaw 2220 and an anvil jaw 2230 rotatably connected to the cartridge jaw 2220. Cartridge jaw 2220 includes a replaceable staple cartridge 2210 that includes a plurality of staples removably stored therein. In other embodiments, staple cartridge 2210 is not removed from cartridge jaw 2220. Cartridge jaw 2220 and anvil jaw 2230 are similar to cartridge jaw 2020 and anvil jaw 2030, respectively. Surgical instrument 2200 further comprises a closure tube 2240. Closure tube 2240 is similar in many respects to closure tube 2040. In particular, closure tube 2240 is configured to engage cam surface 2035 and / or push shoulder 2037 on anvil jaw 2230 to rotate anvil jaw 2230 toward cartridge jaw 2220. A distal tube end 2245 is included.

  Surgical instrument 2200 further includes a firing assembly 2250. The firing assembly 2250 includes a connecting member 2251, a firing bar 2254 mounted on the connecting member 2251, and a firing rod 2252. Coupling member 2251 is advanced distally from the proximal unfired position to the distal fired position by firing rod 2252 and firing bar 2254 during the firing stroke of firing assembly 2250 to eject staples from staple cartridge 2210. It is configured as follows. Coupling member 2251 includes a first cam configured to engage cartridge jaw 2220 and a second cam configured to engage anvil jaw 2230 during the firing stroke. Including. In particular, the first and second cams lock the anvil jaws 2230 in a closed position during the firing stroke. After at least a portion of the firing stroke is completed, firing assembly 2250 may be retracted from jaws 2220 and 2230 to disengage the first and second cams, respectively. At such time, the closure tube 2240 may be retracted proximally to disengage the distal tube end 2245 from the cam surface 2035.

  The closure tube 2240 further includes at least one crimp tab 2249 (FIG. 3). The crimp tab 2249 is configured to securely open the anvil jaw 2230. As the closure tube 2240 retracts proximally, in addition to the above, the distal tube end 2245 slides proximally across the cam surface 2035 and the crimp tab 2249 after the closure tube 2240 has fully retracted. Contact cam tabs 2239 defined on anvil jaws 2230. Stated another way, the crimp tab 2249 does not initially engage the cam tab 2239 when the closure tube 2240 is retracted, but rather, the clamp tab 2249 does not engage the cam tab when the closure tube 2240 is retracted. Contact 2239. Once the crimp tab 2249 is engaged with the cam tab 2239, further retraction of the closure tube 2240 opens the anvil jaw 2230. Closure tube 2240 must be sufficiently retracted for the biasing member to open anvil jaw 2230. As a result, the anvil jaws 2230 may be moved by the use of a resilient biasing mechanism that can drive the anvil jaws 2230 to at least a partially open position while the closure tube 2240 is retracted, as described in more detail below. , Cannot be opened immediately during the retraction stroke of the closing tube 2240.

  In addition to the above, firing assembly 2250 includes a biasing member or spring 2256 positioned intermediate firing rod 2252 and proximal tail 2255 of firing bar 2254. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, a spring 2256 includes an end firmly mounted within a recess 2257 defined at the distal end of the firing rod 2252, as well as a longitudinal axis defined within the firing rod 2252. A cantilevered end 2258 extending into the directional opening 2253. When firing assembly 2250 is retracted, firing rod 2252 applies a retracting force to firing bar 2254 via spring 2256, as shown in FIG. This retraction force elastically compresses spring 2256, as also shown in FIG. As firing assembly 2250 retracts, coupling member 2251 contacts anvil jaw 2230. More specifically, shoulder 2259 defined on coupling member 2251 contacts cam tab 2239 defined on anvil jaw 2230. At this point, spring 2256 is still in its compressed state, applying a load to anvil jaw 2230 via coupling member 2251. However, with this load, the anvil jaw 2230 will not open until the closure tube 2240 has moved proximally away from the push shoulder 2037. However, as the closure tube 2240 begins its opening movement, this load may cause the anvil jaws 2230 to open quickly or at least partially open, as shown in FIG. In various examples, as a result, there is little, if any, lug between the opening movement of the closure tube 2240 and the opening movement of the anvil jaw 2230.

  In addition to the above, spring 2256 applies an immediate opening force to anvil jaw 2230 as long as spring 2256 is elastically compressed between firing rod 2252 and firing bar 2254. Once the spring 2256 has returned to its uncompressed state, the firing assembly 2250 may no longer apply an opening force to the anvil jaw 2230. Further opening of the anvil jaw 2230 may be achieved by retraction of the closure system, whereby the crimp tab 2249 that opens the jaw applies a force to the cam tab 2239 that completely opens the anvil jaw 2230.

  A connection member 2551 is shown in FIGS. 9-11, and a portion of the firing assembly 2550 is shown in FIG. The coupling member 2551 includes a first cam 2552 configured to engage the first jaw and a second cam 2553 configured to engage the second jaw. Including. Connection member 2551 further includes a recess 2555 defined therein. Recess 2555 is configured to receive firing bar 2554 therein. In at least one example, the outer portion of firing bar 2554 is flush with the outer portion of connecting member 2551 when firing bar 2554 is fully installed within connecting member 2551. In another example, the outer side of the firing bar 2554 is recessed with respect to the outer side of the connecting member 2551.

  In addition to the above, firing bar 2554 includes a plurality of flexible layers. Each of the layers is attached to a connection member 2551. Connection member 2551 includes a first, or proximal, mounting post, or protrusion 2557p, and a second, or distal, mounting post, or protrusion 2557d. Each layer of firing bar 2554 includes an opening 2558p configured to closely receive mounting post 2557p. In at least one example, mounting post 2557p is press-fit into opening 2558p and there is little, if any, relative movement between firing bar 2554 and mounting post 2557p. Similarly, each layer of firing bar 2554 includes an opening 2558d configured to closely receive mounting post 2557d. In at least one example, mounting post 2557d is press-fit into opening 2558d and has little, if any, relative movement between firing bar 2554 and mounting post 2557d. Mounting posts 2557p and 2557d provide significant exposure to allow (1) mechanical attachment of connecting member 2551 to firing bar 2554, and (2) a welded connection between connecting member 2551 and firing bar 2554. A surface extending to the outer surface of the firing bar 2554, which provides a surface area. In various examples, the perimeter of the mounting posts 2557p and 2557d is welded to a layer of the firing bar 2554, or at least an outer layer. In some examples, the ends of mounting posts 2557p and 2557d are fully welded to make a connection between coupling member 2551 and firing bar 2554.

  The mounting post 2557p and the mounting post 2557d are not aligned in the longitudinal direction. Referring primarily to FIG. 9, the mounting posts 2557p and 2557d are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 2558. The longitudinal axis 2558 is collinear with and / or parallel to the longitudinal path of the firing assembly 2550. As a result of the above, the interconnection between coupling member 2251 and firing bar 2554 can withstand torque loads that act to rotate coupling member 2551 upward and / or downward. In an alternative embodiment, mounting posts 2557p and 2557d are longitudinally aligned. In such an example, mounting posts 2557p and 2557d may include an alignment datum for properly orienting coupling member 2551 relative to firing bar 2554.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 10, firing assembly 2550 includes a cutting portion configured to cut patient tissue as firing assembly 2550 is advanced distally through the staple cartridge. The coupling member 2551 includes a first cut portion 2556 'of the cut portion, and the firing bar 2554 includes a second cut portion 2556 "of the cut portion. The first cut portion 2556' is a second cut portion. 2556 ". However, the faces of the first cuts 2556 'are aligned with the faces of the second cuts 2556 "so that these faces are continuous or at least substantially as shown in FIG. A continuous cutting edge. In at least one example, only one layer of the firing bar 2554 constitutes a second cut 2556 ", while two or more layers of the firing bar 2554 form a second cut. Alternate embodiments are contemplated that comprise portion 2556 ". In certain embodiments, coupling member 2551 does not form part of the cutting portion. In at least one such embodiment, firing bar 2554 includes cutting bar 2554. In any case, the arrangement described above eliminates the need to grind the coupling member 2251 and shifts the sharpening operation to one of the flat layers of the firing bar 2554. Te may reduce the cost of making the firing assembly 2250.

  A coupling member 2651 is shown in FIG. 12, a portion of the firing bar 2654 is shown in FIG. 13, and a portion of the firing assembly 2650 including the coupling member 2651 and the firing bar 2654 is shown in FIG. . The coupling member 2651 includes a first cam 2552 configured to engage the first jaw and a second cam 2553 configured to engage the second jaw. Including. Referring to FIG. 12, the connecting member 2651 further includes a recess 2655 defined therein. Recess 2655 is configured to receive firing bar 2654 therein, as shown in FIG. In at least one example, the outer portion of firing bar 2654 is flush with the outer portion of coupling member 2651 when firing bar 2654 is fully installed in recess 2655. In another example, the outer portion of the firing bar 2654 is recessed with respect to the outer portion of the connecting member 2651.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 12, the coupling member 2651 includes a proximal mounting post 2657p and a distal mounting post 2657d. Referring to FIG. 13, the firing bar 2654 includes a proximal opening 2658p configured to tightly receive the mounting post 2657p. In at least one example, the mounting post 2657p is press-fit into the proximal opening 2658p of the firing bar 2654. The firing bar 2654 further includes a distal opening 2658d configured to closely receive the distal mounting post 2657d of the coupling member 2651. In at least one example, the mounting post 2657d is pressed into the proximal opening 2658d of the firing bar 2654. Mounting posts 2657p and 2657d provide significant exposure to allow (1) mechanical attachment of connecting member 2651 to firing bar 2654, and (2) a welded connection between connecting member 2651 and firing bar 2654. A surface extending to the outer surface of the firing bar 2654, which provides a surface area. In various examples, the perimeter of the mounting posts 2657p and 2657d is welded to a layer of the firing bar 2654, or at least an outer layer. In some examples, the ends of mounting posts 2657p and 2657d are fully welded to make the connection between coupling member 2651 and firing bar 2654.

  Referring again to FIG. 13, the firing bar 2654 further includes a hook or pawl 2653. Here, referring to FIG. 14, the hook 2653 is engaged with the connecting member 2651. More specifically, hook 2653 is at least partially wrapped around the distal end of second cam 2553. In various examples, hooks 2653 can be used to align firing bar 2654 with connection member 2651 before firing bar 2654 is installed in recess 2655 in connection member 2651. Further, hook 2653 may extend over cutting portion 2556 "of coupling member 2651 and may be configured to direct tissue flow toward the cutting edge of cutting portion 2556". The firing bar 2654 includes a single layer and the hooks 2653 are defined on that layer, but the hooks 2653 may be defined on multiple layers in other firing bars. In any case, hook 2653, distal opening 2658d, and proximal opening 2658p are configured to hold firing bar 2654 to coupling member 2651.

  As described above, the firing bar 2654 is positioned within the outer recess 2655. Referring to FIG. 12, the second cam 2553 extending above the concave portion 2655 is longer than the other second cams 2553. Further, the firing bar 2654 is laterally offset with respect to the center of the coupling member 2651. In use, as a result, firing bar 2654 may experience a lateral twist as firing assembly 2650 is advanced distally during its firing stroke. To account for this twist, in various examples, the second cam 2553 can be tightly received within a jaw, such as, for example, an anvil jaw 2030. More specifically, referring again to FIG. 1, the sidewalls of the slots 2038 are configured such that there is little, if any, lateral clearance between the sidewalls and the outer portion of the second cam 2553. Have been. Other means can be used.

  Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, the firing assembly 2750 includes a connecting member 2751 and a firing bar 2754 including a plurality of layers attached to the connecting member 2751. The coupling member 2751 includes a first cam 2752 configured to engage a first jaw, a second cam 2753 configured to engage a second jaw, and firing A cutting edge 2756 configured to traverse tissue during the firing stroke of assembly 2750. The coupling member 2751 includes a mounting tab 2754a extending proximally therefrom, and outer recesses 2755 defined on opposite sides of the mounting tab 2754a. Referring to FIG. 16, the central layer 2754b of the firing bar 2754 is attachable to a mounting tab 2754a. The mounting tab 2754a and the center layer 2754b define an opening 2754c therebetween, wherein the opening 2754c is configured to receive the weld 2754d and retain the center layer 2754b on the mounting tab 2754a. However, the central layer 2754b can be joined to the mounting tab 2754a using any suitable joining method.

  In addition to the above, and referring now to FIG. 17, the firing bar 2754 further includes an outer layer 2754e attached to the coupling member 2751 in the outer recess 2755. Each of the outer layers 2754e is attached to the connecting member 2751 via a weld 2754f, but other joining methods can be used. In various examples, the weld 2754f is located distal to the weld 2754d. As a result, the point of attachment of outer layer 2754e to coupling member 2751 is located distally with respect to the point of attachment of center layer 2754b. This longitudinal offset allows the welds 2754d and 2754f to withstand and transmit torque loads. Further, the welds 2754d and 2754f are not on the same shear plane, reducing the likelihood that the coupling member 2751 will be removed from the firing bar 2754.

As will be described in more detail below, the firing assembly, or cutting member, can be part of a lockout system configured to prevent or limit distal advancement of the firing assembly in certain instances, and / or Or may include it. Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the coupling member 2551 of the firing assembly 2550 includes a distal protrusion 2559. Distal protrusion 2559 is a lockout configured to prevent firing assembly 2550 from advancing distally when an unused staple cartridge is not properly positioned in front of firing assembly 2550. Part of the arrangement. In such an example, firing assembly 2550 may be moved downwardly into a lockout state by a biasing member as firing assembly 2550 is advanced distally to prevent firing assembly 2550 from performing a staple firing stroke. Can be pushed. As long as an unused staple cartridge is properly positioned in front of firing assembly 2550, distal protrusion 2559 may be supported by a thread in the staple cartridge that may allow firing assembly 2550 to complete a staple firing stroke. Can be done. The entire disclosure below is incorporated herein by reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,352, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENSION OF FIRING" (issued on May 16, 2006),
U.S. Patent No. 7,143,923, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A FIRING LOCKOUT FOR AN UNCLOSED ANVIL" (issued December 5, 2006),
U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT" (issued January 24, 2006),
U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTING CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS" (issued on Feb. 21, 2006), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, the title of the invention SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM "(issued on December 27, 2005).

  The firing assembly 2350 of the surgical instrument 2300 is shown in FIGS. The firing assembly 2350 includes a connection member 2351 and a firing bar 2354 attached to the connection member 2351. Connection member 2351 is similar in many respects to connection member 2551. Fire bar 2354 includes a plurality of layers, including a center layer 2354b and an outer layer 2354e. Surgical instrument 2300 is configured to receive a staple cartridge having a thread stored therein that is advanced distally by firing assembly 2350 during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 2010 includes, for example, a cartridge body 2011 and, in addition, a sled 2014 that is movable from a proximal unfired position to a distal fired position through the cartridge body 2011 during a staple firing stroke. When the sled 2014 is in its proximal unfired position, the staple cartridge 2010 is unused. When the sled 2014 is moved distally from its proximal unfired position, the staple cartridge 2010 is used.

