JP2020525144A - Surgical end effector and anvil - Google Patents

Abstract

Surgical end effectors are disclosed. The end effector can include an anvil including a plane, with multiple forming pockets defined in the plane. The forming pocket can include a first forming pocket having a first depth and a second forming pocket having a second depth, the second depth being different from the first depth. .. The end effector can also include a staple cartridge, which is aligned with the stepped deck and the first pocket and can move a first distance between the unfired and fired positions. A second driver comprising a first drive, a second drive aligned with a second pocket and capable of moving a second distance between an unlaunched position and a fired position. The distance is different from the first distance.

Description

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

Various features of the embodiments described herein, as well as their advantages, can be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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 the handle assembly. 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 handle assembly and replaceable 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. 4-6. 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 an 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. FIG. 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 FIGS. 4-10. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an anvil that may be used with the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIGS. 4-11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the anvil of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the anvil of FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 4 with an unused surgical staple cartridge properly seated in an elongated channel of the surgical end effector. .. 15 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 fired during the staple firing stroke and the firing member has retracted to the starting position after the staple firing stroke. is there. FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional side elevational view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 16 after the firing member has fully retracted and returned to the starting position. FIG. 16 is a top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector and shaft portion of FIG. 15 with an unused surgical staple cartridge properly seated in the elongated channel of the surgical end effector. FIG. 16 is another top cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG. 15 with an internally mounted fired surgical staple cartridge showing the firing member held in a locked position. 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. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of an anvil according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an anvil attachment portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an anvil according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 25. FIG. 26 is a sectional end view of the anvil of FIG. 25. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another anvil according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the anvil embodiment of FIG. 28. 29 is a plan view of the distal end of the anvil body portion of the anvil of FIG. 28. FIG. FIG. 6A is a top view of a distal end of an anvil body portion of another anvil according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional end surface perspective view of the anvil of FIG. 31. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end perspective view of another anvil according to at least one embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket array including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket, each forming pocket having a forming surface having an inlet region and an outlet region having a different radius of curvature. is there. FIG. 35 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 34. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 34 taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 35. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 34 taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 34 taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 34 taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket array including a proximal forming pocket, a distal forming pocket, and a primary side wall, each pocket including a pair of undulating side walls. FIG. 41 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 40. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 40 taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 41. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 40 taken along line 43-43 of FIG. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 40 taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 41. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 40 taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 41. FIG. 41 illustrates a staple formed in the fully formed configuration of the forming pocket array of FIG. 40 in contact with the forming pocket in the aligned state. 41 shows a staple formed in the fully formed configuration of the forming pocket arrangement of FIG. 40 in contact with the forming pocket in an unaligned state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket array including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48. FIG. 49 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48 taken along line 51-51 of FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48 taken along line 52-52 in the entry region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 50. FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48 taken along line 53-53 within the transition region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48 taken along line 54-54 in the exit region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 50. FIG. FIG. 49 is a partial negative view of the forming pocket of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 48 taken in a plurality of planes along the forming pocket perpendicular to the tissue facing surface of the staple forming pocket array and the pocket axis of the staple forming pocket array. FIG. 7 is a partial negative view including various slices. 54B is a table containing the dimensions of the slice of FIG. 54A as displayed in FIG. 54A. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the forming pocket array of FIG. 48 taken along the pocket axis of the forming pocket array of FIG. 48, with various dimensions of the forming pocket array displayed thereon. .. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket array including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. FIG. 56 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 55. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 55 taken along line 57-57 of FIG. 56. FIG. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 55 taken along line 58-58 in the entry region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 56. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 55 taken along line 59-59 within the transition region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 56. FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 55 taken along line 60-60 within the outlet forming region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 56. FIG. 56 is a partial negative view of the forming pocket of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 55 taken in a plurality of planes along the forming pocket perpendicular to the tissue facing surface of the staple forming pocket array and the pocket axis of the staple forming pocket array. FIG. 7 is a partial negative view including various slices. FIG. 60B is a table containing the dimensions of the slice of FIG. 60A displayed in FIG. 60A. FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of the forming pocket array of FIG. 55 taken along the pocket axis of the forming pocket array of FIG. 55, with various dimensions of the forming pocket array displayed thereon. .. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a staple forming pocket array including a proximal forming pocket and a distal forming pocket. FIG. 62 is a plan view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61 taken along line 63-63 of FIG. 62. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61 taken along line 64-64 within the entry forming region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 62. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61 taken along line 65-65 within the entry forming region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 62. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61 taken along line 66-66 within the transition region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 62. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61 taken along line 67-67 within the outlet forming region of the distal forming pocket of FIG. 62. FIG. 62 is a partial negative view of the forming pocket of the staple forming pocket array of FIG. 61, taken in a plurality of planes along the forming pocket perpendicular to the tissue facing surface of the staple forming pocket array and the pocket axis of the staple forming pocket array. FIG. 7 is a partial negative view including various slices. 67B is a table containing the dimensions of the slice of FIG. 67A displayed in FIG. 67A. FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of the forming pocket array of FIG. 61 taken along the pocket axis of the forming pocket array of FIG. 61, with various dimensions of the forming pocket array displayed thereon. .. FIG. 56 is a plan view of staples formed with the forming pocket array of FIG. 55 in a fully formed configuration in contact with the forming pockets in an unaligned state. FIG. 69 is an elevational view of the staple of FIG. 68. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a surgical end effector with various components removed showing an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, wherein a uniform tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view further showing the end effector in the closed position and further showing staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a surgical end effector with various components removed showing an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, the anvil including a stepped tissue compression surface, and the variable tissue gap having a staple cartridge. 3B is a cross-sectional elevational view further illustrating the end effector in a closed position defined between the anvil and the anvil, further illustrating staples fired from a staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil. Is. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a surgical end effector with various components removed showing an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staple and stepped tissue compression surfaces, the variable tissue gap between the staple cartridge and the anvil. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view further showing the end effector in a closed position defined therebetween and further showing staples fired from a staple cartridge and formed to a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a surgical end effector with various components removed showing an anvil and a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples, the anvil and staple cartridge including a stepped tissue compression surface and a variable tissue gap. Sectional elevation further showing the end effector in a closed position defined between the staple cartridge and the anvil, further showing staples fired from the staple cartridge and formed at a uniform height by forming pockets in the anvil. It is a side view. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an articulating joint for a surgical instrument assembly with various components removed, showing the articulating joint in an unarticulated position. FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the joint joint of FIG. 74 in an unarticulated configuration. FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the joint joint of FIG. 74 in a partial joint motion configuration. FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the joint joint of FIG. 74 in a fully articulated configuration. FIG. 78 is a detailed view of the joint joint reinforcement mechanism of FIG. 74 in the fully articulated configuration of FIG. 77.

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

Applicant's applicants own the following US patent applications filed on the same date as this application, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of invention "SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS", Attorney Docket END8165USNP/170079M,
-U.S. Patent Application No. _____________, title of the invention "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8168USNP/170080,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8170USNP/170081,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS", Agent Serial No. END8164USNP/170082,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of the invention "SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8169USNP/170083,
-U.S. Patent Application No. __________, title of invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", Attorney Docket No. END8167USNP/170085,
-U.S. patent application No. ________________, title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS", attorney docket number END8232USNP/170086, and-U.S. patent application No. Number END8171USNP/170088.

The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed December 21, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,185, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,230, titled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/386,221, entitled "LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/386,209, title of invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF",
-US Patent Application No. 15/386,198, Title of Invention "LOCKOUT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES,"
-US Patent Application No. 15/386,240, title of invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,939, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,941, Title of the Invention "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING, CLOSE WIRE CLOSED FUNCTIONS, PRODUCTS, FRONT, PRODUCTS, AND WORKS, FLOWS, PRODUCTS, AND WORKS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS, PRODUCTS, AND PRODUCTS.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,943, title "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,950, title of the invention "SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,945, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,946, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,951, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,953, title "METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,954, titled "FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS,"
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,955, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGENEMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,948, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,956, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,958, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING ACTION SYSTEM UNLESS AN UNSPONT STAPLE PTRACE LIST.
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,947, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,896, title "METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,898, title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,899, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,901, Title of Invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,902, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,904, title "STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,905, title "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,907, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,908, title "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,909, titled "FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,920, title "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,913, title "ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,914, Title of Invention "METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT".
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,893, title "BILTERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,929, Title of the Invention "CLOSE MEMBERS WIT CAM SUR FACE ARRANGENEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSEURE AND FIRSING, SYSMING".
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,911, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSED AND FIRING SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,927, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,917, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,900, title of invention "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,931, title "NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLES/FASTENERS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,915, title "FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,897, titled "STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,922, titled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLELE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,924, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,912, Title of Invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLUSURES AND
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,910, entitled "ANVIL HAVIGING A KNIFIE SLOT WIDTH",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,906, title "FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,188, title of the invention "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRIC STAPLES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,192, title of invention "STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 15/386,206, title of invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 15,386,226, title "DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,222, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPEN FEATURES",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/386,236, titled "CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STARPULING INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,887, title "METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVE, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,889, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS SYSTEM".
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,890, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,891, titled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS".
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,892, Title of Invention "SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTORS OF OTHERS"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,894, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,895, entitled "SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS,"
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,916, title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,918, title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,919, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,921, Title of Invention "SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIRMED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES,"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,923, title "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,925, Title of Invention "JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGENEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN FFEED CONTINUES UNIQUE UNIQUE INDUCTIONS UNDER EFFECTOR UNTRUE UNFRONTED UNTRUES UNIQUE
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,926, Title of Invention "AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSE SYSTEM SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSE PRODUCTS MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,928, entitled "PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAWS AND ACTUALSHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT".
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,930, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPEN FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSED END EFJECTOR JAWS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,932, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,933, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WIT INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE AGENT DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/385,934, Title of Invention "ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUTION OF OYS OWRES,"
-US Patent Application No. 15/385,935, Title of the Invention "LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEGENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SUNRICAL INSTRUCTION, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 19th, 19th, 19th, 19th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 38th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 15th, 19th, 19th, 19th, 19th, 19th, and 15th of July, 2003-U.S.A. "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES".

The applicant of the present application owns the following US patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-US Patent Application No. 15/191,775, titled "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",
-US 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 US patent applications filed on June 24, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-US Design Patent Application No. 29/569,218, title of 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 patent applications filed on April 1, 2016, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,325, titled "METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,321, title of the invention "MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,326, title of invention "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",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,262, titled "ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WHITE MANUALALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,277, title of the invention "SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,296, title of the invention "INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THHAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTABLE ABOUT A SHAT A HAT"
-US 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",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/089,284, titled "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,295, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,300, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,196, title of 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",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,210, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPORT 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",
-U.S. 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 of the invention "ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,336, title "STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,312, title of invention "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT",
-US Patent Application No. 15/089,309, title "CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM", and-US Patent Application No. 15/089,349, title "CIRCULAR STAPLING LOCONSYS RECORDING SYSTEM.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following identified US patent applications filed on Dec. 31, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/984,488, title "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US Patent Application No. 14/984,525, title of the invention "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATING 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".

Applicant of the present application also owns the following identified US patent applications filed on February 9, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-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 "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 SHAFATT ASSEMBLY",
-US Patent Application No. 15/019,215, title of 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 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 ARRANGENEMENTS", and-US patent application No. 15/019,245, title of the invention "SURTURE STURU START UNIQUE" REDUTION ARRANGEMENTS."

Applicant of the present application also owns the below identified US patent applications filed on February 12, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/043,254, title of the invention "MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVERTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-U.S. Patent Application No. 15/043,259, title "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVERTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS",
-US patent application No. 15/043,275, title of the invention "MECHANIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR DRIVERTRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", and-U.S. patent application No. 15/043,289, title of "INFORMATION FORMORFIN FORMESFRONS FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS".

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on June 18, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/742,925, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367256.
-US Patent Application No. 14/742,941, title of the invention "SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUALATED JAW CLOSED FEATURES", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367248,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/742,914, title of the invention "MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGENEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367255,
-US Patent Application No. 14/742,900, title of the invention "ARTICULATURE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WIT COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITTER CENTER FIRPING MERCHOR PURPOST NUMBER 4", 16th POS PORT MERPORS OUR PART.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/742,885, title "DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM SYSTEM ARRANGENEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/03672462, and-US Patent Application No. 2016/0367246, No., title of invention "PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", currently US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367245.

The applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications filed on Mar. 6, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640,746, title of the invention "POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184,
-US 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 COMPRESSION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640,831, title "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. 18/US Patent Publication No. 20/US Patent Application No. 02/20
-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 CONTRAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFATT WITH CONTROL CONTROL No. 56/15, US 15/02, present 15 USLE", present 15 USLE.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/640,837, title of the invention "SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163,
-US Patent Application No. 14/640,765, title of the invention "SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160.
-US Patent Application No. 14/640,799, Title of Invention "SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE 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 patent applications filed on February 27, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-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 the invention "SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPRATUS NO.
-US Patent Application No. 14/633,560, title of invention "SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THE HAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,566, title "CHARGING SYSTEM THEN ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918,
-US Patent Application No. 14/633,555, title of the invention "SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS NEEDS TO BE SERVICED", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,542, title of the invention "REINFORMED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,548, title of the invention "POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/633,526, title of the invention "ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945,
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, title "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 patent applications filed on December 18, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-US patent application No. 14/574,478, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING No. 97/NO.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/574,483, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;
-US Patent Application No. 14/575,139, title of invention "DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/575,148, title "LOCKING ARRANGENEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976.
-US Patent Application No. 14/575,130, title of the 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 the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSEURE ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/575,117, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now US Patent Application No. 75/2017, No. 7/2016/2016/16.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/575,154, Title of the Invention SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 3/74, 2016/01.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/574,493, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970, and-US Patent Application No. 14/574,500. , "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 patent applications filed on Mar. 1, 2013, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-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,
-US Patent Application No. 13/782,338, THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557,
-US Patent Application No. 13/782,499, title of invention "ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT", now US Patent No. 9,358,003,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13/782,460, title of invention "MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent No. 9,554,794,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13/782,358, title of the invention "JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent No. 9,326,767,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13/782,481, title of the invention "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 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, titled "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 patent applications filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,097, title of 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 Ser. No. 13/803,053, title of the invention "INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2014/0263564.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, title of invention "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,210, title of the 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 No. 9,629,623,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,117, title of the invention "ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent 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 patent applications, filed March 7, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/200,111, title of the invention "CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. Patent No. 9,629,629.

The applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications filed on Mar. 26, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,106, title of 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 the invention "STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581;
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, title "VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT", now U.S. patent application publication No. 2015/0272580,
-US Patent Application No. 14/226,117, title of the invention "POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574,
-US Patent Application No. 14/226,075, title of the invention "MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITCH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579,
-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,
-US Patent Application No. 14/226,116, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION", now US 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,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,097, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,126, title of the invention "INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS", now U.S. 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 invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583, and-US Patent Application No. 14/226,125, title of 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 patent applications filed on September 5, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, title of the invention "CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWEREDED MEDICAL DEVICE", now US 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, Invention Title "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 No. 14/479,110, title of invention "POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/479,098, title of the 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 US 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 patent applications filed on April 9, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,590, title of the invention "MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03055987,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,581, title "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSED DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT", now US Pat.
-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.
-US Patent Application No. 14/248,588, title of invention "POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/03096666,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,591, title of the invention "TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT", now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991,
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,584, "MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH WHICH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY 305 US, No. 405 SHAFTS WHITH ENG SURGER, 20th SURGE SHIRTTS WHICH EN"
-U.S. Patent Application No. 14/248,587, title of the invention "POWERED SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER", 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 patent applications filed on April 16, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference:
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/812,365, title of invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLELE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR",
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/812,376, title "LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER",
-U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/812,382, title "LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP",
-U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/812,385, title of the invention "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WANDLE MULTIPLE ACTION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL", and-Provisional patent application No. 61/812,372, title of the invention "Surgical 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 is aware 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. Changes and modifications may be made thereto 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 apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements comprises one or more of those elements. Having, but not limited to having only one or more of them. Similarly, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that "comprises," "haves," "includes," or "contains," one or more features has one or more of those features. Having, but not limited to having only one or more of those features.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference 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" refers to 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 exemplary 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 will be informed that the various devices disclosed herein may be used to make incisions or punctures made in tissue, such as through natural openings. It will be further understood that it may be inserted into the body in any way, such as through a hole. The working or end effector portion of these instruments can be inserted directly into the patient's body or through an access device having a working passage through which the end effector and elongated shaft of the surgical instrument can be advanced. You can also

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 comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw, but the staple cartridge is not removable from the first jaw, or at least 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 relative to the first jaw about a closed axis, but the first jaw is pivotable relative 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 also 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 is moved toward 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 deployed within 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. Three rows of staple cavities are located on the first side of the longitudinal slots and three rows of staple cavities are located on the second side of the longitudinal slots. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by a staple driver within 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 further includes 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 that engages the first jaw and a second cam that engages the second jaw. Upon advancing the firing member distally, the first and second cams can control the distance between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil, ie, the tissue clearance. The firing member also includes a knife configured to ablate tissue trapped intermediate the staple cartridge and anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramp so that the staples are ejected ahead 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, one example of a 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 of the replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 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 can be used in a variety of robotic systems, instruments, components and methods, including, but not limited to, US Pat. No. 9,072, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. , 535, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT 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 grasped and manipulated by a clinician. As briefly discussed below, the handle assembly 500 provides various control movements to corresponding portions of the operably mounted replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and/or 1000. Operatively support a plurality of drive systems configured for application.

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 closing actuation drive system, generally designated 510, which is operably mounted or coupled to the handle assembly 500. It may be used to apply an opening and closing motion to the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100, 200, 300 and 1000. In at least one form, the closing actuation drive system 510 pivotally supported by the frame 506 may include an actuator in the form of a closing trigger 512. Such an arrangement allows the clinician to manipulate the closure trigger 512 so that when the clinician grasps the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, the closure trigger 512 will be in a starting position or “non-actuated” position. It can easily be pivoted from the position to the "actuated" position, and more specifically to the fully compressed or fully actuated position. In various forms, the closure actuation drive system 510 further includes a closure coupling assembly 514 that pivotally couples to or otherwise operatively interfaces with the closure trigger 512. As discussed in further detail below, the closure coupling assembly 514 includes lateral mounting pins 516 that facilitate mounting to a corresponding drive system on the surgical instrument assembly. To activate the closing drive system, the clinician pushes the closure trigger 512 toward the pistol grip portion 504. Further details are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14/226,142, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SENSOR SYSTEM", now incorporated by reference in its entirety, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As such, the closure actuation drive system locks the closure trigger 512 in the fully depressed or fully actuated position when the clinician fully presses the closure trigger 512 to achieve a fully closed stroke. It is configured. If the clinician desires to unlock the closure trigger 512 and urge it to the non-actuated position, the clinician simply actuates the closure release button assembly 518, thereby deactivating the closure trigger 512. It is possible to return to the operating 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 herein to apply a firing motion to corresponding portions of the attached replaceable surgical instrument assembly. Another drive system, referred to as 530, may be operably supported. The firing drive system 530 includes an electric motor (not shown in FIGS. 1-3) located at the pistol grip portion 504 of the handle assembly 500, as described in detail in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. May be used. 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 multiple 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. Additionally, the power source 522 may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.

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 voltage applied to the motor. For example, if the motor drives in one rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may be axially driven in the distal direction "DD". When the motor drives in the opposite rotational direction, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 can be axially driven 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 otherwise control the motor. The handle assembly 500 may also include sensor(s) configured to detect the position of the drive member 540 and/or the direction in which the drive member 540 is moving. Motor operation 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, the firing trigger 532 is deactivated 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. As described in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0272575, the handle assembly 500 may be provided with a firing trigger safety button to prevent inadvertent activation of the firing trigger 532. When the closure trigger 512 is in the non-actuated position, the safety button is in the handle assembly 500 and cannot be easily touched by the clinician and is in the safe position to prevent actuation of the firing trigger 532. , The firing trigger 532 cannot move to and from the firing position at which it can fire. As the clinician presses the closure trigger 512, the safety button and firing trigger 532 pivots downwardly where it can be manipulated by the clinician.

