JP2020512052A - Angle of firing member pin - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a surgical instrument that includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a firing member. The firing member comprises one or more cams configured to position the first jaw with respect to the second jaw. In various examples, one of the cams is oriented at an angle non-parallel to another cam to reduce strain in the cam. In a particular example, at least one of the cams comprises a leading protrusion and a rear protrusion positioned behind the tip protrusion that is configured to engage the same jaw. The ends of the front and rear protrusions are not attached to each other and are movable with respect to each other. In some cases, one or more of the cams has a plastically deformable or wearable feature configured to facilitate multiple uses of the surgical instrument.

Description

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

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a surgical system including a handle assembly and a plurality of replaceable surgical instrument assemblies that may be used with it. 2 is a perspective view of one of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies of FIG. 1 operably coupled to the handle assembly of FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2. 2 is a perspective view of another one of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the elastic spine assembly of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is another exploded view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4-7. 9 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the surgical end effector portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4-8. FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the surgical end effector portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly shown in FIG. 9. 11 is a perspective view, a side elevational view, and a front view of an embodiment of a firing member that may be used in the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be used in the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the anvil of FIG. 12. 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. Sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 4 with a fresh or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated in an elongated channel of the surgical end effector. It is a side elevation view. FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 after the surgical staple cartridge has been at least partially fired and its firing member retracted to the starting position. 17 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 16 after the firing member is fully retracted to the starting position. FIG. 16 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion shown in FIG. 15 with an unused or unfired surgical staple cartridge properly seated in an elongated channel of the surgical end effector. 19 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 18 with the surgical staple cartridge mounted therein, showing the firing member at least partially fired and retained in the locked position. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the anvil and elongate channel of the replaceable instrument assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 21 is an exploded side elevational view of a portion of the anvil and elongated channel of FIG. 20. It is a rear perspective view of the anvil attachment part of an anvil embodiment. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an anvil embodiment. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 25. FIG. 26 is a sectional end view of the anvil of FIG. 25. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of FIG. 28. 29 is a plan view of the distal end of the anvil body portion of the anvil of FIG. 28. FIG. FIG. 8A is a plan view of the distal end of the anvil body portion of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional end surface perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 31. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another anvil embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a closure member that includes a distal closure tube portion. 35 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the embodiment of the closure member of FIG. 34. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a replaceable surgical instrument assembly showing the anvil attachment portion of the anvil in a fully closed position and its firing member position in a starting position. 37 is another partial cross-sectional view of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 36 at the beginning of the opening process. 38 is another partial cross-sectional view of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 37 with the anvil in a fully open position. FIG. 37 is a side elevational view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 36. FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 37. FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 38. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of an embodiment of a closure member. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional end view of the closure member of FIG. 42. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a closure member. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view of another closure member embodiment. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the replaceable instrument assembly illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical end effector of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. 49 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 48. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the lower surface of the anvil embodiment. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 5 with its surgical end effector anvil in a fully open position. FIG. 52 is another partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the FIG. 51 replaceable surgical instrument assembly with the anvil of its surgical end effector in a first closed position in a fully closed position. 51. A portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 51 at the beginning of the firing process with the anvil in the first closed position and the firing member of its surgical end effector moved distally from the starting position. FIG. 9 is another partial cross-sectional view of FIG. Another portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 51 with the anvil in the second closed position and the firing member advanced distally into the surgical staple cartridge of its surgical end effector. It is a partial sectional view. 6 is a graphical comparison of firing energy versus time for different replaceable surgical instrument assemblies. 6 is a graphical representation of a force for improved firing and firing load versus firing distance traveled by its firing member for four different interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies. A comparison between the first anvil embodiment and the second anvil embodiment is provided. FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector with the second anvil embodiment of FIG. 57. FIG. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first anvil embodiment of FIG. 57 and a firing member configured to engage the first anvil embodiment. FIG. 60 is a partial elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 59. FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating stress concentration in the first anvil embodiment of FIG. 57 and the firing member of FIG. 59. FIG. 60 is another diagram showing stress concentration in the firing member of FIG. 59. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 64 is a side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 63. FIG. 64 is a front view of the firing member of FIG. 63. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 66 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 66. FIG. 66 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 66. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 70 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 69. FIG. 70 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 69. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 73 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 72. FIG. 73 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 72. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 76 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 75. FIG. 76 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 75. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 79 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 78. FIG. 79 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 78. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 82 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 81. FIG. 82 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 81. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 85 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 84. FIG. 85 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 84. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a firing member according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 88 is a partial side elevational view of the firing member of FIG. 87. FIG. 88 is another partial perspective view of the firing member of FIG. 87. FIG. 88 is a partial front view of the firing member of FIG. 87. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the energy required to advance a firing member disclosed herein by a staple firing stroke. FIG. 67 is a detailed view of the lateral projection extending from the firing member of FIG. 66, schematically illustrating the interaction of the lateral projection and the anvil in a bent state. FIG. 82 is a detailed view of the lateral projection extending from the firing member of FIG. 81, schematically showing the interaction of the lateral projection and the anvil in a bent state. FIG. 82 is a detailed view of the lateral projection extending from the firing member of FIG. 81, schematically illustrating the interaction of the lateral projection and the anvil in another flexion.

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

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF", Attorney Docket No. END7980USNP / 160155,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END7981USNP / 160156,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", Attorney Docket No. END7982USNP / 160157,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF", Attorney Docket No. END7983USNP / 160158,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES", Attorney Docket No. END7984USNP / 160159,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR", Attorney Docket No. END7985USNP / 160160.

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated 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 the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7988USNP / 160163,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSE CLOSE STORE REDUCTION FEATURES", Agent Serial No. END7989USNP / 160164,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", Attorney Docket No. END7990USNP / 160165,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7991USNP / 160166,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPEN FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE", Proxy No. END7992USNP / 160.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE", Attorney Docket No. END7993USNP / 160168,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", Agent No. END7994USNP / 160169.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END7995USNP / 160170,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS", Attorney Docket No. END7996USNP / 160171,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES", Attorney Docket No. END7997USNP / 160172,
-US Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM_ACTUTION__US_NO_3_7, UNESPENT NUMBER REPLACE NUMBER _____________________________________ The title of the invention is "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN", Agent serial number END7999USNP / 160174.

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT", Agent Serial No. END8013USNP / 160175,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES", Attorney Docket No. END8014USNP / 160176,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL", Attorney Docket No. END8016USNP / 160178,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN", Attorney Docket No. END8017USNP / 160179,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER", Attorney Docket No. END8018USNP / 160180,
-U.S. patent application No. _________, title "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND / OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", agent serial number END8019USNP / 160181,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Agent Serial No. END8020USNP / 160182,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT", Agent serial number END8021USNP / 160183.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Invention Title "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE", Agent Serial No. END8022USNP / 160184, and-U.S. Patent Application Number _________________, Title of Invention "FIRING ASSEMBLY IPL COMPUTER COMPING. FUSE ", agent reference number END8023USNP / 160185.

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8038USNP / 160186,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS", Attorney Docket No. END8039USNP / 160187,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERNT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPING NUMBER 80, No. 18 INSTRUMENT NUMBER".
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "ILATORALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS", Attorney Docket No. END8042USNP / 160190,
-U.S. Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention: CLOSE MEMBERS WITH CAM SUR FACE ARRANGENEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRURUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISNINT CLOSED NUMBER 80, FIRST NUMBER 43, SYRRING AND FIRST NUMBERS.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSED AND FIRING SYSTEMS", agent serial number END8044USNP / 160192,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES", Attorney Docket No. END8045USNP / 160193,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING PREADTHS", Attorney Docket No. END8047USNP / 160195,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRIING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS", Attorney Docket No. END8048USNP / 160196,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLRS", Attorney Docket No. END8050USNP / 160198,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGE MENTS COMPRING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES", Attorney Docket No. END8052USNP / 160200,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRURUMENT WITH MULTIPLELE 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 SEP NUMBER 80, DISTINCT PRINTS NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "ANVIL HAVING A KNIFIE SLOT WIDTH", Attorney Docket No. END8057USNP / 160205,
-U.S. patent application No. _________, title of invention "CLOSE MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", attorney docket no. END8058USNP / 160206, and-U.S. Patent application No. _________INU, FIRNU MEMUPIN FORMING. Person reference number END8059USNP / 160207.

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of invention "STEPPE STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRIC STAPLES", Attorney Docket No. END8000USNP / 160208,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "STEPPED 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 the invention "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8003USNP / 160211.
-U.S. patent application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES ON", attorney docket number END8004USNP / 160I__, and _U.S. Pat. "DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS", agent serial number END8005USNP / 160213.

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVE, TO A SURGICAL ALBOBOT", No. 160, Proxy Number USP No. 214 / N.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED 15th, NUMBER 7 NUMBER, 7th SYMBOL SYNTEN SYNTENT SYMBOL"
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END800USNP / 160216,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT PUA OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT No. 2", Person number 7 SYN
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ART ARTICU ONE END EFFFECTALS NUMBER 10/80 EFFECTORS OF NUMBER OF END EFFETORS OF RULES"
-U.S. patent application No. ___________, title of the invention "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT", Agent Serial No. END8011USNP / 160219, and-U.S. Patent application No. ”, Agent reference number END8012USNP / 160220.

The applicant of the present application has the following U.S. patent applications filed on the same date therewith, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8024USNP / 160221,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8025USNP / 160222,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS", Attorney Docket No. END8026USNP / 160223,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO TO DISHENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES 24", No. 2 substitute number 80
-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 EFFECTORS UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFETOR" of the invention, Attorney Docket No. END8029USNP / 160226,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of invention "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSE SYSTEM SYSTEM ARRANGENEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSEU MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS No. 2", Attorney Docket No. 2D.
-US Patent Application No. ___________, Title of Invention "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUTOR SHAFUT OF A SURNOUS No. 28 / PARTNER NUMBER, INSTRUMENT NUMBER"
-U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPEN FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSEING END EFFECTOR NUMBER 29, PATENT NUMBER 32, ENJUSS"
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT", Attorney Docket No. END8033USNP / 160230,
-U.S. patent application No. _________, title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WIT INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE LOCK," attorney docket no. P16023US number END8034.
- U.S. Patent Application No. _______ No., entitled "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM", Attorney Docket No. END8035USNP / 160232,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, Title of Invention "LATERARY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGENEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF _ON _U.S.U.N.U.R. , "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES", agent serial number END8037USNP / 160234.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed June 24, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,775, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,807, title of invention "STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WIT WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 191,834, title of invention "STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,788, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES", and-US Patent Application No. 15 / 191,818, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGESTU PLATING.

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

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below, filed December 31, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. .
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 984,488, title of invention "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 984,525, title of the invention "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 984,552, title of the invention "SURGUR SURGUAL INSTRUMENT" AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS ".

The applicant of the present application also owns the United States patent applications identified below, filed February 9, 2016, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. .
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,220, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,228, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLELE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGENEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,206, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATED TO AN ELONGATE SHAFFT ASSEMBLY",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,215, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGENEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,227, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,235, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,230, title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS", and-US Patent Application No. 15 / 019,245, title of the invention "SURTURE STURGUAL REDUTION ARRANGEMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below, filed February 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. .
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,254, title "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVERTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 043,259, title of the invention "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVERTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15 / 043,275, title of the invention "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVERTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS"; FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS ".

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed June 18, 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,925, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,941, title "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUALATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,914, titled "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,900, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WIT COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FORT ART".
-US patent application No. 14 / 742,885, title of invention "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGENEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLES SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-U.S. Patent application number 14 / 742,876, RTS RUSL / USL "FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 6, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 640,746, title of invention "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0256184,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,795, title of invention "MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,832, title of the invention "ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSERATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,935, title of invention "OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPPRESSION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,831, title of invention "MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,859, Title of Invention "TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES", No. 20 / US Patent Application Publication No. 20 / US Patent Application No. 02/16
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,817, title of the invention "INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,844, title of the invention "CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESS CONCONTINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFAT WITH SELECT CONTROL 56/15, US 15/02, US 15/02 currently published";
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 640,837, title of the invention "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,765, title of invention "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 640,799, title of the invention "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTABLE SHAFT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162, and-US Patent Application No. 14/640, No. 780, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed February 27, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,576, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,546, Title of Invention "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHERA A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPRATUS IS WITHINA, US PWN.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,560, title of the invention "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND / OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,566, title "CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLE EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0249918,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,555, title of the invention "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,542, title "REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication no.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 633,548, title "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 633,526, title of the invention "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,541, title of the invention "MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0249927, and-U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 14 / 633,562, title of the invention " SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER ", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed December 18, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-US patent application No. 14 / 574,478, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING NO.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 574,483, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/01744969,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,139, title of the invention "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,148, title of invention "LOCKING ARRANGENEMENTS FOR DATACHABLE SHAFFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976.
-US patent application No. 14 / 575,130, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NO-MOVABLE No. 97 / NO. ,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 575,143, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSEURE ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983,
-US patent application No. 14 / 575,117, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGENEMENTS", now US patent application No. 75/2016 No. 7/2016/2010.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 575,154, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGENEMENTS", now US Patent Application No. 74/97, No. 74/2017.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,493, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEMYTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 574,14 / 574. , "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 1, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,295, title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471.
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,323, title of invention "ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,338, title of the invention "THUMBWHEEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,499, title of the invention "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT", now U.S. Patent No. 9,358,003,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,460, title of the invention "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246478,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,358, title "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,481, title "SENSOR STRAIGHTTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVE THROUGH TROCAR", now U.S. Patent No. 9,468,438,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 782,518, title of the invention "CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,375, Title of Invention "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLELE DEGREES OF FREEDOM", now US Patent No. 9,398,911, and-US Patent Application No. 13 / 782,536. No., title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP", presently US Pat. No. 9,307,986.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 14, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,097, title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,193, title of the invention "CONTROL ARRANGENEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent No. 9,332,987,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,053, title of the invention "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,
-US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,210, title of invention "SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,148, title of the invention "MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,066, title of the invention "DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263565,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,117, title of invention "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,130, title of the invention "DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent No. 9,351,727, and-U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,159. , "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed March 7, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 200,111, title of the invention "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263539.

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

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed September 5, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,103, title of the invention "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWEREDED DEVICE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 479,119, title of invention "ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,908, title of the invention "MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 478,895, Invention Title "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 Ser.
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 479,098, title of invention "SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 479,115, title of the invention "MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916, and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 479,108, The title of the invention is "LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following US patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference: US Pat.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 248,590, title of the invention "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0305987,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,581, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSED DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", currently US Patent Application No. 30 / No.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,595, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE THE OPERARATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", No. 20 / No. 0 / US Patent Application Publication No. 30 / No.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,588, title of invention "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLER", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03096666,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,591, title of the invention "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,584, Title of Invention "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH WHICH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY 305 USF, SHORTTS WHITH OUR SURGETS WHITH SURGE SURGETS WHICH SURGETS WHITE SURGE CODES.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 248,587, title of the invention "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLER", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665,
-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,586, title of the invention "DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03059990, and-US Patent Application No. 14 / 248,607. , MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed April 16, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
-U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 812,365, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLELE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR",
-U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 812,376, title "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER",
-U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 812,382, title "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP",
-U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 812,385, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL", and-U.S. Provisional application No. 61 / 812,372, title of the invention "SURTING MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR ".

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

  The terms "comprise" (any form of comprise, 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. It is a verb. As a result, a surgical system, device, or instrument that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements, has one or more of those elements, but It is not limited to having only one or more. Similarly, an element of a system, apparatus, or instrument that "comprises," "haves," "includes," or "contains" one or more features, but not one It is not limited to having only the above features.

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

  Various representative devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery. However, it will be readily appreciated by the reader that the various methods and devices disclosed herein may be used in many surgical procedures and applications, including those associated with open surgery, for example. In reading the "Modes for Carrying Out the Invention" herein, the reader is informed that the various devices disclosed herein have been formed into tissue, for example, through a natural opening. It will be further understood that it may be inserted into the body in any way, such as through an incision or a puncture. The working or end effector portions of these instruments may be inserted directly into the patient's body, or access devices having working passages capable of advancing the end effector and elongate shaft of surgical instruments. Can be inserted through.

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

  The staple cartridge includes a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal and distal ends. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on the first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on the second side of the tissue. The anvil moves towards the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. The staples that are removably stored within the cartridge body can then be placed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes a staple cavity defined therein, the staple being removably stored within the staple cavity. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. The three rows of staple cavities are located on the first side of the longitudinal slot and the three rows of staple cavities are located on the second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

  The staples are supported by a staple driver inside the cartridge body. The driver is moveable between a first or unfired position and a second or fired position that ejects staples from the staple cavity. The driver is held in the cartridge body by a holder that extends around the bottom of the cartridge body, and also has an elastic member configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the holder with respect to the cartridge body. Including. The drivers are movable by the sled between their unfired position and their fired position. The sled is moveable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces 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 thread and push the thread toward the distal end. A longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam engaging the first jaw and a second cam engaging the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first and second cams can control the distance between the staple cartridge deck and the anvil, or tissue clearance. The firing member also includes a knife configured to dissect the captured tissue intermediate the staple cartridge and anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximally to the ramp so that the staples are ejected forward of the knife.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a motor driven surgical system 10 that may be used to perform a variety of different surgical procedures. As can be seen in this figure, an example surgical system 10 includes four interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000, each suitable for interchangeable use with a handle assembly 500. Including. Each replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100, 200, 300 and 1000 may be designed for use in connection with performing one or more particular surgical procedures. In another surgical system embodiment, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly may be effectively used with the instrument drive assembly of a robotic or automated surgical system. For example, the surgical instrument assembly disclosed herein is described in US Pat. No. 9,072,535, entitled “SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It may be used with a variety of robotic systems, instruments, components, and methods, such as those disclosed in ARRANGEMENTS.

  FIG. 2 illustrates one form of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 operably coupled to the handle assembly 500. FIG. 3 illustrates attachment of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500. The mounting configuration and process shown in FIG. 3 is also used in connection with mounting any of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000 to an instrument drive portion or instrument drive housing of a robotic system. You may be taken. The handle assembly 500 may include a handle housing 502 that includes a pistol grip portion 504 that can be gripped and manipulated by a clinician. As briefly discussed below, the handle assembly 500 generates various control movements to corresponding portions of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and / or 1000 operatively attached thereto. And operably supporting a plurality of drive systems configured to be applied.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, the handle assembly 500 may further include a frame 506 that operably supports a plurality of drive systems. For example, the frame 506 can operably support a "first" or closure drive system, shown generally as 510, which closure drive system is operably attached or coupled to the handle assembly 500. It may be used to apply an opening and closing movement to the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100, 200, 300 and 1000. In at least one form, closure drive system 510 may include an actuator in the form of a closure trigger 512 pivotally supported by frame 506. Such a configuration allows the clinician to manipulate the closure trigger 512 so that when the clinician grasps the pistol grasping portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 may be in a starting position or It is easily pivotable from a "non-actuated" position to an "actuated" position, and more specifically to a fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure drive system 510 further includes a closure coupling assembly 514 that is pivotally coupled to, or otherwise operatively joined to, a closure trigger 512. As described in more detail below, in the exemplary embodiment, closure coupling assembly 514 includes lateral mounting pins 516 that facilitate mounting to a corresponding drive system on a surgical instrument assembly. During use, the clinician pushes the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504 to activate the closure drive system. Further details in US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 226,142, title of the invention “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT DOMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM”, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As described, when the clinician fully pushes the closure trigger 512 to achieve a full closing stroke, the closure drive system causes the closure trigger 512 to be in a fully depressed or fully actuated position. Configured to lock into. If the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 and bias it to the inactive position, the clinician simply actuates the closure release button assembly 518, thereby deactivating the closure trigger. It is possible to return to the position. The closure release button 518 may also be configured to interact with various sensors in communication with the microcontroller 520 within the handle assembly 500 to track the position of the closure trigger 512. Further details regarding the construction and operation of the closure release button assembly 518 can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575.