  Fire assembly 2350 further includes a lockout system. As shown in FIG. 20, the lockout system may cause firing assembly 2350 to advance distally if an unused staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 2010, is not properly positioned within surgical instrument 2300, for example. The staple firing stroke is prevented from being performed. In fact, the staple cartridge is completely missing from the surgical instrument 2300 of FIG. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 21, the lockout system may cause the firing assembly 2350 to move distally when an unused staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 2010, is properly positioned within the surgical instrument 2300. To perform a staple firing stroke.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 19, the firing assembly 2350 includes a lockout bar 2360 slidably mounted on the firing bar 2354. Lockout bar 2360 includes a longitudinal portion 2364 and a distal end 2366. The longitudinal portion 2364 of the lockout bar 2360 extends through a longitudinal gap slot defined between the outer layers 2354e of the firing bar 2354. The distal end 2366 of the lockout bar 2360 extends through an opening 2359 defined in the coupling member 2351 and projects distally from the coupling member 2351. The lockout bar 2360 can be moved between the distal or locked position (FIG. 20) and the proximal or unlocked position (FIG. 21) when the unused staple cartridge 2010 is properly positioned within the cartridge jaw 2020. And can slide between them. More specifically, in addition to the above, the unused staple cartridge 2010 contacts the lockout bar 2360 when the unused staple cartridge 2010 is inserted into the cartridge jaw 2020, and causes the lockout bar 2360 to A proximally pushing thread 2014 is included in its proximal unfired position. The sled 2014 is releasably retained by the cartridge body 2011 such that the sled 2014 remains in its proximal unfired position while pushing the lockout bar 2360 proximally. In at least one example, cartridge body 2011 includes one or more detents that releasably hold sled 2014 in its proximal unfired position.

  The firing assembly 2350 further includes a firing rod 2352 having a longitudinal slot 2358 defined therein. Fire bar 2354 includes a proximal end 2355 located within longitudinal slot 2358, and similarly, lockout bar 2360 includes a proximal end 2365 also located within longitudinal slot 2358. When lockout bar 2360 is in its locked position, lock 2370 engages firing rod 2352 and prevents firing rod 2352 from advancing distally, as shown in FIG. Similarly, in such an example, lock 2370 prevents firing rod 2352 from advancing firing bar 2354 and coupling member 2351 through the staple firing stroke. Lock 2370 is rotatably mounted on shaft 2340 of surgical instrument 2300 about pivot 2371 and includes a locking recess or notch 2378 defined within firing rod 2352 and includes a locking shoulder. Lock 2370 is biased by spring 2372 to engage firing rod 2352.

  Comparing FIGS. 20 and 21, in addition to the above, when an unused staple cartridge 2010 is loaded into the surgical instrument 2300, the lockout bar 2360 moves between its locked position (FIG. 20) and its unlocked position ( 21), it can be seen that the lockout bar 2360 moves with respect to the firing bar 2354. The firing assembly 2350 further includes a biasing member or spring 2368 positioned intermediate the proximal end 2355 of the firing bar 2354 and the proximal end 2365 of the lockout bar 2360, the biasing member comprising a lockout bar. As 2360 is moved proximally, it is compressed between proximal ends 2355 and 2365. If an unused staple cartridge 2010 is removed from the cartridge jaw 2020 before the staple cartridge 2010 is fired, the biasing member 2368 expands resiliently, causing the lockout bar 2360 to move distally to its locked position. Pushing to the side, spring 2372 returns lock 2370 to its locked position, allowing it to re-engage firing rod 2352. Stated another way, spring 2368 biases lockout bar 2360 to its locked position in the absence of an unused staple cartridge in cartridge jaw 2020.

  As shown in FIG. 21, when lockout bar 2360 is moved proximally to its unlocked state, proximal end 2365 of lockout bar 2360 engages lock 2370 and pushes lock 2370 downward. Rotate to release engagement with firing rod 2352 against the bias of spring 2372. At such a point, firing assembly 2350 may be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke. In particular, firing rod 2352 pushes firing bar 2354 distally. More specifically, as firing rod 2352 advances distally, the proximal sidewall of longitudinal slot 2358 abuts proximal end 2355 of firing bar 2354. Also, in particular, firing bar 2354 pushes lockout bar 2360 distally through spring 2368. As a result, lockout bar 2360 moves with firing bar 2354 as firing bar 2354 is moved distally during the staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, distal movement of firing bar 2354 and lockout bar 2360 during the staple firing stroke causes proximal end 2365 of lockout bar 2360 to move away from lock 2370. However, in such an example, lock recess 2378 defined within firing rod 2352 will not align with lock 2370. As a result, lock 2370 cannot re-engage firing rod 2352 to lock firing rod 2352 in place, even though lockout bar 2360 is disengaged from lock 2370. When firing rod 2352 is retracted to reset surgical instrument 2300, firing rod 2352 may pull firing bar 2354 and lockout bar 2360 proximally to the position shown in FIG. In such an example, locking recess 2378 is realigned with lock 2370 so that spring 2372 can re-engage lock 2370 with firing rod 2352 and relock firing assembly 2350 in place. In various examples, firing rod 2352 further includes a ramp 2375 configured to deflect lock 2370 downward as firing rod 2352 retracts.

  In addition to the above, firing rod 2352 is pulled proximally after the staple firing stroke to retract firing bar 2354, lockout bar 2360, and coupling member 2351 of firing assembly 2350. In particular, the thread 2014 of the staple cartridge 2010 is not retracted by the firing rod 2352. Instead, the sled 2014 remains in its firing position. As a result, when the firing assembly 2350 is returned to its reset position, the lockout bar 2360 is pushed out of its locked position, so that the firing assembly 2350 removes the used staple cartridge 2010 from the cartridge jaw 2020, Unused staple cartridge 2010 is prevented from advancing distally again until properly positioned, for example, in cartridge jaw 2020.

  Further, in addition to the above, the thread 2014 of the used staple cartridge 2010 may be locked to the lockout bar 2360 when the used staple cartridge 2010 is loaded into the cartridge jaw 2020 because the sled 2014 is not in the proximal position. It should be appreciated that no contact can be made, so that sled 2014 cannot unlock firing assembly 2350.

  A surgical instrument 2900 including a firing assembly 2950 is shown in FIGS. As before, the firing assembly 2950 may be advanced such that the firing assembly 2950 is advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke without, for example, an unused staple cartridge 2910 properly positioned within the cartridge jaw 2020. A lockout system configured to prevent In at least one example, surgical instrument 2900 can include, for example, an arrangement of lock 2370 and lock spring 2372 described above in connection with surgical instrument 2300, and as shown in FIG. 22, an unused staple cartridge. When not properly installed in cartridge jaw 2020, firing assembly 2950 may be prevented from advancing distally. When an unused staple cartridge 2910 is properly installed in the cartridge jaw 2020 as shown in FIG. 23, the lockout system may allow the firing assembly 2950 to perform a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 2910 is similar in many respects to the staple cartridge 2010 and includes a cartridge body 2912 and a firing assembly 2950 during the staple firing stroke from a proximal unfired position (FIG. 23) to a distal fired position. A movable sled 2916.

  The firing assembly 2950 includes a firing rod 2952, a firing bar 2954, and a coupling member 2951 mounted on the firing bar 2954. Connection member 2951 is similar in many respects to connection member 2551. The firing bar 2954 includes a proximal portion 2955 slidably positioned in a longitudinal slot 2958 defined in the firing rod 2952. The firing assembly 2950 further includes a biasing member or compression spring 2966 located in a longitudinal slot 2958 intermediate the proximal portion 2955 of the firing bar 2954 and the firing rod 2952. Spring 2966 is configured to bias firing bar 2954 forward when an unused staple cartridge 2910 is not positioned within cartridge jaw 2020 as shown in FIG. In this forward position of firing bar 2954, key 2965 of firing bar 2954 is not engaged with lock 2370, and consequently spring 2372 locks 2370 into locking recess 2378 defined in firing rod 2952. To prevent firing rod 2952 from advancing distally to perform a staple firing stroke.

  When the unused staple cartridge 2910 is properly positioned within the cartridge jaw 2020 as shown in FIG. 23, the sled 2916 directly contacts the coupling member 2951 and moves the firing bar 2954 to its unlocked position. And press proximally. In this proximal position of firing bar 2954, key 2965 of firing bar 2954 engages lock 2370 and holds lock 2370 out of lock notch 2378 in firing rod 2952. In such an example, as a result, firing rod 2952 may be advanced distally to push firing bar 2954, coupling member 2951, and sled 2916 throughout the staple firing stroke. As before, the firing rod 2954 can be retracted to pull the firing bar 2954 and the coupling member 2951 proximally, and the surgical instrument 2900 can be reset. Also, as before, the sled 2916 does not retract with the firing assembly 2950 so that after the firing assembly 2950 has retracted, the firing bar 2954 is in its forward or locked position. The reader should understand that the used staple cartridge 2910 must be replaced with an unused staple cartridge 2910, the lock 2370 must be unlocked from the firing assembly 2950, and the surgical instrument 2900 must be used again.

  A surgical instrument 3000 comprising a shaft 3040 and a firing assembly 3050 is shown in FIGS. As before, the firing assembly 3050 can be advanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke without, for example, an unused staple cartridge 3010 properly positioned within the cartridge jaw 2020. A lockout system configured to prevent Surgical instrument 3000 may include lock 3070 in shaft 3040 and, like lock 2370, may prevent distal advancement of firing assembly 3050 as shown in FIG. When an unused staple cartridge 3010 is properly installed in the cartridge jaw 2020 as shown in FIG. 25, the lockout system may allow the firing assembly 3050 to perform a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge 3010 is similar in many respects to the staple cartridge 2010 and includes a cartridge body 3012 and a firing assembly 3050 during the staple firing stroke from a proximal unfired position (FIG. 25) to a distal fired position. A movable sled 3016.

  The firing assembly 3050 includes a firing rod 3052, a firing bar 3054, and a coupling member 2951 mounted on the firing bar 3054. The firing bar 3054 includes a proximal portion 3055 slidably positioned in a longitudinal slot 3058 defined in the firing rod 3052. The firing assembly 3050 further includes a biasing member or compression spring 3066 positioned within a longitudinal slot 3058 intermediate the firing rod 3052 and the proximal portion 3055 of the firing bar 3054. The spring 3066 is configured to bias the firing bar 3054 forward when an unused staple cartridge 3010 is not positioned within the cartridge jaw 2020 as shown in FIG. In this forward position of firing bar 3054, leaf spring 3072 urges lock 3070 into lock notch 2378 defined within firing rod 3052, causing firing rod 3052 to advance distally and advance the staple firing stroke. To prevent running.

  When an unused staple cartridge 3010 is positioned within the cartridge jaw 2020 as shown in FIG. 25, the sled 3016 directly contacts the coupling member 2951 and moves the firing bar 3054 to its unlocked position. Press to the right. In this proximal position of firing bar 3054, proximal end 3055 of firing bar 3054 engages lock 3070 and holds lock 3070 against the bias of leaf spring 3072 out of lock notch 2378 in firing rod 3052. I do. In such an example, as a result, firing rod 3052 may be advanced distally to push firing bar 3054, coupling member 2951, and sled 3016 throughout the staple firing stroke. As before, the firing rod 3052 can be retracted to pull the firing bar 3054 and coupling member 2951 proximally and the surgical instrument 3000 can be reset. Also, as before, the sled 3016 does not retract with the firing assembly 3050 so that after the firing assembly 3050 has retracted, the firing bar 3054 is in front of it, i.e., in the locked position. The reader should understand that the used staple cartridge 3010 must be replaced with an unused staple cartridge 3010, the lock 3070 must be unlocked from the firing assembly 3050, and the surgical instrument 3000 must be used again.

  As described above, lock 2370 is positioned within the shaft of surgical instruments 2900 and 3000, but lock 2370 may be located in any suitable location. In various examples, the surgical instruments 2900 and / or 3000 can include, for example, an articulation about which the end effector including jaws 2020 and 2030 can be articulated. In at least one example, lock 2370 is positioned distal to the joint. In such an example, the lockout system is not affected by the articulation. In another example, lock 2370 is positioned proximal to the joint. Placing lock 2370 in such a position may shorten the portion of the surgical instrument distal to the joint, for example, improving the accessibility of the surgical instrument to the minor surgical site.

  As described above, the firing assembly of the surgical instrument may be advanced distally through the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke to eject staples from the staple cartridge. As also described above, the staple cartridge may include a thread that is pushed distally by the firing assembly to launch staples from the staple cartridge during a staple firing stroke. However, in various instances, the clinician may not be able to observe the progress of the staple firing stroke. Without such information, the clinician cannot know if the tissue captured in the surgical instrument is sufficiently stapled.

  26-30, a surgical instrument 3100 includes a cartridge jaw 3120 configured to receive a staple cartridge 3110 therein. Cartridge jaw 3120 includes a bottom and an outer wall 3122 extending from the bottom. The staple cartridge 3110 can be positioned between the outer walls 3122 of the cartridge jaws 3120. Staple cartridge 3110 and cartridge jaw 3120 include a cooperating mechanism configured to align and releasably hold staple cartridge 3110 in a seated position (FIGS. 27-29). The staple cartridge 3110 further includes a sled 3116 movable by the firing assembly 2550 between a proximal unfired position (FIGS. 26 and 27) and a distal fired position (FIG. 29) during a staple firing stroke. .

  Cartridge jaw 3120 includes a series of openings or windows defined in outer wall 3122. The window of the cartridge jaw 3120 includes a proximal window 3127, a distal window 3129, and an intermediate window 3128 positioned intermediate the proximal window 3127 and the distal window 3129. Although each window 3127, 3128 and 3129 includes an elongated longitudinal through-hole located along the longitudinal axis 3121, the windows 3127, 3128 and 3129 may have any suitable arrangement. In at least one example, intermediate window 3128 is positioned at a midpoint between proximal window 3127 and distal window 3129. In other examples, intermediate window 3128 may be located at any suitable location between proximal window 3127 and distal window 3129. In at least one example, cartridge jaw 3120 may include more than one intermediate window 3128.

  The staple cartridge 3110 includes a series of openings or windows defined within the outer portion of the cartridge body 3112. The window of the staple cartridge 3110 includes a proximal window 3117, a distal window 3119, and an intermediate window 3118 positioned intermediate the proximal window 3117 and the distal window 3119. Although each window 3117, 3118, and 3119 includes an elongated longitudinal through-hole located along the longitudinal axis 3111, the windows 3117, 3118, and 3119 may have any suitable arrangement. In at least one example, intermediate window 3118 is positioned at a midpoint between proximal window 3117 and distal window 3119. In other examples, intermediate window 3118 may be located at any suitable location between proximal window 3117 and distal window 3119. In at least one example, staple cartridge 3110 may include more than one intermediate window 3118.

  When the staple cartridge 3110 is fully installed in the cartridge jaw 3120, the window in the staple cartridge 3110 is aligned with the window in the cartridge jaw 3120. More specifically, the proximal cartridge window 3117 is aligned with the proximal jaw window 3127, the intermediate cartridge window 3118 is aligned with the intermediate jaw window 3128, and the distal cartridge window 3119 is aligned with the distal jaw window 3129. Is aligned with In such an example, windows 3117 and 3127 form a first pair of aligned openings, windows 3118 and 3128 form a second pair of aligned openings, and windows 3119 and 3129. Form a third pair of aligned openings. As a result, the clinician can view the staple cartridge 3110 through the cartridge jaw 3120 at three different locations.

  In addition to the above, the staple cartridge 3110 engages the cartridge jaw 3120 with a snap-fit connection when the staple cartridge 3110 is fully installed within the cartridge jaw 3120. In such an example, the longitudinal axis 3111 of the staple cartridge 3110 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 3121 of the cartridge jaw 3120. When the axes 3111 and 3121 are fully aligned, the edges of the cartridge windows 3118 and 3119 are not offset with respect to the jaw windows 3128 and 3129, respectively. The cartridge windows 3118 and 3119 may be offset with respect to the jaw windows 3128 and 3129 as long as the axes 3111 and 3121 are not fully aligned, but are aligned to some extent. In any case, the at least substantially aligned window may serve the purpose of observing the position of the sled 3116 during the firing stroke, as described below.