In at least one form, the longitudinally movable drive member 540 may have a tooth rack formed on the drive member for meshing engagement with a corresponding drive gear arrangement that interacts with the motor. .. Further details regarding these features can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272575. In at least one form, the handle assembly 500 is configured to be manually actuated to allow the clinician to manually retract the longitudinally displaceable drive member 540 in the event of a motor failure. Also included is a formula "emergency release" assembly. The emergency release assembly may include a lever or emergency release handle assembly housed within the handle assembly 500 under the removable door portion 550. The lever is configured to be manually pivoted into engagement by a ratchet mechanism with the teeth of drive member 540. Accordingly, the clinician can manually retract drive member 5400 by ratcheting 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," US Pat. No. 045 discloses an emergency release configuration that can 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 operatively 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 may be utilized to close and/or open the proximal housing or nozzle 130 and the anvil 114 of the end effector 110. A closed tube assembly 140 can be included. The closure tube assembly 140 moves over a spine 145 that supports an articulation driver arrangement 147 for applying articulation to the surgical end effector 110, as described in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0272575. Supported as possible. The spines 145 are configured to (1) slidably support the firing bar 170 therein and (2) slidably support the closed tube assembly 140 extending around the spines 145. Under various circumstances, spine 145 includes a proximal end rotatably supported on chassis 150. See FIG. In one configuration, for example, the proximal end of spine 145 is attached to a spine bearing configured to be supported within chassis 150. With such a configuration, the spine 145 is easily rotatably attached to the chassis 150, and the spine 145 may be selectively rotated with respect to the chassis 150 about the shaft axis SA.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a closure shuttle 160 slidably supported within the chassis 150 such that the closure shuttle 160 can be moved axially relative to the chassis 150. including. As shown 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. Is composed of. The proximal closure tube portion 146 of the closure tube assembly 140 is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle 160. Thus, when the hook 162 is 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 140 on the spine 145. The closure spring is pivotally supported on the closure tube assembly 140 and serves to bias the closure tube assembly 140 in the proximal direction “PD”, which causes the shaft assembly 100 to move to the handle assembly 500. When operatively connected, it can serve to pivot the closure trigger 512 to the inoperative position. In use, the closure tube assembly 140 translates distally (direction DD) to close the anvil 114 in response to actuation of the closure trigger 512. The closure tube assembly 140 includes a distal closure tube section 142 that is pivotally pinned to the distal end of a proximal closure tube portion 146. Distal closure tube section 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 section 142 strikes a proximal surface or ledge 115 on the anvil 114, the anvil 114 is pivotally closed. Further details regarding the closure of 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 section 142, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Distal closure tube section 142 defines a downwardly extending return tab that cooperates with anvil tab 117 formed on the proximal end of anvil 114 to pivot the anvil 114 back to the open position. It has a horseshoe-shaped opening 143 inside. 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 assembly 100 further includes a firing bar 170 that is supported for axial movement within the shaft spines 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, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 includes a clutch assembly that may be configured to selectively and releasably couple the articulation driver to the firing bar 170. Further details regarding the clutch assembly mechanism and operation can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. As described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, distal movement of firing bar 170 causes articulation drive arrangement 147 to be distal when the clutch assembly is in the engaged position. Direction, and correspondingly, proximal movement of firing bar 170 can cause articulation driver 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 drive arrangement 147, which results in the firing bar 170 moving independently of the articulation drive 147. can do. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 may also include a slip ring assembly that conducts power to and/or from the end effector 110. Can be configured to communicate. Further details regarding slip ring assemblies can be found in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. US Patent Application No. 13/800,067, title of the invention "STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM", now US 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 one or two formed on the chassis, which is adapted to be received in a corresponding dovetail slot 507 formed in the distal end of the frame 506. The taper mounting portion 152 is included. Each dovetail slot 507 may be tapered, or in other words may be somewhat V-shaped, to seatably receive the tapered 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 formed on the distal end of the longitudinally movable drive member 540, the firing shaft mounting cradle 542. Accepted by. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 also uses a latch system 180 to releasably latch 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 lock 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 the lock yoke 182 may be accomplished by a latch button 186 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly mounted on the 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 locking yoke 182 may be moved to the unlocked position by biasing the latch button 186 in the distal direction DD, which also causes the locking yoke 182 to pivot. Out of retention engagement with the distal mounting flange of frame 506. When the locking yoke 182 is in retention 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.

To attach the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 to the handle assembly 500, the clinician needs to replace the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 such that the tapered attachment portion 152 formed on the chassis 150 is aligned with the dovetail slot 507 of the frame 506. The chassis 150 of the surgical instrument assembly 100 may be aligned above, or adjacent to, the distal end of the frame 506. The clinician then positions surgical instrument assembly 100 on shaft axis SA to seat tapered attachment portion 152 in operative engagement with a corresponding dovetail receiving slot 507 at the distal end of frame 506. It may be moved along the vertical installation axis IA. 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 162 on the closure shuttle 160. Sit down. As used herein, the term "operable engagement" in the context of two components means that the two components are fully engaged with each other, thereby applying an actuating motion thereto. It means that the component can perform the intended action, function, and/or procedure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, surgical system 10 includes four replaceable surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 1000, each of which may be effectively used with the same handle assembly 500, Different surgical procedures may be performed. Representative form configurations of the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 100 are 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 the various US patent applications incorporated herein by reference. Various details regarding the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 are described in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1, surgical instrument assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 1000 each include a pair of jaws, at least one of the jaws capturing tissue between the two jaws. It is movable to manipulate, manipulate, and/or clamp. The moveable jaw is between a release position and a closed position upon application of a closing and opening movement applied from a handle assembly or a robot or automated surgical system to which the surgical instrument assembly is operably coupled. Moving. It is noted that each of the illustrated replaceable surgical instrument assemblies cuts tissue and is responsive to one of the jaws in response to a firing motion applied thereto by the handle assembly or robotic system. A firing member configured to fire staples from a supported staple cartridge. Each surgical instrument assembly may be uniquely designed, for example, to perform a particular procedure for cutting and fastening tissue of a particular type and thickness within an area 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, when the handle assembly or the closure control system in the robotic system is fully actuated, one of the closure system control components moves axially from a non-actuated position to a 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 "closure stroke length." Similarly, when the firing assembly in the handle assembly or robot system is fully actuated, one of the firing system control components moves axially from a non-actuated position to a fully actuated or fired position. The axial distance traveled by the longitudinally movable drive member between its inoperative position and its fully fired position may be referred to herein as the "firing 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 can In many situations, the closing stroke length, the firing stroke length, and the articulation drive stroke length are fixed for a particular handle assembly or robot system. Thus, each of the surgical instrument assemblies has a length over each of its stroke lengths without applying excessive stress to the surgical instrument components that can result in damage or catastrophic failure of the surgical instrument assembly. , Closure, firing, and/or control movement of articulating components.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a surgical end effector 1100 that includes 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 FIGS. 8 to 10) may be further included. For details regarding the construction and operation of the articulation lock 1210, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,086, entitled "ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION AN ARTICULATION LOCK," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, now. Can be found in U.S. 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 February 9, 2016, entitled “SURGICAL”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It can also be found in "INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT". As shown in FIG. 7, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 may, for example, be coupled to the nozzle portions 1302, 1304 and the assembled nozzle portions 1302, 1304 by snaps, lugs, and/or screws, or the like. And may further include a proximal housing or nozzle 1300 configured with an actuator wheel portion 1306 configured in. The replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 may further include a closure tube assembly 1400 that may be utilized to close and/or open the anvil 1130 of the end effector 1100, as discussed in further detail below. 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. 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 section 1560 that operatively supports the articulation lock 1210 therein. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, spine assembly 1500 (1) slidably supports firing member assembly 1600 therein and (2) extends around spine assembly 1500. It is configured to slidably support the closed tube assembly 1400. The spine assembly 1500 can also be configured to slidably support the proximal articulation driver 1700.

As shown in FIG. 10, the distal frame portion 1560 is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel 1102 by the end effector mounting assembly 1230. In one configuration, the distal end 1562 of the distal frame portion 1560 has, for example, a pivot pin 1564 formed thereon. Pivot pin 1564 is adapted to be pivotally received in 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 1108 or other suitable member. Pivot pin 1564 defines an articulation axis BB transverse to shaft axis SA. See FIG. Such a configuration facilitates pivotal movement (ie, articulation) of the end effector 1100 about the articulation axis BB relative to the spine assembly 1500.

Still referring to FIG. 10, articulation driver 1700 has a distal end 1702 configured to operably engage articulation lock 1210. Articulation lock 1210 includes an articulation frame 1212 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 No. 13/803,086, now US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541. Further details regarding the end effector mounting assembly and crosslinks may be found in US patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed February 9, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It may be found under the name "SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS". 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 has threads 1516 formed thereon for threaded attachment to a spine bearing configured to be supported within the chassis 1800. 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. ..

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 includes a closure shuttle 1420 slidably supported within the chassis 1800 so that the closure shuttle 1420 can be axially moved relative to the chassis 1800. 1420 is included. In one form, the closure shuttle 1420 includes a pair of proximally projecting hooks 1421 that attach to mounting pins 516 that are attached to the closure coupling assembly 514 of the handle assembly 500, as described above. It is configured to be. The proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube section 1410 is rotatably coupled to the closure shuttle 1420. For example, the U-shaped connector 1424 is inserted into an annular slot 1414 at the proximal end 1412 of the proximal closure tube section 1410 and retained within a vertical slot 1422 in the closure shuttle 1420. See FIG. 7. Such a configuration allows the closure tube assembly 1400 to rotate relative to the closure shuttle 1420 about the shaft axis SA, while causing the proximal closure tube portion 1410 to move axially therewith. Helps attach to 1420. The closure spring is pivotally mounted 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 providing a replaceable surgical instrument set. When the solid 1000 is operably coupled to the handle assembly 500, it may help pivot the closure trigger 512 (FIG. 3) on the handle assembly 500 to a non-actuated position.

As described above, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 shown includes an articulation joint 1200. However, other replaceable surgical instrument assemblies may not be articulatable. As can be seen in FIG. 10, upper protrusion 1415 and lower protrusion 1416 project distally from the distal end of the proximal closure tube portion 1410, the projections being the closure tube assembly. 1400 is configured to be movably coupled to an end effector closure sleeve or distal closure tube section 1430. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the distal closure tube section 1430 includes an upper protrusion 1434 and a lower protrusion 1436 that project proximally from its proximal end. The upper dual pivot link 1220 includes a proximal pin and a distal pin that engage with corresponding holes in the upper protrusions 1415, 1434 of the proximal closure tube portion 1410 and the distal closure tube section 1430, respectively. Similarly, the lower double 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, respectively. Including. 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 that is supported for axial movement within the spine assembly 1500. Firing member assembly 1600 includes an intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 configured for attachment to a 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 that receives a tab on the proximal end of the knife bar 1610. Can be configured to. 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 sidewall of the longitudinal slot 1604 contacts a tab on the knife bar 1610, and A staple cartridge 1110 located within the elongated 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 1525 to facilitate assembly and insertion of the intermediate firing shaft portion 1602 into the elastic spine member 1520. Have. 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 can 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 1700 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. A rotational position may be between an engaged position for coupling to 1600 and a disengaged position where articulation driver 1700 is not operably coupled to 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, near firing member assembly 1600. The position movement allows the 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 then move. In various situations, the articulation drive 1700 can be held in place by the articulation lock 1210 when the articulation drive 1700 is not being moved proximally or distally by the firing member assembly 1600.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the locking sleeve 1622 is cylindrical, or at least substantially cylindrical, having a longitudinal opening 1624 defined therein to receive the firing member assembly 1600. A body may be included. 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, A lateral push force and/or a proximal pull force may not be transmitted from firing member assembly 1600 to 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 locking sleeve 1622 can be found in US patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, now US patent application publication No. 2014/0263541, and US patent application Ser. Can be issued. The switch drum 1630 can further include at least partially circumferential openings 1632, 1634 defined therein, the openings being circumferential attachments extending from the nozzle halves 1302, 1304. It accepts seat 1305 and allows relative rotation between switch drum 1630 and 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 eventually cause the locking sleeve 1622 to move between its engaged and disengaged positions. Thus, in essence, the nozzle 1300 is essentially US Pat. App. No. 13/803,086, now US Pat. App. 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 configuration shown, the switch drum 1630 includes an L-shaped slot 1636 that extends into 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 provided in lock sleeve 1622 to facilitate axial movement of lock sleeve 1622 when engaged with articulation driver 1700. Further details regarding the operation of the shifter plate and shift drum arrangement may be found in US patent application Ser. No. 14/868,718, filed September 28, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH SHAFT RELEASE, POWERED FIRING AND POWERED ARTICIALATION", now US Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0086823.

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. Additionally, a slip ring assembly 1640 can be provided that can be configured to return to the handle assembly or the microprocessor in the robot system controller. Further details regarding the slip ring assembly 1640 and associated connectors can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/803,086, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 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. One sensor can be provided.

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. And includes one or more tapered attachment portions 1802 formed therein. 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. A shaft mounting lug 1605 was formed at the distal end of the longitudinal drive member 540 when the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 was coupled to the handle assembly 500, as described in further detail below. Received within the firing shaft mounting cradle 542. See FIG.

Various replaceable surgical instrument assemblies use a latch system 1810 for releasably coupling the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 to the frame 506 of the handle assembly 500. In at least one form, as shown in FIG. 7, the latch system 1810 includes a locking member or lock yoke 1812 movably coupled to the chassis 1800. Lock yoke 1812 has a U-shape with two spaced apart, downwardly extending legs 1814. Each leg 1814 is formed with a pivot lug adapted to be received in a corresponding hole 1816 formed in chassis 1800. Such an arrangement facilitates pivotal attachment of the lock yoke 1812 to the chassis 1800. Locking yoke 1812 includes two proximally projecting locking lugs 1818 configured to removably engage corresponding locking detents or grooves 509 at the distal end of frame 506 of handle assembly 500. But it's okay. See FIG. In various configurations, the lock yoke 1812 is biased proximally by a spring or biasing member 1819. Actuation of lock yoke 1812 may be accomplished by a latch button 1820 slidably mounted on a latch actuator assembly 1822 mounted on 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 biasing latch button 1820 distally, which also causes locking yoke 1812 to pivot to the distal end of frame 506. Out of retention engagement. When the locking yoke 1812 is in retention engagement with the distal end of the frame 506, the locking lug 1818 is retained and seated in a corresponding locking detent or groove 509 at the distal end of the frame 506.

In the arrangement shown, 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 is moved to the actuated position, the lock yoke 1812 is prevented from pivoting to the unlocked position. In other words, if the clinician attempts to pivot the lock yoke 1812 to the unlocked position, or, for example, carefully When struck or contacted with, 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, the 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, which are welded and/or pinned to each other, eg, at their proximal ends and/or elsewhere along their length. Are interconnected by doing. In an alternative embodiment, the distal ends of the bands are not connected to each other to allow the stacks or bands to expand relative to each other when the end effector is articulating. With such a configuration, knife bar 1610 may be sufficiently flexible to accommodate articulation of the end effector. Various laminated knife bar arrangements 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 the central support member and an alternative knife bar support arrangement 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 replaceable instrument assembly 1000. Firing member 1660 comprises a body portion 1662 including 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. See FIG. 10. The connector 1663 may be retained within the connector opening 1614, such as by friction, welding, and/or a suitable adhesive. Referring to FIGS. 15-17, body portion 1662 projects through elongated slot 1104 within 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 a passageway in elongate channel 1102 located beneath surgical staple cartridge 1110. As seen in FIG. 11, 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 retention feature 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 feature 1666 disposed between the distally projecting shoulder 1665 and the distally projecting upper nose 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. Please refer to FIG. 13 and FIG. When firing member 1660 is driven distally, the upper portion of body 1662 extends through centrally disposed anvil slot 1138 (FIG. 14) and upper anvil engagement mechanism 1672 causes anvil slot 1134. Ride on the corresponding ledge 1136 formed on each side of the.

Returning to FIG. 10, firing member 1660 is configured to operatively interact with sled 1120 supported within body 1111 of surgical staple cartridge 1110. The sled 1120 is slidably displaced 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. It is possible. The cartridge body 1111 operably supports therein a plurality of staple drivers (not shown in FIG. 10) aligned with the rows on each side of the centrally located slot 1114. Centrally disposed slot 1114 allows firing member 1660 to pass through and cut tissue clamped between anvil 1130 and staple cartridge 1110. The driver is associated with a corresponding pocket 1115 that is open through the upper deck surface of the cartridge body. Each staple driver carries one or more surgical staples or fasteners thereon. The sled 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, and another cam 1122 is in slot 1114. Aligned with another line of "single" drivers on the same side, each supporting a single surgical staple or fastener. Thus, in the illustrated example, when the surgical staple cartridge 1110 is "fired," there may be three staple lines on each outside of the tissue cutting line. However, other cartridge and driver configurations can be used to fire other staple/fastener arrays. The sled 1120 has a central body portion 1124 configured to engage the shoulder 1665 of the firing member 1660. When firing member 1660 is fired or driven distally, firing member 1660 also drives sled 1120 distally. As the firing member 1660 moves distally through the cartridge 1110, the tissue cutting mechanism 1666 cuts the tissue clamped between the anvil assembly 1130 and the cartridge 1110, and the sled 1120 causes the driver to move. Driven upwards in the cartridge, the corresponding staples or fasteners are driven to form contact with the anvil assembly 1130.

In embodiments in which the firing member includes a tissue cutting surface, an elongate shaft assembly to prevent inadvertent advancement of the firing member unless a fresh staple cartridge is properly supported within the elongate channel 1102 of the surgical end effector 1100. It may be desirable for the solid to be configured. For example, if there is no staple cartridge 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 in which at least some of the staples have already been fired) is present in the end effector and the firing member is advanced, tissue will be severed. , Stapling may not be complete, if at all. It will be appreciated that the occurrence of such a phenomenon can have undesirable consequences during a surgical procedure. U.S. Patent No. 6,988,649, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT", No. 7,044,352, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAY FORMING FORMING FORMING FORMING FORMING LOCKING FORMING FORMING LOCKING FORMING LOCKING FORMING LOCKING FORMING No. 7,380,695, the title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHANISM FOR PREVENTION OF FIRING, US patent application No. 14/742,933 WTOUT, and the title of the invention "SINGLE LOCKOUT MECHITUS RINGOUT. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM SYSTEM ACTION WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS SPENT OR MISSING" each disclose various launch member lockout configurations. Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

An "unfired", "unused", "new", or "new" fastener cartridge 1110, as used herein, has all of its fasteners in which the fastener cartridge 1110 is in a "ready to fire position". Means that. The new cartridge 1110 may be seated within the elongate channel 1102 and retained therein by a snap feature on the cartridge body configured for retention engagement with a corresponding portion of the elongate channel 1102. 15 and 18 show a portion of surgical end effector 1100 with a new or unfired surgical staple cartridge 1110 seated therein. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the sled 1120 is in the starting position. More precisely, firing member 1660 is advanced distally through end effector 1110 to prevent firing system activation unless an unfired or new surgical staple cartridge is properly seated within elongate channel 1102. To prevent being driven, the replaceable surgical instrument assembly 1000 uses a firing member lockout system, shown generally at 1650.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15-19, firing member lockout system 1650 is in retention engagement with firing member 1660 when new surgical staple cartridge 1110 is not properly seated within elongate channel 1102. A movable locking member 1652 configured to. More specifically, the locking member 1652 is configured to have at least one lateral direction configured for retention engagement with a corresponding portion of the firing member 1660 when the sled 1120 is not within the cartridge 1110 in its starting position. With a locking portion 1654 that moves to. In practice, locking member 1652 employs two laterally moving locking portions 1654, each locking portion engaging a laterally extending portion of firing member 1660. Other lockout configurations can also be used.

Locking member 1652 comprises a generally U-shaped spring member such that each laterally movable leg or locking portion 1654 extends from central spring portion 1653 and is designated by "L" in FIGS. 18 and 19. It is configured to move in the lateral direction represented. It will be understood that the term “lateral” means the direction transverse to the shaft axis SA (FIG. 2). The spring or locking member 1652 may be made of, for example, 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 movable 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 side of the firing member 1660 extends into a corresponding locking window 1658 defined within the locking portion 1654, such that the firing member is in the distal direction. It is constrained to prevent axial advance.

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 shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the sled 1120 includes an unlocking mechanism 1126 corresponding to each of the laterally movable locking portions 1654. An 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 shown in FIG. 18, the unlocking mechanism 1124 engages the corresponding locking portion 1654 laterally in a direction transverse to the shaft axis SA (FIG. 2) when the sled 1120 is in its starting position. Energize. When the locking portions 1654 are in their unlocked orientations, the central retention feature 1680 does not retain engagement with the corresponding locking windows 1658. In such cases, firing member 1660 may be advanced (fired) in a distal or axial direction. However, if the cartridge is not present in the elongated channel 1102, or if the sled 1120 is moved from its starting position (meaning that the cartridge is partially or fully fired), the locking portion 1654 will spring laterally. To hold the firing member 1660 in retention engagement. In such a case, referring to FIG. 19, firing member 1660 cannot move distally.

16 and 17 show the retracting of the firing member 1660 back to the starting or unfired position after performing the staple firing stroke as described above. FIG. 16 shows the initial reengagement of the retention feature 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 back to its starting position. Each of the retention features 1680 has a proximally facing and laterally tapered distal end to assist in lateral displacement of the locking portion 1654 as the proximally moving retention feature 1680 contacts. It may be provided. 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 elongate channel 1102. .. It should be noted that the lockout system may prevent the clinician from advancing the firing member distally 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 to engage and disengage corresponding sides of the firing member. Such lateral movement of the locking portion(s) is distinguishable from other locking arrangements that move vertically to engage and disengage portions of the firing member.

13 and 14, 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 example configuration shown in FIG. 14, the anvil slot 1138 is centrally located within the lower surface 1135. The lower surface 1135 includes three rows 1140, 1141, 1142 of staple forming pockets 1143, 1144, and 1145 located on each side of the anvil slot 1138. Adjacent to each side of anvil slot 1138 are two elongated anvil passageways 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 may serve to provide support to the anvil mounting flange 1151 to make the anvil mounting portion 1150 stiffer than mounting portions in other anvil configurations that are not connected at the proximal end. .. As can also be seen in FIGS. 12 and 14, anvil slot 1138 is for housing the top of firing member 1660 including upper anvil engagement feature 1632 when firing member 1660 is in the proximal unfired position. It has a wide portion 1139.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 20-24, each of the anvil mounting flanges 1151 has a lateral mounting hole 1156 configured to receive a pivot pin 1158 (FIGS. 10 and 20) therethrough. including. 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 pivotally secures the anvil 1130 to the elongated channel 1102 such that the anvil 1130 can pivot about a fixed anvil axis AA transverse to the shaft axis SA. See FIG. The anvil mount 1150 also includes a cam surface 1152 extending from the central firing member parking area 1154 to the outer surface 1134 of the anvil body portion 1132.