  In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 and the frame 506 are configured to apply a firing motion to a corresponding portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly attached thereto, herein firing. Another drive system, referred to as drive system 530, may be operably supported. The firing drive system 530 may employ an electric motor (not shown in FIGS. 1-3) and a pistol grip portion of the handle assembly 500, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. Located at 504. In various configurations, the motor may be, for example, a brushed DC drive motor having a maximum speed of about 25,000 RPM. In other configurations, the motor may include a brushless motor, a cordless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor may be powered by a power source 522, which in one form may comprise a removable power pack. The power pack may carry a plurality of lithium-ion (“Li”) or other suitable batteries therein. Multiple batteries that may be connected in series may be used as the power source 522 for the surgical system 10. The power source 522 may be a replaceable type and / or a rechargeable type.

  The electric motor is configured to drive the longitudinally movable drive member 540 axially in the distal and proximal directions, depending on the polarity of the motor. For example, when the motor drives in one rotational direction, the longitudinally displaceable drive member 540 may drive axially in the distal direction “DD”. When the motor drives in the opposite rotational direction, the drive member 540 may drive axially in the proximal direction “PD”. The handle assembly 500 can include a switch 513 that can be configured to reverse the polarity applied to the electric motor by the power supply 522 or to control the motor. The handle assembly 500 may further include a sensor (not shown) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and / or the direction in which the drive member 540 is moving. Motor actuation can be controlled by a firing trigger 532 (FIG. 1) pivotally supported on the handle assembly 500. The firing trigger 532 may pivot between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. The firing trigger 532 may be biased to a non-actuated position by a spring or other biasing arrangement such that when the clinician releases the firing trigger 532, it is actuated by the spring or biasing device. May be pivoted to or otherwise returned. In at least one form, firing trigger 532 may be positioned "outside" closure trigger 512, as described above. The handle assembly 500 may be equipped with a firing trigger safety button (not shown) to prevent accidental actuation of the firing trigger 532, as described in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0272575. .. When the closure trigger 512 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button is housed within the handle assembly 500 so that the clinician cannot easily access the safety button and prevents activation of the firing trigger 532. It cannot be fired between a position and a firing position where the firing trigger 532 can be fired. As the clinician presses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 pivots downwards, which in turn allows manipulation by the clinician.

  In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 has teeth (not shown) formed thereon for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement (not shown) that interacts with the motor. No.) rack. Further details regarding these mechanisms can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. Also, a manually actuated "emergency disengagement" assembly configured to allow the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally displaceable drive member 540 in the event of a motor failure. Included in at least one form. The emergency release assembly may include a lever or emergency release handle assembly stored within the handle assembly 500 under the releasable door 550. The lever is configured to pivot manually for ratcheting engagement with the teeth of drive member 540. Accordingly, the clinician can manually retract the drive member 540 by ratcheting the drive member 540 in the proximal direction "PD" using the emergency release handle assembly. U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, titled "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now 60, U.S. Pat. No. 045 discloses an emergency release configuration, as well as other components, arrangements, and systems that may be used with the various surgical instrument assemblies disclosed herein.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a surgical end effector 110 having a first jaw and a second jaw. In one configuration, the first jaw comprises an elongated channel 112 configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge 116 therein. The second jaw comprises an anvil 114 pivotally supported with respect to the elongated channel 112. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 also includes a locking articulation joint 120 that can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 110 at a desired position relative to the shaft axis SA. Details regarding various structures and operations of the end effector 110, the articulation joint 120, and the articulation lock are described in US patent application Ser. INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK ", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. As can be further seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 can be utilized to close and / or open the proximal housing or nozzle 130 and the anvil 114 of the end effector 110. A tube assembly 140 can be included. As described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575, the closure tube assembly 140 moves over a spine 145 that supports an articulation drive arrangement 147 for applying articulation to the surgical end effector 110. Supported as possible. Spine 145 is configured to (1) slidably support firing member 170 therein and (2) slidably support closed tube assembly 140 extending around spine 145. . Under various circumstances, the spine 145 includes a proximal end rotatably supported on the chassis 150. See FIG. In one configuration, for example, the proximal end of spine 145 is attached to a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within chassis 150. Such a configuration facilitates rotatable attachment of the spine 145 to the chassis 150, and the spine 145 may be selectively rotatable about the shaft axis SA with respect to the chassis 150.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a closed shuttle 160 slidably supported therein for axial movement relative to the chassis 150. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the closure shuttle 160 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 162 that attach to mounting pins 516 that are attached to the closure coupling assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500. Configured to attach. Proximal closure tube portion 146 of closure tube 140 is coupled to closure shuttle 160 for relative rotation thereto. Thus, when the hook 162 gets caught on the pin 516, actuation of the closure trigger 512 results in axial movement of the closure shuttle 160, and ultimately the closure tube assembly assembly 140 on the spine 145. A closure spring (not shown) is pivotally supported on the closure tube 140 and serves to bias the closure tube 140 in the proximal direction “PD”, which causes the shaft assembly 100 to move to the handle assembly 500. When operatively coupled, it can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 to a non-actuated position. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 translates distally (direction “DD”) to close the anvil 114, eg, in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512. Closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube section 142 that is pivotally pinned to the distal end of a proximal closure tube section 146. Distal closure tube portion 142 is configured to move axially with proximal closure tube portion 146 relative to surgical end effector 110. When the distal end of the distal closure tube segment 142 strikes the proximal surface or ledge 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 is pivotally closed. Further details regarding the closure of the anvil 114 can be found in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and is described in further detail below. The anvil 114 is opened by proximally translating the distal closure tube portion 142, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Distal closure tube portion 142 cooperates with anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of anvil 114 to pivot downwardly to return anvil 114 to an open position (FIG. It has a horseshoe-shaped opening 143 defining therein (not shown). In the fully open position, the closure tube assembly 140 is in its most proximal or inactive position.

  As also described above, the replaceable surgical instrument 100 further includes a firing bar 170 that is supported for axial movement within the shaft spine 145. Firing bar 170 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion configured to be attached to a distal cutting portion or knife bar configured to move axially through surgical end effector 110. In at least one configuration, replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly (not shown) that may be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver to firing bar 170. Further details regarding the clutch assembly mechanism and operation can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. When the clutch assembly is in its engaged position, distal movement of the firing bar 170 displaces the articulation driver arrangement 147 distally, as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Direction, and correspondingly, proximal movement of firing bar 170 can cause articulation mechanism 147 to move proximally. When the clutch assembly is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing bar 170 is not transmitted to the articulation driver 147 so that the firing bar 170 can move independently of the articulation driver 147. it can. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 may also include a slip ring assembly (not shown) that directs power to and / or from the end effector 110, and It may be configured to communicate signals to and / or from the end effector 110. Further details regarding slip ring assemblies can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. US Pat. No. 9,345,481, the name "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, the chassis 150 is at least one, and preferably, formed on a chassis adapted to be received in a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506. It includes two tapered mounting portions 152. Each dovetail slot 507 may be tapered, or in other words somewhat V-shaped, to seatably receive the mounting portion 152 therein. As can be further seen in FIG. 3, a shaft mounting lug 172 is formed on the proximal end of firing shaft 170. When the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft mounting lug 172 is attached to a firing shaft mounting cradle 542 formed at the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540. Accepted. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 also uses a latch system 180 for releasably latching the shaft assembly 100 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, for example, the latch system 180 includes a locking member or lock yoke 182 movably coupled to the chassis 150. Locking yoke 182 includes two proximally projecting locking lugs 184 configured to releasably engage corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 in the distal mounting flange of frame 506. In various configurations, the lock yoke 182 is biased proximally by a spring or biasing member. Actuation of lock yoke 182 may be accomplished by a latch button 186 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly mounted on chassis 150. The latch button 186 may be biased proximally with respect to the lock yoke 182. As will be described in more detail below, the lock yoke 182 may be moved to the unlocked position by urging the latch button 186 distally, which causes the lock yoke 182 to pivot. , Out of retention engagement with the distal mounting flange of frame 506. When the locking yoke 182 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal mounting flange of the frame 506, the locking lug 184 is retained and seats in a corresponding locking detent or groove 509 at the distal end of the frame 506. Further details regarding the latch system can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

  Attachment of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500 will now be described with respect to FIG. To initiate the coupling process, the clinician needs to identify the chassis 150 of the interchangeable surgical instrument assembly 100 such that the tapered mounting portion 152 formed on the chassis 150 is aligned with the dovetail slot 507 of the frame 506. May be positioned above, or adjacent to, the distal end of frame 506. The clinician then moves the surgical instrument assembly 100 along an installation axis IA perpendicular to the shaft axis SA to cause the tapered attachment portion 152 to mate with a corresponding dovetail receiving slot 507 at the distal end of the frame 506. May be "operably engaged" and seated. In doing so, the shaft mounting lug 172 on the firing shaft 170 also seats on the cradle 542 on the longitudinally movable drive member 540, with a portion of the pin 516 on the closure link 514 corresponding to the corresponding hook on the closure shuttle 160. Sit at 162. As used in the present invention, the term "operable engagement" in the context of two components means that the two components are in sufficient engagement with each other so that when an actuating movement is applied to them, the configuration It is meant that the element can perform the intended acts, functions and / or procedures.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, the surgical system 10 shown in this figure includes four interchangeable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000, each effective with the same handle assembly 500. Can be used to perform different surgical procedures. Representative form configurations of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 have been briefly described above and described in further detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Various details regarding the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 200 and 300 may be found in various US patent applications filed on the same date as this specification and incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 are described in further detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each of the surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 1000 includes a pair of jaws, at least one of which has two tissue closures and a jaw closure. It is moveable between an open position in which it can be captured or manipulated and a closed position in which the tissue is held securely between them. The moveable jaws or jaws are in an open position upon application of the closing and opening movements applied thereto from a robot or automated surgical system to which the handle assembly or surgical instrument assembly is operatively coupled. And between closed positions. It should be noted that each of the illustrated replaceable surgical instrument assemblies cuts tissue and responds to a firing motion applied thereto by the handle assembly or robotic system to one of the jaws. A firing member configured to fire staples from a supported cartridge. Each surgical instrument assembly may be uniquely designed, for example, to perform a particular procedure for cutting and fastening tissue types and thicknesses within a particular region of the body. The closure, firing, and articulation control system in the handle assembly 500 or robotic system can be controlled axially and / or rotationally depending on the type of closure, firing, and articulation system configuration used in the surgical instrument assembly. It may be configured to generate a controlled movement. In one configuration, once the handle assembly or closure control system in the robot system is fully actuated, one of the closure system control components may include, for example, the closure tube assembly described above, from an inoperative position. It can move axially to its fully actuated position. The axial distance the closure tube assembly travels between its non-actuated position and its fully actuated position may be referred to herein as the "closing stroke length." Similarly, when the handle assembly or firing system in the robotic system is fully actuated, one of the firing system control components may include, for example, the longitudinally movable drive member described above, in the non-actuated position. From its axial position to its fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance traveled by the longitudinally displaceable drive member between its non-actuated position and its fully fired position may be referred to herein as the "fire stroke length". For those surgical instrument assemblies that use an articulatable end effector configuration, a handle assembly or robotic system uses articulation control components that move axially through an "articulation drive stroke length". You may In many situations, the closing stroke length, firing stroke length, and articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robot system. As such, each of the surgical instrument assemblies has its respective entire stroke length without placing excessive stress on the surgical instrument components that can result in damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical instrument assembly. Over time, it must be adaptable to closing, firing, and / or control movements of articulating components.

  4-10, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 with an elongated channel 1102 configured to operably support a staple cartridge 1110 therein. . The end effector 1100 may further include an anvil 1130 pivotally supported relative to the elongated channel 1102. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 can be configured to releasably retain the end effector 1100 in a desired articulation position with respect to the shaft axis SA, an articulation joint 1200 and an articulation lock 1210 (FIG. 5 and 8-10) may be further included. For details regarding the construction and operation of articulation lock 1210, US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION AN ARTICULATION LOCK," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It can now be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding articulation locks may also be found in US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 019,196 (filed Feb. 9, 2016), entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT ". As can be seen in FIG. 7, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 composed of nozzle portions 1302, 1304 and a nozzle portion assembled with snaps, lugs, screws, etc. An actuator wheel portion 1306 configured to couple to 1302, 1304 may further be included. As described in more detail below, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 further includes a closure tube assembly 1400 that can be utilized to close and / or open the anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100. You can Referring primarily to FIGS. 8 and 9, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 can include a spine assembly 1500 that can be configured to support the articulation lock 1210. In the configuration shown, the spine assembly 1500 comprises an “elastic” spine or frame member 1510, which is described in further detail below. The distal end 1522 of the elastic spine member 1510 is attached to the distal frame portion 1560 that operatively supports the articulation lock 1210 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the spine 1500 (1) slidably supports the firing member assembly 1600 therein, and (2) a closed tube assembly extending around the spine 1500. It is configured to slidably support 1400. The spine assembly 1500 can also be configured to slidably support the proximal joint driver 1700.

  As can be seen in FIG. 10, the distal frame section 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 1102 by the end effector mounting assembly 1230. In one configuration, for example, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame section 1560 has a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. Pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received within a pivot hole 1234 formed in pivot base portion 1232 of end effector mounting assembly 1230. The end effector mounting assembly 1230 is attached to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 by a spring pin 1105 or other suitable member. Pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis BB that intersects shaft axis SA. See FIG. Such a configuration facilitates pivotal movement (ie, articulation) of end effector 1100 about articulation axis BB relative to spine assembly 1500.

  Still referring to FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage the articulation lock 1210. Articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 that is adapted to operably engage a drive pin 1238 on a pivot base 1232 of an end effector mounting assembly 1230. The cross link 1237 may be connected to the drive pin 1238 and the articulation frame 1212 so as to support the articulation of the end effector 1100. As mentioned above, further details regarding the operation of articulation lock 1210 and articulation frame 1212 can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,086, now US patent application publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and cross links are provided in US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 019,245, entitled “SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSE STORK RED ACTION ARRANGENEMENTS”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. (Filed Feb. 9, 2016). In various situations, the elastic spine member 1510 includes a proximal end 1514 rotatably supported on the chassis 1800. In one configuration, for example, the proximal end 1514 of the elastic spine member 1510 is formed thereon for screw mounting into a spine bearing (not shown) configured to be supported within the chassis 1800. , Screw 1516. Such a configuration facilitates rotatable attachment of the elastic spine member 1510 to the chassis 1800, which allows the spine assembly 1500 to selectively rotate relative to the chassis 1800 about the shaft axis SA. .

  With particular reference to FIG. 7, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a closed shuttle 1420 slidably supported within the chassis 1800 so that it can be axially moved relative to the chassis 1800. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 that attach to mounting pins 516 attached to the closure coupling assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500, as described above. Configured to attach. The proximal end 1412 of the closure tube section 1410 is coupled to the closure shuttle 1420 for relative rotation thereto. For example, the U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 at the proximal end 1412 of the closure tube section 1410 and retained within a vertical slot 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See FIG. 7. Such a configuration allows the proximal closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA, but to move axially therewith, to close the proximal closure tube section 1410. To the closed shuttle 1420. A closure spring (not shown) is pivotally supported on the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube portion 1410 and serves to bias the closure tube assembly 1400 in the proximal direction PD, thereby When the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500, it helps pivot the closure trigger 512 (FIG. 3) on the handle assembly 500 to the inoperative position.

  As described above, the illustrated interchangeable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes an articulation joint 1200. However, other replaceable surgical instrument assemblies may not be articulatable. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the upper and lower protrusions 1415, 1416 project distally from the distal end of the proximal closure tube portion 1410 to the end effector closure sleeve or distal end of the closure tube assembly 1400. Is movably connected to the section closure tube section 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the distal closure tube portion 1430 includes upper and lower protrusions 1434, 1436 that project proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot link 1220 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the upper protrusions 1415, 1434 of the proximal closure tube portion 1410 and the distal closure tube portion 1430. Similarly, the lower dual pivot link 1222 includes proximal and distal pins that engage corresponding holes in the lower protrusions 1416 and 1436 of the proximal and distal closure tube sections 1410 and 1430. As described in more detail below, distal and proximal axial translation of the closure tube assembly 1400 may result in closure and opening of the anvil 1130 with respect to the elongated channel 1102.

  As mentioned above, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 further includes a firing member assembly 1600 supported for axial movement within the spine assembly 1500. In the illustrated embodiment, the firing member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 configured for attachment to the distal cutting portion or knife bar 1610. Firing member assembly 1600 may also be referred to herein as a "second shaft" and / or a "second shaft assembly." As can be seen in FIGS. 7-10, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 may include a longitudinal slot 1604 at its distal end, which includes a tab (not shown) on the proximal end of the knife bar 1610. )). The longitudinal slot 1604 and the proximal end of the knife bar 1610 can be sized and configured to allow relative movement therebetween and can include a slip joint 1612. The slip joint 1612 allows the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600 to move to articulate the end effector 1100 without moving, or at least substantially moving, the knife bar 1610. can do. Once the end effector 1100 is properly oriented, the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 is advanced distally to advance the knife bar 1610 until the proximal side wall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contacts a protrusion on the knife bar 1610, And the staple cartridge 1110 located in the channel 1102 can be fired. As can be further seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the elastic spine member 1520 includes an elongated opening or window for facilitating assembly and insertion into the elastic spine member 1520 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602. 1525. Once the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 is inserted therein, the top frame portion 1527 may engage the elastic spine member 1520 to enclose the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 and knife bar 1610 therein. Further description of the operation of the firing member assembly 1600 may be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541.

  In addition to the above, the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 further includes a clutch assembly 1620 that can be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver 1800 to the firing member assembly 1600. it can. In one form, the clutch assembly 1620 includes a locking collar, or sleeve 1622, positioned around the firing member assembly 1600, the locking sleeve 1622 having the locking sleeve 1622 driving the articulation driver 1700. The articulation driver 1700 can rotate between an engaged position for coupling to the 1600 and a disengaged position where the articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to the firing member assembly 1600. When locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, distal movement of firing member assembly 1600 can cause articulation driver 1700 to move distally and correspondingly, firing member assembly 1600. The proximal movement of articulation drive 1700 can cause articulation driver 1700 to move proximally. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, movement of the firing member assembly 1600 is not transmitted to the articulation drive 1700, so that the firing member assembly 1600 is independent of the articulation drive 1700. You can move. In various situations, the articulation lock 1210 holds the articulation driver 1700 in place when the articulation driver 1700 has not been moved proximally or distally by the firing member assembly 1600. You can

  Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the locking sleeve 1622 is cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, having a longitudinal opening 1624 defined therein for receiving the firing member assembly 1600 defined therein. Can be provided with a body. The locking sleeve 1622 can include diametrically opposed inward locking protrusions 1626, 1628 and an outward locking member 1629. Lock protrusions 1626, 1628 may be configured to selectively engage an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of firing member assembly 1600. More specifically, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the locking protrusions 1626, 1628 are located within the drive notch 1605 defined in the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602, which results in distal pushing force. And / or proximal pulling force may be transmitted from firing member assembly 1600 to locking sleeve 1622. When the locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position, the second locking member 1629 is received within the drive notch 1704 defined in the articulation driver 1700, which allows distal movement applied to the locking sleeve 1622. Pushing forces and / or proximal pulling forces may be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. Substantially, firing member assembly 1600, locking sleeve 1622, and articulation driver 1700 can move together when locking sleeve 1622 is in its engaged position. On the other hand, when the locking sleeve 1622 is in its disengaged position, the locking protrusions 1626, 1628 may not be located within the drive notch 1605 of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 of the firing member assembly 1600, and as a result, The lateral pushing force and / or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted from the firing member assembly 1600 to the locking sleeve 1622. Correspondingly, the distal pushing force and / or the proximal pulling force may not be transmitted to the articulation driver 1700. Under such circumstances, firing member assembly 1600 may be slid proximally and / or distally with respect to locking sleeve 1622 and proximal articulation driver 1700. Clutch assembly 1620 further includes a switch drum 1630 that interacts with locking sleeve 1622. Further description of the operation of the switch drum and lock sleeve 1622 can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,086 and US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 019,196. The switch drum 1630 can further include at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein, the openings extending circumferentially from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304. It receives the mounting seat 1305 and allows relative rotation between the switch drum 1630 and the proximal nozzle 1300 but not translation. See FIG. 6. Rotating the nozzle 1300 to the point where the mounting seats reach the ends of the respective slots 1632, 1634 in the switch drum 1630 may cause the switch drum 1630 to rotate about the shaft axis SA. Rotation of the switch drum 1630 may ultimately cause the locking sleeve 1622 to rotate between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzle 1300 includes US Patent Application No. 13 / 803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, and US Pat. It may be used to operatively engage and disengage the articulation drive system and the firing drive system in a variety of ways as described in further detail in Application No. 15 / 019,196.