  When the sled 3116 is in its proximal unfired position as shown in FIG. 27, the sled 3116 is visible through the aligned cartridge window 3117 and jaw window 3127. In such an example, the clinician can visually observe that staple cartridge 3110 is unused. If the sled 3116 is not visible through the aligned cartridge window 3117 and jaw window 3127 prior to the start of the staple firing stroke, the clinician has determined that the staple cartridge 3110 is at least partially used and It can be assumed that the lockout of the stapling instrument 3100 as described in, for example, can be activated if the used staple cartridge 3110 is not replaced with an unused staple cartridge. Further, if the sled 3116 is not visible through the aligned cartridge window 3117 and jaw window 3127 during the staple firing stroke, the clinician can assume that the staple firing stroke is in progress.

  Referring now to FIG. 28, when the sled 3116 has been moved halfway through the staple firing stroke, the sled 3116 is visible through the aligned cartridge window 3118 and jaw window 3128. In such an example, the clinician can visually observe that the staple cartridge 3110 is partially used. Although windows 3118 and 3128 are aligned at an intermediate point in the staple firing stroke, windows 3118 and 3128 may be aligned at any suitable location. Further, any suitable number of window pairs 3118 and 3128 may be utilized to observe sled 3116 during the staple firing stroke. When the sled 3116 is in its firing position distally as shown in FIG. 29, the sled 3116 is visible through the aligned cartridge window 3119 and jaw window 3129. In such an example, the clinician can visually observe that staple cartridge 3110 is fully used. Understanding whether the staple cartridge is completely or at least fully utilized is important to the clinician in deciding whether to retract firing assembly 2550. For example, referring to FIG. 30, when the clinician can observe the sled 3116 in the distal window 3129, the blood vessel V trapped between the staple cartridge 3010 and the anvil jaw 2030 is completely stapled. You will know that

  Referring primarily to FIG. 26, the sled 3116 includes a border 3115 that is observable through the aligned cartridge window and the jaw window to assist a clinician in understanding the position of the sled 3116 within the staple cartridge 3110. Can do. In at least one example, border 3115 includes a color that is different from the color of cartridge jaw 3120 and / or sled 3116, such as, for example, blue. In certain examples, the boundary may include a ridge, for example.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 26, cartridge jaw 3120 further includes a proximal datum 3123p and a distal datum 3123d. When the sled 3116 is in the proximal unfired position, the boundary 3115 is aligned with the proximal datum 3123p. In such an example, proximal datum 3123p may assist a clinician in determining whether staple cartridge 3110 is unused. When the sled 3116 is in its distal fully fired position, the boundary 3115 is aligned with the distal datum 3123d. In such an example, the proximal datum 3123p may assist a clinician in determining whether the staple cartridge 3110 has been fully used. While datums 3123p and 3123d include narrow linear vertical markings on cartridge jaw 3120, datums 3123p and 3123d may include any suitable configuration. In at least one example, datums 3123p and 3123d are the same color as border 3115. In another example, datums 3123p and 3123d are a different color than boundary 3115.

  In addition to the above, the intermediate cartridge window 3118 is the same size as the intermediate jaw window 3128. Similarly, the distal cartridge window 3119 is the same size as the distal jaw window 3129. However, the proximal cartridge window 3117 is not the same size as the proximal jaw window 3127. The proximal cartridge window 3117 is narrower than the proximal jaw window 3127 as measured along the longitudinal axes 3111 and 3121. In at least one example, the proximal cartridge window 3117 has the same width as the border 3115. In such an example, the clinician can accurately assess whether the sled 3116 has advanced distally even with a small amount.

  As described above, the cartridge jaw 3120 is configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge therein, however, the cartridge window and jaw window disclosed herein allow for the replacement of the staple cartridge. It can be used with stapling assemblies that do not include. Further, the cartridge windows and jaw windows disclosed herein can be fitted on either or both sides of the stapling assembly.

  Referring to FIGS. 31-34, cartridge jaw 3220 includes a bottom or bottom wall 3221 and an outer or side wall 3222 extending from bottom wall 3221. As before, cartridge jaw 3220 is configured to receive a replaceable staple cartridge between sidewalls 3222. Bottom wall 3221 includes, for example, a longitudinal slot 3223 defined therein that is configured to receive firing assembly 2550.

  Referring primarily to FIGS. 33 and 34, longitudinal slot 3223 includes a central portion 3224. The central portion 3224 is part of a T-shaped configuration that includes an outer portion 3225 that extends laterally from the central portion 3224. The longitudinal slot 3223 further includes a proximal opening or window 3227 and a distal opening or window 3229 at the opposite end of the central portion 3224. The staple cartridge sled is aligned with the proximal opening 3227 when the sled is in its proximal unfired position. In such an example, a clinician can observe whether a staple cartridge is being used. Similarly, the sled is aligned with the distal opening 3229 when the sled is in its distal fully fired position. In such an example, the clinician can observe whether the staple cartridge is completely used.

  Referring again to FIGS. 31 and 32, the longitudinal slot 3223 further includes an intermediate opening or window 3228 defined in the bottom wall 3221 between the proximal opening 3227 and the distal opening 3229. . As before, the progress of the sled during the staple firing stroke can be observed through opening 3228. The opening 3228 is longitudinally elongated, but the opening 3228 may include any suitable configuration. Openings 3228 are periodically spaced apart such that bottom wall 3221 is sufficiently rigid between outer walls 3222. Further, the bottom wall 3221 has higher rigidity with fewer openings 3228, but any suitable number of openings 3228 can be used.

  Referring primarily to FIG. 32, opening 3228 is offset with respect to central portion 3224 of longitudinal slot 3223. Stated another way, each opening 3228 includes a longitudinal axis that is not collinear with the longitudinal axis of central portion 3224. Further, openings 3228 are staggered with respect to the longitudinal axis of central portion 3224. In at least one example, a first opening 3228 is defined on one side of a longitudinal axis and a second opening 3228 is defined on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis. This pattern of openings 3228 repeats along the length of longitudinal slot 3223. Such an arrangement may increase the width of the wall between the openings 3228, such that the rigidity of the bottom wall 3221 as compared to an embodiment where all of the openings 3228 are located along the longitudinal axis of the central portion. Can be increased. However, other embodiments are also contemplated.

  As discussed herein, the surgical instrument may include a firing assembly configured to apply a firing load, or force, to a thread of the staple cartridge during the firing stroke. The firing load is sufficient to push the staples out of the staple cartridge and into the patient's tissue, deform the staples against the anvil, and cut the tissue. In certain instances, the firing load may increase significantly above a threshold that is considered safe and / or suitable for operation of the surgical instrument. In at least one such example, the firing load may be significantly increased when the firing assembly abuts, for example, a missing and used cartridge lockout.

  Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, a surgical instrument 3500 includes a shaft 3540 and a firing assembly 3550. The firing assembly 3550 includes a first firing rod 3551, a second firing rod 3552, and a firing bar 3554. Firing assembly 3550 further includes a biasing member or spring 3556 positioned intermediate first firing rod 3551 and second firing rod 3552. As the first firing rod 3551 advances distally, the first firing rod 3551 pushes the second firing rod 3552 distally via the spring 3556. The distal end of the second firing rod 3552 is connected to the firing bar 3554 at an interconnect 3553 so that as the second firing rod 3552 advances distally, the second firing rod 3552 moves the firing bar 3554 farther. Press to the right. Stated another way, the firing load may be transmitted from the first firing rod 3551 via the spring 3556 to the second firing rod 3552 and ultimately to the firing bar 3554.

  In addition to the above, spring 3556 is compressed between first firing rod 3551 and second firing rod 3552 in response to a firing load or force transmitted through firing assembly 3550. When the firing load transmitted via firing assembly 3550 falls below a predetermined force threshold, spring 3556 transmits the firing load to second firing rod 3552 to perform the firing stroke, as shown in FIG. . When the firing load exceeds the threshold, the spring 3556 is compressed to the point where the proximal end 3555 of the second firing rod 3552 activates the lockout system, as shown in FIG. Prevent firing assembly 3550 from advancing throughout the firing stroke. At such a point, the clinician can evaluate the surgical instrument 3500 for reasons why the firing force threshold of the surgical instrument 3500 has been exceeded.

  In addition to the above, spring 3556, when compressed, applies a biasing force to second firing rod 3552 that opposes proximal movement of second firing rod 3552 relative to first firing rod 3551. . The threshold force of firing assembly 3550 takes into account the firing force required to stap and cut tissue, as well as the biasing force generated by spring 3556. In various examples, the biasing force of spring 3556 is opposed to the firing force transmitted via second firing rod 3552. Further, the biasing force of the spring 3556 increases linearly and proportionally according to the relative movement between the second firing rod 3552 and the first firing rod 3551. However, if the force transmitted via firing assembly 3550 exceeds a threshold force, the lockout system switches between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, as described in more detail below.

  In addition to the above and as described in greater detail below, the lockout system of firing assembly 3550 may be activated or activated into a locked state when the compression of spring 3556 exceeds a threshold compression or deflection. Stated another way, while the compression of spring 3556 is less than the threshold compression of spring 3556, the lockout system does not operate into the locked state.

  The lockout system includes, in addition to the above, a lock 3570 mounted on the frame 3542 of the shaft 3540 so as to be rotatable about the pivot shaft 3571, and a lock actuator 3577 mounted on the first firing rod 3551. And The lock 3570 is held in the unlocked position, that is, in the unlocked configuration by the lock actuator 3577 when the lock actuator 3577 is not operating. Lock actuator 3577 is rotatably mounted on first firing rod 3551 and is rotatable between an inoperative position (FIG. 35) and an operative position (FIG. 36). As shown in FIG. 35, if the spring 3556 of the firing assembly 3550 is not compressed beyond its threshold compression or above its force threshold, the lock actuator 3577 is biased by the torsion spring 3576 to its inactive position. Lock 3570 is held out of engagement with firing assembly 3550.

  When the spring 3556 is compressed above its threshold compression or above its force threshold, the proximal end 3555 of the second firing rod 3552 engages the lock actuator 3577, as shown in FIG. , Rotate lock actuator 3577 to its operating position. In such an example, lock 3570 is released by lock actuator 3577 and engages second firing rod 3552. More specifically, the lockout system further includes a biasing member or spring 3572 configured to push lock 3570 into engagement with second firing rod 3552 when lock 3570 is released. Lock 3570 is a locking shoulder configured to be received within a notch or notch 3558 defined in second firing rod 3552 that prevents firing assembly 3550 from advancing distally. Part 3578 is included.

  The reader is advised that lock 3570 of the lockout system may only stop advancement of firing assembly 3550 when lock notch 3558 defined within second firing rod 3552 is aligned with lock 3570. You should understand. As shown in FIG. 37, when firing assembly 3550 is advanced distally during the staple firing stroke and lock notch 3558 is displaced from the position of locking shoulder 3578, lock 3570 is activated. Over the 3550 firing stroke, the first firing rod 3551 is constrained to its unlocked position, or configuration. Thus, the lockout system of firing assembly 3550 includes a start-of-stroke lockout that stops firing assembly 3550 from performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, a missing cartridge lockout and / or a used cartridge lockout in the end effector of the surgical instrument 3500 can be caused, for example, when a used staple cartridge is installed in the end effector of the surgical instrument 3500. And / or when the unused staple cartridge is completely missing from the end effector, the firing assembly 3550 may be prevented from advancing distally. In such an example, the force transmitted through firing assembly 3550 increases above the threshold force, and the lockout system of firing assembly 3550 responds by also preventing distal advancement of firing assembly 3550. obtain. In various examples, the firing assembly lockout may enhance a missing cartridge and / or used cartridge lockout. In such an example, as a result, firing assembly 3550 cannot be used to cut tissue without an unused staple cartridge properly installed in the end effector of surgical instrument 3500.

  To reset firing assembly 3550, in addition to the above, the clinician can operate surgical instrument 3500 to retract firing assembly 3550 proximally. In at least one example, surgical instrument 3500 includes an electric motor configured to drive firing assembly 3550 through its staple firing stroke, and the electric motor is operated in reverse to retract firing assembly 3550. obtain. When firing assembly 3550 is at least partially retracted, spring 3556 re-expands and pushes second firing rod 3552 away from first firing rod 3551, causing second firing rod to move from lock actuator 3577 of the lockout system. 3552 may be disengaged. At such a point, the firing assembly 3550 can be advanced distally to complete its staple firing stroke, as shown in FIG.

  A staple cartridge 3610 including a used cartridge lockout is shown in FIGS. The staple cartridge 3610 includes a cartridge body 3612 that includes a staple cavity and a longitudinal slot 3614 defined therein. Referring primarily to FIG. 41, a staple cartridge 3610 may be proximally unloaded by a firing assembly such as firing assembly 2550, for example, to eject staples removably stored within a staple cavity during a staple firing stroke. It further includes a sled 3616 that is movable between a firing position (FIG. 39) and a distal firing position. Referring now to FIG. 39, a portion of the sled 3616 moves within the longitudinal slot 3614 during a staple firing stroke. Still referring to FIG. 40, a portion of the firing assembly 2550 also moves within the longitudinal slot 3614 during a staple firing stroke. More specifically, firing assembly 2550 includes a coupling member 2551 that moves within slot 3614.

  The staple cartridge 3610 further includes a lock 3670. Lock 3670 includes a first end mounted to cartridge body 3612 and a second end 3672 extending into longitudinal slot 3614. When the staple cartridge 3610 is in the unfired state and the sled 3616 is in its proximal unfired position, and referring again to FIG. Is bent and held. In such an example, lock 3670 may not prevent a staple firing stroke from being initiated by firing assembly 2550. As the sled 3616 is advanced distally by the firing assembly 2550, the sled 3616 is moved out of contact with the lock 3670. In such an example, firing assembly 2550 continues to hold lock 3670 in its unlocked configuration throughout the staple firing stroke.

  After the staple firing stroke is at least partially completed, firing assembly 2550 can be retracted. In such an example, sled 3616 does not retract with firing assembly 2550. Instead, the sled 3616 is left in a distal position within the cartridge body 3616. Thus, after the firing assembly 2550 is fully retracted, referring to FIG. 42, the lock 3670 may return from bending to a locked configuration such that the second end 3672 blocks the longitudinal slot 3614. Stated another way, the second end 3672 of the lock 3670 may prevent the firing assembly 2550 from advancing through another staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, lock 3670 includes a used cartridge lockout. After the sled 3616 has advanced distally out of the lock 3670, the staple cartridge 3610 becomes a used staple cartridge regardless of whether all or any of the staples are ejected from the staple cartridge 3610. I have. At that point, retracting firing assembly 2550 to its unfired position will cause staple cartridge 3610 to lock itself out. Thus, to use the surgical instrument again, the staple cartridge 3610 must be removed from the surgical instrument and replaced with an unused staple cartridge.

  In addition to the above, the cartridge body 3610 may include a notch 3615 configured to receive a portion of the lock 3670 as the lock 3670 moves to its locked configuration, as shown in FIG. Notch 3615 is defined in the sidewall of longitudinal slot 3614 and is located opposite a first portion of lock 3670 mounted on cartridge body 3612. Interaction between the second end 3672 of the lock 3670 and the sidewall of the notch 3615 can enhance lockout and reduce the likelihood that the firing assembly 2550 will be pushed by the lock 3670. Additionally or alternatively, firing assembly 2550 may include a lockout that is triggered, ie, activated, when firing assembly 2550 abuts lock 3670.