In addition to the above points, the anvil 1130 is moveable between an open position and a closed position by axially advancing and retracting the distal closure tube section 1430, as described further below. The distal end of the distal closure tube section 1430 has an internal cam surface formed thereon that engages the cam surface 1552 or a cam surface formed on the anvil attachment portion 1150. , Anvil 1130 is configured to move. FIG. 22 shows a cam surface 1152a formed on the anvil mounting portion 1150 to establish a single contact path 1155a with the inner cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube section 1430, for example. FIG. 23 is configured for an internal cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube section, with two cam surfaces 1152 on the anvil attachment portion 1150 and an internal cam surface 1444 on the distal closure tube section 1430. Shown are camming surfaces 1152b that establish separate and distinct arcuate contact paths 1155b. In addition to other potential advantages discussed herein, such a configuration may 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 larger area of cam contact between the cam surface(s) on the distal closure tube section 1430 and the anvil attachment portion 1150, and provide a better closure force to the anvil 1130. It can be dispersed.

As the distal closure tube section 1430 cams the anvil mounting portion 1150 of the anvil 1130, the anvil 1130 pivots about the anvil axis AA (FIG. 5), resulting in the end 1133 of the elongated anvil body portion 1132. 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 to be 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 squeezed onto tissue, the anvil 1130 may experience a significant amount of resistance and/or flexion forces. These drag forces are overcome as the distal closure tube 1430 continues to advance its distal direction. However, these drag forces tend to bend portions of the anvil 1130 away from the staple cartridge 1110, depending on the magnitude and point of application to the anvil body portion 1132, which is generally undesirable. There are cases. For example, such bending may cause a 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, for example, the end effector, firing member, 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 show anvil 1130' that includes 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 seen in FIGS. 25-27, anvil 1130' has an elongated anvil body 1132' having an upper body portion 1165 with an anvil cap 1170 attached. The anvil cap 1170 is generally rectangular and has an outer cap perimeter 1172, although the anvil cap 1170 can have any suitable shape. A peripheral portion 1172 of the anvil cap 1170 is configured to be inserted into a correspondingly shaped opening 1137, which is formed in the upper body portion 1165 and which extends axially therein. Positioned against ledge portion 1139. See FIG. 27. Inner ledge portion 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 through an opening at the distal end 1133 of the anvil body 1132'. In yet another embodiment, no internal ledge portion 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 distal end of the long side 1177. Closer to the section may be more closely spaced, or closer to the proximal end of the long side 1177 may be more closely spaced. In certain configurations, the welded 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' and welded to upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a plurality of retention features 1182 are defined 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, although other suitable configurations may be employed. 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 attached to the opening 1137 and frictionally retained on the anvil cap 1170'. The retention structure 1182 is configured to project inwardly into the opening 1137 and be frictionally received within a correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 formed on the outer perimeter 1172' of the anvil cap 1170'. .. The retention structure 1182 is provided only on the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170' and not on the portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to the distal end 1173 or the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170'. In an alternative configuration, the retention structure 1182 may be provided on the distal end 1173 and the proximal end 1175 of the anvil cap 1170' and the portion of the wall 1180 corresponding to its long side 1177'. In yet another configuration, retention structure 1182 may be provided only on a portion of wall 1180 corresponding to one or both of distal end 1173 and proximal end 1175 of anvil cap 1170'. In yet another configuration, retention structure 1182 may be provided on the long side 1177' of anvil cap 1170' and a portion of wall 1180 corresponding to only one of proximal end 1173 and distal end 1175. .. It will further be appreciated that the retention projections 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 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. It may be arranged. In other words, the distal end, the proximal end, or the spacing between these retention features adjacent both the distal end and the proximal end may be located in the central portion of the anvil cap 1170'. It may be smaller than the distance between the bodies. In yet another configuration, the retention features 1182 may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 1177' of the anvil cap 1170'. In some alternative embodiments, a correspondingly shaped engagement region 1184 may not be provided on a portion of outer perimeter 1172' or perimeter 1172' of 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, for example, welding and/or adhesive.

In the illustrated example, the weld 1178' extends across the perimeter 1172' of the anvil cap 1170'. Alternatively, weld 1178' is located along the long side 1177' of anvil cap 1170' and is not located at distal end 1173 and/or its proximal end 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 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 closely spaced close to the proximal end of the long side 1177'. In yet another configuration, the welded sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long side 1177' of the anvil cap 1170'.

31 and 32 show another anvil configuration 1130″ with anvil cap 1170″ attached. The anvil cap 1170″ is generally rectangular and has an outer cap perimeter 1172″. However, the anvil cap 1170'' may include any suitable configuration. The outer cap perimeter 1172'' is inserted into a correspondingly shaped opening 1137'' in the upper body portion 1165 of the anvil body 1132'' and has an axially extending inner ledge portion 1139'' formed therein. And 1190''. See FIG. 32. Ledge portions 1139″ and 1190″ are configured to support corresponding long sides 1177″ of anvil cap 1170″. In an alternative embodiment, the anvil cap 1170″ is slid onto the internal ledges 1139″ and 1190″ through an opening in the distal end 1133″ of the anvil body 1132′. The anvil body 1132″ and the anvil cap 1170″ may be made of metallic materials that contribute to welding. The first weld 1178 ″ may extend the entire perimeter 1172 ″ of the anvil cap 1170 ″, or rather than the distal end 1173 ″ and/or its proximal end, the anvil cap 1170 ″. It may be arranged only along the long side 1177'' of''. Weld 1178 may be continuous, or it may be discontinuous or intermittent. The continuous weld embodiment is more likely due to the irregularly shaped perimeter of the anvil cap 1170'' as compared to the embodiment with a straight perimeter such as, for example, the anvil cap shown in FIG. It will be appreciated that there are many weld surface areas. 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 weld sections are , May be more closely spaced near the distal end of long side 1177″, or may be more closely spaced near the proximal end of long side 1177″. In yet another configuration, the weld sections may be more closely spaced in the central region of the long sides 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 ″, so that the separate weld 1192 ″ is It may be formed along a portion of the anvil body 1132″ between the ledges 1190″ and 1139″. See FIG. 32. The welds 1192'' may be evenly distributed along the long side 1177'' of the anvil cap 1170'', or the weld 1192'' may be proximate to the distal end of the long side 1177''. It may be more closely spaced, or it may be more closely spaced near the proximal end of long side 1177''. In yet another configuration, 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 with the anvil body 1132″ and welded to the upper body portion 1165. In this embodiment, a tongue-and-groove 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"" slides through an opening at the distal end of the anvil body 1132"" to "mechanically" secure the anvil cap 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 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 may be more closely spaced near the proximal end of the long side 1177″″. You may In yet another configuration, 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 process of the anvil and firing member assembly may be easier. That is, the firing member may be installed through an 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.

34-39 show a forming pocket array 10200 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket arrangement 10200 and various alternative forming pocket arrangements are described in U.S. patent application Ser. WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT". US Patent Application No. 15/385,914 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The forming pocket array 10200 comprises a proximal forming pocket 10210 and a distal forming pocket 10230 defined in a plane or tissue engaging surface 10207 of the anvil 10201. The pockets 10210, 10230 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10203 of the forming pocket array 10200. The staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 10203 by the forming pocket arrangement 10200 when deployed from a staple cartridge. 35 and 36, the forming pocket array 10200 further includes a bridge portion 10205 defined between the forming pockets 10210 and 10230. In this case, the bridge portion 10205 is recessed with respect to the plane 10207 of the anvil 10201. The bridge portion 10205 includes a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". Bridge depth “D” is the distance that bridge portion 10205 is recessed with respect to plane 10207. Forming pocket array 10200 includes a center "C" defined within bridge portion 10205. Forming pocket array 10200 is bilaterally symmetric with respect to bridge portion 10205, bilaterally symmetric with respect to pocket axis 10203, and rotationally symmetric with respect to center "C".

Forming pocket array 10200 further comprises a pair of primary sidewalls 10208 extending from plane 10207 of anvil 10201 toward pockets 10210, 10230 and bridge portion 10205. The primary sidewall 10208 is angled with respect to the plane 10207 of the anvil 10201 at an angle θ ₂ (FIG. 37). The forming pocket arrangement 10200 is between the outer edges of the pockets 10210, 10230 and the plane 10207, between the longitudinal edges of the pockets 10210, 10230 and the primary sidewall 10208, the inner edges of the pockets 10210, 10230 and the bridge portion 10205. In between, there is further provided an edge feature 10215, 10235, which provides a transition feature. These edges 10215, 10235 can be, for example, rounded and/or chamfered. The edge features 10215, 10235 can help prevent the staple tips from sticking.

Forming pocket 10210 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10213 and forming pocket 10230 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10233. The pocket sidewalls 10213, 10233 are directed toward the formation surface of the pockets 10210, 10230 when the staple tips and/or the legs of the staples first strike the sidewalls 10213, 10233 of the pockets 10210, 10230. It is configured to orient the legs of the staple. The sidewalls 10213, 10233 extend from the transition edges 10215, 10235 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10210, 10230. The sidewalls 10213, 10233 of the forming pockets 10210, 10230 are at an angle θ ₁ (FIG. 38) to direct or channel the legs and/or staple tips of the staples toward the forming surface of the pockets 10210, 10230. And is angled to the plane 10207 of the anvil 10201. The sidewalls 10213, 10233 are configured to facilitate forming staple tips and/or staple legs along the pocket axis 10203 as the staples are formed against the formation surface of the pockets 10210, 10230. R. Overall, primary sidewall 10208 and pocket sidewalls 10213, 10233 can provide a funnel-like configuration for orienting staple tips. Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the angle θ ₁ is larger than the angle θ ₂ .

The pockets 10210, 10230 further include transition edges 10214, 10234 that provide a transition mechanism between the pocket sidewalls 10213, 10233 and the forming surface, as discussed in more detail below. In various examples, the transition edges 10214, 10234 can have a profile similar to the transition edges 10215, 10235. In other embodiments, transition edges 10214, 10234 can have a different contour than transition edges 10215, 10235. Thereby, the edges 10214, 10234 may be, for example, rounded or chamfered. The edges 10214, 10234 approach the first end where the edges 10214, 10234 meet the outer ends of the pockets 10210, 10230, and the edges 10214, 10234 approach the bridge portion 10205 or the inner ends of the pockets 10210, 10230. A second end to Edges 10214, 10234 may transition to transition edges 10215, 10235 near bridge portion 10205. The edge features 10214, 10234 may also help prevent staple tips from sticking in the pockets 10210, 10230 during formation.

Referring again to FIG. 35, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10210 and 10230 include inlet area forming surfaces 10211 and 10231 and outlet area forming surfaces 10212 and 10232, respectively. In this case, the amount of surface area of the forming surface covered by the inlet area forming surfaces 10211 and 10231 is larger than the surface area of the forming surface covered by the outlet area forming surfaces 10212 and 10232. As a result, the inlet area forming surfaces 10211, 10231 do not move to the outlet area forming surfaces 10212, 10232 at the center of each pocket 10210, 10230. Rather, the transition point where the inlet regions 10211, 10231 transition to the outlet regions 10212, 10232 is closer to the bridge portion 10205. The transition between the inlet area forming surfaces 10211, 10231 and the outlet area forming surfaces 10212, 10232 defines the troughs or troughs of each pocket 10210, 10230. The valleys of the forming pockets 10210, 10230 define the portion or section of the forming surface that has the greatest vertical distance from the plane 10207.

Referring to FIG. 36, the formation surface of each pocket 10210, 10230 has two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10210 has an entrance curvature radius 10217 corresponding to the entrance area forming surface 10211 and an exit curvature radius 10218 corresponding to the exit area forming surface 10212. Similarly, the pocket 10230 has an inlet radius of curvature 10237 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 10231 and an outlet radius of curvature 10238 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 10232. In this case, the entrance radii of curvature 10217, 10237 are larger than the exit radii of curvature 10218, 10238, respectively. Specific relationships between radii of curvature and various pocket features, as well as some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships, are further described in US patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914.

In addition to defining the transition point where the inlet region transitions to the outlet region, the valleys of forming pockets 10210, 10230 also define the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10210, 10230. The outer edge of each pocket 10210, 10230, also referred to as the inlet edge, because they define the beginning of the inlet area forming surfaces 10211, 10231 includes the inlet width. The inner edge of each pocket 10210, 10230, also referred to as the outlet edge, includes the outlet width because they define the ends of the outlet area forming surfaces 10212, 10232. In this case, the inlet width is larger than the outlet width. Further, the exit width is larger than the valley width or the narrowest part of the forming surface. 38 is a cross-sectional view of distal formation pocket 10230 taken along line 38-38 of FIG. This figure shows the troughs or troughs of the distal forming pocket 10230. This trough or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 10231 and the outlet area forming surface 10232. FIG. 37 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10230 taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 35, disposed within the exit region forming surface 10232 of the formation pocket 10230. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10230 taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 35, disposed within the entry area forming surface 10232 of the distal formation pocket 10230.

Forming pocket array 10200 and various other forming pocket arrays disclosed herein are configured for use with staples having various diameters. The diameter of staples used with the forming pocket arrangement 10200 can vary, for example, between about 0.0079 inches and about 0.0094 inches. In addition, the entrance and exit radii of curvature of each forming surface may be, for example, about 1.5:1 to about about 1:1 when the entrance radius is between about 8 times the staple diameter and 10 times the staple diameter. It has a ratio of 3:1. In at least one case, the entrance and exit radii of curvature of each forming surface have a ratio of about 2:1, for example, where the entrance radius is about nine times the staple diameter. In other cases, the entrance and exit radii of curvature of each forming surface may be, for example, such that the entrance radius is greater than about 0.6 times the staple crown length and ridge, or bridge, or the width is 1 times the staple diameter. When less than, it has a ratio of about 1.5:1 to about 3:1. In at least one case, the inlet and outlet radii of curvature of each forming surface are such that the inlet radius is greater than about 0.6 times the staple crown length and ridge, or bridge, or the width is 1 times the staple diameter. When less than, it has a ratio of about 2:1. The exit radius of curvature is, for example, between about 4 times the staple diameter and about 6 times the diameter. In at least one case, the exit radius of curvature is about 4.5 times the staple diameter.

40-45 show a forming pocket array 10500 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. Forming pocket arrangement 10500 and various alternative forming pocket arrangements are described in U.S. patent application Ser. WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT". US Patent Application No. 15/385,914 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The forming pocket array 10500 comprises a proximal forming pocket 10510 and a distal forming pocket 10530 defined in a plane or tissue contacting surface 10507 of the anvil 10501. The pockets 10510, 10530 are aligned along the longitudinal pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500. The staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 10503 by the forming pocket arrangement 10500 when deployed from a staple cartridge. 41 and 42, forming pocket array 10500 further includes a bridge portion 10505 defined between forming pockets 10510 and 10530. In this case, the bridge portion 10505 is recessed with respect to the plane 10507 of the anvil 10501. The bridge portion 10505 has a bridge width "W" and a bridge depth "D". The bridge portion 10505 is substantially V-shaped with a rounded bottom. The bridge depth “D” is the distance that the bottom of the bridge portion 10505 is recessed with respect to the flat surface 10507. Forming pocket array 10500 includes a center "C" defined within bridge portion 10505. The forming pocket arrangement 10500 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 10505, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket axis 10503, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center C.

Forming pocket array 10500 further comprises a pair of primary sidewalls 10508 extending from plane 10507 of anvil 10501 toward pockets 10510, 10530 and bridge portion 10505. The primary sidewall 10508 is angled with respect to the plane 10507 of the anvil 10501 at an angle θ ₁ (FIG. 43). Primary sidewall 10508 includes an inner edge that is curved or contoured with respect to pockets 10510, 10530.

Forming pocket 10510 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10513 and forming pocket 10530 includes a pair of pocket sidewalls 10533. The pocket sidewalls 10513, 10533 have curved or contoured contours and direct the staple tips and staple legs toward the formation surface of the pockets 10510, 10530 and help control the staple formation process. Is configured to be. The side walls 10513, 10533 extend from the primary side wall 10508 and the flat surface 10507 toward the formation surface of each pocket 10510, 10530. The sidewalls 10513, 10533 are configured to facilitate forming staple tips and/or staple legs along the pocket axis 10503 as the staple is formed against the formation surface of the pockets 10510, 10530. It Overall, the primary side walls 10508 and pocket side walls 10513, 10533 cooperate to gather corresponding staple tips toward the lateral center of each pocket 10510, 10530. As discussed in more detail below, the sidewalls 10513, 10533 include an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the inlet portion including a passageway configuration that is less erodible than the outlet portion.

Referring again to FIG. 41, the forming surfaces of the pockets 10510 and 10530 include inlet area forming surfaces 10511 and 10531 and outlet area forming surfaces 10512 and 10532, respectively. The inlet area forming surfaces 10511, 10531 coincide with the less aggressive channel portions of the sidewalls 10513, 10533. Similarly, the exit area forming surfaces 10512, 10532 coincide with the more aggressive channel portions of the sidewalls 10513, 10533. The pockets 10510, 10530 extend over the entire longitudinal length of each pocket 10510, 10530 and are centrally located with respect to the outer lateral edges of the pockets 10510, 10530, also known as the tip control channel. Further, it further includes grooves 10515 and 10535 which are guide grooves. The grooves 10515, 10535 are narrower at the outer longitudinal edges of the pockets 10510, 10530 than at the inner longitudinal edges of the pockets 10510, 10530. Grooves 10515, 10535 meet at bridge portion 10505 to facilitate contact of the staple tips and staple legs with each other during the forming process, as further discussed in US patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914. .. In some cases, the groove defined in the forming surface of the forming pocket may have a similar effect in staple formation as a more erosively angled outlet wall and/or a narrower configured outlet wall.

Referring to FIG. 42, the formation surface of each pocket 10510, 10530 has two or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the pocket 10510 has an entrance curvature radius 10517 corresponding to the entrance area forming surface 10511 and an exit curvature radius 10518 corresponding to the exit area forming surface 10512. Similarly, the pocket 10530 has an inlet radius of curvature 10537 that corresponds to the inlet area forming surface 10531 and an outlet radius of curvature 10538 that corresponds to the outlet area forming surface 10532. In this case, the entrance curvature radii 10517, 10537 are larger than the exit curvature radii 10518, 10538. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature and various pocket features, along with some potential advantages and patterns of the particular relationship, are further described in US patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914.

43-45, the longitudinal outer edge of each pocket 10510, 10530 is also referred to as the inlet edge because they define the beginning of the inlet area forming surfaces 10511, 10531. .. The inlet edge includes an inlet width that is the maximum width of the formation surface of each pocket 10510, 10530. The inner edge of each pocket 10510, 10530 is also referred to as the outlet edge because they define the ends of the outlet area forming surfaces 10512, 10532. The outlet edge includes the outlet width, also referred to as the bridge width "W," which is the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each pocket 10510, 10530. The transition between the inlet region and the outlet region includes a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. 44 is a cross-sectional view of distal formation pocket 10530 taken along line 44-44 of FIG. This view is taken near the trough or trough of the distal forming pocket 10530. This trough or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 10531 and the outlet area forming surface 10532. In various examples, the transition between the inlet and outlet regions does not occur in the pocket troughs or troughs. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal formation pocket 10530 taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 41 positioned within the exit region forming surface 10532 of the formation pocket 10530. FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of distal formation pocket 10530 taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 41 positioned within entry area forming surface 10532 of distal formation pocket 10530. Sidewall 10533 is illustrated in this figure as being straight or at least substantially straight and is angled with respect to plane 10507 at an angle θ ₂ (FIG. 45). The angle θ ₂ is larger than the angle θ ₁ (FIG. 43).

46 and 47 show staples formed with the forming pocket array 10500, one staple aligned with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500 and the other staple aligned with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500. Not aligned. FIG. 46 shows a side view 13100 and bottom view 13100' of staple 13101 in a fully formed configuration formed with forming pocket array 10500. This staple 13101 was aligned with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500 during the forming process. The tip 13104 of the staple leg 13103 abuts the formed pocket array 10500 along the pocket axis 10503.

The staple 13101 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with pocket axis 10503, staple 13101 is formed such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned, or in other words, The staple 13101 has a substantially planar shape. The force with which the staples 13101 are fired is shown in graph 13110.

FIG. 47 shows a side view 13120 and bottom view 13120' of staple 13121 in a fully formed configuration formed with forming pocket array 10500. This staple 13121 was not aligned with the pocket axis 10503 of the forming pocket array 10500 during the forming process. The staple 13121 is driven out of the plane with respect to the pocket shaft 10503. The tips 13124 of the staple legs 13123 do not abut the forming pocket array 10500 along the pocket axis 10503 and the crown or base 13122 of the staple 13121 is not aligned with the pocket axis 10503 during formation.

The staple 13121 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When not aligned with pocket axis 10503, staple 13121 is formed such that second tip alignment axis TA2 and crown alignment axis CA are substantially aligned with each other, or in other words, The staple 13121 has a substantially planar shape. Compared to FIG. 46, where the staples 13101 are aligned with the pocket axis 10503, the staples 13121 allow the surgeon to remove more tissue than the staples formed with other formed pocket arrays that are formed unaligned. Formed into a fully formed configuration that may allow proper sealing.