  In the illustrated configuration, the switch drum 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 extending to the distal opening 1637 of the switch drum 1630. Distal opening 1637 receives lateral pin 1639 of shifter plate 1638. In one example, shifter plate 1638 is received within a longitudinal slot (not shown) provided in lock sleeve 1622 to lock sleeve 1622 when engaged with articulation driver 1700. Facilitates the axial movement of the. Further details regarding the operation of the shifter plate and shift drum arrangements may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 868,718, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. "FIRING AND POWERED ARTICURATION" (filed Sep. 28, 2015).

  As also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 may, for example, conduct power to and / or communicate signals to and from the end effector 1100 to handle assembly. A slip ring assembly 1640 can be provided that can be configured to return to a microprocessor in a stereoscopic or robotic system controller. Further details regarding the slip ring assembly 1640 and associated connectors can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 803,086, now US patent application Ser. No. 2014/0263541, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. And U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 019,196, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, entitled "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It can now be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 also includes at least one switch drum 1630 configured to detect the position of the switch drum 1630, as described in further detail in the aforementioned patent applications incorporated herein by reference. A sensor can be included.

  Referring again to FIG. 7, the chassis 1800 on the chassis is adapted to be received within a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500, as described above. At least one, and preferably two, tapered attachment portions 1802 formed in the. As can be further seen in FIG. 7, a shaft mounting lug 1605 is formed on the proximal end of the intermediate firing shaft 1602. As described in more detail below, when the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 is coupled to the handle assembly 500, the shaft mounting lug 1605 includes a firing shaft formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540. It is received in the mounting cradle 542. See FIG.

  Various replaceable surgical instrument assemblies use a latch system 1810 to releasably connect the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. As can be seen in FIG. 7, for example, in at least one form, the latch system 1810 includes a locking member or lock yoke 1812 movably coupled to the chassis 1800. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the lock yoke 1812 has a U-shape with two spaced apart, downwardly extending legs 1814. Each leg 1814 has a pivot lug (not shown) adapted to be received in a corresponding hole 1816 formed in chassis 1800. Such a configuration facilitates pivotally mounting the lock yoke 1812 on the chassis 1800. Locking yoke 1812 includes two proximally projecting locking lugs 1818 configured to releasably engage corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of frame 506 of handle assembly 500. Good. See FIG. In various configurations, the lock yoke 1812 is biased proximally by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of the lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 mounted on the chassis 1800. The latch button 1820 may be biased proximally with respect to the lock yoke 1812. Locking yoke 1812 may be moved to an unlocked position by urging latch button 1820 distally, which causes locking yoke 1812 to pivot and retain it with the distal end of frame 506. Be disengaged. When the locking yoke 1812 is in “retaining engagement” with the distal end of the frame 506, the locking lug 1818 is retained and seats in a corresponding locking detent or groove 509 at the distal end of the frame 506.

  In the illustrated configuration, the lock yoke 1812 includes at least one, and preferably two lock hooks 1824 adapted to contact corresponding lock lug portions 1426 formed on the closure shuttle 1420. When the closure shuttle 1420 is in the non-actuated position, the locking yoke 1812 can be pivoted distally to unlock the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 from the handle assembly 500. When in that position, the lock hook 1824 does not contact the lock lug portion 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420. However, when the closing shuttle 1420 moves to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, the lock yoke 1812 may be otherwise pivoted distally. If it easily strikes or contacts, the lock hook 1824 on the lock yoke 1812 contacts the lock lug 1426 on the closure shuttle 1420, preventing the lock yoke 1812 from moving to the unlocked position.

  Still referring to FIG. 10, knife bar 1610 may comprise a laminated beam structure including at least two beam layers. Such beam layers may include, for example, stainless steel bands interconnected by welding or pinning them together at their proximal ends and / or elsewhere along their length. . In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the bands are not coupled together to allow the stacks or bands to expand relative to each other when the end effector articulates. Such a configuration allows knife bar 1610 to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar configurations are disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 019,245. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the central support member 1614 provides lateral support to the knife bar 1610 as the central support member 1614 flexes to accommodate the articulation of the surgical end effector 1100. Used. Further details regarding intermediate support members and alternative knife bar support configurations are disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 019,245. As can be seen in FIG. 10, firing member or knife member 1620 is attached to the distal end of knife bar 1610.

  FIG. 11 illustrates one form of firing member 1660 that may be used with the replaceable instrument assembly 1000. In one exemplary form, firing member 1660 includes a proximally extending connector member 1663 configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped connector opening 1614 at the distal end of knife bar 1610, A body portion 1662 is provided. See FIG. 10. The connector 1663 may be retained within the connector opening 1614, such as by friction and / or welding, or a suitable adhesive. Body portion 1662 projects through elongated slot 1104 in elongated channel 1102 and terminates in laterally extending foot members 1664 on each side of body portion 1662. As firing member 1660 is driven distally through surgical staple cartridge 1110, foot member 1664 rides within passageway 1105 in elongate channel 1102 located beneath surgical staple cartridge 1110. As can be seen in FIG. 11, one form of firing member 1660 may further include a laterally projecting central tab, pin, or restraint mechanism 1680. As the firing member 1660 is driven distally through the surgical staple cartridge 1110, the central restraint mechanism 1680 rides on the inner surface 1106 of the elongated channel 1102. The body portion 1662 of the firing member 1660 further includes a tissue cutting edge or mechanism 1666 disposed between the distally projecting hook mechanism 1665 and the distally projecting upper nose portion 1670. As can be further seen in FIG. 11, firing member 1660 may further include two laterally extending top tabs, pins, or anvil engagement features 1665. When firing member 1660 is driven distally, the upper portion of body 1662 extends through centrally disposed anvil slot 1138, with upper anvil engagement features 1672 on each side of anvil slot 1134. Ride on the corresponding ledge 1136 formed. See FIGS. 13 and 14.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the firing member 1660 is configured to operably interface with the sled assembly 1120 operably supported within the body 1111 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled assembly 1120 is slidable within the surgical staple cartridge body 1111 from a proximal start position adjacent the proximal end 1112 of the cartridge body 1111 to an end position adjacent the distal end 1113 of the cartridge body 1111. Can be displaced. The cartridge body 1111 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown) aligned with the rows on each side of the centrally located slot 1114. The centrally located slot 1114 allows the firing member 1660 to pass therethrough to sever tissue clamped to and from the anvil 1130 staple cartridge 1110. The driver is associated with a corresponding pocket 1116 that is open through the upper deck surface 1115 of the cartridge body. Each of the staple drivers carries one or more surgical staples or fasteners (not shown). The sled assembly 1120 includes a plurality of angled or wedge-shaped cams 1122, each cam 1122 corresponding to a particular line of fasteners or drivers located on the sides of the slot 1114. In the illustrated embodiment, one cam 1122 is aligned with one line of “double” drivers that each support two staples or fasteners thereon, and another cam 1122 is in slot 1114. Aligned with another line of "single" drivers on the same side, each operatively supporting a single surgical staple or fastener thereon. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired," there may be three staple lines on each outer side of the tissue cutting line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations can be used to fire other staple / fastener arrays. The sled assembly 1120 has a central body portion 1124 configured to be engaged by the hook portion 1665 of the firing member 1660. Thus, when the firing member 1660 is fired or driven in the distal direction, the firing member 1660 drives the sled assembly 1120 in the distal direction. As firing member 1660 moves distally through cartridge 1110, tissue cutting mechanism 1666 cuts the clamped tissue between anvil assembly 1130 and cartridge 1110, and sled assembly 1120 drives. The device is driven upward in the cartridge, which drives the corresponding staples or fasteners to form contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

  In embodiments where the firing member comprises a tissue cutting surface, it prevents false advancement of the firing member unless a fresh staple cartridge is properly supported within the elongated channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100. In such a manner, it may be desirable to construct an elongated shaft assembly. For example, if no staple cartridge is present and the firing member is advanced distally through the end effector, the tissue will be cut but not stapled. Similarly, if a used staple cartridge (ie, a staple cartridge with at least some of the staples already fired) is present in the end effector and the firing member is advanced, the tissue will be severed, but Stapling, if any, may not be complete. It will be appreciated that the occurrence of such phenomena can have undesirable and catastrophic consequences during a surgical procedure. U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", 7,044,352, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAY FORMING FORMING FORMING LOGIN FORMING FORMING LOCKING FORMING LOCKING FORMING LOCKING FORMING FORMING LOCKING , And No. 7,380,695, the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING", and U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 742,933 ST, the title IC "SAL". UMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING ", respectively, disclose various firing member lockout configuration. Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

  An "unfired", "unused", "new" or "new" cartridge 1110 means herein that the cartridge 1110 has all of its fasteners in their ready-to-fire position. When in that position, the sled assembly 1120 is in its starting position. The new cartridge 1110 may be seated within the elongate channel 1102 and retained therein by a snap mechanism on the cartridge body configured to engage in a corresponding portion of the elongate channel 1102. 15 and 18 show a portion of a surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple 1110 seated therein. As can be seen in these figures, the sled assembly 1120 is in the starting position. Unless the unfired or new surgical staple cartridge is properly seated within the elongated channel 1102, more precisely, the firing member 1660 is distal through the end effector 1110 to prevent activation of the firing system. To prevent directional drive, the illustrated interchangeable surgical instrument assembly 1000 uses a firing member lockout system, generally designated as 1650.

  Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15-19, in one form, the firing member lockout system 1650 and the firing member 1660 and retention member when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within the elongated channel 1102. A movable locking member 1652 configured to mate is included. The locking member 1652 includes at least one laterally moving lock configured to retention-engage a corresponding portion of the firing member when the sled assembly 1120 is not present in the cartridge 1110 in its starting position. A portion 1654 is provided. In the illustrated configuration, the locking member 1652 employs two laterally moving locking portions 1654, each locking portion 1654 engaging a laterally extending portion of the firing member 1660.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member, each laterally movable leg or locking portion 1654 extending from the central spring portion 1653, and FIGS. It is configured to move in the lateral direction represented by "L" inside. It will be appreciated that the term "lateral" means in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. Spring or locking member 1652 may be made from high strength spring steel or similar material. The central spring portion 1653 may be seated within the slot 1236 in the end effector mounting assembly 1230. See FIG. 10. As can be seen in FIGS. 15-17, each of the laterally moveable legs or locking portions 1654 has a distal end 1656 with a locking window 1658 therein. When the locking member 1652 is in the locked position, the central retention feature 1680 on each outer portion extends into the corresponding locking window 1658 to constrain the firing member to axially advance distally. Prevent.

  The operation of the firing member lockout system will be described with respect to FIGS. 15 and 18 show a portion of surgical end effector 1100 with a new unfired cartridge 1110 properly installed therein. As can be seen in these figures, the sled assembly 1120 includes an unlocking mechanism 1126 corresponding to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. In the configuration shown, the unlocking mechanism 1126 is provided on or extends proximally from each of the central wedge-shaped cams 1122. In an alternative configuration, the unlocking mechanism 1126 may comprise a proximally projecting portion of the corresponding wedge cam 1122. As can be seen in FIG. 18, when the sled assembly 1120 is in its starting position, the unlocking mechanism 1124 engages the corresponding locking portion 1654 and corresponds in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA. The locking portion 1654 is biased laterally. When the locking portions 1654 are in their unlocked orientations, the central retention features 1680 do not retain engagement with their corresponding locking windows 1658. When in these orientations, the firing member 1660 can be advanced (fired) axially in the distal direction. However, if the cartridge is not present in the elongated channel 1102, or if the sled assembly is moved from its starting position (meaning that the cartridge is partially or fully fired), the locking portion 1654 will be lateral. A spring is applied to retain engagement with the firing member 1660. When in that position, as shown in FIG. 19, firing member 1660 cannot move distally.

  16 and 17 show the retracting of the firing member 1660 to the starting position after firing the cartridge 1110 and driving the sled assembly 1120 distally. FIG. 16 illustrates the initial reengagement of retention mechanism 1680 with the corresponding locking window 1658. FIG. 17 shows the retention mechanism in the locked position when the firing member 1660 is fully retracted to its starting position. Each of the retention features 1680 faces proximally to assist in lateral displacement of the locks 1654 when the locking portions 1654 first contact each by the retention mechanism 1680 moving in the proximal direction. It may be provided with a laterally tapered distal end. Such a lockout system prevents actuation of firing member 1660 when there is no new unfired cartridge, or when there is a new unfired cartridge but is not properly seated within elongated channel 1102. . It should be noted that the lockout system may prevent the clinician from distally advancing the firing member if a used or partially fired cartridge is accidentally properly seated within the elongated channel. . Another advantage that may be provided by the lockout system 1650 is other firing member lockout configurations that require movement of the firing member into and out of alignment with a corresponding slot / passage in the staple cartridge. Unlike, the firing member 1660 remains in the locked and unlocked positions and is retained in alignment with the cartridge passage. The locking portion 1654 is designed to move laterally into and out of engagement with corresponding sides of the firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portion (s) or locking portion (s) is distinguishable from other locking configurations that move vertically to engage and disengage portions of the firing member. .

  Returning to FIGS. 13 and 14, in one form, anvil 1130 includes an elongated anvil body portion 1132 and a proximal anvil attachment portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 includes an outer surface 1134 that defines two downwardly extending tissue stop members 1136 adjacent the proximal anvil attachment portion 1150. The elongated anvil body portion 1132 also includes a lower surface 1135 that defines an elongated anvil slot 1138. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 14, anvil slot 1138 is centrally located within lower surface 1135. Lower surface 1135 includes three rows of staple forming pockets 1143, 1144, and 1145 located on each side of anvil slot 1138, 1140, 1141, 1142. Adjacent to each side of anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passages 1146. Each passage 1146 has a proximal beveled portion 1148. See FIG. 13. As the firing member 1660 is advanced distally, the upper anvil engagement feature 1632 first enters the corresponding proximal beveled surface portion 1148 and also into the corresponding elongated anvil passage 1146.

  With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, anvil slot 1138 and proximal ramp portion 1148 extend to anvil attachment portion 1150. In other words, anvil slot 1138 divides or bifurcates anvil mounting portion 1150 into two anvil mounting flanges 1151. Anvil mounting flanges 1151 are connected together at their proximal ends by connecting bridges 1153. The connecting bridge 1153 can function to provide support to the anvil mounting flange 1151 and the anvil mounting portion 1150 to be more rigid than the mounting portions of other anvil configurations, where the anvil mounting flange is , Not connected at their proximal ends. As can also be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14, anvil slot 1138 has a widened portion 1139 for receiving the top of firing member 1660 and upper anvil engagement feature 1632.

  As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 20-24, each of the anvil mounting flanges 1151 includes a lateral mounting hole 1156 configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 (FIGS. 10 and 20) therethrough. The anvil attachment portion 1150 is pivotally pinned by a pivot pin 1158 to the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102, which has a mounting hole 1107 at the proximal end 1103 of the elongated channel 1102 and Extends through mounting hole 1156 in anvil mounting portion 1150. Such a configuration serves to pivotally secure anvil 1130 to elongated channel 1102 for selective pivotal movement about fixed anvil axis AA across shaft axis SA. See FIG. The anvil mount 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 extending from the central firing member retention region 1154 to the outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

  In the illustrated configuration, the anvil 1130 is moved between open and closed positions by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube section 1430. The distal end of the distal closure tube section 1430 has an internal cam surface formed thereon, which is formed on the cam surface 1552 or the anvil attachment portion 1150, as described in further detail below. Configured for cam engagement with a cam surface. FIG. 22 shows a cam surface 1152a formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150, for example, to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube section 1430. FIG. 23 is configured for an inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube section, with two cam surfaces between cam surface 1152 on anvil attachment portion 1150 and inner cam surface 1444 on distal closure tube section 1430. Shown are cam surfaces 1152b that establish separate and distinct arcuate contact paths 1155b. In addition to other potential advantages discussed herein, such a configuration may function to better distribute the closing force from the distal closure tube section 1430 to the anvil 1130. FIG. 24 is configured against the inner cam surface 1444 of the distal closure tube section 1430 and provides three different contact areas 1155c and 1155d between the cam surface on the anvil attachment portion 1150 and the distal closure tube section 1430. Established cam surface 1152c is shown. Regions 1155c and 1155d establish a greater area of cam contact between the cam surface (s) or cam surface (s) on the distal closure tube section 1430 and the anvil attachment portion 1150, and close to the anvil 1130. It may function to better distribute the force.

  As the distal closure tube section 1430 cam engages the anvil attachment portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 pivots about the anvil axis AA, which causes the end 1133 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 to move. The distal end pivots toward the surgical staple cartridge 1110 and the distal end 1105 of the elongated channel 1102. As the anvil body portion 1132 begins to pivot, the anvil comes into contact with the tissue being cut and stapled, which is now between the lower surface 1135 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132 and the deck 1116 of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Located in. When the anvil body portion 1132 is compressed onto the tissue, the anvil 1130 can experience a significant amount of resistance. These drag forces are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues to advance its distal direction. However, depending on their size and point of application to the anvil body portion 1132, these drag forces tend to bend the portion of the anvil 1130, which may generally be undesirable. For example, such bending may cause misalignment between the firing member 1660 and the passageways 1148, 1146 in the anvil 1130. If there is excessive bending, such bending significantly increases the amount of firing force required to fire the device (ie, firing member 1660 through tissue from its starting position to its ending position). Can be driven). Such excess firing force may result in damage to the end effector and / or firing member, and / or knife bar, and / or firing drive system components. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the anvil to be configured to resist such bending.