  43-47, the firing assembly 3750 of the surgical instrument 3700 includes a firing rod 3752 and a firing bar 3754. Firing rod 3752 includes an opening 3755 defined at its distal end. Opening 3755 includes a proximal end wall 3756 and a distal end wall 3775. The firing bar 3754 includes a lockout 3770 located within the opening 3755 at the mating surface 3753. As firing rod 3752 advances distally during the staple firing stroke, proximal end wall 3756 of opening 3755 contacts lockout 3770 and pushes firing bar 3754 distally. If the force transmitted between firing rod 3752 and firing bar 3754 exceeds a predetermined force threshold, lockout 3770 moves from an unlocked state (FIG. 45) to a locked state (FIG. 46). As before, the force threshold may be exceeded, for example, when the firing assembly 3750 abuts a used cartridge lockout and / or a missing cartridge lockout.

  Lockout 3770 is rotatably and slidably mounted on firing bar 3754. The firing bar 3754 includes a longitudinal slot 3775 defined therein, and the lockout 3770 includes a pin 3771 slidably positioned within the slot 3775. The firing bar 3754 further includes a spring 3776 positioned intermediate the pin 3771 and the distal end of the slot 3775. As a result, the firing force transmitted from firing rod 3752 can flow through lockout 3770 and lockout pin 3771 through spring 3776 into firing bar 3754 as long as the firing force is below the force threshold. If the firing force exceeds the force threshold, firing rod 3752 may push lockout 3770 distally within longitudinal slot 3775, as shown in FIG. In such an example, lockout 3770 may also rotate upward to engage shaft 3740 of surgical instrument 3700. More specifically, referring primarily to FIG. 44, the firing bar 3754 includes a ledge 3772 extending laterally therefrom, with firing force below a threshold and lockout 3770 near the longitudinal slot 3775. When positioned at the distal end, it prevents lockout 3770 from rotating upwards, but when lockout 3770 is pushed distally away from ledge 3772, the firing force is shown in FIG. And acts to rotate the lockout 3770 upwards.

  In addition to the above, the shaft 3740 includes a frame 3742 that includes a lock opening 3748 defined therein configured to receive a portion of the lockout 3770 when the lockout 3770 is rotated upward. including. The interaction between lockout 3770 and the side wall of lock opening 3748 prevents firing assembly 3750 from advancing distally through its staple firing stroke. As before, lock opening 3748 is defined in shaft 3740 at a position corresponding to the start of the staple firing stroke. As a result, lockout 3770 provides for locking out surgical instrument 3700 when a staple cartridge is missing from surgical instrument 3700 or when a used staple cartridge is positioned within surgical instrument 3700. Configured and arranged to assist. However, lock opening 3748 may be located in any suitable location. Further, two or more lock openings 3748 can be utilized to provide more than one location where firing assembly 3750 can be locked out.

  Lockout 3770 may be reset after being moved to its locked configuration (FIG. 46). Referring now to FIG. 47, the firing rod 3752 may move proximally until the distal end wall 3775 of the opening 3755 contacts the lockout 3770, at which point the firing rod 3752 may move proximally. As it continues to move, the end wall portion 3775 can rotate the lockout 3770 downward, ensuring that the lockout 3770 returns to its unlocked configuration. Further, as firing rod 3752 retracts, firing rod 3752 may pull back lockout 3770 under bulge 3772 (FIG. 44). At such time, firing assembly 3750 may be reset and advanced distally again, assuming that the obstruction that blocked firing assembly 3750 has been addressed.

  Referring now to FIGS. 48-51, a surgical instrument 3800 includes a shaft 3840 and a firing assembly 3850. Shaft 3840 includes a frame 3842 and a longitudinal passage configured to slidably receive firing assembly 3850. The firing assembly 3850 includes a first firing rod 3851, a second firing rod 3852, and a firing bar 3854. First firing rod 3851 is connected to second firing rod 3852 at interconnect 3853. In use, with reference to FIG. 49, the interconnect 3853 is configured to transmit a force, ie, a firing load, between the first firing rod 3851 and the second firing rod 3852. However, as will be described in greater detail below, the interconnect 3853 is configured to slide when the firing load transmitted through the firing assembly 3850 exceeds a predetermined force threshold.

  In addition to the above, the second firing rod 3852 includes a proximal end 3855 positioned within a cavity defined at the distal end of the first firing rod 3851. First firing rod 3851 is configured to transmit a firing load from first firing rod 3851 to second firing rod 3852 when the firing load falls below a force threshold. Further includes a lock arm 3857 that engages the proximal end 3855 of the More specifically, lock arm 3857 pushes ramp 3859 defined on proximal end 3855 of second firing rod 3852. When the firing load exceeds the force threshold, the lock arm 3857 slides along the ramp 3859, causing the interconnect 3853 to slide, spread, and extend telescopically outward, causing the firing assembly 3850 to slide. Interrupt the launch process.

  In addition to the above, and with reference to FIG. 50, the lock arm 3857 is attached to a lock shoulder 3847 defined on the shaft frame 3842 when the lock arm 3857 slides against the inclined surface 3859 and spreads outward. It is configured to engage. The interaction between lock arm 3857 and lock shoulder 3847 prevents firing assembly 3850 from advancing through its staple firing stroke. As before, the locking shoulder 3847 is positioned at the beginning of the staple firing stroke of the firing assembly 3850 such that the lockout mechanism of the firing assembly 3850 is responsive to the on-stroke lockout, but the locking shoulder 3847 is optional. At a suitable location or at multiple locations.

  In addition to the above, firing assembly 3850 may be reset after being locked out. The first firing rod 3851 can be retracted proximally to operably re-engage the locking arm 3857 with the proximal end 3855 of the second firing rod 3852. In such an example, lock arm 3857 may move inwardly to grasp proximal end 3855. The firing assembly 3850 further includes a biasing member or spring 3856 configured to bias the head at the proximal end 3855 against the locking arm 3857. After the interconnect 3853 has been reset, referring to FIG. 51, the firing assembly 3850 may advance through its staple firing stroke, assuming that the force threshold is not again exceeded. In particular, shaft frame 3842 prevents lock arm 3857 from disengaging from second firing rod 3852 during a staple firing stroke.

  Referring now to FIGS. 52-56, a surgical instrument 3900 is configured to shaft 3940, an end effector positioned at the distal end of the shaft 3940, and articulating the end effector relative to the shaft 3940. Including an articulation actuator 3980 and a firing assembly 3950. Shaft 3940 includes a shaft frame 3942 having a longitudinal cavity 3949 defined therein. The firing assembly 3950 includes a first firing rod 3951, a second firing rod 3952, and a firing bar 3954. First firing rod 3951 includes a distal end 3957 operably engaged with proximal end 3955 of second firing rod 3952 at mating surface 3953. When the firing load transmitted through firing assembly 3950 falls below a predetermined force threshold, referring to FIGS. 52-55, firing assembly 3950 may be pushed through the staple firing stroke. If the firing load exceeds a predetermined threshold within a lockout zone prior to or at the start of the staple firing stroke, and only within that lockout zone, referring to FIG. 56, the distance of the first firing rod 3951 The distal end 3957 may slide relative to the proximal end 3955 of the second firing rod 3952 to stop the distal firing of the second firing rod 3952.

  In addition to the above, in at least one embodiment, the distal end 3957 of the first firing rod 3951 includes a barb and the proximal end 3955 of the second firing rod 3952 is connected to the barb of the distal end 3957. Includes a barb that is configured to be coupled. As the distal end 3957 separates from the proximal end 3955, the barbs of the distal end 3957 engage the walls 3948 in the shaft 3940, and the first firing rod 3951 and the first firing rod 3951 Sliding against the second firing rod 3952 may stop distal advancement with the firing assembly 3950.

  Referring again to FIGS. 52 and 53, firing assembly 3950 further includes firing collar 3959 slidably positioned within longitudinal cavity 3949 of shaft 3940. The firing collar 3959 is made of, for example, a resilient material that is frictionally engaged with the sidewall of the longitudinal cavity 3949. Comparing FIGS. 52 and 53, it can be seen that the second firing rod 3952 slides within the firing collar 3959 while the firing collar 3959 remains stationary during the initial distal movement of the firing assembly 3950. This initial distal movement of firing assembly 3950 is not part of the staple firing stroke. However, such initial distal movement of the firing assembly 3950 can be used to perform different functions within the end effector, such as, for example, closing the end effector.

  In addition to the above, the first firing rod 3951 includes a protrusion 3960 defined thereon configured to engage the firing collar 3959 to initiate a staple firing stroke. At this point, the mating surface 3953 is positioned within the firing collar 3959 and the distal end 3957 of the first firing rod 3951 slides relative to the proximal end 3955 of the second firing rod 3952 during the staple firing stroke. To prevent that. As a result of the above, the mating surface 3953 may separate before or at the beginning of the staple firing stroke, while remaining intact throughout the staple firing stroke. The firing collar 3959 includes a rigid proximal end 3958 that is engaged by the protrusion 3960 and pushed distally by the protrusion 3960 during the staple firing stroke, as shown in FIG. The firing assembly 3950 further includes a spring 3954 positioned between and compressed between the firing bar 3954 and the firing collar 3959 to assist in controlling the relative position between the firing bar 3954 and the firing collar 3959. obtain.

  Referring now to FIGS. 57-59, a surgical instrument 4000 includes a shaft 4040 and a firing assembly 4050. Shaft 4040 includes a frame 4042 that includes a longitudinal opening 4048 defined therein. The firing assembly 4050 includes a firing rod 4052 and a plurality of flexible firing bars or layers 4054 operably connected at a mating surface 4053 to a distal end 4057 of the firing rod 4052. Layer 4054 is configured to transmit a firing force from firing rod 4052 to coupling member 4051 of firing assembly 4050 when the firing force falls below a predetermined force threshold, as shown in FIG. If the firing force exceeds the force threshold, layer 4054 may bend outward, as shown in FIG. 58, preventing firing assembly 4050 from performing a staple firing stroke. To reset firing assembly 4050, firing rod 4052 may be retracted proximally to allow layer 4054 to elastically flex inward to its unflexed state. As shown in FIG. 59, the firing assembly 4050 includes a firing collar 4059 that is configured to strengthen the layer 4054 and prevent the layer 4054 from bending outward during the staple firing stroke. In addition. As before, the firing collar 4059 is made of a flexible material that frictionally engages the sidewall of the longitudinal shaft opening 4048 and does not initially move with the layer 4054. Stated another way, firing collar 4059 does not move with layer 4054 until distal end 4057 of firing rod 4052 contacts firing collar 4059.

  Referring now to FIGS. 60-64, a surgical instrument 4100 includes a shaft 4040 and a firing assembly 4150. The firing assembly 4150 includes a first firing rod 4151, a second firing rod 4152, and a firing bar 4154. First firing rod 4151 includes a distal end positioned within opening 4153 defined at the proximal end of second firing rod 4152. Second firing rod 4152 includes a distal end that includes a longitudinal slot 4155 defined therein that is configured to receive a proximal end of firing bar 4154. Referring primarily to FIGS. 60 and 61, the second firing rod 4152 includes a wall 4157 configured to transmit a firing force from the second firing rod 4152 to the firing bar 4154. Wall portion 4157 includes a fuse. When the firing force is below the predetermined force threshold, as shown in FIG. 62, the wall 4157 is configured to remain intact. In at least one example, the force threshold is, for example, 80 lbf. However, the wall 4157 is configured to fail when the firing force exceeds the force threshold, as shown in FIG. At such a point, the firing bar 4154 is slidable within a longitudinal slot 4158 defined in the second firing rod 4152, and distal movement of the second firing rod 4152 causes the firing bar 4154 to move. Is not transmitted to The fuse, ie, wall 4157, cannot be reset.

  The firing assembly 4150 may include other fuses in addition to or instead of the above. For example, the second firing rod 4152 further includes a fuse 4156 positioned proximal to the wall 4157. Fuse 4156 includes a displaceable element positioned within the sidewall of longitudinal slot 4158 and frictionally engaging therein. In certain embodiments, fuse 4156 includes a wall integrally formed with the sidewall of slot 4158. In at least one example, each of the fuses 4156 is configured to fail at the same force threshold as the wall 4157, such as 80 lbf. In such an example, the fuse 4156 may push the firing bar 4154 distally and may complete the staple firing stroke if the firing force momentarily exceeds the force threshold. If the firing force exceeds the force threshold for more than an instant, the fuses 4156 may fail sequentially, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, fuse 4156 may be configured to fail at a threshold or multiple thresholds greater than the force threshold of wall 4157. For example, the wall 4157 may have a force threshold of 60 lbf, while the fuse may have a force threshold of 80 lbf. In at least one embodiment, fuse 4156 may be configured to fail at increasingly higher force thresholds. For example, the most distal fuse 4156 may include the weakest fuse 4156, the fuse 4156 adjacent to the most distal fuse 4156 may be stronger than the most distal fuse 4156, and so on. In other embodiments, fuse 4156 fails at a lower force threshold than wall 4157. In at least one such example, walls 4157 have a force threshold of 80 lbf and fuses 4156 each have a force threshold of, for example, 60 lbf.

  In addition to the above, longitudinal slot 4158 has a length that is greater than or equal to the firing stroke of firing assembly 4150. As a result, the second firing rod 4152 can be moved throughout its firing stroke after the wall 4157 and fuse 4156 fail without the firing bar 4154 abutting the proximal end of the longitudinal slot 4158. In order to retract firing bar 4154 after wall 4157 and / or fuse 4156 fails, the distal end of longitudinal slot 4158 engages firing bar 4154 and pulls firing bar 4154 proximally until firing bar 4154 is pulled proximally. The two firing rods 4152 can be retracted. In certain instances, the firing bar 4154 may be frictionally engaged with the sidewall of the longitudinal slot 4158 such that the firing bar 4154 may be retracted by the second firing rod 4152 if the wall 4157 and / or the fuse 4156 fails. Are combined.

  Referring now to FIGS. 65-70, a surgical instrument 4200 includes a shaft 4040 and a firing assembly 4250. The firing assembly 4250 includes a first firing rod 4251, a second firing rod 4252 mounted on the first firing rod 4251, and a firing bar 4254. The second firing rod 4252 transmits the firing load via the firing assembly 4250 during a staple firing stroke when the firing load falls below a predetermined force threshold, as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66. A distal end shoulder 4257 operably engaged with the proximal end shoulder 4255 of the firing bar 4254 at the mating surface 4253. Second firing rod 4252 further includes one or more biasing members 4256 extending laterally therefrom. The biasing member 4256 is slidably engaged with the side wall of the longitudinal opening 4048 in the shaft frame 4042. The biasing member 4256 is configured to bias the second firing rod 4252 to engage the firing bar 4254. When the firing load exceeds the force threshold, the biasing member 4256 compresses or deflects and the second firing rod 4252 deflects laterally, as shown in FIG. 67, to operably disengage from the firing bar 4254. May be able to At such a point, the second firing rod 4252 may slide against the firing bar 4254 without transmitting firing force to the second firing rod 4252.

  In addition to the above, the firing assembly 4250 is resettable. Referring now to FIG. 68, the first firing rod 4251 can be retracted proximally and the second firing rod 4252 can be retracted, thereby referring to FIG. 69, the second firing rod 4252. Of the firing bar 4254 is realigned and operably reconnected. In such an example, biasing member 4256 may return from flexing and expand again to realign second firing rod 4252 with firing bar 4254. At that point, referring now to FIG. 70, firing assembly 4250 can be advanced distally again to complete the staple firing stroke. The reader should note that the mating surface 4253 of the firing assembly 4250 can be disconnected and reconnected before and / or at any point during the staple firing stroke. In this manner, mating surface 4253 may separate when firing assembly 4250 engages the missing and used cartridge lockouts and / or at any other moment when the firing force becomes excessive.

  Referring now to FIGS. 71-77, a surgical instrument 4300 includes a shaft 4340 and a firing assembly 4350. Shaft 4340 includes frame 4342. Frame 4342 includes a proximal longitudinal opening 4346 and a distal longitudinal opening 4349 configured to receive firing assembly 4350. The firing assembly 4350 is operably connected to a first firing rod 4351, a second firing rod 4352 operably connected to the first firing rod 4351, and a second firing rod 4352 at a mating surface 4353. Firing bar 4354. Junction surface 4353 includes a multi-stage fuse, as described in more detail below.