48-54 illustrate a forming pocket array 6500 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket array 6500 comprises a proximal forming cup or pocket 6510 and a distal forming cup or pocket 6530 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 6507 of the anvil 6501. The tissue contacting surface 6507 of the anvil 6501 may be configured to compress the tissue against the staple cartridge when the anvil 6501 is clamped or closed against the staple cartridge. Each cup 6510, 6530 is defined by an interface, as described further herein. The cups 6510, 6530 are aligned along the pocket axis 6503 of the forming pocket array 6500. The staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 6503 by the forming pocket array 6500 when deployed from a staple cartridge. For example, the first leg of the staple is formed by the proximal forming cup 6510 and the second leg of the staple is formed by the distal forming cup 6530. In such an example, when the anvil 6501 is clamped against the staple cartridge, the first leg of the staple is aligned with a portion of the proximal forming cup 6510 and the second leg of the staple is formed distally. Aligned with a portion of cup 6530.

With reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, the forming pocket array 6500 further includes a bridge portion 6505 defined between the forming cups 6510 and 6530. In this case, the bridge portion 6505 is recessed with respect to the plane 6507 of the anvil 6501. The bridge portion 6505 has a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (FIG. 54). Bridge depth BD is the distance that the bottom of bridge portion 6505 is recessed with respect to plane 6507. The bridge width BW is the width of the pocket arrangement 6500 between the cups 6510 and 6530. In this case, the bridge width BW is the narrowest part of the formation surface of each cup 6510, 6530. The forming pocket array 6500 has a center C defined within the bridge portion 6505 (FIGS. 48-50). The forming pocket array 6500 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 6505, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket axis 6503, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center C.

Forming pocket array 6500 further comprises a pair of primary sidewalls 6508 extending from plane 6507 of anvil 6501 toward cups 6510, 6530 and bridge portion 6505. The primary sidewall 6508 is angled with respect to the plane 6507 of the anvil 6501 at an angle θ ₁ (FIGS. 52-54 ). The cups 6510, 6530 define a perimeter 6520 and the inner edge of the primary side wall 6508 extends between the plane 6507 and the perimeter 6520 of the cups 6510, 6530. Referring primarily to FIG. 50, the inner edge of the primary sidewall 6508 is curved or contoured relative to the cups 6510, 6530.

In particular examples, forming pocket array 6500 may not include primary sidewall 6508. In such an example, the cups 6510, 6530 can extend directly into the plane 6507 and the perimeter 6520 of the cups 6510, 6530 can be defined in the plane 6507.

Referring again to FIGS. 50 and 51, the proximal forming cup 6510 comprises a pair of cup sidewalls 6513 and the distal forming cup 6530 comprises a pair of cup sidewalls 6533. The cup sidewalls 6513, 6533 have a curved or contoured profile and direct the staple tips and staple legs towards the forming surface of the cups 6510, 6530 and help control the staple forming process. Is configured to be. The side walls 6513, 6533 extend from the primary side wall 6508 and the plane 6507 toward the formation surface of each cup 6510, 6530. The sidewalls 6513, 6533 are configured to facilitate forming staple tips and/or staple legs along the pocket axis 6503 as the staple is formed against the forming surface of the cups 6510, 6530. .. In general, the primary side walls 6508 and cup side walls 6513, 6533 cooperate to gather the corresponding staple tips toward the lateral center of each cup 6510, 6530. A curved surface or bottom surface 6514, 6534 extends along the lateral center of each corresponding cup 6510, 6530 in the middle of the corresponding sidewall 6513, 6533.

Referring again to FIG. 50, the forming surfaces of the cups 6510 and 6530 include inlet area forming surfaces 6511 and 6531 and outlet area forming surfaces 6512 and 6532, respectively. The inlet area forming surfaces 6511, 6531 may coincide with less erosive channel portions of the sidewalls 6513, 6533. Similarly, the exit area forming surfaces 6512, 6532 may coincide with the more aggressive channel portions of the sidewalls 6513, 6533.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 51, the forming surface of each cup 6510, 6530 is defined by a depth profile or contour. Proximal formation cup 6510 includes a depth profile 6522 and distal formation cup 6530 includes a depth profile 6542. Depth profiles 6522, 6542 respectively define the depth of cups 6510, 6530 along the length of the cup. The cups 6510, 6530 reach the maximum cup depth CD in the transition regions 6509, 6529, respectively, which is described further below. The cup depth CD of the pockets 6510, 6530 can be, for example, 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. For example, the cup depth CD can be 0.4 millimeters. In other examples, the cup depth CD can be, for example, less than 0.3 millimeters or greater than 0.5 millimeters.

Depth profiles 6522, 6542 are curved contours lacking straight portions. Further, the depth profiles 6522, 6542 can have one or more radii of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6522 of the proximal forming cup 6510 has an inlet radius of curvature 6517 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 6511 and an outlet radius of curvature 6518 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 6512. Similarly, the depth profile 6542 of the distal forming cup 6530 has an inlet radius of curvature 6537 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 6531 and an outlet radius of curvature 6538 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 6532. In this case, the inlet curvature radii 6517, 6537 are larger than the outlet curvature radii 6518, 6538. The particular relationship between the radius of curvature of the inlet and outlet regions and various pocket features, along with some potential advantages and patterns of the particular relationship, are further described in US patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914. ing.

The longitudinal outer edge of each cup 6510, 6530 is also referred to as the inlet edge because it defines the beginning of the inlet area forming surface 6511, 6531. The inlet edge includes the inlet width which is the maximum width of the forming surface of each cup 6510, 6530. The inner edge of each cup 6510, 6530 is also referred to as the outlet edge because it defines the end of the outlet area forming surface 6512, 6532. The outlet edge has an outlet width, also referred to as the bridge width BW (FIG. 54), which is the narrowest part of the forming surface of each cup 6510, 6530. Transition areas 6509, 6529 are located intermediate the inlet and outlet areas of each cup. The transition regions 6509, 6529 have a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The transition regions 6509, 6529 include the inflections of the respective depth profiles 6522, 6542 and thus the deepest portions of each cup 6510, 6530. In various examples, the transition areas 6509, 6529 include most of the length of each cup 6510, 6530. More specifically, the length of transition regions 6509, 6529 may be greater than the total length of the respective inlet and outlet regions of each cup 6510, 6530. The transition regions 6509, 6529 may extend along the taper or constriction of each cup 6510, 6530. For example, each transition region 6509, 6529 may extend inwardly from the widest portion of the corresponding cup 6510, 6530 towards the bridge 6505.

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of distal formation cup 6530 taken along line 53-53 of FIG. This view is taken near the trough or trough of the distal formation cup 6530. This trough or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 6531 and the outlet area forming surface 6532. In various examples, the transition between the inlet region and the outlet region does not occur in the troughs or troughs of the cup. FIG. 54 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6530 taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 50 positioned within the outlet region forming surface 6532 of the distal formation cup 6530. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6530 taken along the line 52-52 of FIG. 50, disposed within the inlet region forming surface 6532 of the distal formation cup 6530.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 52-54, the pair of cup sidewalls 6533 of the distal forming cup 6530 include a first sidewall 6533a and a second sidewall 6533b. The first side wall 6533a and the second side wall 6533b are opposing side walls extending toward one another from laterally opposing sides of the distal forming cup 6530. The curved or bottom surface 6534 of the distal forming cup 6530 is positioned between the first side wall 6533a and the second side wall 6533b. The bottom surface 6534 of the distal forming cup 6530 is a fully curved, non-planar surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6534 lacks a flat plane. The bottom surface 6534 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, bottom surface 6534 defines different radii of curvature at various longitudinal positions along pocket axis 6503. The tangent to the bottom surface 6534 at the lateral center of the cup 6530 is parallel to the plane 6507 along its length.

In various examples, the curvature of bottom surface 6534 can be sized such that the staple legs do not move along a plane during the staple forming process. In such an example, the bottom surface 6543 may form staples into a flatter structure than staples formed along a flat bottom surface, especially when the staple being formed is not aligned with the pocket axis 6503. Can be urged. The curvature of the bottom surface 6543 can be sized so that the bottom surface 6543 provides multiple contact surfaces for the staple legs. For example, the radius of curvature of bottom surface 6534 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the staple legs.

The cup sidewalls 6513, 6533 are non-flat surfaces that are perfectly curved. In other words, the cup side walls 6513, 6533 lack a flat plane. Referring again to FIGS. 52-54, the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, at various longitudinal positions along pocket axis 6503, sidewalls 6533a, 6533b define different radii of curvature. The fully curved contours of the cup sidewalls 6513, 6533 and the bottom surface 6534 can define the curved interface of the cups 6510, 6530. The cups 6513, 6533 may be perfectly curved and lack a flat plane.

The sidewalls 6533a, 6533b are oriented at various angles of entry θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contacting surface 6507 at various cross-sections of the distal shaping cup 6530. More specifically, in FIGS. 52-54, the tangent T to each sidewall 6533a, 6533b at the perimeter 6520 of the distal formation cup 6530 is oriented at an angle θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contacting surface 6507. The entry angle θ ₂ is constant within the transition formation region 6529 (FIGS. 50 and 51) along most of the length of the distal formation cup 6530. A tangent to such a sidewall is oriented at an angle along the length or substantial length of the cup 6510, 6530, but defines the sidewall as the depth and width of the cup varies along the length. The radius of curvature and the length of the arc may also change. In various examples, the angle θ ₂ can be, for example, about 55 degrees to about 80 degrees. For example, in FIGS. 52 to 54, the angle θ ₂ is 80 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ ₂ can be less than 55 degrees or more than 80 degrees. The sidewalls 6533a, 6533b are non-vertical sidewalls, and thus the angle θ ₂ of the tangent T along the perimeter 6520 can be less than 90 degrees, for example.

Reference points at the transitions between the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b and the bottom surface 6534 are shown in FIGS. 52-54 for illustrative purposes. For example, the curved interface of distal forming cup 6530 includes reference point A at the transition between sidewall 6533a and bottom surface 6534. At each longitudinal position along the cup 6530, the first sidewall 6533a and the second sidewall 6533b define a sidewall radius of curvature 6543 and the bottom surface 6534 defines a bottom radius of curvature 6544. The bottom radius of curvature 6544 can be different than the sidewall radius of curvature 6543. The transition of the radius of curvature at the reference point A includes a transition that is smooth and not steep.

Reference line B is also shown in FIGS. 52-54 for illustrative purposes. The reference line B extends between the first reference point A and the periphery 6520 of the distal shaping cup 6530. The reference line B is oriented at an angle θ ₃ in FIGS. The angle θ ₃ can determine where the curved sidewall 6533a contacts the curved bottom surface 6534. Moreover, the steepness of the sidewall 6533a can be affected by the angle θ ₃ . For example, if the angle θ ₂ is constant, increasing the angle θ ₃ may result in a deeper and narrower cup. In a particular example, the angle θ ₃ may be limited by the desired minimum pocket width in the deepest part of the cup. For example, the desired minimum pocket width may be a requirement of the anvil 6501 tooling process and/or may be required by the width of the staple wire.

The angle θ ₃ is constant within the transition formation surface area 6529 (FIG. 51) along most of the length of the distal formation cup 6530. In various examples, angle θ ₃ may be less than angle θ ₂ . The angle θ ₃ in FIGS. 52 to 54 is, for example, about 55 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ ₃ may be less than 55 degrees or more than 80 degrees, for example. The angles θ ₂ and θ ₃ are constant along the length of the distal formation cup 6530, or at least along a substantial length of the distal formation cup 6530, but the depth of the distal formation cup 6530 and As the width changes along its length, the radius of curvature and length of the arc defining the sidewalls 6533a, 6533b also changes.

The angle θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contact surface can include a relatively steep angle. For example, the angle θ ₂ may be larger than the angles θ ₁ and θ ₃ . The steepness of angle θ ₂ can encourage staples to be formed along the pocket axis. Further, the constant angle θ ₂ along the length of the distal forming cup 6530 urges the unaligned staple legs to move from the periphery of the cup 6530 toward the lateral center or axis 6503. You can As described herein, the depth of the pocket can vary along its length. However, maintaining a constant angle θ ₂ encourages the unaligned staple legs to move laterally from the periphery of the distal forming cup 6530, even in shallow areas of the cup 6530. be able to.

In certain cases, the maximum cup depth CD may vary between staple forming pockets and/or arrangements within the anvil. For example, different depths may be utilized to form staples at different heights, and/or staples driven by drivers having different heights, as further described herein. Can be formed. The depth of the pockets can vary, for example, across rows of pockets and/or within one or more rows of pockets. The deeper the pocket, the more control over staple formation. However, the depth of the pocket can be limited by the constraints of the anvil tooling and the shape of the staples. If certain pockets are shallower than others, the sidewalls of the shallow pockets are oriented at the same entry angle θ ₂ as the deep pockets to encourage the staples formed by the shallow pockets to form along the pocket axis. You can

FIG. 54A is a partial negative view of various slices of the forming pockets of forming pocket array 6500. The dimensions of the various slices are displayed above it. Slices are obtained in a plane along the forming pocket perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface 6507 and pocket axis 6503, with only a single sidewall of the forming pocket. Each slice has a width "x", a height "y", an upper radius of curvature "ra", and a lower radius of curvature "rb". The width “x” is defined as the x-component of the distance between the forming pocket perimeter 6520 and the forming pocket bottom radius of curvature 6544. Height “y” is defined as the y component of the distance between the perimeter 6520 of the forming pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6544 of the forming pocket. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the sidewall. Each dimension includes a number that indicates the slice to which the dimension corresponds. For example, slice 1 has a width "x ₁ ", a height "y ₁ ", an upper radius of curvature "ra ₁ ", and a lower radius of curvature "rb ₁ ". FIG. 54B is a table 6550 containing the dimensions of slices 1-12 of FIG. 54A in at least one embodiment.

FIG. 54C is a cross-sectional view of formed pocket array 6500 taken along pocket axis 6503. FIG. 54C includes various dimensions of the distal formation pocket 6530 of the formation pocket array 6500. The length of the forming pocket 6530 is, for example, 1.90 mm. The depth of the forming pocket 6530 is 0.40 mm, for example. In a particular example, the distal shaping pocket 6530 has three radii of curvature: an entrance radius of curvature of 1.90 mm, a first radius of exit curvature of 1.00 mm, and a second radius of exit curvature of 0.10 mm. The width of the bridge portion of the distal forming pocket 6530 is, in this example, the distance between the center of the forming pocket array 6500 and the innermost edge of the first exit radius of curvature (the first closest to the center of the forming pocket array 6500). Edge radius of 1) 0.10 mm. The bridge depth is, for example, 0.05 mm.

55-60 show another forming pocket arrangement 6600 within anvil 6501. The forming pocket array 6600 is configured to deform the staples during a surgical stapling procedure and is defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 6507 of the anvil 6501 and the proximal forming cup or pocket 6610 and the distal forming cup or And a pocket 6630. The forming pocket arrangement 6600 can be similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 6500. For example, the side walls of staple forming cups 6610, 6630 can intersect along their length at the same constant entry angle θ ₂ as plane 6507. The sidewall entry angle θ ₂ may be the same for cups 6510 and 6530 as cups 6610 and 6630 (FIGS. 48-54), but as described further herein, the maximum cup depth CD is Can be different. In such a case, the sidewalls of the shallow pockets can define the same entry angle θ ₂ as the sidewalls of the deep pockets, which can facilitate proper planarization of staples formed by pockets of different depths.

In other examples, forming pocket array 6600 may be defined in a different anvil. For example, anvil 6501 may not include different forming pocket sequences. Rather, an anvil, such as anvil 6501, can consist of, for example, a uniform or identical forming pocket array. In a particular example, forming pocket array 6600 can form a pocket array only within a particular anvil.

Each cup 6610, 6630 is defined by an interface, as described further herein. The cups 6610, 6630 are aligned along the pocket axis 6603 of the forming pocket array 6600. The staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 6603 by the forming pocket arrangement 6600 when deployed from a staple cartridge. For example, the first leg of the staple may be formed by the proximal forming cup 6610 and the second leg of the staple may be formed by the distal forming cup 6630. In such an example, when the anvil 6501 is clamped against the staple cartridge, the first leg of the staple is aligned with a portion of the proximal forming cup 6610 and the second leg of the staple is forming the distal forming cup 6630. Aligned with a portion of.

56 and 57, the forming pocket array 6600 further includes a bridge portion 6605 defined between the forming cups 6610 and 6630. The bridge portion 6605 is recessed with respect to the plane 6507 of the anvil 6501, but the bridge portion 6605 can be flush with the plane 6507. The bridge portion 6605 has a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (FIG. 60). The bridge depth BD is the distance that the bottom of the bridge portion 6605 is recessed with respect to the plane 6507. The bridge width BW is the width of the pocket arrangement 6600 between the cups 6610 and 6630. In this case, the bridge width BW is the narrowest part of the formation surface of each cup 6610, 6630. The forming pocket array 6600 has a center C (FIGS. 55 and 56) defined within the bridge portion 6605. The forming pocket arrangement 6600 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 6605, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket axis 6603, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center C.

Forming pocket array 6605 further comprises a pair of primary sidewalls 6608 extending from plane 6507 of anvil 6501 toward cups 6610, 6630 and bridge portion 6605. The primary sidewall 6608 is angled at an angle θ ₁ (FIGS. 58-60) with respect to the plane 6507 of the anvil 6501. The cups 6610, 6630 define a perimeter 6620, and the inner edge of the primary side wall 6608 extends between the flat surface 6507 and the perimeter 6620 of the cups 6610, 6630. Referring primarily to FIG. 56, the inner edge of the primary side wall 6608 is curved or contoured relative to the cups 6610, 6630.

In particular examples, forming pocket array 6600 may not include primary sidewall 6608. In such an example, the cups 6610, 6630 may extend directly into the plane 6507 and the perimeter 6620 of the cups 6610, 6630 may be defined in the plane 6507.

Referring again to FIGS. 56 and 57, the proximal forming cup 6610 comprises a pair of cup sidewalls 6613 and the distal forming cup 6630 comprises a pair of cup sidewalls 6633. The cup sidewalls 6613, 6633 have a curved or contoured profile and help orient the staple tips and legs of the staple toward the formation surface of the pockets 6610, 6630 and help control the staple formation process. Is configured to be. The side walls 6613, 6633 extend from the primary side wall 6608 and the plane 6507 toward the formation surface of each cup 6610, 6630. The sidewalls 6613, 6633 are configured to facilitate forming staple tips and/or staple legs along the pocket axis 6603 as the staple is formed against the forming surface of the cups 6610, 6630. .. Overall, the primary side wall 6608 and cup side walls 6613, 6633 cooperate to gather the corresponding staple tips toward the lateral center of each cup 6610, 6630. The curved surface or bottom surface 6614, 6634 extends along the lateral center of each corresponding cup 6610, 6630 intermediate the corresponding sidewalls 6613, 6633.

Referring again to FIG. 56, the forming surfaces of the cups 6610, 6630 include inlet area forming surfaces 6611, 6631 and outlet area forming surfaces 6612, 6632, respectively. The entrance area forming surfaces 6611, 6631 may coincide with less erosive channel portions of the sidewalls 6613, 6633. Similarly, the exit area forming surfaces 6612, 6632 may coincide with the more erosive channel portions of the sidewalls 6613, 6633.

57, the forming surface of each cup 6610, 6630 is defined by a depth profile or contour. Proximal forming cup 6610 includes depth profile 6622 and distal forming cup 6630 includes depth profile 6642. Depth profiles 6622, 6642 respectively define the depth of cups 6610, 6630 along the length of the cup. The cups 6610, 6630 reach the maximum cup depth CD in the transition regions 6609, 6629, respectively, which is described further below. The cup depth CD of the pockets 6610, 6630 can be, for example, 0.2-0.4 millimeters. For example, the cup depth CD can be 0.3 millimeters. In other examples, the cup depth CD can be less than 0.2 millimeters or greater than 0.4 millimeters.

The cup depth CD of the cups 6610 and 6630 is less than the cup depth CD of the cups 6510 and 6530 (FIG. 51). For example, the cup depth CD of the cups 6610, 6630 may be 0.2 millimeters less than the cup depth CD of the cups 6510, 6530. In a particular example, the cup depth CD of the cups 6610, 6630 may be 0.1 millimeters to 0.3 millimeters less than the cup depth CD of the cups 6510, 6530. The cup depth CD of the cups 6510, 6530 may be 25% to 50% greater than the cup depth CD of the cups 6610, 6630. For example, the cup depth CD of the cups 6510, 6530 may be 40% greater than the cup depth CD of the cups 6610, 6630. In various examples, the difference between the cup depths CD of the pocket forming arrays 6500 and 6600 can be selected to be equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the staples formed by the pocket forming arrays 6500, 6600. it can.

Depth profiles 6622, 6642 are curved contours lacking straight portions. Further, the depth profiles 6622, 6642 can have one or more radii of curvature. In this case, the depth profiles 6622, 6642 have more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6622 of the proximal forming cup 6610 has an inlet radius of curvature 6617 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 6611 and an outlet radius of curvature 6618 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 6612. Similarly, the depth profile 6642 of the distal forming cup 6630 has an inlet radius of curvature 6637 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 6631 and an outlet radius of curvature 6638 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 6632. In this case, the entrance radii of curvature 6617, 6637 are larger than the exit radii of curvature 6618, 6638. Specific relationships between inlet and outlet radii of curvature and various pocket features, along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships, are further described in US patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914. There is.

The longitudinal outer edge of each cup 6610, 6630 is also referred to as the inlet edge because it defines the beginning of the inlet area forming surfaces 6611, 6631. The inlet edge includes the inlet width which is the maximum width of the forming surface of each cup 6610, 6630. The inner edge of each cup 6610, 6630 is also referred to as the outlet edge because it defines the end of the outlet area forming surface 6612, 6632. The outlet edge includes the outlet width, also referred to as the bridge width BW (FIG. 60), which is the narrowest part of the forming surface of each cup 6610, 6630. Transition areas 6609, 6629 are located intermediate the inlet and outlet areas of each cup. The transition regions 6609, 6629 have a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The transition regions 6609, 6629 include the inflections of the corresponding depth profiles 6622, 6642 and thus the deepest portions of each cup 6610, 6630. In various examples, the transition areas 6609, 6629 include most of the length of each cup 6610, 6630. More specifically, the length of transition regions 6609, 6629 may be greater than the total length of the respective inlet and outlet regions of each cup 6610, 6630. The transition regions 6609, 6629 can extend along the taper or constriction of each cup 6610, 6630. For example, each transition region 6609, 6629 may extend inwardly from the widest section of the corresponding cup 6610, 6630 toward the bridge 6605.