  25-27 illustrate alternative anvil embodiments that include a mechanism that may improve the rigidity of the anvil body and resistance to bending forces that may occur during the closing and / or firing process. Anvil 1130 'may be otherwise identical in construction to anvil 1130 described above, except for the differences discussed herein. As can be seen in these figures, anvil 1130 'has an elongated anvil body 1132' having an upper body portion 1165 having an anvil cap 1170 attached thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-27, the anvil cap 1170 is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172. The perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 is through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137 formed in the upper body portion 1165 and received on the axially extending inner ledge 1139 formed therein. Is configured to be inserted. See FIG. 27. Inner trough 1139 is configured to support a corresponding long side 1177 of anvil cap 1170. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170 may slide onto the inner ledge 1139 via an opening (not shown) at the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 '. In yet another embodiment, no inner ledge is provided. Anvil body 1132 'and anvil cap 1170 may be made of any suitable metal that contributes to welding. The first weld 1178 may extend around the entire cap perimeter 1172 of the anvil cap 1170, or the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170 rather than the distal end 1173 and / or its proximal end 1175. May be located only along. The first weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In such an embodiment where the first weld 1178 is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld sections may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177 of the anvil cap 1170, or the weld sections may be the long side 1177. May be more closely spaced close to the distal end of the long side, or may be more closely spaced close to the proximal end of long side 1177. In still other configurations, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177 of the anvil cap 1170.

  28-30 show anvil cap 1170 'configured to be "mechanically interlocked" with anvil body 1132' as well as welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality of retention features 1182 are formed in the wall 1180 of the upper body portion 1165 that defines the opening 1137. As used in this context, the term "mechanically interlocked" refers to, for example, regardless of the orientation of the elongated anvil body and without any additional retention or fastening such as welding and / or adhesive. This means that the anvil cap remains fixed to the elongated anvil body. The retention structure 1182 may project inwardly from the opening wall 1180 to the opening 1137. The retention structure 1182 may be integrally formed with the wall 1180 or otherwise attached thereto. The retention structure 1182 is designed to frictionally engage a corresponding portion of the anvil cap 1170 ′ when the anvil cap 1170 ′ is installed in the opening 1137, and frictionally retains the anvil cap 1170 ′ therein. To do. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention feature 1182 projects inwardly into the opening 1137 and is frictionally received within a correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 formed in the perimeter 1172 'of the anvil cap 1170'. As configured. In the configuration shown, the retention structure 1182 has a portion of the wall 1180 that corresponds only to the long side 1177 ′ of the anvil cap 1170 ′ and to the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 ′. Not offered to. In an alternative configuration, the retention structure 1182 may also be provided on the distal end 1173 and proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170 'and the portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to its long side 1177'. In still other configurations, retention structure 1182 may be provided only on a portion of wall 1180 corresponding to one or both of the distal and proximal ends 1173, 1175 of anvil cap 1170 '. In still other configurations, retention structure 1182 includes a long side 1177 'of anvil cap 1170' and one of walls 1180 corresponding only to one of proximal and distal ends 1173, 1175 of anvil cap 1170 '. May be provided to the department. It will further be appreciated that the retention protrusions in all of the foregoing embodiments may alternatively be formed on the anvil cap with the engagement area formed on the elongated anvil body.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28-30, the retention features 1182 are evenly spaced or evenly distributed along the wall portion 1180 corresponding to the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. In alternative embodiments, the retention features 1182 may be more closely spaced near the distal end of the long side 1177 ', or more closely spaced near the proximal end of the long side 1177'. May be done. In other words, the distal end, the proximal end, or the spacing between these retention features adjacent both the distal and proximal ends may be located in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170 '. It may be smaller than the distance between the bodies. In still other configurations, the retention features 1182 may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'. Also, in alternative embodiments, a correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 may not be provided on the outer perimeter 1172 'or on a portion of the perimeter 1172' of the anvil cap 1170 '. In other embodiments, the retention structure and the correspondingly shaped engagement area may comprise different shapes and dimensions. In an alternative configuration, the retention structures may be dimensioned with respect to the engagement areas such that there is no interference fit between them. In such a configuration, the anvil cap may be held in place by welding, adhesive or the like.

  In the exemplary embodiment, weld 1178 'may extend around the entire perimeter 1172 of anvil cap 1170', or weld 1178 'may include distal end 1173' and / or its proximal end. It may be located only along the long side 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170' rather than the section 1175. Weld 1178 'may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In those embodiments where the weld 1178 'is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld segments may be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170 ', or the weld segments may be the long sides 1177. It may be more closely spaced near the distal end of'or the closer side 1177 'may be more closely spaced. In yet other configurations, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177 'of the anvil cap 1170'.

  31 and 32 show another anvil configuration 1130 "with an anvil cap 1170" attached thereto. In the embodiment shown, anvil cap 1170 'is generally rectangular in shape and has an outer cap perimeter 1172'. The outer cap perimeter 1172 "is inserted through a correspondingly shaped opening 1137" in the upper body portion 1165 "of the anvil body 1132" and has an axially extending inner trough formed therein. 32 are configured to be received on 1139 "and 1190". See FIG. 32. Lattices 1139 "and 1190" are adapted to support corresponding long sides 1177 "of anvil cap 1170". In an alternative embodiment, anvil cap 1170 ″ is positioned over inner ledges 1139 ″ and 1190 ″ through an opening (not shown) in distal end 1133 ″ of anvil body 1132 ′. The anvil body 1132 "and the anvil cap 1170" may be made of a metallic material that contributes to the welding. The 1178 "may extend around the entire perimeter 1172" of the anvil cap 1170 ", or the anvil cap 1170" rather than the distal end 1173 "and / or its proximal end (not shown). May be located only along the long side 1177 "of the weld. The weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. , For example, having more weld surface area due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170 ″ as compared to the embodiment with a straight perimeter such as the anvil cap shown in FIG. Be understood. In such embodiments where the weld 1178 "is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld sections may be evenly distributed along the long sides 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ", or the weld sections may be long sides. They may be more closely spaced near the distal end of the 1177 ", or may be more closely spaced near the proximal end of the long side 1177". In yet other configurations, the weld section. May be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177 ″ of the anvil cap 1170 ″.

  Still referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the anvil cap 1170 ″ may additionally be welded to the anvil body 1132 ″ by a plurality of second separate “deep” welds 1192 ″. For example, each weld 1192 ″ may be located at the bottom of a corresponding hole or opening 1194 ″ provided through the anvil cap 1170 ″, which allows the separate weld 1192 ″ to fold. It may be formed along a portion of the anvil body 1132 ″ between 1190 ″ and 1139 ″. See FIG. 32. The weld 1192 ″ is along the long side 1177 ″ of the anvil cap 1170 ″. The welds 1192 "may be evenly distributed, or the welds 1192" may be more closely spaced near the distal end of the long side 1177 ", or near the proximal end of the long side 1177". In still other configurations, the welds 1192 "may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177" of the anvil cap 1170 ".

  FIG. 33 shows another anvil cap 1170 ″ configured to be “mechanically interlocked” to the anvil body 1132 ″ as well as welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, the “groove”. The "tung-in" configuration is used along each long side 1177 '"of the anvil cap 1170'". Specifically, laterally extending continuous or intermittent tabs 1195 "" project from each of the long sides 1177 "" of the anvil cap 1170 "". Each tab 1195 ″ corresponds to an axial slot 1197 ′ ″ formed in the anvil body 1132 ′ ″. The anvil cap 1170 ″ ′ has an opening at the distal end of the anvil body 1132 ″ ′ ( Sliding (not shown) secures the anvil cap "mechanically" to the anvil body 1132 '' '. Tabs 1195 "" and slots 1197 "" may be sized relative to each other to establish a sliding friction fit therebetween. It should be noted that the anvil cap 1170 ″ ″ may be welded to the anvil body 1132 ″ ″. The anvil body 1132 "" and the anvil cap 1170 "" may be made of a metal that contributes to welding. The weld 1178 ″ ″ may extend around the entire perimeter 1172 ″ ″ of the anvil cap 1170 ″ ″, or may be located only along the long side 1177 ″ ″ of the anvil cap 1170 ″ ″. May be done. The weld 1178 '' '' may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. In such an embodiment where the weld 1178 '' 'is discontinuous or intermittent, the weld sections may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177' '' of the anvil cap 1170 '' ', or The welded sections may be more closely spaced near the distal end of the long side 1177 ″ ″, or more closely spaced near the proximal end of the long side 1177 ″ ″. Good. In still other configurations, the welded sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177 "" of the anvil cap 1170 "".

  The anvil embodiments described herein with an anvil cap may provide several advantages. For example, one advantage may be that the anvil and firing member assembly process may be easier. That is, the firing member may be installed through the opening in the anvil body while the anvil is attached to the elongated channel. Another advantage is that the top cap may improve the rigidity and resistance of the anvil to the aforementioned bending forces that may be experienced when clamping tissue. By resisting such bending, the frictional forces normally encountered by firing member 1660 may be reduced. Therefore, in a surgical staple cartridge, the amount of firing force required to drive the firing member from its start to its end position may also be reduced.

  As mentioned above, when the anvil 1130 begins to pivot, the anvil body 1132 contacts the tissue to be cut and stapled, thereby allowing the anvil body 1132 to be in contact with the lower surface of the elongated anvil body 1132 and the deck of the surgical staple cartridge 1110. Located in. When the anvil body 1132 is compressed onto the tissue, the anvil 1130 can experience a significant amount of resistance. In order to continue the closure process, these resistance forces must be overcome by the distal closure tube section 1430 during cam contact with the anvil attachment portion 1150. These drag forces may generally be applied to the distal closure tube section 1430 in the vertical direction V, which, if excessive, may cause the distal closure tube section 1430 to vertically expand or extend. Yes (distance ID in FIG. 31 can increase). If the distal closure tube 1430 extends vertically, the distal closure tube section 1430 may effectively close the anvil 1130 and not retain the anvil 1130 in the fully closed position. When that condition occurs, the firing member 1660 may encounter a dramatically higher resistance, which may then require higher firing forces to advance the firing member distally.

  34 and 35 illustrate one form of closure member for applying a closing movement to the movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In the configuration shown, the closure member comprises, for example, a distal closure tube section 1430 having a closure body portion 1470. As mentioned above, one form of replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 is configured to facilitate selective articulation of surgical end effector 1100. To facilitate such articulation, the distal closure tube section 1430 is coupled to the proximal closure tube section 1410 by the upper and lower tongues 1434 and 1436 and the upper and lower dual pivot links 1220 and 1222. It is movably connected. See FIG. 10. In one configuration, the distal closure tube section 1430 may be machined or otherwise formed, for example, from a circular bar stock manufactured from a suitable metallic material. In the illustrated configuration, the closure 1470 has an outer surface 1431 and an inner surface 1433 defining an upper wall 1440 having a top wall cross-sectional thickness UWT and a lower wall 1442 having a lower wall thickness LWT. The upper wall 1440 is located above the shaft axis SA, and the lower wall 1442 is located below the shaft axis SA. The distal end 1441 of the top wall 1440 has an internal cam surface 1444 formed thereon at a cam angle Θ. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, UWT> LWT, which functions to provide a longer internal cam surface 1444 when the distal closure tube section has a uniform wall thickness, can be otherwise achieved. The long internal cam surface may be advantageous for transmitting the closing force to the cam surface (s) on the anvil mounting portion 1150. As can be further seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, the transition sidewalls 1446, 1448 located on each side of the shaft axis SA between the upper wall 1440 and the lower wall 1442 may be generally parallel to each other. , Generally flat and including vertically extending inner sidewall surfaces 1451, 1453. The transition side walls 1446, 1448 each have a wall thickness transitioning from an upper wall thickness to a lower wall thickness.

  In the illustrated configuration, the distal closure tube section 1430 also includes a positive jaw or anvil opening feature 1462 that corresponds to and projects inwardly from each of the sidewalls 1446 and 1448. As can be seen in FIGS. 34 and 35, the anvil opening feature 1462 is machined or otherwise formed in the transition sidewalls 1446, 1448 adjacent the distal end 1438 of the distal closure tube section 1430. , Formed on a lateral mounting body 1460 dimensioned to be received within correspondingly shaped cavities 1447, 1449. Positive anvil opening feature 1462 extends inwardly through corresponding openings 1450, 1452 in transition sidewalls 1446, 1448. In the illustrated configuration, the lateral mounting body 1460 is welded to the distal closure tube section 1430 by welds 1454. In addition to, or instead of, a weld, the lateral mounting body 1460 may be held in place using a mechanical / friction fit, a grooved tongue configuration, adhesive, etc.

  36-41 illustrate one example of the use of the distal closure tube portion 1430 to move the anvil 1130 from the fully closed position to the fully open position. 36 and 39 show the position of the distal closure tube portion 1430 and, more specifically, the position of one of the positive anvil opening features 1462 when the distal closure tube portion 1430 is in the fully closed position. Show. In the illustrated embodiment, anvil open ramps 1162 are formed on the lower surface of each of the anvil mounting flanges 1151. When the anvil 1130 and the distal closure tube portion 1430 are in their fully closed position shown in FIG. 36, each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 establishes between the anvil opening ramp 1162 and the bottom of the elongated channel 1102. Located in the closed cavity 1164. When in that position, the positive anvil opening mechanism 1462 does not contact the anvil attachment portion 1150, or at least does not apply a significant opening movement or force thereto. 37 and 40 show the position of the anvil 1130 and the distal closure tube portion 1430 upon initial application of an opening motion in the proximal PD to the distal closure tube portion 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 37, the positive jaw opening mechanism 1462 first contacts the anvil opening ramp 1164, causing the anvil 1130 to begin pivoting to the open position. In the illustrated configuration, each of the positive anvil opening features 1462 has a beveled or rounded distal end 1463 to facilitate better cam contact with the corresponding anvil opening beveled surface 1162. Have. 38 and 41, the distal closure tube portion 1430 has been retracted to its fully retracted position where the positive anvil opening feature 1462 is at the distal end of the anvil opening ramp 1162. Drive to the section, which causes the anvil 1130 to pivot to its fully open position, as shown therein. Other embodiments may not use the positive jaw opening mechanism, but to bias the anvil to the open position when the distal closure tube section is retracted to its most proximal starting position. Alternatively, a spring or other biasing arrangement may be relied upon.

  42 and 43 show another closure member for applying a closing movement to the movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube section 1430 ', which may be similar to the distal closure tube section 1430 without the positive anvil opening feature. Distal closure tube portion 1430 'has a closure body 1470' having an outer surface 1440 'and an inner surface 1433' defining an upper wall 1440 'and a lower wall 1442'. As mentioned above, it is possible to use as large an internal cam surface 1444 'as possible to maximize cam contact with the cam surface on the anvil mount 1150 and thereby effectively transfer the closing force thereto. Sometimes desirable. Thus, the upper wall 1440 ′ of the distal closure tube portion 1430 ′ may be provided with the thickest wall thickness UWT and the lower portion of the distal closure tube portion 1430 ′ may have the thinnest wall thickness LWT. Good. For reference purposes, the UWT and LWT are measured along a common reference line extending through the central axis or point C of the distal closure tube section 1430 '. Therefore, UWT is the exact opposite of LWT, UWT> LWT. Such a wall thickness configuration facilitates formation of a longer internal cam surface 1444 '.

As can be seen in Figure 43, the distal closure tube portion 1430 'has an outer surface 1431' having a circular cross-sectional shape. Distal closure tube portion 1430 'may be machined from solid bar stock. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner radius R ₁ from the first central axis A _inner extends to the inner surface 1433 ′ and the outer radius R ₂ from the second central axis A _outer to the outer surface 1431 ′. Extend. In the example shown, the axis A _inner is offset from the axis A _outer by a distance OR and R ₂ > R ₁ .

  FIG. 44 shows another closure member for applying a closing movement to the movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube section 1430 "having a closure body 1470". The closure 1470 ″ includes an outer surface 1431 ′ and an upper wall 1440 ″ having an upper wall thickness UWT and a lower wall 1442 ″ having a lower wall thickness LWT and two sidewall portions 1435 ′ each having a sidewall pressure SWT. Has an inner surface 1433 "that defines a. In the illustrated example, UWT> LWT. Note that SWT> UWT. Therefore, SWT> UWT> LWT. In the illustrated configuration, the sidewall portions 1435 'have the same sidewall thickness SWT. In other configurations, the sidewall portion 1435 'may have different thicknesses. As can be seen in FIG. 44, each sidewall portion 1435 'defines an interior surface portion 1437' that extends vertically therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending interior surface portions are substantially parallel to each other. Such thicker vertical sidewall portions 1435 'may help prevent, or at least minimize, vertical extension of the distal closure tube portion 1430 "in use.

In the example shown in FIG. 45, R ₁ and R ₂ are measured from a common center point or center axis C and R ₁ > R ₂ . Each of the side wall portions 1435 ″ of the closure body portion 1470 ′ ″ of the distal closure tube portion 1430 ′ ″ extending between the upper portions 1431 ″ and 1433 ″ has a UWT at a point along the horizontal reference line HR. It has approximately equal sidewall thickness SWT.The horizontal reference line HR extends through the central axis C and is vertical along a vertical reference line VR over which UWT and LWT can be measured and compared, thus SWT = UWT. In other embodiments, the SWT may be slightly smaller than the UWT when measured along the horizontal reference line HR, where the sidewall portion 1435 'has a constant lower wall thickness LWT. It may continue to decrease until it transitions to the lower portion 1433 ′. Therefore, the inner sidewall 1437 ″ is corresponding vertical, which is perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis HR and parallel to the vertical reference axis VR. When measured from the collimation axis VR ', extending at an angle A _2.

  FIG. 46 shows another closure member for applying a closing motion to the movable jaw of a surgical instrument. In this example, the closure member comprises a distal closure tube portion 1430 "having a rounded outer surface 1431" and a closure body 1470 "having a rectangular interior passage 1439 extending therethrough. The outer surface 1431" is It is located at a distance R from the geometric center point or the central axis C. As shown, the upper wall thickness UWT is equal to the lower wall thickness LWT when measured along a vertical reference axis VR extending through a central point or central axis C. When measured along a horizontal reference axis HR extending through the center point or center axis C and perpendicular to the vertical reference axis VR, the thickness SWT of the sidewall portion 1437 ″ is equal to the upper wall thickness and the lower wall thickness UWT. And LWT, and thus SWT is greater than UWT and LWT, in other words, the portion of the distal closure tube section 1430 ″ that is located above the horizontal reference line HR is located below the horizontal reference line HR. FIG. 3B is a mirror image of a portion of the distal closure tube portion 1430 ″. In this example, the sides 1437 ″ are thicker than the top and bottom walls and the distal closure tube portion tends to extend vertically. May tend to be prevented or minimized. The inner cam surface may be formed on the distal end of the top wall portion 1440 ″.

  In the illustrated configuration, the anvil 1130 is moved between the open and closed positions by distally advancing the distal closure tube section 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 41, when the anvil 1130 is in the fully open position, the distal end 1163 of the anvil attachment flange 1151 may extend above the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110. The distal end 1163 of the anvil attachment flange 1151 extends beyond the deck surface 1116 of the staple cartridge 1110 when the closing process is initiated by advancing the distal closure tube portion distally in the distal direction DD. Are present, thereby preventing infiltration of tissue between them that may interfere with the closure process. See FIG. 40. Once the anvil 1130 has been moved to the fully closed position by the distal closure tube section 1430, the distal end 1461 of the lateral mounting body on the distal closure tube section 1430 prevents tissue from infiltrating between them. It further acts to stop the tissue to do so. See FIG. 41.