  In addition to the above, firing bar 4354 includes a proximal connector 4355 that includes a drive recess 4359 defined on either side thereof. Proximal connector 4355 is located within longitudinal slot 4358 defined in second firing rod 4352 and extends inwardly from the side wall of second firing rod 4352 to engage drive recess 4359. Operably and releasably coupled to a second firing rod 4352 via a corresponding projection 4356. In use, when the firing load falls below a predetermined force threshold, as shown in FIGS. 71 and 72, the firing bar 4354 from the first firing rod 4351 via the second firing rod 4352. And the staple firing stroke is performed.

  Referring now to FIG. 73, when the firing load transmitted via the firing assembly 4350 exceeds the force threshold, the protrusion 4356 can disengage from the drive recess 4359 defined in the connector 4355. The side wall of the second firing rod 4352 may be bent outward. At that point, firing bar 4354 is operatively disengaged from second firing rod 4352 and the staple firing stroke has been interrupted. If the mating surface 4353 separates at the beginning of the staple firing stroke, and referring again to FIG. 73, the deflected sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 will bend outwardly into the longitudinal openings 4346 and the shaft frame 4342 may be engaged to prevent the staple firing stroke of firing assembly 4350. Stated another way, the deflected sidewalls of the second firing rod 4352 cannot enter the longitudinal opening 4349 when the firing load exceeds the force threshold, thereby causing the second firing rod 4352 to fail. 4352 is prevented from advancing distally.

  However, when the firing load exceeds the force threshold during the staple firing stroke, the side wall of the second firing rod 4352 is closer to the side wall of the longitudinal opening 4349 and therefore outward or substantially outward. Cannot deflect outwards. As a result, complete separation of the mating surface 4353 does not occur immediately if the force threshold is exceeded. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 74, firing assembly 4350 may enter a first fault condition. In the first fault condition of the firing assembly 4350, the protrusion 4356 of the second firing rod 4352 is separated from the drive recess 4359 defined in the proximal connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354, while the protrusion 4356 is It is still engaged with the proximal connector 4355. More specifically, the protrusion 4356 is formed by the proximal connector 4355 by the sidewall of the longitudinal opening 4349 so that firing and / or retraction forces can still be transmitted from the second firing rod 4352 to the firing bar 4354. Compressed against the outside. In such an example, the staple firing process may be completed and / or the clinician may decide to retract firing assembly 4350.

  In addition to the above, and referring now to FIG. 75, the mating surface 4353 between the second firing rod 4352 and the firing bar 4354 is completely separated and may enter a second fault condition. In the second failure condition, the protrusion 4356 is disengaged from the proximal connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354, and as a result, the second firing rod 4352 delivers firing motion and / or force to the firing bar 4354. become unable. Instead, the second firing rod 4352 will move relative to the firing bar 4354 as the second firing rod 4352 moves distally. As shown in FIG. 71, the second firing rod 4352 includes a longitudinal slot 4358 configured to accommodate relative movement between the second firing rod 4352 and the firing bar 4354. The longitudinal slot 4358 is long enough so that the firing bar 4354 does not contact the proximal end 4357 of the slot 4358.

  In various examples, in addition to the above, the force threshold for firing assembly 4350 to enter its first fault condition and the force threshold for firing assembly 4350 to enter its second fault condition are the same. . In such an example, the firing assembly 4350 switches to its first fault condition if an instantaneous wave or increase in firing force occurs, but may still operate in the first fault condition. However, if the increase in firing force is not instantaneous, firing assembly 4350 may then quickly enter its second fault condition. In at least one example, the first and second force thresholds are, for example, 80 lbf. In another example, the force threshold for firing assembly 4350 to enter its first fault condition is different from the force threshold for firing assembly 4350 to enter its second fault condition. For example, the first force threshold is 60 lbf, and the second force threshold is, for example, 80 lbf. Alternatively, the first force threshold is 80 lbf, and the second force threshold is, for example, 60 lbf. In either case, the firing assembly 4350 may be able to pass high firing force conditions and still be functional.

  In either case, referring now to FIGS. 71 and 72, the firing assembly 4350 may be reset by retracting the second firing rod 4352. In at least one example, firing assembly 4350 may be reset to its first fault condition and then re-operated. In another example, the second firing rod 4352 resiliently re-engages the protrusion 4356 with the drive recess 4359 defined in the proximal connector 4355 of the firing bar 4354 before the firing assembly 4350 is re-operated. In combination, the mating surface 4353 of the firing assembly 4350 is retracted until it is completely reset. In any case, the retraction force applied to the second firing rod 4352 may be, for example, less than the first and / or second force threshold.

  Staple cartridge 4400 is shown in FIGS. 77A and 77B. Staple cartridge 4400 is similar in many respects to the staple cartridge disclosed herein, most of which are not described herein for the sake of brevity. Further, staple cartridge 4400 can be used with any of the surgical instruments disclosed herein. The staple cartridge 4400 includes a cartridge body 4410 and a sled movable through the cartridge body 4410 by a firing member during a firing stroke. The cartridge body 4410 includes a longitudinal slot 4415 defined therein configured to receive a firing member. The cartridge body 4410 further includes a longitudinal row of staple cavities 4420 and a longitudinal row of staple cavities 4430. More specifically, cartridge body 4410 includes two inner rows of staple cavities 4420 located on either side of longitudinal slot 4415 and outer rows of staple cavities 4430 located on each side of the row of staple cavities 4420. ,including. However, staple cartridge 4400 may include any suitable number and arrangement of staple cavities 4420 and 4430. While the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and 4430 are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other, other embodiments are contemplated where the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4420 and 4430 are not parallel to each other.

  Staple cartridge 4400 further includes staples 4440 removably stored within staple cavity 4420 and staples 4450 stored within staple cavity 4430. Staples 4440 include stamped staples that have been stamped from one or more sheets of material. Staples 4450 include, for example, wire staples bent into a substantially V-shaped configuration. The V-shaped configuration is an unformed or unfired configuration. However, the staples 4450 can have any suitable unfired configuration. In any event, staple cartridge 4400 further includes a staple driver 4480 configured to eject staples 4450 from staple cartridge 4430. During the firing stroke, the sled is configured to engage staple driver 4480 and push staple 4450 upward from staple cavity 4430. At the same time, the thread directly engages staple 4440 and ejects staple 4440 from staple cavity 4420. Referring to FIG. 77B, staples 4440 and 4450 contact an anvil 4490 or any other suitable anvil located on the opposite side of staple cartridge 4400 as staples 4440 and 4450 are ejected from staple cartridge 4400. . Anvil 4490 includes a forming pocket 4470 defined therein that is aligned with the legs of staples 4440 and 4450 and is configured to deform staples 4440 and 4450 during the firing stroke. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil includes a first type of forming pocket aligned with each staple 4440 and a second or different type forming pocket aligned with each staple 4450. May be included.

  In addition to the above, anvil 4490 is configured to deform staple 4440 to a first formation height and staple 4450 to a second, or different formation height. In at least one such example, the first formation height of staples 4440 is higher than the second formation height of staples 4450. In an alternative embodiment, anvil 4490 is configured to deform staples 4440 and staples 4450 to the same forming height. In any event, anvil 4490 further includes a longitudinal slot 4495 defined therein configured to receive a firing member during the firing stroke. The longitudinal anvil slot 4495 is aligned with, or centered on, the longitudinal cartridge slot 4415 along the longitudinal axis 4405.

  Staple cartridge 4500 is shown in FIGS. 77C and 77D. Staple cartridge 4500 is similar in many respects to the staple cartridges disclosed herein, most of which are not described herein for the sake of brevity. Further, staple cartridge 4500 can be used with any of the surgical instruments disclosed herein. The staple cartridge 4500 includes a cartridge body 4510 and a sled movable through the cartridge body 4510 by a firing member during a firing stroke. The staple cartridge 4510 includes a longitudinal slot 4415 defined therein that is configured to receive a firing member. The cartridge body 4510 further includes a longitudinal row of staple cavities 4520 ′ and a longitudinal row of staple cavities 4520 ″. More specifically, the cartridge body 4510 has an inner row positioned on either side of the longitudinal slot 4415. A staple cavity 4520 'and two outer rows of staple cavities 4520 "positioned on each side of the row of staple cavities 4520'. However, staple cartridge 4500 may include any suitable number and arrangement of staple cavities 4520 'and 4520 ". The longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520' and 4520" are parallel to each other or at least substantially. Other embodiments are contemplated, although parallel, but in which the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 4520 'and 4520' are not parallel to each other.

  Staple cartridge 4500 further includes a staple 4540 'removably stored within staple cavity 4520' and a staple 4540 "stored within staple cavity 4520". Staple 4540 'includes stamped staples stamped from one or more sheets of material. Staple 4540 "also includes stamped staples stamped from one or more sheets of material. Staple 4540" is larger than staple 4540 ', as shown in FIG. 77E. More specifically, staple 4540 "is taller than staple 4540 '. In addition, staple 4540" is wider than staple 4540'. During the firing stroke, the sled directly engages staples 4540 'and 4540 ", ejecting staples 4540' from staple cavity 4520 'and staples 4540" from staple cavity 4520 ". Referring to FIG. 77D, staple 4540. 'And 4540 "contact an anvil 4590 or any other suitable anvil located on the opposite side of staple cartridge 4500 as staples 4540' and 4540" are being ejected from staple cartridge 4500. Has an internally defined forming pocket 4570 'that is aligned with the leg of the staple 4540', and additionally has an internally defined forming pocket 4570 that is aligned with the leg of the staple 4540 ". And . Forming pockets 4570 'and 4570 "are a staple 4540 into the firing stroke' and 4540 'are configured to deform respectively.

  Referring to FIGS. 77E and 77F, anvil 4590 is configured to deform staples 4540 'to a first formation height and staples 4540 "to a second, or different formation height. In at least one example, the second formed height of staples 4540 "is greater than the first formed height of staples 4540 '. In use, the innermost row of staples 4540 'in staple cartridge 4500 is configured to apply a sufficient hemostatic seal into incised tissue T, referring to FIG. The rows are configured to provide a certain amount of flexibility to the staple lines. In an alternative embodiment, the staples 4540 'and 4540 "are deformed to the same forming height. In any event, anvil 4590 further includes a longitudinal slot 4595 defined therein configured to receive a firing member during the firing stroke. The longitudinal anvil slot 4595 is aligned or centered with the longitudinal cartridge slot 4415 along the longitudinal axis 4505.

  FIG. 78 illustrates an exemplary surgical instrument 100 including a handle 110 and a replaceable shaft assembly 200 operatively connected thereto. Handle 110 includes a housing 140 that is configured to be grasped, manipulated, and / or actuated by a clinician. Shaft assembly 200 includes shaft 210 and end effector 300. Shaft 210 includes a shaft frame (not shown in FIG. 78) and a hollow outer sleeve or closure tube 250 through which the shaft frame extends. Shaft assembly 200 further includes a nozzle assembly 290 configured to align with outer sleeve 250 to allow a clinician to selectively rotate shaft 210 about a longitudinal axis. Shaft assembly 200 also includes a latch 230 that is part of a locking system that releasably locks shaft assembly 200 to handle 110. Under various circumstances, the latch 230 may close an electrical circuit within the handle 110, for example, when the latch 230 is engaged with the handle 110. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 13 / 803,086, filed March 14, 2013, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK," is hereby incorporated by reference. All of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with handle 110.

  FIG. 79 illustrates an exemplary surgical robot 500 configured to operate a plurality of surgical tools, generally designated as 600, for example. Surgical robot 500 may be used in conjunction with a master controller, not shown, which is configured to allow a surgeon to control and observe the surgical procedure performed by surgical robot 500. ing. In various forms, the surgical robot 500 has a base 510 from which, for example, three surgical tools 600 are supported in the illustrated embodiment. In various forms, the surgical tools 600 are each supported by a series of articulatable connections, commonly referred to as arms 520, and are operatively connected to one or more drive systems 530. These structures are shown with protective covers covering many of their movable components. These protective covers may be optional and, in some embodiments, may be limited in size to minimize the inertia encountered by the servomechanism used to operate arm 520. Or may be completely excluded. In various embodiments, the surgical robot 500 has wheels that allow the single nursing assistant to position the surgical robot 500 adjacent to the operating table. FIG. 79 further illustrates the working envelope 700 of the surgical robot 500. The working envelope 700 refers to the range of movement of the surgical tool 600 of the surgical robot 500. The shape and size of the working envelope 700 shown in FIG. 79 are merely exemplary. Therefore, the working envelope is not limited to the particular size and shape of the sample working envelope shown in FIG. U.S. Patent No. 9,060,770, entitled "ROBOTICALLY-DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH E-BEAM DRIVER," issued June 23, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. All of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with the surgical robot 500.

  Example 1-A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a closure tube. The first jaw includes a first proximal end and a first distal end. The second jaw rotates about a second proximal end, a second distal end, and the second jaw relative to the first jaw between an open position and a fully closed position. Includes a pivot pin that is possible and a cam surface. The closure tube is movable toward a first distal end of the first jaw during the closure stroke. The closure tube is configured to engage the cam surface and move the second distal end of the second jaw toward the first distal end of the first jaw during a closing stroke. Including the distal tube end. The closure tube further includes a wedge configured to engage the pivot pin and to tilt the second distal end of the second jaw toward the first distal end during the closing stroke. .

  Example 2 When the second jaw is in the fully closed position, a distal tissue gap is defined between the first and second distal ends and the second jaw is When in the fully closed position, a proximal tissue gap is defined between the first proximal end and the second proximal end, and the second jaw has a distal tissue gap greater than the proximal tissue gap. The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the surgical instrument applies a large clamping force to tissue captured therein.

  Example 3-The surgical instrument of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein.

  Example 4-A surgical instrument further comprises a firing member configured to eject staples from a staple cartridge, wherein the firing member is configured to engage a first jaw. A cam and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw during a firing stroke, wherein the first cam and the second cam comprise a first jaw and a second cam. 4. The surgical instrument of example 3, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to cooperatively control a tissue gap between the jaw of the surgical instrument.

  Example 5-The second jaw further includes a tissue compression surface, a staple forming pocket defined in the tissue compression surface, and a second cam surface, wherein the second cam controls the position. 5. The surgical instrument of example 4, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to engage a second cam surface during a firing stroke, and wherein the tissue compression surface is not parallel to the second cam surface.

  Example 6-A first distance is defined between a tissue compression surface and a second cam surface at a second proximal end of a second jaw, wherein a second distance is defined by a second jaw. The surgical instrument according to claim 5, wherein a second distance is greater than the first distance defined between the tissue compression surface and the second cam surface at a second distal end of the surgical instrument.

  Example 7 Example 1 wherein the distal tube end is configured to engage the cam surface of the second jaw before the wedge engages the pivot pin during the closing stroke. The surgical instrument according to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

  Example 8-Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 wherein the first jaw includes a vertical slot and the pivot pin is slidably positioned within the vertical slot. A surgical instrument according to claim 1.

  Example 9-Example 8 wherein the first jaw includes a longitudinal slot and the wedge is slidably positioned within the longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot communicating with the vertical slot. The surgical instrument as described.

  Example 10-The surgical procedure of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein the wedge does not move the second proximal end relative to the first proximal end. Appliances.