59 is a cross-sectional view of distal formation cup 6630 taken along line 59-59 of FIG. This view is taken near the trough or trough of the distal formation cup 6630. This trough or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 6631 and the outlet area forming surface 6632. In various examples, the transition between the inlet region and the outlet region does not occur in the troughs or troughs of the cup. FIG. 60 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6630 taken along line 60-60 in FIG. 56, disposed within the exit region forming surface 6632 of the formation cup 6630. 58 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6630 taken along the line 58-58 of FIG. 56 disposed within the entry area forming surface 6632 of the distal formation cup 6630.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 58-60, the pair of cup sidewalls 6633 of the distal forming cup 6630 includes a first sidewall 6633a and a second sidewall 6633b. The first sidewall 6633a and the second sidewall 6633b are opposing sidewalls that extend toward each other from the laterally opposing sides of the distal forming cup 6630. The curved or bottom surface 6634 of the distal forming cup 6630 is positioned between the first side wall 6633a and the second side wall 6633b. The bottom surface 6634 of the distal forming cup 6630 is a fully curved, non-planar surface. In other words, bottom surface 6634 lacks a flat plane. The bottom surface 6634 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, at various longitudinal positions along pocket axis 6603, bottom surface 6634 defines different radii of curvature. The tangent to the bottom surface 6634 at the lateral center of the cup 6630 is parallel to the plane 6507 along its length.

In various examples, the curvature of bottom surface 6634 can be sized such that the staple legs do not move along a plane during the staple forming process. In such an example, bottom surface 6643 may form staples into a flatter structure than staples formed along a flat bottom surface, especially when the staple being formed is not aligned with pocket axis 6603. Can be urged. The curvature of the bottom surface 6643 can be sized so that the bottom surface 6643 provides multiple contact surfaces for the staple legs. For example, the radius of curvature of bottom surface 6634 may be less than the radius of curvature of the staple legs.

The cup sidewalls 6613, 6633 are fully curved, non-planar surfaces. In other words, the cup sidewalls 6613, 6633 lack a flat plane. Referring again to FIGS. 58-60, sidewalls 6633a, 6633b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, at various longitudinal positions along pocket axis 6603, sidewalls 6633a, 6633b define different radii of curvature. The fully curved contours of the cup sidewalls 6613, 6633 and the bottom surface 6634 can define the curved interface of the cups 6610, 6630. The cups 6613, 6633 may be perfectly curved and lack a flat plane.

The sidewalls 6633a, 6633b are oriented at various angles of entry θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contacting surface 6507 at various cross-sections of the distal shaping cup 6630. More specifically, in FIGS. 58-60, the tangent T to each sidewall 6633a, 6633b at the perimeter 6620 of the distal formation cup 6630 is oriented at an angle θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contacting surface 6507. The entry angle θ ₂ is constant within the transition formation region 6629 (FIGS. 56 and 57) along most of the length of the distal formation cup 6630. In various examples, the angle θ ₂ can be, for example, about 55 degrees to about 80 degrees. For example, in FIGS. 58 to 60, the angle θ ₂ is 80 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ ₂ can be less than 55 degrees or more than 80 degrees. The side walls 6633a, 6633b are non-vertical side walls, and thus the angle θ ₂ of the tangent T along the perimeter 6620 can be less than 90 degrees, for example.

Reference points at the transitions between sidewalls 6633a, 6633b and bottom surface 6634 are shown in FIGS. 58-60 for exemplary purposes. For example, the curved interface of the distal forming cup 6630 includes a reference point A at the transition between the sidewall 6633a and the bottom surface 6634. At each longitudinal position along cup 6630, first side wall 6633a and second side wall 6633b define a side wall radius of curvature 6643 and bottom surface 6634 defines a bottom radius of curvature 6644. The bottom radius of curvature 6644 can be different than the sidewall radius of curvature 6643. The transition of the radius of curvature at the reference point A includes a transition that is smooth and not steep.

Reference line B is also shown in FIGS. 58-60 for exemplary purposes. The reference line B extends between the first reference point A and the peripheral portion 6620 of the distal forming cup 6630. Reference line B is oriented at angle θ ₃ in FIGS. The angle θ ₃ is constant within the transition formation surface area 6629 (FIG. 57) along most of the length of the distal formation cup 6630. In various examples, angle θ ₃ may be less than angle θ ₂ . The angle θ _{3 in} FIGS. 58 to 60 is, for example, about 55 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ ₃ can be less than 55 degrees or greater than 80 degrees. The angles θ ₂ and θ ₃ are constant along the length of the distal formation cup 6630, or at least along a substantial length of the distal formation cup 6630, but the depth of the distal formation cup 6630 and As the width changes along its length, the radius of curvature and length of the arc defining the sidewalls 6633a, 6633b also changes.

The angle θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contact surface can include a relatively steep angle. For example, the angle θ ₂ may be larger than the angles θ ₁ and θ ₃ . The steepness of angle θ ₂ can encourage staples to be formed along the pocket axis. The constant angle θ ₂ can encourage the unaligned staple legs to move from the periphery of the distal forming cup 6630 toward the lateral center or axis 6603. As described herein, the depth of the pocket can vary along its length. However, maintaining a constant angle θ ₂ encourages the misaligned staple legs to move laterally from the periphery of the distal forming cup 6630, even in shallow areas of the cup 6630. be able to.

Pocket arrays with different cup depths CD can be dimensioned to have the same angles θ ₂ and θ ₃ . For example, the cup depth CD of cups 6610, 6630 (FIG. 57) is less than the cup depth CD of cups 6510, 6530 (FIG. 51), but the angles θ ₂ and θ ₃ may be the same. In at least one example, the angle θ ₂ can be 80 degrees and the angle θ ₃ can be 55 degrees for both forming pocket arrays 6500 and 6600. When the tissue contacting surface 6507 comprises a flat surface, the pocket forming array 6600 can be configured to form staples at a lower height than the pocket forming array 6500. For example, the staple formed by the pocket forming array 6600 may be shorter than the same staple formed by the pocket forming array 6500. In certain instances, changing the staple forming height may be desirable, for example, to control tissue compression and/or fluid flow between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The cup depth CD may be varied to control the staple forming height, but configured to maintain a constant advancing angle θ ₂ along different cup lengths or at least a portion of the lengths. Thus, even short staples can be ensured to be formed into a more consistent planar configuration, which is desirable in certain instances.

68 and 69 show staples 6701 (FIGS. 55-60) formed with forming pocket array 6600, with staples 6701 aligned with pocket axis 6603 of forming pocket array 6600 during the forming process. 68 shows a top view of staple 6701 in a fully formed configuration, and FIG. 69 shows a side view of staple 6701 in a fully formed configuration. The staples can include a base 6702 and staple legs 6703 extending from the base 6702. The base 6702 is aligned with the pocket shaft 6603, and the leading end 6704 of the staple leg 6703 abuts the formed pocket array 6600 along the pocket shaft 6603.

Staples 6701 include a centerline CL (FIG. 69) that extends vertically across the base 6702 and midway between the unformed staple legs 6703. When the staples 6701 are formed in a completely formed configuration, the leading ends 6704 of the staple legs 6703 bend toward the center line CL and the base 6702. Staple legs 6703 are formed to define height H (FIG. 69) when staples 6701 are in their fully formed configuration. Since the cup depth CD of the cups 6610 and 6630 (FIG. 57) is smaller than the cup depth CD of the cups 6510 and 6530 (FIG. 51), when formed with the forming pocket arrangement 6500 (FIGS. 48 to 54 ), The height H may be smaller than the height of the staple 6701.

To achieve a shorter height H, a portion of the staple legs 6703 can be deflected laterally with respect to the centerline CL, and/or the tips 6704 of the staple legs 6702 up to the base 6704. And/or may extend below the base 6704. In contrast, when staples 6701 are formed with forming pocket arrangement 6500 having a deeper cup depth CD, staple legs 6703 may not be laterally biased with respect to centerline CL, and/or Alternatively, the tip 6704 of the staple leg 6702 may not overlap the base 6704 (see, eg, staple 13100 (FIG. 46)). Referring to FIG. 69, a portion of each staple leg 6703 crosses the centerline CL and a tip 6704 of the staple leg 6702 extends beyond or below the tissue compression surface of the base 6702. .. Further, the staple 6701 includes a first tip alignment axis TA1, a second tip alignment axis TA2, and a crown alignment axis CA. When aligned with the pocket axis 6603, the staple 6701 has a first tip alignment axis TA1 and a second tip alignment axis TA2 that are laterally offset from the crown alignment axis CA and are equidistant (D). ) Is formed. Distance D may be approximately equal to the diameter of staple 6701. As a result of the above, the staple 6701 has a substantially planar shape. However, the tip 6704 slightly overlaps the base 6702 and is offset from the base 6702 to achieve a shorter height H.

FIG. 60A is a partial negative view of various slices of the forming pockets of forming pocket array 6600. The dimensions of the various slices are displayed above it. Slices are obtained with only a single sidewall of the forming pocket, in a plane along the forming pocket perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface 6507 and the pocket axis 6603. Each slice has a width "x", a height "y", an upper radius of curvature "ra", and a lower radius of curvature "rb". The width “x” is defined as the x component of the distance between the forming pocket perimeter 6620 and the forming pocket bottom radius of curvature 6644. Height "y" is defined as the y component of the distance between the perimeter 6620 of the forming pocket and the bottom radius of curvature 6644 of the forming pocket. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the sidewall. Each dimension includes a number that indicates the slice to which the dimension corresponds. For example, slice 1 has a width "x ₁ ", a height "y ₁ ", an upper radius of curvature "ra ₁ ", and a lower radius of curvature "rb ₁ ". FIG. 60B is a table 6650 containing dimensions of slices 1-12 of FIG. 60A in at least one embodiment.

FIG. 60C is a cross-sectional view of formed pocket array 6600 taken along pocket axis 6603. FIG. 60C includes various dimensions of the distal formation pocket 6630 of the formation pocket array 6600. The length of the forming pocket 6630 is, for example, 1.90 mm. The depth of the forming pocket 6630 is 0.30 mm, for example. In the particular example, the distal shaping pocket 6630 has three radii of curvature: an entrance radius of curvature of 2.90 mm, a first exit radius of curvature of 0.70 mm, and a second exit radius of curvature of 0.10 mm. .. The width of the bridge portion of the distal forming pocket 6630 is, in this example, the distance between the center of the forming pocket array 6600 and the innermost edge of the first exit radius of curvature (the first closest to the center of the forming pocket array 6600). Edge radius of 1) 0.10 mm. The bridge depth is, for example, 0.05 mm.

61-67 show a forming pocket array 6800 configured to deform staples during a surgical stapling procedure. The forming pocket array 6800 comprises a proximal forming cup or pocket 6810 and a distal forming cup or pocket 6830 defined in the plane or tissue contacting surface 6807 of the anvil 6801. The tissue contacting surface 6807 of the anvil 6801 is configured to compress tissue against the staple cartridge when the anvil 6801 is clamped or closed against the staple cartridge. The forming pocket arrangement 6800 can be similar in many respects to the forming pocket arrangement 6500. For example, the sidewalls of staple forming cups 6810, 6830 intersect plane 6807 at an angle along the length. Each cup 6810, 6830 is defined by an interface, as described further herein. The cups 6810, 6830 are aligned along the pocket axis 6803 of the forming pocket array 6800. The staples are intended to be formed along the pocket axis 6803 by the forming pocket arrangement 6800 when deployed from a staple cartridge. In at least one such example, the first leg of the staple can be formed by the proximal forming cup 6810 and the second leg of the staple can be formed by the distal forming cup 6830. In such an example, when the anvil 6801 is clamped against the staple cartridge, the staple first leg is aligned with a portion of the proximal forming cup 6810 and the staple second leg is distally forming. Aligned with a portion of cup 6830.

62 and 63, the forming pocket array 6800 further includes a bridge portion 6805 defined between the forming cups 6810 and 6830. Bridge portion 6805 is recessed with respect to plane 6807 of anvil 6801. However, in other embodiments, the bridge portion 6805 can be flush with the plane 6807. The bridge portion 6805 has a bridge width BW and a bridge depth BD (FIG. 67). The bridge depth BD is the distance that the bottom of the bridge portion 6805 is recessed with respect to the plane 6807. The bridge width BW is the width of the pocket arrangement 6800 between the cups 6810 and 6830. In this case, the bridge width BW is the narrowest part of the formation surface of each cup 6810, 6830. The forming pocket array 6800 has a center C (FIGS. 61 and 62) defined within the bridge portion 6805. The forming pocket arrangement 6800 is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the bridge portion 6805, bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the pocket axis 6803, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center C.

The forming pocket array 6800 further comprises a pair of primary sidewalls 6808 extending from the plane 6807 of the anvil 6801 toward the cups 6810, 6830 and the bridge portion 6805. The primary sidewall 6808 is angled with respect to the plane 6807 of the anvil 6801 at an angle θ ₁ (FIG. 64). The cups 6810, 6830 define a perimeter 6820, and the inner edge of the primary side wall 6808 extends between the flat surface 6807 and the perimeter 6820 of the cups 6810, 6830. Referring primarily to FIG. 62, the inner edge of the primary sidewall 6808 is curved or contoured relative to the cups 6810, 6830. In particular examples, forming pocket array 6800 may not include primary sidewall 6808. In such an example, the cups 6810, 6830 can extend directly into the plane 6807 and the perimeter 6820 of the cups 6810, 6830 can be defined in the plane 6807.

Referring again to FIGS. 62 and 63, the proximal formation cup 6810 comprises a pair of cup sidewalls 6813 and the distal formation cup 6830 comprises a pair of cup sidewalls 6833. The cup sidewalls 6813, 6833 have a curved or contoured profile and help orient the staple tips and staple legs toward the forming surface of the cups 6810, 6830 and help control the staple forming process. Is configured to be. The sidewalls 6813, 6833 extend from the primary sidewall 6808 and the flat surface 6807 toward the formation surface of each cup 6810, 6830. The sidewalls 6813, 6833 are configured to facilitate forming staple tips and/or staple legs along the pocket axis 6803 as the staple is formed against the forming surface of the cups 6810, 6830. .. Overall, the primary side wall 6808 and cup side walls 6813, 6833 cooperate to gather the corresponding staple tips toward the lateral center of each cup 6810, 6830. The curved or bottom surfaces 6814, 6834 extend along the lateral center of each corresponding cup 6810, 6830 in the middle of the corresponding side wall 6813, 6833.

Referring again to FIG. 62, the forming surfaces of cups 6810, 6830 include inlet area forming surfaces 6811, 6831 and outlet area forming surfaces 6812, 6832, respectively. The inlet area forming surfaces 6811, 6831 may coincide with less aggressive channel portions of the sidewalls 6813, 6833. Similarly, the exit area forming surfaces 6812, 6832 may coincide with the more aggressive channel portions of the sidewalls 6813, 6833.

63, the forming surface of each cup 6810, 6830 is defined by a depth profile or contour. Proximal formation cup 6810 includes a depth profile 6822 and distal formation cup 6830 includes a depth profile 6842. Depth profiles 6822, 6842 respectively define the depth of cups 6810, 6830 along the length of the cup. The cups 6810, 6830 reach the maximum cup depth CD in the transition regions 6809, 6829, respectively, which is described further below. The cup depth CD of the pockets 6810, 6830 can be, for example, 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters. For example, the cup depth CD can be 0.5 millimeters. In other examples, the cup depth CD can be less than 0.4 millimeters or greater than 0.6 millimeters.

Depth profiles 6822, 6842 are curved contours lacking straight portions. Further, the depth profiles 6822, 6842 may have one or more radii of curvature. In this case, the depth profiles 6822, 6842 have more than one radius of curvature. Specifically, the depth profile 6822 of the proximal forming cup 6810 has an inlet radius of curvature 6817 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 6811 and an outlet radius of curvature 6818 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 6812. Similarly, the depth profile 6842 of the distal forming cup 6830 has an inlet radius of curvature 6837 corresponding to the inlet area forming surface 6831 and an outlet radius of curvature 6838 corresponding to the outlet area forming surface 6832. In this case, the entrance radii of curvature 6817, 6837 are larger than the exit radii of curvature 6818, 6838. Specific relationships between inlet and outlet radii of curvature and various pocket features, along with some potential advantages and patterns of specific relationships, are further described in US patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914. There is.

The longitudinal outer edge of each cup 6810, 6830 is also referred to as the inlet edge because it defines the beginning of the inlet area forming surface 6811, 6831. The inlet edge includes the inlet width which is the maximum width of the forming surface of each cup 6810, 6830. The inner edge of each cup 6810, 6830 is also referred to as the outlet edge because it defines the end of the outlet area forming surface 6812, 6832. The outlet edge includes the outlet width, also referred to as the bridge width BW (FIG. 67), which is the narrowest portion of the forming surface of each cup 6810, 6830. Transition areas 6809, 6829 are located intermediate the inlet and outlet areas of each cup. The transition regions 6809, 6829 have a transition width that is less than the inlet width but greater than the outlet width. The transition regions 6809, 6829 include the inflections of the corresponding depth profiles 6822, 6842 and thus the deepest portions of each cup 6810, 6830. In various examples, the transition regions 6809, 6829 include the majority of the length of each cup 6810, 6830. More specifically, the length of the transition regions 6809, 6829 may be greater than the total length of the respective inlet and outlet regions of each cup 6810, 6830. The transition regions 6809, 6829 can extend along the taper or constriction of each cup 6810, 6830. For example, each transition region 6809, 6829 may extend inwardly from the widest section of the corresponding cup 6810, 6830 towards the bridge 6805.

66 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6830 taken along line 66-66 of FIG. This view is taken near the trough or trough of the distal formation cup 6830. This trough or trough is also the transition between the inlet area forming surface 6831 and the outlet area forming surface 6832. In various examples, the transition between the inlet region and the outlet region does not occur in the troughs or troughs of the cup. 67 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6830 taken along line 67-67 in FIG. 62 positioned within the exit area forming surface 6832 of the formation cup 6830. 64 is a cross-sectional view of the distal formation cup 6830 taken along line 64-64 of FIG. 62 and FIG. 65 is a distal formation cup 6830 taken along line 65-65 of FIG. 3B are cross-sectional views of both of which are located within the inlet region forming surface 6832 of the distal forming cup 6830.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 64-67, the pair of cup sidewalls 6833 of the distal forming cup 6830 include a first sidewall 6833a and a second sidewall 6833b. First sidewall 6833a and second sidewall 6833b are opposing sidewalls that extend toward one another from laterally opposing sides of distal forming cup 6830. The curved or bottom surface 6834 of the distal forming cup 6830 is positioned between the first side wall 6833a and the second side wall 6833b. The bottom surface 6834 of the distal forming cup 6830 is a fully curved, non-planar surface. In other words, the bottom surface 6834 lacks a flat plane. The bottom surface 6834 can define one or more radii of curvature. For example, at various longitudinal positions along pocket axis 6803, bottom surface 6834 defines different radii of curvature. The tangent to the bottom surface 6834 at the lateral center of the cup 6830 is parallel to the plane 6807 along its length.

In various examples, the bottom surface 6834 curvature can be dimensioned such that the staple legs do not move along a plane during the staple forming process. In such an example, the bottom surface 6843 may cause the staples to form a flatter structure than the staples formed along the flat bottom surface, especially when the staple being formed is not aligned with the pocket axis 6803. Can be urged. The curvature of the bottom surface 6843 can be dimensioned such that the bottom surface 6843 provides multiple contact surfaces for the staple legs. For example, the radius of curvature of bottom surface 6834 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the staple legs.

The cup sidewalls 6813, 6833 are fully curved, non-planar. In other words, the cup sidewalls 6813, 6833 lack a flat plane. The sidewalls 6833a, 6833b define one or more radii of curvature. For example, at various longitudinal positions along the pocket axis 6803, the side walls 6833a, 6833b define different radii of curvature. The fully curved contours of the cup sidewalls 6813, 6833 and the bottom surface 6834 can define the curved interface of the cups 6810, 6830. The cups 6813, 6833 may be perfectly curved and lack a flat plane.

The sidewalls 6833a, 6833b are oriented at various angles of entry θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contacting surface 6807 at various cross-sections of the distal shaping cup 6830. More specifically, in FIGS. 64-67, the tangent T to each sidewall 6833a, 6833b at the perimeter 6820 of the distal formation cup 6830 is oriented at an angle θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contacting surface 6807. The entry angle θ ₂ is constant within the transition formation region 6829 (FIGS. 62 and 64) along most of the length of the distal formation cup 6830. In various examples, the angle θ ₂ can be, for example, about 55 degrees to about 80 degrees. For example, in FIGS. 64 to 67, the angle θ ₂ is 80 degrees. In other examples, the angle θ ₂ can be less than 55 degrees or more than 80 degrees. The sidewalls 6833a, 6833b are non-vertical sidewalls, and thus the angle θ ₂ of the tangent T along the perimeter 6820 can be, for example, less than 90 degrees.