FIG. 47 illustrates a portion of a surgical end effector 110 ′ that may be similar to surgical end effector 110 of replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 of FIGS. In the example shown in FIG. 47, the anvil 114 includes an elongated body portion 190 and an anvil attachment portion 192. Anvil mounting portion 192 comprises two spaced apart anvil mounting flanges 194 projecting proximally from elongated body portion 190. Each anvil mounting flange 194 has an outwardly extending trunnion 196 thereon. Each trunnion 196 is movably received within a corresponding kidney-shaped slot or elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197 provided in the elongated channel 112. When the anvil 114 is in the "fully open" position, the trunnion slot 196 is generally located at the bottom 198 of the elongated arcuate trunnion slot 197. The anvil 114 can be moved to the closed position by advancing the distal closure tube segment 142 distally in the distal direction DD, whereby the end 148 of the distal closure tube segment 142 is moved to the anvil. Ride on a cam surface 193 formed on the anvil mount 192 of 114. The distal closure tube portion 142 pivots the body portion 190 of the anvil 114 as the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube portion 142 is advanced distally along the cam surface 193 on the anvil attachment portion 192. And move axially relative to surgical staple cartridge 116. When the distal closure tube portion 142 reaches the end of its closing stroke, the distal end 148 of the distal closure tube portion 142 abuts / contacts the raised anvil ledge 191 and also the body portion 190. The underside serves to position the anvil 114 such that a forming pocket (not shown) is properly aligned with the staples in the cartridge. Anvil ledge 191 is defined between cam surface 193 on anvil attachment portion 192 and elongated anvil body portion 190. In other words, in this configuration the cam surface 193 does not extend to the outermost surface 195 of the anvil body 190. After the distal closure tube 142 has reached this fully extended position, any further application of closure movement / force to the anvil 114 can cause damage to the anvil and / or closure system components. As can be seen in FIG. 47, in this configuration the closing force F _H is parallel to the shaft axis SA. The distance between the axis or plane T _A passing through the center of the trunnion 196 and the closing force vector F _H is represented as the distance X _R. The product of this distance X _R and the closing force F _H represents the closing motion C _M applied to the anvil 114.

48 and 49 show the closing force configuration of the anvil 1130 of the surgical end effector 1100 of the replaceable instrument assembly 1000. As mentioned above, the anvil trunnion 1158 is pivotally mounted within the hole 1154 in the elongate channel 1102. Unlike the anvil 114 described above, the anvil 1130 does not move axially. Instead, the anvil 1130 is constrained to pivot only about the anvil axis AA. Between the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube portion 1430 and the cam surface 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150 as the distal closure tube portion 1430 is advanced in the distal direction DD under the horizontal closure force F _H1. Interaction results in distal closure tube portion 1430 experiencing a vertical closure force component V _F. The resulting force vector F _N experienced by the cam surface 1152 on the anvil mounting portion 1150 is “normal” or normal to the inner cam surface 1444. The angle Θ in FIGS. 48 and 49 represents the angle of the cam surface 1152 horizontally, as does the inner cam surface 1440. The distance between the resulting force vector F _N and the axis or plane T _A extending through the center of the anvil trunnion 1158 is represented as the moving arm M _A. The product of this motion arm distance M _A and the resulting force vector F _N represents the closing motion C _M1 applied to the anvil 1130. Therefore, in an application where the horizontal closing force F _H = F _H1 , M _A > X _R , and therefore the closing motion applied to the anvil 1130 is applied to the anvil 1130 because it exceeds the closing motion applied to the anvil 114. The actual amount of closing torque may exceed the amount of closing torque applied to the anvil 114. FIG. 49 also shows the resistance force established by the tissue during the closure process. F _T represents the force generated by the tissue when the tissue is clamped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. This "opposite" moment of motion M _T applied to the anvil 1130 is the distance X _T between the tissue force T _F extending through the center of the anvil trunnion 1158 and the axis or plane T _A , and the tissue force Is equal to the product of Therefore, C _M1 must be greater than M _T to achieve the desired amount of anvil closure.

  Returning to the example shown in FIG. 47, the firing bar 170 is located within the elongated channel 112 when in the starting or unfired position, and more specifically, the distal closure tube portion in position. It can be seen that it is attached to the firing member 174, which is located completely distal to 142, with the top 175 of the firing member 174 in contact with a portion of the anvil 114. In such a configuration, the anvil 114 may be fully or completely closed because the firing member 174 is positioned such that the top 175 may contact the anvil as the anvil 114 moves to the closed position. Greater closing force may be required to move it to the open position. It should be noted that when the firing system is activated, a higher firing force may be needed to overcome the frictional interference between the upper portion 175 of the firing member 174 and the anvil 114. Conversely, as can be seen in FIG. 48, in the end effector 1100, the firing member 1660 is “retained” within the firing member retention region 1154 within the distal closure tube portion 1430. When the firing member 1660 is located within the firing member retention region 1154 within the distal closure tube portion 1430, significant frictional forces with the anvil cannot be generated. Thus, one of the advantages that can be achieved by fully placing the firing member 1660 within the distal closure tube portion 1430 is a reduction in the amount of closure force required to close the anvil to the fully closed position, and And / or it may be a reduction in the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member from the start position to the end position within the end effector. In other words, the firing member 1660 is fully proximal to the distal end of the distal closure tube portion 1430 and the inner cam surface 1444 thereon and any frictional contact between the firing member and the anvil. Retaining firing member 1660 so that it is in the excluded or reduced starting position may ultimately require lower closure and firing forces to be generated due to movement of the end effector.

  As mentioned above, excessive bending of the anvil during the closing and firing process may result in the need for undesirably higher firing forces. Therefore, a stiffer anvil configuration is generally desirable. 20 and 21, another advantage that may be provided by the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 shown therein is that the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130 is generally more robust, and thus other anvils and It is more rigid than the elongated channel configuration. FIG. 50 illustrates the use of a rigid gusset 199 between the anvil mounting flange 194 and the elongated anvil body portion 190. A similar gusset configuration may be used between the anvil mounting flange 1151 of the anvil 1130 and the anvil body 1132 to further increase anvil rigidity.

As mentioned above, the replaceable surgical instrument 1000 includes an elastic spine member 1520. As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7, 7A, 8, and 51-54, the distal end 1522 of the elastic spine member 1520 is provided with an extension mechanism 1530 formed on the elastic spine member 1520 to allow the elastic spine member 1520 to move. Separated from proximal end 1524. It should be noted that the extension limiting insert 1540 is retentionally supported between the distal end 1522 and the proximal end 1524. In various configurations, the elastic spine member 1520 may be made of a suitable polymeric material, rubber, or the like, having, for example, a modulus of elasticity designated as ME ₁ for reference purposes. The extension mechanism 1530 may include a plurality of extension cavities 1532. As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the illustrated extension mechanism 1530 includes four triangular extension cavities 1532 configured to define some flexible wall portion 1534 therebetween. Other shapes and numbers of extension cavities 1532 may be used. The elongated cavity 1532 may be molded or machined into an elastic spine member 1520, for example.

Still referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 51-54, the extension limiting insert 1540 includes a body portion 1541 having a modulus of elasticity designated as ME ₂ for reference purposes. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the body portion 1541 includes two downwardly extending mounting lugs 1542 each configured to seat within a mounting cavity 1535 formed in the elastic spine member 1520. . See also FIG. 7A. To provide the stretch limiting insert 1540 with a desired amount of stretch capability and elasticity, the body portion 1541 in the illustrated configuration is provided with a plurality of upper cavities 1543. The illustrated embodiment is of a relatively square or rectangular shape and includes four upper cavities 1543 spaced to define flexible walls 1544 therebetween. Other embodiments may include other numbers and shapes of upper cavities. The body portion 1541 of the illustrated extension limiting insert 1540 also includes a centrally located, downwardly projecting central lug portion 1545, which is configured to seat in a central cavity 1536 above the extension mechanism 1530. See Figure 7A. In the illustrated example, the central lug portion 1545 includes a pair of central passages 1546 extending laterally therethrough and defining a flexible wall 1547 therebetween.

Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the extension limiting insert 1540 includes elongated lateral cavities 1548 located on each outer portion of the body portion 1541. Only one lateral cavity 1548 can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 51-54. Each elongate lateral cavity 1548 is configured to support a corresponding extension limiter 1550 therein. Therefore, in the described embodiment, two extension limiters 1550 are used in the extension limiting insert 1540. In at least one configuration, the extension limiter 1550 includes an elongated body portion 1552 terminating in a downwardly extending mounting lug 1554 on each end. Each mounting lug 1554 is received in a corresponding lug cavity 1549 formed in body portion 1541. The extension limiter may have a modulus of elasticity for ME ₃ reference purposes. In at least one configuration, ME ₃ <ME ₂ <ME ₁ .

The operation of replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 when operably attached to handle assembly 500 will now be described in further detail with respect to FIGS. FIG. 51 shows the anvil assembly 1130 in the released position. As can be seen in this figure, the distal closure tube portion 1430 is in its starting or inactive position and the positive anvil opening mechanism 1462 is pivoting the anvil 1130 to the open position. It should be noted that the firing member 1660 is in a non-actuated or starting position, and the upper portion, including the upper nose portion 1630, is retained within the firing member retention area 1154 of the anvil attachment portion 1150. When the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 is in this non-actuated state, the extension limiting insert 1540 is in the unextended state. The axial length of the stretch limiting insert 1540 when in the unstretched state is represented by L _{US in} FIG. L _US is between the reference axis A corresponding to the proximal end of the body portion 1541 of the extension limiting insert 1540 and the reference axis B corresponding to the distal end of the body portion 1541, as shown in FIG. Represents the distance. The axis labeled F corresponds to the location of the distal end of the staple cartridge 1110 properly seated within the elongated channel 1102. It will be appreciated that when the instrument assembly 1000 is in this non-actuated state, the elastic spine members 1520 are in a relaxed, unstretched state.

52 shows the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 after the closure drive system 510 has been actuated as described above to drive the distal closure tube portion 1430 distally in the distal direction DD. The cam surface 1444 on the distal end 1441 of the top wall 1440 of the distal closure tube portion 1430 is cammed with the cam surface 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150 as the distal closure tube portion 1430 moves distally. Contact and pivot the anvil 1130 to the closed position shown. The closure drive system 510 moves the distal closure tube portion 1430 through the entire closure stroke distance and is then axially locked or otherwise retained in position by the closure drive system 510. . The closing force produced by the distal advancement of the distal closure tube portion 1430 on the anvil 1130 as the distal closure tube portion 1430 contacts the anvil attachment portion 1150 also causes the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 in the distal direction DD. Forward in the axial direction. The extension mechanism 1530 in the elastic spine 1520 begins to extend to accommodate this distal advancement of the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130. Axis B as shown in FIG. 52 is the reference axis for extension limiting insert 1540 when in the relaxed or non-extended state. Axis C corresponds to the end of stretch limiting insert 1540 after the stretch limiting insert has been stretched to its maximum length. The distance L _s represents the maximum amount or length that the extension limiting insert 1540 can be elongated. Axis G corresponds to the position of the distal end of surgical staple cartridge 1110 after anvil 1130 has been moved to its "first" closed position. The distance L _T to the reference axis FG represents the axial distance traveled by the elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 during operation of the closure drive system 510. This distance L _T can be equal to the distance L _S that the extension limiting insert 1540 extended during the closing process, as limited by the extension limiter 1550.

  Returning to FIG. 51, it can be noted that there is a space S between each mounting lug 1554 of the extension limiter 1550 and the respective inner wall 1551 of the lug cavity 1549 prior to the initiation of the closing process. As can be seen in FIG. 52, the space S disappears. That is, each of the mounting lugs 1554 abuts a corresponding cavity wall 1549 in the extension limiting insert 1540. Accordingly, the extension limiter 1550 functions to limit the amount of extension experienced by the extension limiting insert 1540, which extends the elongate channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 distal to the proximal end portion 1524 of the elastic spine 1520. The amount of movement is sequentially restricted. The distal closure tube 1430 is axially locked in position by the closure drive system 510. When in that position, the anvil 1130 is retained in a first "closed position" with respect to the surgical staple cartridge 1110. The firing drive system 530 is not yet activated so the firing member 1660 has not moved and remains parked in the firing member parking area 1154. The position of the lower surface of the anvil 1130 when in the "first" closed position is represented by the axis K in Figures 52 and 53.

  FIG. 53 shows the position of firing member 1660 after firing drive system 530 has been initially activated. As can be seen in this figure, the firing member 1660 is advanced distally from the firing member retention region 1154. The upper portion of the firing member 1660, and more specifically, each of the upper anvil engagement features 1672, enter the proximal ramp portion 1138 of the corresponding axial passage 1146 in the anvil 1130. At this point in the process, the anvil 1130 may be under substantial bending stress caused by tissue clamped between the underside of the anvil 1130 and the deck of the staple cartridge 1110. This bending stress, as well as the frictional resistance between various portions of the firing member and the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102, causes the elongated channel 1102 and the distal closure to occur while the firing member 1660 is initially advanced in the distal direction. It essentially serves to hold the tube in a static state. During this period, the amount of force required to fire the firing member 1660, or in other words, push the firing member 1660 distally through the tissue clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110. The amount of force needed to increase it. See line 1480 in FIG. 55. Also during this time, the stretch limiting insert attempts to retract the elongate channel 1102 and anvil 1130 in the proximal direction PD into the distal closure tube portion 1430. Once the amount of friction between the firing member 1660, the anvil 1130 and the elongated channel 1102 is less than the retracting force generated by the stretch limiting insert 1540, the extension limiting insert 1540 moves the elongated channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 away. It may cause further proximal pulling into the proximal closure tube portion 1430. The position of the distal end 1113 of the staple cartridge 1110 after the elongate channel 1102 and the anvil 1130 have moved in the proximal direction PD is represented as position H in FIG. The axial distance traveled by elongated channel 1102 and anvil 1130 in proximal direction PD is represented as distance I in FIG. Proximal movement of anvil 1130 and elongate channel 1102 into distal closure tube portion 1430 may result in distal closure tube portion 1430 exerting an additional closing force on anvil 1130. Line M in FIG. 54 represents the “second” closed position of anvil 1130. The distance between position K and position M, represented as distance N, includes the vertical distance that the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132 travels between the first closed position and the second closed position. .

  The anvil 1130 is clamped between the anvil 1130 and the cartridge 1110 by applying an additional closing force to the anvil 1130 by the distal closure tube portion 1430 when the anvil 1130 is in the second closed position. Resists the amount of flexing force applied to. Such a condition may result in better alignment between the passageway in the anvil body 1130 and the firing member 1660, which, as it continues to be advanced distally through the end effector 1100. The amount of frictional resistance experienced by 1660 can ultimately be reduced. Therefore, the amount of firing force required to advance the firing member through the remainder of its firing stroke to the end position can be reduced. This reduction in firing power can be seen in the chart in FIG. The chart shown in FIG. 55 compares the firing power (energy) required to fire a firing member from the beginning to the end of the firing process. Line 1480 represents the amount of firing force required to move firing member 1660 from its starting position to its ending position when end effector 1100 is clamping tissue therein. Line 1482 represents, for example, the amount of firing force required to move the firing member of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 described above. Line 1482 represents the firing force required to move firing member 174 through its clamped tissue at end effector 110 or 110 'from its start to end positions. As can be seen in this chart, the firing force required by both surgical instrument assemblies 100, 1000 is such that the elastic spine assembly 1510 of the replaceable instrument assembly 1000 provides a second amount of closure force. Substantially the same as, or very similar to, the time of addition 1484 to the anvil. As can be seen in the chart of FIG. 55, if a second amount of closing force is experienced by the anvil 1130 (point 1484), the amount of closing force required to complete the firing process is Less than the amount of closing force required to complete the closing process in assembly 100.

  FIG. 56 compares the amount of firing load required to move the firing members of various surgical end effectors from a starting position (0.0) to an ending position (1.0). The vertical axis represents the amount of firing load and the horizontal axis represents the percentage of distance the firing member travels between the starting position (0.0) and the ending position 1.0). Line 1490 illustrates, for example, the firing force required to fire the firing member of surgical instrument assembly 100 or a similar instrument assembly. Line 1492 employs various firing member modifications and configurations and is described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. _________, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS", Attorney Docket No. END 1947USNP / 160. To fire the firing member of a surgical instrument assembly, which may be disclosed in the other aforementioned U.S. patent applications, filed on the same day as the specification and incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Indicates the required firing power. Line 1494 is required to fire the firing member from its start position to its end position of a surgical instrument assembly that uses at least some of the features and configurations for stiffening anvils disclosed herein. It shows the firing power. Line 1496 is required to fire a surgical instrument assembly using, for example, an elastic spine configuration and at least some of the features and configurations disclosed herein for stiffening an anvil, Indicates firing power. As seen in this figure, surgical instrument assemblies that employ an elastic spine configuration, and at least some of the anvil reinforcement configurations disclosed herein, have much lower force-to-fire requirements.

  FIG. 57 provides a side-by-side comparison of two anvils. A portion of the first anvil 2030 of the end effector 2000 is shown in the right half of Figure 57, and a portion of the second anvil 2030 'of the end effector 2000' is shown in the left half of Figure 57. The anvil 2030 comprises a first longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032a, a second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b, and a third longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032c. The anvil 2030 further comprises a longitudinal slot 2033 configured to receive a firing member, such as firing member 2040, as the firing member is advanced by the staple firing stroke. The first longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032a is positioned intermediate the longitudinal slot 2033 and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b, and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b includes the forming pockets 2032a. Located intermediate the first longitudinal row and the third longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032c. As a result, the first longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032a includes an inner row, the third longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032c includes an outer row, and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b is an intermediate row, that is, Including middle row.

  Similar to the above, the anvil 2030 'includes a first longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032a, a second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b, and a third longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032c. Anvil 2030 'further comprises a longitudinal slot 2033' configured to receive a firing member, such as firing member 2040 ', as the firing member is advanced by the staple firing stroke. The first longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032a is positioned intermediate the longitudinal slots 2033 'and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b, and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b is formed into the forming pockets 2032a. Positioned intermediate the first longitudinal row of and the third longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032c. As a result, the first longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032a includes an inner row, the third longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032c includes an outer row, and the second longitudinal row of forming pockets 2032b is an intermediate row, that is, Including middle row.

  Anvil 2030 comprises a flat, or at least substantially flat, tissue engaging surface 2031. Forming pockets 2032a, 2032b, and 2032c are defined in flat surface 2031. The flat surface 2031 does not have a step defined therein. However, embodiments are envisioned in which anvil 2030 may include a stepped tissue engaging surface. For example, anvil 2030 'includes a stepped tissue engaging surface 2031'. In this embodiment, forming pockets 2032a and 2032b are defined by the lower step and forming pocket 2032c is defined by the upper step.

  The firing member 2040 'includes a connecting member 2042' that includes a cutting portion 2041. The cutting portion 2041 is configured and positioned, for example, to dissect the captured tissue between the anvil 2030 'and the staple cartridge 2010 (FIG. 58). Firing member 2040 'is configured to push distally the sled sled thread during the staple firing stroke. The sloped surface is configured to lift a staple driver within the staple cartridge 2010 to form the staple 2020 against the anvil 2030 'and eject the staple 2020 from the staple cartridge 2010. Coupling member 2042 'comprises a laterally extending protrusion or cam 2043' therefrom configured to engage anvil 2030 'during a staple firing stroke. Referring to Figure 60, the protrusion 2043 'comprises a longitudinally elongated shoulder extending from the connecting member 2042'. In another embodiment, the protrusion 2043 'comprises a cylindrical pin extending through the connecting member 2042'. In any case, the protrusion 2043 'has a flat side surface, that is, an end 2047'.

  The longitudinal slot 2033 'comprises a side portion 2033l' extending laterally from a central portion 2033c 'configured to receive the protrusion 2043'. As shown in FIG. 57, the sides 20331 of the longitudinal slot 2033 'have a rectangular shape with acute angles, or at least a substantially rectangular configuration. Each side 2033l 'of slot 2033' is provided with a longitudinal cam surface 2035 'configured to be engaged by a protrusion 2043' during a staple firing stroke. Each longitudinal cam surface 2035 'is defined above a ledge 2037' extending longitudinally along the slot 2033 '. Each longitudinal ledge 2037 'comprises a beam including a fixed end attached to the body portion of the anvil 2030' and a free end configured to move relative to the fixed end. Accordingly, each longitudinal ledge 2037 'may comprise a cantilever.