  Example 11-A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and a closure tube. The first jaw includes a first proximal end and a first distal end. The second jaw rotates about a second proximal end, a second distal end, and the second jaw relative to the first jaw between an open position and a fully closed position. Includes a pivot pin that is possible and a cam surface. The closure tube is movable toward a first distal end of the first jaw during the closure stroke. The closure tube is configured to engage the cam surface during the closing stroke and move the second distal end of the second jaw toward the first distal end of the first jaw. A distal end of the second jaw and a second distal end of the second jaw to engage the pivot pin during the closing stroke to achieve a fully closed position. A wedge configured to push toward the distal end.

  Example 12-The surgical instrument of Example 11, wherein the wedge does not move the second proximal end relative to the first proximal end.

  Example 13-A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, an obturator tube, and a cutting member. The first jaw includes a distal jaw end. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position. The second jaw includes a closed cam surface and an open cam surface. The closure tube is movable toward the distal jaw end during the closing stroke. The closure tube includes a distal tube end configured to engage the closure cam surface during the closing stroke and move the second jaw to the closed position. The cutting member is movable toward the distal jaw end during the cutting stroke and is movable away from the distal jaw end during the retraction stroke. The cutting member includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a biasing member positioned intermediate the proximal and distal portions, the biasing member biasing the distal portion; The second jaw is configured to engage the open cam surface of the second jaw to at least partially open the second jaw after the retraction stroke.

  Example 14-The closure tube is moveable away from the distal jaw end during the opening stroke, and the closure tube is moved from the biasing member until the distal tube end disengages from the closure cam surface. 14. The surgical instrument of example 13, wherein the second jaw is held in a closed position against bias.

  Example 15-An embodiment wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, and wherein the cutting member is configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge during the cutting stroke. The surgical instrument according to claim 13 or 14.

  Example 16-a cutting member configured to engage a first jaw, a second cam configured to engage a second jaw, Example 13, 13, or wherein the first jaw and the second jaw cooperatively control the position of the second jaw relative to the first jaw during the cutting stroke. The surgical instrument according to claim 15,

  Example 17-A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw including a distal jaw end, a second jaw, and a cutting member. The second jaw is movable with respect to the first jaw to capture patient tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. The cutting member is movable toward the distal jaw end during the cutting stroke. A cutting member configured to engage the first jaw; a second cam configured to engage the second jaw during the cutting stroke; And a bar including a plurality of layers attached to the connecting portion, the bar including a cutting edge configured to cut the patient tissue during the cutting stroke.

  Example 18-A surgical instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein such that the cutting member ejects staples from the staple cartridge during the cutting stroke to staple the patient's tissue. 18. The surgical instrument according to example 17, wherein the surgical instrument is configured as follows.

  Example 19-The surgical instrument of Examples 17 or 18, wherein the coupling portion further comprises a mounting recess, and the bar includes a distal bar end positioned within the mounting recess.

  Example 20-The method of Example 19, wherein the coupling portion further includes a mounting protrusion within the mounting recess, and the bar includes a mounting opening configured to closely receive the mounting protrusion. The surgical instrument as described.

  Example 21-Examples 17, 18, 19, wherein the coupling portion further includes a plurality of mounting protrusions and the bar includes a plurality of mounting openings configured to receive the mounting protrusions. Or the surgical instrument according to 20.

  Example 22-A cutting member is movable along a longitudinal axis during a cutting stroke, and a plurality of mounting protrusions includes a first protrusion positioned along the longitudinal axis; 22. The surgical instrument of embodiment 21, comprising a second protrusion offset from the second protrusion.

  Example 23-a cutting member is movable along a longitudinal axis during a cutting stroke, and a plurality of mounting protrusions are positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis; A second protrusion positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis.

  Example 24-Examples 21, 22, wherein the plurality of mounting protrusions include a proximal protrusion and a distal protrusion, wherein the distal protrusion is positioned distally with respect to the proximal protrusion. Or the surgical instrument according to 23.

  Example 25-The surgical instrument of Examples 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, wherein the coupling portion includes a shoulder and the bar includes a hook engaged with the shoulder. .

  Example 26-Examples 17, 18, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a second layer, wherein the cutting edge is defined on the first layer and not on the second layer. , 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25.

  Example 27-Examples 17, 18, 19, 20 wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a second layer, and wherein a cutting edge is defined on the first layer and the second layer. , 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 26.

  Example 28-Examples 17, 18, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer, a second layer, and an intermediate layer positioned intermediate the first and second layers. A surgical instrument according to claim 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27. The coupling portion includes a first outer recess, a second outer recess, and a mounting tab. The first layer is mounted on the connecting portion in the first outer recess, the second layer is mounted on the connecting portion in the second outer recess, and the intermediate layer is mounted on the mounting tab.

  Example 29-A staple cartridge including a first jaw including a distal jaw end, a second jaw, a plurality of staples removably stored therein, and ejecting staples from the staple cartridge. A firing member movable toward the distal jaw end during the firing stroke. The second jaw is movable with respect to the first jaw to capture patient tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw. A firing member configured to engage the first jaw; a second cam configured to engage the second jaw during a firing stroke; And a bar attached to the connecting portion, the bar including a cutting edge configured to cut the patient tissue during the firing stroke.

  Example 30-A first jaw including a distal jaw end, and a first jaw to capture patient tissue between the first and second jaws. A surgical instrument comprising: a second jaw movable, and a cutting member movable toward a distal jaw end during a cutting stroke. The cutting member includes a connecting portion and a bar. The coupling portion is configured to engage a first jaw during the cutting stroke and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw during the cutting stroke. , A first outer recess, a second outer recess, and a mounting tab. The bar includes a first layer mounted on the connecting portion in the first outer recess, a second layer mounted on the connecting portion in the second outer recess, a first layer and a second layer. An intermediate layer positioned intermediate between the intermediate layer and the mounting tab.

  Example 31-A surgical instrument further includes a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein such that the cutting member ejects staples from the staple cartridge and staples the patient's tissue during the cutting stroke. 31. The surgical instrument according to example 30, wherein the surgical instrument is configured for:

  Example 32-The surgical instrument of Examples 30 or 31, wherein the mounting tab extends distally with respect to the first outer recess and the second outer recess.

  Example 33-The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, or 32, wherein the connecting portion includes a cutting edge configured to cut patient tissue.

  Example 34-The surgical instrument of Examples 30, 31, 32, or 33, wherein the bar includes a cutting edge configured to cut patient tissue.

  Example 35-A first jaw including a distal jaw end, and a first jaw to capture patient tissue between the first and second jaws. A surgical instrument, comprising: a second jaw movable, and a firing member movable toward a distal jaw end during a firing stroke. The firing member includes a connecting portion including an outer recess and a mounting tab, and a bar including a first layer mounted on the connecting portion within the outer recess and a second layer mounted on the mounting tab.

  Example 36-A surgical instrument further comprises a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein such that the firing member ejects staples from the staple cartridge during the firing stroke to staple the patient's tissue. 36. The surgical instrument according to example 35, wherein the surgical instrument is configured for:

  Example 37-A surgical stapling instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector extending from the shaft, a firing assembly, a lock in the shaft, and a staple cartridge. The end effector includes a first jaw including a distal jaw end, and a second jaw movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The firing assembly is movable toward the distal jaw end during the firing stroke, and the firing assembly is configured to engage the first jaw and the second jaw during the firing stroke. A lockout bar including a coupling portion and a lockout bar including a distal lockout end, wherein the lockout bar is movable between a distal locked position and a proximal unlocked position. The lock in the shaft engages the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when the lockout bar is in the distal locked position, and the lock engages when the lockout bar is in the proximal unlocked position. Disengage from the firing bar before the firing stroke. A staple cartridge is positionable within the first jaw, the staple cartridge including a cartridge body, a plurality of staples removably stored within the cartridge body, and ejecting staples from the cartridge body during a firing stroke. A sled that is movable from a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position to the staple cartridge when the staple cartridge is loaded in the first jaw and the sled is in the proximal unfired position. The lockout bar is configured to be pushed into the proximal unlocked position.

  Example 38-The surgical stapling instrument of example 37, wherein the coupling portion includes an opening and the distal lockout end extends through the opening.

  Example 39-The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37 or 38, wherein the lockout bar is slidable within the firing bar.

  Example 40-The surgical stapling instrument of examples 37, 38 or 39, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a spring configured to bias the lockout bar to a distal locked position.

  Example 41-The surgical stapling of examples 37, 38, 39, or 40, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a spring configured to bias the lock into engagement with the firing bar. Stapling device.

  Example 42-The surgical staple of example 41, wherein the lockout bar includes a key configured to engage the lock and disengage the lock from the firing bar against the bias of the spring. Fastener.

  Example 43-Examples 37,38 wherein the cartridge body includes a detent configured to releasably hold the sled in the proximal unfired position when the sled engages the lockout bar. 43. The surgical stapling instrument according to any one of claims 39, 40, 41, or 42.

  Example 44-The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, or 43, wherein the lockout bar moves with the firing bar during the firing stroke.

  Example 45-The surgical stapling instrument of example 44, wherein the firing bar is retractable after the firing stroke, and the lockout bar moves with the firing bar when the firing bar is retracted.

  Example 46-The surgical stapling instrument of example 45, wherein the sled does not retract with the firing bar and lockout bar.

  Example 47-The lockout bar cannot be reset to its proximal unlocked position until the staple cartridge is removed from the first jaw and an unused staple cartridge is positioned within the first jaw. The surgical stapling instrument according to example 46.

  Example 48-A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, a firing assembly, a lock, and a staple cartridge loadable within the end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw including a distal jaw end, and a second jaw movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The firing assembly is movable toward a distal jaw end during a firing stroke, the firing assembly includes a firing bar and a lockout bar, the lockout bar having a locked position distal to the firing bar. It is movable to and from a proximal unlocked position. The lock engages the firing bar prior to the firing stroke when the lockout bar is in the distal locked position, and the lock engages before the firing stroke when the lockout bar is in the proximal unlocked position. Is disengaged from the firing bar. The staple cartridge is moved from a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position to eject staples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke and a plurality of staples removably stored within the cartridge body. A sled configured to push the lockout bar into the proximal unlocked position when the staple cartridge is loaded in the end effector and the sled is in the proximal unfired position. Have been.

  Example 49-A surgical stapling instrument comprising an end effector, a firing bar, a lock, and a staple cartridge loadable within the end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw including a distal jaw end, and a second jaw movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the first jaw. The firing bar is movable between an unlocked position distal and a proximal unlocked position from the distal jaw end, and the firing bar is then moved toward the distal jaw end during the firing stroke. It is possible. The lock engages the firing bar when the firing bar is in the distal locked position to prevent the firing stroke, and the lock disengages from the firing bar when the firing bar is in the proximal unlocked position. Is done. The staple cartridge is moved from a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position to eject staples from the cartridge body during the firing stroke and a plurality of staples removably stored within the cartridge body. A sled configured to push the firing bar into the proximal unlocked position when the staple cartridge is loaded in the end effector and the sled is in the proximal unfired position. ing.

  Example 50-The surgical stapling instrument of Example 49, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the firing bar to a distal locked position.

  Example 51-The surgical stapling instrument of examples 49 or 50, wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the lock into engagement with the firing bar.

  Embodiment 52-Embodiments 49, 50, or 51, wherein the firing bar includes a key configured to engage the lock and disengage the lock from the firing bar upon firing of the firing bar. A surgical stapling instrument as described.

  Example 53-The surgical stapling instrument of Examples 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein the firing bar is retractable after the firing stroke and the sled does not retract with the firing bar.

  Example 54-The Example 53, wherein the firing bar cannot be reset to the proximal unlocked position until a staple cartridge is removed from the end effector and an unused staple cartridge is loaded into the end effector. Surgical stapling instrument.

  Example 55-A sled when a sled engages a firing bar to move the firing bar to a proximal unlocked position and allows the firing bar to move the sled through the firing stroke. Surgical stapling instrument according to any of embodiments 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54, including a detent configured to releasably hold the in a proximal unfired position.

  Example 56-Examples 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, or 55 wherein the surgical stapling instrument further comprises a shaft, the end effector extends from the shaft, and the lock is positioned within the shaft. A surgical stapling instrument according to claim 1.

  Example 57-A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a firing member, and a staple removably positionable within the cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw is defined in the proximal end, the distal end opposite the proximal end, the bottom wall, the outer wall extending from the bottom wall, and the outer wall. A plurality of jaw windows. The firing member is movable toward a distal end during a firing stroke. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a plurality of cartridge windows defined within the cartridge body, the cartridge window being aligned with the jaw window when the staple cartridge is positioned within the cartridge jaw; A staple removably stored within the cartridge body; and a sled movable toward a distal end during a firing stroke to eject staples from the cartridge body, wherein the advancement of the sled during the firing stroke includes: , Through the cartridge window and the jaw window.

  Example 58-The surgical stapling assembly of example 57, wherein the sled includes a datum observable through the cartridge window and the jaw window.

  Example 59-The surgical stapling assembly of example 58, wherein the sled is moved along the longitudinal axis during the firing stroke, and the datum includes a vertical line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

  Example 60-A plurality of jaw windows include a proximal jaw window and a distal jaw window, wherein the plurality of cartridge windows are aligned with the proximal jaw window and the distal jaw window. Wherein the sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position during a firing stroke, wherein the sled includes a distal cartridge window aligned with the distal window. When in the unfired position, the sled is observable through the proximal jaw window and the proximal cartridge window, and when the sled is in the distal fired position, the distal jaw window and the distal cartridge are displaced. 60. The surgical stapling assembly according to example 57, 58 or 59, which is viewable through a window.

  Example 61-Multiple jaw windows include an intermediate jaw window positioned intermediate a proximal jaw window and a distal jaw window, wherein a plurality of cartridge windows are aligned with the intermediate jaw windows. Example 60 wherein the sled is observable during the firing stroke through the intermediate jaw and intermediate cartridge windows, including an intermediate cartridge window positioned intermediate the proximal cartridge window and the distal cartridge window. A surgical stapling assembly according to claim 6.

  Example 62-The jaw window is positioned along the longitudinal jaw window axis, the cartridge window is positioned along the longitudinal cartridge window axis, and the longitudinal direction when the staple cartridge is positioned on the cartridge jaw. 62. The surgical stapling assembly according to any of embodiments 57, 58, 59, 60 or 61, wherein the jaw window axis is aligned with the longitudinal cartridge window axis.

  Example 63-The surgical staple of Examples 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, or 62, wherein the bottom wall includes a longitudinal slot configured to receive the firing member during the firing stroke. Fastening assembly.

  Example 64-A sled is movable during a firing stroke between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position, the longitudinal slot includes a proximal bottom window, and the sled is near the sled. 64. The surgical stapling assembly of example 63, wherein the surgical stapling assembly is viewable through the proximal bottom window when in the unfired position.

  Example 65-A sled is movable during a firing stroke between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position, the longitudinal slot includes a distal bottom window, and the sled is 65. The surgical stapling assembly according to example 63 or 64, which is observable through the distal bottom window when in the firing position.

  Example 66-The embodiment of claim 63, 64, or 65, wherein the longitudinal slot includes a plurality of bottom windows defined in the bottom wall, and the progress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable through the bottom windows. Surgical stapling assembly.

  Example 67-The surgical stapling assembly of example 66, wherein the longitudinal slot defines a longitudinal axis and the bottom window is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis.

  Example 68-The surgical stapling assembly of Example 67, wherein the bottom windows are staggered on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.

  Example 69-A surgical stapling assembly with a firing member, comprising a cartridge jaw and a staple cartridge positioned within the cartridge jaw. The cartridge jaw includes a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a bottom, an outer wall extending from the bottom, and a plurality of jaws defined in the outer wall. And windows. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body including a staple cavity, a plurality of cartridge windows defined within the cartridge body, the cartridge window aligned with the jaw window, and removably stored within the staple cavity. Including staples and a sled movable toward the distal end by the firing member to eject staples from the cartridge body, progress of the sled toward the distal end is observable through the cartridge window and the jaw window. It is.