Reference points at the transitions between the sidewalls 6833a, 6833b and the bottom surface 6834 are shown in FIGS. 64-67 for illustrative purposes. For example, the curved interface of distal forming cup 6830 includes datum A at the transition between sidewall 6833a and bottom 6834. At each longitudinal position along the cup 6530, the first side wall 6833a and the second side wall 6833b define a side wall radius of curvature 6843 and the bottom surface 6834 defines a bottom radius of curvature 6844. The bottom radius of curvature 6844 can be different than the sidewall radius of curvature 6843. The transition of the radius of curvature at the reference point A includes a transition that is smooth and not steep.

Reference line B is also shown in FIGS. 64-67 for exemplary purposes. The reference line B extends between the first reference point A and the perimeter 6820 of the distal shaping cup 6830. The reference line B is oriented at an angle θ ₃ in FIGS. 64-67. The angle θ ₃ varies along the length of the distal formation cup 6830. In various examples, the angle θ ₃ may be less than the angle θ ₂ along the length of the distal forming cup 6830. The angle θ ₃ can increase and then decrease as the sidewalls 6833a, 6833b extend inward toward the center C. For example, the angle θ ₃ increases from the inlet edge of the cup 6830 toward the transition region 6829, remains constant within the transition region 6829, and decreases from the transition region 6829 toward the outlet edge of the cup 6830. You can In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the angle θ ₃ is 45 degrees in FIG. 64, the angle θ _3′ is 55 degrees in FIG. 65, the angle θ _3″ is 70 degrees in FIG. 66, and the angle θ _{3 is "''} is 55 degrees in FIG. 67. The angles θ ₂ and θ ₃ are constant within the transition region 6829 of the distal formation cup 6830, but define side walls 6833a, 6833b as the depth and width of the distal formation cup 6830 changes along its length. The radius of curvature and the length of the arc to be changed also change.

The angle θ ₂ with respect to the tissue contact surface can include a relatively steep angle. For example, the angle θ ₂ may be larger than the variable angle θ ₃ . The steepness of angle θ ₂ can encourage staples to be formed along the pocket axis. The constant angle θ ₂ can encourage the unaligned staple legs to move laterally from the periphery of the cup. In various examples, the angle θ ₂ can be constant and steep in the exit region, which can improve staple formation quality. Additionally or alternatively, the angle θ ₂ may be constant in the transition region. As described herein, the depth of the pocket can vary along its length. However, maintaining a constant angle θ ₂ can encourage the unaligned staple legs to move laterally from the periphery of the cup, even in shallow areas of the cup. .. Further, the maximum cup depth CD for a particular anvil can vary between anvil pockets. For example, different depths may be utilized to form staples at different heights, and/or staples driven by drivers having different heights, as further described herein. Can be formed. In such a case, the constant angle θ ₂ can encourage staples formed by shallow pockets to be formed along the pocket axis.

In certain examples, the anvil of a surgical end effector may include staple forming pockets of varying depth. For example, the depth of the staple forming pockets can vary longitudinally between rows of forming pockets and/or along the length of the row of forming pockets. Such depth differences correspond to changes in the displacement of the staple driver within the staple cartridge during the staple firing stroke, changes in the overdrive distance of the fired staples, and/or changes in the position of the anvil relative to the staple cartridge. You can choose. Additionally or alternatively, the depth difference between the staple forming pockets may correspond to various tissue gaps between the stepped tissue compression surfaces on the anvil and/or staple cartridge. Corresponding to different stroke lengths and different amounts of staple overdrive to form staples to the same forming height when the staples are driven by drivers having different lift lengths that result in different amounts of staple overdrive. The depth difference between the staple forming pockets can be selected. In other examples, staple forming pockets of different depths on the anvil can be selected to form staples at different heights, which, in certain instances, compresses stapled tissue. And/or to accommodate variations in tissue thickness.

67A is a partial negative view of various slices of a forming pocket of forming pocket array 6800. FIG. The dimensions of the various slices are displayed above it. Slices are obtained with only a single sidewall of the forming pocket and in a plane along the forming pocket perpendicular to the tissue contacting surface 6807 and the pocket axis 6803. Each slice has a width "x", a height "y", an upper radius of curvature "ra", and a lower radius of curvature "rb". The width “x” is defined as the x component of the distance between the forming pocket perimeter 6820 and the forming pocket bottom radius of curvature 6844. Height “y” is defined as the y component of the distance between the forming pocket perimeter 6820 and the forming pocket bottom radius of curvature 6844. The upper radius of curvature "ra" is defined as the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the sidewall. The lower radius of curvature "rb" is defined as the radius of curvature of the lower portion of the sidewall. Each dimension includes a number that indicates the slice to which the dimension corresponds. For example, slice 1 has a width "x ₁ ", a height "y ₁ ", an upper radius of curvature "ra ₁ ", and a lower radius of curvature "rb ₁ ". 67B is a table 6850 containing dimensions for slices 1-12 of FIG. 67A in at least one embodiment.

67C is a cross-sectional view of formed pocket array 6800 taken along pocket axis 6803. FIG. 67C includes various dimensions of the distal formation pocket 6830 of the formation pocket array 6800. The length of the forming pocket 6830 is, for example, 1.90 mm. The depth of the forming pocket 6830 is, for example, 0.50 mm. In a particular example, the distal forming pocket 6830 has three radii of curvature: an entrance radius of curvature of 1.40 mm, a first exit radius of curvature of 0.80 mm, and a second exit radius of curvature of 0.10 mm. .. The width of the bridge portion of the distal forming pocket 6830 is, in this example, the distance between the center of the forming pocket array 6800 and the innermost edge of the first exit radius of curvature (the first closest to the center of the forming pocket array 6800). Edge radius of 1) 0.10 mm. The bridge depth is 0.15 mm, for example.

70, a surgical end effector 7000 including an anvil 7001 and a staple cartridge 7060 having a plurality of staples 7080 is shown. The end effector 7000 is in the closed or clamped position. More specifically, anvil 7001 can be pivoted with respect to staple cartridge 7060 to move end effector 7000 to a closed position to clamp tissue between anvil 7001 and staple cartridge 7060. In another example, the anvil 7001 can be fixed and the staple cartridge 7060 can pivot relative to the anvil 7001 to move the end effector 7000 to the closed position. In yet another example, both anvil 7001 and staple cartridge 7060 can be configured to pivot to move end effector 7000 toward a closed position.

In the closed position, a uniform tissue gap TG is defined between staple cartridge 7060 and anvil 7001. In other words, the tissue gap TG is constant across the lateral direction of the end effector 7000. Staple cartridge 7060 includes a flat or substantially flat tissue compression surface or deck 7062, and anvil 7001 also includes a flat or substantially flat tissue compression surface 7007. Neither the deck 7062 of the staple cartridge 7060 nor the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001 includes a stepped surface having a longitudinal step between adjacent longitudinal portions. In other examples, the tissue compression surface of the staple cartridge deck and/or anvil, as described herein, can include a stepped profile.

Staple cartridge 7060 includes a staple cartridge body 7064 having a longitudinal slot 7065 and a plurality of staple cavities 7066 defined therein. Slot 7065 extends along the central longitudinal axis of staple cartridge 7060. Each staple cavity 7066 includes an opening in deck 7062. Staple cavity 7066 has a plurality of longitudinally extending rows on each side of slot 7065, including a first or outer row 7068a, a second or middle row 7068b, and a third or inner row 7068c. It is located in the existing row 7068. In other examples, staple cartridge 7060 can have less than six rows or more than six rows of staple cavities 7066. For example, the staple cartridge can have two rows of staple cavities on each side of the longitudinal slot 7065.

Staples 7080 are removably stored within each staple cavity 7066, and each staple 7080 is supported by a staple driver 7070. In various examples, staple driver 7070 can support and fire more than one staple 7080. For example, the driver may be configured to fire staples simultaneously from adjacent rows of staple cavities in the staple cartridge. Deck 7062 includes a cavity extender 7061 projecting from deck 7062 toward tissue compression surface 7007 of anvil 7001. Cavity extender 7061 is disposed around at least a portion of staple cavity 7066 and can guide staples 7080 above deck 7062. Cavity extender 7061 may also be configured to engage or grasp tissue during firing and/or support staples 7080 and/or driver 7070. In other examples, the deck 7062 may not have a cavity extender and may have a smooth tissue contacting surface, for example.

The staples 7080 of FIG. 70 are shown in a formed structure in which staples 7080 fired from a cavity 7066 are formed at the same height H across rows 7068a, 7068b, 7068c on either side of a slot 7065. Forming the staples at a uniform height can tighten the tissue tightly and reduce bleeding from the tissue.

The driver 7070 is movably positioned within the cavity 7066. During the firing stroke, the firing member is configured to lift the driver 7070 toward the anvil 7001 and drive the staples 7080 supported on the driver 7070 to form engagement with the anvil 7001. Each staple 7080 is driven to make contact with a staple forming pocket array 7002, 7004 defined in a plane 7007 of the anvil 7001. The staple forming pocket array 7002, 7004 includes a plurality of longitudinal rows including a first row or outer row 7003a, a second row or middle row 7003b, and a third row or inner row 7003c on each side of the anvil 7001. It is arranged in a column 7003 extending in the direction. Each row of staple cavities 7066 is aligned with a row 7003 of staple forming pocket arrays 7002, 7004. Each staple forming pocket array 7002, 7004 may include a pair of forming pockets or cups, eg, a proximal cup and a distal cup, as described with respect to various staple forming pocket arrays disclosed herein. Yes, each cup can be positioned to receive a staple leg as the staple 7080 is driven to form contact with the anvil 7001.

Anvil 7001 includes two different staple forming pocket arrays. More specifically, anvil 7001 includes a first stapling pocket array 7002 having a first shape and a second stapling pocket array 7004 having a second shape. The first stapling pocket array 7002 is aligned with the outermost rows 7068a of staple cavities 7066 on either side of the slot 7065, and the second stapling pocket array 7004 is located on both sides of the slot 7065, a row 7068b of staple cavities 7066, Aligned with 7068c. The cups of the first staple forming pocket array 7002 define a cup depth CD ₁ with respect to the anvil plane 7007, and the cups of the second staple forming pocket array 7004 have a cup depth CD _{2 with} respect to the anvil plane 7007. To define The cup depth CD ₁ of the outer staple forming pocket arrangement 7002 is greater than the cup depth CD ₂ of the inner staple forming pocket arrangement 7004. As a result, the deep staple forming pockets of the first array 7002 are located laterally outside the shallow staple forming pockets of the second array 7004, although any suitable arrangement can be used.

In various examples, the first stapling pocket array 7002 may be the same or similar to the stapling pocket array 6800 (FIGS. 61-67), and the second stapling pocket array 7004 may be the stapling pockets. It may be the same as or similar to array 6600 (FIGS. 55-61). The depth of the cup differs between the first forming pocket array 7002 and the second forming pocket array 7004, but the sidewalls of the cup can intersect the plane 7007 at the same angle. That is, the tangent to the sidewall may be maintained at a constant angle of entry along the length of the cup in each array 7002, 7004, or at least along the majority of the length of the cup in each array 7002, 7004. As described herein, the steep, constant angle sidewalls are configured to facilitate planar formation of staples 7080 that include staples that are not aligned with the central axes of arrays 7002, 7004. ..

In the fired position shown in FIG. 70, the staples 7080 are overdriven relative to the staple cartridge body 7064. More specifically, the staple-bearing surface of each driver 7070 is driven beyond the staple cartridge body 7064 so that the staples 7080 are completely removed from the cartridge body 7064 during firing. When overdriven, the cradle or bottom of each staple 7080 is positioned above deck 7062 and/or above cavity extender 7061 protruding from deck 7062. The overdrive mechanism of the driver 7070 can be configured to completely eject the fired staples 7080 from the staple cartridge 7060, for example, to facilitate release of stapled tissue from the end effector 7000. Stated another way, the overdrive mechanism of the driver 7070 can push tissue away from the deck 7067.

In various examples, different staples may be overdriven by different amounts. For example, staples 7080 fired from the outer row 7068a of staple cavities 7066 are overdriven a first distance D ₁ relative to deck surface 7062 and fired from middle row 7068b and inner row 7068c of staple cavities 7066. The staples 7080 are overdriven relative to the deck surface 7062 by a second distance D ₂ . Distances D ₁ and D _{2 in} FIG. 70 are the distance between the cradle of staples 7080 and the flat deck surface 7062. In another example, the overdrive distance can be measured between the support surface of the staple cradle and the top surface of the adjacent cavity extender 7061.

To achieve the different overdriven distances D ₁ and D ₂ of FIG. 70, the stroke length of the driver 7070 can be different. For example, the firing element may raise the driver 7070 supporting the staples 7080 in the outer row 7068a by a first distance and the driver 7070 supporting the staples 7080 in the inner rows 7068b, 7068c by a second distance. Can be configured to. In a particular example, the shape of the sled can be selected to control various stroke lengths of the driver 7070. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the driver 7070, such as the height of the driver, can be selected to control different overdrive distances, for example.

In FIG. 70, for each staple 7080 formed, the sum of tissue gap and cup depth is equal to the sum of overdrive distance and staple height. For example:
TG+CD ₁ =D ₁ +H
And TG+CD ₂ =D ₂ +H

Stated another way, for each staple formed, the height of the staple H is equal to the sum of the tissue gap TG and the cup depth CD minus the overdrive distance D.
H=TG+CD ₁ −D ₁
And H = TG + _{CD 2} -D 2

As shown in FIG. 70, when the staple height H and tissue gap TG are laterally constant across the end effector 7000, different cup depths correspond to different overdrive distances. For example, to make anvil 7001 compatible with staple cartridge 7060, staple forming pocket arrays 7002, 7004 and cup depths CD ₁ , CD ₂ are selected to accommodate different overdrive distances D ₁ , D _2. can do. For example, the difference between the cup depth CD ₁ and the cup depth CD ₂ can be configured to accommodate the difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ .
_{CD 1 -CD 2 = D 1 -D} 2

More specifically, for example, if the difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ is 0.38 millimeters, the difference between the cup depths CD ₁ and CD ₂ can also be 0.38 millimeters. In a particular example, the difference between the overdrive distance and the cup depth can be, for example, 0.2 millimeters to 1 millimeter. The corresponding difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ and the cup depths CD ₁ and CD ₂ is configured to form the staples 7080 at the same height H across the lateral direction of the end effector 7000. Regardless of cup depth, as described further herein, the sidewalls of the cup and the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001 cooperate with the tissue compression surface 7007 of the anvil 7001 to facilitate planarization of staples 7080 that include unaligned staples. It can be designed to intersect at a constant angle.

In particular examples, the surgical instrument and/or its subassemblies may be modular. Various types of staple cartridges may be compatible with more than one anvil, and/or various types of anvil may be compatible with more than one staple cartridge. For example, a staple cartridge 7060 compatible with an anvil 7001 having a flat tissue compression surface 7007 (see, eg, FIG. 70) may also be compatible with a stepped anvil. An end effector including a staple cartridge 7060 and a compatible stepped anvil can define a laterally variable tissue gap TG. However, such end effectors may still be configured to form staples at a constant forming height. In such an example, the different overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ may correspond to different heights of the anvil stepped tissue compression surface.

71, the end effector 7100 is shown with the staple cartridge 7060 and anvil 7101. The end effector 7100 is in the closed or clamped position. In use, the anvil 7101 can be pivoted relative to the staple cartridge 7060 to move the end effector 7100 to a closed position and clamp tissue between the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7060. In another example, the anvil 7101 can be fixed and the staple cartridge 7060 can pivot relative to the anvil 7101 to move the end effector 7100 to the closed position. In yet another example, both anvil 7101 and staple cartridge 7060 can be configured to pivot to move end effector 7100 toward a closed position.

Anvil 7101 includes a longitudinal stepped tissue compression surface 7107 between adjacent longitudinal portions. More specifically, anvil 7101 includes a plurality of longitudinal portions 7110 that include a first or outer portion 7110a and a second or inner portion 7110b on each outer side of anvil 7101. The step 7112 is positioned between the outer portion 7100a and the inner portion 7100b. The steps 7112 extend parallel to the rows of staple forming pocket arrays 7102 defined in the surface 7107 and extend along an axis positioned midway between adjacent rows of staple forming pocket arrays 7102.

The step 7112 has a height H _step corresponding to the height difference between the first longitudinal portion 7110a and the second longitudinal portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107. Since the staple cartridge 7060 includes a stepless deck 7062, the height H _step corresponds to the change in tissue clearance between the staple cartridge 7060 and the anvil 7101 when the end effector 7100 is in the closed position. The first tissue gap TG ₁ is defined between the first portion 7110a and the staple cartridge 7060, and the second tissue gap TG ₂ is defined between the second portion 7110b and the staple cartridge 7060. .. The tissue gap TG ₁ is larger than the tissue gap TG ₂ . It may be desirable to apply greater tissue compression adjacent the slot 7065 and/or along the inner portion 7110b of the anvil 7101 as compared to the sides of the end effector 7100. In other examples, the anvil 7101 can include additional longitudinal portions with a step between them, and in such examples define an additional different tissue gap when the end effector 7100 is in the closed position. Good.

The staples 7080 of FIG. 71 are shown in a formed structure in which staples 7080 fired from rows 7068a, 7068b, 7068c of staple cavities 7066 on either side of slot 7065 are formed at the same height H. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member is configured to lift the driver 7070 toward the anvil 7101 and drive the staples 7080 supported on the driver 7070 to form engagement with the anvil 7101. More specifically, each staple 7080 is driven to make contact with one of the staple forming pocket arrays 7102 defined in the tissue compression surface 7107 of the anvil 7101. The staple forming pocket array 7102 extends in a plurality of longitudinal directions, including a first row or outer row 7103a, a second row or middle row 7103b, and a third row or inner row 7103c on either side of the anvil 7101. It is located in the existing column 7103. The first longitudinal portion 7110a includes a first row 7103a and the second longitudinal portion 7110b includes a second row 7103b and a third row 7103c. Each row 7068 of staple cavities 7066 is aligned with row 7103 of staple forming pocket array 7102. Each staple forming pocket array 7102 includes a pair of forming pockets or cups, for example, a proximal cup and a distal cup, each cup being as described with respect to various staple forming pocket arrangements disclosed herein. , Staples 7080 are positioned to receive staple legs as they are driven to form contact with anvil 7101.

The staple forming pocket array 7102 defines a cup depth CD with respect to the tissue compression surface 7107. In various examples, staple forming pocket array 7102 is the same or similar to staple forming pocket array 6600 (FIGS. 55-60). In such an example, the sidewall of the cup may intersect the tissue compression surface 7107 at an angle. That is, the tangent to the sidewall may be maintained at a constant entry angle along the length of the cup, or at least along most of the length of the cup. The steep, angled sidewalls along the length of the cup are configured to facilitate planar formation of staples 7080 that include staples that are not aligned with the central axis of staple forming array 7102.

In FIG. 71, for each staple 7080 formed, the sum of tissue gap and cup depth is equal to the sum of overdrive distance and staple height. For example:
TG ₁ +CD=D ₁ +H
And TG ₂ +CD=D ₂ +H

Stated another way, for each staple formed, the height of the staple H is equal to the sum of the tissue gap TG and the cup depth CD minus the overdrive distance D.
H=TG ₁ +CD-D ₁
And H=TG ₂ +CD-D ₂

As shown in FIG. 71, when the staple height H and cup depth CD are constant laterally across the end effector 7100, the height of the tissue compression surface 7107 changes, ie, corresponds to different overdrive distances. A stepped profile can be defined. For example, the difference between tissue gap TG ₁ and tissue gap TG ₂ can be configured to accommodate the difference between overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ .
TG ₁ −TG ₂ =D ₁ −D ₂

In other words, the height H _step of the step 7112 between the longitudinal portions 7110a, 7110b can be equal to the difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ .
H _step =D ₁ −D ₂

For example, if the difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ is 0.38 mm, the height H _step of the step 7112 may also be 0.38 mm. In a particular example, the difference between the overdrive distance and the tissue gap can be 0.2 millimeters to 1 millimeter. A corresponding difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ and the heights of the longitudinal portions 7110a, 7110b may be configured to form the staples 7080 laterally of the end effector 7100 at the same forming height H. it can.

Above a certain threshold load, the anvil 7101 can be prone to bend along the step 7112 such that the tissue gap along the sides of the anvil 7101 is greater than the tissue gap TG ₁ shown in FIG. .. As a result, anvil 7001 (FIG. 70) may include a planar or stepless tissue compression surface 7007, such that anvil 7001 may be stiffer than anvil 7101. The anvil 7001 can be made stiffer and thus less prone to bending and/or deflection when subjected to high compressive loads during clamping and/or firing.

In various examples, it may be desirable to utilize an anvil having a flat or stepless tissue compression surface, such as anvil 7001, to minimize deflection along the sides of the anvil. In certain instances, the variable tissue gap may also be desirable to control the flow of tissue and/or the amount of tissue ultimately compressed by the end effector. For example, a relatively small outer tissue gap and a relatively large inner tissue gap may allow the end effector to capture more tissue adjacent the cutting line, which may improve hemostasis. The small outer tissue gap can improve control over tissue flow and ensure that the sides of the end effector effectively grip and engage the target tissue. Moreover, the large inner tissue gap may allow the end effector to capture larger, eg, thicker, tissue pieces.

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

Still referring to FIG. 72, the end effector 7200 is in the closed or clamped position. In use, the anvil 7001 can be pivoted relative to the staple cartridge 7260 to move the end effector 7200 to a closed position and clamp tissue between the anvil 7001 and the staple cartridge 7260. In another example, the anvil 7001 can be fixed and the staple cartridge 7260 can pivot relative to the anvil 7001 to move the end effector 7200 to the closed position. In yet another example, both anvil 7001 and staple cartridge 7260 can be configured to pivot to move end effector 7200 toward a closed position.