  Coupling member 2042 'further comprises legs or cams 2044 configured to engage staple cartridge 2010 or the jaws that support staple cartridge 2010 (FIG. 58). Further, the protrusion 2043 'and the leg 2044 cooperate to position the anvil 2030' and the staple cartridge 2010 with respect to each other. When the anvil 2030 'is moveable with respect to the staple cartridge 2010, the coupling member 2042' can cam the anvil 2030 'relative to the staple cartridge 2010 in place. When the staple cartridge 2010, or the jaws supporting the staple cartridge 2010, is movable with respect to the anvil 2030 ', the connecting member 2042' can cam the staple cartridge 2010 in place with respect to the anvil 2030 '. it can.

  In addition to the above, the firing member 2040 comprises a connecting member 2042 including a cutting portion 2041. Cutting portion 2041 is configured and positioned to dissect the captured tissue between anvil 2030 and staple cartridge 2010 (FIG. 58). Firing member 2040 is configured to push distally the sled sled thread during the staple firing stroke. The sloped surface is configured to lift a staple driver within the staple cartridge 2010 to form the staple 2020 against the anvil 2030 and eject the staple 2020 from the staple cartridge 2010. Coupling member 2042 includes a protrusion, or cam 2043, extending laterally therefrom that is configured to engage anvil 2030 during a staple firing stroke. The protrusion 2043 has a curved or rounded side surface, that is, an end portion 2047. The lateral end 2047 of the protrusion 2043 is either completely curved or completely circular. Each lateral end 2047 comprises an arcuate portion extending between a top surface of the protrusion 2043 and a bottom surface of the protrusion 2043. In other embodiments, the lateral end 2047 of the protrusion 2043 is only partially curved.

  The longitudinal slot 2033 comprises a side portion 2033l extending laterally from a central portion 2033c configured to receive the protrusion 2043. Each side 2033l of slot 2033 comprises a longitudinal cam surface 2035 configured to be engaged by a protrusion 2043 during a staple firing stroke. Each longitudinal cam surface 2035 is defined above a ledge 2037 extending longitudinally along the slot 2033. Each longitudinal ledge 2037 comprises a beam including a fixed end attached to the body portion of the anvil 2030 and a free end configured to move relative to the fixed end. Thus, each longitudinal ledge 2037 may comprise a cantilever. As shown in FIG. 57, the sides of the longitudinal slot 2033 comprise a curved or rounded contour that matches, or at least substantially matches, the curved end 2047 of the protrusion 2043. .

  Coupling member 2042 further comprises legs or cams 2044 configured to engage staple cartridge 2010 or the jaws that support staple cartridge 2010 (FIG. 58). Further, the protrusion 2043 and the leg 2044 cooperate to position the anvil 2030 and the staple cartridge 2010 with respect to each other. When the anvil 2030 is movable with respect to the staple cartridge 2010, the connecting member 2042 can cam the anvil 2030 in place with respect to the staple cartridge 2010. When the staple cartridge 2010, or the jaw that supports the staple cartridge 2010, is movable with respect to the anvil 2030, the connecting member 2042 can cam the staple cartridge 2010 in place with respect to the anvil 2030.

  Referring again to FIG. 57, the sides 2033l 'of the longitudinal slot 2033' extend a distance 2034 'from the centerline CL of the anvil 2030'. The side portion 2033l 'extends above or behind the forming pocket 2032a in the anvil 2030'. As shown in FIG. 57, the lateral ends of the side portions 2033l 'are aligned with the outer edges of the forming pockets 2032a. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the side 2033l 'extends laterally, eg, beyond the forming pocket 2032a. Referring to FIG. 59, the ledge 2037 'of the anvil 2030' is long, and in certain instances the ledge 2037 'can be significantly deflected under load. In some cases, the ledge 2037 'may be deflected downward so that most of the drive surface 2045' defined on the bottom of the protrusion 2043 'does not contact the cam surface 2035'. In such an example, contact between protrusion 2043 'and cam surface 2035' may be reduced to a point such as point 2047 '. In some cases, contact between the protrusion 2043 'and the cam surface 2035' may be reduced to a longitudinally extending line, which is seen from the distal end of the end effector, as shown in FIG. Sometimes it seems to be the point of time.

  Further, referring again to FIG. 57, the protrusion 2043 'extends above or behind the forming pocket 2032a in the anvil 2030'. The lateral ends of the protrusion 2043 'extend above the longitudinal centerline 2062a of the forming pocket 2032a. Other embodiments are envisioned where the lateral ends of the protrusions 2043 'are aligned with the longitudinal centerline 2062a of the forming pocket 2032a. Certain embodiments are envisioned where the lateral ends of protrusion 2043 'do not extend to the longitudinal centerline 2062a of forming pocket 2032a. In any case, referring again to FIG. 59, the protrusion 2043 ′ may be deflected upwards, especially when the protrusion 2043 ′ is long, with the majority of the drive surface 2045 ′ of the protrusion 2043 ′ being the cam surface 2035 ′. Not in contact. This condition may exacerbate the conditions described above in connection with ledge 2037 '. As mentioned above, for example, when the protrusion 2043 'extends to or beyond the outer edge of the forming pocket 2032a, the protrusion 2043' may be formed within the forming pocket 2032a and / or forming pockets 2032b and 2032c. It may be possible to better control the resulting staple forming process.

  In addition to the above, the ledge 2037 'and the protrusion 2043' can be deflected such that the load flowing between the firing member 2040 'and the anvil 2030' is applied to the inner end of the ledge 2037 '. As shown in FIG. 59, the contact point 2048 'is at or near the inner end of the ledge 2037'. The deflection of the ledge 2037 'and the protrusion 2043' is the same as or similar to the deflection of the cantilever. As the reader will appreciate, the deflection of the cantilever is proportional to the cube of the length of the beam when the end of the cantilever is loaded. In any case, when the ledge 2037 'and / or the protrusion 2043' are deflected, a gap can be created between the ledge 2037 'and the protrusion 2043'. Such a gap between a portion of the ledge 2037 'and the projection 2043' means that the force flowing between them will flow through a very small area, which results in the ledge 2037 'and the projection 2043' receiving. Stress and strain will increase. This interaction is represented by stress risers, or concentrations 2039 'and 2049' in FIGS. 61 and 62, with stress concentration 2039 'present within ledge 2037' and stress concentration 2049 ' At the interconnection between the protrusion 2043 'and the connecting member 2042'. Although other stress concentrators may exist, it is desirable to reduce or eliminate such stress concentrators, as described below.

  Referring again to FIGS. 57 and 58, the sides 20331 of the longitudinal slot 2033 each extend a distance 2034 from the centerline CL of the anvil 2030. Distance 2034 is shorter than distance 2034 '. Nevertheless, the side 2033l extends above or behind the forming pocket 2032a in the anvil 2030. As shown in FIG. 57, the lateral ends of the side portions 2033l are not aligned with the outer edges of the forming pockets 2032a. Moreover, the lateral ends of the side portions 2033l do not extend beyond the outer edge of the forming pocket 2032a. However, the side 2033l extends above the longitudinal centerline 2062a of the forming pocket 2032a. In addition to the above, ledge 2037 is shorter than ledge 2037 '. Therefore, ledge 2037 has less deflection, stress, and strain than ledge 2037 'for a given applied force.

  Other embodiments are envisioned where the sides 20331 of the slot 2033 do not extend to the longitudinal centerline 2062a of the forming pocket 2032a. In certain embodiments, the side 2033l does not extend laterally over the forming pocket 2032a or do not overlap the forming pocket 2032a. Such shorter sides 2033l may reduce deflection, stress, and strain in ledge 2037 in addition to the above. The reduced deflection of the ledge 2037 allows the drive surface 2045 defined at the bottom of the protrusion 2043 to remain in contact with the cam surface 2035 of the ledge 2037. In such an example, the contact area between the protrusion 2043 and the cam surface 2035 may be increased compared to the contact area between the protrusion 2043 'and the cam surface 2035'.

  In addition to the above, the cross-sectional thickness of ledge 2037 is not constant, unlike ledge 2037 'which has a constant cross-sectional thickness. Ledge 2037 has a tapered cross-sectional thickness such that the base of each ledge 2037 is wider than its inner end due to the rounded lateral end of lateral slot 2033l. Such a configuration may serve to stiffen or strengthen ledge 2037 and reduce deflection, stress, and strain of ledge 2037 as compared to ledge 2037 '. In at least one example, a portion of ledge 2037 is tapered and another portion of ledge 2037 has a constant cross-sectional thickness. In at least one other example, the entire ledge 2037 can be tapered so that the cross-sectional thickness is not constant.

  Further, referring again to FIGS. 57 and 58, the protrusion 2043 extends above or behind the forming pocket 2032a in the anvil 2030. The lateral ends of the protrusion 2043 do not extend above the longitudinal centerline 2062a of the forming pocket 2032a. Other embodiments are envisioned where the lateral ends of the protrusion 2043 are not aligned with the longitudinal centerline 2062a of the forming pocket 2032a. Certain embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral ends of the protrusion 2043 do not extend above the forming pocket 2032a at all. In any case, the upward deflection of protrusion 2043 may be less than protrusion 2043 ', and as a result, there may be a larger contact area between drive surface 2045 and cam surface 2035.

  In addition to the above, the ledge 2037 and the protrusion 2043 ensure that the load flowing between the firing member 2040 and the anvil 2030 is at a single point and / or the length of the inner end of the ledge 2037 'rather than the end of the ledge 2037. Can be biased to be added along the height. As a result, the force flowing between them will flow through a larger area, which reduces the stress and strain experienced by ledge 2037 and protrusion 2043, thereby, for example, ledge 2037 'and protrusion 2043'. It is possible to reduce or eliminate the stress concentration part described above in connection with.

  Referring again to FIG. 58, the leg portion 2044 of the connecting member 2042 is wider than the protruding portion 2033. In other words, the lateral width of the leg 2044 is wider than the width between the lateral ends of the protrusion 2033. In such an example, the legs 2044 may cause more deflection or distortion than the protrusions and, as a result, may reduce deflection of the protrusions 2033. Alternative embodiments are envisioned in which the lateral width of the legs 2044 is the same as or less than the width between the lateral ends of the protrusions 2033. However, such embodiments may be configured to provide the desired deflection and / or distortion within protrusion 2033.

  As mentioned above, the end effector may comprise, for example, an anvil that is movable between an open position and a closed position. In some cases, the anvil is moved toward its closed position by the firing member as the firing member is moved distally, such as firing member 2040 or 2040 '. In another example, the anvil moves towards its closed position before the firing member is advanced distally to perform the staple firing stroke. In either case, the anvil may not move to its fully closed position until the firing member approaches or reaches the end of its staple firing stroke. As a result, the anvil is progressively closed by the firing member. In at least one such example, the anvil may be progressively closed due to the thick tissue trapped between the anvil and the staple cartridge. In some cases, the anvil may actually deflect or deform during the staple firing stroke of the firing member. However, such situations are generally controlled by the upper protrusion and lower leg of the firing member.

  Referring now to FIG. 60, the drive surface 2045 'defined on the protrusion 2043' is flat, or at least substantially flat. Further, the drive surface 2045 'is adapted to coplanarly engage a flat, or at least substantially flat, cam surface 2035' defined on the anvil 2030 'when the anvil 2030' is in the fully closed position. It is configured. In other words, the drive surface 2045 'engages the cam surface 2035' in a face-to-face relationship when the anvil 2030 'is in the fully flat orientation. The flat orientation of anvil 2030 'is shown in phantom in FIG. In such an example, drive surface 2045 'is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the longitudinal path of firing member 2040' during the staple firing stroke. However, as mentioned above, the anvil 2030 'may progressively close during the firing stroke, so that the anvil 2030' may not always be in the fully closed position. As a result, the drive surface 2045 'need not always be aligned with the cam surface 2035', and in such an example, the protrusion 2043 'may be carved into the ledge 2037' of the anvil 2030. FIG. 60 shows such an example with a solid line.

  In addition to the above, the cam surface 2035 'defined on the drive surface 2045' and / or ledge 2037 'of the protrusion 2043' causes the firing member 2040 'to progressively close the anvil 2030' to its fully closed position. If necessary, it can be plastically deformed. In particular examples, cam surface 2035 'may, for example, wear and increase the force required to complete the staple firing stroke. More specifically, the plastic strain of protrusion 2043 'and / or anvil ledge 2037' can cause energy loss as the metal deforms beyond the plastic limit. At that point, wear occurs and the coefficient of friction of the connection increases significantly. Energy loss can be, for example, about 10% to 30%, which can increase the force required to fire the firing member by about 10% to 30%. Further, if the end effector 2000 'is reused, the force required to complete a subsequent staple firing stroke by the end effector 2000' may increase.

  63-65, the firing member 2140 comprises a firing bar and a connecting member 2142 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2142 includes a connector 2148 that connects the connecting member 2142 to the firing bar. Coupling member 2142 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to dissect patient tissue during a staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2142 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2143 configured to engage the anvil, eg, anvil 2030 or 2030 ′, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2143 includes a drive surface 2145 defined on the bottom side thereof. Each protrusion 2143 further comprises a cam transition 2147 extending proximally and a rounded transition 2149 extending around the outer circumference of the protrusion 2143. Coupling member 2142 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of firing member 2140 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2140 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, the drive surface 2145 of the protrusion 2143 is not parallel to the longitudinal path 2160 of the firing member 2140. Rather, the drive surface 2145 extends laterally with respect to the longitudinal path 2160. In at least one example, the distal end of each drive surface 2145 is positioned further from the longitudinal path 2160 than the proximal end. Such a configuration may reduce or eliminate the problems described above in connection with the progressive closure of the anvil 2130. More specifically, in at least one example, if the anvil 2130 moves with a range of motion from about 4 degrees to about 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal path 2160 during progressive closure, the drive surface 2145 may, for example, It may be oriented approximately 2 degrees with respect to the longitudinal path 2160, which represents the midpoint within the progressive closure range. Other embodiments are possible. For example, if the anvil 2130 moves with a range of motion from about 1 degree to about 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal path 2160 during progressive closure, the drive surface 2145 may, for example, be about 1 degree relative to the longitudinal path 2160. , Which represents the upper limit within the progressive closure range. In various examples, the firing member 2140 may be required to progressively close the anvil 2130 with, for example, 5 degrees of excursion. In another example, the firing member 2140 may be required to progressively close the anvil 2130 with, for example, a range of motion of 10 degrees. In some cases, the anvil 2130 may not reach the fully closed position, so that the progressive closure of the anvil 2130 may not reach 0 degrees.

  In addition to the above, the drive surface 2145 of the protrusion 2143 is not parallel to the drive surface of the leg 2144. Mainly referring to FIG. 64, the drive surface 2145 extends along the axis 2183 and the drive surface of the leg 2144 extends along the axis 2184. In at least one example, drive surface 2145 is oriented, for example, at an angle of about 0.5 degrees with respect to the drive surface of leg 2144. Other examples are envisioned in which drive surface 2145 is oriented at an angle of, for example, about 1 degree relative to the drive surface of legs 2144. A particular example is envisioned in which drive surface 2145 is oriented, for example, from about 0.5 degrees to about 5 degrees with respect to the drive surface of legs 2144. The drive surface of leg 2144 is parallel to the longitudinal path 2160. However, other embodiments are also envisioned in which the drive surface of legs 2144 is not parallel to the longitudinal path 2160.

  The above embodiments have been discussed in relation to a movable anvil. However, it should be understood that the teachings of such embodiments may be adapted to any suitable movable jaw, such as, for example, a movable staple cartridge jaw. Similarly, the embodiments described elsewhere in this application can be adapted to any movable jaw.

  66-68, the firing member 2240 comprises a firing bar and a connecting member 2242 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2242 includes a connector 2148 that connects the connecting member 2242 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2242 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the patient's tissue during the staple firing stroke. The linking member 2242 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2243 configured to engage the anvil, such as the anvil 2030 or 2030 ′, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2243 comprises a drive surface 2245 defined on the bottom side thereof. Each protrusion 2243 further comprises a rounded transition 2249 extending around its perimeter. The connecting member 2242 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member 2240 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2240 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, each protrusion 2243 comprises a tip or proximal end 2251 configured to engage an anvil and also a rear end. The tip of each protrusion 2243 is different from the lagging end of the protrusion 2243, that is, the rear end. The tip 2251 comprises a radius extending from the lower drive surface 2245 of the protrusion 2243 to a position located above the longitudinal centerline 2250 of the protrusion 2243. The tip 2251 comprises a single radius of curvature, but the tip 2251 can be configured with more than one radius of curvature. Each protrusion 2243 further includes a radius-shaped edge 2259 between the radius-shaped edge 2251 and the upper surface of the protrusion 2243. The radius of curvature of the edge portion 2259 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the tip 2251. Other embodiments are envisioned where all or at least a portion of tip 2251 is linear. In any case, the configuration of the tip 2251 can transfer the force or load transferred between the firing member 2240 and the anvil to move the anvil away from the tip 2251 toward the rear end of the protrusion 2243. Stated differently, the configuration of the tip 2251 can prevent the tip 2251 from becoming the focus of the force transmitted between the firing member 2240 and the anvil. Such a configuration may prevent or reduce the likelihood that the firing member 2240 will be pressed against the anvil, and may reduce the force required to move the firing member 2240 distally.

  69-71, the firing member 2340 comprises a firing bar and a connecting member 2342 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2342 comprises a connector 2148 connecting the connecting member 2342 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2342 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the patient's tissue during the staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2342 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2343 configured to engage the anvil, eg, anvil 2030 or 2030 ′, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2343 has a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. Each protrusion 2343 further comprises a rounded transition 2349 extending around its perimeter. Coupling member 2342 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of firing member 2340 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2340 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, each protrusion 2343 includes a rounded tip 2351. Tip 2351 is similar to tip 2251 and comprises a curved surface extending across centerline 2350 of protrusion 2343. The tip 2251 has a configuration different from the rear end of the protrusion 2243. Each protrusion 2343 further comprises a side or end 2352. Each lateral end 2352 includes a flat surface that is rounded or positioned intermediate the curved edge 2347. The first R-shaped edge 2347 is positioned midway between the upper surface of the protrusion 2343 and the lateral end 2352, and in addition, the second R-shaped edge 2347 is lateral to the bottom surface of the protrusion 2343. It is positioned intermediate the directional end 2352.

  72-74, the firing member 2440 comprises a firing bar and a connecting member 2442 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2442 comprises a connector 2148 connecting the connecting member 2442 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2442 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the tissue of the patient during the staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2442 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2443 configured to engage the anvil, such as anvil 2030 or 2030 ', as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2443 comprises a drive surface 2445 defined on the bottom side thereof. Each protrusion 2443 further comprises a rounded transition that extends around its perimeter. The coupling member 2442 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of the firing member 2440 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2440 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, the sides, or ends, of each protrusion 2443 are defined by more than one radius of curvature. Each protrusion 2443 comprises a first radius of curvature 2447a extending from the lower drive surface 2445 and a second radius of curvature 2447b extending from the upper surface of the protrusion 2443. The first radius of curvature 2447a is larger than the second radius of curvature 2447b. For example, the first radius of curvature 2447a is larger than the second radius of curvature 2447b. However, radii of curvature 2447a and 2447b may include any suitable configuration. Mainly referring to FIG. 74, the first radius of curvature 2447a extends upward beyond the centerline 2450 of the protrusion 2443.