  Example 70-A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw, a firing member, and a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw is defined within the bottom wall, a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end, a bottom wall, an outer wall extending from the bottom wall, and a bottom wall. A longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot including a plurality of jaw windows defined in the bottom wall. The firing member is movable toward the distal end through the longitudinal slot during the firing stroke. The staple cartridge can be positioned between the outer walls within the cartridge jaws. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled movable toward a distal end during a firing stroke to eject staples from the cartridge body. The progress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable through the jaw window.

  Example 71-A sled is movable during a firing stroke between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position, the jaw window includes a proximal bottom window, and the sled is 71. The surgical stapling assembly according to example 70, wherein the surgical stapling assembly is viewable through the proximal bottom window when in the unfired position.

  Example 72-A sled is movable during a firing stroke between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position, the jaw window includes a distal bottom window, and the sled is 72. The surgical stapling assembly according to example 70 or 71, which is observable through the distal bottom window when in the firing position.

  Example 73-The surgical stapling assembly of Examples 70, 71, or 72, wherein the longitudinal slots define a longitudinal axis and the jaw windows are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis.

  Example 74-A surgical stapling assembly comprising a cartridge jaw and a staple cartridge. The cartridge jaw is defined within the bottom wall, a distal end positioned opposite the proximal end, a bottom wall, an outer wall extending from the bottom wall, and a bottom wall. A longitudinal slot, the longitudinal slot including a plurality of jaw windows defined in the bottom wall. The staple cartridge is positioned between the outer walls within the cartridge jaws. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled movable toward a distal end during a firing stroke to eject staples from the cartridge body. The progress of the sled during the firing stroke is observable through the jaw window.

  Example 75-A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector including a staple cartridge, and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject staples from the cartridge body during a staple firing stroke. The firing assembly is configured to apply a pushing force to the sled during a staple firing stroke. The firing assembly includes a first portion, a second portion, a second portion displaceable relative to the first portion, and at least a portion intermediate the first and second portions. A push lockout system, wherein the push lockout system is configured to engage the shaft and stop the staple firing load if the push force exceeds a threshold.

  Example 76-The surgical instrument further comprises a biasing member positioned intermediate the first portion and the second portion, the biasing member applying a biasing force opposing the pushing force to the second portion. The surgical instrument according to example 75, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to apply.

  Example 77-The surgical instrument of example 76, wherein the threshold comprises a preselected difference between the pushing force and the biasing force.

  Example 78-The surgical instrument of example 77, wherein the push lockout system includes a lock mounted on the shaft, a spring, and an actuator rotatably mounted on the firing assembly. The lock is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and the lock is configured to prevent the firing assembly from performing a staple firing stroke when the lock is in the locked position. The spring is configured to bias the lock to the locked position. The second portion is configured to rotate the actuator toward the lock when the threshold is exceeded, displacing the lock to the unlocked position.

  Embodiment 79-The surgical instrument of embodiment 78, wherein the actuator is rotatably mounted on the first portion and the lock is configured to engage the second portion.

  Example 80-A surgical instrument further comprises an actuator spring configured to bias the actuator into disengagement with the lock, the second portion having the second portion in the first portion. 80. The surgical instrument of any of embodiments 78 or 79, which overcomes the actuator spring when moving toward it.

  Example 81-The surgical instrument of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a replaceable staple cartridge.

  Embodiment 82- A staple cartridge includes a used cartridge lockout configured to prevent a firing assembly from performing a staple firing stroke when the staple cartridge is at least partially used. The surgical instrument according to any of Examples 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80 or 81.

  Embodiment 83-The embodiment 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, or 82, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an electric motor configured to drive the firing assembly through the staple firing stroke. Surgical instruments.

  Example 84-A surgical instrument comprising a frame, an end effector including a staple cartridge, a firing assembly, and a firing force lockout system. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject staples from the cartridge body during a firing stroke. The firing assembly is configured to apply a firing force to the sled during a firing stroke. The firing assembly includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is displaceable with respect to the first portion. The firing force lockout system is configured to engage the frame and prevent a staple firing stroke if the firing force exceeds a threshold.

  Example 85-A surgical instrument further comprising a biasing member positioned intermediate a first portion and a second portion, wherein the biasing member applies a biasing force opposing a firing force to the second portion. The surgical instrument of example 84, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to apply.

  Example 86-The surgical instrument of example 85, wherein the threshold comprises a preselected difference between the firing force and the biasing force.

  Example 87-The surgical instrument of example 86, wherein the firing force lockout system includes a lock mounted on the frame, a spring, and an actuator rotatably mounted on the firing assembly. The lock is displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position, and the lock is configured to prevent the firing assembly from performing a staple firing stroke when the lock is in the locked position. The spring is configured to bias the lock to the locked position. The second portion is configured to rotate the actuator toward the lock when the threshold is exceeded, displacing the lock to the unlocked position.

  Embodiment 88-The surgical instrument of embodiment 87, wherein the actuator is rotatably mounted on the first portion and the lock is configured to engage the second portion.

  Embodiment 89-The surgical instrument further comprises an actuator spring configured to bias the actuator into disengagement with the lock, the second portion having the second portion coupled to the first portion. 90. The surgical instrument of any of embodiments 87 or 88, which overcomes the actuator spring when moving toward it.

  Example 90-The surgical instrument of Examples 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, or 89, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a replaceable staple cartridge.

  Example 91-A staple cartridge includes a used cartridge lockout configured to prevent a firing assembly from performing a staple firing stroke when the staple cartridge is at least partially used. A surgical instrument according to any of Examples 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, or 90.

  Example 92-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge ejects staples from the cartridge body during a firing stroke and a staple removably stored within the cartridge body. A surgical instrument, the thread being configured to: The surgical instrument further comprises a firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to the sled during the firing stroke, and means for stopping the staple firing load when the firing force exceeds a threshold.

  Embodiment 93-The surgical instrument of embodiment 92, wherein the means is resettable.

  Example 94-A surgical instrument comprising a firing assembly movable through a firing stroke, an end effector including a staple cartridge, and a firing force lockout system. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, staples removably stored within the cartridge body, and a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position for ejecting staples from the cartridge body during a firing stroke. A used cartridge lockout configured to prevent the firing assembly from performing the firing stroke if the sled is not in the proximal unfired position at the beginning of the firing stroke; and including. The firing force lockout system is configured to help prevent the firing assembly from performing a firing stroke when the firing assembly is blocked by a spent cartridge lockout.

  Example 95-A firing assembly includes a first portion and a second portion, and a firing force lockout system is positioned at least partially intermediate the first and second portions of the firing assembly. The surgical instrument according to Example 94.

  Example 96-A second portion is moveable relative to a first portion, and the second portion moves when the second portion moves toward the first portion. 97. The surgical instrument of Example 95, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to deploy the in a locked configuration.

  Example 97-The surgical instrument further comprises a biasing member positioned intermediate the first portion and the second portion, wherein the biasing member moves the second portion away from the first portion. 97. The surgical instrument of example 96 configured to push.

  Example 98-A surgical instrument according to example 97, wherein the firing force lockout system is biased to the unlocked configuration.

  Example 99-A surgical instrument further comprises a frame, and a firing force lockout system is attached to the firing assembly, the firing force lockout system engaging the frame in response to a used cartridge lockout blocking the firing assembly. 98. The surgical instrument of any of embodiments 94, 95, 96, 97, or 98, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to:

  Example 100-The surgical instrument of example 99, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a longitudinal shaft and the frame is positioned within the longitudinal shaft.

  Example 101-The surgical instrument of examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises an electric motor configured to move the firing assembly through the firing stroke. Appliances.

  Example 102-A firing lockout system can be deployed in a locked configuration when the firing assembly is blocked by a spent cartridge lockout, and an electric motor retracts the firing assembly to cause the firing lockout system to retract. The surgical instrument of example 101, operable to reset to an unlocked configuration.

  Example 103-Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, wherein the cartridge body includes a longitudinal slot configured to receive the firing assembly and the used cartridge lockout includes a metal clip. The surgical instrument according to 100, 101 or 102. The metal clip includes a mounting portion mounted to the cartridge body and a locking portion deflectable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein the locking portion causes the firing assembly when the locking portion is in the locked configuration. It extends into the longitudinal slot for blocking.

  Example 104-The surgical instrument of example 103, wherein the sled is configured to retain the locking portion in the unlocked configuration when the sled is in the proximal unfired position.

  Example 105-Embodiment 104 wherein the locking portion is biased toward the locking configuration and the sled is configured to release the locking portion as the sled is advanced distally during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument as described.

  Example 106-The surgical instrument of any one of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the staple cartridge is a replaceable staple cartridge.

  Example 107-The surgical instrument of Examples 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105, wherein the staple cartridge is not a replaceable staple cartridge.

  Example 108-A surgical instrument comprising a firing assembly movable through a firing stroke, an end effector including a staple cartridge, and a firing force lockout. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, staples removably stored within the cartridge body, and a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position for ejecting staples from the cartridge body during a firing stroke. And a cartridge lockout configured to block the firing assembly if the sled is not in a proximal unfired position at the beginning of the firing stroke. The firing lockout is configured to prevent the firing assembly from performing a firing stroke when the firing assembly is blocked by the cartridge lockout.

  Example 109-A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, a firing assembly movable through an actuation stroke, an end effector, and a firing lockout in the shaft. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw, and a staple cartridge, wherein the firing assembly is adapted to engage the first jaw. And a second cam configured to engage the second jaw to control a position of the second jaw relative to the first jaw during an actuation stroke. Including the cam. The staple cartridge is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position for ejecting staples from the cartridge body, the staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and the cartridge body. A sled and a cartridge lockout configured to block the firing assembly if the sled is not in the proximal unfired position at the beginning of the actuation stroke. The firing lockout is configured to block the firing assembly if the firing assembly is blocked by the cartridge lockout.

  Example 110-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector and a firing assembly configured to transfer a firing load to an end effector during a firing stroke. The firing assembly includes a first portion, a second portion, and a fuse portion, wherein the fuse portion transfers a firing load from the first portion to the second portion when the fuse portion is intact. The fuse portion is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and the first portion is capable of transmitting the firing load to the second portion when the fuse portion fails. Can not.

  Example 111-The surgical instrument of Example 110, wherein the fuse portion is resettable.

  Example 112-The end effector includes a distal end, the firing assembly advances toward the distal end during the firing stroke, and the firing assembly advances away from the distal end to reset the fuse portion. The surgical instrument according to Example 111.

  Example 113-a first portion includes a flexible first rod, a second portion includes a second rod, and the flexible first rod is configured to be mounted when a firing load exceeds a threshold. 112. The surgical instrument according to any of examples 110, 111, or 112, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to bend and disengage from the second rod.

  Example 114-The flexible rod flexes out of engagement with the second rod when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and the flexible first rod 114. The surgical instrument of embodiment 113, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to quickly return to engagement with the second rod when the first rod is realigned with the second rod.

  Example 115-The firing assembly further includes a collar, the second rod is slidably positioned within the collar, the flexible first rod is not positioned within the collar at the beginning of the firing stroke, Embodiment 113 or 114 wherein the flexible first rod enters the collar during the firing stroke and the collar prevents the flexible first rod from disengaging from the second rod. Surgical instruments.

  Example 116-A surgical instrument further comprising a frame, wherein a flexible first rod engages the frame and fires when the flexible first rod disengages from a second rod. 115. The surgical instrument of any of embodiments 113, 114, or 115, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to prevent the assembly from performing a firing stroke.

  Example 117-Examples 113, 114, 115 wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the flexible first rod into engagement with the second rod. Or the surgical instrument according to 116.

  Example 118-A first barb defined in a first portion with a fuse portion, a second barb defined in a second portion engaged with the first barb, Wherein the first barb is disengaged from the second barb when the firing force exceeds a threshold, according to embodiments 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, or 117. The surgical instrument as described.

  Example 119-A first foot having a fuse portion defined on a first portion and a second foot defined on a second portion engaged with the first foot. Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, wherein the first foot slides relative to the second foot when the firing force exceeds a threshold. Or 118 surgical instruments.

  Example 120-A surgical instrument further comprises a frame, wherein the first portion includes a biasing member engaged with the frame, the biasing member biasing the first foot. 120. The surgical instrument of embodiment 119, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to engage the second foot.

  Example 121-Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 wherein the second portion includes multiple layers and the fuse portion includes a proximal portion of the layer that extends outward when the firing force exceeds a threshold. , 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, or 120.

  Example 122-The surgical instrument further comprises a frame, the spread layer configured to engage the frame and prevent the firing assembly from performing the firing stroke when the firing load exceeds a threshold. The surgical instrument according to Example 121.

  Example 123-The layer is elastically spread outward when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and the layer is configured to flex inward to reset the fuse portion when the firing assembly retracts. The surgical instrument according to Example 121 or 122.

  Example 124-The surgical instrument of any of Examples 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, or 122, wherein the fuse portion is not resettable.

  Example 125-A fuse portion includes a wall defined within a first portion, the wall configured to break away from the first portion when a firing load exceeds a threshold. 125. The surgical instrument of embodiment 124, wherein

  Example 126-Fuse section includes a series of collapsible walls located along a longitudinal axis in a first section, the collapsible walls sequentially fail when firing force exceeds a threshold 126. The surgical instrument of any of embodiments 124 or 125, wherein the surgical instrument is configured as follows.

  Embodiment 127-The embodiment 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, or 126, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge. Surgical instruments.

  Example 128-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a staple cartridge and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject staples from the cartridge body. The firing assembly is configured to apply a firing load to the sled during a staple firing stroke. The firing assembly includes a first portion, a second portion, and a fuse configured to transfer a firing load from the first portion to the second portion when the fuse portion is intact. Including, the fuse is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and the firing assembly is unable to communicate the firing stroke to the sled if the fuse fails.

  Example 129-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a staple cartridge and a firing assembly. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject staples from the cartridge body. The firing assembly is configured to apply a firing load to the sled during a staple firing stroke. The firing assembly includes a fuse, wherein the fuse is configured to transmit a firing load to the sled when the fuse is intact, and wherein the fuse is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold. The assembly cannot transfer the firing load to the sled if the fuse fails.

  Example 130-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a staple cartridge and a firing assembly including a fuse. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject staples from the cartridge body. The fuse is intact (the firing assembly is configured to transmit a firing load to the sled during the firing stroke when the fuse is intact), and in a first fault condition (the firing assembly is a A second fault condition (the firing assembly is configured to transfer a load to the sled when the fuse is in the second fault condition); Not possible), and

  Example 131-The surgical instrument of example 130, wherein the fuse is resettable from a first fault condition to an intact condition.

  Example 132-The surgical instrument of example 131, wherein the end effector includes a distal end and the firing assembly is retractable away from the distal end to reset the fuse to intact.

  Example 133-The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, or 132, wherein the fuse is resettable from a second fault condition to a first fault condition.

  Example 134-The surgical instrument of Example 133, wherein the end effector includes a distal end and the firing assembly is retractable away from the distal end to reset the fuse to the intact state.

  Example 135. The surgical instrument of Example 130, wherein the fuse is not resettable from a first fault condition to an intact condition.

  Example 136-The surgical instrument of example 130, wherein the fuse is not resettable from the second fault condition to the first fault condition.

  Example 137-A surgical instrument according to any of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, or 136, wherein the firing assembly may be used to terminate the firing stroke with a first fault condition of the fuse.

  Example 138-The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, or 136, wherein the firing assembly cannot be used to terminate the firing stroke with a first fault condition of the fuse. .