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

Each staple 7280 is supported by a staple driver 7270. In various examples, staple driver 7270 can support and fire more than one staple 7280. For example, the driver can be configured to fire staples from adjacent rows of staple cavities in the staple cartridge. Deck 7262 includes a cavity extender 7261 projecting from deck 7262 toward tissue compression surface 7007 of anvil 7001. Cavity extender 7261 may be disposed around at least a portion of staple cavity 7266 to guide the staple as it exits staple cavity 7266. Cavity extender 7261 may also be configured to engage or grasp tissue and/or support staples 7280 and/or drivers 7270, for example, during firing. In other examples, the deck 7262 may not have a cavity extender and may have a smooth tissue contacting surface, for example.

The staples 7280 of FIG. 72 are shown in a formed structure in which staples 7280 fired from a cavity 7266 are formed at the same height H across rows 7268a, 7268b, 7268c on either side of slots 7265. In certain instances, it may be advantageous to form staples over multiple rows to tighten the tissue and reduce bleeding from the tissue.

The driver 7270 is movably positioned within the cavity 7266. During the firing stroke, the firing member is configured to lift the driver 7270 toward the anvil 7001 and drive the staples 7280 supported on the driver 7070 to form engagement with the anvil 7001. Each staple 7280 is driven to form contact with a staple forming pocket array 7002, 7004. Each row 7268 of staple cavities 7266 is aligned with a row 7003 of staple forming pocket arrays 7002, 7004. The first staple forming pocket array 7002 is aligned with the outermost row 7268a of the staple cavities 7266 on each side of the slot 7265, and the second staple forming pocket array 7004 is formed on the respective side of the slot 7265. Are aligned with the innermost rows 7268b, 7268c.

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

The step 7267 has a height H _step corresponding to the height difference between the first longitudinal portion 7263a and the second longitudinal portion 7263b of the deck 7262. Further, since the anvil 7001 includes a stepless tissue compression surface 7007, the height H _step accommodates changes in the tissue gap between the staple cartridge 7260 and the anvil 7001 when the end effector 7200 is in the closed position. The first tissue gap TG ₁ is defined between the first portion 7263a and the anvil 7001 and the second tissue gap TG ₂ is defined between the second portion 7263b and the anvil 7001. The tissue gap TG ₂ is larger than the tissue gap TG ₁ . In certain examples, as described further herein, it may be desirable to apply greater tissue compression adjacent the sides of the end effector 7200 than along the central medial portion of the end effector 7200. In other examples, staple cartridge 7260 can include additional longitudinal portions with steps therebetween, in such examples defining additional different tissue gaps when end effector 7200 is in the closed position. Good.

In the fired position shown in FIG. 72, the staples 7280 are overdriven relative to the staple cartridge body 7264. More specifically, the staple support surface of each driver 7270 is driven beyond the staple cartridge body 7264 so that the staples 7280 are completely removed from the cartridge body 7264 during firing. The cradle or bottom surface of each staple 7280 is positioned above deck 7262. The cradle of a particular staple 7280 is also positioned above the cavity extender 7261 protruding from the deck 7262, and the cradle of another staple 7280 is below the cavity extender 7261 and/or flush with the cavity extender 7261. Positioned. The overdrive mechanism of the driver 7270 can be configured to completely remove the fired staples 7280 from the staple cartridge 7260, facilitating release of stapled tissue from the end effector 7200.

In various examples, different staples may be overdriven by different amounts. For example, the staples 7280 fired from the outer row 7268a of the staple cavities 7266 are overdriven by a first distance D ₁ and the staples 7280 fired from the middle row 7268b of the staple cavities 7266 are secondarily to the cartridge body 7264. The staples 7280 that are overdriven by a distance D ₂ from the inner row 7268c of the staple cavities 7266 are overdriven by a third distance D ₃ relative to the cartridge body 7264. Distances D ₁ , D ₂ , and D _{3 in} FIG. 72 are distances between the cradle of staples 7280 and the adjacent portion of deck surface 7262.

To achieve the different overdriven distances D ₁ , D ₂ , and D ₃ of FIG. 72, the stroke length of the driver 7270 can be different. For example, the firing element lifts the driver 7270 supporting the staples 7280 in the outer row 7268a a first distance and the driver 7070 supporting the staples 7280 in the middle row 7268b a second distance, The driver 7270 supporting the staples 7280 in 7268c may be configured to be raised a third distance. In a particular example, the shape of the firing element may be selected to control various stroke lengths of the driver 7270. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of the driver 7270, such as the height of the driver, can be selected to control different overdrive distances, for example. The different overdriven distances D ₁ , D ₂ , and D ₃ of FIG. 72 may also be controlled by the different heights of the step deck 7262.

When the tissue gap is constant between rows of staples, as described herein with respect to end effector 7000 (FIG. 70), different cup depths result in staples being formed at the same forming height. , Can be configured to accommodate variations in excess drive distance. For example, referring again to FIG. 72, the tissue gap TG ₁ is constant between the first row 6268a and the second row 6268b of the staple cavities 6266, in such an example different cup depths CD ₁ and CD. ₂ is configured to accommodate variations in overdrive distances D ₁ and D ₂ . Further, as the tissue gap varies between rows of staples, as described with respect to the end effector 7100 (FIG. 71), the tissue gap difference can be such that the overdrive distance is such that the staples are formed at the same build height. Can adapt to fluctuations in For example, referring again to FIG. 72, the height H _step of the step 7267 corresponds to the difference between the overdrive distances D ₂ and D ₃ .

In various examples, staple cartridge 7260 may also be compatible with an anvil having a stepped tissue compression surface, such as anvil 7101 (FIG. 71). In such an example, different overdrive distances D ₁ , D ₂ and D ₃ may correspond to different tissue gaps between the anvil stepped tissue compression surface 7107 and the staple cartridge stepped deck 7262. An end effector 7300 that includes a staple cartridge 7260 and an anvil 7101 is shown in FIG. As described further herein, the end effector 7300 is configured to form staples at a constant forming height over multiple rows.

With the two stepped surfaces 7107 and 7262 of FIG. 73, the end effector 7300 defines a plurality of tissue gaps between the anvil 7101 and the staple cartridge 7260. The first tissue gap TG ₁ is defined between the first portion 7263a of the deck 7262 and the first portion 7110a of the tissue compression surface 7107, and the second tissue gap TG ₂ is the first portion of the deck 7262. A third tissue gap TG ₃ is defined between the portion 7263a and the second portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107, and the third tissue gap TG ₃ is between the second portion 7263b of the deck 7262 and the second portion 7110b of the tissue compression surface 7107. Is defined between. The outer row 7268a of the staple cavities 7266 and the outer row 7103a of the staple forming pockets 7102 are aligned with the first tissue gap TG ₁ and the middle row 7268b of the staple cavities 7266 and the middle row 7103b of the staple forming pockets 7102 are a tissue gap TG ₂ and the alignment, inner row 7268c and inner row 7103c of staple forming pockets 7102 of the staple cavity 7266 is aligned with the third tissue gap TG _3. As described with respect to the end effector 7100 (FIG. 71), when the tissue gap varies between rows of staples, the tissue gap difference causes variations in excess drive distance such that the staples are formed at the same build height. Can correspond to. For example, referring again to FIG. 73, the height H _step of the anvil step 7112 corresponds to the difference between the overdrive distances D ₁ and D _2, and the height H _step of the cartridge step 7267 is the overdrive distance D 1. Corresponds to the difference between ₂ and D ₃ .

As described herein, the surgical instrument assembly can include a shaft portion and an articulatable end effector portion. For example, the articulation assembly may be positioned intermediate the shaft portion and the end effector portion, the articulation assembly may allow the end effector portion to articulate with respect to the shaft portion. it can. Various articulation assemblies are described in US patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, filed Feb. 9, 2016, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety and hereby incorporated by reference. SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS".

An exemplary surgical instrument assembly 8000 having an articulation joint 8200 is shown in FIGS. 74-77. Surgical instrument assembly 8000 includes shaft 8010 and end effector 8100. Shaft 8010 includes a closed tube assembly 8040. Closure tube assembly 8040, for example, is in many respects similar to closure tube assembly 140 (see, eg, FIG. 2) and is described further herein. Shaft 8010 also includes an articulation drive system 8201 configured to articulate end effector 8100 relative to shaft 8010. The articulation joint 8200 causes the articulation produced by the articulation drive system 8201 to articulate the end effector 8100 relative to the shaft 8010 about the articulation axis BB (FIGS. 75-77). It is positioned midway between the shaft 8010 and the end effector 8100.

Articulation drive system 8201 includes an articulation rod 8202 including a distal end 8204. Articulation drive system 8201 also includes an articulation link 8206 with a proximal end 8208 coupled to the distal end 8204 of articulating rod 8202. The articulation rod 8202 extends longitudinally through the shaft portion 8010. In at least one example, the articulating rod 8202 can be co-planar with the central longitudinal axis L (FIGS. 75-77) of the shaft portion 8010 extending through the articulation axis BB. The articulating rod 8202 may be offset from the longitudinal axis L in other embodiments. The distal end 8204 of the articulating rod 8202 includes an extension 8205 extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis L. For example, the extension 8205 extends away from the central longitudinal axis L. As described further herein, the lateral offset of extension 8205 with respect to axis L is configured to obtain the desired angular orientation of articulation link 8206. The articulating rod 8202 is configured to move axially along the central longitudinal axis L to affect the articulation of the end effector 8100. More specifically, for example, the distal (DD) displacement of the articulating rod 8202 is configured to articulate the end effector 8100 clockwise, and the articulating rod 8202's proximal (PD) displacement is , End effector 8100 is configured to articulate counterclockwise.

The end effector 8100 is articulatable between a first full articulation configuration and a second full articulation configuration. The first full articulation configuration may correspond to a full clockwise rotation range, for example, and the second full articulation configuration may correspond to a full counterclockwise rotation range, for example. The non-articulated or linear configuration of the end effector 8100 can be positioned intermediate the first fully articulated configuration and the second fully articulated configuration. In various examples, the non-articulated configuration may be equidistant between the first fully articulated configuration and the second fully articulated configuration. In other examples, a greater degree of articulation may be allowed in one rotational direction based on the shapes of end effector 8100 and shaft 8010. The end effector 8100 is articulatable over a range of motion including, for example, at least 120 degrees. In another example, the end effector 8100 can be configured to articulate less than 120 degrees. For example, the end effector 8100 can be configured to articulate at about 90 degrees.

Joint link 8206 is, for example, a cross link that is similar in certain respects to cross link 1237 (FIG. 10). The articulation link 8206 is oriented obliquely to the central longitudinal axis L. More specifically, articulation link 8206 is such that proximal end 8208 of articulation link 8206 is located on a first side of central longitudinal axis L and distal end 8210 of articulation link 8206 is central longitudinal axis L. Transverse to the central longitudinal axis L so as to be positioned on the second opposite side of. In various examples, the angular orientation of the articulation link 8206 can be configured to enhance the mechanical benefits of the articulation drive system 8201. As the articulating rod 8202 moves axially with respect to the central longitudinal axis L, the articulating link 8206 also displaces with respect to the central longitudinal axis L. For example, referring to FIGS. 75-77, when the articulating joint 8200 moves from a non-articulating configuration (FIG. 75) to a first articulating configuration (FIG. 76) and a second articulating configuration (FIG. 77), The joint rod 8202 and joint link 8206 are displaced distally. As further described herein, the first articulation configuration corresponds to the partial articulation configuration and the second articulation configuration corresponds to the full articulation configuration of surgical instrument assembly 8000.

In particular examples, articulation drive system 8201 may not include articulation link 8206. For example, articulation rod 8202 can be pivotally coupled to end effector 8100. In particular examples, the distal end portion of articulating rod 8202 is contoured and/or so that the distal end of articulating rod 8202 is laterally offset from the proximal end and/or central longitudinal axis L. An offset can be defined.

With further reference to FIGS. 74-77, the distal end 8210 of the articulating link 8206 is pivotally coupled to the end effector portion 8100 of the surgical instrument assembly 8000 at a pivot joint 8211. For example, the distal end 8210 is coupled to a proximal portion or extension 8103 of the end effector elongated channel or retention portion 8102 at a pivot axis AA (FIGS. 75-77) through a pivot joint 8211. .. The orientation of the articulation link 8206 causes the pivot axis AA to be laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis L and from the articulation axis BB. The distal end 8210 of the articulation link 8206 is coupled to the proximal extension 8103 such that the pivot axis A-A extends through the proximal extension 8103.

When the articulation rod 8202 and articulation link 8206 move in the distal direction (DD), eg, are pushed, the elongated channel 8102 is pivoted clockwise about the pivot axis AA. In various examples, the end effector 8100 encounters resistance to articulation and the articulation drive system 8201 may attempt to overcome that resistance and the articulation link 8206 may be subjected to compressive loading. In certain examples, when exposed to a load above a threshold load, the articulation bar 8202 and/or the articulation link 8206 may be prone to bending, buckling, and/or retracting from a desired articulation position. Stated differently, the articulation link 8206 may be susceptible to lateral bending under increased compressive load. In order to counteract and/or resist the bending and/or non-articulation of the compressed articulation bar 8202 and/or articulation link 8206 under high compressive load, the articulation system 8201 includes a strengthening or anti-retraction mechanism. You can

The reinforcement mechanism 8220 is shown in FIGS. 74-77. The stiffening mechanism 8220 includes a brace 8106 on the end effector 8100, which is operatively configured to engage a recess or notch 8226 in the articulation link 8206 in a particular example. The brace 8106 is disengaged from the recess 8226 during most of the articulation (see FIGS. 74-76). However, in the fully articulated configuration of FIG. 77, the brace 8106 is received in the recess or pocket 8226, and a portion of the brace 8106 abuts the sidewall of the recess 8226. Brace 8106 includes a post projecting from the proximal end of elongate channel 8102 and recess 8226 defines a pocket aligned with brace 8106 when end effector 8100 is articulated to a fully articulated configuration. (FIG. 77), the brace 8226 moves into the pocket. In such an example, the brace 8106 provides a stop surface that prevents further clockwise articulation of the end effector 8100 beyond the full articulation configuration.

Further, in the fully articulated configuration of FIG. 77, the brace 8106 is configured to exert a bending and anti-retraction force on the articulation link 8206. More specifically, when a force is applied to end effector 8100, such as a force applied to the outside of articulation drive system 8201 opposite to articulation, the engagement between recess 8226 and brace 8106 is enhanced. Configured to resist non-articulation and/or bending of articulation link 8206. For example, the recess 8226 can apply a resistance force to the brace 8016 that prevents retraction in response to the non-articulated force applied to the fully articulated end effector 8100.

In various examples, the reinforcement mechanism 8220 can include at least a pair of opposing flat surfaces or “flats” to transfer force between the brace 8106 and the recess 8226. For example, the recess 8226 can define an inner surface having at least one flat surface or plane and the brace 8106 can define an outer surface having at least one flat surface or plane. These planes may be complementary so that they are abutted and positioned when the end effector 8100 is in a fully articulated configuration. For example, the recess 8226 can fit around a portion of the brace 8106, such as a wrench, to fit the head of the bolt. The abutting plane provides a force transmitting surface for the reinforcement mechanism 8220 and is configured to oppose rotation of the brace 8106 within the recess 8226. The brace 8106 and the recess 8226 have an asymmetrical contour. However, the brace 8106 and the recess 8226 can have symmetrical contours in other examples.

Mainly referring to FIG. 77A, a detailed view of the reinforcement mechanism 8220 of FIG. 77 is shown. Recess 8226 includes an inner surface 8228 having a plurality of flat surfaces 8230a, 8230b, 8230c. Further, the brace 8106 includes an outer surface 8108 having a plurality of complementary flat surfaces 8110a, 8110b, 8210b. The flat surfaces 8230a, 8230b of the recess 8226 can abut the corresponding flat surfaces 8210a, 8210b of the brace 8226 to retain the brace 8106 within the recess 8226. Further, when the brace 8106 is received in the recess 8226, the plane may be oriented to resist non-articulation and/or to exert an anti-bending force on the articulation link 8206. In various examples, the inner surface 8228 of the recess 8226 and the outer surface 8108 of the brace 8106 can also include contoured and/or rounded surfaces adjacent to and/or in the middle of the plane.

In various examples, articulation system 8201 may include a plurality of reinforcement features 8220. For example, articulation system 8201 can include a recess similar to recess 8226 toward proximal end 8208 of articulation link 8206. Such recesses may be configured, for example, to engage a grounding mechanism on the end effector 8100 and/or provide a positive stop surface when the end effector 8100 is fully articulated counterclockwise. ..

Example 1-End effector with staple cartridge with staples including legs. The end effector further comprises an anvil including a tissue compression surface, with a plurality of pockets defined within the tissue compression surface. The plurality of pockets includes pockets that include cups configured to form the legs. The cup includes a boundary surface. The interface has a perimeter, a depth profile defining the depth of the cup along the length of the cup, a first curved sidewall extending from the perimeter toward the depth profile, and a depth profile from the perimeter. A second curved sidewall extending toward. The first curved side wall and the second curved side wall intersect the periphery at an angle along most of the length of the cup.

Example 2-The end effector of Example 1 wherein the interface lacks a flat surface.

Example 3-The end effector of Example 1 or 2, wherein the constant angle is 55 to 80 degrees.

Example 4-The end effector of Example 1, 2 or 3 wherein the interface further comprises a bottom surface intermediate the first curved side wall and the second curved side wall. The first curved sidewall has a first radius of curvature at a first cross sectional location. The bottom surface has a second radius of curvature at the first cross-section location. The second radius of curvature is different than the first radius of curvature.

Example 5-The end effector of Example 4 wherein the bottom surface has a variable radius of curvature along the length of the bottom surface.

Example 6-End effector with staple cartridge with staples including legs. The end effector further comprises an anvil that includes a plane, and a plurality of pockets are defined in the plane. The plurality of pockets includes pockets that include cups configured to form the legs. The cup includes a boundary surface. The interface includes a perimeter, a depth profile that defines the depth of the cup along the length of the cup, and a plurality of curvatures across the perimeter and the depth profile. Each curvature intersects the perimeter and comprises a first arc having a first radius of curvature, the tangent to each first arc at the perimeter being oriented at an angle.

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

Example 8-The end effector of Example 6 or 7 wherein the angle is 55-80 degrees.

Example 9-The interface has a first sidewall extending from the periphery toward the depth profile, a second sidewall extending from the periphery toward the depth profile, the first sidewall and the first sidewall. The end effector of any one of Examples 6, 7 or 8 further including a curved surface extending midway between the two side walls. The curved surface lacks a flat surface.

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

Example 11-End effector with staple cartridge with staples including legs. The end effector further comprises an anvil that includes a plane, and a plurality of pockets are defined in the plane. The plurality of pockets includes a pocket that includes a cup configured to form the legs of the staple. The cup includes a boundary surface. The interface includes a perimeter, a depth profile defining the depth of the cup along the length of the cup, and a plurality of longitudinally offset profile curvatures intersecting the perimeter and the depth profile. The profile curvature intersects the periphery at the first angle.

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

Example 13-The end effector of Example 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of profile curvatures comprises a first curvature and a second curvature. The periphery of the cup extends around a staple inlet area, a staple outlet area, and a transition area intermediate the staple inlet area and the staple outlet area. The first curvature and the second curvature intersect the periphery within the transition region.

Example 14-The end effector of Example 13, wherein the plurality of profile curvatures further comprises a third curvature that intersects the perimeter at the second angle at the staple entry region. The second angle is different than the first angle.

Example 15-The end effector of Example 13 wherein the plurality of profile curvatures further comprises a third curvature that intersects the perimeter at the second angle at the staple exit area. The second angle is different than the first angle.

Example 16-Example 13 wherein the interface further comprises a first sidewall extending from the first side of the cup, a second sidewall extending from the second side of the cup, and a bottom surface. End effector. The first side wall and the second side wall meet at the bottom surface. The first sidewall abuts the plane at a first angle along the length of the transition region.

Example 17-The end effector of Example 16 wherein the second sidewall abuts the plane at a first angle along the length of the transition region.

Example 18-End effector of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 wherein the first angle is 55-80 degrees.

Example 19-The end effector of Examples 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 wherein the profile curvature lacks a straight section.

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

Example 21-End effector with staple cartridge with staples including first legs. The end effector further comprises an anvil including a tissue compression surface, with a plurality of pockets defined within the tissue compression surface. The plurality of pockets includes a pocket that includes a first cup configured to form the first leg. The first cup includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom portion intermediate the first side surface and the second side surface. The bottom defines a depth relative to the tissue compression surface, the depth varying longitudinally along the length of the bottom. The first cup is a first sidewall extending from the first side to the bottom, defining a first fully curved surface, and a second side to the bottom. It also includes an existing second sidewall. The second sidewall defines a second fully curved surface.

Example 22-The end effector of Example 21 wherein the first cup lacks a flat surface.

Example 23-A pocket has a first bevel edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the first side and a second bevel edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the second side. The end effector of Example 21 or 22, further comprising.

Example 24-The end effector of Examples 21, 22 or 23 wherein the pocket further comprises a second cup. The staple further includes a second leg configured to form a second leg of the staple. The pocket is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the first cup and the second cup, the pocket being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the first and second cups. It is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the horizontal axis that is arranged at equal distances.

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

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

Example 27-End effector with staple cartridge with staples including first leg. The end effector further comprises an anvil including a tissue compression surface, with a plurality of pockets defined within the tissue compression surface. The plurality of pockets includes a pocket that includes a first cup configured to form the first leg. The first cup includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a bottom portion intermediate the first side surface and the second side surface. The bottom defines a depth relative to the tissue compression surface, the depth varying longitudinally along the length of the bottom. The first cup further includes a plurality of parabolic boundary curves extending midway between the first side surface and the second side surface.