  Referring now to FIGS. 75-77, firing member 2540 includes a firing bar and a connecting member 2542 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2542 includes a connector 2148 that connects the connecting member 2542 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2542 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the patient's tissue during the staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2542 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2543 configured to engage the anvil, eg, anvil 2030 or 2030 ′, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2543 has a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. Each protrusion 2543 further comprises a rounded transition that extends around its perimeter. Coupling member 2542 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of firing member 2540 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2540 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, each protrusion 2543 is provided with a flat or at least substantially flat side or end 2552. Each protrusion 2543 further comprises a radiused transition 2547 extending around its lateral end 2552. Each protrusion 2543 is symmetrical, or at least substantially symmetrical, about a longitudinal centerline extending through lateral end 2552. In addition, the top surface and the bottom surface of each protruding portion 2543 are parallel to each other.

  Mainly referring to FIG. 76, the tip 2551 of each protrusion 2543 is positioned distal to the cutting edge 2042 of the cutting portion 2041. The rear end 2559 of each protrusion 2543 is located proximal to the cutting edge 2042. As a result, the protrusion 2043 extends longitudinally at the cutting edge 2042. In such an example, firing member 2540 may directly hold the anvil and staple cartridge together in the position where the tissue is being cut.

  78-80, the firing member 2640 comprises a firing bar and a connecting member 2642 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2642 includes a connector 2148 that connects the connecting member 2642 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2642 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the tissue of the patient during the staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2642 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2643 configured to engage the anvil, eg, anvil 2030 or 2030 ′, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2643 includes a drive surface 2645 defined on the bottom side thereof. Each protrusion 2643 further comprises a rounded transition 2649 extending around its perimeter. Coupling member 2642 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of firing member 2640 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2640 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, each protrusion 2643 further comprises a lateral end 2652, a lower drive surface 2645, and an upper surface 2647. The lower drive surface 2645 is flat and parallel to the longitudinal firing path 2660 of the firing member 2640. Referring primarily to FIG. 80, the upper surface 2647 is flat but not parallel to the longitudinal firing path 2660. Further, the top surface 2647 is not parallel to the bottom surface 2645. As a result, each protrusion 2643 is asymmetric. In fact, the orientation of the upper surface 2647 transfers the moment of inertia over the lateral end 2652 of the protrusion 2643. With such a configuration, the bending rigidity of the protrusion 2643 can be increased, and the distortion of the protrusion 2643 can be reduced.

  81-83, the firing member 2740 includes a firing bar and a connecting member 2742 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2742 includes a connector 2148 that connects the connecting member 2742 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2742 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the patient's tissue during the staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2742 is also configured to engage a protrusion 2743 configured to engage the anvil, eg, anvil 2030 or 2030 ′, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is open. Each protrusion 2743 includes a drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof. Coupling member 2742 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which when the unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of firing member 2740 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2740 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, each protrusion 2743 comprises a first or tip portion 2753a and a second or lagging portion 2753b located distally behind the tip portion 2753a. Tip portion 2753a includes a curved retraction surface 2751 defined on its distal end, which retraction surface 2751 is configured to initially engage the anvil. The tip portion 2753a further comprises a first or tip drive surface 2745a defined on the bottom side thereof. Similarly, lagging portion 2753b includes a second or lagging drive surface 2745b defined on its bottom side. Each protrusion 2743 further comprises a transition 2752 defined between the tip portion 2753a and the lagging portion 2753b.

  In addition to the above, drive surfaces 2745a and 2745b may cooperate to engage and position the anvil as firing member 2740 is advanced distally. In particular embodiments, drive surfaces 2745a and 2745b define drive paths that are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to longitudinal path 2760 of firing member 2740 during the staple firing stroke. However, in some cases, only the tip drive surface 2745a may engage the cam surface defined on the anvil. Such an example may occur, for example, when firing member 2740 progressively closes the anvil.

  In another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 93 and 94, the tip drive surface 2745a is positioned above the lagging drive surface 2745b. Stated differently, the tip drive surface 2745a is positioned further from the longitudinal path 2760 than the lagging drive surface 2745b such that both drive surfaces 2745a and 2745b remain in contact with the anvil during the staple firing stroke. To be In at least one example, drive surfaces 2745a and 2745b can define drive surfaces transverse to longitudinal path 2760. In a particular example, for example, a 1 degree angle may be defined between the drive surface and the longitudinal path 2760. In various examples, the tip drive surface 2745a is located, for example, approximately 0.001 inches vertically above the lagging drive surface 2745b. In other embodiments, the tip drive surface 2745a is located, for example, about 0.002 inches vertically above the lagging drive surface 2745b. In a particular example, tip drive surface 2745a is positioned at a distance of, for example, about 0.001 inch to about 0.002 inch above lagging drive surface 2745b.

  In a particular example, referring again to FIG. 93, only the lagging drive surface 2745b may be in contact with the cam surface of the anvil when the firing member 2740 progressively closes the anvil. In such an example, the tip drive surface 2745a is not in contact with the cam surface of the anvil. Such a configuration reduces the plastic deformation of the protrusion 2743 and reduces the force required to advance the firing member 2740 distally as compared to when only the tip drive surface 2745a is in contact with the cam surface of the anvil. Can be reduced. As the anvil begins to flex due to the stapling load applied to the anvil, in some cases, the anvil may flex upward to contact the leasing drive surfaces 2745a, as shown in FIG.

  The tip portion 2753a is thicker than the lagging portion 2753b. In other words, the tip portion 2753a has a larger bending moment of inertia than the lagging portion 2753b that can resist upward bending of the protrusion 2743. As a result, the lagging portion 2753b may be deflected above the tip portion 2753a. In such an example, both portions 2753a and 2753b of protrusion 2743 are likely to remain in contact with the anvil during the staple firing stroke even though firing member 2740 is used to progressively close the anvil. .. Further, the tip portion 2753a also has a greater shear thickness than the lagging portion 2753b, which may resist shear forces transmitted through the protrusion 2743. Tip portion 2753a is often exposed to greater shear forces than lagging portion 2753b, and as a result, can benefit from increased shear thickness. If it is believed that lagging portion 2753b may be subject to greater shear forces than leading protrusion 2753a, then lagging portion 2753b may have a greater shear thickness than tip portion 2753a, for example.

  84-86, the firing member 2840 includes a firing bar and a connecting member 2842 attached to the firing bar. The connecting member 2842 includes a connector 2148 that connects the connecting member 2842 to the firing bar. The connecting member 2842 further comprises a cutting member 2041 configured to cut through the patient's tissue during the staple firing stroke. Coupling member 2842 is also configured to engage a protrusion, such as, for example, anvil 2030 or 2030 ', which is configured to engage the anvil, as well as a staple cartridge jaw during a staple firing stroke. And a leg portion 2144 that is present. As will be described in more detail below, each protrusion comprises a drive surface defined on its bottom side. Coupling member 2842 further comprises an intermediate protrusion 2146 extending laterally therefrom, which, when an unused staple cartridge is not positioned in front of firing member 2840 at the beginning of the staple firing stroke. Firing member 2840 is configured to prevent performing a staple firing stroke.

  In addition to the above, each side of the coupling member includes a first or tip protrusion 2843d and a second or lagging protrusion 2843p positioned behind the tip protrusion 2843d. The tip protrusion 2843d includes a curved retraction surface 2851d defined on its distal end, the retraction surface 2851d configured to initially engage the anvil. The tip protrusion 2843d further includes a first drive surface defined on the bottom side thereof, that is, a tip drive surface 2845d. Similarly, the tip protrusion 2843p includes a curved retraction surface 2851p defined on its distal end, which retraction surface 2851p is configured to initially engage the anvil. The lagging protrusion 2843p further comprises a second or lagging drive surface 2845p defined on the bottom side thereof.

  In addition to the above, drive surfaces 2845d and 2845p may cooperate to engage and position the anvil as firing member 2840 is advanced distally. In particular embodiments, drive surfaces 2845d and 2845p define drive paths that are parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to longitudinal path 2860 of firing member 2840 during the staple firing stroke. In another embodiment, the tip drive surface 2845d is positioned above the lagging drive surface 2845p. Stated another way, tip drive surface 2845d is positioned further away from longitudinal path 2860 than lagging drive surface 2845p. In at least one example, drive surfaces 2845d and 2845p can define drive surfaces transverse to longitudinal path 2860. In a particular example, for example, a 1 degree angle may be defined between the drive surface and the longitudinal path 2860.

  In addition to the above, the tip protrusion 2843d and the lagging protrusion 2843p may move with respect to each other. In various examples, the tip protrusion 2843d and the lagging protrusion 2843p on one side of the connecting member 2842 can move independently of each other. Such a configuration may allow the protrusions 2843d and 2843p to independently adapt to the orientation of the anvil, particularly when the firing member 2840 is used to progressively close the anvil. As a result, both protrusions 2843d and 2843p may remain engaged with the anvil, reducing force flow and plastic deformation of the protrusions at some locations between firing member 2840 and the anvil.

  FIG. 91 illustrates the energy required by the first firing member to complete the firing stroke (designated 2090 ′) and the second firing member required to complete the firing stroke (designated 3090). Indicates energy. The firing stroke 2090 'represents a state in which significant plastic deformation and wear have occurred. Firing stroke 3090 represents an improvement on firing stroke 2090 ', where the deformation of the firing member and anvil ledge is mostly elastic. It is believed that in certain instances, the plastic strain experienced by the firing member and / or the anvil can be reduced, for example, by about 40% -60% by using the teachings disclosed herein.

  The various embodiments described herein can be used to balance the load transmitted between the firing member and the anvil. Such an embodiment may also be used to balance the load transmitted between the firing member and the staple cartridge jaws. In either case, the firing member may be designed to provide the desired result, which may be due, for example, to manufacturing tolerances of the stapling instrument and / or variations in tissue thickness trapped within the end effector. It is to be understood that due to the above, it may not be achieved. In at least one example, for example, the upper protrusion and / or the lower leg of the firing member may include wearable features configured to allow the firing member to define a balanced interface with the anvil. .

  In addition to the above, and referring now to FIGS. 87-90, the firing member 2940 comprises lateral protrusions 2943. Each protrusion 2943 comprises a longitudinal ridge 2945 extending from its bottom. The ridges 2945 are configured to plastically deform and / or hurt when the firing member 2940 is advanced distally to engage the anvil. The ridges 2945 are configured to quickly wear or set so as to increase the contact area between the protrusions 2943 and the anvil and provide a better load balance between the firing member 2940 and the anvil. ing. Such a configuration may be particularly useful when the end effector is used to perform several staple firing strokes. Additionally or alternatively, one or more wearable pads can be attached to the projections of the firing member, which can be configured to plastically deform.

Example 1-Surgical instrument comprising a firing member, a cartridge jaw, and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a longitudinal drive portion and a cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion. The cartridge jaws include a longitudinal cartridge slot configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and an inner longitudinal row of staple cavities adjacent the longitudinal cartridge slot. The cartridge jaws also include a lateral longitudinal row of staple cavities, the inner longitudinal row of staple cavities positioned intermediate the longitudinal cartridge slot and the lateral longitudinal row of staple cavities. The cartridge jaws further comprise staples removably stored in the inner longitudinal rows and the lateral longitudinal rows of the staple cavities, wherein the firing member is movable through the cartridge jaws and inside the staple cavities. Eject staples from the longitudinal and lateral longitudinal rows. The anvil jaw includes an inner longitudinal row of forming pockets alignable with an inner longitudinal row of staple cavities and a lateral longitudinal row of forming pockets alignable with a lateral longitudinal row of staple cavities. Prepare The anvil jaw also includes a central portion configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive the cam. With a longitudinal anvil slot, wherein the lateral opening does not extend laterally beyond the inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 2-The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the cam does not extend laterally beyond the inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 3-The surgical instrument of Example 1, wherein the cam does not extend laterally to the inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 4-The surgical instrument of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the inner longitudinal row of forming pockets comprises a centerline and the cam does not extend laterally beyond the centerline.
Example 5-The surgical instrument of Examples 1 or 3, wherein the inner longitudinal row of forming pockets comprises a centerline and the cam does not extend laterally to the centerline.
Example 6-The firing member further comprises a second cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion, the longitudinal anvil slot being configured to receive the second cam, from a central portion. The surgical instrument of Example 1, further comprising a second laterally extending lateral opening.
Example 7-A cartridge jaw further comprises a second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities, the inner longitudinal row of staple cavities and the second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities being positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal cartridge slot. And the anvil jaw further comprises a second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets alignable with a second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities, the second lateral opening providing a second side opening of the forming pocket. The surgical instrument of Example 6, which does not extend laterally beyond the second inner longitudinal row.
Example 8-The surgical instrument of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the second cam does not extend laterally beyond the second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 9-The surgical instrument of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the second cam does not extend laterally to the second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 10-The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets comprises a centerline and the second cam does not extend laterally beyond the centerline.
Example 11-The surgical instrument of Example 7, wherein the second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets comprises a centerline and the second cam does not extend laterally to the centerline.
Example 12-Anvil jaws are rotatable relative to the cartridge jaws between open and closed positions, Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Or the surgical instrument according to 11.
Example 13-Cartridge jaws are rotatable with respect to anvil jaws between open and closed positions, Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. , 11 or 12 surgical instrument.
Example 14-The surgical instrument of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 wherein at least a portion of the cartridge jaws is replaceable. .
Example 15-A surgical instrument comprising a firing member, a cartridge jaw and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a longitudinal drive portion and a cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion. The cartridge jaws include a longitudinal cartridge slot configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and an inner longitudinal row of staple cavities adjacent the longitudinal cartridge slot. The cartridge jaws also include a lateral longitudinal row of staple cavities, the inner longitudinal row of staple cavities positioned intermediate the longitudinal cartridge slot and the lateral longitudinal row of staple cavities. The cartridge jaws further comprise staples removably stored in the inner longitudinal rows and the lateral longitudinal rows of the staple cavities, wherein the firing member is movable through the cartridge jaws and inside the staple cavities. Eject staples from the longitudinal and lateral longitudinal rows. The anvil jaws are alignable with the inner longitudinal rows of the staple cavities and are aligned with the inner longitudinal rows of the forming pockets and the lateral longitudinal rows of the staple cavities that define the centerline of the forming pockets. A lateral longitudinal row of forming pockets. The anvil jaw also includes a central portion configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive the cam. And a longitudinal anvil slot including, and the lateral opening does not extend laterally beyond the centerline.
Example 16-The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the cam does not extend laterally to the inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 17-The surgical instrument of Example 15, wherein the cam does not extend laterally to the centerline.
Example 18-The firing member further comprises a second cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion, the longitudinal anvil slot being configured to receive the second cam, the lateral portion from the central portion. The surgical instrument of Example 15 further comprising a second laterally extending opening.
Example 19-The cartridge jaws further comprise a second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities, the longitudinal row of staple cavities and the second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities being positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal cartridge slot. The surgical instrument of Example 18, which is: The anvil jaw further comprises a second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets alignable with a second inner longitudinal row of staple cavities, the second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets having a second centerline. And the second lateral opening does not extend laterally beyond the second centerline.
Example 20-The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the second cam does not extend laterally to the second inner longitudinal row of forming pockets.
Example 21-The surgical instrument of Example 19, wherein the second cam does not extend laterally to the second centerline.
Example 22-Surgical according to example 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21, wherein the anvil jaw is rotatable with respect to the cartridge jaw between an open position and a closed position. Equipment.
Example 23-The cartridge jaws are rotatable with respect to the anvil jaws between an open position and a closed position, as described in Examples 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, or 22. Surgical instruments.
Example 24-The surgical instrument of Examples 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge jaws is replaceable.
Example 25-Surgical instrument comprising a firing member, a cartridge jaw, and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a longitudinal drive portion and a cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion. The cartridge jaws include a longitudinal cartridge slot configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and an inner longitudinal row of staple cavities adjacent the longitudinal cartridge slot. The cartridge jaws are also positioned between the longitudinal cartridge slot and the lateral longitudinal rows of staple cavities, an inner longitudinal row of staple cavities, and an inner longitudinal row and lateral longitudinal rows of staple cavities. And staples removably stored in the firing member, the firing member being movable through the cartridge jaws to eject the staples from the inner and lateral longitudinal rows of the staple cavity. The anvil jaws are alignable with the inner longitudinal rows of the staple cavities and are aligned with the inner longitudinal rows of the forming pockets and the lateral longitudinal rows of the staple cavities that define the centerline of the forming pockets. A lateral longitudinal row of forming pockets. The anvil jaw also includes a central portion configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive the cam. And a longitudinal anvil slot including, and the lateral opening does not extend laterally to the centerline.
Example 26-The surgical instrument of Example 25, wherein the anvil jaw is rotatable with respect to the cartridge jaw between an open position and a closed position.
Example 27-The surgical instrument of Examples 25 or 26, wherein the cartridge jaws are rotatable with respect to the anvil jaws between an open position and a closed position.
Example 28-The surgical instrument of Examples 25, 26, or 27, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge jaws is replaceable.
Example 29-Surgical instrument comprising a firing member and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a longitudinal drive portion and a cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion. The anvil jaw includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets and longitudinal anvil slots. A longitudinal anvil slot includes a central portion configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive the cam. And The side opening includes a closed end, the closed end being fully curved.
Example 30-The surgical instrument of Example 29, wherein the closed end is defined by a single radius of curvature.
Example 31-The surgical instrument of Examples 29 or 30, wherein the cam comprises a lateral cam end, the lateral cam end being defined by a radius or curvature that matches a single radius of curvature.
Example 32-The surgical instrument of Example 29 or 30, wherein the cam comprises a lateral cam end, the lateral cam end being defined by a radius of curvature that is less than a single radius of curvature.
Example 33-The surgical instrument of Example 29, wherein the closed end is defined by more than one radius of curvature.
Example 34-The firing member further comprises a second cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion, the longitudinal anvil slot being configured to receive the second cam, the lateral portion from the central portion. Examples 29, 30 with a second lateral opening extending in the direction, the second lateral opening with a second closed side end, and the second side end being fully curved. , 31, 32, or 33.
Example 35-Examples 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 further comprising a cartridge jaw including a cartridge body and a longitudinal cartridge slot configured to receive a longitudinal drive portion of a firing member. Or the surgical instrument of 34. The cartridge jaws also include longitudinal rows of staple cavities that are alignable with the forming pockets and also staples that are removably stored in the longitudinal rows of staple cavities. The firing member is moveable through the cartridge body and ejects staples from the longitudinal rows of staple cavities.
Example 36-The surgical instrument of Example 35, wherein the anvil jaw is rotatable with respect to the cartridge jaw.
Example 37-The surgical instrument of Examples 35 or 36, wherein the cartridge jaws are rotatable with respect to the anvil jaws.
Example 38-The surgical instrument of Examples 35, 36, or 37, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge jaws is replaceable.
Example 39-The surgical instrument of Example 29, wherein the closed end comprises a circular contour.
Example 40-Longitudinal drive portion comprises a first lateral width, a cam comprises a second lateral width, the second lateral width being less than 3/4 of the first lateral width, The surgical instrument as described in example 29.
Example 41-Longitudinal drive portion comprises a first lateral width, a cam comprises a second lateral width, the second lateral width being less than 2/3 of the first lateral width, The surgical instrument as described in example 29.
Example 42-Longitudinal drive portion comprises a first lateral width, a cam comprises a second lateral width, the second lateral width being less than 1/2 of the first lateral width, The surgical instrument as described in example 29.
Example 43-Surgical instrument comprising a firing member and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a longitudinal drive portion and a cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion. The anvil jaw includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets and longitudinal anvil slots. A longitudinal anvil slot includes a central portion configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive the cam. And The side opening comprises a closed end, the closed end being circular.
Example 44-A surgical instrument comprising a firing member and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a longitudinal drive portion and a cam extending laterally from the longitudinal drive portion, the cam including arcuate lateral cam ends. The anvil jaw includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets and longitudinal anvil slots. A longitudinal anvil slot includes a central portion configured to receive the longitudinal drive portion of the firing member and a lateral slot laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive the cam. , Is provided. The lateral slots have arcuate slot ends and the arcuate lateral cam ends are closely received in the arcuate lateral slot ends.
Example 45-Surgical instrument comprising a firing system, a cartridge jaw and an anvil jaw. The firing system includes a cutting member and a lower cam extending laterally from the cutting member. The firing system also includes an upper cam, the upper cam having a base attached to the cutting member, a free end, and a tapered cross-section between the base and the free end. The lower cam is configured to engage the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke of the firing system. The anvil jaw includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets and longitudinal anvil slots. A longitudinal anvil slot has a central portion configured to receive a cutting member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the central portion configured to receive an upper cam during a firing stroke. And
Example 46-The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the anvil jaw is movable with respect to the cartridge jaw between an open position and a closed position.
Example 47-The surgical instrument of Example 45 or 46, wherein the upper cam is configured to engage the anvil jaw and move the anvil jaw toward the closed position.
Example 48-The surgical instrument of Example 45 or 46, wherein the upper cam is configured to engage the anvil jaw and hold the anvil jaw in the closed position.
Example 49-The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the cartridge jaws are movable with respect to the anvil jaws between an open position and a closed position.
Example 50-The surgical instrument of Example 49, wherein the lower cam engages the cartridge jaws and is configured to move the cartridge jaws toward the closed position.
Example 51-The surgical instrument of Example 49, wherein the lower cam is configured to engage the cartridge jaws and hold the cartridge jaws in the closed position.
Example 52-The surgical jaw of Examples 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 51, wherein the cartridge jaws comprise replaceable staple cartridges with staples removably stored therein. Equipment.
Example 53-The surgical instrument of Example 52, wherein the staple cartridge further comprises a sled including at least one ramped surface configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge.
Example 54-The surgical instrument of Example 45, wherein the cartridge jaws further comprise sleds configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge.
Example 55-The surgical instrument of Examples 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, or 54, wherein the tapered cross section comprises a linear taper.
Example 56-The surgical instrument of Examples 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 or 55, wherein the tapered cross section comprises a non-linear taper.
Example 57-A surgical instrument comprising a firing member, a cartridge jaw, and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a lower cam extending laterally from the firing member and an upper cam. The upper cam comprises a base attached to the firing member, a free end, and a beveled portion extending between the base and the free end. The lower cam is configured to engage the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke of the firing member. The anvil jaw includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets and longitudinal anvil slots. The longitudinal anvil slot includes a vertical portion configured to receive a firing member and a lateral opening laterally extending from the vertical portion configured to receive an upper cam during a firing stroke. And
Example 58-Surgical system comprising a shaft portion defining a shaft longitudinal axis and a firing member movable by a firing stroke. The firing member includes a first cam extending laterally from the firing member, the first cam defining a first longitudinal axis and the second cam extending laterally from the firing member. The second cam defines a second longitudinal axis and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are not parallel to each other. The surgical system also includes a first jaw, the first cam configured to engage the first jaw during a firing stroke of the firing member. The surgical system further comprises a second jaw, the second cam being configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member, the first jaw being in an open position. Movable relative to the second jaw relative to the closed position.
Example 59-Example 58, further comprising a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, wherein the firing member is configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge during a firing stroke. The surgical system according to.
Example 60-The firing member of Example 58 or 59, wherein the firing member further comprises a cutting portion configured to cut the clamped tissue between the first and second jaws. Surgical system.
Example 61-The surgical system of Examples 58, 59, or 60, wherein the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is not parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. .
Example 62-Surgical system according to example 58, 59 or 60, wherein the first longitudinal axis is not parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. .
Example 63-Example wherein the first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam that is configured to deform relative to the first jaw during a firing stroke. The surgical system according to 58, 59, 60, 61 or 62.
Example 64-The example in which the second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam that is configured to deform relative to the second jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to 58, 59, 60, 61 or 62.
Example 65-Example 58, wherein the first cam comprises a wear pad defined on the first cam configured to wear against the first jaw during a firing stroke. 59. The surgical system according to 59, 60, 61 or 62.
Example 66-Example 58, wherein the second cam comprises a wear pad defined on the second cam that is configured to wear against the second jaw during the firing stroke. 59. The surgical system according to 59, 60, 61 or 62.
Example 67-The surgical system of Examples 58, 59, 60, 61, or 62, wherein the first cam comprises a tip protrusion with a tip protrusion end. The first cam also includes a rear protrusion having a rear protrusion end, the tip protrusion and the rear protrusion being movable relative to each other.
Example 68-A surgical instrument comprising a firing member movable by a firing stroke, a cartridge jaw, and an anvil jaw. The firing member includes a first cam extending laterally from the firing member and a second cam extending laterally from the firing member. The second cam includes a tip, a trailing end, and an intermediate portion extending between the tip and the trailing end. The front end is located farther from the first cam than the rear end. The first cam is configured to engage the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke of the firing member. The anvil jaw includes a longitudinal row of forming pockets and the second cam is configured to engage the anvil jaw during a firing stroke.
Example 69-The surgical instrument of Example 68, wherein the middle portion is angled with respect to the first cam.
Example 70-The surgical instrument of Examples 68 or 69, wherein the firing member is movable along the firing path during the firing stroke and the middle portion is angled with respect to the firing path.
Example 71-The surgical instrument of Example 70, wherein the first cam extends along a first longitudinal axis that is parallel to the firing path.
Example 72-Cartridge Jaw comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, wherein a firing member is configured to eject staples from the staple cartridge during a firing stroke. The surgical instrument of Examples 68, 69, 70, or 71.
Example 73-Example 68, wherein the first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam configured to deform relative to the cartridge jaws during a firing stroke. 69, 70, or 71, the surgical instrument.
Example 74-Example 68, wherein the second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam configured to deform relative to the anvil jaw during a firing stroke. 69, 70, or 71, the surgical instrument.
Example 75-Example 68, wherein the first cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the first cam that is configured to wear against the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke. 69, 70, or 71, the surgical instrument.
Example 76-Example 68, wherein the second cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the second cam configured to wear against the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. 69, 70, or 71, the surgical instrument.
Example 77-Surgical system comprising a firing member movable by a firing stroke, a first jaw and a second jaw. The firing member includes a first cam extending laterally from the firing member and a second cam extending laterally from the firing member. The second cam includes a front protrusion having a front protrusion and a rear protrusion having a rear protrusion, and the front protrusion and the rear protrusion are not attached to each other. The first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member and the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member. Is configured.
Example 78-The surgical system of Example 77, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position.
Example 79-The surgical system of Example 77 or 78, wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position.
Example 80-A first jaw comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, and a second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. The surgical system of Example 77, comprising.
Example 81-A second jaw comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, a first jaw comprising an anvil configured to deform the staples. The surgical system of Example 77, comprising.
Example 82-The surgical system of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, or 81 wherein the posterior protrusion is positioned closer to the first cam than the distal protrusion.
Example 83-Example wherein the first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam configured to deform with respect to the first jaw during a firing stroke. 77. The surgical system according to 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 or 82.
Example 84-A first cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the first cam that is configured to wear against a first jaw during a firing stroke. The surgical system according to Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, or 83.
Example 85-The surgical system of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, or 84, wherein the tip and back protrusions are moveable relative to each other.
Example 86-The surgical system of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 or 85, wherein the tip and back protrusions extend to the same side of the firing member.
Example 87-Surgical system comprising a firing member movable by a firing stroke, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The firing member includes a first cam extending laterally from the firing member and a second cam extending laterally from the firing member. The second cam includes a tip protrusion having a tip protrusion and a rear protrusion having a rear protrusion, and the tip protrusion and the rear protrusion are movable with respect to each other. The first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member and the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member. Is configured.
Example 88-A surgical system comprising a firing member movable by a firing stroke, a first jaw and a second jaw. The firing member includes a first cam extending laterally from the firing member and a second cam extending laterally from the firing member. The second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam that is configured to deform with respect to the second jaw during the firing stroke. The first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member and the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member. Is configured.