  Example 139-The surgical instrument of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, or 138, wherein the fuse is configured to halt the firing load in the second fault condition.

  Example 140-The surgical instrument of example 139, wherein the surgical instrument further comprises a frame, and wherein the fuse is configured to engage the frame to stop the firing load in the second fault condition.

  Example 141-Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, wherein the firing assembly further includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the fuse is positioned intermediate the first portion and the second portion. 141. The surgical instrument according to 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139 or 140.

  Example 142-The surgical instrument of example 141, wherein the second portion is partially folded relative to the first portion when the fuse is in the first broken condition.

  Example 143-The surgical instrument of example 141, wherein the second portion is completely folded relative to the first portion when the fuse is in the second fault condition.

  Example 144-The surgical instrument of any of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the firing load is greater than the load.

  Example 145-A surgical instrument according to any of Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein the firing load is equal to the load.

  Example 146-Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, wherein the fuse includes a biasing portion configured to bias the fuse to an intact state. 140. The surgical instrument according to 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145.

  Example 147-Examples 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 wherein the biasing portion is configured to bias the fuse to a first fault condition after the fuse leaves the intact state. 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, or 146.

  Example 148-A surgical instrument comprising an electric motor, an end effector including a staple cartridge, and a firing assembly including a fuse. The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a sled configured to eject staples from the cartridge body. The fuse is intact (the fuse is configured to transmit a firing load from the electric motor to the sled during the firing stroke when the fuse is intact) and in a sliding state (the fuse is And a fault condition (the fuse is configured to transfer the load to the sled when the fuse is in the second fault condition). Not possible), and

  Example 149-A surgical instrument comprising an end effector including a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes a cartridge body including a distal end, a staple removably stored within the cartridge body, and a staple from the cartridge body. A thread configured to drain. The surgical instrument includes a firing assembly configured to apply a firing force to the sled during the firing stroke and advance the sled toward the distal end, and a plurality of actions when the firing force exceeds a threshold. Means for limiting the function of the firing assembly in the condition.

  Example 150-A method for operating a surgical instrument with a firing assembly including a fuse, advancing a firing assembly to perform a staple firing stroke and applying a firing load to a staple cartridge assembly; A method comprising: stopping a firing assembly if the fuse therein fails due to excessive firing load; and retracting the firing assembly to reset the fuse.

  Example 151-The method of Example 150, wherein the method further comprises completing a staple firing stroke after the retracting step.

  Example 152-The method of Examples 150 or 151, wherein the method further comprises retracting the firing assembly to an unfired position instead of completing a staple firing stroke.

  Example 153-An embodiment in which a surgical instrument includes an end effector, the end effector includes a missing staple cartridge lockout, and the firing load results in an excessive firing load when the firing assembly abuts the missing staple cartridge lockout. 150. The method according to 150, 151 or 152.

  Example 154-A surgical instrument includes an end effector, the end effector includes a used staple cartridge lockout, and the firing load becomes an excessive firing load when the firing assembly abuts the used staple cartridge lockout. The method according to Example 150, 151, 152, or 153.

  Example 155-The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, 153, or 154, wherein the surgical instrument comprises a lockout configured to perform a stopping step.

  Example 156. The method of Examples 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, further comprising replacing the staple cartridge assembly with an unused staple cartridge assembly and completing the staple firing stroke after the stopping step. Or 155.

  Example 157-A method for operating a surgical instrument with a firing assembly including a fuse, wherein the firing assembly is advanced within the staple cartridge assembly to perform a staple firing stroke and apply a firing load to the staple cartridge assembly. Completing the staple firing process when the fuse in the firing assembly enters a first fault condition; and causing the fuse in the firing assembly to enter a second fault condition after entering the first fault condition. Stopping the staple firing load when entering.

  Embodiment 158-The method of embodiment 157, wherein the method further comprises resetting the fuse after the stopping step.

  Example 159-The method of example 158, wherein the resetting step includes retracting the firing assembly.

  Example 160-The method of Examples 157, 158, or 159, wherein the completing step includes retracting the firing assembly and then advancing the firing assembly.

  Example 161--A fuse enters a first fault condition when a firing load exceeds a first force threshold, and a fuse enters a second fault condition when a firing load exceeds a second force threshold. 157. The method of Examples 157, 158, 159 or 160.

  Example 162- The method of Example 161, wherein the first force threshold is different from the second force threshold.

  Example 163. The method of Examples 161 or 162, wherein the second force threshold is higher than the first force threshold.

  Example 164-The method of Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, or 163, wherein the surgical instrument comprises a lockout configured to perform a stopping step.

  Example 165-Examples 157, 158, 159, 160, 161 wherein the method further includes replacing the staple cartridge assembly with an unused staple cartridge assembly and completing the staple firing stroke after the stopping step. , 162, 163, or 164.

  Embodiment 166. The method of embodiments 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 161, 162, 163, 164, wherein the method further comprises resetting the fuse from the second fault state to the first fault state after the stopping step. Or the method of 165.

  Embodiment 167-Embodiments 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, wherein the method further comprises resetting the fuse from a second fault condition to an undamaged state after the stopping step. Or the method of 166.

  Example 168-A method for operating a surgical instrument with a firing assembly including a fuse, advancing a firing assembly to perform a staple firing stroke and applying a firing load to a staple cartridge assembly. A method comprising: stopping a firing assembly if a fuse therein changes state; and resetting the fuse to a non-fault state.

  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 systems described herein can operate, for example, with a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may include portions of a robot control system. Further, any of the end effector and / or tool assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgical instrument system. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS" (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535), describes some robotic surgical instrument systems. Examples are disclosed in more detail.

  Although the surgical instrument system described herein has been described in connection with staple deployment and deformation, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned for deploying fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. Furthermore, various embodiments are envisioned 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, an end effector according to certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal tissue.

The entire disclosure below is incorporated herein by reference.
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-U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, entitled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", currently US Patent No. 8,608,045;
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US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 893,461, filed Sep. 29, 2012, entitled “STAPLE CARTRIDGE”, now US Pat. No. 8,733,613;
US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 036,647, filed Feb. 28, 2011, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", currently US Pat. No. 8,561,870;
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U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 524,049, filed June 15, 2012, entitled "ARTICULABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", currently U.S. Patent No. 9,101,358;
US Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025, filed March 13, 2013, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", currently US Patent Application No. 9,345,481;
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  Although various instruments have been described herein with particular embodiments, modifications and changes may be made to those embodiments. Certain features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in any way, without limitation, with one or more other embodiment features, structures, or characteristics. . Also, while materials are disclosed with respect to particular components, other materials may be used. Further, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced with multiple components to perform a given function (s), and multiple components may be replaced with a single component. It may be replaced. 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 either case, the device may be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include, but is not limited to, any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, subsequent cleaning or replacement of certain parts of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. Specifically, the reconditioning facility and / or surgical team can disassemble the device, clean and / or replace certain parts of the device, and then reassemble the device for future use. Can be. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize various techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

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

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

  All patents, publications, or other disclosures which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety or in part, are subject to the existing definitions, descriptions, or other disclosures in which the material incorporated therein is described in this disclosure. It shall be incorporated herein only to the extent not inconsistent with the content. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting description incorporated herein by reference. Any content that is inconsistent with the current definitions, views, or other disclosures contained herein, or portions thereof, is hereby incorporated by reference, but may be incorporated by reference and the current disclosure. Shall be referenced only to the extent that there is no conflict between

(Embodiment)
(1) A surgical instrument,
An end effector,
A firing assembly configured to transmit a firing load to the end effector during a firing stroke, wherein the firing assembly comprises:
The first part;
The second part;
A fuse portion, wherein the fuse portion is configured to transfer the firing load from the first portion to the second portion when the fuse portion is intact; Is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, wherein the first portion is unable to transmit the firing load to the second portion if the fuse portion fails. , A firing assembly, and a surgical instrument.
(2) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the fuse portion is resettable.
(3) wherein the end effector includes a distal end, wherein the firing assembly advances toward the distal end during the firing stroke, and wherein the firing assembly advances away from the distal end; The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the fuse portion is reset.
(4) the first portion includes a flexible first rod, the second portion includes a second rod, and the flexible first rod is configured such that the firing load is The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to flex and disengage from the second rod when the threshold is exceeded.
(5) the flexible rod resiliently bends out of engagement with the second rod when the firing load exceeds the threshold, and the flexible first rod comprises 5. The surgical instrument of embodiment 4, wherein the flexible first rod is configured to quickly return to engagement with the second rod when realigned with the second rod. Appliances.

(6) the firing assembly further includes a collar, wherein the second rod is slidably positioned within the collar, and wherein the flexible first rod includes a collar at the beginning of the firing stroke Not positioned within the flexible first rod enters the collar during the firing stroke, the collar disengaging the flexible first rod from the second rod. 5. The surgical instrument of embodiment 4, wherein the surgical instrument prevents disengagement.
(7) further comprising a frame, wherein the flexible first rod is engaged with the frame, and the firing is performed when the flexible first rod is disengaged from the second rod. 5. The surgical instrument of embodiment 4, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to prevent the assembly from performing the firing stroke.
The surgical instrument according to claim 4, further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the flexible first rod into engagement with the second rod.
(9) a first barb defined in the first portion and a second barb defined in the second portion engaged with the first bar; The surgical instrument of claim 1, comprising: a barb; wherein the first barb is disengaged from the second barb when the firing force exceeds the threshold.
(10) The fuse portion has a first foot defined on the first portion and a second foot defined on the second portion engaged with the first foot. The surgical instrument of claim 1, comprising a foot, wherein the first foot slides relative to the second foot when the firing force exceeds the threshold.

(11) The frame further includes a frame, wherein the first portion includes a biasing member engaged with the frame, and the biasing member biases the first foot to move the second foot. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 10, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to engage a portion.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a plurality of layers, and the fuse portion includes a proximal portion of the layer that extends outward when the firing force exceeds the threshold. Surgical instruments.
(13) further comprising a frame, wherein the spread layer is configured to engage the frame and prevent the firing assembly from performing the firing stroke when the firing load exceeds the threshold. 13. The surgical instrument of embodiment 12, wherein
(14) the layer resiliently spreads outward when the firing load exceeds the threshold, and the layer flexes inward when the firing assembly retracts to reset the fuse portion. 13. The surgical instrument of embodiment 12, wherein the surgical instrument is configured.
The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the fuse portion is not resettable.

(16) wherein the fuse portion includes a wall defined within the first portion, wherein the wall breaks away from the first portion when the firing load exceeds the threshold. 16. The surgical instrument of embodiment 15, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to:
(17) wherein the fuse portion includes a series of foldable walls disposed along a longitudinal axis within the first portion, wherein the foldable wall is configured such that the firing force exceeds the threshold; 16. The surgical instrument of embodiment 15, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to sequentially fail.
(18) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 1, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge.
(19) A surgical instrument,
An end effector including a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes:
Cartridge body,
Staples removably stored in the cartridge body,
An end effector, comprising: a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body.
A firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to the sled during a staple firing stroke, wherein the firing assembly comprises:
The first part;
The second part;
A fuse configured to transfer the firing load from the first portion to the second portion when the fuse is intact. A firing assembly configured to fail when the load exceeds a threshold, wherein the firing assembly is unable to communicate the firing stroke to the sled if the fuse fails. Appliances.
(20) A surgical instrument,
An end effector including a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes:
Cartridge body,
Staples removably stored in the cartridge body,
An end effector, comprising: a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body.
A firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to the sled during a staple firing stroke, the firing assembly including a fuse, the fuse firing the sled when the fuse is intact. A load configured to transmit the load, wherein the fuse is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein the firing assembly includes: A firing assembly that is unable to transmit a load.

Claims (20)

A surgical instrument,
An end effector,
A firing assembly configured to transmit a firing load to the end effector during a firing stroke, wherein the firing assembly comprises:
The first part;
The second part;
A fuse portion, wherein the fuse portion is configured to transfer the firing load from the first portion to the second portion when the fuse portion is intact; Is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, wherein the first portion is unable to transmit the firing load to the second portion if the fuse portion fails. , A firing assembly, and a surgical instrument.   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the fuse portion is resettable.   The end effector includes a distal end, the firing assembly advances during the firing stroke toward the distal end, and the firing assembly advances away from the distal end to extend the fuse portion. The surgical instrument according to claim 2, wherein the surgical instrument is reset.   The first portion includes a flexible first rod, the second portion includes a second rod, and the flexible first rod is configured such that the firing load meets the threshold. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to flex and disengage from the second rod when exceeded.   The flexible rod resiliently bends out of engagement with the second rod when the firing load exceeds the threshold, and the flexible first rod includes the flexible rod. 5. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to quickly return to engagement with the second rod when the first rod of sex is realigned with the second rod.   The firing assembly further includes a collar, wherein the second rod is slidably positioned within the collar, and wherein the flexible first rod is positioned within the collar at the beginning of the firing stroke. The flexible first rod enters the collar during the firing stroke and the collar disengages the flexible first rod from the second rod. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the surgical instrument is prevented.   Further comprising a frame, wherein the first flexible rod is engaged with the frame and the firing assembly is configured to release the first flexible rod from the second rod when the firing assembly disengages from the second rod. The surgical instrument of claim 4, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to prevent performing a firing stroke.   The surgical instrument of claim 4, further comprising a biasing member configured to bias the flexible first rod into engagement with the second rod.   A first barb defined in the first portion with the fuse portion; and a second barb defined in the second portion engaged with the first barb. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the first barb is disengaged from the second barb when the firing force exceeds the threshold.   A first foot defined on the first portion and a second foot defined on the second portion engaged with the first portion; The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the first foot slides relative to the second foot when the firing force exceeds the threshold.   A frame, wherein the first portion includes a biasing member engaged with the frame, and the biasing member biases the first foot to engage the second foot. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to mate.   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the second portion includes a plurality of layers, and the fuse portion includes a proximal portion of the layer that extends outward when the firing force exceeds the threshold. .   Further comprising a frame, wherein the spread layer is configured to engage the frame and prevent the firing assembly from performing the firing stroke when the firing load exceeds the threshold. The surgical instrument according to claim 12.   The layer is resiliently spread outward when the firing load exceeds the threshold, and the layer is configured to bend inward to reset the fuse portion when the firing assembly retracts. The surgical instrument according to claim 12, wherein   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the fuse portion is not resettable.   The fuse portion includes a wall defined within the first portion, the wall breaking in a direction away from the first portion when the firing load exceeds the threshold. The surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein the surgical instrument is configured.   The fuse portion includes a series of collapsible walls disposed along a longitudinal axis within the first portion, wherein the collapsible walls sequentially fail when the firing force exceeds the threshold. The surgical instrument according to claim 15, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to:   The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the end effector comprises a staple cartridge. A surgical instrument,
An end effector including a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes:
Cartridge body,
Staples removably stored in the cartridge body,
An end effector, comprising: a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body.
A firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to the sled during a staple firing stroke, wherein the firing assembly comprises:
The first part;
The second part;
A fuse configured to transfer the firing load from the first portion to the second portion when the fuse is intact. A firing assembly configured to fail when the load exceeds a threshold, wherein the firing assembly is unable to communicate the firing stroke to the sled if the fuse fails. Appliances. A surgical instrument,
An end effector including a staple cartridge, wherein the staple cartridge includes:
Cartridge body,
Staples removably stored in the cartridge body,
An end effector, comprising: a sled configured to eject the staples from the cartridge body.
A firing assembly configured to apply a firing load to the sled during a staple firing stroke, the firing assembly including a fuse, the fuse firing the sled when the fuse is intact. A load configured to transmit the load, wherein the fuse is configured to fail when the firing load exceeds a threshold, and wherein the firing assembly includes: A firing assembly that is unable to transmit a load.

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