Example 28-The first cup further comprises an inlet region, an outlet region, a transition region intermediate the inlet region and the outlet region, and a side wall extending from the first side surface toward the bottom. The end effector of Example 27. The tangent to the side wall on the first side is oriented at an angle in the inlet region, the outlet region and the transition region.

Example 29-The end effector of Example 27 or 28, wherein the first cup defines a fully curved interface.

Example 30-The first cup further comprises a first sidewall extending from the first side toward the bottom and a second sidewall extending from the second side toward the bottom, The end effector of any of Examples 27, 28, or 29, wherein each parabolic boundary curve includes vertices located along the bottom.

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

Example 32-Pocket has a first bevel edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the first side and a second bevel edge intermediate the tissue compression surface and the second side. The end effector of any of Examples 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31 further comprising.

Example 33-The end effector of Example 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32 wherein the staple further comprises a second leg. The pocket further includes a second cup configured to form the second leg. The pocket is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the first cup and the second cup, the pocket being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the first and second cups. It is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the horizontal axis that is arranged at equal distances.

Example 34-End effector with staple cartridge with staples including first leg. The end effector further comprises an anvil that includes a plane, and a plurality of pockets are defined in the plane. The plurality of pockets includes a pocket that includes a first cup configured to form the first leg. The first cup defines a fully curved interface including a bottom, the bottom defining a depth relative to a plane. The depth varies longitudinally along the length of the bottom.

Example 35-The end effector of Example 34, wherein the staple further comprises a second leg. The pocket further includes a second cup configured to form the second leg. The pocket is bilaterally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the first cup and the second cup, the pocket being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the first and second cups. It is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the horizontal axis that is arranged at equal distances.

Example 36-The end effector of Example 34 or 35, wherein the first staple further comprises a second leg. The pocket further includes a second cup configured to form the second leg. The second cup defines a second fully curved interface that includes a second bottom. The second bottom portion defines a second depth with respect to the plane. The second depth varies longitudinally along the length of the second bottom.

Example 37-Embodiment, wherein the first cup further comprises a first side surface, a second side surface, and a plurality of radial boundary curves extending intermediate the first and second side surfaces. The end effector of Examples 34, 35, or 36.

Example 38-Examples 34, 35, 36, wherein the first cup further comprises an inlet region, an outlet region and a first side surface extending along a transition region intermediate the inlet region and the outlet region. Is a 37 end effector. The first cup further includes a sidewall extending from the first side toward the bottom, the tangent to the sidewall on the first side being oriented at an angle in the inlet region, the outlet region and the transition region.

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

Example 40-A pocket has a first bevel edge extending along a first side of the pocket and a second bevel edge extending along a second side of the pocket. The end effector of any of Examples 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, or 39, further comprising.

Example 41-Surgical end effector with anvil movable between open and closed positions. The anvil includes a flat surface and a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the flat surface. The plurality of formation pockets comprises a first formation pocket having a first depth and a second formation pocket having a second depth, the second depth being different from the first depth. The surgical end effector further comprises a staple cartridge with a deck. The deck includes a first portion aligned with the first pocket, a second portion aligned with the second pocket, and a step intermediate the first portion and the second portion. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of drivers. The plurality of drivers are aligned with the first pocket and are aligned with the first driver, which is movable a first distance between the unfired position and the fired position, and the second pocket. A second driver movable a second distance between the unfired position and the fired position. The second distance is different than the first distance. The staple cartridge further comprises a plurality of staples. The plurality of staples is a first staple supported by the first driver and is formed at a first forming height intermediate the first driver and the first pocket. Including staples. The plurality of staples is a second staple supported by the second driver and is formed at a second forming height intermediate the second driver and the second pocket. Further includes staples. The first forming height is equal to the second forming height.

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

Example 43-The first staple has a first unformed height, the second staple has a second unformed height, and the second unformed height is the first unformed height. The surgical end effector of Example 41 or 42, equal to build height.

Example 44-First Staples Have a First Unformed Height, Second Staples Have a Second Unformed Height, and a Second Unformed Height is a First Unformed Height. The surgical end effector of Example 41 or 42, which differs from the formed height.

Example 45-The surgical end effector of Examples 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

Example 46-A first tissue gap is defined between the first portion and the plane and a second tissue gap is defined between the second portion and the plane. The surgical end effector of Examples 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45, wherein the tissue gap is less than the second tissue gap.

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

Example 48-A staple forming apparatus comprising a plurality of first staples, wherein each first staple is supported by a first drive surface. The staple forming device further comprises a plurality of second staples, each second staple being supported by a second drive surface. The staple forming device further comprises a tissue compression surface with a plurality of forming pockets defined within the tissue compression surface. The plurality of forming pockets includes a longitudinal row of first forming pockets each having a first depth, and each first forming pocket includes one of the first staples of forming height. It is configured to be formed at a first forming height within a first range. The plurality of forming pockets further include a longitudinal row of second forming pockets each having a second depth. The second depth is different than the first depth and each second forming pocket forms one of the second staples to a forming height within a second range of forming heights. Is configured. The second range of forming height is equal to the first range of forming height.

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

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

Example 51-Further comprising a staple cartridge including a deck, each first drive surface configured to drive one of the first staples to the deck a first overdrive distance. The staple forming apparatus of Examples 48, 49, or 50. The first overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth, and each second drive surface is adapted to drive one of the second staples relative to the deck by a second overdrive distance. Is configured. The second overdrive distance corresponds to the second depth.

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

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

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

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

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

Example 57-The surgical end effector is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration such that when the surgical end effector is in the closed configuration, a constant tissue gap is provided between the staple cartridge and the first planar surface. The surgical end effector of Example 56 defined between a portion and a second portion.

Example 58-The surgical end effector is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a first tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the first portion, and a second tissue gap is provided. Is defined between the staple cartridge and the second portion, the first tissue gap being different from the tissue gap, the surgical end effector of example 56 or 57.

Example 59-Configured to Displace a First Drive by a First Lifting Length and a Second Drive by a Second Lifting Length During a Staple Firing Stroke The surgical end effector of Example 55, 56, 57, or 58, further comprising a sled. The first lift length is different than the second lift length.

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

Example 61-Examples 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, wherein the staple has a staple diameter, the first depth is equal to the staple diameter and the second depth is equal to twice the staple diameter. Or 60 surgical end effectors.

Example 62-A surgical instrument assembly including an end effector with an elongated channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The elongate channel comprises a brace. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a shaft including an articulation drive assembly. The articulation drive assembly comprises an articulation link pivotally connected to the elongated channel. The articulation link includes a pocket configured to receive the brace when the end effector is in the fully articulated configuration.

Example 63-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 62, wherein the brace comprises an outer surface that includes a plurality of first flat surfaces. The pocket comprises an inner surface that includes a plurality of second flat surfaces. The second flat surface is complementary to the first flat surface.

Example 64-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 62 or 63, wherein the shaft extends along the longitudinal axis. The articulation link is pivotally coupled to the elongated channel with a pivot axis, the pivot axis being laterally offset from the longitudinal axis.

Example 65-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 62, 63, or 64 wherein the articulation drive assembly further comprises an articulating rod coupled to the articulating link. The distal displacement of the articulation rod is configured to pivot the end effector towards a full articulation configuration.

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

Example 67-The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 62, 63, 64, 65 or 66 further comprising a fastener cartridge.

Example 68-A surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector including a proximal portion, the proximal portion comprising a brace. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector with respect to the shaft between a first articulation configuration and a second articulation configuration. The articulation assembly includes an articulation driver that includes a recess. The recess is configured to receive the brace when the end effector is in the first articulating configuration.

Example 69-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 68, wherein the end effector comprises an elongated channel configured to receive the staple cartridge. The elongate channel comprises a brace.

Example 70-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 69, further comprising a staple cartridge.

Example 71-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 69 or 70, wherein the brace comprises posts protruding from the elongated channel.

Example 72-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 71, wherein the post comprises an outer surface that includes a plurality of flat surfaces.

Example 73-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 72, wherein the recess comprises an inner surface that includes a plurality of second flat surfaces. The plurality of second flat surfaces are complementary to the flat surfaces of the post.

Example 74-The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 69, 70, 71, 72, or 73 wherein the articulation driver comprises an articulation link. The articulation link has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected to the articulation rod. The distal end is pivotally connected to the elongated channel.

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

Example 76-The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, or 75 further comprising a second brace. The articulation driver comprises a second recess configured to receive the second brace when the end effector is in the second articulation configuration.

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

Example 78-Surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector comprises an elongated channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an articulation assembly intermediate the shaft and the end effector. The articulation assembly is configured to articulate the end effector with respect to the shaft. The articulation assembly comprises an articulation link pivotally connected to the elongated channel. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises means for combating buckling of the articulation link when the articulation link is compressed.

Example 79-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 78 further comprising a fastener cartridge.

Example 80-A surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector comprises an elongated channel configured to receive a fastener cartridge. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector with respect to the shaft. The articulation assembly includes an articulation driver pivotally coupled to the end effector. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises means for bracing the articulation driver when the end effector is in the fully articulated configuration.

Example 81-The surgical instrument assembly of Example 80, further comprising a fastener cartridge.

Example 82-Surgical instrument assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The end effector has a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an articulating joint that rotatably connects the proximal end of the end effector to the shaft. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an articulation assembly configured to articulate the end effector with respect to the shaft between a first articulation configuration and a second articulation configuration. The articulation assembly comprises a proximal and distally movable longitudinal articulation driver. The articulation assembly further comprises a link connecting the longitudinal articulation driver to the end effector. The articulation assembly articulates the end effector without impeding proximal and distal movement of the articulation driver, but resists reverse rotation of the end effector and prevents reverse drive of the articulation driver. A mechanism is further provided.

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 examples, the surgical instrument system described herein can be operated by, for example, a manually operated trigger. In certain examples, the motors disclosed herein may comprise part(s) 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 No. 13/118,241, entitled "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS", and current U.S. Patent No. 9,072,535 are some examples of robotic surgical instrument systems. Is disclosed in more detail.

Although the surgical instrument system described herein is described in connection with staple deployment and deformation, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are also contemplated that deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks. 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, entitled "ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE", issued April 4, 1995,
-U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, title of invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISCINT CLOSED AND FIRING SYSTEMS", issued February 21, 2006,
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-U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, title of the invention "SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH WANT AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR", filed April 22, 2010, and currently U.S. Patent No. 8,308,040.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection with specific embodiments, modifications and changes may be made to those embodiments. 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 may be, without limitation, all or part of the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. May be combined. 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 and multiple components can be replaced with a single component to perform a given function(s). May be replaced. The above description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or 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 device disassembly, followed by cleaning or replacement of certain parts of the device, and subsequent reassembly 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 of ordinary skill 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 disclosed references, which are hereby incorporated 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 expressly set forth herein supersedes any contradictory statements incorporated herein by reference. Any document, or portion thereof, which is hereby incorporated by reference but is inconsistent with an existing definition, description, or other disclosed document mentioned herein, shall be incorporated by reference with the incorporated document. It is incorporated only to the extent that it does not conflict with the disclosed content.

Embodiments
(1) A surgical end effector,
An anvil movable between an open position and a closed position, the anvil including a plane, a plurality of forming pockets defined in the plane, the plurality of forming pockets comprising:
An anvil comprising a first forming pocket having a first depth and a second forming pocket having a second depth, the second depth being different from the first depth;
A staple cartridge,
It’s a deck,
A first portion aligned with the first pocket,
A deck including a second portion aligned with the second pocket, and a step intermediate the first portion and the second portion;
A plurality of drivers,
A first driver that is aligned with the first pocket and is movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position; and an unfired position aligned with the second pocket A second driver moveable a second distance between the position and the fired position, the second distance different from the first distance, and a plurality of drivers. Staples,
A first staple supported by the first driver, the first staple formed at a first forming height intermediate the first driver and the first pocket; And a second staple supported by the second driver, the second staple being formed at a second forming height intermediate between the second driver and the second pocket. A staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, the first forming height being equal to the second forming height.
(2) The surgical end effector according to embodiment 1, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth.
(3) The first staple has a first unformed height, the second staple has a second unformed height, and the second unformed height is the first unformed height. The surgical end effector according to embodiment 1, which is equal to 1 unformed height.
(4) The first staple has a first unformed height, the second staple has a second unformed height, and the second unformed height is the first unformed height. The surgical end effector according to embodiment 1, wherein the surgical end effector is different from the unformed height of 1.
(5) The surgical end effector according to Embodiment 1, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable.

(6) A first tissue gap is defined between the first portion and the plane, and a second tissue gap is defined between the second portion and the plane. , The first tissue gap is less than the second tissue gap.
(7) The surgical end effector of embodiment 6, wherein the first portion is laterally outside the second portion.
(8) A staple forming device,
A plurality of first staples, each first staple being supported by a first drive surface;
A plurality of second staples, each second staple being supported by a second drive surface;
And a plurality of forming pockets defined within the tissue compressing surface, the plurality of forming pockets comprising:
A longitudinal row of first forming pockets each having a first depth, wherein each said first forming pocket carries said first staples within a first range of forming heights; A longitudinal row of first forming pockets, each longitudinal row of second forming pockets having a second depth, the longitudinal rows of first forming pockets each having a second depth; Is different from the first depth and each second forming pocket is configured to form the second staple at a forming height within a second range of forming heights. A longitudinal array of second forming pockets, the second range of forming heights being equal to the first range of forming heights.
(9) The staple forming apparatus according to embodiment 8, wherein the first depth is twice the second depth.
(10) The staple forming apparatus according to embodiment 9, wherein the longitudinal rows of the first forming pockets are laterally outside of the longitudinal rows of the second forming pockets.

(11) A staple cartridge including a deck is further provided, and each of the first drive surfaces is configured to drive the first staple with respect to the deck by a first overdrive distance. A first overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth and each second drive surface drives the second staple with respect to the deck by a second overdrive distance. The staple forming device of embodiment 8, wherein the staple forming device is configured and the second overdrive distance corresponds to the second depth.
(12) The staple forming apparatus according to embodiment 11, wherein the deck further includes a stepped surface.
(13) Each of the first drive surfaces is movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position, and each second drive surface has a non-fired position and a fired position. A staple forming device according to embodiment 8, wherein the staple forming device is movable between a second distance, and the second distance is different from the first distance.
(14) The staple forming device according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth.
(15) A surgical end effector,
An anvil including a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the tissue compressing surface, the plurality of forming pockets comprising:
An anvil including a first forming pocket having a first depth and a second forming pocket having a second depth, the second depth being different from the first depth;
A staple cartridge,
A plurality of drivers including a first driver and a second driver, and a plurality of staples,
A first staple having a first unformed height and supported by the first driver for forming contact with the first pocket by the first driver. A second staple driven by a first distance and formed at a first formed height, having a first staple, and a second unformed height, and being supported by the second driver. A staple, wherein the second staple is driven a second distance to form contact with the second pocket by the second driver and is formed at a second forming height. , A second staple, the second distance is different from the first distance, the second forming height is substantially the same as the first forming height, and the first distance is And a second distance corresponding to a difference between the first depth and the second depth, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, the surgical end effector.

(16) The tissue compression surface includes a flat surface, and the flat surface is
A first portion, the first forming pocket being defined in the first portion;
A second portion laterally outward of the first portion, wherein the second forming pocket is defined in the second portion. The surgical end effector described.
(17) The surgical end effector is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the planar surface when the surgical end effector is in the closed configuration. 17. The surgical end effector of embodiment 16, defined between the first portion and the second portion of the.
(18) The surgical end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a first tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the first portion, and a second tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the first portion. The surgical end effector according to embodiment 16, wherein a tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the second portion, the first tissue gap different from the tissue gap.
(19) Configured to displace the first driver by a first lift length and displace the second driver by a second lift length during a staple firing stroke. 16. The surgical end effector according to embodiment 15, further comprising a sled, wherein the first lift length is different than the second lift length.
(20) The staple cartridge further comprises a deck, and the first driver is configured to drive the first staple with respect to the deck by a first overdrive distance. A first overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth and the second driver is configured to drive the second staple with respect to the deck by a second overdrive distance. 16. The surgical end effector of embodiment 15, wherein the second overdrive distance corresponds to the second depth.

(21) The surgical instrument according to embodiment 15, wherein the staple has a staple diameter, the first depth is equal to the staple diameter, and the second depth is equal to twice the staple diameter. End effector.

Claims (21)

A surgical end effector,
An anvil movable between an open position and a closed position, the anvil including a plane, a plurality of forming pockets defined in the plane, the plurality of forming pockets comprising:
An anvil comprising a first forming pocket having a first depth and a second forming pocket having a second depth, the second depth being different from the first depth;
A staple cartridge,
It’s a deck,
A first portion aligned with the first pocket,
A deck including a second portion aligned with the second pocket, and a step intermediate the first portion and the second portion;
A plurality of drivers,
A first driver that is aligned with the first pocket and is movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position; and an unfired position aligned with the second pocket A second driver moveable a second distance between the position and the fired position, the second distance different from the first distance, and a plurality of drivers. Staples,
A first staple supported by the first driver, the first staple formed at a first forming height intermediate the first driver and the first pocket; And a second staple supported by the second driver, the second staple being formed at a second forming height intermediate between the second driver and the second pocket. A staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, the first forming height being equal to the second forming height. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth. The first staple has a first unformed height, the second staple has a second unformed height, and the second unformed height is the first unformed height. The surgical end effector of claim 1, equal to formed height. The first staple has a first unformed height, the second staple has a second unformed height, and the second unformed height is the first unformed height. The surgical end effector according to claim 1, wherein the surgical end effector is different from the forming height. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein the staple cartridge is replaceable. A first tissue gap is defined between the first portion and the plane and a second tissue gap is defined between the second portion and the plane. The surgical end effector of claim 1, wherein one tissue gap is smaller than the second tissue gap. The surgical end effector of claim 6, wherein the first portion is laterally outward of the second portion. A staple forming apparatus,
A plurality of first staples, each first staple being supported by a first drive surface;
A plurality of second staples, each second staple being supported by a second drive surface;
And a plurality of forming pockets defined within the tissue compressing surface, the plurality of forming pockets comprising:
A longitudinal row of first forming pockets each having a first depth, wherein each said first forming pocket carries said first staples within a first range of forming heights; A longitudinal row of first forming pockets, each longitudinal row of second forming pockets having a second depth, the longitudinal rows of first forming pockets each having a second depth; Is different from the first depth and each second forming pocket is configured to form the second staple at a forming height within a second range of forming heights. A longitudinal array of second forming pockets, the second range of forming heights being equal to the first range of forming heights. 9. The staple forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first depth is twice the second depth. 10. The staple forming device of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal row of the first forming pockets is laterally outside the longitudinal row of the second forming pockets. Further comprising a staple cartridge including a deck, each of the first drive surfaces configured to drive the first staple with respect to the deck by a first overdrive distance; An overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth and each second drive surface is configured to drive the second staple with respect to the deck by a second overdrive distance. The staple forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second overdriving distance corresponds to the second depth. The staple forming device of claim 11, wherein the deck further comprises a stepped surface. Each said first drive surface is movable a first distance between an unfired position and a fired position, and each said second drive surface is moved between an unfired position and a fired position. The staple forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the staple forming apparatus is movable by a second distance, and the second distance is different from the first distance. 14. The staple forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a difference between the first distance and the second distance corresponds to a difference between the first depth and the second depth. A surgical end effector,
An anvil including a tissue compression surface, wherein a plurality of forming pockets are defined in the tissue compressing surface, the plurality of forming pockets comprising:
An anvil including a first forming pocket having a first depth and a second forming pocket having a second depth, the second depth being different from the first depth;
A staple cartridge,
A plurality of drivers including a first driver and a second driver, and a plurality of staples,
A first staple having a first unformed height and supported by the first driver for forming contact with the first pocket by the first driver. A second staple driven by a first distance and formed at a first formed height, having a first staple, and a second unformed height, and being supported by the second driver. A staple, wherein the second staple is driven a second distance to form contact with the second pocket by the second driver and is formed at a second forming height. , A second staple, the second distance is different from the first distance, the second forming height is substantially the same as the first forming height, and the first distance is And a second distance corresponding to a difference between the first depth and the second depth, the staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples, the surgical end effector. The tissue compression surface includes a flat surface, and the flat surface is
A first portion, the first forming pocket being defined in the first portion;
A second portion laterally outward of the first portion, wherein the second forming pocket is defined in the second portion. The surgical end effector described. The surgical end effector is moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and when the surgical end effector is in the closed configuration, a tissue gap is provided between the staple cartridge and the planar first surface. The surgical end effector of claim 16, defined between a first portion and the second portion. The surgical end effector is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, a first tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the first portion, and a second tissue gap is formed. 17. The surgical end effector of claim 16, wherein the first tissue gap is defined between the staple cartridge and the second portion and the first tissue gap is different than the tissue gap. A sled configured to displace the first driver by a first lift length and a second driver displace a second lift length during a staple firing stroke. The surgical end effector of claim 15, further comprising: and the first lift length is different than the second lift length. The staple cartridge further comprises a deck, and the first driver is configured to drive the first staple with respect to the deck by a first overdrive distance. An overdrive distance corresponds to the first depth and the second driver is configured to drive the second staple with respect to the deck by a second overdrive distance. The surgical end effector of claim 15, wherein the second overdrive distance corresponds to the second depth. The surgical end effector of claim 15, wherein the staple has a staple diameter, the first depth is equal to the staple diameter and the second depth is equal to twice the staple diameter.

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