  Although many of the surgical instrument systems described herein operate with electric motors, the surgical instrument systems described herein can operate in any suitable manner. In various cases, the surgical instrument system described herein can be operated by, for example, a manually operated trigger. In certain cases, the motors disclosed herein may comprise part of a robot control system. Further, any of the end effector and / or instrument assemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with robotic surgical instrument systems. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. Pat. Is 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 also contemplated in which fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, are deployed. Further, various embodiments are contemplated that utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For example, the end effector according to various embodiments can include an electrode configured to heat and seal tissue. Also, for example, the end effector according to certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

The following disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312 issued Apr. 4, 1995, entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE",
U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, issued February 21, 2006, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISCINTING CLOSED AND FIRING SYSTEMS",
U.S. Patent No. 7,422,139, issued September 9, 2008, titled "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK",
U.S. Patent No. 7,464,849, issued December 16, 2008, entitled "ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSE SYSTEM SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS,"
U.S. Patent No. 7,670,334, issued March 2, 2010, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULTING END EFFECTOR",
U.S. Patent No. 7,753,245 issued July 13, 2010, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS",
U.S. Patent No. 8,393,514, issued March 12, 2013, entitled "SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE",
US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 343,803, title of the invention “SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES”, now US Pat. No. 7,845,537,
U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,573 filed February 14, 2008, title of invention "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES",
U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 031,873, filed February 15, 2008, title of invention "END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT", currently U.S. Patent No. 7,980,443,
U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 235,782, title of the invention "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent No. 8,210,411,
US Patent Application No. 12 / 249,117, title of invention "POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM", now US Patent No. 8,608,045,
U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 647,100, filed Dec. 24, 2009, title of invention "MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITLE ELECTRIC ACTUAL DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY", No. 220, presently, U.S. Pat. 688;
U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 893,461 filed September 29, 2012, title of invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE", now U.S. Patent No. 8,733,613,
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 036,647 filed February 28, 2011, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent No. 8,561,870,
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 118,241, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535,
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 524,049, filed June 15, 2012, title of the invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE", now U.S. Patent No. 9,101,358,
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,025 filed March 13, 2013, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent No. 9,345,481;
U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 800,067, filed March 13, 2013, title of invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552,
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955 filed on January 31, 2006, title of the invention "SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSE CLOSER TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM", and
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, filed April 22, 2010, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR", currently U.S. Patent No. 8,308,040.

  Although various devices have been described herein in connection with specific embodiments, modifications and variations may be made to those embodiments. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described with respect to one embodiment are, without limitation, all or partly combined with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Good. Also, while materials have been disclosed for particular components, other materials may be used. Further, in accordance with various embodiments, a single component can be replaced with multiple components to perform a given function (s), and multiple components can be replaced with a single component. May be replaced. The foregoing description and the claims below 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 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 a disassembly process of the device, a subsequent cleaning or replacement process of certain parts of the device, and a subsequent reassembly process of the device. Specifically, reconditioning facilities and / or surgical teams may disassemble the device, clean and / or replace certain parts of the device and then reassemble the device for subsequent use. You can Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of 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 prior to surgery. First, new or used equipment may be obtained and cleaned if necessary. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic bag or a 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 the device and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container can keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma, and / or water vapor.

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

  All patents, publications, or other disclosures incorporated herein by reference in their entirety or in part are pre-existing definitions, statements, or other disclosures in which the incorporated material is described in this disclosure. It is intended to be incorporated herein only to the extent not inconsistent with the content. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure set forth herein explicitly supersedes any contradictory statements incorporated herein by reference. Any content inconsistent with the existing definitions, views, or other disclosures provided herein, or portions thereof, are hereby incorporated by reference, but the reference and current disclosures Reference shall be made only to the extent that there is no contradiction between.

[Embodiment]
(1) A surgical system,
A shaft portion defining a shaft longitudinal axis;
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member, the first cam defining a first longitudinal axis;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member, wherein the second cam defines a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. A firing member comprising a second cam that is not parallel to each other;
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member, the first jaw comprising: A second jaw movable with respect to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position.
(2) further comprising a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, wherein the firing member is configured to eject the staple from the staple cartridge during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to embodiment 1.
(3) Embodiment 1 wherein the firing member further comprises a cutting portion configured to cut tissue clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw. Surgical system.
(4) The surgical system according to embodiment 1, wherein the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is not parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis.
(5) The surgical system according to embodiment 1, wherein the first longitudinal axis is not parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis.

(6) The first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam configured to deform with respect to the first jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to embodiment 1.
(7) The second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam configured to deform with respect to the second jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to embodiment 1.
(8) The first cam comprises a wear pad defined on the first cam that is configured to wear against the first jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to aspect 1.
(9) The second cam comprises a wear pad defined on the second cam configured to wear against the second jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to aspect 1.
(10) The first cam is
A tip protruding portion having a tip protruding end;
A posterior protrusion comprising a posterior protrusion end, the posterior protrusion end being movable relative to one another, and the posterior protrusion end being movable relative to one another.

(11) A surgical instrument,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member,
With the tip,
With the rear end,
An intermediate portion extending between the leading end and the trailing end, the leading end being located further from the first cam than the trailing end. A cam, and a firing member,
A cartridge jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the cartridge jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
An anvil jaw with a longitudinal row of forming pockets, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. Surgical instruments.
(12) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 11, wherein the intermediate portion is inclined with respect to the first cam.
(13) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 11, wherein the firing member is movable along a firing path during the firing stroke, and the intermediate portion is inclined with respect to the firing path.
(14) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 13, wherein the first cam extends along a first longitudinal axis that is parallel to the firing path.
(15) The cartridge jaws include a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein such that the firing member ejects the staples from the staple cartridge during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument according to embodiment 11, which is configured.

(16) The first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam configured to deform relative to the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument according to aspect 11.
(17) The second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam configured to deform with respect to the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument according to aspect 11.
(18) The first cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the first cam configured to wear against the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument according to aspect 11.
(19) An implementation wherein the second cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the second cam configured to wear against the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument according to aspect 11.
(20) A surgical system,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member,
A tip protruding portion having a tip protruding end;
A rear projection including a rear projection, the second projection including a rear projection in which the front projection and the rear projection are not attached to each other, and a firing member;
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member; Prepare for surgical system.

(21) The surgical system according to embodiment 20, wherein the first jaw is movable with respect to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position.
(22) The surgical system according to embodiment 20, wherein the second jaw is movable with respect to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position.
(23) The first jaw includes a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, and the second jaw is configured to deform the staple. 21. The surgical system according to embodiment 20, comprising an anvil.
(24) The second jaw comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, the first jaw configured to deform the staple. 21. The surgical system according to embodiment 20, comprising an anvil.
(25) The surgical system according to embodiment 20, wherein the rear protrusion is positioned closer to the first cam than the tip protrusion is.

(26) The first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam configured to deform with respect to the first jaw during the firing stroke. 21. The surgical system according to embodiment 20.
(27) The first cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the first cam configured to wear against the first jaw during the firing stroke. 21. The surgical system according to embodiment 20.
(28) The surgical system according to embodiment 20, wherein the front protrusion and the rear protrusion are movable with respect to each other.
(29) The surgical system according to embodiment 20, wherein the front protrusion and the rear protrusion extend to the same side of the firing member.
(30) A surgical system,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member,
A tip protruding portion having a tip protruding end;
A projecting member comprising: a rear protruding portion having a rear protruding end, the rear protruding portion being movable with respect to each other, and the second cam being a rear protruding portion. ,
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member; Prepare for surgical system.

(31) A surgical system,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member, wherein the second cam is configured to deform relative to the second jaw during the firing stroke. A second cam having a longitudinal ridge defined on the two cams, and a firing member;
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member; Prepare for surgical system.

Claims (31)

A surgical system,
A shaft portion defining a shaft longitudinal axis;
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member, the first cam defining a first longitudinal axis;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member, wherein the second cam defines a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. A firing member comprising a second cam that is not parallel to each other;
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member, the first jaw comprising: A second jaw movable with respect to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position.   3. The replaceable staple cartridge further comprising staples removably stored therein, wherein the firing member is configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to.   The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the firing member further comprises a cutting portion configured to cut tissue clamped between the first jaw and the second jaw. .   The surgical system according to claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is not parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis.   The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the first longitudinal axis is not parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis is parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis.   The first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam that is configured to deform relative to the first jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to 1.   The second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam configured to deform relative to the second jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system according to 1.   The first cam comprises a wear pad defined on the first cam configured to wear against the first jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system described.   The second cam comprises a wear pad defined on the second cam configured to wear against the second jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical system described. The first cam is
A tip protruding portion having a tip protruding end;
The surgical system of claim 1, comprising a posterior protrusion having a posterior protrusion, the posterior protrusion being movable with respect to each other. A surgical instrument,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member,
With the tip,
With the rear end,
An intermediate portion extending between the leading end and the trailing end, the leading end being located further from the first cam than the trailing end. A cam, and a firing member,
A cartridge jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the cartridge jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
An anvil jaw with a longitudinal row of forming pockets, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. Surgical instruments.   The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the intermediate portion is angled with respect to the first cam.   The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the firing member is moveable along a firing path during the firing stroke and the intermediate portion is angled with respect to the firing path.   The surgical instrument of claim 13, wherein the first cam extends along a first longitudinal axis that is parallel to the firing path.   The cartridge jaws include a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, the firing member configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein:   The first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam configured to deform relative to the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument described.   The second cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the second cam configured to deform relative to the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument described.   The first cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the first cam configured to wear against the cartridge jaws during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument described.   The second cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the second cam configured to wear against the anvil jaw during the firing stroke. The surgical instrument described. A surgical system,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member,
A tip protruding portion having a tip protruding end;
A rear projection including a rear projection, the second projection including a rear projection in which the front projection and the rear projection are not attached to each other, and a firing member;
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member; Prepare for surgical system.   21. The surgical system of claim 20, wherein the first jaw is moveable with respect to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position.   21. The surgical system of claim 20, wherein the second jaw is moveable with respect to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position.   The first jaw comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, and the second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. 21. The surgical system according to claim 20.   The second jaw comprises a replaceable staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, and the first jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform the staples. 21. The surgical system according to claim 20.   21. The surgical system of claim 20, wherein the posterior protrusion is positioned closer to the first cam than the tip protrusion.   The first cam comprises a longitudinal ridge defined on the first cam that is configured to deform relative to the first jaw during the firing stroke. 21. The surgical system according to 20.   The first cam comprises a longitudinal wear pad defined on the first cam configured to wear against the first jaw during the firing stroke. 21. The surgical system according to 20.   21. The surgical system of claim 20, wherein the tip protrusion and the back protrusion are moveable relative to each other.   21. The surgical system of claim 20, wherein the tip protrusion and the back protrusion extend to the same side of the firing member. A surgical system,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member,
A tip protruding portion having a tip protruding end;
A projecting member comprising: a rear protruding portion having a rear protruding end, the rear protruding portion being movable with respect to each other, and the second cam being a rear protruding portion. ,
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member; Prepare for surgical system. A surgical system,
A firing member movable by a firing stroke,
A first cam extending laterally from the firing member;
A second cam extending laterally from the firing member, wherein the second cam is configured to deform relative to the second jaw during the firing stroke. A second cam having a longitudinal ridge defined on the two cams, and a firing member;
A first jaw, wherein the first cam is configured to engage the first jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member;
A second jaw, wherein the second cam is configured to engage the second jaw during the firing stroke of the firing member; Prepare for surgical system.

Images